Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – Entertainment Drill, FRI – New Springsteen Movie Is Out Now As We Wonder What It's About

Date: October 24, 2025
Podcast: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness (98KUPD, Arizona)
Hosts: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

Episode Overview

The main theme of this episode’s Entertainment Drill is a lively look at new and upcoming releases in pop culture, capped by a humorous and skeptical exploration of the new Bruce Springsteen movie centered on the making of "Nebraska." The hosts riff on Hollywood casting news, unique Halloween events, rock legends, and engage in classic banter, all delivered with their trademark irreverence and straight-shooting Arizona humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The “Poltergeist” Kid and Halloween Treats

• Oliver Robbins (Robbie from Poltergeist):
  • Robbins, famous for his role as the son in "Poltergeist," will hand out candy at the actual house used in the film for Halloween in Simi Valley, CA (02:34–02:52).
  • The hosts riff on his infamous childhood looks:
    • “That kid's face was brutal.” – Corey (02:57)
    • Light-hearted debate about whether Robbins ever fixed his teeth and how he looks today.
  • Notable Quote:
    • “He looks like… if I were to try to draw Dave Portnoy, that’s what it would look like.” – Corey (03:59)

2. “Stranger Things” Finale Theater Release

• Season Finale Release:
  • The final episode will be screened in 350 North American theaters over New Year’s Eve/Day, simultaneous with its Netflix debut (04:26).
  • Hosts' Take:
    • Snarky remarks about the cast outgrowing their roles:
      • “You can watch a bunch of 30 year old 9th graders figure out the upside down.” – Corey (04:45)

3. Double Doses of “A Christmas Carol”

• Johnny Depp’s Casting:
  • Depp lands his first major post-trial role in Ebenezer, a new “Christmas Carol” adaptation directed by Ty West (05:14).
  • Simultaneously, Willem Dafoe will star as Scrooge in a separate adaptation from Robert Eggers (director of horror films like “The Witch” and the upcoming “Nosferatu”) (05:44–06:26).
  • Humor:
    • Banter on which actor makes a more fitting Scrooge—hosts favor Dafoe for “a more damning Ebenezer.”
    • Running joke about weird giggles and not addressing private jokes (06:01–06:20).

4. Springsteen’s New Movie – “Nebraska” Era

• Film Focus:
  • Contrary to rumors, it’s not a full biopic; it zooms in on Springsteen’s challenging 1981–82 period writing the album "Nebraska," amid struggles with depression and the pressure of following up “The River.” (06:36–07:19)
  • Host Debate:
    • The hosts grapple with the film’s focus and Bruce’s real-life legacy.
    • Skeptical but open:
      • “He was suicidal and depressed… in that regard it might be a different take on these types of biopic movies.” – Corey (07:07)
  • Dialog on Springsteen’s legend:
    • “Other than the Doors, he’s the most overrated performer in rock, period.” – Corey (08:13)
    • “What are you talking about, man? I’m the Boss!” – Caller, joking as Bruce (08:21)
    • “I just wrote a Bruce Spring Thing song.” – Corey, joking about the formula (08:49)
  • Song breakdown of "Nebraska" and “The River,” songs and release years (08:03–09:21).

5. Brief Obituaries

• Dave Ball (Soft Cell) and Ace Frehley stories:
  • Dave Ball of Soft Cell (“Tainted Love”) died on Wednesday (09:35–09:55).
  • Confusion about Ace Frehley (KISS) being “laid to rest”; clarification that it’s news from Eddie Trunk and three original KISS members at an event, not Frehley's funeral (09:56–10:23).

6. Wrap-up and Giveaways

• Post Entertainment Drill, show transitions to classic game and ticket giveaways, maintaining playful energy (10:29–11:04).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On “Poltergeist” Kid Lookalikes:
  “If I were to try to draw Dave Portnoy, that’s what it would look like.” – Corey (03:59)
• On “Stranger Things” Finale:
  “You can watch a bunch of 30 year old 9th graders figure out the upside down.” – Corey (04:45)
• On Bruce Springsteen:
  “Other than the Doors, he’s the most overrated performer in rock, period.” – Corey (08:13) “What are you talking about, man? I’m the Boss! I got everybody’s attention.” – Listener, impersonating Springsteen (08:21) “I just wrote a Bruce Spring Thing song.” – Corey (08:49)
• On Christmas Carol Casting:
  “I’d see the Defoe one over the Depp one. He’s a more damning Ebenezer.” – Corey (06:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• “Poltergeist” Cast Update: 02:34–04:15
• “Stranger Things” Finale News: 04:26–04:57
• Johnny Depp & Willem Dafoe as Scrooge: 05:14–06:26
• Springsteen Movie Discussion: 06:36–09:21
• Rock Obituaries: 09:35–10:23
• Giveaways & Wrap-up: 10:29–11:09

Overall Tone & Style

The episode is fast-paced, sharp-tongued, and full of the playful ribbing and in-jokes fans expect. While the hosts sometimes segue into tangents about celebrity faces or the peculiarities of remakes and adaptations, their banter keeps entertainment news punchy and fun—even if you haven’t watched "Poltergeist" since the '80s or don’t know your Boss from your Born to Run.