Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona
Episode: 09-16-25 – Death Of Robert Redford Has Us Wondering How An Indecent Proposal Would Go Over These Days And What Would Be The Scenario And Terms
Date: September 16, 2025
Hosts: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Episode Overview
This episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness centers around the passing of American icon Robert Redford and an extended, humorous, and irreverent debate about the infamous plot of Indecent Proposal—a Redford film which sparked decades of conversation about what price, if any, could justify a partner sleeping with another for money. The hosts discuss how this scenario might play out today, offer their own takes on the dilemma, and brainstorm wild, contemporary updates to the concept—all in their signature raucous, teasing style.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Robert Redford's Legacy and Movie Influence
- The show opens with a discussion about Redford’s filmography and cultural impact. Iconic films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are noted for how their titles became part of popular language.
- Indecent Proposal (1993) gets special focus as an example of a movie premise that entered mainstream conversation: "That’s when you know you’ve got yourself an incredible stamp on society... The title of the movie became an actual thing." (B, 00:28)
- Jeremiah Johnson is referenced as a Redford film only Brady seems familiar with, highlighting generational gaps in film appreciation.
2. The Indecent Proposal Premise, Then and Now
- The central question: Would anyone today turn down millions for their spouse to spend one night with someone else?
- The hosts debate whether $1 million (in 1993) is still persuasive—“In Today's money, it's $2.2 million.” (A and C, 02:16-02:19)
- Holmberg presses the group: “There aren't too many dudes who wouldn't say yes to that. That is a fantastic offer.” (B, 01:38)
- Brady (C) resists, saying, "I'd have a tough time... How much will it change the complexity of our relationship?" (C, 02:42–03:15), prompting John’s (B) mocking, "That's dumb." (B, 03:51)
3. Gender, Power, and the Reverse Indecent Proposal
- The hosts riff on reversing the roles: What if a wealthy woman offers millions to sleep with the husband?
- Suggested casting: "Sydney Sweeney in an Indecent Proposal remake and reverse it. She wants to sleep with your husband for a million dollars." (B, 06:39)
- "Dua Lipa comes in and offers Megan a million dollars... He doesn't have to offer a penny. I’m doing this volunteer work.” (A & B, 07:12–07:16)
- The men joke about how quickly they would accept: "He's gone. His clothes are off, and he's in the front yard. Let's go." (B, 07:35)
- Discussion on whether women would be as receptive if the other woman is more attractive: “I don’t know that it would be as easy... especially if she's better looking than your wife. That would be rough, right?” (B, 09:05)
4. Relationship Fallout and Moral Dilemmas
- The emotional cost is debated. Brady voices concern: "How much will it change the complexity of our relationship?" (C, 03:09)
- The show jokes about insecurity, comparing it to plot points in the original movie.
- “You’ll just have that hanging over you the whole time afterwards.” (C, 09:28)
- Holmberg counters: "So what? ... I'll be back and drive my Ferrari to the bar. I’ll see you later." (B, 09:46)
5. Fantastical Modern Updates & Satire
- The conversation escalates as the hosts propose newer, even more outlandish versions:
- “If Hollywood made a remake of that movie, it would be as a tranny now. Now we’re cooking. Brady—five million, tranny wants to have at yeah, man.” (B, 12:47)
- Laughter about the lack of threat: "There's no threat with the tranny that you'll ever think about that as something you’re missing out on." (B, 13:09)
- The scenario becomes increasingly absurd and comic, including riffs about anatomy: “So does it have a crank or no?” “Yep.” (A & B, 13:58–14:00)
6. Memorable Reflections on Masculinity and Marriage
- John sums up the practical, if tongue-in-cheek, view: “You truly love each other. That shouldn’t bother you. You’re doing it for the family.” (B, 10:15)
- On women and money: “[Women say] it's not always about money. … If we get divorced, suddenly you and your lawyer are all about the money. So I’m pretty sure it’s about the money.” (B, 14:55)
- Final comments celebrate “Indecent Proposal” for generating ongoing debate: “That one probably caused more conversation than any movie ever and it still kind of lives in that half this half that world.” (B, 15:40)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Redford's Cinematic Legacy
- “That’s when you know you’ve got yourself an incredible stamp on society... The title of the movie became an actual thing.” (B, 00:28)
- On the Value of the Proposal
- “A million dollars is a pretty good price… Mathias gets to go for a night. You say yes.” (B, 01:38)
- On Marital Dynamics and Price
- “Can I watch? Would you be worried that she’ll find him better than you? Is it an insecurity?” (B, 03:01)
- “If she’s for it…You would still probably stop. And you think you’d have the Woody Harrelson dilemma.” (B, 04:27)
- On Hypothetical Modern Scenarios (Sydney Sweeney, Dua Lipa, etc.)
- “He doesn’t have to offer a penny. I’m doing this volunteer work... He’s gone. His clothes are off.” (B, 07:16–07:35)
- On Gender-Flipped or LGBTQ+ Remakes
- “Five million. Tranny wants to have at yeah, man. And why all things are a go.” (B, 12:47)
- “You’ve never seen anybody with a bigger smile on their face coming out from behind a butt going, this tastes like $5 million. Watch me roam.” (B, 14:19)
- On Marriage and Practicality
- “You truly love each other. That shouldn’t bother you. You’re doing it for the family.” (B, 10:15)
- “It’s not always about money. … If we get divorced, suddenly you and your lawyer are all about the money.” (B, 14:55)
Suggested Timestamps for Key Segments
- Redford’s Passing & Film Impact: 00:08–01:36
- Original Indecent Proposal Dilemma: 01:36–03:51
- Role-Reversed/Modernized Scenarios: 06:39–09:05
- Relationship & Emotional Fallout: 09:27–10:24
- Wild Remake Ideas (Transgender angle): 12:47–14:19
- Philosophy on Marriage and Money: 14:55–15:40
Final Thoughts
The episode showcases the hosts’ trademark blend of irreverence, cultural reference, and no-holds-barred hypotheticals, all orbiting the perennial question posed by Indecent Proposal. The discussion is punctuated by quick-witted, sometimes edgy banter about relationships, gender, and the power of money to provoke—and possibly upend—our most fundamental bonds.
For fans of the show or newcomers: you’ll find both nostalgia for Redford and a hilarious, sometimes outrageous, 2020s take on the eternal question—what would you do for $2 million?
