Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (03-05-25)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
• Host/Author: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio
• Description: Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD is Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show. John Holmberg attempts to entertain, question, and disturb as many listeners as possible with assistance from Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, and Dick Toledo. Tune in or log onto 98KUPD (97.9fm, the 98KUPD app, or www.98kupd.com) weekdays 5:30a-10a.
• Episode: 03-05-25
• Release Date: March 5, 2025
• Title of Episode: Unique Experience Of Taking Kato Kaelin To Suns Game And Interacting w/The Gorilla - State Of The Union Is Like Clown Show Now And Trump Called Attention To Volleyball Player Struck By Trans Player

1. A Memorable Evening at the Phoenix Suns Game

John Holmberg, the host, shares his unique experience accompanying Kato Kahlen—famous for his connection to the O.J. Simpson trial—to a Phoenix Suns game. He emphasizes the rarity and uniqueness of the evening, particularly highlighting his only possession of a photograph featuring both Kato Kahlen and the Suns mascot, the gorilla.

"I am currently the only person on the planet with a photograph of Kato Kaelin and the Phoenix Suns gorilla." [01:20]

Holmberg recounts their day, which included golfing with Kato, attending the Suns game with friends, and dining at the Rah Rah Room. He observes the behavior of fans and the interactions between Kato and the mascot, providing insightful commentary on celebrity interactions and public perceptions.

"You can feel when somebody's being recognized. [...] It was interesting to see." [02:16]

2. Interactions with the Suns Mascot and Cato Kaelin

The discussion delves into the antics of the Suns' mascot—the gorilla—whom Holmberg describes as performing repetitive and sometimes annoying gestures like clapping and nodding. Holmberg humorously critiques the mascot's behavior while also noting moments of genuine recognition between Kato and the mascot.

"He's the guns and the over. And then the clapping for no reason, which I don't understand." [03:27]

A particularly amusing moment occurs when Cato attempts to engage with the mascot, leading to an unexpected and humorous photo opportunity.

"He realizes that's Kato Kaelin [...] So through all the observation and everything else, and then he's in the..." [03:27]

Holmberg emphasizes the challenges and awkwardness that come with interacting with celebrities, especially those with a complicated public past like Cato Kaelin.

3. Reflections on Celebrity Fame and Personal Memories

Holmberg reflects on Cato's enduring fame and the public's mixed feelings towards him, stemming from his association with the O.J. Simpson trial. He shares personal anecdotes from his childhood, illustrating his long-standing connection to O.J. Simpson through memorabilia and family discussions.

"My first memorable toy outside of my teddy bear was my O.J. Simpson action doll." [10:14]

The conversation touches on Holmberg's friendship with Frank Caliendo, another celebrity impressionist who feels uneasy about revisiting O.J. Simpson-related material, highlighting the lingering impact of past events on present relationships.

"Frank gets that uncomfortable with O.J." [12:03]

4. Political Commentary: State of the Union and Elizabeth Warren

A significant portion of the episode tackles the recent State of the Union address, critiquing its presentation and the behavior of both political figures and the audience. Holmberg specifically targets former President Donald Trump's derogatory nickname for Senator Elizabeth Warren—"Pocahontas."

"In State of the Union, a man called a woman Pocahontas." [19:13]

Holmberg vents his frustration over the casual racism embedded in such nicknames and discusses the broader issue of women falsely claiming Native American heritage, using Elizabeth Warren as a primary example.

"She has absolutely none. She's the whitest woman in the world." [22:35]

The hosts engage in a robust debate about cultural appropriation, the misuse of DNA testing, and the stereotypes perpetuated by such claims. They explore the comedic yet troubling aspects of how identity is portrayed and perceived in modern America.

5. Controversial Incident: Volleyball Player Struck by Trans Player

Another focal point is a disturbing incident highlighted during the State of the Union—a volleyball player being struck by a transgender player. This event becomes a springboard for the hosts to discuss gender dynamics in sports and societal reactions to such occurrences.

"Should dudes be able to spike chicks in the face with volleyball?" [36:45]

Holmberg draws parallels to personal experiences, sharing childhood memories of being hit by balls during sports and emphasizing the importance of defensive posture. The discussion evolves into a reflection on responsibility, safety in sports, and the societal implications of gender integration in athletic activities.

"The least you could do is clap for a girl whose head got scrambled by a Wilson." [35:42]

The conversation underscores the tension between humorous anecdotes and serious societal issues, balancing personal stories with critical analysis of contemporary events.

6. Mascot School and Behavioral Norms

The hosts briefly explore the concept of "mascot school," questioning whether there is formal training for mascots to perform repetitive actions like clapping and nodding. They share past experiences interacting with mascots, highlighting the mixed reactions from both children and adults.

"Have you ever seen people, like, mauled by a volleyball before?" [41:24]

This segment serves as a light-hearted interlude amidst more intense discussions, providing listeners with relatable content and amusing observations about mascot behavior.

7. Concluding Thoughts and Listener Engagement

Towards the end of the episode, Holmberg reflects on the day's events and the feedback received from listeners. He expresses appreciation for the unique experiences shared and reiterates the show's commitment to entertaining and provoking thought among its audience.

"Holmberg's morning sickness, Cato Kaelin was great. And also happened to go to, without question, the best damn Suns game of the year." [26:28]

The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage with the show through various platforms, ensuring continued interaction and community building.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I am currently the only person on the planet with a photograph of Kato Kaelin and the Phoenix Suns gorilla." — John Holmberg [01:20]
• "You can feel when somebody's being recognized." — John Holmberg [02:16]
• "He's the guns and the over. And then the clapping for no reason, which I don't understand." — John Holmberg [03:27]
• "My first memorable toy outside of my teddy bear was my O.J. Simpson action doll." — John Holmberg [10:14]
• "In State of the Union, a man called a woman Pocahontas." — John Holmberg [19:13]
• "She has absolutely none. She's the whitest woman in the world." — John Holmberg [22:35]
• "Should dudes be able to spike chicks in the face with volleyball?" — John Holmberg [36:45]
• "The least you could do is clap for a girl whose head got scrambled by a Wilson." — John Holmberg [35:42]

Conclusion: This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a blend of personal anecdotes, celebrity interactions, and sharp political commentary. John Holmberg and his co-hosts Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, and Dick Toledo navigate through humorous tales from a memorable Suns game, delve into the complexities of public figures' reputations, and critically analyze contemporary political discourse. The episode stands out for its candid discussions, engaging storytelling, and the hosts' ability to balance humor with serious societal issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking for listeners.