Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode: April 2, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Release Date: April 2, 2025

1. Val Kilmer's Passing and His Role in "The Doors"

The episode opens with the somber news of Val Kilmer's death, prompting a deep dive into his portrayal of Jim Morrison in the film The Doors. John Holmberg sets the stage for a candid discussion about Kilmer's legacy and his association with the iconic rock band.

John: "News of Val Kilmer's passing last night kind of swept across everybody... I've always had a problem with Val Kilmer because of that goddamn Doors movie revitalizing that terrible band for about seven years."
Timestamp: [01:45]

2. Critique of The Doors and Jim Morrison

Brady Bogen shares his strong opinions on both Val Kilmer's performance and The Doors as a band. He expresses his disdain for Jim Morrison's character and the band's music, highlighting Kilmer's ability to make him dislike Morrison even more.

Brady: "Val Kilmer made me hate Val Kilmer for a little while because he was so convincing as the insanely hateable Jim Morrison."
Timestamp: [03:21]

The hosts delve into the negative aspects of Morrison's poetry and musical contributions, with Brady asserting that The Doors are "the most overrated rock band in the history of music."

Brady: "I say proudly, the most overrated rock band in the history of music. No question, they are top one one A."
Timestamp: [03:49]

3. Val Kilmer's Other Roles and Legacy

The conversation shifts to Kilmer's other notable performances, such as Top Gun, Heat, and Tombstone. While acknowledging his versatility, the hosts lament that his association with The Doors overshadows his broader body of work.

Brady: "Heat's the one to watch. I think if you were to go Val Kilmer's best work. You got to give Heat. That's the best he was."
Timestamp: [46:04]

4. BBC Show: Men Take Wives for Test Drives

Brady introduces a controversial BBC show where men take their wives out on dates with other men to rekindle their relationships. The segment sparks a heated debate among the hosts about the psychological implications and effectiveness of such therapy.

Brady: "There's a guy who's basically letting people test drive his wife. And his therapist said, look, you don't appreciate her... this is basic therapy."
Timestamp: [20:00]

Bret: "You're a kid, Mark."
Timestamp: [31:28]

The discussion explores themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the fine line between anger and love in relationships. The hosts ponder whether watching one's spouse with another can genuinely reignite lost passion or merely deepen existing frustrations.

Brady: "Jealousy is an insecurity that something is going to be taken away... if you see that she's with you, I get mad."
Timestamp: [30:15]

5. Reactions and Personal Insights

The hosts share personal anecdotes and hypothetical scenarios to illustrate their points. They debate the moral and emotional ramifications of the BBC show, questioning its ability to foster genuine connection versus creating further discord.

Brady: "Imagine you're on a cloud and then watching your wife here with someone else. It's beautiful."
Timestamp: [25:26]

Toledo: "It's like using a man's grill. I don't use my grill a lot, but if Brady came over and fired it up, I'd be like, get the off my grill."
Timestamp: [27:56]

6. John's Idea for a Survival Show

Towards the end of the episode, John Holmberg pitches his concept for a new survival-type TV show. The idea involves participants navigating their way home after a simulated air disaster, combining elements of Survivor and Naked and Afraid with a competitive twist.

John: "I had a great idea for a TV show... survivors finding their way home after a plane crash, with the first to return winning $10 million."
Timestamp: [38:05]

The hosts brainstorm potential challenges, storytelling elements, and the integration of teamwork and survival skills, envisioning a series that tests both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Brady: "You got to find your way home. That's it. You got to survive."
Timestamp: [39:02]

7. Final Thoughts on Val Kilmer and The Doors

Wrapping up, the hosts circle back to Val Kilmer's impact and their enduring disdain for The Doors' music. They nostalgically reference Kilmer's performances while firmly stating their preference to distance themselves from his portrayal of Morrison.

Bret: "Scott Haynes made a good point though. He was great in Heat, except he was overshadowed by De Niro and Pacino."
Timestamp: [46:07]

Brady: "Val Kilmer's gone, the doors still suck, and maybe you should watch your wife bang away. That's all."
Timestamp: [45:58]

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen: "I hate Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison... [He] made me just hate Jim Morrison more than..."
  Timestamp: [03:21]

• John Holmberg: "Val Kilmer's death... can John forgive him for his role in The Doors?"
  Timestamp: [01:45]

• Brady Bogen: "Jealousy is an insecurity that something is going to be taken away... if you see that she's with, I get mad."
  Timestamp: [30:15]

• John Holmberg: "I had a great idea for a TV show... survivors finding their way home after a plane crash."
  Timestamp: [38:05]

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness delivers a potent mix of pop culture critique, personal opinions, and provocative ideas. From dissecting Val Kilmer's controversial role in The Doors to exploring unconventional relationship therapies and pitching innovative TV show concepts, the hosts engage listeners with their unfiltered perspectives and dynamic banter. Whether you agree with their takes or find them contentious, the episode offers a comprehensive look into the hosts' viewpoints on fame, relationships, and survival.