03-09-26 - Details On The Sick New World Tap That Track Contest - Giving Suns Broadcaster Kevin Ray Props For Doing The National NBC Broadcast

Summary

Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – 03-09-26

Show: Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD
Air Date: March 9, 2026
Main Topics: Sick New World “Tap That Track” Contest, Praising Suns Broadcaster Kevin Ray

---

Episode Overview

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness dives into two central themes.
First, the crew breaks down details of the Sick New World “Tap That Track” contest, which rewards listeners for engaging with the station app during specific band plays. Second, host John Holmberg gives a heartfelt shoutout to Phoenix Suns broadcaster Kevin Ray, lauding his accomplishments and recent national broadcast for NBC/Peacock. The hosts sprinkle the show with their trademark irreverent humor, side commentary, and genuine pride for local success.

---

1. Sick New World “Tap That Track” Contest

Segment Start: [01:04]

Key Points

• Contest Mechanics:

  • Listeners are encouraged to use the 98KUPD app or web stream.
  • Whenever a song plays by a band performing at the Sick New World festival, listeners can “tap that track” in the app for a chance to win.
  • Prizes include five pairs of tickets to Sick New World in Las Vegas (April 25), including one grand prize VIP package: tickets, hotel stay, and a $200 gas card.

• Festival Venue Discussion:

  • The group debates the evolving location for Vegas festivals, recounting past venues (e.g., near Stardust, Resorts World, north of Circus Circus, formerly by the Luxor).
  • Anecdotes about previous festival mishaps, such as a canceled 90s show due to wind, highlight the size and challenges of these events.

• Playful Commentary on App Users:

  • Some listeners re-installed the 98KUPD app after previously boycotting it over on-air content.

• Quote:

  • “This is amazing how we have sunk our hooks into this silliness and pretended like it has something to do with our 25th anniversary, which it absolutely does not. This would be happening… but we can pretend.” – Morning Show Host, [02:21]

Notable Quotes and Moments

• “Every time you hear any artist playing in the Sick New World festival, even if you don’t know if they’re in it or not, it’ll tell you.” – John Holmberg, [01:39]
• “You guys can be part of it just by tapping that track right there in our KUPD app.” – Morning Show Host, [04:19]
• “Some lady goes, I deleted that app because of things you said. My. Alright, well, off you go then. Well, I’m back on it now. Alright.” – Morning Show Host, [04:35]

---

2. Shoutout to Suns Broadcaster Kevin Ray

Segment Start: [05:14]

Key Points

• Kevin Ray’s Milestone:

  • Kevin Ray, voice of the Phoenix Suns, was selected to broadcast nationally for NBC/Peacock.
  • The hosts express pride and speculate this might lead to more national gigs for Ray, a highlight in his broadcasting career.
  • Holmberg reminisces about past Suns broadcasts, comparing Ray’s rise to that of former legend Al McCoy.

• The Importance of Great Broadcasters:

  • Holmberg praises Kevin Ray’s skill, ranks him among the NBA’s best, and describes the delight of watching local talent achieve national exposure.
  • The team jokes about how local legends (like Al McCoy) are underappreciated before they’re gone and advocate recognizing talent like Ray before corporations lure them away.

Notable Quotes and Moments

• “I have to say this because I’m so darn proud of this young man… Kevin Ray… got to do the broadcast nationally for the Suns game… an absolute talent.” – Morning Show Host, [05:14]
• “That bird’s feathers are too bright to be caged, Brett. It’s been overdue, way overdue.” – Morning Show Host, [06:36]
• “He was dying in this minimal, small pond, and he’s a big fish. So I wanted to give Kevin the credit.” – Morning Show Host, [07:01]
• “If Peacock comes to call, it’s like, adios. I know how you treat your legends. Ain’t nobody getting a…statue.” – Morning Show Host, [09:20]
• “Kevin Ray, local institution, we call him. If you see Kevin, buy him a nice glass of like a fine tequila with a big block of ice in it. Don’t go giving him the cruddy stuff.” – Morning Show Host, [10:13]

Interlude: Sun's Season Ticket Drama

Segment Start: [09:17]

• Discussion about rising Suns season ticket prices (another 10% increase), double-charging issues, and general gripes about the team’s customer service.
• “Yeah, I’ve been hit for two seasons… I went back and looked at my statement and every month they’ve charged me twice.” – Morning Show Host, [09:41]

---

3. Signature Banter & Memorable Exchanges

• On Listeners Who Delete the App in Protest:

  • “Once we’re done with this, I’m deleting it again, okay?” – Co-host 2, [05:09]
  • “And I’ll still never meet you or care. You’re dealing with a sociopath. You realize I don’t have feelings, right?” – Morning Show Host, [05:14]

