Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (04-29-25)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
• Host/Author: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio
• Release Date: April 29, 2025
• Description: Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD is Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show. John Holmberg attempts to entertain, question, and disturb as many listeners as possible with assistance from Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo. Tune in or log onto 98KUPD (97.9fm, the 98KUPD app or www.98kupd.com) weekdays 5:30a-10a.

1. Overwhelming Listener Emails About Pet Euthanasia

Timestamp: [01:48] - [12:32]

The episode opens with John Holmberg expressing his emotional burden from the influx of listener emails about recently putting down beloved pets. He contemplates creating a dedicated podcast segment to address these heartfelt messages but ultimately decides against it due to the repetitive and emotionally draining nature of the content.

• John Holmberg: "I'd have to do my own segment of like would have to be a segment every day of people emailing me telling me that they've just put their dog or cat down." [02:32]

Brett shares personal anecdotes about his own experiences with pet loss, emphasizing the deep emotional toll it takes on both pet owners and himself as a host. The conversation highlights the importance of genuine empathy and the challenges of providing heartfelt responses when faced with a high volume of similar emotional messages.

• Brett Vesely: "I wake up every morning with people telling me about their dad." [02:45]
• Brett Vesely: "Here's the problem... It seems insincere."[06:53]

2. Mass Citation of Underage Patrons at Tempe Tavern

Timestamp: [24:54] - [51:37]

The discussion shifts to a significant local incident where 165 underage patrons were cited during a police raid at a Tempe bar, later identified as the Tempe Tavern. The hosts delve into the apparent incompetence and poor decision-making exhibited by the underage individuals, criticizing their failure to evade law enforcement during the raid.

• Brett Vesely: "How stupid is this generation." [Date Context: Discussing the 165 citations]

The hosts analyze possible reasons behind the patrons' lack of action, pondering whether it stems from generational shortcomings or inadequate guidance from parents. They express frustration over the young individuals' inability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations, labeling their actions as careless and foolish.

• Brett Vesely: "I'm punching you directly in the face. We're going to start a fist fight." [47:10]

The conversation extends to parental influence, or the lack thereof, suggesting that absent or ineffective parental figures contribute to the youth's poor choices. The hosts debate the role of upbringing in fostering responsibility and quick thinking among teenagers and young adults.

• Brett Vesely: "They didn't have a dad to give you the grief and then walk in later and say, why didn't you run?" [37:59]

3. Broader Commentary on Youth Behavior and Responsibility

Timestamp: [52:44] - [57:22]

Expanding beyond the specific incident, the hosts engage in a broader critique of current youth behavior, questioning the intelligence and decision-making capabilities of teenagers and young adults today. They juxtapose their own experiences with those of the younger generation, suggesting a decline in critical thinking and personal responsibility.

• Brett Vesely: "These are children. They're friends. My mom wouldn't have gone out and fought for me." [36:33]

The hosts share personal stories and hypothetical scenarios to illustrate their points, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and strong parental figures in shaping responsible individuals. They express skepticism about the current generation's ability to handle challenging situations effectively.

• Brett Vesely: "If you can't run, hide. Go into the bathroom and hide." [49:20]

4. Reflections and Emotional Toll on the Hosts

Timestamp: [09:16] - [12:32]

Throughout the discussions, the hosts reflect on the emotional impact these topics have on them personally. John Holmberg, in particular, grapples with the emotional weight of reading numerous bereavement emails, highlighting the delicate balance between maintaining professionalism and showing genuine empathy.

• Brett Vesely: "I have no idea what you're going through. Never had to deal with that. And I never want to." [09:16]

This introspection underscores the challenges faced by radio hosts in handling sensitive listener issues while maintaining an engaging and balanced show.

Notable Quotes:

1. John Holmberg: "I'd have to do my own segment of like would have to be a segment every day of people emailing me telling me that they've just put their dog or cat down." [02:32]

2. Brett Vesely: "I'm punching you directly in the face. We're going to start a fist fight." [47:10]

3. Brett Vesely: "If you can't run, hide. Go into the bathroom and hide." [49:20]

4. Brett Vesely: "These are children. They're friends. My mom wouldn't have gone out and fought for me." [36:33]

5. Brett Vesely: "I wake up every morning with people telling me about their dad." [02:45]

Conclusion:

In this emotionally charged episode, Holmberg's Morning Sickness delves into two significant issues affecting their Arizona community: the emotional strain of pet loss among listeners and a concerning incident of mass citations at a local bar. The hosts offer a mix of empathy, personal anecdotes, and critical analysis, reflecting on broader societal trends and the responsibilities of both youth and parents. Their candid discussions provide listeners with insightful perspectives while maintaining the show's characteristic blend of humor and seriousness.