Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Hot Releases (March 10, 2026)

Overview

In this episode, John Holmberg and the crew deliver their weekly segment "Hot Releases," where they run through the latest in music, movies, TV, video games, and even viral AI music tracks. The cast—John, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo—offer irreverent commentary, share quickfire reviews, and banter about the quirks of each release. Listeners are treated to both authentic reactions and signature comedic takes, with notable tangents into AI music culture and odd 70s funk.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Video Game Releases

• WWE 2K26

  • Release: This Friday
  • Anticipation for classic wrestlers appearing (Rock, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Hulk Hogan, Kane, etc.).
  • Banter about the real draw of watching wrestling: “[Really the reason you watch wrestling is for the stuff in between.]” (John, 03:13)
  • Doubt over the game's narrative elements: “Who's banging, you know, Seamus’s wife? That’s the... it’s a soap opera!” (John, 03:53)

• Corgi Race

  • Concept: Users can watch or "bet" on animated corgi races; unclear if real money is involved.
  • “You get to watch or you can actually play and you can bet on them to win, place or show...” (Brady, 04:21)
  • Amused confusion about the game's details, with cracks regarding local radio talent potentially playing the game.

2. TV & Movie Hot Releases

• Scarpetta (Prime Video)

  • Stars Nicole Kidman as Dr. Kay Scarpetta.
  • Jokes about actors blurring roles and reality:
    • “[She says that she can now do autopsies because she played this part... If I performed your autopsy, it would... Have you ever seen me carve a chicken?]” (John, 05:27)
    • Crew pokes fun at the difference between acting and actual expertise.

• Virgin River (Netflix, Season 7)

  • Continues the hit romantic soap opera, focusing on Mel and Jack’s attempt to adopt amidst personal drama.

• Madison (Paramount+)

  • Created by Taylor Sheridan; stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell.
  • “[Kurt Russell's] like 75. It’s amazing.” (Brady, 07:02)
  • Banter about aging, dental care, and Pfeiffer's enduring good looks; tongue-in-cheek jabs at missing teeth and Hollywood longevity ensue.

3. Music Hot Releases

• Lamb of God – ‘Blunt Force Blues’ (Into the Oblivion)

  • Previewed new heavy track; crew compliments instrumental energy but is divided on vocals.
  • “[I love the music, though. Lamb of God fans lose their mind. Not a fan of him. Just think his voice is like... it sounds...]” (John, 08:50)

• The Black Crowes – New Single from "Pound of Feathers"

  • New music played, praised for style:
    • “Chris Robinson always sounds like he's fighting to get back to the mic... They're so good, though. That's a cool song.” (John, 09:36)

• Down – ‘Right Place, Wrong Time’ (Dr. John cover)

  • Expectation for a more dynamic rendition, slightly let down by energy.
  • “I expected it to pop a little more.” (John, 12:45)

• AI Marilyn Manson – ‘Slaughtered’

  • Discussion on the uncanny quality of AI-generated music:
    • “It’s already good... Slaughtered without AI is 10 times times better. Put your guitars down. We’re done.” (John, 13:42)
    • General fascination and amusement at how convincingly AI can mimic artists.

4. Viral & Comedy Tracks

• Selena Gomez & Dua Lipa – ‘Wait on Me’

  • Played and humorously scrutinized:
    • “I hate that I have to ask if this is real, right?” (Brady, 15:12)
    • Self-aware confusion about what’s authentic in today's music world.

• John Lovett’s Satirical Song – 'Bang Bang Me in the Butt'

  • Entertained by tongue-in-cheek, risqué lyrics:
    • “He said, turn around, little miss. And I giggled and I said, okay, I guess.” (Unknown/F, 15:59)

• Teddy Banks – ‘Harry Coochie’

  • Vintage-style funk track with bold, comedic lyrics and a viral video of a man petting a cat.
  • “Baby, I ain't here to tell nobody what to do. I'm just telling you what Teddy likes.” (Teddy Banks, 16:31)
  • Hosts delight in the song's unabashed message about personal tastes in partners:
    • “That grown woman look gots me out here misbehaving.” (Teddy Banks, 17:59)

• Xzibit – ‘Time for [N word] or [N word]’ [Game Segment]

  • Crew jokily guesses song tone based on title.
  • “That’s an angry one. I think I’m going to have to give Brady the win again. Two in a row. Nice job, Bogan.” (John, 19:48)
  • Wraps up with playful self-awareness about segment tradition.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Video Game Wrestling’s Appeal:
  “I want to know if...who’s banging, you know, Seamus’s wife...it’s a soap opera!” (John, 03:53)

• On Nicole Kidman and Autopsies:
  “She says that she can now do autopsies because she played this part...If I performed your autopsy...have you ever seen me carve a chicken?” (John, 05:27)

• On Aging Rock Stars:
  “Men his age are usually all washed up and they don’t look good anymore. They’re just a mess. Kurt Russell’s, proverb...” (John, 07:08)

• On Lamb of God:
  “I love the music, though. Lamb of God fans lose their mind. Not a fan of him. Just think his voice is like... it sounds...” (John, 08:50)

• On AI Marilyn Manson:
  “Slaughtered without AI is 10 times times better. Put your guitars down. We’re done.” (John, 13:42)
  “That’s the perfect marriage. AI and Marilyn Manson are meant for each other.” (John, 14:13)

• On Music Authenticity:
  “I hate that I have to ask if this is real, right?” (Brady, 15:12)

• On ‘Harry Coochie’:
  “That grown woman look gots me out here misbehaving.” (Teddy Banks, 17:59)
  “Here it comes... There it is, girl. Teddy likes Daddy worth waiting. Natural kitty.” (John, 19:07)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• WWE 2K26 & Corgi Race Discussion: 02:34 – 04:53
• Scarpetta & Nicole Kidman Banter: 04:55 – 06:02
• Virgin River & Madison Previews: 06:07 – 07:49
• Lamb of God & Black Crowes Music: 08:04 – 09:58
• AI Marilyn Manson Reaction: 12:45 – 14:13
• Selena Gomez & Dua Lipa Segment: 14:18 – 15:30
• Teddy Banks 'Harry Coochie': 16:31 – 19:07
• Xzibit ‘N-word or N-word’ Game: 19:20 – 20:04

Final Thoughts

This “Hot Releases” segment is a fast-paced, laugh-filled tour of the week’s entertainment highlights, peppered with improvisational humor and affectionate ribbing between the hosts. It captures not only what's new in media—but the pop culture spectacle around it, from AI artistry to vintage funk oddities. With sharp timing, satirical commentary, and honest musical reactions, it's a breezy yet substantial listen for any rock morning radio fan.