Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode: 08-21-25 – Brian Posehn – Stand Up Live – In Studio

Date: August 21, 2025
Guest: Brian Posehn
Hosts: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

Overview

In this lively in-studio episode, comedian, actor, and self-described metal nerd Brian Posehn joins John Holmberg and the HMS crew to promote his one-night-only stand-up set at Stand Up Live Phoenix. The conversation hops through Posehn’s unique brand of celebrity, stories from his eclectic career in comedy and acting, behind-the-scenes moments with rock legends, and plenty of hilarious riffing about fame, fan encounters, and awkward "almost" TV opportunities. If you’re a fan of standup, metal, and nerd culture, this episode is packed with great anecdotes and Posehn’s signature self-deprecating wit.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brian Posehn’s One-Night Stand at Stand Up Live

• (02:01–02:31) Posehn discusses only doing one show at Stand Up Live before heading to Minneapolis.

  “Yeah, just one show. Why — one and done? I don’t know. They asked me, and I said, sure, this week.” (Brian Posehn, 02:01)

• The hosts joke about his travel schedule and rarity in Phoenix, emphasizing the specialness of the event.

2. A Distinctive Celebrity

• (02:42–04:39) The conversation turns to Posehn’s unique place in showbiz:
  • He recounts being on "Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition" and puts "celebrity" in finger quotes.
  • Reflects on how recognizable he is:

    “There’s nobody who comes up to you and says, ‘You look a lot like Brian Posehn.’ You are the guy.” (Holmberg, 02:56)

  • Despite this, he still gets occasional double-takes, and jokes about running into his lookalikes — “bastards.”

    “I travel the country and I do see guys that look like me. So bastards, go…” (Posehn, 03:20)

• They riff on the curse and perks of being so identifiable, especially in public places like Vegas or Disneyland.

3. Fan Encounters: The Art of Approach

• (05:09–05:57) Posehn offers advice for fans:
  • Prefers a simple “Hey Brian,” over awkward bro hugs or overfamiliarity.
  • Does not like being physically touched or dominated:

    “There are certain bro touches… I’m like, dude, I could flip you and then land on you if I wanted to.” (Posehn, 05:44)

• Discussion on how intoxicated fans in Vegas amplify this awkwardness (06:04).

4. Career Highlights & Nerd Cred

• (04:00–07:14)
  • Talks about his start in standup (late '80s) and acting career (since 1993).
  • Credits his longevity in the business to cult favorites like "Mr. Show," which still connects him with bands and writers across genres.

    “Bands really liked [Mr. Show]... like the band Train liked me, and so does the band, you know, Municipal Waste.” (Posehn, 04:39)

• Surprise cameos discussed — notably, his role on "The Mandalorian," which he had to keep secret (06:39–07:14).
  • On keeping it from friends:

    “Even I couldn’t talk about it… My family knew… But my friends... they were like, ‘What the hell, dude?’ Like, you didn’t tell us.” (Posehn, 06:46–07:14)

• On appearing in the "bad" Marvel movie "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer," but cherishing meeting Stan Lee on set (07:57–08:23).

5. Underrated Projects & Anti-Christmas Movie "Uncle Nick"

• (09:08–09:42) Posehn plugs his independent film "Uncle Nick":

  “It’s the anti-Christmas movie... I played this guy... it’s kind of depressing... but it’s a cool movie.” (Posehn, 09:10–09:39)

6. Brian’s Metalhead Life and Rock Connections

• (09:44–14:27)

  • Posehn missed a major last concert despite tickets from Geezer Butler, later regretting it when the artist passed away days later.

    “I just blew it. And then I watched the whole thing at home... then to lose him two weeks later...” (Posehn, 12:55–13:13)

  • Discusses the emotional impact of final concerts and how rock icons want to go out with "one last show."
  • The most surreal rock-fan moments: hosting Dio at his home, surreal hangouts with Vinnie Paul (Pantera) and Scott Ian (Anthrax).

    “Dio came to my house... he’s standing in my kitchen holding one of my glasses... He’s looking through my records... ‘You should have more Dio.’” (Posehn, 14:38–15:02)

    • “Yes, I think he [Steve Vai] does” (on rock legends in his neighborhood, Posehn, 16:46)

• Living in a rock star enclave:

  “When I first moved in... this guy pulls up and goes: ‘There goes the neighborhood.’ ...it’s Grohl.” (Posehn, 17:13)

7. Awkward Star Encounters & Fangirling

• (18:04–19:34)
  • Robert De Niro giving him a thumbs-up at a screening:

    “His wife walked by first... he walks by and gives me a thumbs up, ‘Nice job.’ And I was just like... Just the coolest moment of my life.” (Posehn, 18:39–18:57)

  • Meeting Geddy Lee (Rush):

    “I called him sir twice in one sentence... Alex Lifeson looks at me like, ‘Dude, shut it up. Get it under control.’” (Posehn, 19:12–19:25)

8. Almost-Reality TV: Celebrity Wife Swap

• (20:22–21:21)
  • Posehn almost appeared on "Celebrity Wife Swap" but backed out, producers were unhappy.

    “We had won [the producers] over, and then we decided, oh, no, we don’t want to do this. And the producers got mad...‘Well, we already scheduled you.’ And we’re like, well, sorry, we’re not doing it.” (Posehn, 21:05–21:19)

9. Words of Wisdom

• (20:03–20:14)
  • When prompted by Holmberg to “fix the world,” Posehn offers a succinct solution:

    “Oh, more metal.” (Posehn, 20:12)

  • Holmberg: “You won over the entire audience. More metal.” (20:14)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Posehn on celebrity:
  “I always do finger quotes when I say celebrity version.” (02:43)
• Fan etiquette:
  “I don’t like being touched. No. And then there’s certain bro touches where dudes, like, they’re dominating me.” (05:41)
• On his secret Mandalorian cameo:
  “I couldn’t talk about it. I couldn’t. My family knew. My kid was the most excited I’ve ever seen him.” (06:46–07:14)
• Starstruck moments:
  “He’s standing in my kitchen holding one of my glasses... looking through my records... ‘You should have more Dio.’ And I was like, oh, sorry.” (14:45–15:02) “Robert De Niro... gives me a thumbs up, ‘Nice job.’ And I was just like... just the coolest moment of my life.” (18:39–18:57)
• Words of wisdom:
  “Oh, more metal.” (20:12)

Segment Timestamps

• Meet Brian Posehn: 01:44–02:43
• Posehn’s Celebrity Status & Fan Interactions: 02:43–05:57
• Mr. Show & Band Connections: 04:07–05:02
• Pop Culture Cameos: 06:39–08:23
• Indie Project Plug ("Uncle Nick"): 09:08–09:42
• Rock/Metal Fan Life: 09:44–17:50
• Meeting Celebrities: 18:04–19:34
• Wife Swap & Reality TV: 20:22–21:21
• Brian’s Parting Advice: 20:03–20:14

Final Takeaway

Brian Posehn’s trademark blend of awkwardness and authenticity shines throughout the episode. The hosts capitalize on his rich storehouse of “strange but true” showbiz and rock anecdotes, making this a fun, fast-moving listen for comedy and music fans alike. From tales of missing a legendary last show to reflecting on how to make the world better (“more metal”), Posehn’s big-hearted perspective and humor come through clearly, in his own words and stories.

Brian Posehn performs one night only at Stand Up Live Phoenix—don’t miss his blend of standup, storytelling, and metalhead wisdom.