Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode Summary (August 12, 2025)

Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD continues to deliver Arizona's premier morning radio experience with its blend of humor, insightful conversations, and the latest in entertainment releases. Hosted by John Holmberg alongside co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, this episode dives deep into the newest happenings in the world of gaming, television, film, and music. Below is a comprehensive overview of the episode’s key segments, enriched with notable quotes and timestamped highlights to provide a vivid snapshot of the discussions.

**1. Personal Banter and Community Stories (01:21 - 07:10)

The episode kicks off with the hosts engaging in their signature humorous banter, sharing anecdotes from personal experiences. Larry McFeely recounts his recent vacation to Mission Beach, San Diego, where he humorously juxtaposes the reliability of Toyota vehicles used by lifeguards with everyday adventures.

Notable Quote:

• Larry McFeely [01:09]: "Mission beach lifeguards don't mess around. They roll with Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and four Runners as their official lifeguard vehicles."

This segment sets a lighthearted tone, showcasing the camaraderie among the hosts and their knack for weaving relatable stories into their conversations.

**2. The Struggles of Brady’s Health Journey (01:21 - 07:10)

A more poignant discussion unfolds as the hosts talk about Brady Bogen’s health challenges. They delve into the emotional and personal impact of Brady’s battle with cancer, interspersed with humor to lighten the heavy topic.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady [02:35]: "I can't even imagine him sitting there ordering a salad with no dressing or light Italian."
• Bret [04:54]: "I've never seen, like, I can't get as much food on a fork as he can in one day."

Through candid dialogue, the hosts explore the importance of support and the sometimes humorous side of facing serious health issues, making the conversation both heartfelt and engaging.

**3. Hot Releases Segment (07:10 - 27:05)

The heart of the episode revolves around the "Hot Releases" segment, where the hosts provide updates and reviews on the latest in gaming, television, film, and music.

a. Gaming: Madden 26 (10:05 - 11:11)

The hosts discuss the release of Madden 26, expressing excitement over new gameplay features and real-life play reenactments.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady [10:21]: "That's incredible."
• Bret [10:51]: "Exactly. And I have to be. Stand up with Monroe."

The conversation highlights the advancements in gaming realism and the increased complexity of controls, reflecting both enthusiasm and slight apprehension about mastering the new system.

b. Television: Alien Earth & Butterfly (11:11 - 12:21)

The show explores the new television series Alien Earth, a prequel to the iconic Alien franchise, directed by Noah Hawley of Fargo fame. They also touch upon Butterfly, a spy series starring Daniel Dae Kim.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady [11:49]: "Noah Hawley writes the Other than the Chris Rock year, every Fargo has been amazing."
• Bret [12:19]: "Butterfly is a new series out on Prime Video... It's like what Squid Games is going to do."

The hosts express anticipation for these series, particularly praising the creative minds behind them and speculating on their potential impact on audiences.

c. Animated Movie: Fixed (16:17 - 17:10)

Fixed, an animated movie on Netflix about dogs, is reviewed with mixed feelings. The hosts joke about the movie’s content and its AI-generated elements.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady [17:03]: "Fixed. Called Fixed Animated about dogs."
• John Holmberg [17:09]: "I might watch that one."

While the reaction is playful, it underscores the hosts' engagement with diverse media content and their ability to critique with humor.

d. Law Series: The Rainmaker (17:10 - 17:52)

The return of The Rainmaker, based on John Grisham’s novel, is discussed. The hosts compare it to previous adaptations and share their personal views on the storyline and characters.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady [17:21]: "I've always wanted to be a lawyer."
• Bret [17:47]: "The Rainmaker has Matt Damon. Yeah."

Their analysis provides listeners with insights into what to expect from the series, highlighting performances and thematic elements.

e. Music Releases: Chevelle, Rise Against, Maroon 5 & The Struts (18:03 - 22:35)

The hosts delve into the latest music releases, including Chevelle’s new album, Rise Against’s comeback, Maroon 5’s new hit, and The Struts' tribute to Bad Company.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady [18:05]: "Chevelle just make your speakers better."
• Bret [19:31]: "Rise Against. They're back. This is Ricochet."
• John Holmberg [21:15]: "It's a tribute to Bad Company. The Struts doing Rock and Roll Fantasy."

Their discussions balance enthusiastic endorsements with playful critiques, encouraging listeners to explore these new musical offerings.

**4. Interactive Segment: N Word or F Word Game (25:05 - 26:41)

In an engaging and humorous interactive segment, the hosts play "N Word or F Word," where they interpret song lyrics to determine if they contain the N-word or F-word, and if they are used in a friendly or mean context.

Notable Highlights:

• Larry McFeely [25:35]: "It'll be mean F word."
• John Holmberg [26:05]: "Ten years pass and we still up that ass. Villain. Make it or continue it. Look at all the sun."

The game showcases the hosts' quick wit and camaraderie, adding an entertaining layer to the episode while interacting with their audience.

**5. Promotions and Sponsor Mentions (Throughout)

While ads and sponsorships are part of the show, the hosts seamlessly integrate promotions into their conversations without disrupting the flow. Notable mentions include MMP Guns.com, Valley Toyota Dealers, and the Core Institute. These segments provide listeners with information on products and services relevant to their interests.

Notable Quotes:

• John Holmberg [14:28]: "MMP Guns is committed to providing the customers with the best possible service and selection."
• Larry McFeely [13:57]: "Toyota trucks are made for the Arizona heat. Visit your Valley Toyota dealer."

These promotions are concise and informative, maintaining the show's engaging atmosphere.

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully balances humor, personal stories, and in-depth discussions on the latest entertainment releases. From heartfelt conversations about health to enthusiastic reviews of new games, TV series, and music, the hosts create a rich and engaging listening experience. Notable quotes punctuate their narratives, providing memorable moments that resonate with both regular listeners and newcomers alike. Whether you're a gaming enthusiast, a TV aficionado, or a music lover, this episode offers something for everyone, encapsulating why HMS remains Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show.