Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Date: June 27, 2025
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

Exploring New Venues in Mesa: A Change of Heart for John

In this episode, John Holmberg shares his unexpected positive experiences in Mesa, Arizona, which seemingly challenge his previous indifference toward the city.

Discovering Alchemy 48:
John recounts spending a day in Mesa to explore new places intentionally, away from his usual routines. He meets TJ, the proprietor behind "Alchemy 48," a Level One arcade bar described as a hidden gem in downtown Mesa.

John Holmberg [03:10]: "It's the coolest room I've ever been in in my life... I would make the trip to Mesa to go to this place."

Impressed by Mesa's Hidden Treasures:
John highlights the unique ambiance of Alchemy 48, comparing it favorably to past local establishments like Milano's Music and its quirky movie props haunted attraction.

John Holmberg [05:07]: "I never thought I'd say these words, but check out Alchemy 48 and be blown away by the cool thing I got in Mesa."

John emphasizes Mesa's potential as a vibrant destination, noting its size and comparing it to cities like Pittsburgh and Tucson.

John Holmberg [09:50]: "It's a big town... bigger than Albuquerque, bigger than Tucson."

Big Mike Addresses Divorce Rumors

The conversation shifts to addressing ongoing divorce rumors surrounding Big Mike. John discusses Big Mike's decision to step back from social media in response to the speculation.

John Holmberg [20:45]: "Big Mike's mad at you guys because you keep calling her Big Mike. So she's pulled us off of social media."

Comparisons to Celebrity Privacy Struggles:
John likens Big Mike's situation to that of celebrities like Harry and Meghan, who also seek privacy despite public interest.

John Holmberg [22:06]: "We're gonna do a Netflix series about how you should leave us alone. We want privacy."

The hosts express skepticism about the effectiveness of Big Mike's attempts to maintain privacy while still being in the public eye through podcasts.

John Holmberg [22:36]: "They’re gonna be on TV telling you how to leave us alone."

Tragic Incident Before the Wedding: The "Slinky" Controversy

A significant portion of the episode delves into a tragic event where a woman was injured at her bachelorette party, resulting in paralysis just a week before her wedding. Despite the severity of her injuries, the groom proceeds with the marriage, leading to mixed reactions from the hosts.

Incident Overview:
John narrates the accident where the woman was pushed into a pool, leading to spinal injuries.

John Holmberg [23:52]: "She was a week and a half away from her wedding when a friend pushed her into a pool... she was paralyzed from the chest down."

Groom's Decision to Marry:
The groom's decision to marry her despite her condition becomes a point of contention among the hosts, with Bret sarcastically referring to the woman as a "Slinky."

Bret Vesely [25:07]: "I married a Slinky."

Discussion on Marriage and Compassion:
The hosts debate the implications of marrying someone who has undergone such a life-altering event, touching on themes of true love, responsibility, and the challenges that come with it.

John Holmberg [33:38]: "True love would have been being honest with her."

Bret's irreverent humor about the situation sparks a deeper conversation on the sensitivity required when discussing disabilities and personal tragedies.

John Holmberg [32:05]: "I don't want to see her every day."

Reflection and Reconciliation with Mesa

Towards the end of the episode, John reflects on his attitude toward Mesa, expressing a newfound appreciation for the city after his positive experiences.

John Holmberg [14:16]: "As a kid who grew up in Mesa, I broke up with Mesa a long time ago... I still have a little piece of my heart that says, gosh, I wish this city was cooler."

He acknowledges Mesa's efforts to reinvent itself and expresses hope that the city continues to showcase its hidden gems to both residents and newcomers.

John Holmberg [17:05]: "I'm trying to change that. It was neat. It was great."

Conclusion

The episode weaves together light-hearted exploration of Mesa's emerging spots with more serious discussions about personal relationships and public figures dealing with private matters. John's evolving perspective on Mesa serves as a backdrop to the broader themes of change, acceptance, and the complexities of human connections.

Notable Quotes:

• John Holmberg [03:10]: "It's the coolest room I've ever been in in my life... I would make the trip to Mesa to go to this place."
• Bret Vesely [25:07]: "I married a Slinky."
• John Holmberg [14:16]: "I still have a little piece of my heart that says, gosh, I wish this city was cooler."
• John Holmberg [20:45]: "Big Mike's mad at you guys because you keep calling her Big Mike. So she's pulled us off of social media."

This episode encapsulates John Holmberg's journey towards rediscovering Mesa while tackling sensitive topics with a mix of humor and candid conversation, making it a compelling listen for both regular and new listeners.