Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode: 08-01-25 - Amir K - Desert Ridge Improv - In Studio
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Guests: Amir K
Station: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio
Episode Overview
In this engaging episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness, host John Holmberg welcomes comedian Amir K to the studio for an entertaining and insightful conversation. Throughout the show, John, along with his co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delve into Amir K’s background, his experiences as an Iranian immigrant, his journey in comedy and acting, and his perspectives on cultural perceptions. The episode is punctuated with humor, personal anecdotes, and thoughtful discussions, providing listeners with a rich and entertaining experience.
Introduction and Welcome
The episode begins with John Holmberg introducing Amir K, highlighting his upcoming performances at Desert Ridge Improv. John humorously sets the tone by mentioning their Friday tradition of sharing the "worst of the worst videos," which serves as a comedic icebreaker.
John Holmberg [01:09]:
"...They wouldn’t be dealing with all this stress if they’d just called Doug Hopkins because he makes an offer for your house. Cash. As is, you don’t have to do anything. The deal is over..."
Exploring Amir K’s Iranian Heritage
The conversation takes a personal turn as Amir K shares his background growing up in Iran during the Iran-Iraq War and his subsequent relocation to Orange County, California. This segment offers listeners a glimpse into the challenges and cultural adjustments Amir faced as an immigrant.
Amir K [07:03]:
"...what happened is World War III, man. What happened? I wanted to activate. What do I do? I didn’t get to activate. I’m just chilling now."
John Holmberg [08:12]:
"How old were you when you left?"
Amir K [08:14]:
"5."
Amir recounts traumatic memories from Iran, such as witnessing bombings and living under constant threat, which have profoundly shaped his worldview and comedic material.
Comedy Career and Cultural Insights
Amir K discusses his path into comedy and acting, emphasizing his desire to bridge cultural gaps and challenge stereotypes about Iranians. He highlights how his experiences inform his stand-up routines, aiming to showcase that Iranians are not terrorists and that they appreciate the freedoms found in America.
Amir K [22:41]:
"I think I’m doing it. Doing stand-up and showing people that we’re not like, you know, terrorists and we don’t hate America..."
John Holmberg adds to the discussion by reflecting on his own limited understanding before meeting Amir, illustrating the importance of personal interactions in dispelling misconceptions.
John Holmberg [09:46]:
"So when I said, where are you from? You lied to get away with it. From. You said Orange County. All right, that’s it. Bring in the authorities."
Experiences in Hollywood and Acting Roles
Amir K shares anecdotes from his acting career, including his minor role in the Academy Award-winning film Argo. He humorously describes the challenges of filming as an Iranian character and the dynamics on set with stars like Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.
Amir K [24:53]:
"I remember Ben Affleck would get so frustrated. He goes, guys, you’re looking right at the camera. You can’t. And then, like, guys, like..."
John Holmberg humorously engages with Amir's story, highlighting the awkwardness and comedic elements of Amir’s experiences in the film industry.
John Holmberg [25:00]:
"Did you say you were in Argo?"
Amir K [24:45]:
"Yeah. Were you a small party?"
Cultural Misconceptions and Personal Growth
The dialogue shifts to broader cultural issues, with both hosts and Amir K addressing the stereotypes and misconceptions that exist about Middle Eastern cultures. They discuss the impact of media portrayals and the importance of personal storytelling in altering public perceptions.
Amir K [22:41]:
"...do stand-up and show people that we’re not like, you know, terrorists and we don’t hate America..."
John Holmberg [21:31]:
"And then you meet people from there and you’re like, Tehran is like a college town, right? And it’s got a ton of people and everybody’s free."
Humor and Personal Stories
Throughout the episode, humor is a key element, with both John and Amir K exchanging witty remarks and playful banter. They tackle sensitive topics with levity, making the conversation both entertaining and thought-provoking.
John Holmberg [17:21]:
"This is your scene."
Amir K [25:00]:
"Yeah, this is it."
Their interaction about Amir’s scene in Argo exemplifies their dynamic, blending humor with personal insight.
Closing Thoughts and Words of Wisdom
As the episode winds down, Amir K shares his final thoughts on kindness and community, leaving listeners with a meaningful takeaway.
Amir K [30:45]:
"Be kind to the people next to you. Man, that’s beautiful, isn't it?"
John Holmberg humorously twists the message for comedic effect, maintaining the show's light-hearted nature.
John Holmberg [30:49]:
"But not the people. Bomb them."
Amir concludes with sincere appreciation for the opportunity to share his story, reinforcing the episode's blend of humor and heartfelt dialogue.
Amir K [30:58]:
"It was great to meet you guys, man. Thanks for having me on and I hope to see you guys all at the show."
Conclusion
This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a balanced mix of humor, personal storytelling, and cultural discussion. Amir K’s candid sharing of his experiences as an Iranian immigrant and his journey in comedy provides listeners with both laughs and valuable insights. John Holmberg and his crew facilitate a conversation that is as entertaining as it is enlightening, embodying the show's mission to entertain, question, and engage listeners.
Notable Quotes
- John Holmberg [08:12]: "How old were you when you left?"
- Amir K [22:41]: "I think I’m doing it. Doing stand-up and showing people that we’re not like, you know, terrorists and we don’t hate America..."
- Amir K [30:45]: "Be kind to the people next to you. Man, that’s beautiful, isn't it?"
Additional Information
- Upcoming Shows: Amir K will perform at Desert Ridge Improv tonight, tomorrow, and Sunday. Visit desertridgeimprov.com for more details.
- Connect with Amir K: Follow Amir K’s performances and comedy on his official platforms.
Listen to the Episode
To catch this episode and more, tune in to 98 KUPD (97.9 FM) or listen via the 98KUPD app. Join the conversation and stay entertained with Arizona’s #1 Morning Radio Show.