Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 07-10-25 - Entertainment Drill - THU Guest: Dale Hellestrae Release Date: July 10, 2025

1. Introduction and Comedy Lineup (00:00 - 05:00)

The episode kicks off with host Brady Bogen sharing upcoming comedy events in the Valley. Highlighting that all comedy venues will be closed on July 4th, Brady ensures listeners that the comedic spirit remains alive with performances scheduled for the weekend.

Key Points:

• Upcoming Comedy Shows:
  • Francisco Ramos at Stand Up Live on Saturday.
  • John Heffron performing at Desert Ridge Improv on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
  • Performances at Tempe Improv are also on the agenda.

Notable Quote:

Brady (00:45): "Even though the venues are closed on Friday night, there's no shortage of laughter this weekend with Francisco Ramos and John Heffron leading the charge."

2. Peter Jackson and the Resurrection of Extinct Species (05:01 - 12:30)

Host Brady introduces a fascinating topic about filmmaker Peter Jackson and his recent philanthropic efforts. Jackson, alongside his partner Walsh, has donated $15 million to revive the giant moa bird in collaboration with Colossal Biosciences, the same company working on the woolly mammoth project.

Key Points:

• Resurrection of the Giant Moa:

  • The giant moa stands approximately 15 feet tall and weighs a couple of thousand pounds.
  • The goal is to reintroduce this extinct bird to New Zealand.

• Comparisons to Jurassic Park:

  • Brady muses humorously about the potential chaos of resurrecting extinct species, likening it to the escalating sequels of the "Jurassic Park" series.

Notable Quotes:

Brady (06:20): "Peter Jackson’s latest venture is nothing short of Jurassic Park meets real-world conservation."

Dale (09:15): "Why stop at dinosaurs when we can bring back legends like Michael Jackson? Imagine the chaos!"

3. Debate on Cloning Extinct Celebrities vs. Animals (12:31 - 20:00)

Dale Hellestrae brings a humorous yet thought-provoking twist to the conversation by questioning the rationale behind cloning extinct animals versus controversial figures like Michael Jackson or Jimmy Buffett. The discussion delves into the ethical and practical implications of such endeavors.

Key Points:

• Cloning Controversial Figures:

  • Dale suggests the idea of reviving Michael Jackson for entertainment purposes but quickly acknowledges the potential issues.

• Artists and Personal Preferences:

  • The hosts express their distaste for certain artists, using biting humor to critique figures like Jimmy Buffett.

Notable Quotes:

Dale (13:50): "Let’s bring back Michael Jackson. Cage him, set him free—let the entertainment begin!"

Brady (17:30): "You guys do not have any taste in music. Making a penny on my arm. Johnny."

4. "Queer Eye" Cancellation and Host Opinions (20:01 - 35:00)

The conversation shifts to the recent news of Netflix canceling "Queer Eye" after its tenth season. The hosts share their perspectives on the show's evolution and its impact on the audience.

Key Points:

• Show Evolution:

  • The original "Queer Eye" featured Carson Presley and was praised for its humor and charm.
  • The reboot with John Van Ness is criticized for lacking the original's appeal.

• Botox Commentary:

  • Dale makes a controversial remark linking Botox treatments to the show's cast, leading to a humorous debate on aesthetic enhancements.

Notable Quotes:

Brady (22:15): "The new one with John Van Ness is not as good. It’s a little talk, too. Don’t do that."

Dale (28:40): "They Botox that so it’s smoother and easier to be a bottom veil. That’s a world you live in, my friend."

5. Live Aid 40th Anniversary and Artists Who Declined (35:01 - 50:00)

Brady discusses the 40th anniversary of Live Aid, spotlighting artists who famously declined to participate in the original event. This segment includes a humorous critique of these artists' decisions and the broader implications for charity events.

Key Points:

• Artists Who Declined:

  • Michael Jackson: Cited as a difficult collaborator.
  • Rod Stewart: Requested prime-time news coverage as a condition.
  • Stevie Wonder: Allegedly turned down participation due to concerns over racial representation.

• Additional Decliners:

  • Culture Club, Def Leppard, Huey Lewis and the News among others, each with their unique reasons.

• Financial Skepticism:

  • Doubts raised about how effectively the funds raised by Live Aid were utilized, questioning the real impact of the donations.

Notable Quotes:

Brady (37:50): "Rod only found out this a year ago. Are you Kid Thriller or Cheeseburgers in Paradise?"

Dale (42:10): "If I raised enough, you could at least make it so one nation. Like a dentist."

Brady (48:30): "If you raise enough money, you fix everything. Look at my belly. And they're fat."

6. Football Banter: Bengals vs. Bears (50:01 - 58:00)

The hosts transition to a spirited discussion about American football, specifically focusing on the perennial struggles of the Cincinnati Bengals compared to the Chicago Bears. This lighthearted banter showcases the competitive spirit among sports fans.

Key Points:

• Bengals' Performance:

  • Highlighted as a team with eight Super Bowl appearances but only six successful ones.
  • Criticism of their consistency and frequent disappointments.

• Bears' Rivalry:

  • A humorous jab at Bears fans and their team's historical performance.

Notable Quotes:

Brady (51:15): "The Bengals are probably better than the Bears over time. That's horrible to say."

Dale (56:45): "These idiots. Oh, I have eight Super Bowls and two disappointments."

7. Community Shout-Out and Closing Remarks (58:01 - End)

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt shout-out to Antonio from Arizona for his significant donation of a thousand dollars. The hosts commend his generosity and encourage others to contribute to the community.

Key Points:

• Donation Acknowledgment:

  • Antonio's contribution is celebrated as a testament to community spirit.

• Final Goodbyes:

  • Hosts express gratitude and sign off, with a humorous nod to Dale's contribution.

Notable Quotes:

Brady (58:20): "Antonio's my people. You got thousand dollars right here. I got these people on top of the other place that dropped off stuff this morning."

Brady (59:50): "Sean Knight's filling in for Larry. You guys have yourselves a great day. We'll see you tomorrow on the Morning Sickness."

Conclusion: This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a blend of humor, insightful discussions, and community engagement. From exploring the ethics of cloning extinct species to dissecting the legacy of iconic charity events, the hosts provide a compelling narrative interspersed with witty banter and relatable anecdotes. Whether you're a comedy enthusiast, a pop culture aficionado, or a sports fanatic, this episode delivers a well-rounded morning dose of entertainment and conversation.