Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: March 21, 2025 Title: Busted Brackets Remind Us Of Why We Love Madness - Friends Who Change Their Names In Their 40s And People Who Create Their Own Nicknames - John And KRay Went To Spring Training And Got Reprimanded By An Old Couple

Release Date: March 21, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this lively episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg, along with co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delve into their recent experiences and ongoing topics that resonate with their audience. Skipping over the advertisements, the show kicks off with John expressing excitement for Friday and cracking jokes about listeners' bracket choices in the ongoing NCAA tournament.

2. Busted Brackets and FanDuel Betting

The episode opens with a discussion about bracket standings and the unpredictability of the NCAA tournament:

John Holmberg [01:18]:
"And this is the first year I've allowed my computer to pick my brackets."

John shares his personal bracket standings, highlighting his position and the movements among other participants. The conversation naturally transitions into their previous year's interaction with FanDuel:

John Holmberg [03:10]:
"We asked FanDuel if we could do live betting under their name, and they were hesitant. But we took a few thousand dollars and ran with it anyway."

The hosts reminisce about the challenges faced with gambling laws and the logistics of distributing QR codes for bonus bets. Bret and John recount how they creatively circumvented restrictions by handing out envelopes with cash:

Brett [03:05]:
"She wasn't handing out the money, though."

John Holmberg [03:13]:
"You and I were tracking suit on."

This segment underscores the camaraderie among the hosts and their inventive approach to engaging their audience through interactive betting.

3. Experiencing Spring Training: A Story of Interaction with an Elderly Couple

Transitioning to a more personal narrative, John and co-host KRay recount their visit to a spring training game at Salt River Fields. The highlight is their unexpected encounter with an elderly couple whose annoyance with the hosts' conversation about the Suns leads to a humorous yet tense situation.

John Holmberg [23:03]:
"Yesterday, I went with Kevin Ray to spring training and met an old man and his wife who were clearly not enjoying the game."

The hosts vividly describe how their spirited discussion about the Suns and the resultant use of strong language drew the ire of the couple:

John Holmberg [29:16]:
"If you could have a conversation with that ugly ass wife of yours, maybe you wouldn't have to tell people to shut up."

This led to a comical yet exaggerated internal monologue where John imagines retaliating against the couple, blending humor with frustration:

John Holmberg [35:33]:
"I want to punch that old lady square in the mouth."

The interaction serves as a platform for the hosts to explore themes of generational differences, social etiquette, and the potency of language in public spaces.

4. Friends Who Change Their Names in Their 40s and Creating New Nicknames

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the complexities and social nuances of changing one's name later in life and the adoption of self-created nicknames. John shares his experience with a friend, Dean Dorsey, who legally changed his name in his 40s:

John Holmberg [12:53]:
"Unless you've committed a crime, you're not allowed to change your name and expect people to follow along."

The conversation humorously touches on the difficulties of renaming, especially when the new name doesn't seamlessly fit into existing social circles:

John Holmberg [13:11]:
"I'm grandfathered in on your name change. I'm not doing it. You're forever going to be that guy."

The hosts debate the legitimacy and practicality of adopting new names, considering factors like personal identity versus social recognition. They also highlight the awkwardness that can arise when introducing oneself with a nickname that doesn't naturally develop from interactions:

Brett [16:05]:
"Did he come up with that or did you guys come up with that?"

John Holmberg [16:20]:
"I like being called Laser. Why is his name Laser? Does he ever tell you? Do you ever ask?"

This segment delves into the authenticity of self-assigned names and the often humorous resistance encountered from peers when attempting to establish a new moniker.

5. Reflecting on Modern Interactions and Language Use

Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on the impact of language and behavior in public settings. They express frustration with how societal norms clash with personal expressions, especially concerning the use of profanity and casual interactions:

John Holmberg [29:05]:
"And the reason why is because he knew that miserable shrew was going to beat the life out of him all the way home."

The dialogue continues with explorations of generational clashes, the persistence of certain social etiquettes, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in various social scenarios.

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts maintain their humorous and candid tone, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself while navigating the complexities of social interactions. They conclude by reinforcing the camaraderie and shared experiences that bind them together as co-hosts and friends.

John Holmberg [49:14]:
"I have heard enough of this."

The episode is a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful commentary on everyday social dynamics, making it engaging for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg [01:18]:
  "And this is the first year I've allowed my computer to pick my brackets."

• John Holmberg [03:10]:
  "We asked FanDuel if we could do live betting under their name, and they were hesitant. But we took a few thousand dollars and ran with it anyway."

• John Holmberg [12:53]:
  "Unless you've committed a crime, you're not allowed to change your name and expect people to follow along."

• John Holmberg [29:16]:
  "If you could have a conversation with that ugly ass wife of yours, maybe you wouldn't have to tell people to shut up."

• John Holmberg [49:14]:
  "I have heard enough of this."

Key Takeaways

• Brackets and Betting: The unpredictability of the NCAA tournament keeps listeners engaged, with hosts sharing their strategic approaches and mishaps in bracket selections and betting through platforms like FanDuel.

• Name Changes and Nicknames: Changing one's name in adulthood presents social challenges, with the hosts humorously dissecting the effort required to have a new name accepted by friends and acquaintances.

• Social Interactions: The interaction with the elderly couple at spring training highlights generational differences and the sometimes comical clash between personal expression and social expectations.

• Language and Etiquette: The hosts navigate the fine line between candid conversations and maintaining decorum in public settings, reflecting on how language affects interpersonal dynamics.

Tune In: For more engaging conversations and entertaining insights, listen to Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD (97.9 FM), available through the 98KUPD app or www.98kupd.com weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM.