Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode Release Date: June 19, 2025
Host: Howard Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo, Greg Warren

Overview

In the June 19, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness, host Howard Holmberg and his co-hosts delve into a diverse range of topics, from Independence Day food trends and charitable initiatives to unsettling local news and the launch of the world's first professional cheerleading league. The episode seamlessly blends light-hearted discussions with serious community concerns, providing listeners with both entertainment and valuable insights.

Independence Day Food Trends

Greg Warren kicks off the conversation by sharing surprising data from Instacart regarding the most popular grocery items during the Independence Day week of 2024.

Greg Warren [11:09]: "Instacart just released data on Independence Day grocery orders. ... Number one, canned baked beans."

Howard Holmberg humorously speculates on the top items, eventually confirming that canned baked beans topped the surge due to their seasonal popularity.

Howard Holmberg [11:33]: "So because the hot dogs last longer than the buns. ... Ranch dressing."

This segment offers listeners a humorous yet informative look into holiday spending behaviors, highlighting the enduring popularity of traditional BBQ staples.

Operation Hydration: Community Charitable Effort

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Operation Hydration, a charitable initiative led by Brett Vesely to distribute water to those in need.

Brett Vesely provides updates on the logistics and community response:

Brett Vesely [03:46]: "It's a little light right now as far as the individuals rolling in, dropping off cases. But the boys from Saya LTL Freight showed up with a tractor trailer and say, hey, man, I got a pallet. What do you want me to do with this?"

Howard Holmberg emphasizes the importance of the initiative:

Howard Holmberg [04:08]: "It is. That's fairly magical to watch that change a day. ... This is great. So, yeah, step it up, Brett."

The hosts encourage listeners to contribute, either by donating water or supporting through local businesses like Albertsons and Local Legends. The collaborative effort underscores the community's commitment to ensuring no one in Phoenix suffers from a lack of basic necessities like water.

Charity Spotlight: Phoenix Rescue Mission

Howard Holmberg shares his personal experience with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, highlighting the tangible impact of the donations:

Howard Holmberg [04:20]: "I was with the Phoenix Rescue Mission guys ... we watched this water go from your hands to our hands to the people who need them. ... We got tons of it. Let's start handing that stuff out to the people who need it."

This heartfelt account reinforces the episode's theme of community support and the real difference such initiatives make in people's lives.

Local News and Scams

The hosts transition to discussing local scams, specifically a fraudulent Publishers Clearinghouse scheme targeting small businesses.

Greg Warren narrates the story of Hosmer Mountain Bottling, where the owner, Andrew Potvin, was duped into depositing fake checks:

Greg Warren [13:26]: "They bought fake checks claiming he won millions from Publishers Clearinghouse. ... The void became Viola Smith."

Dick Toledo humorously critiques the scamer's ineptitude:

Dick Toledo [15:43]: "That's what I was gonna say. The brother did it."

The segment serves as a cautionary tale, warning listeners about the prevalence of impersonation scams and the importance of verifying such claims.

Creepy Bus Driver Incident

A disturbing incident involving a school bus driver dressed in a provocative outfit sparks a conversation about safety and appropriateness.

Greg Warren reports on a bus driver in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, who was seen with a sign reading "Lolita's Line" and dressed in a schoolgirl uniform:

Greg Warren [20:42]: "There's a bus driver dressed as Britney Spears ... Parents took issue with that. They contacted the bus company and the driver is gone."

Howard Holmberg expresses his disapproval:

Howard Holmberg [21:10]: "I have a problem with it. Whether he's driving kids around or not."

The discussion highlights community vigilance and the importance of maintaining safe and respectful environments for children.

Launch of the First Professional Cheerleading League

Greg Warren introduces the news about the world's first professional cheerleading league, Pro Cheerleague, set to launch the following year with teams in major cities like Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, and San Diego.

Greg Warren [23:42]: "On Wednesday, it was announced that the world's first professional cheerleading league will launch next year."

Howard Holmberg shares his skepticism regarding the league's viability and the financial strain it may place on participants:

Howard Holmberg [24:00]: "My friend Marty's daughter is in competitive cheer, and they travel all over the country. It's costing this guy like 80 grand a year."

The segment also touches upon Varsity Spirit's legal troubles, raising concerns about the management and future of the league.

Greg Warren [24:56]: "Varsity Spirit has been the subject of multiple lawsuits. ... Settled for at least 126 million combined over the past two years."

The hosts debate the sustainability of professional cheerleading, considering the high costs and potential for conflicts, ultimately questioning whether the league will achieve long-term success.

Promotional Segments and Advertisements

Throughout the episode, promotional messages for sponsors like mmpguns.com, Greenlight, and Chime are interspersed. While the hosts acknowledge these segments, they maintain the episode's focus on substantive discussions and community-focused topics.

Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

As the episode concludes, Howard Holmberg reiterates the importance of community involvement, especially in charitable endeavors like Operation Hydration. Brett Vesely provides a final update on the ongoing efforts to collect and distribute water, thanking sponsors and encouraging continued participation.

Howard Holmberg [32:55]: "Brett's out there for a little while longer until about 9:00 clock. ... You can drop off some water on Dobson and Baseline at Albertsons. Easy as that."

The hosts wrap up with a reminder of upcoming events and the continuous support from the community, leaving listeners with a sense of collective responsibility and optimism.

Notable Quotes

• Howard Holmberg [04:08]: "It is. That's fairly magical to watch that change a day."
• Greg Warren [11:09]: "Number one, canned baked beans."
• Howard Holmberg [21:10]: "I have a problem with it. Whether he's driving kids around or not."
• Dick Toledo [15:43]: "That's what I was gonna say. The brother did it."
• Greg Warren [24:56]: "Varsity Spirit has been the subject of multiple lawsuits."

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully balances engaging banter with meaningful discussions on community initiatives and local news. From celebrating Independence Day traditions to addressing serious scams and introducing new professional leagues, Howard Holmberg and his co-hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining morning rundown. The episode underscores the importance of community involvement, vigilance against scams, and the continuous support needed to address local challenges effectively.