Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 06-10-25 Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg, along with co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delve into a series of engaging and provocative topics. The primary focus revolves around a recent incident involving a Mommy Empowerment Group that required rescue after hiking Camelback Mountain in extreme heat. Additionally, the hosts discuss the upcoming military parade in honor of Donald Trump's birthday and reminisce about childhood memories sparked by an ice cream truck encounter involving a special needs child.

Camelback Mountain Rescue

Timestamp: 02:09 - 16:07

The episode kicks off with a detailed discussion about a recent rescue operation on Camelback Mountain. A Mommy Empowerment Group ventured up the mountain during a scorching 108-degree day and found themselves in dire conditions, necessitating the intervention of firefighters.

Key Points:

• Incident Overview: Four members of the Mommy Empowerment Group were injured due to heat exhaustion during their hike.
• Rescue Efforts: Over 100 firefighters were deployed, utilizing large wheels and helicopters to assist the stranded hikers.
• Host Reactions: Bret Vesely expresses skepticism about labeling the rescue as a "success," emphasizing the inherent dangers involved. He comments, "Nobody did great. If you're on the Big Wheel and the fire department is surrounding your big Wheel on the trip down the mountain, it wasn't a good hike" (Bret, 07:23).

Notable Quotes:

• Bret Vesely: "It's a bad hike. I don't know about, you know, Everest, but if you lose four in a day, it's a bad hike."
• Holmberg's Critique: "Any kind of mom puts themselves and everybody else at risk. Climbing up a mountain when it's 108 degrees."

Discussion Highlights:

• Safety Concerns: The hosts debate the prudence of attempting such hikes in extreme temperatures, highlighting the risks not only to participants but also to first responders.
• Empowerment vs. Practicality: There is a clear tension between the idea of empowerment through challenging activities and the practical outcomes, especially when things go awry.
• Financial Implications: The conversation touches on the financial burden of rescues, questioning who should bear the cost when empowerment activities lead to emergencies.

Critique of Mommy Empowerment Groups

Timestamp: 16:06 - 27:46

The hosts transition into a candid critique of Mommy Empowerment Groups, especially in the context of the recent Camelback Mountain incident.

Key Points:

• Derogatory Language: Bret and Brady frequently use dismissive and derogatory terms to describe the group, referring to them as "chicks," "broads," and questioning the efficacy of their empowerment efforts.
• Perception of Empowerment: The hosts argue that such groups are impractical and often lead to unnecessary risks, as evidenced by the rescue operation.
• Gender Dynamics: There's an underlying commentary on gender roles, with the hosts suggesting that men are more reliable and effective in crisis situations, implicitly undermining the empowerment narrative of the women involved.

Notable Quotes:

• Bret Vesely: "Don't encourage this. Don't say it's a women's power. Look... it's a bad woman's movement."
• John Holmberg: "What's with these broads? Any kind of mom puts themselves and everybody else at risk."

Discussion Highlights:

• Skepticism Towards Empowerment Initiatives: The hosts express doubt about the true benefits of empowerment groups, arguing that they may prioritize image over safety and practicality.
• Responsibility and Accountability: There's a call for better planning and accountability within such groups to prevent future incidents.
• Cultural Commentary: The conversation reflects broader societal debates about gender roles and the value placed on different forms of empowerment and community activities.

Trump's Military Parade

Timestamp: 28:02 - 32:29

Shifting gears, the discussion moves to the announcement of a military parade celebrating Donald Trump's birthday scheduled for the upcoming Saturday.

Key Points:

• Details of the Parade: The hosts speculate on the scale and nature of the parade, drawing parallels to past military events and expressing mixed feelings about its significance.
• Personal Reflections: Bret shares nostalgic sentiments about military parades from his youth, juxtaposing them with his adult perspective, where he acknowledges potential overreach, especially the aspect of the military saluting the president.
• Political Undertones: There is a subtle critique of conflating military displays with political favoritism, likening the gesture to authoritarian figures like Kim Jong Un.

Notable Quotes:

• Bret Vesely: "It's very Kim Jong Un to stand up there on your birthday and have the military march by and salute you."
• John Holmberg: "It's the 250th anniversary of the army."

Discussion Highlights:

• Nostalgia vs. Modern Reality: The hosts reminisce about past military parades, contrasting them with the anticipated spectacle, questioning the contemporary relevance and appropriateness.
• Mixed Emotions: While some express excitement, others question the necessity and potential implications of such a grand display.
• Cultural Significance: The parade is discussed in the context of national pride, military honor, and political messaging.

Ice Cream Trucks and Childhood Memories

Timestamp: 32:07 - 50:01

The episode takes a nostalgic turn as the hosts discuss the role of ice cream trucks in childhood and a poignant story involving a special needs child.

Key Points:

• Special Needs Child's Experience: A story is shared about an autistic child who had never seen an ice cream truck before, highlighting issues of accessibility and inclusion in community activities.
• Hosts' Recollections: Bret and Brady reminisce about their own childhood interactions with ice cream men, contrasting past vibrant experiences with the more subdued reality in modern Arizona.
• Cultural Shift: The conversation touches on how ice cream trucks, once a staple of childhood joy, have become less prevalent or exciting in certain communities due to various social factors.

Notable Quotes:

• Bret Vesely: "If you don't know what an ice cream man is, you're not living a full childhood."
• John Holmberg: "I remember that dude. Yep. And he wasn't nice either."

Discussion Highlights:

• Nostalgia for Simpler Times: The hosts express a longing for the days when ice cream trucks were a ubiquitous and eagerly anticipated part of summer.
• Challenges Faced by Ice Cream Vendors: The difficulties of operating in extreme heat and the dwindling demand are discussed, shedding light on a diminishing cultural phenomenon.
• Special Needs and Community Integration: The story of the autistic child underscores the importance of inclusive community activities and the impact of seemingly small events on individuals with special needs.

Concluding Thoughts and Additional Discussions

Timestamp: 50:35 - End

The episode wraps up with a blend of humor and continued reflections on societal behaviors.

Key Points:

• Humorous Takes: The hosts share anecdotes and jokes about ice cream trucks, Mommy Empowerment Groups, and personal quirks, maintaining the show's characteristic humorous tone.
• Final Reflections: There is a mix of genuine concern for the safety of the Mommy Empowerment Group and light-hearted banter about personal preferences and amusing scenarios.
• Upcoming Attractions: References to National Iced Tea Day and other cultural touchstones add to the episode's eclectic mix of topics.

Notable Quotes:

• Bret Vesely: "If you don't like it, I'll blow you."
• Brady Bogen: "It's a great feeling in the world, though."

Discussion Highlights:

• Balancing Humor with Serious Topics: The hosts skillfully navigate between addressing serious incidents and maintaining an entertaining, comedic dialogue.
• Cultural Observations: Remarks about everyday phenomena like iced tea and local businesses like Postino's offer listeners relatable content intertwined with the show's overarching themes.

Conclusion

This episode of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" offers a dynamic blend of current events, personal anecdotes, and unfiltered commentary. The primary focus on the Camelback Mountain rescue serves as a springboard for broader discussions about empowerment groups, societal roles, and nostalgic reflections on childhood experiences. Through candid conversations and humorous exchanges, the hosts engage listeners in contemplating the balance between ambition, safety, and cultural evolution.

Note: The episode contains strong opinions and language that may be considered offensive by some listeners. The perspectives shared are those of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect objective facts or universal viewpoints.