Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 08-13-25
Title: Nominating Bret For A Fake Award Like Our Radio CoWorkers Who Nominate Themselves After AZ Sees A Spike In Unidentified Bodies
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host/Author: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio

Introduction

In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg, alongside Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delves into a pressing local issue: the alarming spike in unidentified bodies in Arizona. The discussion intertwines humor and serious concerns as the team contemplates nominating Bret for a "fake award" in recognition of his efforts addressing this troubling trend.

Spike in Unidentified Bodies in Arizona

John Holmberg kicks off the conversation by highlighting a significant statistic: Arizona accounts for 2,132 out of 15,000 open cases of unidentified bodies in the United States. This concentration sparks a deep discussion about the underlying causes and the apparent lack of media attention.

• John Holmberg [14:30]: "Of the 15,460 open cases in the United States of unidentified bodies, 2,132 of them are Arizona. Brett Vesl, everybody. Congratulations. That's fake news. I am. I am so impressed."

The team questions the reasons behind this spike, hypothesizing connections to historical witness relocation programs.

• Bret Vesely [15:45]: "Witness relocation showed up here 40 years ago in the 80s and 90s. It was gangbusters. When the whole Gotti thing was going nuts and they had to get rid of a ton of people, they came here."

The hosts express frustration over the lack of investigative journalism on the topic, noting that major news outlets like the Cronkite Building have failed to address potential links between these cases and past witness protection efforts.

• Dick Toledo [25:10]: "No one ever says that. No one asks that question. And why? Because you'll kill them. And that's exactly why they get away with it."

Acknowledging Bret's Efforts

Amidst the serious conversation, the hosts take a lighter tone by considering nominating Bret Vesely for a "Macaroni Award" to honor his dedication to solving these cases.

• John Holmberg [20:05]: "But what really needs to be acknowledged is when somebody does something great and the world notices, and then you have to praise that person... This is not any. There was zero solicitation."

• Brady Bogen [22:15]: "Brett's people of the year. And they'd be like, hey, I'd like to bring up Jonathan Smith. Oh, that's me. I couldn't possibly. I don't want to know."

The banter continues as they joke about the legitimacy of existing awards like the Marconi Awards, criticizing the self-nomination process and contrasting it with Bret's unsolicited contributions.

• John Holmberg [28:40]: "If you have to ask, you're not the radio personality there. I would never once submit this show for consideration to any of that stuff. It's all a scam."

Impact and Community Response

The hosts acknowledge the community's appreciation and support for Bret's work, despite his own humility and reluctance to seek recognition.

• John Holmberg [34:50]: "But our own Brett Vestley should get praise... That's fake news. I am so impressed."

They discuss the broader implications of the spike in unidentified bodies, emphasizing the need for systemic change and greater transparency.

• Brady Bogen [39:20]: "We need to have the Macaroni Awards for the witness relocation guys of the year. The you guys of the year."

Technological Advances and Future Concerns

Shifting focus, the conversation touches on emerging technologies like retinal scans and their potential impact on privacy and identification processes.

• Bret Vesely [50:15]: "AI is now going to. They have the technology now to identify you by retinal scan at 15 to 50ft. Jesus. Wow. Yeah, it's Minority Report."

Concerns are raised about how these technologies could complicate or aid in solving the unidentified bodies cases.

Closing Remarks and Acknowledgments

The episode concludes with heartfelt congratulations to Bret for his tireless work and a reaffirmation of the show's commitment to addressing critical local issues.

• John Holmberg [58:30]: "Congratulations to everybody nominated for something. Especially if you signed up for the nomination."

• Bret Vesely [59:45]: "Congratulations. Thanks. I mean, I don't know what you're talking about. Of course."

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg [14:30]: "Of the 15,460 open cases in the United States of unidentified bodies, 2,132 of them are Arizona. Brett Vesl, everybody. Congratulations. That's fake news. I am. I am so impressed."

• Dick Toledo [25:10]: "No one ever says that. No one asks that question. And why? Because you'll kill them."

• Bret Vesely [50:15]: "AI is now going to. They have the technology now to identify you by retinal scan at 15 to 50ft. Jesus. Wow."

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness adeptly balances humor with serious investigative discussion, highlighting the concerning rise in unidentified bodies in Arizona and commendably recognizing Bret Vesely's efforts in addressing this issue. The hosts' dynamic interplay and candid conversations shed light on a critical local matter, urging the community and authorities to seek deeper understanding and solutions.