Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Episode Summary Featuring Billy Gardell

Release Date: July 24, 2025
Location: Desert Ridge Improv - In Studio
Host: John Holmberg
Guest: Billy Gardell

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg welcomes comedian Billy Gardell to the Desert Ridge Improv studio. The conversation delves deep into Billy's personal journey, his experiences in the entertainment industry, and reflections on contemporary societal issues.

Navigating the Digital Age and Social Media

Billy Gardell opens up about his perspective on the overwhelming influx of information on the internet:

Billy Gardell [03:04]: "My hope is that the Internet just gets so full of crap to the point where no one believes anything, it'll collapse on itself and we can go back to movies and record stores."

John Holmberg resonates with Billy's sentiment, highlighting the challenges of keeping up with the rapid pace of digital content:

John Holmberg [03:27]: "It's sort of almost the Sodom and Gomorrah thing that it would be so disgusting that it will eventually collapse."

The duo discusses the potential consequences of misinformation and the loss of genuine human connections in the digital era.

Humor Amidst Chaos: Handling Disturbing Content

Billy addresses the nature of radio and television content, emphasizing his choice to steer clear of overly disturbing material to preserve his empathy:

Billy Gardell [04:27]: "I purposely avoid stuff like that because I don't want to lose my empathy nerve."

John shares his discomfort with excessively graphic content, illustrating the fine line comedians and hosts tread between humor and sensitivity:

John Holmberg [05:03]: "My line got really weird... Like, what the hell is wrong with you?"

A Passion for Comedy and Resilience in Showbiz

Billy recounts his hiatus from stand-up comedy during the COVID-19 pandemic, citing health challenges as a catalyst for change:

Billy Gardell [16:58]: "I was like, I can't go out and tour. So we were working without an audience and... I realized I had to make a big change."

Inspired by friends and witnessing vibrant live performances, Billy found the motivation to return to the stage, leading to a renewed passion for comedy:

Billy Gardell [17:48]: "There was a weird itch in my shoulder. I was like, well, let me see if there's anything left in the tank here."

Weight Loss Journey and Personal Transformation

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Billy's battle with weight and his journey towards better health. He shares candidly about his struggles:

Billy Gardell [21:13]: "I had to... my presence was different on stage. I went from, like, a minivan to a coupe."

Billy details his medical interventions, including bariatric surgery, and the profound impact it had on his life and career:

Billy Gardell [22:08]: "I elected to get bariatric surgery, which comes with some risks... It was four years ago, July 17th."

John expresses admiration for Billy's determination and the positive changes it brought:

John Holmberg [22:20]: "170 pounds gone. And logic."

Career Aspirations and Future Projects

Billy shares his ambitions beyond stand-up comedy, expressing interest in acting and potentially rebooting classic TV shows:

Billy Gardell [18:51]: "I'm really interested in doing some drama. You know what? I'd really like to reboot the Rockford Files."

The discussion highlights Billy's desire to explore diverse roles and his proactive steps towards achieving these goals, including signing with Levity Entertainment:

Billy Gardell [19:45]: "I just signed with Levity Entertainment. Judy Marmel has been a lifelong friend..."

Reflections on Society and Personal Beliefs

Towards the end of the episode, John and Billy engage in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking conversation about societal preparedness and personal philosophies:

Billy Gardell [25:21]: "You want to be the rebel. Lame and kind is the way to go."

This segment underscores the duo's mutual belief in kindness and empathy as foundational societal values.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Billy leaves listeners with a nugget of wisdom, encouraging personal growth and adaptability:

Billy Gardell [28:51]: "You can't change nouns, people, places or things. Yeah, you change your approach, your reaction, and your proximity."

John thanks Billy for his candidness and shares details about Billy's upcoming performances at Desert Ridge Improv, ensuring fans know where to catch him next.

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of Billy Gardell's life, his resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges, and his thoughtful takes on modern societal issues. Listeners are treated to an authentic conversation that balances laughter with meaningful insights.

Notable Quotes:

• Billy Gardell [03:04]: "My hope is that the Internet just gets so full of crap to the point where no one believes anything, it'll collapse on itself and we can go back to movies and record stores."

• John Holmberg [05:03]: "My line got really weird... Like, what the hell is wrong with you?"

• Billy Gardell [21:13]: "I had to... my presence was different on stage. I went from, like, a minivan to a coupe."

• Billy Gardell [28:51]: "You can't change nouns, people, places or things. Yeah, you change your approach, your reaction, and your proximity."

Tune In:

Catch Billy Gardell live at Desert Ridge Improv on Saturday and Sunday. For more information and ticket bookings, visit desertridgeimprov.com.

Holmberg's Morning Sickness continues to deliver insightful and entertaining conversations with Arizona's top talents, making your mornings both enjoyable and thought-provoking.