Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Episode: July 11, 2025

Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD is Arizona's premier morning radio show, hosted by John Holmberg with co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo. In the July 11, 2025 episode titled "Giving Thanks To Yesterdays Huge Operation Hydration Donors - We Got An Update From Lost Our Home On Former Pick Of The Litter Elisa," the hosts focus on expressing gratitude to their generous donors for Operation Hydration and provide heartfelt updates on their pet rescue initiatives.

1. Expressing Gratitude to Operation Hydration Donors

John Holmberg opens the segment with a heartfelt thank you to Antonio from Arizona Mailbox Service for his significant contribution:

"Thank you to Antonio yesterday for being another person who gave us a thousand bucks for Operation Hydration, which yesterday I do believe was the biggest single surprise donation day."
(Timestamp: 10:45)

Holmberg highlights the unexpected generosity of Antonio, emphasizing the substantial impact of his $1,000 donation and the large quantity of water provided. He contrasts this with previous donations, underscoring the exceptional nature of Antonio's support.

2. Acknowledging Additional Contributors

Holmberg broadens his thanks to include other key supporters of Operation Hydration, such as Jay Schwartz from Schwartz Laser Eye Center and Matthias Bar. He encourages listeners to contribute by donating water, detailing a community incentive:

"If you bring in like five, 24 packs of water, she'll give you a $10 gift."
(Timestamp: 15:20)

This initiative not only fosters community involvement but also rewards donors, further promoting the mission to collect a million bottles of water for the Phoenix Rescue Mission.

3. Updates on Operation Hydration Donations

The hosts delve deeper into the success of Operation Hydration, recounting memorable donation days. Holmberg reminisces about a previous event where Hensley donated a semi-truck full of water:

"I remember last year when the guys over at Hensley dropped off that semi truck of water and we knew they were coming."
(Timestamp: 12:30)

He contrasts this with the recent influx of unanticipated donations from Arizona Mailbox Service, highlighting the growing support and enthusiasm for the cause.

4. Heartwarming Stories from Lost Our Home Pet Rescue

Shifting focus, John Holmberg shares updates from their pet rescue efforts with Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. He introduces Spaghetti, a lively year-and-a-half-old Aussie mix in need of a home:

"Spaghetti needs a home. It's been there for a little while, too long. Year and a half old, sort of Aussie mix with something, something, something. He's cool as hell."
(Timestamp: 20:10)

Holmberg emphasizes the joy and purpose these rescue missions bring, reinforcing the show's commitment to giving animals a second chance.

5. The Inspiring Story of Alyssa

A particularly moving segment revolves around Alyssa, an older dog whose owner passed away. Holmberg narrates the journey of Alyssa's rescue and adoption:

"A week after we did it, one of the glorious anonymous KUPD listeners adopted Alyssa. Alyssa got a home."
(Timestamp: 22:40)

Tragically, Alyssa passed away two weeks post-adoption, but her impact remained profound:

"When she saw you, she made the room better. She calmed the room."
(Timestamp: 23:15)

Holmberg reflects on the emotional fulfillment derived from these rescue stories:

"This is why we do what we do."
(Timestamp: 24:05)

His narrative underscores the deep connections formed between rescued animals and their new families, highlighting the essential role of the community in these successes.

6. Reflections and Final Thanks

Concluding the episode, Holmberg offers a poignant thank you to all donors and supporters:

"Thank you to whomever you are. I don't know you, but this is the only way I can get it out there."
(Timestamp: 24:50)

He acknowledges the anonymous nature of many contributions and the collective effort that makes Operation Hydration and Lost Our Home Pet Rescue possible.

7. Closing with Humor and Lightheartedness

To balance the emotional depth of the discussions, the hosts incorporate humor, maintaining the show's signature lively atmosphere:

"I'm so sorry for making everybody have to sit through that. We'll be right back."
(Timestamp: 25:30)

This playful sign-off leaves listeners with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future episodes.

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends heartfelt gratitude towards donors with inspiring stories of pet rescue, all while maintaining an engaging and entertaining tone. John Holmberg and his co-hosts effectively communicate the importance of community support in making a tangible difference, both through Operation Hydration and their dedicated efforts in rescuing and rehoming animals. Notably, Alyssa's story serves as a testament to the profound impact such initiatives have on both animals and the people who welcome them into their lives.