Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: June 11, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Release Date: June 11, 2025

1. Influencing Listener Vocabulary: The Revival of "Broad"

Timestamp: 00:30 - 03:06

The episode kicks off with a humorous discussion about how co-host Brett Bogen has reintroduced the term "broad" into the hosts' everyday vocabulary. John Holmberg shares a listener's anecdote:

John Holmberg [02:32]: "As we were leaving, my wife says to me, 'God, those people behind us were so annoying.' And almost subconsciously I replied back with, 'Yeah, especially the broad.'"

Brett defends his frequent use of the term, explaining its "gravitas" and how it has organically seeped into their conversations, much to John's chagrin.

Brett Bogan [03:06]: "But Brett has reintroduced the word broad into my life like Sinatra's in the room."

The hosts laugh off the situation, emphasizing the playful dynamics of their interactions.

2. Contest Alert: Man Cave Upgrade

Timestamp: 03:06 - 04:22

John Holmberg announces the final day to qualify for their Man Cave Upgrade Contest. The grand prize includes a pool table that converts to a ping-pong table, an air hockey table, a ceramic charcoal smoker, a garage floor coating, and generous gift cards from Prestige Billiards, Twin Peaks, and Men's Health.

Brett Bogan [03:06]: "That's yours too. You're a big influence on people, Brett. Be careful."

The hosts encourage listeners to participate by texting the keyword "cornstick" to 97936, highlighting the contest's appeal to local Arizona businesses and the community spirit of 98 KUPD.

3. Power of Phone: Enhancing Security Post-Mortem

Timestamp: 04:22 - 07:12

Brady introduces the concept of a "legacy contact" as Apple’s approach to posthumous phone access:

Brady [04:22]: "It's not a kill switch, but it's called a legacy contact. It is someone who can get into your phone, and you've entrusted them."

Brett and Brady debate the practicality and potential pitfalls of this feature, humorously imagining scenarios where spouses access deceased partners' photos and data.

Brett Bogan [05:08]: "There's no saving you. Your friends are the ones. Whoever you interacted with. That's it."

They further discuss the implications of phone security, especially in the context of protecting one's digital legacy from unwanted access.

4. National Cornbread Day Meets Cornstick Confusion

Timestamp: 09:08 - 22:50

The hosts delve into the celebration of National Cornbread Day (referred to humorously as "Cornstick Day"). The term "cornstick" becomes a recurring joke, with Brett expressing his unfamiliarity and dismissing it as "hillbilly nonsense."

Brett Bogan [09:09]: "It's a weird combination."

Listeners engage in the conversation, debating whether "cornstick" refers to cornbread baked in ear-shaped molds or if it's simply a misnomer for "corn on the cob." The confusion leads to lighthearted ribbing among the hosts about regional terminology differences.

Brett Bogan [15:19]: "Corn stick for the dude in the Mountain Dew cans in the '70s. That's the hillbillies think that's hillbilly."

5. AI in Dating: A Double-Edged Sword

Timestamp: 18:06 - 21:32

Dick Toledo shares insights from the 14th Annual Singles in America Report, highlighting that 26% of singles are utilizing AI to enhance their dating profiles. The discussion touches on AI-assisted profile creation and response generation, raising concerns about authenticity.

Dick Toledo [16:02]: "One in six have used the AI in the fill-in romantic companion part of it."

Brett and Brady express skepticism about the effectiveness and sincerity of AI-driven dating, questioning whether it leads to meaningful connections or superficial interactions.

Brett Bogan [18:29]: "You're going to disappoint someone greatly."

They share anecdotes about AI-generated content that falls flat, emphasizing the importance of genuine human interaction in forming relationships.

6. The Legend of Cowboy Cody: A Local Icon

Timestamp: 24:10 - 40:30

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the fictional character Cowboy Cody, a Kentucky man notorious for his eccentric behavior. Brett narrates Cody's antics, including releasing a wild raccoon into a bar after being thrown out due to intoxication.

Brett Bogan [25:37]: "Cowboy Cody sparks our latest legendary character."

