Podcast Summary

Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona’s #1 Morning Radio Show
Episode: Entertainment Drill – MON – Lost Prophets Singer Killed In Prison
Date: October 13, 2025

Episode Overview

On this episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness, John Holmberg and his crew—Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo—kick off the week with their signature blend of humor, irreverence, and banter. The Entertainment Drill segment discusses a study linking gun scenes in media to real-life violence, deep dives into the legacy and crimes of Lostprophets singer Ian Watkins (who was killed in prison), and remembers Diane Keaton, the Joan Jett drummer, and the Moody Blues member who also passed. The hosts debate the impact of violent imagery, the media’s role in society, and the fine line between true crime and entertainment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. 98KUPD App Contest & Housekeeping [00:15 - 05:30]

• The crew discusses ongoing app contests, where listeners can win $1,000 by entering code words throughout the day.
• Emphasis on boosting app listenership:

  “This is a good radio listening trick. Nine times today. You can stick with us…and at the end of the week, we pull one.” – [B, 01:00]

• Lighthearted complaints about the contest's payout and how it’s designed more for metrics than reward:

  “That’s weak really, but still. Let the Bobs know to put it. Put 10 grand on this.” – [B, 01:28]

• Jokes about guest Ian Bagg possibly announcing contest words, poking fun at his Canadian accent and fondness for random words.
• Brief promotion of React Defense’s self-defense training, blending in real-world advice about being prepared, regardless of physical health or age.

2. Entertainment Drill – Gun Violence in Media [05:30 - 07:57]

• Discussion begins with a new study suggesting a correlation between gun scenes in film/TV and increased firearm-related murders.
• The crew is skeptical, referencing older violent media (Westerns, “Gunsmoke”) and positing that the root cause is societal, not televised violence.

  “Did you ever used to watch westerns? Knock it off. It's because people are goofy now. That's all it is. It has nothing to do with tv, you know.” – [B, 05:40]

• Reference to Hitchcock’s “Psycho” and changing audience sensibilities:

  “People went into labor watching that…people threw up, passed out, ran out of the studio crying, or the theater lost their minds…compared to what we see now…we have kind of gotten used to this stuff.” – [B, 06:56] “Wouldn’t that mean we’re less likely to do that? It doesn’t normalize it to where we’re like, ‘That big deal, I’ll do it too.’ I think it makes us realize, oh, it’s very possible.” – [B, 07:22]

• Behind-the-scenes trivia on classic horror:

  “Psycho was just chocolate syrup…” – [C, 07:57] “…looked perfect in black and white. You couldn’t tell.” – [B, 08:04]

• Consensus that while violent media has become more graphic, “weirdos are going to be weirdos” and societal violence isn’t solely caused by entertainment.

3. Celebrity Deaths: Ian Watkins and More [08:54 - 11:49]

• Coverage of Ian Watkins' (Lostprophets singer) murder in prison. Recap of his notorious crimes, including child abuse and possession of child pornography.
• Hosts express disgust and incredulity at Watkins’ survival in prison for so long:

  “I’m surprised he lasted as long as he did…once word gets out in jail that he tried to touch a one…The dude should have been taken out immediately.” – [B, 09:25] “That dude is…talk about a monster. That’s disgusting.” – [B, 10:50]

• Brief play and discussion of a Lostprophets song, with the consensus that the band ceased to exist after Watkins’ arrest and conviction.
• Sardonic commentary on justice:

  “They should have killed him like at the trial.” – [B, 10:32]

• Acknowledgement of the seriousness:

  “Now those folks in Chandler can say it. That proves there’s Jesus. Not really.” – [B, 10:32]

• Announcements of other celebrity deaths: Diane Keaton, Moody Blues member, Joan Jett drummer.
• Disdain for Joan Jett’s music:

  “I never got the Joan Jet thing…Not hot. Not that good. And her songs were someone else’s anyway.” – [B, 11:36]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “That’s what I’m saying.” – recurring phrase in response to most topics ([C/B, 03:10])
• “This is really taking it in the app right there.” – [B, 04:45], poking fun at the contest’s real purpose
• “Your imagination’s ten times worse. But weirdos are going to be weirdos.” – [B, 08:28], reflecting on violent tendencies and media influence
• “I never got the Joan Jet thing. Crimson and Clover cover, like all of them. Like the first one. But that’s true. All of her songs are covers. Never got the Joan Jett thing. Not hot. Not that good. And her songs were someone else’s anyway.” – [B, 11:36]

Segment Timestamps

• 00:15 – 05:30: App contest mechanics, studio banter, self-defense plugs
• 05:30 – 07:57: Entertainment Drill: Gun scenes in film/TV linked to real-life violence, discussion of "Psycho" and the evolution of graphic content
• 08:54 – 10:50: Ian Watkins’ crimes, death in prison, band aftermath
• 10:50 – 11:49: Celebrity obituaries: Diane Keaton, Moody Blues, Joan Jett drummer, critique of Joan Jett’s music

Tone & Takeaways

The episode is classic Holmberg—irreverent, brutally honest, occasionally crass, but always sharp and unfiltered. The hosts dissect serious news about celebrity deaths and true crime with a mix of black humor and frankness, providing both information and perspective. Their take on violence in media is grounded in skepticism and generational context, while their coverage of Watkins’ death underscores zero tolerance for his crimes.

For New Listeners:
This episode is a strong representation of Holmberg’s unique balance between playful banter, blunt takes on entertainment news, and unvarnished social commentary. If you missed the show, this summary hits every key point from laughs to shocks, so you’re ready for tomorrow’s dose of morning sickness.