Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: May 2, 2025
Release Date: May 2, 2025

Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, Arizona's premier morning radio show, captivates listeners with its unique blend of humor, insightful discussions, and offbeat news. Hosted by John Holmberg, alongside Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, this episode delves into a variety of intriguing topics, from quirky science news to the whimsical odds of political figures ascending to the papacy. Below is a comprehensive summary of the episode's key segments.

1. Grandparents' Gripes with Modern Baby Names

One of the standout discussions centers around a recent survey exploring grandparents' opinions on contemporary baby names. The conversation highlights a generational clash in naming preferences.

• Brady Bogen shared, "A list of names that grandparents overall hate currently hate," including popular names like Aurora, Charlotte, and Noah, which many grandparents find unappealing ([09:32]).

• John Holmberg humorously navigates the topic by suggesting, "Proclaim loudly, 'I'll never go to another wedding again. I've seen enough of them,'" reflecting on the broader theme of traditional versus modern choices ([08:42]).

• The hosts playfully debate the toughness of certain names when pronounced with exaggerated accents, poking fun at societal perceptions of masculinity tied to a child's name ([11:36]).

2. Science News Highlights

The show features an eclectic segment of science news, blending factual information with comedic commentary.

a. Tyrannosaurus Rex Leather Products

• Brady Bogen introduces the bizarre concept of "purses made of Tyrannosaurus Rex leather," explaining that two biotech companies claim to synthesize dinosaur DNA to create these unique accessories ([16:12]).

• John Holmberg quips, "Tyrannosaurus Rex got a kickass sideways hat on. And he is mean mugging your ass all day," adding humor to the fantastical idea ([17:00]).

• The hosts debate the feasibility, with Brady noting, "You'd need samples of DNA from an actual T. Rex skin and there isn't any," while John adds, "This is Science News after Right. Learn something."

b. LED Suits to Repel Sharks

• Brady discusses a study proposing the addition of LED lights to bathing suits and surfboards to deter great white sharks, suggesting that sharks associate lights with non-prey items like seals ([22:47]).

• John Holmberg humorously remarks, "Because they don't like lights. Yeah, they don't like lights," further downplaying the practicality of the solution ([23:00]).

3. Odds Out for the Next Pope: Donald Trump Not Making the Top 5

In a particularly entertaining segment, the hosts explore the unlikely scenario of former President Donald Trump becoming the next Pope.

• Brady cites a YouGov survey, revealing that "87% said no" to the idea of Trump being elected Pope, while only "6% said yes" ([29:23]).

• John Holmberg adds his perspective, stating, "I'm not religious and I don't even think it would be like, I'd be like, this is a mistake Vatican," reinforcing the survey's outcome ([29:38]).

• The discussion humorously touches on the odds, with Brady mentioning, "No, no. Brady: Pizza baller favorite is Pietro Perlin, who's a plus 330," illustrating the low likelihood of Trump securing a significant position in the papal conclave ([30:25]).

4. Viral Videos Commentary: A Dive into the Bizarre

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to reviewing and humorously critiquing a series of outlandish viral videos submitted by listeners.

• John Holmberg and Brady dissect videos featuring peculiar behaviors, such as individuals modifying their bodies in unconventional ways or engaging in absurd activities, all while maintaining a comedic undertone.

• Notable moments include the discussion of a man who "cut his penis off and made a hole where it used to be," leading to exaggerated and humorous speculation about his motives and lifestyle ([37:42]).

• Brady summarizes the segment with, "This is World is not Normal Friday. We look at videos to make ourselves not want to be on the planet anymore," encapsulating the show's irreverent take on bizarre online content ([40:20]).

5. Space News: Milestone All-Female Spacewalk

Shifting gears to more serious news, the hosts highlight a significant achievement in space exploration.

• Brady reports, "Astronauts Nicole Ayer and Ann McLean completed a spacewalk yesterday. The International Space Station. It's just the fifth all-female spacewalk in history" ([20:05]).

• John Holmberg humorously adds, "There's a Postinos in space. The ladies got out together," blending commendation with light-hearted banter ([20:21]).

6. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

The episode concludes with promotions for local comedy events and fishing adventures in Arizona, fostering a sense of community and engagement among listeners.

• Byron announces upcoming comedy shows featuring Leo Gonzalez, Randy Feltface, and Gary Owen, providing details for listeners to attend ([28:04] & [42:04]).

• Dick Toledo shares his enthusiasm for fishing in Arizona, encouraging listeners to obtain licenses and explore the state's natural beauty ([43:04]).

Notable Quotes:

• John Holmberg: "It's not magic, it's just math. You don't laugh at that?" ([00:40])

• Brady Bogen: "A study found that kids learn to read and write better if they do it the old fashioned way." ([20:41])

• John Holmberg: "I'm just guessing." ([16:43])

• Brady Bogen: "You can use commercial planes to spray chemicals into the atmosphere to help climate change. So actual chemtrails." ([22:32])

Holmberg's Morning Sickness continues to blend humor with eclectic discussions, providing listeners with a refreshing take on everyday topics and outlandish news alike. Whether delving into scientific curiosities or debating the improbable, the show's dynamic hosts ensure an engaging start to the day.