The co-hosts humorously dissect Cowboy Cody's misadventures, portraying him as a symbol of unruly behavior exacerbated by alcohol. The narrative includes imaginary courtroom dramas, interactions with law enforcement, and Cody's relentless attempts to reclaim his mule—a metaphor for his chaotic lifestyle.

Brett Bogan [27:33]: "Cowboy Cody's revenge."

The segment culminates in an exaggerated portrayal of Cody's influence, suggesting his suitability for hosting a morning show due to his colorful persona.

7. Wendy's Baconator Cheez Its: A Flavor Explosion

Timestamp: 29:12 - 43:00

The hosts enthusiastically discuss the latest Wendy's Baconator Cheez Its. Brett describes the snack as tasting "like a full burger," while Brady jokes about its flavor profile being dominated by bacon and cheese.

Dick Toledo [29:18]: "Baconator Cheez Its, how available."

They speculate about the product's marketing strategy, including potential cross-promotions and limited-time offers. The conversation is interspersed with playful banter about the overwhelming presence of bacon flavors in contemporary snacks.

Brett Bogan [29:46]: "Cheez. It tastes like a full burger."

The segment highlights the hosts' knack for blending product discussions with their trademark humor, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners.

8. Unique Cremation Methods: Boil in a Bag

Timestamp: 22:10 - 23:53

Dick Toledo introduces an unconventional cremation method gaining traction in the UK called "Boil in a Bag." This process involves using alkaline water and high temperatures to liquefy a body, resulting in an effluent that resembles tea or ale.

Dick Toledo [22:23]: "Bodies are loaded into a pressure vessel and liquefied."

The hosts debate the ethical and practical implications of such a method, contrasting it with traditional cremation. Brett finds the concept "pretty neat," while Brady muses about the bizarre visual outcomes.

Brett Bogan [23:10]: "That's kind of crazy. Flush you."

The discussion underscores the podcast's tendency to explore unconventional topics with a blend of curiosity and irreverence.

9. Call-In Stories & Listener Engagement: Hippo Farts and More

Timestamp: 37:16 - 44:35

Listeners contribute outrageous stories, including videos of hippos emitting gas, man-eating sharks, and other viral content. The hosts react with a mix of disbelief and amusement, critiquing the authenticity of such clips.

Brett Bogan [38:12]: "You know how I know that's not real? The dude with the camera doesn't move."

They also revisit the ongoing saga of Cowboy Cody, integrating listener feedback and escalating the mythos around the character through animated storytelling.

10. Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Contest Reminder

Timestamp: 47:25 - 49:51

As the episode nears its end, Brett reiterates the last chance to participate in the Man Cave Upgrade Contest by texting "cornstick" to 97936. He recaps the grand prize and encourages listeners to act promptly.

Brett Bogan [47:25]: "That's the last time you're getting at it. And the word is cornstick."

The hosts conclude with a humorous anecdote about encountering a man in Fargo, North Dakota, who believes he is John Wayne, tying back to their earlier discussions about eccentric personalities like Cowboy Cody.

Brett Bogan [49:12]: "He believes he might be John Wayne. And it was an entertaining night."

Notable Quotes:

• John Holmberg [02:32]: "I wanted to give her five across the mouth."
• Brett Bogan [05:08]: "There's no saving you. Your friends are the ones."
• Dick Toledo [16:02]: "One in six have used the AI in the fill-in romantic companion part of it."
• Brett Bogan [25:37]: "Cowboy Cody sparks our latest legendary character."
• Brett Bogan [29:46]: "Cheez. It tastes like a full burger."
• Dick Toledo [22:23]: "Bodies are loaded into a pressure vessel and liquefied."
• Brett Bogan [38:12]: "You know how I know that's not real? The dude with the camera doesn't move."

Conclusion

In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness, listeners are treated to a blend of humorous banter, engaging contests, and topical discussions ranging from AI in dating to quirky local legends like Cowboy Cody. The hosts' chemistry and knack for storytelling make the episode both entertaining and relatable, ensuring that even those who haven't tuned in before can appreciate the lively conversations and comedic insights.

Tune in or visit 98KUPD.com to listen to more episodes of Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show.