Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 06-04-25
Release Date: June 4, 2025
Host: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio
Title: What Age Will Parents Let Kids Stay Home Alone - Would Brady Go White Water Rafting w/Kirby - BO

Introduction

In this lively episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg, along with his co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Cody Toledo, delves into the pertinent topic of the appropriate age for children to stay home alone. The discussion seamlessly transitions into personal anecdotes and spirited debates about adventurous activities, notably white water rafting with a family member. The episode is peppered with humor, relatable stories, and insightful commentary, making it engaging for listeners navigating similar parenting dilemmas.

Main Discussion: What Age Will Parents Let Kids Stay Home Alone

The episode kicks off with Brady introducing a survey about parental comfort levels in leaving their children home alone. Brett shares intriguing statistics, stating, "14% of adults in this survey said they would be comfortable leaving their 13-year-old home alone for the weekend" (01:12).

Personal Anecdotes and Perspectives:

Brady reflects on his own upbringing, reminiscing, "If you've done a good job, that's pretty good. If you have a dumb kid... I think my sister was an idiot. And when I turned 13, suddenly we were allowed to do whatever we wanted" (01:21). This highlights the balance between a child's maturity and parental trust.

Cody shares his experience as a latchkey kid, stating, "Early on we had the electric skillet out. I could do Hamburger Helper" (01:56). This emphasizes the practical skills children often develop when left to their own devices.

Trust and Community Influence:

The conversation shifts to the importance of trust and the influence of community judgment. Brittany challenges, "Do you trust Kirby to stay a weekend by herself? That's a no" (02:47). Brady counters by questioning societal perceptions, "The bigger fear is that what would other people think of you?" (03:09). This underscores the underlying social pressures that impact parental decisions.

Safety Measures and Modern Concerns:

Brady humorously compares past and present safety measures, mentioning, "We didn't have the access to the thing. Like if our parents left, we couldn't call them every five minutes" (03:42). Cody adds, "Didn't have an airtag every 10 minutes" (03:54), highlighting how technology has changed the dynamics of children being home alone.

Conclusion on Parenting Choices:

The hosts collectively acknowledge the challenges parents face in making these decisions, balancing trust, safety, and societal expectations. The discussion wraps up with reflections on personal experiences and the evolving landscape of parenting in the digital age.

Lighthearted Interlude: Pain Pills and Parenting

Shifting gears, the conversation takes a humorous turn as Brady discusses an unexpected influx of requests for pain pills from middle-aged mothers. He quips, "Every mother of three between the age of 35 and 45... begging me, 'Are you gonna use all your pain pills?'" (08:25). This segment blends humor with social commentary on opioid misuse and the stereotypes surrounding it.

Notable Exchanges:

• Brady jokes about his overwhelmed state: "I'm the sexiest man in Gilbert... just go and rattle that little thing that says caution opioids on top" (08:27).

• Diana calls out the issue, saying, "He's got opioids in his pocket" (12:22), to which Brady responds with playful deflection.

This segment serves as both comedic relief and a subtle critique of societal issues related to medication misuse.

Adventure Talk: White Water Rafting with Kirby

Towards the latter part of the episode, the hosts engage in an animated discussion about embarking on white water rafting adventures, specifically contemplating whether Brady would take Kirby on such a trip.

Debate Highlights:

• Brady expresses skepticism: "I don't see you guys going on any white river rafting adventures soon... That's what I'm talking about" (29:51).

• Brett counters by recalling past experiences, "I remember I was probably 14 when I went on my first trip down the new river... I've done it five times" (27:00).

• The conversation includes playful banter about the physical challenges and safety concerns of rafting, such as, "When a truck hits, does she bring up your accident when that happens?" (16:44).

Perspectives on Adventure and Family:

The hosts discuss the balance between adventure and safety, with Brady emphasizing caution: "I don't know what you're being so machismo over here. Hey, it's not weird. It's pretty cool, actually" (30:32). Brett reminisces about past rafting experiences, indicating a willingness to embrace such activities despite Brady's reservations.

Conclusion on Rafting Plans:

The segment concludes with tentative plans and friendly disagreements about the feasibility and enjoyment of white water rafting trips, highlighting the camaraderie and differing viewpoints among the hosts.

Additional Topics and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in various side discussions that add depth and humor to the conversation:

• Nightclub Promotions and Misogyny: Brett brings up a controversial promotion by an Australian nightclub, leading to discussions about marketing ethics and societal perceptions of women (20:00).

• Ride-Sharing Safety: The hosts debate the merits and safety of a new ride-sharing app called Black Wolf, which includes armed drivers (22:59). Brady humorously critiques the concept, questioning its practicality and safety implications.

• Driving Experiences: Brady shares a personal story about nearly getting his car stuck in the Salt River, highlighting the perils of reckless driving and the importance of vehicle control (06:55).

These interludes provide a multifaceted view of the hosts' personalities and the show's dynamic, making the episode both informative and entertaining.

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully balances serious discussions about parenting and safety with lighthearted banter and humorous anecdotes. By intertwining personal stories with broader societal issues, the hosts offer listeners both relatable content and thoughtful insights. Whether you're a parent contemplating the right age to leave your child alone or someone interested in adventurous activities with family, this episode delivers a compelling and enjoyable listening experience.

Notable Quotes

• Brady Bogen: "If you've done a good job, that's pretty good. If you have a dumb kid... I think my sister was an idiot. And when I turned 13, suddenly we were allowed to do whatever we wanted." (01:21)

• Bret Vesely: "14% of adults in this survey said they would be comfortable leaving their 13-year-old home alone for the weekend." (01:12)

• Brady Bogen: "The bigger fear is that what would other people think of you?" (03:09)

• Brady Bogen: "I'm the sexiest man in Gilbert... just go and rattle that little thing that says caution opioids on top." (08:27)

• Brady Bogen: "I don't see you guys going on any white river rafting adventures soon... That's what I'm talking about." (29:51)

Timestamps Reference

• 01:09 - Brett greets listeners.
• 01:12 - Introduction of survey statistics on kids staying home alone.
• 01:21 - Brady shares personal anecdotes about trust and childhood.
• 02:47 - Discussion on trusting children to stay home alone.
• 03:09 - Brady talks about societal judgment on parenting choices.
• 08:25 - Brady discusses the influx of pain pill requests.
• 12:22 - Diana points out Brady's opioids.
• 20:00 - Discussion on nightclub promotion and misogyny.
• 22:59 - Introduction of Black Wolf ride-sharing app.
• 27:00 - Brett reminisces about first rafting trip.
• 29:51 - Brady discusses white water rafting plans.
• 30:27 - Brady expresses reservations about rafting with Kirby.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the podcast transcript and are included to highlight key moments within the episode.