Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 07-03-25 - Prank At British Office Has Us Remembering Some Of Our All Time Great Pranks We've Pulled And John's Love For Pranking The Scottish - BO Release Date: July 3, 2025 Host: John Holmberg Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Introduction to Workplace Pranks
In this episode of Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, Holmberg's Morning Sickness, John Holmberg and his co-hosts delve into the world of practical jokes, particularly those played within the workplace. The discussion highlights both the camaraderie fostered by such pranks and the potential pitfalls when they go too far.
The Infamous British Office Prank
John opens the conversation by sharing a particularly elaborate prank he admired from a British office. In this scenario, new employees are introduced to the company with a series of light-hearted jokes as part of their initiation. However, one prank stands out for its emotional impact:
"They put a fake podcast on a computer, and when she comes back from lunch, they're all gathered around the computer. They whip up fake tears... Russia just nuked D.C." (04:00)
This prank involved a fabricated emergency broadcast about a nuclear attack, leading to genuine distress for the new employee whose family resided in Washington, D.C. The prank was so convincing that it spiraled into legal troubles for the company when the employee filed a formal complaint for emotional distress.
Reactions and Consequences of Extreme Pranks
John and co-host Eric discuss the fine line between a memorable prank and one that causes real harm:
Eric: "What are the odds you hit bullseye that the family is from." (05:53)
John reflects on the unpredictability of such pranks, emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience:
"The bigger your reaction, the better the joke is... But no, no one can take the reveal and be happy that it didn't happen." (06:00)
The conversation underscores the risks associated with pranks that delve into personal and emotional territories, potentially leading to lawsuits and damaged relationships.
Comparing Past and Present Pranks
The hosts reminisce about the "good old days" when practical jokes were more widely accepted and even expected in various workplaces. They reference anecdotes from John’s time at Tony Roma's, where pranks like watering plastic plants or creating fake tasks (e.g., "baked potato soup") were common.
John: "Practical jokes are beautiful. Hazing was fun until people started getting hurt." (15:03)
Brady adds his perspective on how the modern workplace environment has shifted, making such pranks less feasible due to increased legal awareness and sensitivity toward emotional well-being.
Personal Prank Stories from the Hosts
The episode features several personal stories from John and Eric about the pranks they've orchestrated:
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Meeting at the Mall: John recounts repeatedly misleading his Scottish friend Thomas to different locations within the mall, culminating in Thomas walking aimlessly:
"He's sitting there, talking... immersed in the prank, and in the end, no real harm done." (34:07)
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Household Pranks: In a more personal setting, John describes placing dog waste in toilets and sabotaging air conditioners, leading to humorous yet inconvenient situations for friends:
"They got home to rotting dog poop in all their toilets... That's the good one." (37:04)
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Seat Heater Prank: John details a prank where he secretly turned on the seat heaters in a friend's car, causing discomfort and confusion:
"Every time you prank a Scotsman, they end with, 'you bastard.'" (37:04)
These stories illustrate the hosts' creativity in pulling off pranks that are disruptive yet not malicious.
Reflection on the Decline of Practical Jokes
As the conversation progresses, the hosts express nostalgia for an era when pranks were a staple of workplace culture. They lament the current environment where legal repercussions and heightened emotional sensitivity have curtailed such playful interactions.
John: "Practical jokes are dead... People have to be less uptight about this stuff. This is too good. And practical jokes dying. And they're so fun." (09:45)
Brady and Eric discuss how modern workplaces prioritize professionalism and legal safety over the lightheartedness that pranks bring, making it challenging to maintain the same spirit of camaraderie.
Notable Quotes
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John Holmberg (04:00): "They put a fake podcast on a computer... and the nukes are on the way, and the whole world is coming to an end."
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Eric (05:53): "What are the odds you hit bullseye that the family is from."
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John Holmberg (15:03): "Practical jokes are beautiful. Hazing was fun until people started getting hurt."
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John Holmberg (09:45): "Practical jokes are dead... People have to be less uptight about this stuff."
Conclusion
Holmberg's Morning Sickness episode from July 3, 2025, offers a candid exploration of practical jokes, blending humorous anecdotes with thoughtful reflections on their place in modern society. John Holmberg and his co-hosts provide listeners with a mix of laughter and introspection, highlighting both the joys and risks associated with workplace pranks.
Tune In: Stay entertained and up-to-date by tuning into Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD (97.9 FM), the 98KUPD app, or www.98kupd.com every weekday from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM.