Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Podcast Summary Episode: July 15, 2025 – Steve Byrne – Desert Ridge Improv – Call In
Host: John Holmberg, with Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS), Arizona's premier morning radio show on 98KUPD, delivered an engaging and laughter-filled episode on July 15, 2025. Hosted by John Holmberg alongside Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, the show featured comedian Steve Byrne as a special guest. The episode interwove humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions, providing listeners with an entertaining and meaningful morning experience.

Guest Introduction: Steve Byrne

Brady Bogen kicked off the segment by introducing Steve Byrne, a seasoned comedian preparing to perform at Desert Ridge Improv that weekend.

Brady [00:57]: "Steve Byrne is on there. He's at the Desert Ridge Improv this weekend."

Steve welcomed the live call with enthusiasm, expressing his excitement about performing live.

Steve Byrne [01:09]: "Oh, God, it feels so good to be live. We're coming from live. We are live. That's right. There's a lot of live going on."

Comedy Style and Live Performances

The conversation delved into Steve's comedic approach, particularly his emphasis on crowd work—a skill he has honed over two decades.

Steve Byrne [03:13]: "I just love doing crowd work. I, you know, I think, I think in this day and age of social media, people think I'll just wing it. I like to do a little bit of everything."

Steve recounted a viral video showcasing his impeccable crowd work, which amassed over 12 million views.

Steve Byrne [03:58]: "That thing went viral, like 12 million views the first time I posted. It just went crazy."

Brady shared his admiration for Steve's spontaneous interactions, highlighting a memorable exchange with a female audience member.

Brady [02:41]: "I think it was so perfect... Steve just shouts out. He goes, 'Not happening. He didn't go to Jared.'"

Humorous Theories and Banter

The duo engaged in playful and humorous discussions about "Grandma's Clam," a term they coined while humorously theorizing about the evolution of household practices and furniture protection.

Brady [06:26]: "Grandma's Clam is... it's a tad disgusting, but I think we're onto something."

Their banter touched upon generational differences, societal changes, and the decline of certain household norms, all delivered with their signature comedic flair.

Steve Byrne [09:32]: "Genius Steve. I think of feminine hygiene being invented in the 1930s."

The conversation was laced with witty exchanges, such as joking about Steve's stage name and humorous remarks on wearable items and social behavior.

Documentary on The Amazing Jonathan

A significant portion of the episode was dedicated to Steve Byrne's experience working on a documentary about the late comedian, The Amazing Jonathan.

Steve Byrne [17:04]: "The Amazing Jonathan is the story of a comedian who was really well known and then had a residency in Vegas and just treated himself terribly."

Steve reflected on Jonathan's vibrant yet tumultuous life, his passions, pranks, and the profound impact he had on the comedy community. He recounted emotional moments, including a heartfelt interaction between Jonathan and fellow comedian Bill Burr.

Steve Byrne [22:47]: "Bill and Jonathan are revering each other... The saddest part... is the last comedian that you're actually gonna see is Steve Byrne."

The discussion highlighted the fleeting nature of life and the importance of capturing and honoring the legacies of influential figures in comedy.

Personal Stories and Friendships

The episode also featured personal anecdotes about friendships within the comedy circle. Steve shared insights about Gary Cannon's coming out and the dynamics of maintaining friendships through significant life changes.

Brady [23:36]: "Gary became gay. And I know that. Yeah, exactly."

Their conversation underscored themes of acceptance, authenticity, and the enduring nature of true friendships despite evolving personal identities.

Steve Byrne [23:45]: "I'm just happy that you can be your authentic self and be happy with that."

Conclusion and Show Promotions

As the show neared its end, Brady and Steve promoted Steve Byrne's upcoming performances at Desert Ridge Improv, inviting listeners to attend and support live comedy.

Brady [25:00]: "If you want to go this weekend, Desert RidgeImprov.com is where you get tickets."

Brady also shared a moving testament to the impact of HMS on listeners, recounting a story of a caller who found solace in laughter during a difficult time, emphasizing the show's role as a pillar of support and joy.

Brady [15:02]: "A guy walked up to me once... he said, 'you saved my life.'"

Notable Quotes

• Brady [03:58]: "That thing went viral, like 12 million views the first time I posted. It just went crazy."
• Steve Byrne [03:13]: "I just love doing crowd work. I, you know, I think, I think in this day and age of social media, people think I'll just wing it."
• Brady [06:26]: "Grandma's Clam is... it's a tad disgusting, but I think we're onto something."
• Steve Byrne [17:04]: "The Amazing Jonathan is the story of a comedian who was really well known and then had a residency in Vegas and just treated himself terribly."
• Brady [15:02]: "A guy walked up to me once... he said, 'you saved my life.'"

Final Thoughts

The July 15, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully balanced humor with heartfelt conversations, offering listeners both laughs and meaningful insights. Steve Byrne's appearances, coupled with the hosts' engaging dialogue, made for a memorable and impactful episode that reinforced HMS's reputation as Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show.

Listeners can catch future episodes on 98KUPD (97.9 FM), the 98KUPD app, or www.98kupd.com every weekday from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM.