Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode Summary: July 28, 2025
Title: Trying To Figure Out All The Celebrity Death Triads And Why We Weren't In The Mix For Best Show w/PHX Magazine

Introduction

In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS), hosted by John Holmberg alongside co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, the team delves into the intriguing phenomenon of celebrity death triads. Additionally, they discuss the recent accolade from PHX Magazine naming HMS as Arizona's best morning radio show, exploring their mixed feelings about the recognition.

Celebrity Death Triads Discussion

The conversation begins with an examination of recent celebrity passings, attempting to categorize them into triads—a concept where three related deaths occur within a similar timeframe, often sparking public intrigue and speculation.

• Hulk Hogan and Chuck Mangione
  Brett mentions the passing of Chuck Mangione, a notable figure, shortly after discussing Hulk Hogan’s death.

  • Unknown Speaker [01:30]: “And Chuck Mangione. On Thursday, he passed.”

• Additional Celebrities
  The hosts attempt to identify other celebrities who have recently died, such as Theo van Gogh from Golden Earring and Michael Madsen from Bad Company, among others. The discussion highlights the challenge in determining whether these deaths form a significant triad.

  • Unknown Speaker [03:00]: “Our Water Drive means nothing.”
  • John [05:01]: “So that would be Michael, Theo, Azie, Ozzy and Hulk.”

• Criteria for Triads
  The team debates the strength and relevance of each potential triad, considering the fame and impact of the deceased. They discuss whether the inclusion of less universally known figures like the founder of Golden Earring warrants their presence in a triad.

  • Unknown Speaker [03:37]: “I know two songs. Radar Love and Twilight Zone.”
  • Unknown Speaker [04:07]: “But not kind of a weak one to really even worry.”

• Historical Context of Triads
  Reflecting on past instances, the hosts recall events where multiple high-profile deaths occurred in close succession, enhancing the perceived pattern of triads.

  • Unknown Speaker [05:38]: “There's no stronger one ever in the history.”
  • Unknown Speaker [05:37]: “It's got a res, I would think.”

• Conclusion on Triads
  While acknowledging the pattern, the hosts remain uncertain whether the current series of deaths firmly establishes a triad, emphasizing the subjective nature of such groupings.

  • Unknown Speaker [05:21]: “And it was like a week earlier, Ed McMahon died.”
  • Unknown Speaker [05:38]: “Yeah.”

PHX Magazine's Best Show Award

Transitioning from the topic of celebrity deaths, the discussion shifts to PHX Magazine's recent accolade naming HMS as Arizona's "Radio Personality of the Year." The hosts express a blend of pride and frustration regarding the recognition.

• Initial Reaction
  The team reflects on their surprise and mixed feelings about receiving the award, questioning its impact and the magazine's recognition.

  • Brett [06:59]: “They haven't called it back.”
  • Unknown Speaker [07:01]: “No, no. Yeah, they're proud of it.”

• Perception of the Award
  While acknowledging the honor, the hosts express skepticism about the award's significance, suggesting it may not align with their own views of success and recognition.

  • Unknown Speaker [07:36]: “Our water drive means nothing.”
  • Unknown Speaker [07:40]: “What are we doing this for?”

• Internal Dynamics and Recognition
  The hosts discuss internal dynamics within their team and the radio station, highlighting past instances where awards and recognitions were met with similar ambivalence.

  • Unknown Speaker [08:00]: “They have two. They got the editor's choice.”
  • Unknown Speaker [08:07]: “Well, why did she put us on there?”

• Comparisons with Peers
  The conversation includes comparisons with other radio personalities and their respective recognitions, questioning the criteria and transparency of the awarding process.

  • Unknown Speaker [09:16]: “And Mel was on the air.”
  • Unknown Speaker [09:52]: “She was wearing a cowboy. That's all I've ever done.”

• Final Thoughts on the Award
  Concluding the segment, the hosts reiterate their appreciation for the acknowledgment while maintaining a critical perspective on its broader significance and the internal politics of recognition.

  • Unknown Speaker [10:05]: “We're probably not invited.”
  • Unknown Speaker [10:26]: “I tell you. Nothing.”

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Holmberg's Morning Sickness provides a candid and humorous exploration of both the concept of celebrity death triads and the complexities surrounding industry recognition. By intertwining these discussions with personal anecdotes and team dynamics, the show offers listeners an engaging and multifaceted perspective on contemporary issues within the entertainment and radio landscapes.

Notable Quotes:

• Unknown Speaker [03:24]: “He was the founder of it.”
• Unknown Speaker [05:37]: “...there's no stronger one ever in the history. In the history of.”
• Unknown Speaker [07:36]: “Our water drive means nothing.”
• Unknown Speaker [09:52]: “She was wearing a cowboy. That's all I've ever done.”

Timestamp Reference:

• Celebrity Death Triads: 01:08 - 10:20
• PHX Magazine Award Discussion: 06:19 - 10:20

Note: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content discussions were excluded from this summary to focus on the core topics of the episode.