Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (June 19, 2025)

Host and Contributors:

• John Holmberg (Host)
• Brady Bogen
• Bret Vesely
• Dick Toledo

1. Operation Hydration Update

John Holmberg kicked off the episode by sharing a heartfelt update on the ongoing Operation Hydration initiative. This community effort aims to provide essential water supplies to those in need, especially during Arizona's scorching summer months.

• [02:54] John Holmberg: Discussed the recent distribution of water in the Dobson Ranch area, highlighting the direct impact of donations. "Stuff that came directly from the back of our truck... was put into a little ice bag and handed out to people who needed it."

• [05:06] Brady Bogen: Mentioned the significant support from local businesses like State 48 Doors and Windows for their generous water donations.

• [06:50] John Holmberg: Emphasized the importance of community participation and assured listeners that their contributions are making a tangible difference. "What you're donating actually makes a difference."

2. Lakers' $10 Billion Sale and Its Implications

A significant portion of the episode delved into the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $10 billion, a sharp increase from the initial $200 million investment made decades ago.

• [07:37] John Holmberg: Provided a breakdown of the Lakers' valuation growth over 46 years. "If I gave you 200 million and it turned into 10 billion within my lifetime, that's pretty good stuff."

• [09:24] Brady Bogen: Compared the return on investment (ROI) to a 401k, underscoring the astronomical growth of sports franchises. "That's a good 401k."

• [10:11] Brady Bogen: Shifted the conversation to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, discussing their recent pay increase following a lawsuit settlement. "They just got a 400% boost in their pay... settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader."

• [12:04] John Holmberg: Highlighted the logistics of water donations, mentioning locations like Local Legends in East Mesa and collaborating with other groups to maximize outreach efforts.

3. Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders and Sports Franchise Economics

The discussion transitioned to the economics surrounding sports franchises and their associated personnel.

• [10:11] Brady Bogen: Explained the specifics of the Cowboys' settlement. "In 2019, they settled a lawsuit... guiding their per game pay from $200 to $400."

• [11:43] Brady Bogen: Critiqued the motivations behind cheerleading roles, suggesting that many participants are driven by attention and personal insecurities. "They have so many insecurities... it's just about getting attention."

• [15:00] Brady Bogen: Compared their earnings to other roles within sports organizations. "You got a million dollars, you don't go down."

4. Anecdotes on Personal Relationships with Billionaires

The hosts engaged in light-hearted and humorous banter about the idea of dating billionaires, reflecting on the dynamics and motivations behind such relationships.

• [16:08] John Holmberg: Shared a personal anecdote about his friendship with Jay Moore, tying it to the broader theme of the American Dream. "Jay Moore's wife, Jeannie Buss, just sold the Lakers for $10 billion."

• [18:07] Brady Bogen: Joked about the complexities of handling relationships with the ultra-wealthy. "Jay Moore can help us out with our water drive."

• [27:57] John Holmberg: Playfully discussed the challenges of balancing personal integrity with financial temptations. "You do it... Brady. This is Juneteenth. Let's move on."

5. Juneteenth and Celebrating African American Contributions to Rock Music

In honor of Juneteenth, the hosts curated a special music segment celebrating African American contributions to rock music, ensuring that all songs played featured African American artists or prominently highlighted their influence.

• [50:36] Dick Toledo: Suggested bands like Bad Brains, emphasizing their role in rock music. "Bad Brains rise because they're black guys and they effing rock."

• [51:00] John Holmberg: Proposed playing "Check My Brain" by Alice In Chains, featuring their new lead singer, William, who has roots in the African American community. "Check My Brain is a great song, and since it's Juneteenth, we want to help that out."

Notable Quotes:

• John Holmberg [02:54]: "Stuff that came directly from the back of our truck... was put into a little ice bag and handed out to people who needed it."

• Brady Bogen [10:11]: "They just got a 400% boost in their pay... settled a lawsuit with a former cheerleader."

• John Holmberg [07:37]: "If I gave you 200 million and it turned into 10 billion within my lifetime, that's pretty good stuff."

• Dick Toledo [50:36]: "Bad Brains rise because they're black guys and they effing rock."

Community and Charity Highlights:

• Operation Hydration: Continued emphasis on the importance of community donations and participation in providing essential resources during extreme weather conditions.

• Support from Local Businesses: Acknowledgment of businesses like State 48 Doors and Windows and Local Legends for their contributions to local charitable efforts.

Final Thoughts:

John Holmberg concluded the episode by reflecting on the transformative power of community support and the inspiring success stories of individuals like Jay Moore. The hosts encouraged listeners to participate in ongoing charitable efforts and celebrated the cultural significance of Juneteenth through curated music selections.

Tune In: Holmberg's Morning Sickness continues to be Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, offering a blend of entertainment, community engagement, and thought-provoking discussions. Join John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10 AM on 98 KUPD (97.9 FM) or online at www.98kupd.com.