Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (05-19-25)

Host and Show Details

• Title: Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
• Host: John Holmberg
• Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
• Station: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio
• Release Date: May 19, 2025
• Description: Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show where John Holmberg and his team entertain, question, and occasionally disturb listeners with engaging discussions and insightful commentary.

1. Apology to Native Grill for Abusing 10 Cent Wings

Timestamp Highlights:

• [01:44] John Holmberg: Introduces the main topics, including reminiscing about past experiences.
• [02:54] Brett Vesely: Responds affirmatively, transitioning into the discussion about 10 cent wings.
• [05:24] John Holmberg: Reflects on past indulgences and the impact on Native New Yorker’s business.

Summary: The episode opens with John Holmberg reflecting nostalgically on his youth, specifically his experiences with the Native New Yorker restaurant's infamous 10 cent wings. He recounts how he and his friends would frequent the establishment every Wednesday right after school, enjoying large quantities of wings and beverages despite their modest budgets.

Key Points:

• Volume and Quality: Holmberg describes the overwhelming volume of wings served, often not cooked to order, leading to inconsistent quality. “The wings weren't very big. But 10 cent wings, they were,” he shares at [02:55].
• Impact on Staff: The high demand and low pricing led to burnout among waitstaff, resulting in high turnover rates. Holmberg laments, “The management and the turnover at that place… They were losing staff weekly” ([06:23]).
• Personal Regret: Feeling guilty about past behaviors, Holmberg issues a heartfelt apology to the restaurant staff for their relentless patronage. “I need to go back to apologize to all… we abused for salad and soup day,” he admits at [05:26].
• Economic Strain: The low pricing model, while attracting a young crowd, placed significant financial strain on the restaurant, contributing to its eventual decline. “This place is just... It was packed, but they canceled it after 25 weeks” ([08:25]).

Notable Quote:

“We should have tipped them like we were at stake 44. It should have been 30 bucks for a bill for a party of 10.”
— John Holmberg [06:23]

2. Discussion on Antinatalism and the Fertility Clinic Bombing

Timestamp Highlights:

• [20:00] John Holmberg: Transitions to discussing a recent tragic event involving antinatalism.
• [20:38] Bret Vesely: Introduces the subject of a man bombing a fertility clinic.
• [21:19] John Holmberg: Delves deeper into the motivations and philosophy of the bomber.

Summary: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing a disturbing incident where a man bombed a fertility clinic in California, driven by antinatalist beliefs. Antinatalism is a philosophical stance opposing procreation, asserting that bringing new life into existence is morally wrong due to the inherent suffering it brings.

Key Points:

• Motive of the Bomber: The individual believed that fetuses did not consent to being born and viewed existence as a perpetual cycle of suffering. Holmberg explains, “He’s against all pregnancy because the baby never had a choice to be here” ([20:02]).
• Philosophical Debate: The hosts engage in a philosophical debate about the validity and extremity of antinatalist views. While acknowledging some philosophical merit, they criticize the bomber’s violent approach. “But he is the most empathetic human on the planet. He’s a little bit dark, cloudy for my taste,” Holmberg reflects ([26:32]).
• Mental Health Concerns: There's an underlying discussion on the bomber’s mental state, suggesting that extreme depression and nihilism may have driven him to commit such an act. “He’s got some psychological crazy going on there,” Holmberg comments ([30:02]).
• Broader Implications: The episode touches on the potential rise of antinatalist movements influencing others, posing questions about societal impacts. “Now that he’s out there, I bet there’s going to be a bunch of… antinatalists who think the baby never had a choice,” Holmberg warns ([20:38]).

Notable Quote:

“Bringing something into this world that inevitably is going to suffer and die isn't fair to that thing.”
— John Holmberg [21:19]

3. Mexican Navy's Flagpole Sitter Incident

Timestamp Highlights:

• [20:00] John Holmberg: Briefly mentions the Mexican Navy needing a flagpole sitter.
• [41:22] John Holmberg & Bret Vesely: Discuss historical flagpole sitting and its dangers.
• [46:57] Bret Vesely: Connects the discussion to a local flagpole sitting record.

Summary: In a lighter yet intriguing segment, Holmberg and his co-hosts delve into the peculiar tradition of flagpole sitting, particularly in the context of the Mexican Navy needing a flagpole sitter to spot a bridge. They explore the dangers and historical anecdotes related to this practice.

Key Points:

• Historical Practice: The hosts reminisce about flagpole sitting as a form of endurance and spectacle, highlighting its risks. Holmberg notes, “There was a dude sitting on top of that Mexican navy ship going bridge, that’s all it would have taken” ([47:04]).
• Accidents and Risks: They recount incidents where flagpole sitters have fallen or been injured, emphasizing the physical dangers involved. “I remember when the flagpole broke… he died,” Holmberg mentions ([46:02]).
• Cultural Impact: The discussion touches on how flagpole sitting was perceived in different eras, often linked to notions of toughness and spectacle. “They were entertaining because our ancestors were really dumb and easily entertained,” Holmberg jokes ([42:47]).
• Local Records: Brett Vesely brings up a local record holder from Phoenix who broke a flagpole sitting record in Boston during the 1970s, adding a personal connection to the story ([46:50]).

Notable Quote:

“We are the first that I’m gonna go ahead and say that we… Keep it up pretty quick.”
— John Holmberg [42:47]

4. Additional Discussions and Banter

Timestamp Highlights:

• Throughout the Episode: Various interjections, humorous exchanges, and tangents related to personal anecdotes and opinions.
• [27:23] John Holmberg: Engages in a humorous discourse on sperm and egg interactions, tying it back to the antinatalist conversation.
• [39:42] Brett Vesely & John Holmberg: Share lighthearted banter about children’s complaints and existential statements.

Summary: Beyond the main topics, the hosts engage in lively banter and share personal stories, adding humor and relatability to the episode. They discuss everything from the mechanics of human reproduction in a playful manner to nostalgic memories of school and friendships.

Key Points:

• Philosophical Humor: Holmberg uses humor to dissect complex topics like antinatalism, making the conversation accessible and entertaining. For instance, he muses, “If you want to make friends, I got to pay you guys,” blending humor with philosophical inquiry ([27:21]).
• Personal Anecdotes: The hosts share memories of their younger days, including experiences at restaurants and dealing with friendships, grounding the discussion in personal context.
• Listener Engagement: The show maintains an interactive tone, addressing hypothetical scenarios and engaging with hypothetical listener questions, fostering a sense of community.

Notable Quote:

“We don't know when or how. Are you willing to do that? I might tell the… I might not sign that paper if I was an embryo.”
— John Holmberg [33:33]

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends nostalgia with serious contemporary issues, offering listeners both entertaining anecdotes and thoughtful discussions. From sincere apologies for past indulgences to dissecting the troubling philosophy of antinatalism, the hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging narrative that resonates with a diverse Arizona audience.

Overall Notable Quote:

“If you went to the grocery store and saw a steak, and next to it was another steak, and one steak was ten dollars, and one steak was eight cents, you'd ask questions...”
— John Holmberg [09:10]

This quote encapsulates the show's ability to intertwine personal stories with broader societal observations, making it a must-listen for those seeking both entertainment and insight.