Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Summary
Episode: May 16, 2025
Guests: Craig Shoemaker & Samantha Hale
Host/Authors: Larry McFeely & Dick Toledo
Location: Tempe Improv – In Studio

Welcome and Guest Introduction

In this vibrant episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona’s #1 Morning Radio Show, hosts Larry McFeely and Dick Toledo welcome comedian Craig Shoemaker and his guest, Samantha Hale, to the Tempe Improv studio. The introduction sets a playful tone as Larry quips about Craig’s unconventional way of introducing Samantha, highlighting the show’s signature blend of humor and camaraderie.

• Larry McFeely [01:51]: "It's Craig Shoemaker. He's at the Tempe Improv here this week and he's joined us and he's brought a guest, Samantha Hale I'm just going to throw the junior in there."
• Dick Toledo [02:23]: "She's been warned by the way."

Behind the Scenes: Meeting Samantha Hale

As the conversation unfolds, Dick shares an amusing anecdote about their first collaboration with Craig at a pandemic-era comedy show held at Harrison Ford's former backyard. The story revolves around a disruptive moment caused by a loud fart, which became a memorable highlight for the trio.

• Dick Toledo [05:17]: "And during an act right before Samantha goes on and me, it was unbelievable. And he was really far away. He farted. It was the loudest fart you ever heard."

This lighthearted exchange underscores the spontaneous and unpredictable nature of live comedy, fostering a relaxed atmosphere for the guests and listeners alike.

Samantha Hale: Legacy and Comedy Journey

Samantha Hale, introduced as the granddaughter of Alan Hale (the Skipper from "Gilligan’s Island"), delves into her personal background. She reminisces about her cherished memories with her grandfather, emphasizing his positive influence and the absence of any scandalous tales.

• Samantha Hale [12:05]: "I have memories of hanging out with him and, like, he had these two little poodles. We..."

Samantha also discusses her foray into comedy, inspired by strong, opinionated female comedians she admired at the Laugh Factory. Her passion led her to enroll in a comedy class, marking the beginning of her career in stand-up.

• Samantha Hale [16:37]: "I was doing the acting thing. I thought, this is what I have to do or I have to carry on the family name... I signed."

The Birth of 'Horror Nerd'

Samantha introduces her unique comedy show, "Horror Nerd," which exclusively features scary movie-themed performances. Each episode adheres to a specific horror theme, creating a niche yet captivating format that appeals to horror enthusiasts.

• Samantha Hale [18:43]: "I run a show called Horror Nerd. There's no W in front of. It's a show where every comedy set is only allowed to talk about scary movies. There's a theme for each one."

Upcoming shows include special editions like "Scream Queens", featuring guest appearances from industry insiders such as Mickey Yablanz, whose father produced the iconic "Scream" film.

• Samantha Hale [19:16]: "Next month we're doing the show and we're doing the Scream Queens edition... It's his birthday party show, which is exciting."

Deep Dive into Horror Cinema

The hosts and guests engage in an enthusiastic discussion about classic horror films, particularly the "Scream" series. Craig shares his experiences working on "Scream 2," recounting memorable interactions with director Wes Craven and the film’s chilling origins.

• Dick Toledo [21:00]: "Heather Langenkamp, Beautiful mind of sick minds. That's how he is."
• Larry McFeely [22:19]: "How cool is that?"

Their conversation touches upon the psychological depth of horror narratives, the evolution of franchises, and the genuine fear elicited by early installments like "Freddy's Nightmare."

Personal Anecdotes and Comedic Insights

Craig and Samantha share personal stories from their careers, highlighting the challenges and humorous moments in the entertainment industry. Craig recounts his brief stint in a low-budget horror film, "Tomcat Angels," and the awkward experiences that led to its cancellation.

• Dick Toledo [35:33]: "It's called Tomcat Angels... And then the new director was the producer writer. And it's the worst thing you've ever seen."

Samantha reflects on her grandfather's enduring legacy and how it shapes her identity both personally and professionally.

• Samantha Hale [30:01]: "The hat is. Sherwood Schwartz had that bronze and it was put on his desk."

Collaborative Dynamics and Future Plans

The episode highlights the dynamic collaboration between the hosts and their guests. Dick praises Samantha's role in opening the show, while Larry emphasizes the seamless teamwork that makes their performances enjoyable.

• Dick Toledo [18:01]: "Known each other about four years, I think."
• Larry McFeely [33:06]: "Prioritize laughter."

They also discuss upcoming shows and special events, encouraging listeners to attend and support live comedy.

Conclusion and Final Remarks

Wrapping up, Larry and Dick extend their gratitude to Craig and Samantha for their participation, reinforcing the importance of laughter and camaraderie in their comedic endeavors. The episode concludes on a high note with light-hearted jokes and a reaffirmation of their shared commitment to bringing joy to their audience.

• Dick Toledo [33:25]: "Stop it. Stop being filthy."
• Larry McFeely [34:03]: "Look what time it is. Look what you've done again. Craig."

Notable Quotes:

• Dick Toledo [05:17]: "And he was really far away. He farted. It was the loudest fart you ever heard."
• Samantha Hale [18:43]: "I run a show called Horror Nerd..."
• Dick Toledo [33:25]: "Stop it. Stop being filthy."

Key Takeaways:

• Holmberg's Morning Sickness continues to deliver engaging and humorous content, seamlessly blending guest interactions with insightful discussions.
• Craig Shoemaker and Samantha Hale bring unique perspectives from their experiences in comedy and the horror genre, enriching the show’s dynamic.
• The emphasis on laughter and camaraderie underscores the show's mission to entertain and connect with its listeners.

For those who missed this lively episode, Craig Shoemaker's performances can be enjoyed live at the Tempe Improv, with upcoming shows promising more laughter and horror-themed hilarity. Tune in to 98KUPD weekdays from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. or visit 98KUPD.com to catch the latest episodes of Holmberg's Morning Sickness.