Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Entertainment Drill Summary

Episode: 08-19-25

Date: August 19, 2025
Main Hosts: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

Episode Overview

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness focuses on a lively Entertainment Drill covering two pop culture nostalgia lists: Mental Floss’ compilation of the most famous people of 1985, and Entertainment Weekly’s ranking of the best high school movies of all time. The hosts blend their trademark humor and sarcasm with genuine pop culture debate, including riffs about workplace security, run-ins with visitors, and breakfast struggles.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Security Snafu at the Studio

Timestamps: 00:00–04:21

• John describes an unsettling incident: an unfamiliar visitor being led straight into the studio by a staff member, highlighting studio security failings.
• The hosts joke about potential threats, self-defense, and mock-bravado responses.
• John pushes their sponsor, ReactDefense.com, as the solution to "crazy people getting walked directly to you."
  • “If anybody out there is interested in killing us, just walk to the front door and say, I'd like to see the morning show. They'll walk you right into the studio, no questions.” – John Holmberg [01:13]
• Humorous dialogue about Brady being targeted for kidney removal and makeshift on-air security plans.

2. Mental Floss: Most Famous People of 1985

Timestamps: 04:21–06:46

• Brady introduces a nostalgia list of celebrities who defined 1985.
  • Michael J. Fox tops the list, riding high on the release of “Back to the Future.”
    • “That was the number one movie in 1985.” – John Holmberg [04:27]
  • Other guesses and names thrown out: Michael Jackson (not on the '85 list, as 'Thriller' was primarily 1984), Michael Jordan (rookie season fame), Madonna, Boy George, Rock Hudson, Chevy Chase, Joan Rivers, Phil Collins.
  • Discussion on Chevy Chase’s prolific year, noting four major films in 1985, including “Fletch” and “European Vacation.”
  • John unpacks Joan Rivers’ historical significance—her move from Carson’s guest host to launching Fox’s late-night experiment, and the fallout from Johnny Carson’s legendary grudge.
    • “She was the first show in the Fox network. And then she went on and Johnny Carson said, anybody that does that show will never be on the Tonight Show… so much so the show failed and her husband killed himself, which is crazy.” – John Holmberg [06:01]
• Side note on Rock Hudson as an '85 celebrity (and the subtle quips about his historical relevance).

3. Entertainment Weekly: Best High School Movies of All Time

Timestamps: 06:46–08:24

• Brady shares Entertainment Weekly’s top 10 high school movies.
  • Immediate agreement that "Breakfast Club" and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" should top the chart.
    • “Breakfast Club’s the one.” – John Holmberg [06:52]
  • The official top 10 as mentioned:
    1. The Breakfast Club
    2. Fast Times at Ridgemont High
    3. Dazed and Confused
    4. Rebel Without a Cause
    5. Heathers
    6. American Graffiti
    7. Clueless
    8. Pretty in Pink
    9. Election
    10. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  • John expresses surprise that “American Pie” didn’t make the top 15.
    • “That should be up there.” – John Holmberg [07:12]
  • Additional riffing on classics (“Pretty in Pink wasn’t good. And neither was [Heathers].” – John Holmberg [07:41]) and a tangent on “Giant,” mistaking it for a high school flick.

4. Pop Culture Odds & Ends

Timestamps: 08:24–09:41

• Discussion on a Jonas Brothers x Hanson live performance of “MMMbop,” noting that the long-hyped collaboration finally occurred.
  • “If it still mattered to anybody. I’ve always thought the idea of the Tommy Lee Jonas Brothers is just so… all six really brilliant.” – John Holmberg [08:38]
• Fred Durst clips: Brady mentions viral footage of Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst swatting a drone at a concert.
  • John parallels this back to their studio intruder incident for comedic effect.

5. Office Breakfast & Awkwardness

Timestamps: 09:41–10:18

• Brady jokes about office staff waiting in the hallway for breakfast while the hosts keep broadcasting: “They know there's a little omelet brought breakfast.” – Brady [09:41]
• Further jokes about health, diet, and body metaphors: “He seems to think there’s going to be a control, alt, delete, and his body will be just fine on Tuesday.” – John Holmberg [09:44]
• Episode wraps as hosts address the awkward office standoff and prep for Larry’s arrival.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On studio security failings:
  “You gotta be smarter than that. And sometimes you're surrounded by dumb people. Dumb people can sometimes lead crazy right to you.”
  – John Holmberg [03:07]

• On 1985 celebrity pop culture:
  “Michael Jordan was finishing his rookie season, was already well on his way, becoming one of the biggest athletes in the world.”
  – Brady [04:50]

• On Joan Rivers' Fox show fallout:
  “Johnny Carson said, anybody that does that show will never be on the Tonight Show. So... so much so the show failed and her husband killed himself, which is crazy.”
  – John Holmberg [06:01]

• On high school movie rankings:
  “That should be up there.” (reacting to 'American Pie' missing from the top 15)
  – John Holmberg [07:19]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:00–04:21 – Studio security anecdotes and ReactDefense pitch
• 04:21–06:46 – 1985’s most famous people list (Mental Floss)
• 06:46–08:24 – Entertainment Weekly’s top high school movie rankings and host reactions
• 08:24–09:41 – Jonas Brothers x Hanson, Fred Durst drone incident
• 09:41–10:18 – Office awkwardness, breakfast and episode close

Tone & Style

The episode is typical of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness—irreverent, unscripted, and riff-heavy. The hosts blend genuine pop nostalgia with jabs at workplace mishaps and each other. The humorously skeptical, sarcastic tone prevails throughout, especially when poking fun at the lists and the studio’s security shortcomings.

Summary Provided for Listeners Who Missed the Episode or Want a Quick Refresh. Skip ads and intros—jump right into the pop culture banter!