• On Tequila for Kevin Ray:

  • “No Cuervo.” – Co-host 1, [10:21]
  • “Find out, say what’s your most expensive tequila? And then they’ll tell you and you’ll go: whoa.” – Morning Show Host, [10:23]
  • “Drop down two.” – John Holmberg, [10:30]

• On Recognizing Local Legends:

  • “I started to call for getting him [Al McCoy] a statue before he dies and honoring him before he dies and doing… And they didn’t.” – Morning Show Host, [08:09]
  • “Maybe we should start talking about that with Kray.” – Morning Show Host, [09:03]

---

4. Segment Timestamps

• [01:04] – Contest introduction, festival venue chat
• [04:19] – How to participate in the contest, listener app banter
• [05:14] – Kevin Ray’s achievement, praise, and career reflection
• [09:17] – Sun’s season ticket complaints
• [10:13] – Toasting Kevin Ray and tequila jokes

---

5. Tone & Style

The show maintains a fast-paced, irreverent, and self-aware tone. Banter between the hosts is peppered with jokes, mock arguments, and candid opinions, especially about fandom, Phoenix sports history, and corporate quirks.

---

6. Episode Takeaways

• Listener Engagement: Participation in Sick New World contest is as simple as engaging with the station app during qualifying tracks.
• Local Pride: The show is not shy about celebrating homegrown talent, especially when they make it to the national stage.
• Biting Humor: The hosts aren’t afraid to take shots at teams, management, and even their own listeners, but it’s always wrapped in the affectionate style local fans love.

---

For fans and newcomers, this episode offers a blend of festival excitement, heartfelt local sports pride, and the sharp-witted camaraderie that defines Holmberg’s Morning Sickness.

Transcript

[Radio Host]

You know when you're looking for your fix of comedy here in the Valley, we have three amazing clubs that feature some of the best comedians in the world. Up on the north end of town, you can visit the beautiful Desert Ridge Improv. Downtown in Cityscape, you've got Stand Up Live and Eastside. Right there in the heart of asu, it's the legendary Tempe Improv. Plenty of entertainment for you and your guests and you can even grab some food and drink. So see why the Valley is a comedy destination and get your tickets by going to desertridgeimprov.com standuplive.com and tempeimprov.com it's

[John Holberg]

John Holberg here, and I found a place I'm genuinely excited about. Modern Resolution Windows and Doors. And it all started because my front door just broke. Not stuck, not squeaky. The thing actually broke. So I called them and from the first meeting I could tell family run local. They care about doing things right. It was great. Check them out. Modernresolution.com Great people, great work. Modern Resolution Windows and Doors. My new find and your home's new upgrade. Free in home consultation. So just call text or book online. Modernresolution.com call them 480-66557.

[Morning Show Host]

Still streaming Homberg's Morning Sickness online at 98kupd.com it's the Chili Peppers, right? They're not part of the Sick New World show that's coming your way in late April, but my God, just about everything else is. We play a song by a band that's playing at Sick New World, your phone will tell you to tap that app, and when you do, you automatically get into this big pile of stuff. We'll start drawing names, giving away tickets to the show. You tap that Track on the 98KUPD app web stream. Every time you hear any artist playing

[John Holberg]

in the Sick New World festival, even if you don't know if they're in it or not, it'll tell you.

[Morning Show Host]

And then five of you guys are gonna win tickets to the show up there in Vegas on April 25th. What a great time, too, up in Vegas. You. Have you been to a show at their big festival fairgrounds?

[Co-host 1]

I have not, no.

[Morning Show Host]

Things I've heard. It's good, reddable. It's huge. And they build this village and in

[John Holberg]

fact, I don't know where they do it anymore.

[Co-host 1]

I think it was where the Stardust is.

[Morning Show Host]

Yeah, well, it was. And that's where Resorts World is now.

[Co-host 1]

That was just north.

[Co-host 2]

That lot's Been filled.

[Morning Show Host]

I thought it was filled up. Either way, it's a huge like 12 acres. They. I mean it's awesome. One of you is going to score the VIP super win tickets to the show. VIP tickets to the show too. Not just regular old tickets. Hotel. Stay up there in Vegas. We'll hook you up. 200 gas card for the road trip. All this 25th anniversary nonsense for this show is getting you guys all these great prizes. It's amazing how we have sunk our hooks into this silliness and pretended like it has something to do with our 25th anniversary, which it absolutely does not. This would be happening whether with it could be our 19th year, we'd be still doing this. But it happens to be the 25th. So we can pretend it has something to do with that. It doesn't.

[Co-host 2]

Huge.

[Morning Show Host]

We're pretending. And pretending is fun.

