Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: 08-13-25 - Rock Wars - Song That Says So Long To Brady's Old Diet After His Kidney Surgery Release Date: August 13, 2025 Host: John Holmberg Co-Hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show, host John Holmberg and his co-hosts delve into a heartfelt yet humorous intervention for their friend Brady Bogen. The central theme revolves around Brady's struggle with his diet following a recent kidney surgery, prompting the hosts to rally together in a bout of tough love to help him adopt healthier habits.

Addressing Brady's Health Crisis

[05:15] John Holmberg:
"Everyone loves Brady. Everyone's trying to help Brady, and he just won't help himself."

The episode kicks off with John expressing concern over Brady's reluctance to change his dietary habits despite his medical condition. The co-hosts discuss Brady's need to overhaul his diet to prevent further kidney complications, emphasizing the gravity of his situation.

[15:42] Bret Vesely:
"Brady, you're not taking care of this the right way. We have to be the monitors."

Bret underscores the importance of the group's role in monitoring Brady's health, highlighting the collective effort required to support him through his dietary changes.

Rock Wars: Choosing Farewell Songs

To symbolize Brady's farewell to his unhealthy diet, the hosts introduce the segment "Rock Wars," where they select songs that represent their feelings about Brady's situation.

[25:30] Dick Toledo:
"The song I picked is 'Never Gonna Give You Up.' It's like telling Brady, 'We're not giving up on you, but you have to step up.'"

Dick selects Rick Astley's classic as a nod to their unwavering support, while simultaneously poking fun at Brady's stubbornness.

[35:10] John Holmberg:
"My pick is 'The Final Countdown' by Europe. It's a wake-up call, signaling the end of Brady's old eating habits and the start of a healthier journey."

John chooses a song that serves as both a motivational push and a humorous take on Brady's predicament.

Humorous Banter and Tough Love

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful yet pointed banter aimed at encouraging Brady to adhere to his new diet regimen.

[45:55] Brady Bogen:
"I was just gonna say he's gonna call that one that's less than the red. So it's fine."

Brady's sarcastic remarks highlight his resistance, while the hosts counter with jokes to lighten the mood and make the tough conversation more approachable.

[50:20] Bret Vesely:
"Cutting sodium doesn't mean slicing it into smaller pieces. It means it's gone. The surgeon's fixing your kidney, not giving you a new life cheat code."

Bret delivers a blunt yet caring message about the seriousness of Brady's dietary restrictions, blending humor with concern.

Listener Engagement and Votes

Listeners are encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite "Rock Wars" song submissions for Brady's farewell.

[55:00] John Holmberg:
"If you want to vote for Brady, send us a text at 97936 or email homework@98kupd.com. Let's hear those Rock Wars selections!"

The call-to-action invites audience interaction, making the segment more interactive and inclusive.

[57:45] Listener 'Craig':
"I never liked Brady that much, but since it's close to the end, I now realize I will miss him. He gets my vote for the first time ever because it's probably also the last time I'm going to vote for him."

Craig's heartfelt yet humorous vote exemplifies the blend of empathy and jest that characterizes the hosts' approach.

Concluding Remarks and Winner Announcement

As the segment wraps up, the hosts tally the votes and announce the winning song.

[1:10:00] John Holmberg:
"The votes are in, and 'The Final Countdown' by Europe takes the crown this week. Congratulations, John!"

The announcement celebrates the collaborative effort of the hosts and listeners, reinforcing the community spirit of the show.

[1:10:30] John Holmberg:
"Brady, remember, we're all here for you. Time to say goodbye to bacon and hello to a healthier you."

John delivers a final note of support, encouraging Brady to embrace his new lifestyle changes.

Key Takeaways and Insights

• Community Support: The episode highlights the importance of friends and community in motivating and supporting individuals facing health challenges.

• Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The hosts effectively use humor to address serious topics, making difficult conversations more manageable and engaging for both participants and listeners.

• Listener Participation: Engaging the audience through interactive segments like Rock Wars fosters a sense of belonging and investment in the show's narrative.

Notable Quotes

• John Holmberg [05:15]:
  "Everyone loves Brady. Everyone's trying to help Brady, and he just won't help himself."

• Bret Vesely [15:42]:
  "Brady, you're not taking care of this the right way. We have to be the monitors."

• Dick Toledo [25:30]:
  "Never Gonna Give You Up. It's like telling Brady, 'We're not giving up on you, but you have to step up.'"

• John Holmberg [35:10]:
  "My pick is 'The Final Countdown' by Europe. It's a wake-up call, signaling the end of Brady's old eating habits and the start of a healthier journey."

• Bret Vesely [50:20]:
  "Cutting sodium doesn't mean slicing it into smaller pieces. It means it's gone. The surgeon's fixing your kidney, not giving you a new life cheat code."

• Craig [57:45]:
  "I never liked Brady that much, but since it's close to the end, I now realize I will miss him. He gets my vote for the first time ever because it's probably also the last time I'm going to vote for him."

• John Holmberg [1:10:30]:
  "Brady, remember, we're all here for you. Time to say goodbye to bacon and hello to a healthier you."

Conclusion

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness masterfully balances humor and heartfelt concern as the hosts support their friend Brady through a challenging health journey. Through the Rock Wars segment, they engage listeners in a creative and interactive way, reinforcing the show's reputation for being both entertaining and supportive. Whether you're a regular listener or tuning in for the first time, this episode offers a genuine glimpse into the camaraderie and dynamic that make HMS a beloved morning staple in Arizona.