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.