Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode: August 6, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Broadcasted On: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Overview

In the August 6, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg, along with co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delves into a variety of engaging and sometimes controversial topics. From nostalgic anecdotes to pressing technological and societal issues, the episode offers a blend of humor, personal stories, and insightful discussions aimed at entertaining and provoking thought among listeners.

House Selling with TV Doug Hopkins

The episode kicks off with John Holmberg promoting TV Doug Hopkins (DougHopkins.com), highlighting the frustrations homeowners face when trying to sell their properties. Holmberg shares a personal endorsement, saying:

"They wouldn't be dealing with all this stress if they'd have just called TVs Doug Hopkins. Because he's more than a guy buying your house and he makes an offer for your house, cash as is... all you got to do is start the process online@doughopkins.com"
[01:11]

This segment underscores the benefits of using streamlined services to alleviate the traditional hassles of real estate transactions.

Upcoming Pantera Concert and Sobriety Rules

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the upcoming Pantera concert, where Holmberg shares his admiration for the band and emphasizes the importance of sobriety during performances:

"If they had to do all that work to do a show for you, you can't show up drunk. That's the only rule. So keep it in mind... If you hear those sounds, Pantera is in your hands. Stay sober for a day. It's easy."
[01:56]

He recounts personal experiences attending Pantera shows, noting the band's improvement and the necessity for fans to remain sober to ensure the event runs smoothly.

National Root Beer Float Day: Nostalgia and Anecdotes

Celebrating National Root Beer Float Day, Holmberg reminisces about his younger days indulging in root beer floats, leading to humorous and somewhat cringe-worthy memories:

"I had... I like four of them because I can. I can guzzle. And by the fifth one, I'm like, this is not right. I'm drinking too much root beer... I threw up foam like I was one of those car wash things."
[04:31]

Co-host Bret Vesley adds light-hearted remarks, enhancing the segment's comedic value while highlighting the relatable experience of overindulgence.

Fun Facts Segment: Twins and European Souvenirs

In a brief interlude, Bret Vesley shares intriguing and quirky fun facts:

1. Marriage Among Identical Twins:
   Discussing the genetic implications, Vesley states:

   "Marrying identical twins is called an incest quaternary marriage... Genetically, their kids would technically be considered first cousins, but their DNA would be that of siblings."
   [06:00]

2. European Souvenirs:
   Addressing cultural differences in souvenirs, Vesley mentions:

   "Red Solo cups are a popular souvenir for European tourists to take home after they visit the U.S. They don't have hillbilly cups in Europe?"
   [06:33]

These snippets provide listeners with fascinating tidbits, blending education with entertainment.

Illinois Bans AI Therapists: A Heated Debate

One of the episode's focal points is Illinois' pioneering move to ban AI therapists from making therapeutic decisions. Bret Vesley introduces the topic:

"Illinois just became the first state to ban AI therapists. People could still use ChatGPT on their own if they want, but licensed therapists just can't use it to make therapeutic decisions."
[08:56]

John Holmberg expresses his opposition to the ban, advocating for the integration of AI in therapy:

"Don't be like Warner Brothers and Columbia and everybody else back in 1999. A better technology has shown up. Embrace it. Don't fight it."
[09:21]

Vesley elaborates on the reasons behind the ban, citing incidents where AI made inappropriate therapeutic suggestions, such as advising a fictional patient to use methamphetamine:

"They had a therapy chatbot... it ended up telling Pedro, it's absolutely clear you need a small hit of meth to get through this week."
[09:47]

Holmberg counters by highlighting the potential benefits of AI-assisted therapy when used judiciously, emphasizing the importance of human discernment in leveraging AI technology effectively.

