Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary Guest: Nick Thune
Air Date: March 21, 2025
Host: John Holmberg with Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Station: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In the March 21, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg welcomes comedian Nick Thune for an in-depth and candid conversation. Nick Thune, known for his sharp wit and engaging storytelling, delves into his personal struggles with addiction, his journey to sobriety, and the humorous yet poignant experiences that have shaped his life and career.

Overcoming Addiction

Nick Thune opens up about his tumultuous relationship with alcohol, detailing a decade-long period of heavy drinking that reignited at the age of 29 after a nine-year sobriety streak since he was 17. He recounts a pivotal moment when he was diagnosed with Lyme disease, which served as a wake-up call leading him to seek immediate rehabilitation.

Nick Thune [03:05]: "I thought, well, this is what really happened. Nick Thunes at Stand Up Live tonight and tomorrow, if you want to go over there and check it all out."

The severity of his condition is highlighted when a specialist informs him that his liver enzyme levels were dangerously high, prompting an urgent need for treatment. This critical diagnosis propelled Nick into rehab, where he experienced a series of challenging events, including seizures and hospitalization.

Nick Thune [05:34]: "That was his diagnosis. It’s a pretty direct. Yeah, it’s going to happen sooner than you want or think."

Life After Sobriety

Nick discusses the aftermath of his rehab experience, including unexpected responsibilities and the complexities of maintaining sobriety amidst a demanding career. He shares anecdotes about being thrust into situations where his past behaviors resurfaced, such as hosting events and interacting with fans who referenced his earlier struggles with alcohol.

Nick Thune [07:54]: "It was the first tour I did sober was I went down to Mexico. It was so fun."

He also touches upon the impact of his sobriety on his personal life, particularly his relationship with his 11-year-old son, who remains largely unaware of the depths of his father's past addiction.

Nick Thune [20:23]: "He has asked me why I don't drink. Yeah."

Career and Comedy

The conversation shifts to Nick's career in comedy, where he reflects on the fine balance between humor and personal growth. He shares a memorable experience from hosting a Fourth of July party in Atwater Village, where his attempt to blend neighborhood vibes with edgy comedy led to both applause and admonishment.

Nick Thune [10:03]: "Yeah. Like, do you know take Notaro? Oh yeah, yeah."

Nick humorously recounts the challenges of performing in diverse settings and the pressures of maintaining his comedic edge while adhering to his sobriety.

Nick Thune [21:37]: "It's never going to be better than it is today. Nick Thune is at Standup Live Tonight and tomorrow."

Personal Anecdotes

Nick offers a series of entertaining and sometimes outrageous stories from his time on tour. These include encounters with fans and fellow performers who offered him drugs during performances, leading to humorous yet telling exchanges about his boundaries and commitment to sobriety.

Nick Thune [22:18]: "She was like, I’ve got morphine. And I was like, oh, no."

He also shares a lighthearted moment about his lack of Spanish proficiency during a performance in Mexico City, despite having taken an ESL class years prior.

Nick Thune [08:35]: "Yeah. Well, I didn't realize they're actually going to put you in classes based off what you did on that test."

Insights and Advice

Throughout the episode, Nick imparts valuable insights on happiness and personal well-being. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and the benefits of approaching life with the simplicity and joy often found in childhood.

Nick Thune [25:30]: "I think happiness is like, you know, something that I always encourage people to have."

Nick encourages listeners to cultivate happiness by reconnecting with their innate sense of joy and curiosity, drawing inspiration from a seven-year-old's perspective.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with heartfelt exchanges between Nick and the hosts, highlighting his ongoing commitment to sobriety and his role as a positive influence both on and off the stage. Nick's journey serves as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of self-awareness and support.

John Holmberg [26:04]: "Nick, thanks for coming in, man. Good to see you this time. And we'll meet again in a couple more years."

Notable Quotes

• Nick Thune [00:43]: "You've been deceived by an agent of Satan himself."
• Nick Thune [03:25]: "...he had already slept through my job."
• Nick Thune [05:34]: "It's a pretty direct. Yeah, it's going to happen sooner than you want or think."
• Nick Thune [10:03]: "Yeah. Like, do you know take Notaro?"
• Nick Thune [20:23]: "He has asked me why I don't drink. Yeah."
• Nick Thune [22:18]: "She was like, I've got morphine. And I was like, oh, no."
• Nick Thune [25:30]: "I think happiness is like, you know, something that I always encourage people to have."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a captivating glimpse into Nick Thune's life, blending humor with deep personal reflection. Listeners are treated to a narrative of struggle, recovery, and the relentless pursuit of happiness, all delivered through Nick's unique comedic lens. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, this conversation provides both laughter and meaningful insights that resonate beyond the stage.