Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – September 16, 2025

Episode Theme:
The hosts react to the passing of American film legend Robert Redford, leading to a spirited and irreverent conversation about Redford’s career, classic films (especially Jeremiah Johnson), family memories, cowboy hats, and a comedic theory linking bad haircuts to violent crimes.

1. Remembering Robert Redford’s Legacy

Timestamps: 00:52 – 07:47

• Breaking News:
  • John Holmberg opens the show by announcing Robert Redford’s death at age 89.
  • “If you haven’t checked your phone yet, American legend Robert Redford has passed away at 89.” – John Holmberg [00:52]
• Iconic Films Recalled:
  • The group remembers Redford’s impact, mentioning The Natural (“a movie about never giving up and taking what you… everybody’s got something they’re good at” – John, [01:11–01:44]), The Electric Horseman, Sting, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and All the President’s Men.
  • They discuss generational differences in appreciating films like The Natural.
• Cultural Icons Aging:
  • John points out that with Redford gone, a generation of movie legends (“Nicholson, Pacino, De Niro, Duvall, Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman… all these guys are getting into this [age]”) are entering their final chapters. [04:00–05:28]
  • “Robert Redford had some great movies. None as great as, in my opinion, All the President's Men.” – John Holmberg [05:28]
• Media & Journalism Reflection:
  • John notes how All the President’s Men shifted news media into “gotcha” journalism and idolized reporters (“How can I get my Woodward and Bernstein moment?”) [05:34–06:00]

2. Redford’s Filmography: Favorites, Deep Cuts & Debates

Timestamps: 06:06 – 08:59

• Marvel Cameo Confusion:
  • The hosts humorously fumble over which Marvel film Redford appeared in (Avengers: Winter Soldier is the answer, finally). [06:06–06:34]
  • “You licked and you took the ice cream away.” – John razzing Brett for half-remembered facts [06:37]
• Spy Game and Other B-Sides:
  • Brett valiantly defends lesser-known titles like Spy Game, giving it “four out of five stars.”
  • “That's two stars to a normal person.” – John Holmberg, poking fun at their rating scales [07:59]
• Personal Connections to Redford’s Films:
  • Brady’s fondness for Jeremiah Johnson is highlighted, and the guys tease his and his father’s love for frontier movies.

3. Jeremiah Johnson – Nostalgia and Satire

Timestamps: 08:25 – 20:14

• Plot Recaps & Critique:
  • The hosts give a detailed (humorous and sometimes darkly satirical) walk-through of Jeremiah Johnson:
    • “He had a savage squaw is what he did.” – John [09:27]
    • Conversations focus on the era’s depiction of Native Americans and how the narrative hasn’t aged well (“Terrible movie. Probably Robert Redford's most racist work.” – John [15:04])
  • They debate the film’s authenticity and discuss how Westerns of the past painted history from the victor’s perspective.
• Memories & Family Trips:
  • Brady shares how his family visited Jeremiah Johnson’s memorial in Wyoming:
    • “We happened to be going through the town…” – Brett [18:52]
    • John interjects: “You didn’t happen to anything. Your dad planned that trip to go where that movie said. Paid respect.” [18:53]
  • The conversation devolves into playful ribbing about family cowboy hat phases and Western movie roleplay as kids.

4. Cowboy Hats, Childhood, and Family Oddities

Timestamps: 19:32 – 27:59

• Brady’s Brother’s Cowboy Hat Obsession:
  • Extended, comedic segment about Brady’s brother Tom insisting on wearing a cowboy hat for years (“He'd still want to keep his cowboy hat on... He didn't want to take it off.” – Brett [20:06–20:37])
  • John jokes: “You live in a cartoon. You’re a strange man. But always appreciate it.” [22:22]
• Western Wear & Parental Influences:
  • More stories about family members dressing up like movie cowboys, including their dads’ fashion choices and affectations.
  • “My dad in costume… My dad at the very least was doing it in Texas. Your dad’s doing it in Columbus, Ohio… You’re in a duster, you’re a murderer.” – John [23:46–23:58]

5. THE (Absurd) HAIRCUT CRIME THEORY

Timestamps: 28:54 – 36:14

• Linking Bad Hair to Violence:
  • John unveils his tongue-in-cheek “theory” that men with terrible, unkempt, or delusional haircuts are more likely to be violent criminals.
  • “I think a lot of violent crime could be stopped if someone just gave the guy a better haircut.” – John [29:05]
  • They recount notorious mug shots, comb-overs, and the psychosocial signals of desperate hair management.
  • “Comb overs—you cannot trust them. They’re lying to you with their appearance.” – John [34:04]
  • “Your hair says a lot. Hair is like—you can tell…” [35:51]
• Shaving as a Sanity Move:
  • Contrasting shaving one’s head (accepted, confident) with odd partial hair (“friar thing”, “wispy mess”), John lauds his own decision.
  • “Bald guys are normal. Anybody who has that wispy, weird crap hanging on…” [34:26]
• Listener Feedback:
  • Listeners write in—John riffs on why people are emotionally invested in their hair, and why it’s a red flag when people desperately try to hang onto it.

6. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Redford’s Age vs. Wilford Brimley:
  • “Realize that Robert Redford is four years younger than Wilford Brimley while they filmed that.” – John Holmberg [01:56]
• On Historical Perspective:
  • “History goes to the victor… the story lives. But in reality, does that make sense to anyone?” – John Holmberg [13:21]
• On Cowboy Hats in Public:
  • “If you’re in a cowboy hat right now, I hope you’re doing something cowboy-like. If you’re just in a cowboy hat walking around, you’re crazy.” – John [28:30]

7. Episode Close: Self-Reflection Through Hair & Legacy

• Self-Awareness and Social Commentary:
  • John wraps with a tongue-in-cheek plea for listeners to reflect on their hair and behavior, reinforcing the day’s comedic theme.
  • “Take a look in the mirror, look at that hair. And maybe, you know, do a little self analysis. You got crazy people here. You might be on the wrong path.” – John [40:32]

Key Takeaways

• The episode is a wild ride marked by affectionate mockery and nostalgia, driven by Robert Redford’s passing and filtered through the hosts’ irreverent humor.
• Extended, detailed chat about Jeremiah Johnson lampoons both the movie’s plot and the ways in which popular culture frames the American West.
• Childhood memories and family quirks (especially the saga of Brady’s cowboy-hatted brother) add a personal, comedic layer.
• John’s “haircut crime theory” is delivered with classic comedy, serving as the show’s final big riff.
• The hosts never lose sight of their core mission: to “entertain, question and disturb.”

Holmberg’s Morning Sickness blends heartfelt nostalgia and sharp satire, making even a tribute to a Hollywood legend a boisterous morning escapade.