[Co-host 2]

Isn't there some open area like in near Luxor which wouldn't be.

[Co-host 1]

They don't use that anymore.

[Morning Show Host]

We have an issue there. But yeah, we don't like to talk about that one.

[Co-host 1]

You remember that is not used.

[Co-host 2]

I thought on the other. I thought Luxars like all three.

[Morning Show Host]

You say Luxor.

[Co-host 2]

The Luxor.

[Morning Show Host]

Yeah, that's right. Maybe he's talking about a different like dollar store version of the Luxor. Anyway, yeah, we don't talk about that particular grounds. Festival area. Thanks to that guy in Mandalorian.

[Co-host 1]

Yeah, yeah, they don't use that anymore. It's just fenced off.

[Morning Show Host]

I don't know where they do it. I remember it was up north on the strip and it was.

[Co-host 1]

It was where the Stardust is. I don't know where. I'm trying to look it up.

[Morning Show Host]

Humongous. And it was amazing. Pretty cool. I didn't even see the show there. I was just there for the grounds. Like some brutal Mars super festival. One weekend I was up there. They were having some love jam with 90 superstars, like a thousand of them. And it got canceled last second. There was a lot of divorced ladies wandering around. They're very upset. That weekend they shut the show down. Genuine got some hate mail because of the wind. Janet Jackson was going to be there. The wind shut it all down. They were worried about the whole stage tipping over. Looks like it's too bad. So this is apparently size of that thing. Is that. Oh, it's a parking lot. Yeah.

[Co-host 1]

So it's right. Right under the 589.

[Morning Show Host]

That's the Hilton. That's it. It's right there.

[Co-host 1]

Yeah. So it's just north of Circus Circus

[Morning Show Host]

So let me use half of it now. Got it. That's great. So sick New world's coming, and you guys can be part of it just by tapping that track right there in our KUPD app. You know, some of you had the app, you got mad at us, you deleted it. Now you're back on the app again because babies throwing fits and stuff about certain things. Some lady goes, I deleted that app because of things you said. My. All right, well, off you go then. Well, I'm back on it now. All right.

[Co-host 2]

Welcome back.

[Co-host 1]

Typical broad.

[Morning Show Host]

I would have told you to shut the up about this whole thing. There's no princess. Why. Why even bother? I just want to let you know that I can delete you. Yeah, I don't even know you exist, so I don't care. Like you. This is the first I'm hearing from you, loon. I don't care if you delete the app. I got tons of apps. I.

[Co-host 2]

Once we're done with this, I'm deleting it again, okay?

[Morning Show Host]

And I'll still never meet you or care. You're dealing with a sociopath. You realize I don't have feelings, right? And who cares? I do have feelings for one thing, though. And I've got to say this because I'm so darn proud of this young man, I have to bring it up. The Phoenix Suns have got themselves something special, and it doesn't ever go on the court, and it very rarely, you know, participates in the win or the loss or has any bearing on the game itself. But without his presence, it would be a whole lot less entertaining. And I'm talking about our friend Kevin Ray. Kevin Ray last night. And I'm rooting for this, so I'm putting it out in the ether. Got to do the broadcast nationally for the Suns game, and he was on the Peacock Network, and they asked him to do a national broadcast. And I. We had. I had a toast with Kevin afterwards because that was a pretty big deal anyway. He's done a couple of them in the past with tnt, but this was like a special super event. And Kevin is so good at what he does, and if not the best in the NBA, he's in the top five for sure. I can't say because I don't know all the broadcast teams, but I have watched on the NBA app, the other team's broadcasters, and it is very rarely as quality as what we have here with Kevin. So I just wanted to say congrats to our own Kevin Rain. Put it out there and say, nice job NBC is looking at Kevin for national games.

[John Holberg]

Now, we may lose him.

[Morning Show Host]

We may lose him to the big boys. He'll still do our son's games when he can, but he's a talent. That. That bird's feathers are too bright to be caged, Brett. It's been overdue, way overdue. That's a fact. He had to sit behind that relic for too many years. Al McCoy was robbing him of his future. But now that Kevin is, you know, entering the golden years, he's going to get that chance, and, boy, does he ever deserve it.

[Co-host 1]

He's dying over here.

[Morning Show Host]

Well, he was. He was dying in this minimal, small pond, and he's a big fish. So I wanted to give Kevin the credit. He's. That was a pretty awesome thing. And seeing him last night afterwards, and I just like, how was it? He goes, it was great. He was beaming. And that's, you know, it's his dream.

[Co-host 2]

Who'd he call the game with?

