Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: July 14, 2025 Host: John Holmberg with Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, and Dick Toledo Source: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio

1. Introduction and Community Anecdote (00:00 - 05:19)

John Holmberg opens the show with a humorous recount of an unusual morning encounter involving a massive owl perched on power lines near his home. This peculiar event sparks a lighthearted debate among the hosts about the owl's size and behavior.

John Holmberg (00:00): "Got an owl the size of a monkey that's sitting on the back of my on the power lines there. That doesn't look surreal."

Brady Bogen and Bret Vesely join in, discussing the challenges of dealing with wildlife like owls and coyotes around their neighborhoods.

Bret Vesely (02:32): "What kind is it a condor owl?"

Dick Toledo contributes by sharing his experiences with managing pets and wildlife, emphasizing the persistence of predators like coyotes.

2. Car Troubles and Mechanic Woes (05:19 - 08:24)

John transitions the conversation to his car troubles, mentioning his Jeep's persistent check engine light and the difficulties he faces getting it repaired due to staff vacations and procedural delays.

John Holmberg (05:33): "But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be accurate when I state that this owl has a 44 and a half foot wingspan."

The hosts express frustration over the lack of prompt service, highlighting the dependency on reliable mechanics.

3. Casino Night Highlights and Gambling Stories (08:24 - 22:26)

The show delves into John's recent casino experience, where he and Brady encounter Dr. Jordan. John shares a triumphant moment of hitting an $8,600 jackpot, described with enthusiasm and camaraderie.

John Holmberg (18:23): "But these red hot deals won't last forever."

However, their luck takes a downturn when Brady interferes, causing their winnings to disappear mysteriously, leading to humorous exchanges about lost money and missed opportunities.

John Holmberg (19:00): "Mine, mine, mine. You may think you're going to get it from me, but you're wrong."

The narrative captures both the highs and lows of gambling, infused with the show's signature humor.

4. Potluck Fiasco and Food Sharing Humor (22:26 - 35:47)

A significant portion of the episode revolves around a potluck dinner the hosts attended, where mishaps occur due to Brady's excessive use of communal utensils, leading to humorous yet exaggerated fears of contamination and food mishandling.

John Holmberg (23:24): "And you didn't know that was a salad."

The discussion evolves into playful banter about food safety, personal boundaries, and the social dynamics of potluck gatherings, underscored by exaggerated comedic elements.

5. Reflections on Summer Stress and Community Behavior (35:47 - 43:36)

The hosts transition to reflecting on the stresses of summer, noting the increased grouchiness and impatience among people as the season progresses. They share anecdotes about encounters with disgruntled individuals at casinos and express concerns over rising tensions.

John Holmberg (29:00): "I think people are acting a little bit. They're stumbling a little."

This segment emphasizes the broader social themes of stress, community interactions, and the impact of seasonal changes on behavior.

6. Sports Talk: All-Star Game Critique (43:36 - 65:38)

A substantial segment is dedicated to discussing the All-Star baseball game, lamenting the lack of memorable moments compared to past decades. The hosts reminisce about iconic plays and players, expressing disappointment over the current state of the event.

John Holmberg (64:25): "He knocked him right off the plate. Never did let him in. That's Kurt Gowdy."

They critique the commercialization and competitive nature of modern sports, comparing it unfavorably to the more passionate and memorable moments of the past.

7. Personal Stories: Listener's Dog Alyssa and Pet Rescue (65:38 - 135:32)

The episode takes an emotional turn as John shares a heartfelt listener story about a dog named Alyssa, who was lovingly adopted by a listener after her owners passed away. The narrative covers Alyssa's integration into her new home, her untimely passing, and the profound impact of her loss on both the adopter and their pets.

Anonymous Listener (117:12): "Alyssa was only with for a short time, but already one of my kids and she will be loved and remembered like all the rest."

John expresses genuine empathy and appreciation for listeners' contributions to pet rescue efforts, highlighting the importance of community support and animal welfare.

John Holmberg (128:00): "So thank you to all the listeners that have done something for the doggy charities."

8. Neighborly Conflicts and Yard Maintenance Tips (135:32 - 159:04)

The dialogue shifts to neighborly disputes over yard maintenance, particularly concerning invasive vines and encroaching trees. Bret recounts his experience of trimming overgrown vines that damaged his fence, leading to a contentious exchange with his neighbor about property boundaries and responsibilities.

John Holmberg (140:05): "How come your parents didn't just buy a new car when they got to California?"

The hosts discuss various methods to manage overgrown plants, offering humorous yet practical advice on maintaining personal property while dealing with uncooperative neighbors.

9. Technology and Social Media Concerns (159:04 - 172:00)

John and Bret engage in a discussion about the rise of AI companions and their impact on personal relationships. They explore the hypothetical scenario of an AI girlfriend overwhelming real-life relationships, infused with satire and exaggerated concerns.

John Holmberg (164:24): "The difference between dominoes and dice. And Uno."

The conversation covers themes of loneliness, the allure of technology, and the potential pitfalls of relying on AI for emotional fulfillment, all delivered with the show's characteristic humor.

10. Closing Remarks and Listener Interactions (172:00 - 175:32)

The episode concludes with the hosts addressing listener emails and interactions, sharing humorous and exaggerated scenarios involving neighbors, family dynamics, and pet anecdotes. John emphasizes the importance of community support and maintaining genuine relationships amidst technological distractions.

John Holmberg (174:05): "You better say I went heavier on the sides."

The show wraps up with light-hearted banter, reinforcing the camaraderie among the hosts and their commitment to engaging with their audience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Holmberg (00:00): "Got an owl the size of a monkey that's sitting on the back of my on the power lines there. That doesn't look surreal."

• Bret Vesely (02:32): "What kind is it a condor owl?"

• John Holmberg (05:33): "But I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be accurate when I state that this owl has a 44 and a half foot wingspan."

• John Holmberg (18:23): "But these red hot deals won't last forever."

• John Holmberg (23:24): "And you didn't know that was a salad."

• John Holmberg (29:00): "I think people are acting a little bit. They're stumbling a little."

• John Holmberg (64:25): "He knocked him right off the plate. Never did let him in. That's Kurt Gowdy."

• John Holmberg (128:00): "So thank you to all the listeners that have done something for the doggy charities."

• John Holmberg (140:05): "How come your parents didn't just buy a new car when they got to California?"

• John Holmberg (164:24): "The difference between dominoes and dice. And Uno."

Conclusion

This episode of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" offers a blend of humor, personal stories, and community interactions typical of a morning radio show. The hosts navigate through a variety of topics—from dealing with wildlife and car troubles to casino experiences and neighborly disputes—while maintaining an engaging and entertaining atmosphere. Emotional moments, such as the listener’s story about Alyssa the dog, add depth to the show, highlighting the show's capacity to balance humor with heartfelt narratives.

Listeners are treated to a rich tapestry of conversations that reflect everyday challenges and humorous situations, making the episode relatable and enjoyable for both regular audiences and newcomers.