Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona
Episode: August 8, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Release Date: August 8, 2025
1. Overview
In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg, alongside co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delves into a mix of controversial humor, listener interactions, and current event discussions. The episode prominently features a heated segment about the inappropriate use of dildos at WNBA games, a listener's complaint, and a public service announcement (PSA) regarding speeding laws, culminating in a satirical take on Brady's recent surgery and health issues.
2. The Dildos Controversy
a. Coach Reeve's Press Conference
The episode kicks off with a critique of a press conference held by Coach Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx. Coach Reeve expressed her disdain over the use of dildos during WNBA game broadcasts, emphasizing that such sexualization is harmful to women and should not be trivialized or joked about.
Coach Reeve (00:48): “The sexualization of women is what's used to hold women down and this is no different.”
However, Holmberg and his co-hosts highlight the irony and humor in the situation, especially when visuals of a giant dildo being used during the press conference contradict Coach Reeve's serious stance.
John Holmberg (02:35): “I'm watching the video... she's saying it's not funny while someone throws a giant dildo at her.”
b. Listener Email from Brianne
Listener Brianne writes in furiously about hearing explicit language and dildo-related discussions while her 8-year-old son was in the car, expressing her outrage and threatening to take action against the show.
Brianne (35:20): “There was an 8-year-old in the car and I had to explain to him what a dildo is at 6am... I won't rest until you're reprimanded.”
c. Crypto Group Taking Credit
The hosts unveil that a cryptocurrency group has been orchestrating the dildo stunts at WNBA games as a marketing ploy for their crypto coins, seeking media attention under the pseudonym Lt. Daldo Rain.
John Holmberg (15:45): “It's ironic... they're just hijacking the controversy for their own gain.”
d. Hosts' Responses and Humor
The co-hosts respond to Brianne's email with a blend of sarcasm and crude humor, suggesting exaggerated and inappropriate solutions to her complaint.
Bret Vesely (40:10): “She needs to catch it with her mouth. We'll throw them at you and give prizes away.”
Dick Toledo (42:30): “She needs more than a dildo of her own.”
The segment underscores the show's tendency to use provocative humor, even when addressing serious listener concerns.
3. Speeding PSA and Related Discussions
a. Announcement of PSA
John Holmberg introduces a PSA about the dangers of speeding, referencing a state initiative to discourage speeding by directing drivers to slowdownaz.com.
John Holmberg (50:15): “Speeding doesn't get you anywhere faster. It puts everyone at risk.”
b. Comparative Analysis: Arizona vs. Autobahn
The discussion shifts to a comparison between Arizona's speed regulations and Germany's Autobahn, where parts of the highway have no speed limits. The hosts debate the safety and practicality of unrestricted speeds.
Brady Bogen (55:40): “302 people died in traffic accidents on the Autobahn in 2023. That's a lot.”
Bret Vesely (57:05): “It's not much different from a freeway with five lanes, but at 199 mph, you're likely to crash.”
c. Listener Reactions and Humor
Listener anecdotes about speeding experiences on the Autobahn are shared, with the hosts mocking both the driver and the rigid speed enforcement.
Dick Toledo (60:25): “He must have thought he was on the Autobahn, but he was on a section with a speed limit.”
The segment combines informational content with the show's signature irreverent humor.
4. Brady's Surgery and Health Issues
a. Announcement of Diagnosis
The co-hosts discuss Brady Bogen's recent diagnosis, which involves kidney issues requiring surgery and steroid treatment, leading to side effects like "moon face."
John Holmberg (75:50): “Brady's going to blow up with moon face from all the steroids.”
b. Host's Commentary and Humor
The hosts engage in a morbidly humorous discussion about Brady's condition, making light of the side effects and the seriousness of his health situation.
Dick Toledo (80:10): “Moon face is like turning into Amy Schumer. It's not worth a break.”
Bret Vesely (82:45): “He's going to bounce off the air with that moon face.”
c. Addressing Sensitivity
Despite the humor, there's an undercurrent of concern for Brady's well-being, though overshadowed by the comedic approach.
John Holmberg (85:30): “We're keeping an eye on Brady. He's in good hands.”
5. Listener Emails and Interactions
Throughout the episode, multiple listeners send in emails and calls, mostly voicing complaints about the show's content, especially the dildo-related discussions, and sharing personal stories or opinions.
Larry (45:00): “I heard the W logo changed to a dildo silhouette. It's never-ending funny.”
Ryan (120:15): “I love the show despite disagreeing with some views. People suck.”
These interactions highlight the polarizing nature of the show, attracting both loyal fans and disgruntled listeners.
6. Advertising and Sponsorships
Interspersed within the episode are numerous advertisements and sponsorship messages, promoting products and services such as MMP Guns, BetterHelp, Sleep Number Smart Beds, and local businesses like Native Grill and Wings and Action Ride Shop. While these segments are part of the original transcript, they were minimized in the summary as per the request to focus on content over advertisements.
7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their stance on the discussed topics, maintaining their blend of humor and controversy. They address Brady's diagnosis lightheartedly, assuring listeners of his well-being while poking fun at the situation.
John Holmberg (130:40): “Brady's going to be okay. Just keep an eye on him.”
Overall, the episode exemplifies Holmberg's Morning Sickness's style—balancing provocative humor with current events, listener interactions, and informal discussions among the hosts. The controversial topics, particularly around the sexualization of women and inappropriate content for young listeners, spark significant debate and showcase the show's willingness to push boundaries for entertainment.
Notable Quotes:
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John Holmberg (02:35): “I'm watching the video... she's saying it's not funny while someone throws a giant dildo at her.”
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Bret Vesely (40:10): “She needs to catch it with her mouth. We'll throw them at you and give prizes away.”
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John Holmberg (50:15): “Speeding doesn't get you anywhere faster. It puts everyone at risk.”
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Brady Bogen (55:40): “302 people died in traffic accidents on the Autobahn in 2023. That's a lot.”
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Dick Toledo (80:10): “Moon face is like turning into Amy Schumer. It's not worth a break.”
Conclusion
This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully intertwines humor with edgy and controversial topics, engaging listeners through bold discussions and candid interactions. While the explicit content and offensive jokes may not resonate with all audiences, they are characteristic of the show's provocative approach to morning radio entertainment.
