Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Date: July 24, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Station: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

1. Fundraising for Water Bottles

The episode kicks off with a passionate discussion about the ongoing fundraising campaign to collect one million bottles of water. John Holmberg emphasizes the urgency and community effort required to reach this ambitious goal.

• John Holmberg [02:08]: "We were way ahead of schedule... We are at 880,000 bottles of water now."
• Brett [02:41]: "It's hot out here."

Holmberg highlights the success achieved so far, mentioning significant milestones and generous contributions from local businesses and listeners. The team fervently encourages more donations, aiming to alleviate the pressing need.

• John Holmberg [02:42]: "We can get to a million today. If you get to a million bottles today, it's over."

Acknowledging the support from sponsors like Lerner, Row, Amco, Safeway, and Albertsons, Brett shares updates on recent donations and the impact they're making.

• Brett [03:24]: "We've got 200 bucks that I'll be bringing in tomorrow to buy some more water."

2. Local Events and Sponsors

The hosts discuss their recent participation in a local home show, praising various exhibitors and sponsors. John shares his positive experiences with All Pro Shade, a significant sponsor, and how they plan to enhance his home's outdoor space.

• John Holmberg [06:17]: "All Pro Shade will take care of you. I've got a spot in my front yard that looks pretty but man oh man, that sun hits it wrong."

Brady promotes the sponsors, highlighting their contributions and services, reinforcing the community-driven spirit of the show.

3. WNBA and North Korean Basketball Rules Discussion

A humorous and critical comparison between North Korean basketball rules and the current WNBA regulations takes center stage. The hosts riff on the absurdity of North Korean-style scoring systems and apply them to the WNBA, sparking lively debates.

• Brady [10:34]: "Basketball in North Korea has different rules. Slam dunks are worth three points."
• John Holmberg [11:02]: "I like North Korea's rules. I really do."

They delve into potential rule changes, like awarding points for blocked shots and penalizing airballs, blending satire with genuine critique of sporting regulations.

• Brady [11:17]: "If you shoot an airball, free throw. You're killed."
• John Holmberg [11:20]: "A blocked shot should be a point for the defense."

4. Overrated Food Culture Poll

The hosts reveal results from a recent poll about overrated food cultures, sparking a spirited conversation about global cuisines. France tops the list, much to the hosts' amusement and disagreement.

• John Holmberg [13:09]: "The French."
• Brady [13:15]: "They knock out the bread pretty good, but other than that, it's butter. That's all it is."

They continue to dissect opinions on American, British, Italian, Japanese, and Mexican cuisines, offering their own perspectives and challenging each other’s viewpoints.

5. Reddit Stories

Engaging narratives from listeners’ Reddit posts are shared, bringing relatable and humorous real-life scenarios to the forefront.

• Babysitting Incident: A story about a babysitter who ordered DoorDash for hungry kids, leading to parental frustration.

• Illegal Fishing: Brett recounts the tale of Garrett Morrison, a 20-year-old caught illegally fishing Chinook salmon in Oregon. The humorous yet cautionary tale includes Morrison’s cheeky attire and blatant disregard for fishing regulations.

  • John Holmberg [17:03]: "He's a fisherman. He's Brady the fisherman."

• Henry Alvarado's "Henry Frenzy": A Florida man’s extreme reaction to a gym closing shutters the morning’s entertainment, leading to a mix of concern and amusement among the hosts.

  • Brett [19:22]: "He stripped off his clothing, ran naked through the gym..."
  • John Holmberg [18:54]: "Henry frenzy."

6. US Consumer Product Safety Commission Pool Recall

The show addresses a significant recall by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission of approximately five million above-ground pools. The recall stems from safety hazards linked to drowning incidents among children.

• Brady [20:12]: "They concluded that they were connected with the drowning deaths of nine children."
• John Holmberg [20:26]: "Remember when they used to have... filters that were getting stronger and stronger in your pools?"

The hosts discuss the implications for families, especially in Arizona, and share personal anecdotes related to pool safety and maintenance.

7. Bull Fighting Video Commentary

A segment featuring a humorous and chaotic video of "Mexican poker" bull fighting captures the hosts' attention. They provide a running commentary, highlighting the absurdity and lack of safety in the depicted event.

• John Holmberg [25:00]: "They are all volunteering for a bull. You can't be surprised when the bull comes out..."
• Brett [29:03]: "Get my ass too."

The discussion evolves into a satirical take on the sport, comparing it to inept strategies in sports leagues and emphasizing the need for safety measures.

8. Upcoming Guest: Billy Gardell

As the episode nears its conclusion, John Holmberg builds excitement for an upcoming appearance by comedian Billy Gardell. Praising Gardell’s comedic prowess and personal admiration, Holmberg teases the audience about the forthcoming segment.

• John Holmberg [32:07]: "Billy Gardell is coming. One of my favorite comedians of all time."
• Brady [32:13]: "He's here."

Listeners are left anticipating Gardell’s participation, promising more laughs and engaging content in future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg [02:42]: "We can get to a million today. If you get to a million bottles today, it's over."
• Brady [10:34]: "Basketball in North Korea has different rules. Slam dunks are worth three points."
• John Holmberg [13:09]: "The French."
• John Holmberg [18:54]: "Henry frenzy."
• John Holmberg [25:00]: "They are all volunteering for a bull. You can't be surprised when the bull comes out..."

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully blends community engagement, humor, and topical discussions. From an earnest fundraising drive to lighthearted banter on sports and food, the show maintains its signature entertaining and sometimes provocative style. Listeners are kept informed about local initiatives, safety concerns, and amusing anecdotes, all while anticipating future guests and events.

For more updates and to catch future episodes, tune in to 98 KUPD weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10 AM or visit www.98kupd.com.