Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Summary: June 19, 2025 Title: It's Juneteenth And We Hope All Our Black Listeners Are Taking The Day Off - Singer Of Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Says Trump Voters Not Welcome At Shows - Watching Karen Reed Trial Confused By People Who Flew In To Stand At Courthouse In Support

Introduction to Juneteenth Observance

John Holmberg opens the episode by acknowledging the significance of Juneteenth, marking it as a federal holiday and emphasizing its importance to the Black community. He humorously suggests, "if there's any black people awake right now, you should call your boss and just test it out. I ain't coming in today" (01:55). This sets the tone for a lively and provocative discussion among the hosts.

Debate on Juneteenth as a Day Off

The conversation quickly dives into whether Juneteenth should be a designated day off for Black Americans. Brett Vesely controversially states, "I think this one should be and they're not getting a day off. Nobody's getting a day off" (01:55), suggesting that the observance should not translate into a mandatory leave. Dick Toledo adds, "It's a federal holiday" (02:38), highlighting the official recognition but questioning its practical implementation.

The hosts debate the authenticity and sincerity of such observances. Brett voices skepticism about the motivation behind taking a day off, implying it might be perceived as "manipulating the system" if Black employees were to skip work for Juneteenth (02:40). This leads to a broader conversation about the societal understanding of Juneteenth, with Brett asserting, "people had never heard of it four years ago" (03:01).

Impact of Political Figures on Juneteenth Awareness

Brett criticizes former President Donald Trump for being a primary source of his understanding of Juneteenth, stating, "that Donald Trump is the guy who taught me what Juneteenth was. That's horrifying to me" (03:19). He expresses disappointment that such an important historical event wasn't adequately covered in educational curricula, leading him to rely on political figures and media for information.

Excluding Trump Voters from Concerts: Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Controversy

The discussion shifts to a significant controversy involving the band Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Brett reports that the band's lead singer has declared, "if you voted for Trump, you're not allowed in my shows anymore. Because I love Jesus so much" (11:40). This statement sparks a heated debate among the hosts about freedom of expression and the feasibility of enforcing such exclusions.

Brett humorously questions the logistics, "How’s the verification process work? Do they have a guy at the door? Let’s see your voting records" (12:14), highlighting the impracticality of monitoring attendees' voting histories. The hosts mock the idea, suggesting it would lead to unnecessary conflicts and detract from the concert experience.

Freedom of Expression vs. Inclusivity in Music Venues

The hosts delve into the broader implications of artists imposing political beliefs on their audiences. Brett argues, "nobody wants to go to a concert and have the dude on the stage start telling you you're wrong to believe a certain way" (19:13). He emphasizes that live performances should focus on entertainment rather than preaching political or social agendas.

John offers a contrasting perspective by referencing bands like Ministry, who openly express political views. He states, "you love the music. I'll deal with it" (22:55), suggesting that passionate fans can tolerate musicians' political statements if the music remains appealing.

Karen Reed Trial and Public Protests

Transitioning to legal and social issues, the hosts discuss the trial of Karen Reed, a high-profile case watched closely by their audience. Brett shares his confusion over widespread public support, noting, "I never felt that. And I don't think I'd be friends with too many people" (39:54). He questions the motivations behind fans flying in from distant places to support Reed, pondering whether financial incentives or genuine emotional connections drive such actions.

Dick Toledo adds insight into how media, particularly Netflix documentaries, influence public perception and activism. He remarks, "they took the documentary, people started to believe" (33:01), highlighting the powerful role of media in shaping societal actions and opinions.

Media Influence and Grassroots Movements

The conversation explores the intersection of media portrayal and grassroots movements. Brett criticizes the idea that documentaries can sway public behavior, stating, "you could have watched that on TV. And then I thought, well, maybe it's just me. But no, I'm normal" (32:49). He expresses skepticism about the genuine impact of televised documentaries on real-world activism, suggesting that personal motivations and societal influences are more complex.

Dick Toledo points out the importance of impartiality when consuming media, advising, "gotta try to watch them impartial" (35:00). The hosts agree that while media can be influential, individuals should approach content critically to understand underlying biases and motivations.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Social Activism and Entertainment

As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the balance between social activism and entertainment. Brett emphasizes the importance of maintaining focus on the core purpose of events and media—whether it be concerts or documentaries—without allowing external agendas to overshadow the primary experience. He concludes, "It's like being in North Korea. So, yeah, enjoy your day. We're still nervous about it" (42:14), indicating a cautious approach to intertwining personal beliefs with public consumption.

John and Dick Toledo echo similar sentiments, advocating for a clear separation between personal ideologies and public engagements to preserve the integrity of both social causes and entertainment platforms.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution

• Brett Vesely: "I think this one should be and they're not getting a day off. Nobody's getting a day off" (01:55).
• John Holmberg: "if there's any black people awake right now, you should call your boss and just test it out. I ain't coming in today" (01:55).
• Brett Vesely: "that Donald Trump is the guy who taught me what Juneteenth was. That's horrifying to me" (03:19).
• Brett Vesely: "How’s the verification process work? Do they have a guy at the door? Let’s see your voting records" (12:14).
• John Holmberg: "you love the music. I'll deal with it" (22:55).
• Brett Vesely: "you could have watched that on TV. And then I thought, well, maybe it's just me. But no, I'm normal" (32:49).
• Brett Vesely: "It's like being in North Korea. So, yeah, enjoy your day. We're still nervous about it" (42:14).

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness delves into significant social and political topics, including the observance of Juneteenth, the intersection of politics and entertainment, and the influence of media on public perception and activism. Through spirited discussions and candid exchanges, the hosts provide a thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of modern societal dynamics, encouraging listeners to reflect on the balance between personal beliefs and collective experiences.