Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary (06-26-25)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
• Host: John Holmberg
• Guests: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
• Description: Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show where John Holmberg entertains, questions, and engages listeners with his team.
• Episode Title: New Documentary Obsession Is The Mortician On MAX
• Release Date: June 26, 2025

1. Listener Anecdotes and Community Engagement

John Holmberg opens the episode by sharing a humorous yet poignant anecdote from a listener stationed at a forward operating base in Afghanistan. The story revolves around exchanging "your mama" jokes to stay awake during late-night watch shifts, culminating in a sensitive moment when a joke unexpectedly touches on the listener's deceased mother.

"[00:41] John Holmberg: ...my mom passed away in '06 and was cremated. He was horrified. He's like, oh, no, no, no. I didn't mean it like that, man."

This segment underscores the show's blend of humor and real-life experiences, setting the tone for engaging and relatable content.

2. Operation Hydration: Community Support Efforts

Transitioning from personal stories, John delves into Operation Hydration, a community initiative aimed at providing water to those in need. Recalling his experience with the Phoenix Rescue Mission, he emphasizes the direct impact of donations.

"[02:07] John Holmberg: ...this water goes straight from your hands to us, right into the hands of the people who are going to need it. And that is awesome."

Brady Bogen elaborates on the ongoing efforts and upcoming events, encouraging listeners to participate and support the cause.

"[02:09] Brady: ...Brett wants to meet everybody who lives in that area. Digital summer fans, come on out."

The discussion highlights the importance of community involvement and the tangible benefits of collective action.

3. Deep Dive into 'The Mortician' Documentary

The core of the episode centers around John's fascination with the documentary "The Mortician" available on MAX. He and his guests dissect the film's exploration of trust in funeral services and the ethical implications of low-cost cremations.

a. Overview of the Documentary

John provides a synopsis of the documentary, which examines the operations of a mortician handling an overwhelming number of bodies at remarkably low prices.

"[05:01] John Holmberg: ...the mortician on MAX. Have you seen that?"

b. Ethical Concerns of Cheap Cremations

The conversation turns to the troubling practices depicted in the documentary, where bodies are processed en masse with little regard for individual respect or dignity.

"[09:19] Brady: You're stoking the wood."

John reflects on the moral dilemma of seeking affordable services at the expense of humane treatment:

"[11:00] John Holmberg: Do you love your loved one if you seek out the discount crematorium?"

He questions the balance between cost-saving and ethical responsibility, pondering whether trusting strangers with such significant tasks is ever justifiable.

c. Personal Reflections on Trust and Funeral Services

Guests Brady and Nathan share personal experiences related to cremation services, expressing skepticism and highlighting the emotional weight of entrusting loved ones to these services.

"[18:12] Brady: As I recall, most recently, like, Ronnie's aunt in Denver in December. Basically, just for the urn in. The cremation was 22.9022."

John delves deeper into the systemic issues, discussing how profitability can overshadow compassion in the funeral industry.

"[28:12] John Holmberg: There's an answer to all of it. It's the classic thing that no human being has the ability to do anymore, which is to make two things true at once. He's horrible, and everything he was doing was wrong, but his logic behind it makes sense."

The dialogue reveals a shared concern among the hosts and guests about the integrity of funeral services and the potential for exploitation.

4. Broader Implications and Societal Trust

The discussion extends to broader societal issues of trust and accountability in essential services. John draws parallels between cremation services and other industries where trust is implicitly granted, such as recycling and personal caregiving.

"[25:15] Nathan: We're shifting the responsibility you don't want completely."

Brady adds to this by reflecting on how over-reliance on trust without due diligence can lead to ethical compromises.

"[32:03] Brady: Are you going to change on the next one?"

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the importance of questioning and understanding the services we rely on, especially those as significant as funeral care. They encourage listeners to stay informed and vigilant about the practices of service providers.

"[43:16] John Holmberg: He's horrible."

The hosts express a commitment to fostering discussions that bridge ethical considerations with practical necessities, aiming to educate and engage their audience on critical societal issues.

Notable Quotes:

• "Do you love your loved one if you seek out the discount crematorium?" — John Holmberg [11:00]
• "We shift the responsibility you don't want completely." — Nathan [25:19]
• "He's horrible, and everything he was doing was wrong, but his logic behind it makes sense." — John Holmberg [28:12]

Final Notes: This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness navigates through personal anecdotes, community initiatives, and a critical examination of the funeral industry's ethical landscape. By intertwining humor with serious discourse, the show provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking listening experience for its audience.