Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 07-01-25
Title: Murder Shows Have John Considering Being Pen Pals with a Prisoner After Serial Murderers' Love Letters - BO
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host/Authors: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Station: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In the July 1, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg, alongside Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delves into the intriguing and unsettling phenomenon of serial murderers receiving love letters from admirers. This discussion, sparked by the influence of murder-themed television shows, explores the blurred lines between fiction and reality, and the psychological impacts these narratives have on both creators and audiences.

The Allure of Murder Shows

John Holmberg opens the conversation by reflecting on his personal connection to murder shows. He describes them as "soothing" because they reaffirm his perception of himself as a "normal guy," contrasting sharply with the disturbed individuals portrayed on screen.

John Holmberg [01:40]: "I find them to be, you know, for some reason soothing because I'm normal... things aren't so bad."

This sentiment sets the stage for a deeper exploration into how these shows influence viewers' perceptions of real-life criminals.

The Chris Watts Case

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Chris Watts, a Wisconsin murderer who gained notoriety for the brutal killing of his wife and children. Holmberg draws parallels between Watts' household and his own, noting similarities such as "several Steelers jerseys" in Watts' closet, which Holmberg identifies as reflective of his own interests.

John Holmberg [02:50]: "When they were investigating his house, his closet looked very similar to mine. He had several Steelers jerseys."

Holmberg highlights the resurfacing of Watts' case due to the release of his love letters sent to his mistress, which have become a focal point for internet discussions and further media coverage.

Serial Killers and Their Admirers

The hosts delve into the disturbing trend of serial killers receiving affectionate correspondence from women. They discuss how individuals like Chris Watts have become almost romantic figures to some, with women reaching out despite Watts' heinous crimes.

John Holmberg [04:20]: "This dude's getting just tons of love letters because there's women out there that find that to be one of the most... the most special."

The conversation extends to other notorious criminals such as Scott Peterson and Jodi Arias, exploring the reasons behind the bizarre fascination these women have with their incarcerated admirers.

Pen Pals with Prisoners: A Futile Concern

Transitioning from discussion to caution, the hosts humorously contemplate the idea of being pen pals with prisoners themselves. They mock the notion, emphasizing the dangers and moral implications of engaging with convicted murderers.

John Holmberg [05:55]: "I'd just stop it. Write Larry a letter for Christ's sake. It's not gonna work out."

Brady Bogen and Larry, another co-host, contribute to the banter, highlighting the absurdity of forming personal connections with dangerous individuals.

Historical Cases and Patterns

The episode references historical cases like the Menendez brothers, who garnered multiple marriages while incarcerated, and a corrections officer involved in illicit relationships with inmates. These examples serve to illustrate recurring patterns of relationships between inmates and their admirers, often leading to further legal and ethical complications.

Brady Bogen [07:18]: "The Menendez... they got married and divorced and remarried in jail."

The Psychological Impact on Viewers

John Holmberg reflects on how continuous exposure to murder shows can distort viewers' perceptions of normalcy and safety. He ponders whether these shows desensitize audiences or inadvertently glamorize the minds of criminals.

John Holmberg [06:13]: "There's a disconnect to fandom and nudity that makes us kind of forget for a few seconds what reality is."

Humorous Take on Serious Topics

Throughout the episode, the hosts intersperse humor amid serious discussions, making light of the idea of dating prisoners and the absurd scenarios that could ensue. This approach aims to entertain while subtly critiquing the societal obsession with true crime.

Larry [10:50]: "I remember years ago pulling up that pen pal website of... Would you like to write a letter to her?"

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts urge listeners to reconsider their engagement with true crime narratives and the real-life consequences that follow these stories. They advocate for a more mindful consumption of such content, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between entertainment and reality.

John Holmberg [26:31]: "Stop writing letters to them. I'm sorry. Prisoners, stop it."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Holmberg [01:40]: "I find them to be, you know, for some reason soothing because I'm normal."
• John Holmberg [02:50]: "When they were investigating his house, his closet looked very similar to mine."
• John Holmberg [04:20]: "This dude's getting just tons of love letters because there's women out there..."
• Brady Bogen [07:18]: "The Menendez... they got married and divorced and remarried in jail."
• John Holmberg [06:13]: "There's a disconnect to fandom and nudity that makes us kind of forget for a few seconds what reality is."
• Larry [10:50]: "I remember years ago pulling up that pen pal website of... Would you like to write a letter to her?"
• John Holmberg [26:31]: "Stop writing letters to them. I'm sorry. Prisoners, stop it."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends humor with a critical examination of society's fascination with true crime and the unintended consequences it fosters. By discussing high-profile cases and the troubling trend of pen palling with incarcerated individuals, the hosts provide listeners with both entertainment and food for thought on the complex relationship between media consumption and real-world behaviors.