Episode Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona (June 17, 2025)

Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

In the June 17th episode of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg, alongside co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, dives deep into the latest television and music releases. Balancing humor with insightful commentary, the team offers listeners a comprehensive overview of new content while interspersing personal anecdotes and engaging discussions.

TV Show Highlights

1. Second Season of Buccaneers on Apple TV+
At [06:32], Brady introduces the highly anticipated second season of Buccaneers, describing it as a "Bridgerton-type series" filled with "sisterhood, romance, wit, steamy love affairs, extravagant gowns, [and] spectacular landscapes." John Holmberg humorously remarks, "This is 40-year-old girl porn." ([07:06]), highlighting his playful skepticism about the show's content.

2. We Were Liars on Prime Video
Transitioning to We Were Liars, an adaptation of Elochart's 2014 novel, John summarizes the plot: "Following a tragic accident when she was 15 that left her unable to remember what happened, the eldest granddaughter, Cadence, revisits the island on her 17th birthday, where she and her friends, who are dubbed the Liars, recall what happened." ([07:31]). Brett interjects with skepticism, stating, "It wasn't good." ([07:59]), sparking a discussion on character motivations and narrative structure. John shares a poignant personal story related to revisiting traumatic sites, adding depth to the conversation ([08:34]–[09:56]).

3. The Waterfront on Netflix
At [09:56], Brady introduces The Waterfront, a TV drama about a family battling to control their North Carolina fishing and restaurant empire. Written by Kevin Williamson, the show delves into themes of power and family dynamics, drawing comparisons to acclaimed series like Succession.

4. The Underdogs on Nat Geo
Brady then highlights The Underdogs on Nat Geo, noting its stunning nature footage narrated by Ryan Reynolds ([10:41]). The hosts playfully critique the program's focus on lesser-known wildlife, with John joking, "But I just can't stop loving these elephants." ([10:55]).

5. Hell Motel on AMC+
Shifting to horror, Brady discusses Hell Motel on Shudder Network, describing it as a series where "10 true crime obsessives" are invited to the reopen of a motel with a dark past ([13:13]). John summarizes, "They start killing them. That's predictable." ([13:36]), reflecting on the series' engagement with classic horror tropes.

6. The Chosen Last Supper Season Five
The conversation moves to The Chosen Last Supper, with Brady expressing surprise over its fifth season, to which John responds incredulously, "You've watched this?” ([13:56]). The hosts question the longevity of the series, pondering whether additional seasons are warranted.

Music Hot Releases

1. Cryptopsy – "Malicious Needs"
At [15:39], Brett introduces new music from Cryptopsy, highlighting their latest release, "Malicious Needs." John adds enthusiastically, "Season of Mist." ([16:03]**), showcasing his appreciation for the band's evolution.

2. *Save Ferris and Biohazard
John humorously critiques Save Ferris' new music, commenting, "That was dripping with irony, your presentation of Save Ferris." ([16:41]). He also introduces Biohazard’s "Forsaken," emphasizing the band’s long-awaited return after two decades ([17:50]–[18:18]**).

3. Faster Pussycat, Hives, and Tess Tickles
The hosts continue with updates on Faster Pussycat, noting the release of "Motorbike" ([18:19]), and The Hives with their new track "Paint a Picture" ([19:17]). Brady introduces Tess Tickles' "Finish in My Mouth," leading to a playful exchange about its provocative title and AI-generated aspects ([19:57]–[21:12]**).

Fun Segments

1. Ref Word Game
In a lively segment around [22:38], the hosts engage in their "Ref Word" game, attempting to incorporate specific words into their conversation. Dick Toledo triumphs with the "F word," declaring, "That’s gonna be mean or whatever. It’s just gonna be there. It’s gonna linger in the air." ([22:10]), adding humor and competitive spirit to the show.

2. AI Songs Discussion
The discussion shifts to AI-generated songs, where the hosts express mixed feelings. John remarks, "There’s nothing better than those AI soul songs that I was listening to back in, like, October." ([21:13]), while Bret and Brady share their opinions on recent AI submissions, culminating in playful banter about the limitations and quirks of AI in music creation ([21:57]–[23:43]).

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg on Buccaneers: "This is 40-year-old girl porn." ([07:06])
• Brett on We Were Liars: "It wasn't good." ([07:59])
• John Holmberg on Revisiting Traumatic Sites: "I got emotional when I drive through Missouri and 20th street because I got smashed in a car there once." ([09:53])
• John Holmberg on AI Songs: "There’s nothing better than those AI soul songs that I was listening to back in, like, October." ([21:13])

Personal Anecdotes

Throughout the episode, John Holmberg shares personal stories that add a heartfelt layer to the discussions. Notably, he recounts the emotional experience of revisiting the World Trade Center site with his ex-wife, emphasizing the lasting impact of traumatic events ([08:30]–[09:39]). Additionally, stories about family members' war experiences and personal encounters with past tragedies underscore the hosts' ability to intertwine personal narratives with broader discussions.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the latest rock releases and the role of AI in music, reaffirming "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" as Arizona's top morning radio show. Their blend of humor, personal insights, and comprehensive coverage of current entertainment ensures listeners are both informed and entertained.

This detailed summary captures the essence of the June 17th episode, highlighting key discussions, notable quotes, and the dynamic interactions among the hosts. Whether you're a regular listener or new to the show, this overview provides a thorough glimpse into the engaging content delivered by "Holmberg's Morning Sickness."