Generation Z Interns and Workplace Dynamics

The conversation shifts to the evolving workplace behaviors of Generation Z, sparked by an email from a Gen Z intern:

"A Gen Z's Gen Z interns email to her boss is going viral because she didn't ask. She told him that she was taking a few days off and the reason was my energy feels a little off."
[14:40]

Holmberg criticizes the lack of professionalism in such communications, while Bret Vesley notes the broader implications for corporate culture:

"Corporate world is not ready for Gen Z."
[15:15]

The discussion touches on the need for adapting workplace policies and communication styles to accommodate the new generation's unique approaches and expectations.

McDonaldland's Adult Happy Meal: A Nostalgic Revamp

Bret Vesley announces a quirky marketing move by McDonald's:

"Starting next Tuesday, McDonald's will have an adult Happy Meal called the McDonaldland's Meal... It comes with your choice of a quarter pounder or ten piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a collectible souvenir for an adult."
[17:44]

Holmberg critiques the concept humorously:

"Lame stuff."
[19:18]

Vesley provides context by tracing the history of McDonaldland, adding depth to the announcement and its reception.

Odd Fellows Ice Cream's Controversial Flavor

The hosts discuss Odd Fellows Ice Cream's bold innovation:

"They made a small batch of breast milk tasting ice cream. It tastes like breast milk. It's not made of breast milk."
[19:03]

The conversation explores the adventurous nature of flavor experimentation in the food industry, weighing the novelty against potential consumer reactions and regulatory concerns.

Controversial News: Catholic Priest's Misconduct

In a serious turn, Brett Vesley reports on a scandal involving a Catholic priest:

"A Catholic priest in Raleigh, South Carolina at St. Anne Catholic Church was busted for soliciting a prostitute outside the church."
[17:00]

Holmberg and Vesley discuss the implications for the Catholic Church, with Holmberg making a sardonic remark:

"This is growth in the Catholic Church."
[17:16]

The segment highlights ongoing challenges institutions face in maintaining ethical standards and public trust.

Technology Troubles: Phone System Failures

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing persistent issues with the show's phone systems. Holmberg and co-hosts express frustration over ineffective attempts to fix the digital phones:

"They're going back to the digital." vs. "I thought we went back to analog."
[16:21]

Holmberg laments:

"Fixed technology isn't always better... If it worked, it would be better. No, because it doesn't work."
[23:03]

The discussion underscores the challenges of modernizing technology in live broadcasting environments, blending technical woes with humor.

Listener Engagement and Contests

Throughout the episode, Holmberg engages listeners with contests and shout-outs, including a winner named Bronson Mitchum who wins tickets to see Pantera. This interactive element fosters a sense of community and listener participation.

Comedy and Entertainment Highlights

The hosts briefly mention upcoming comedy events, promoting local talent and encouraging listeners to attend performances by known comedians like Carlos Mencia and Annie Letterman. This segment adds a lighter, entertainment-focused dimension to the show.

Closing Thoughts and Reflections

As the episode winds down, Holmberg reflects on the blend of topics covered, from nostalgic anecdotes and fun facts to serious discussions on technology and societal issues. The hosts maintain a balance of humor and insight, ensuring that the content remains engaging and thought-provoking for their audience.

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg on AI Therapists:

  "AI is the exact same thing [as Napster]. And the industries that fought it are dying. And the ones that embrace, that's thriving."
  [09:21]

• Bret Vesley on Irresponsible AI Use:

  "They had a therapy chatbot... it ended up telling Pedro, it's absolutely clear you need a small hit of meth to get through this week."
  [09:47]

• John Holmberg on Red Solo Cups:

  "They don't have hillbilly cups in Europe? What do they use?"
  [06:41]

• Holmberg on Technology Frustrations:

  "Our phones never just broke because we had too many calls. That's its only job is to take a lot of calls and it can't handle it."
  [23:14]

Conclusion

The August 6, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a dynamic mix of humor, personal stories, and discussions on contemporary issues. From celebrating National Root Beer Float Day to tackling the complexities of AI in therapy, the show provides listeners with both entertainment and valuable insights. John Holmberg and his team adeptly navigate through diverse topics, ensuring a rich and engaging listening experience for their audience.