Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – 08-22-25 (Full Show – Friday) | 98KUPD

Date: August 22, 2025
Cast: John Holmberg (Host), Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Frank Caliendo (Guest), Dick Toledo (remote/absent)

Overview

This Friday episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness balances the show’s usual mix of irreverent, observational comedy with personal moments, especially as co-host Brady faces major surgery and the crew copes with the loss of Toledo’s mother. The episode weaves lighthearted bits (dating trends, local weather foibles, pop culture) with community, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs at each other’s (and society’s) expense. Frank Caliendo joins for guest impersonations and fun, and the team fields questions about family, funerals, faith, and even scientific documentation. Classic show segments such as the Guadalupe Squares and Wake Up Song round out an emotionally variegated but consistently hilarious broadcast.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Team Health & Personal Updates

• Toledo’s Absence:
  • Segment Start – 05:45
    John announces Toledo is out due to a family issue—his mother passed away. The team expresses support and sympathy.

  “To our guy, Toledo, we love you, buddy.” – John (06:40)

• Brady’s Kidney Surgery:
  Brady is set for kidney removal surgery next week and faces his health worries with trademark humor and a little anxiety. The show is peppered with jokes about his impending medical event.

  "Brady’s advice as he faces the Grim Reaper, to bone it out." – John (14:30)

2. Dating Trends: “Shreking”

• Main Segment – 12:00–40:00
  Introduction—and affectionate roasting—of a new dating term “Shreking,” where attractive women intentionally date “unattractive” men à la Fiona and Shrek.
  The bit spins out into comical analysis of men’s and women’s dating habits, insecurity, “slump busting,” and societal standards.

  Notable Lines:

  "Shreking is women who are very attractive basically saying, 'I’m gonna test out the ugly guy.'” – John (16:22)
  “You are the Jon Hamm of Shreks.” – John to Brady (26:00)
  “Handsome men all have herpes. I’m convinced of it.” – John (29:10)

3. Phoenix Weather & Local TV News Satire

• Segment – 40:00–1:08:00
  Local newscasts and monsoon coverage get the morning show treatment.
  The team lampoons news stations for driving around looking for rain, their predictable excitement over weather events, the performative humor of field reporters (e.g., Holly Bock in a white T-shirt as news-eye-candy), and the “drama” assigned to what used to be ordinary Arizona storms.

  Quotes:

  “They drive to the trees and they show you the roots and they flip the F out…” – John (40:50)
  “Put Holly Bock in a white T-shirt, no bra, have her stand outside … I will watch this news for hours.” – John (1:02:10)

4. Funeral Etiquette & Parental Absence

• Segment – 1:09:00–1:30:00
  After a listener emails about whether Toledo’s absentee father will—should—show up to the funeral, the hosts discuss funeral attendance for exes, first loves, and estranged family. They reflect on grief rituals, ego, and whether to attend for oneself or others.

  Listener Email Prompt:

  “I wonder if Toledo’s dad’s gonna show up to the funeral.”

  Toledo texts in (1:26:45):

  “She’s getting cremated and didn’t want a service ... prick still doesn’t talk about me with his family so he ain’t showing his face for my mom now.”

5. Humanity’s Collecting Nature vs. Religious Artifacts

• Segment – 1:35:00–2:20:00
  In a sprawling, comedic debate, John asserts that humanity’s love for souvenirs and memorabilia exposes how little actual evidence exists for key religious events (e.g., no cups, shoes, or tangible objects from Jesus).
  The group jokes about mementos, autographs, and bites at the religious tendency to believe, despite archaeologists still “finding” biblical artifacts.

  Highlights:

  “Can we get something from you people who believe that isn’t digging something up in 2025 saying ‘I think we found it’?” – John (1:37:35)
  “We have Kennedy’s brain, we have Rasputin’s d*ck, we have William Wallace’s DNA … we kept everything except him.” – John (2:06:00)
  “We keep things of important people... footballs that get kicked over 66 yards go to a facility. We’re collectors.” – John (2:12:20)

6. Frank Caliendo Joins & Impersonation Mayhem

• Segment – 2:25:00+
  Frank Caliendo arrives to promote his comedy shows and riff on Brady’s “final” show before surgery.
  The segment features:

  • Frank’s classic impressions (John Madden, Trump, Shaggy, Tracy Morgan)
  • The team’s mock concern for Brady’s surgery, especially whether his daughter Kirby would donate a kidney (“You want her kidney or her with Ron Wolf?”)
  • Frank and the crew riff about celebrity kidneys and swap wild hypothetical scenarios.

