Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Episode Summary: June 5, 2025

Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD delivers another engaging episode hosted by John Holmberg, featuring his co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo. This episode, released on June 5, 2025, delves into community initiatives, pop culture insights, and listener interactions, all while maintaining the show's signature blend of humor and thought-provoking discussions.

Operation Hydration: Community Outreach in Maryvale

The episode kicks off with John Holmberg and Bret Vesely discussing their ongoing community service project, Operation Hydration, aimed at collecting water donations for the Phoenix Rescue Mission. Brett is stationed at 83rd Avenue and Camelback in the vibrant (and humorously mispronounced "violent") village of Maryvale.

John Holmberg (02:05): "Maryvale is today's word. Because that's where Brett is standing for Operation Hydration today."

Brett highlights the generous contributions from local businesses such as Lerner Row, Amco, Safeway, and Albertson's. He shares anecdotes about interactions with donors, including a humorous exchange with a contributor who arrived with a family member only to have his donation handled by his daughter.

Brett Vesely (28:43): "He's got some Steeler memorabilia he wants to give you. So I'll be bringing that back to the station."

The team emphasizes the importance of corporate support to reach their ambitious goal of collecting a million bottles by Labor Day. They also engage listeners with promotional giveaways, encouraging text-ins with "Maryvale" as the keyword to win prizes ranging from gift certificates to pool tables.

National Moonshine Day: The Dukes of Hazzard and Anti-Heroes

Transitioning to the Brady Report, Brady Bogen introduces the segment by celebrating National Moonshine Day. This leads to an in-depth discussion about the iconic TV show The Dukes of Hazzard and its portrayal of anti-heroes.

John Holmberg (08:56): "We were rooting for the antihero. Boss Hogg was right."

The hosts draw parallels between the Duke boys and modern anti-heroes like those in The Sopranos and Breaking Bad, exploring why audiences often sympathize with characters who operate outside the law.

Brett Vesely (10:03): "They never really got in a feud with other Brady. They just kept you away with flaming bows and arrows."

They humorously critique the show’s portrayal of the protagonists’ proficiency with bows and arrows instead of firearms, attributing it to fictional regulations that mirrored real-world gun control debates.

Listener Interactions and Pop Culture Commentary

The episode features lively interactions with listeners, including a humorous segment where a caller debates whether Anne Frank could be considered an anti-hero. The hosts firmly dismiss this notion, reinforcing Anne Frank’s status as a true hero.

John Holmberg (21:07): "She's a hero, representative of millions of heroes. Read a book."

Additionally, the hosts discuss trending topics such as the introduction of "Awesome Sauce" flavor for Goldfish Crackers and an astonishing story about a Code Blue CPR company installing a defibrillator at Everest Base Camp, which subsequently saved a life three weeks after installation.

Historical Anecdotes and Fun Facts

Brady Bogen shares intriguing historical tidbits, including the invention of the shopping cart in 1937 by Sylvan Goldman and the peculiar standards for divorce in 1300s England, where a man’s impotence was scrutinized as a means for women to file for divorce.

Brett Vesely (11:46): "There was a person that had that job, you know, I got results."

These segments blend education with entertainment, providing listeners with unusual and lesser-known facts that spark curiosity and conversation.

Humorous Banter and On-Air Antics

The hosts maintain a light-hearted and humorous dynamic throughout the episode. A memorable moment involves a playful debate over misspelling "Maryvale" as "Maryville," leading to mockery of the residents and a tongue-in-cheek suggestion to alter the town's signage.

John Holmberg (05:24): "But it says on the sign, welcome to the vibrant village. A vibrant village. And you can see it says violent."

Further humor ensues as the hosts interact with a guest, Joey V, who grapples with his wife's attempts to declutter his Steelers memorabilia, resulting in comical negotiations and witty exchanges.

Closing Remarks and Ongoing Initiatives

As the episode concludes, John Holmberg reiterates the importance of supporting Operation Hydration and encourages listeners to participate by donating water or contributing financially to sustain the initiative.

John Holmberg (31:59): "Safeway, 83rd Avenue, and Camelback. Drop off your donation of water for Operation Hydration from the Phoenix Rescue Mission."

The hosts wrap up by promoting upcoming giveaways, including a significant prize package for a man cave upgrade, and tease future segments, ensuring listeners are engaged and motivated to tune in regularly.

Notable Quotes:

• John Holmberg (02:05): "Maryvale is today's word... because that's where Brett is standing for Operation Hydration today."

• Brett Vesely (28:43): "He's got some Steeler memorabilia he wants to give you. So I'll be bringing that back to the station."

• John Holmberg (08:56): "We were rooting for the antihero. Boss Hogg was right."

• John Holmberg (21:07): "She's a hero, representative of millions of heroes. Read a book."

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness exemplifies the show's commitment to community involvement, insightful pop culture analysis, and engaging listener interactions, all delivered with the hosts' characteristic humor and camaraderie.