Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 05-14-25 | Release Date: May 14, 2025

Hosts: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo

1. Introduction

In the May 14, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, hosts John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo delve into a variety of topics ranging from personal space etiquette to high-profile sports controversies. The morning show blends humor, insightful commentary, and interactive segments to engage its Arizona-wide audience.

2. Main Discussions

a. The "Close Talkers" Phenomenon

The episode kicks off with an animated discussion about "close talkers"—individuals who invade personal space during conversations, often making interactions uncomfortable.

• John Holmberg introduces the topic by sharing a humorous anecdote:

  "[03:09] John Holmberg: The old method of treatment for a person in this condition was to throw him in jail. Damn it."

• Larry McFeely elaborates on his encounters:

  "[04:24] Larry McFeely: Yeah, he's on you. And it's the whole grab and pull. Like, what's going on? Oh, he wants to talk to me. And then you feel lips gently grazing against your ear."

• The hosts brainstorm solutions, proposing the establishment of a "Tell a Close Talker Day" to raise awareness and encourage people to address the issue proactively.

Notable Quote:

"[05:43] Larry McFeely: If someone is talking to somebody and their hand is on your breastbone, pushing. If there's pressure on your chest in a conversation, you're too close."
— Larry McFeely [05:43]

b. The P. Diddy Trial and Human Trafficking Allegations

A significant portion of the episode centers around a satirical portrayal of a legal trial involving music mogul P. Diddy, accused of orchestrating events that blur the lines between fame, abuse, and human trafficking.

• Larry McFeely discusses the allegations against P. Diddy:

  "[20:46] Larry McFeely: You're hiring prostitutes. And then. So that contributes to human trafficking because the finances are used to do more and more."

• The conversation touches upon the complexities of accountability and personal responsibility within high-profile relationships.

Notable Quote:

"[19:18] Brady: Right? And you finally got to the point where like, well, why am I doing this? I wanna, I want out right now."
— Brady [19:18]

c. Hall of Fame Controversies: Pete Rose and Steroid Users

The hosts engage in a heated debate over the Baseball Hall of Fame's eligibility criteria, particularly focusing on Pete Rose's reinstatement and the inclusion of steroid-enhanced players.

• Larry McFeely argues against Pete Rose's induction due to his betting history:

  "[83:06] John Holmberg: He couldn't get any classier than Craigslist."
  "[83:09] John Holmberg: But, yeah, the steroid era is like, yeah, that's another one."

• Brady Bogen contends that Pete Rose deserves recognition for his achievements despite his transgressions:

  "[90:15] Larry McFeely: You knew going in."
  "[90:17] Brady: No, I'm against it."

Notable Quote:

"[101:20] John Holmberg: You're not allowed in the hall of Fame ever. Your accomplishments can be recognized, but it's going to be written on your plaque for the reasons of gambling on the game while being involved in it."
— John Holmberg [101:20]

d. The Reality of Reading and Book Discussions

A lighter segment involves the hosts humorously critiquing each other's reading habits, or lack thereof, highlighting differing attitudes toward literature.

• John Holmberg humorously critiques co-hosts:

  "[87:35] John Holmberg: But I didn't realize craigslist prostitutes had that kind of pull."
  "[85:18] Brady: And whether you're tearing up desert trails."

• Larry McFeely expresses skepticism about the genuine reading habits of his co-hosts:

  "[94:44] Larry McFeely: You read books? When did you read a book? Nobody, nobody believes that I've read."

Notable Quote:

"[85:03] Larry McFeely: It's impossible to read. It's not a story."
— Larry McFeely [85:03]

e. "Rock Wars" – Battle of the Bands

A recurring interactive segment where hosts and listeners engage in friendly competition to determine the week's top rock band or song.

• John Holmberg and Larry McFeely participate in selecting songs, debating the merits of various bands, and predicting outcomes based on current events and personal preferences.

Notable Quote:

"[154:22] John Holmberg: Let's ban we are the champions some of that low hanging fruit."
— John Holmberg [154:22]

f. Entertainment and Current Events

The hosts touch upon recent entertainment news, including live performances, celebrity incidents, and humorous takes on pop culture.

• Larry McFeely discusses comedian Theo Vaughn's altercation:

  "[162:35] Larry McFeely: A guy walks up to him with like, Happy birthday balloons, and things don't go well. And then Theo grabs him by the throat and starts fighting him."

• Brady Bogen comments on celebrity behaviors and media portrayals:

  "[168:05] Brady: Kim Kardashian wore seven million dollars in diamonds to testify against the men who tied her up and stole her jewelry in Paris in 2016."

Notable Quote:

"[137:50] Larry McFeely: Fulton. Fulton." (Contextual humor surrounding a rapid sequence of events)

3. Conclusion

The May 14, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness successfully blends humor with serious topics, engaging listeners through relatable anecdotes and spirited debates. From personal space invasions to the ethical considerations of sports fame, the hosts offer a dynamic and entertaining start to the day. The infusion of interactive segments like "Rock Wars" and candid discussions about current events ensures that both regular and new listeners find value and amusement in each episode.

Notable Quotes Summary:

1. "[05:43] Larry McFeely: If someone is talking to somebody and their hand is on your breastbone, pushing. If there's pressure on your chest in a conversation, you're too close."

2. "[19:18] Brady: Right? And you finally got to the point where like, well, why am I doing this? I wanna, I want out right now."

3. "[101:20] John Holmberg: You're not allowed in the hall of Fame ever. Your accomplishments can be recognized, but it's going to be written on your plaque for the reasons of gambling on the game while being involved in it."

4. "[85:03] Larry McFeely: It's impossible to read. It's not a story."

5. "[154:22] John Holmberg: Let's ban we are the champions some of that low hanging fruit."

These quotes encapsulate the show's blend of humor, critique, and candid conversations, reflecting the hosts' dynamic interactions and diverse range of topics.