Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary Episode Title: ManCave Upgrade Finals - Part One - Dale Is Here And We Introduce The Contestants
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host/Author: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Introduction to the Man Cave Upgrade Contest

In this exhilarating episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS), Arizona's premier morning radio show, host John Holmberg, along with co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, kick off the Man Cave Upgrade Finals. The segment is dedicated to introducing the finalists vying for an ultimate game room makeover, courtesy of Prestige Billiards (detailed sponsorship mentions are skipped as per request).

Contest Overview and Rules

Brady Bogen sets the stage by expressing enthusiastic anticipation for the contest:

"I'm wildly excited about today's game. This is gonna be fun. This is gonna be good."
(00:00)

The Man Cave Upgrade aims to transform the winner's space into the quintessential game room, featuring amenities such as a pool table, ping pong table, air hockey, a smoker, and more. Contestants are evaluated based on their personalities and their need for a fun, functional space to unwind.

Introduction of Judge Dale Hellistre

Dale Helister, owner of Prestige Billiards, joins the show as the esteemed judge for the contest:

"Dale Hellistre, a judge now for our glorious contest."
(05:30)

Dale is tasked with evaluating the contestants' suitability for the man cave upgrade, focusing on their personality, enthusiasm for gaming, and genuine need for the prize.

Meet the Contestants

The episode features four unique contestants, each bringing their own flair and stories to the competition.

1. Hayden McElroy

Hayden McElroy is introduced as a dedicated pool technician:

"I'm a Pool technician around the valley. Born and raised here."
(15:45)

Background:

• Runs a one-man pool technician operation.
• Seeks a game room as an escape from his daily routines and to indulge his passion for pool.

Entertainment Choices:

• Smoker Selection: Briskets and classic ribs.
• Drink of Choice: Jack and Coke.
• Bar Name: "Steel Swede"

Notable Interaction: Hayden humorously refers to himself as the "Peeping Tom" when discussing his pool stories:

"Hayden McElroy, the peeping Tom."
(21:10)

Judge's Remarks: Dale humorously downplays Hayden's chances with a playful jab:

"He couldn't even beat Brady... He's a six."
(23:50)

2. Russ Brokback (Russell Brody)

Russ Brokback, also known as Russell Brody, brings a colorful and eccentric personality to the table:

"Russ Brokback. Known Russ Brody."
(27:30)

Background:

• 60 years old, twice divorced with a 22-year-old daughter.
• Works as a photographer with a unique sense of style, sporting an ear chain and a distinctive pink sport coat.

Entertainment Choices:

• Smoker Selection: Scottgard treated pool table for durability.
• Drink of Choice: (Not specified)
• Bar Name: "The Beast"

Notable Interaction: Russ shares intriguing personal details, including his polyamorous lifestyle and military background:

"At one time, I had nine partners. It's a harem."
(35:15)

Judge's Remarks: Dale engages with Russ's intense backstory, pointing out Russ's military involvement:

"He's got legal killing. Legal murder."
(39:20)

Outcome: Russ's unconventional and edgy personality earns mixed reactions, ultimately leading to his elimination:

"That all doesn't faze me... I don't care."
(42:00)

3. Joshua Davis

Joshua Davis presents himself as a seasoned pool technician with a strong family background:

"I'm 32. I look, 42. I feel 52. I'm a pool guy, too."
(50:10)

Background:

• Owns a pool equipment repair business.
• Happily married with a 17-year-old daughter who recently graduated high school.

Entertainment Choices:

• Smoker Selection: Combination of Traeger smoker for appetizers and a new smoker for brisket.
• Drink of Choice: (Not specified)
• Bar Name: "Blackout"

Notable Interaction: Joshua discusses his approach to relationships and his commitment to family:

"I'm a happily married man... just a one-way street."
(55:30)

Judge's Remarks: Dale acknowledges Joshua's stability and family-oriented nature:

"Joshua, anything else we should know about you?"
(61:20)

Outcome: Joshua's balanced personality and clear need for a man cave earn him high consideration, advancing him to the next round:

"You're the 1% of the 1%."
(63:00)

4. Matt (Als) Matt

Matt, affectionately referred to as Als Matt, brings a heartwarming and resilient presence:

"My name is Matt. That's right, Dale. I'm four."
(70:00)

Background:

• Diagnosed with ALS two years ago.
• Known for his humor and positive attitude despite his struggles.

Entertainment Choices:

• Smoker Selection: Brisket and mac and cheese.
• Drink of Choice: (Not specified)
• Bar Name: "No Limits"

Notable Interaction: Matt shares a joke and interacts playfully with the hosts:

"Matt, tell a joke real quick."
(75:00)

Judge's Remarks: Dale expresses admiration for Matt's spirit and resilience:

"Matt is actually one of the most fun people. We've gone to concerts and stuff with Matt and he's great."
(78:45)

Outcome: Matt's candidness and inspirational story resonate with both the hosts and listeners, securing his place in the competition:

"Matt, you're back. Dale, you're back."
(80:00)

Elimination Round and Criteria Discussion

After introductions, the show dives into the elimination process. Dale Helister evaluates each contestant based on their personality and genuine need for a functional and enjoyable game room. The elimination criteria focus on who best embodies the spirit of a fun and welcoming man cave.

Notable Quote:

"What am I judging? It's the man cave upgrade."
(65:00)

Key Points:

• Emphasis on contestants' ability to host and enjoy gatherings.
• Preference for those who will actively use and cherish the prizes over cash equivalents.

Engaging Interactions and Humor

The episode is rich with humorous banter and candid moments:

• Brady jokes about the contest feeling rigged due to a clear favorite, adding suspense to the proceedings:

  "There is a clear cut favorite for this contest in a huge way."
  (03:15)

• Dale and the hosts engage in playful teasing, especially regarding Russ Brokback's eccentricities and Matt's charm despite his condition.

• Brady lightens the mood with jokes about past contestants and their antics:

  "We're the 1% of the 1%."
  (62:45)

Conclusion of Part One

As the episode wraps up, the stage is set for the next installment of the Man Cave Upgrade Finals. Contestants are left in suspense, having faced their first round of evaluations, with expectations building for upcoming eliminations and final declarations.

Final Remarks by Brady:

"It's the man cave upgrade and we didn't know Als Matt was in the contest, but man, talk about a leg up."
(85:00)

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for Part Two, where the competition intensifies, and the winner will be revealed.

Key Takeaways

• Holmberg's Morning Sickness continues to deliver engaging and entertaining content, blending humor with community participation.
• The Man Cave Upgrade contest highlights diverse personalities, each bringing unique backgrounds and motivations.
• Dale Hellistre serves as an impartial judge, adding credibility and thoughtful evaluations to the competition.
• The episode masterfully balances humor, storytelling, and competitive spirit, making it enjoyable for both regular listeners and newcomers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I'm wildly excited about today's game. This is gonna be fun. This is gonna be good." — Brady Bogen (00:00)
• "Hayden McElroy, the peeping Tom." — Dale Helistre (21:10)
• "I'm the 1% of the 1%." — Joshua Davis (63:00)
• "Matt is actually one of the most fun people. We've gone to concerts and stuff with Matt and he's great." — Brady Bogen (78:45)

Holmberg's Morning Sickness continues to solidify its position as Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show by combining lively discussions, entertaining contests, and engaging community interactions. Stay tuned for the next episode to find out which contestant triumphs in transforming their space into the ultimate man cave.