  Hilarious Bits:

  “Would you take Hitler’s kidney?” – John
  Frank: “Yeah, really. I wouldn’t.” (2:46:45)
  “Frank Caliendo gets kicked in the head by Tracy Morgan and suddenly transfers [his voice]…” (in bits) (3:10:00 on)

7. Classic Show Segments

• Brady Report (3:01:30+)
  News, odd facts, and science headlines, including:

  • Last wild cow (1627 Poland)
  • How much water it takes to make a gallon of wine (872 gallons)
  • Whether scents can wake you up during sleep (they can’t—smoke alarm stories)
  • New hangover “cure” on TikTok (ice bath face-dip)

• Wake Up Song (2:16:30)
  Picks include “I’m With Stupid” by Static-X (for Shreking), “Don’t Fear the Reaper” (in light of surgery/funerals), “Jesus Built My Hot Rod,” and others.

• Guadalupe Squares (3:30:00+)
  Special “all Bradys” edition with Frank playing multiple roles, lampooning classic celebrities, athletes, presidents, and newscasters à la Brady. The game features Black Lady Brady, Tracy Morgan, John Gruden, and more.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Growing Older, Sharing Wisdom & Sex:
  “Just make love. ... Instead of arguing over dumb things, we should’ve just boned it out.” – Paula, John’s friend (12:10)
• On “Shreking”:
  “[Girls are] worried that a handsome guy is going to give him the HPV... so they’re going Shreking... it’s brilliant.” – John (19:00)
• On News Coverage:
  “They drive to trees and show you the roots and flip the F out ... No, they drive around all over the city. Destruction! Destroy!” – John (41:20)
• On Funeral Attendance:
  “I think if I’m 50/50 on it, I shouldn’t go ... better to just pay your respects privately.” – John (1:23:30)
• On Jesus Memorabilia:
  “We have Chris Kattan’s cigarette butt that he autographed ... we kept everything except him [Jesus].” – John (2:06:00)
• On Brady’s Surgery:
  “He’s acting like he’s getting a root canal. You’re missing an organ!” – Frank (2:47:15)
• Frank (as Gruden):
  “This dialysis gonna be diabolical.” (in Tracy Morgan voice, 3:44:55)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Toledo’s absence and tribute – 05:45
• “Shreking” dating segment – 12:00–40:00
• Phoenix weather satire – 40:00–1:08:00
• Funeral/customs talk – 1:09:00–1:30:00
• Religious artifacts/collectibles debate – 1:35:00–2:20:00
• Brady’s pre-surgery nerves, family talk – 2:21:00+
• Frank Caliendo joins, impersonations – 2:25:00–2:59:00
• Brady Report & Science News – 3:01:30–3:19:30
• Guadalupe Squares (feat. All Brady tribute, Frank as various Bradys) – 3:30:00–end

Tone, Style, and Takeaways

Fast-paced, sharp-witted, and never too far from a punchline, even in the face of real loss or anxiety. The humor is both dark and affectionate; the team trades in self-deprecation, regional pride, and honest friendship. Frank Caliendo’s impressions supercharge the show’s energy, blending effortlessly with the group. In the more serious moments (Toledo’s loss, Brady’s health), the team’s empathy breaks through the jokes, revealing the authentic camaraderie and love at the heart of the broadcast.

Summary for the Uninitiated

If you missed this episode:

• Expect a mix of dirt-cheap laughs and thoughtful moments about loss, legacy, and the absurdity of life, all delivered with raw honesty and zero sacred cows.
• You’ll hear new dating lingo (“Shreking”), the best roasting of TV meteorology you’ll find this side of YouTube, and a truly unique discussion of religious collectibles.
• Frank Caliendo is on fire, inhabiting a dozen Bradys and dropping classic impressions on demand.
• Brady’s looming surgery and Toledo’s loss bring out both the wisecracks and the group’s softer, kinder core.

If you like smart, filthy, deeply human morning radio with lots of Arizona flair and banter that doesn’t let up—this one’s for you.