[Morning Show Host]

I. I forgot. As a guy used to play for the Suns, he told me, and I again, I. I had a couple of drinks and all the names got erased. Like Franklin and his daughter. Franklin, Not Frank. Amelia. Yeah, that's right. Franklin and Amelia. Damn it. The talking stick. Executive chef. Damn it. I think your name was Franklin. If not, you only have that girl to blame. Brought me the name on that tiny little piece of paper.

[Co-host 2]

If you always forget a chef's name, it's Wolfgang.

[Morning Show Host]

It's usually you go with that. Are they all named Wolfgang? Either way, good. Maybe his last name is Wolfgang Franklin. Wolfgang Franklin. Wolfgang Ramsey. We'll call him and his daughter Giada. Nice. Anyway, Kevin Ray, congratulations from us to you. Good friend, great guy. And this is those types of things where you're like, you like to see people succeed and you like to be close by when they're exuding the confidence and happiness of what just happened. And he said the game went great, called it from. From the other side of the court, which was kind of cool to watch. So good for you Suns fans. You got yourself a gem right there. We had it with Al McCoy, too. I remember listening to the finals in the car when he was only doing radio. And the Suns played the Bucks in 2021. And I was a little late getting to my house, and I had to listen to the first quarter on the radio. And I remember thinking to myself, this dude's 90 years old, not missing, and he was crushing that thing. And I'm like, what a gem. And I started to call for getting him a statue before he dies and honoring him before he dies and doing. And they didn't. So maybe Taurasi got it though. No, by all means, we got to get a street named after Diana Taurasi. She's done so much more than Al McCoy ever did in the 50 plus years she was here for 10 or 11 years and she WNBA championships that this whole city was clamoring for forever. Oh, they almost sold out. One of them clamored. Clamoring. Anyway, Al McCoy didn't get his due. He's got little stuff around him. Not like he should. And maybe we should start talking about that with Kray.

[John Holberg]

If I was carry, I'd leave.

[Morning Show Host]

And if Peacock comes to call, it's like, adios. I know how you treat your legends. Ain't nobody getting a. They raised ticket prices again for season tickets. Another 10%. Every year I've had them, it's gone up at. This is the smallest increase at 10%.

[Co-host 2]

And you should be happy.

[Morning Show Host]

Yeah, that's what they're making you feel like. Hey, also found it.

[Co-host 2]

Only 10.

[Morning Show Host]

Welcome. They've been double charging me all year. Wait, what? Yeah, I've been hit for two seasons. I'm looking and I'm like, is this normal? Like, is this happening every month? I went back and looked at my statement and every month they've charged me twice.

[Co-host 1]

Sorry.

[Morning Show Host]

Yeah, yeah, we'll give you credit for next year. The. You will. You'll give me my money back. So. I'm not happy with the sun's right now, but I certainly am for Kevin. So good for you, Kevin. We're proud of you. And I hope it. I hope it leads to greater, bigger things. You deserve it. Kevin Ray, local institution, we call him. If you see Kevin, buy him a nice glass of like a fine tequila with a big block of ice in it. Don't go giving them the cruddy stuff.

[Co-host 1]

And no Cuervo.

[Morning Show Host]

No, no. Get him the good stuff. Find out, say what's your most expensive tequila? And then they'll tell you and you'll go, whoa.

[Co-host 2]

Give me three steps.

[Morning Show Host]

Yeah, exactly.

[John Holberg]

Drop down two.

[Morning Show Host]

Hit me in this number here. Just barely out of the well, but make.

[John Holberg]

Yeah, don't.

[Morning Show Host]

We don't. I don't want. I don't want it to be a familiar name, but I also don't want to pay that class. Azul's not that good anyway, so. Kevin, we love you. What would Brady do's coming up next? It's 98, Arizona's most powerful rock radio station. He said fully erect.

[Commercial Announcer]

98 kept this is Michael with restore my civil rights. Tax season is here, and for many people, that refund check is an opportunity. If a past conviction is holding you back from constitutional rights, your tax return can be an investment in your future. Instead of spending your refund on something temporary, use it to remove legal barriers from your record and restore your standing as the law abiding citizen you've worked hard to become. To book a free consultation, call 855-gun- rights or visit restoremycivilrights.com today. That's restoremycivilrights.com it's John Holberg here, shelling

[John Holberg]

away for new acunit.com I've been telling you about the amazing new ac unit.com

[Morning Show Host]

for about three years.

[John Holberg]

New acunit.com put the power back in your hands. Three easy steps online gets you your unit ordered, inspected and installed by the best in the business. And I'm super excited to tell you that new aceunit.com now offers many splits. If you work in a garage, a casita, or even have like a man cave somewhere back in that garage, mini splits can be a must. New ac unit.com has it now and you can install it. They'll even include the electrical Save thousands, save time. Buy online new ac unit.com.