Podcast Summary

Holmberg's Morning Sickness - 98KUPD

Episode: 11-05-25 – Rock Wars: Song For Someone Who May Have Married A Commie

Date: November 5, 2025
Participants: John Holmberg (Host), Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo, John Gordon

Episode Overview

This episode’s main theme is the hilarious and playful selection of a theme song for “someone who may have married a communist” as part of the show’s weekly “Rock Wars” competition. The hosts approach the topic with trademark irreverence, poking fun at the hypothetical—and clearly sensitive—scenario, choosing songs that best provide a soundtrack for someone finding out their friend or loved one has married a real-life communist. The show hosts (John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo) riff on the topic, trade barbs, and then make their musical picks before handing it over to judge John Gordon.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting Up the Rock Wars Theme

• The hosts introduce the idea: What song would you play whenever your friend—rumored to have married a communist—enters the room?

• Holmberg, as always, emphasizes that the topic is tongue-in-cheek, urging everyone to imagine the hilariously awkward social scenarios that could arise.

• The group explicitly rules out obvious "red" references in song titles—no “Lady in Red," no Chevelle, etc. ([02:21])

  “Let's cut out all the red songs though. The red from Chevelle, red from Warren. Like if it has red in it. Goodbye.” — John Holmberg [02:21]

Theatrical Hypothetical

• Holmberg creates a sitcom scenario, role-playing how Brady would react if his spouse announced communist beliefs.

• The group lampoons the idea of redistributing wealth at a family dinner, playing on sitcom tropes and social discomfort.

  “We've been busy distributing wealth. I'm a communist now. What? Oh, my God, what a perfect answer. ... You just leave when they say they're communist, it's gonna be nothing but trouble.” — John Holmberg [02:31]

The Bigger Joke

• The humor centers not so much on politics, but on the social awkwardness and potential for controversy at gatherings.

  “And I don't even care about their communism. I care all about how it's gonna end up at dinner parties and social gatherings. Inevitably, you're gonna end up fighting with people you like.” — John Holmberg [02:47]

Song Selection Rules

• Songs must connect to the “married a communist” theme, but can’t just be a lazy "red" reference. The goal: find the most fitting and entertaining anthem.

Rock Wars: Song Nominations

[06:17–10:28]

Bret Vesely’s Pick:

• Song: "Back in the USSR" (Motorhead cover)

• Justification: Iconic, on-the-nose, and “Butchering the Beatles” brings the aggression.

• Crowd Reaction: Surprised, impressed they covered it.

  “I'm gonna do... It's a cover tune by one of our favorites. Oh, Lemmy covering Back in the USSR. It's Motorhead.” — Bret Vesely [06:48]

Brady Bogen’s Pick:

• Song: "Russians" — Sting

• Justification: Captures the somber, tense mood when “that person” walks in; tongue-in-cheek about nuclear war and red scares.

• Crowd Reaction: Laughter at the “depressing B cut” selection.

  “I think mine kind of captures the mood every time that person would walk in the room. ... Russians.” — Brady Bogen [07:51]

John Holmberg’s Pick:

• Song: National Anthem of North Korea

• Justification: The most extreme on-theme anthem for communist connections. Parodies the notion with a full singalong to the anthem’s translated lyrics.

  “It's the national anthem of North Korea, I think should be Toledo's theme. ... Sing along, everybody.” — John Holmberg [09:01]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“I find it hysterical. And don't think that I'm ever in the same room. I'd be like, how about the redistribution of wealth in this place? I'm just gonna whisper that and walk away and just watch the fireworks from a distance.” — John Holmberg [06:18]

“Geez, honey, this is a little aggressive. What are you playing on the Bluetooth?” — (playing North Korean anthem, mock-family dinner) — [09:38]

Judging & Outcome

[09:42–10:28]

• Judge: John Gordon

• Deliberation: He playfully weighs each song but leans into the inside joke of “it could only be Toledo.”

• Winner: Lemmy/Motorhead’s "Back in the USSR" (picked by Bret Vesely).

  “When I think of communism. Yeah, Only one guy comes to mind. Toledo. Let me come. Oh, my God. Lemmy for the win. I like it.” — John Gordon [09:54]

• Aftermath: Brady points out he almost chose the same song; minor playful dispute about pick timing.

  “Why didn't you say anything?” — John Holmberg
  “Hey, you know what? ... Communism. I'm taking what's mine.” — Brett Vesely [10:33–10:52]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Rock Wars Topic Intro & Hypothetical: [01:56–02:57]
• Song Options Announced: [06:17–09:01]
• Holmberg Sings the North Korean Anthem: [09:01–09:38]
• Judge John Gordon Picks the Winner: [09:42–10:28]
• Debate About Pick Duplicates: [10:28–10:52]

Tone and Language

The episode is irreverent, tongue-in-cheek, and full of typical morning show banter, with all political content filtered through a lens of absurdity and schoolyard teasing. The mocking, clowning dynamic is strong, with a focus on funny “what if” scenarios rather than actual debates.

Conclusion

This episode of “Holmberg’s Morning Sickness” delivers playful, off-beat morning radio humor, riffing on social discomfort and musical parody. Each host pitches their communist-themed song with gusto, while the group leans into the fun of not taking the premise seriously. Lemmy’s “Back in the USSR” is declared the (tongue-in-cheek) anthem for anyone unlucky enough to marry a communist, at least for Rock Wars.