Holmberg’s Morning Sickness (98KUPD) – Episode Summary

Episode: 10-01-25 – Solo Drivers Of EVs Are No Longer Allowed To Use HOV Lane As Of Today But John Argues Nothing's Changed
Date: October 1, 2025
Host: John Holmberg (with Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo)

Episode Overview

This episode dives into Arizona’s new rule banning solo electric vehicle (EV) drivers from using HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes—a change John Holmberg claims hardly matters in practice. The crew debates the real-life enforcement of HOV laws, openly share their experiences of “outlaw” lane use, discuss attempts to bypass the system, and sprinkle in their signature irreverent humor. The HOV discussion segues briefly into recent oddball Arizona news and listener interactions, before riffing on celebrity scandals and station antics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New HOV Lane Rule for EVs

[01:22] – [04:03]

• As of today, solo drivers in electric vehicles are no longer allowed to freely use HOV lanes in Arizona during restricted hours (6–9am, 3–7pm).
• The original intention of allowing EVs to use HOV lanes was to encourage environmentally-friendly driving, but the increase in EVs has cluttered the lanes, prompting the change.
• John asserts that enforcement has always been lax:

  "I've been driving in the HOV lane willy-nilly and fancy free for years on end and never once been caught." (John, [01:34])

• John equates the risk of driving solo in the HOV lane to speeding; it’s a calculated civil infraction many accept for convenience.

  "If I told you in January, you get to use that lane all you want. It's just going to cost you 400 bucks up front. As a membership fee, you'd pay it." (John, [03:36])

2. Law Breaking as Everyday Rebellion

[04:03] – [09:55]

• Discusses the 'outlaw' feeling of breaking HOV rules—John describes it as “a very vanilla way to be an outlaw.” (John, [07:37])
• Holmberg encourages listeners to enjoy the small thrill:

  "Get out there and drive in that thing. It is truly exhilarating." (John, [07:29])

• He jokes about tips, like not making sudden lane changes if a cop’s nearby (“If a cop does mosey up behind you, don't abruptly scoot over. Stay in your lane. Act like you're supposed to be there.” [02:37])
• Dismisses worry about company liability, telling management (the “Bobs”):

  "Oh, stuff it up your ass, Bob, you jackass. You stuffed suit." (John, [08:14])

• Brady voices a more rule-abiding perspective, uncomfortable with blatant lawbreaking.

3. Listener Reactions & Exploits

[09:55] – [12:25]

• A listener jokes about using a mannequin to fake a passenger and keep the HOV privilege, which John promptly rejects:

  “If a cop sees a fake person, he's like, all right, I gotta do something about this. Don't. Just...Just drive and be normal.” (John, [04:58])

• Another listener emails suggesting a blow-up doll as a HOV lane fake, to which John responds humorously, emphasizing safety and common sense:

  "Be a good driver… use the HOV lane at your leisure… try to put your devices down." (John, [14:09])

4. Parallels to Other “Broken Promises”

[10:31] – [11:45]

• John likens the removal of HOV perks for EVs to streaming platforms increasing prices after initial promises (e.g., Netflix):

  "It's like when Netflix said they'd never raise the price from $9 and now it's like 30...down in the fine print, it said we could lie." (John, [10:43])

5. Random Arizona Anecdotes & Station Banter

[11:45] – [17:45]

• Brief tangent about a gay porn star with unusual parole conditions, poking fun at the newsroom's odd priorities.
• Updates listeners about the legal department shutting down a station game called 'Merc Mania'—Holmberg grumbles about management’s risk-aversion and jokes about the unlikelihood of ever giving away the promised money.
• Brady and John riff on WNBA trivia and potential cross-over games (e.g., “WNBA player or gay porn star?”).

6. Nostalgia for the Old HOV Exemptions & Traffic Apps

[16:11] – [17:45]

• Reminiscing about hybrid vehicles, propane cars, and how once-easy HOV loopholes have closed.
• Brief discussion on the crime-tracking Citizen app, comparing Chicago’s surge of crime alerts to the relative calm of Arizona:

  "HOV lane Outlaws don't shoot people. Don't commit real crimes. HOV law. Get your outlaw vibe going and you'll be just fine." (John, [17:36])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On HOV Enforcement:
  "Cops don't have time to count passengers. They pull you over for acting like a jackass. And also find out there's only one of you in the car, then you're getting doubled down." – John ([02:33])

• On Small Outlaw Thrills:
  "It's a very vanilla way to be an outlaw." – John ([07:37])

• On Management Liability Fears:
  "Oh, stuff it up your ass, Bob, you jackass. You stuffed suit." – John ([08:14])

• Listener Tip Gone Wrong:
  "Please let John know that as a Tesla owner, I get a government tax credit on buying my first mannequin so I can put it in the front seat of my car and use the HOV lane." – Listener ([04:43])
  "No, no, that's dumb. You're just becoming a news story for Tulsa, Oklahoma." – John ([04:51])

• Regarding Repealed Perks:
  "You paid extra for all the perks and they're taking the perks away. You knew that was going to happen, right?" – John ([10:46])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:22] – New law on HOV lane access for solo EVs; John’s “outlaw” driving confessions
• [02:33] – The realities of enforcement, tips for avoiding tickets
• [04:43] – Listener jokes about fake passengers; John’s response
• [07:37] – Lawbreaking as “vanilla” rebellion
• [10:43] – Netflix and broken promises comparison
• [11:45] – Brief news tangent: the gay porn star with odd parole
• [14:09] – HOV lane usage advice and listener participation
• [16:17] – Hybrid and propane car nostalgia
• [17:36] – Comparing HOV lawlessness to actual crime

Tone & Style

As always, the show is irreverent, fast-paced, and full of banter. John Holmberg dominates the conversation, peppering his arguments with tongue-in-cheek bravado, while co-hosts offer more reserved or deadpan responses. The tone vacillates between mischievous, playful, and biting social commentary, with plenty of asides and in-jokes for longtime listeners.

For Listeners Who Missed the Show:

This episode is quintessential HMS—tackling a topical change in Arizona law, questioning authority and enforcement, and elevating everyday mischief to comic rebellion. John’s argument is simple: rules mean little if they aren’t enforced, and the HOV lane has become a “membership club” for those willing to risk a fine for speed and convenience. The podcast’s trademark blend of topical Arizona news, audience engagement, and crude humor keeps things lively, provocative, and highly relatable for the local audience.