Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona (11-06-25):

"Playdio Nearly Full & John's Night Hosting the William Shatner Tour at Orpheum"

Main Theme

This episode spotlights two central topics. First, the winding down of entries for Playdio, 98 KUPD’s annual local band showcase, with only a few slots left. The team discusses what to expect and the excitement (and dread) around the event. Second, John Holmberg shares inside details about his upcoming role hosting the "William Shatner Tour" at Phoenix's Orpheum Theater, with stories about Shatner and what fans can anticipate from the night.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Playdio: The Final Countdown

[01:13 - 05:20]

• Slots Almost Filled: Only five remaining; it's first come, first served for bands hoping to compete and have their shot at studio time and $2,000 cash.
• Entry Details: Bands must send recordings to D. Toledo (DToledo@98kupd.com).
• Eligibility & Winners: As per tradition, bands must be able to perform live if they win:
  • John Holmberg: "If we do, there's no way we'll be able to perform." (04:17) [regarding some hopefuls]
  • The team jokes about hopefuls who overestimate their talent and notes some previous Playdio winners couldn’t live up to expectations in performance.
• AI Bands: Speculation about AI-generated band submissions makes the crew wonder how they’ll spot a fake and what happens if an AI "band" makes the finals:
  • Holmberg: "Will we get an AI band and will we know? Fair point." (03:48)
• Theme Song Tradition: The winner’s song becomes the show’s theme for the next year; there’s nostalgia for the outgoing theme by Miles to Nowhere, which listeners have grown attached to.
  • Crew: "People on email grown to love that." (02:34)
• On the Experience: The panel mixes excitement and wariness—Playdio week means listening to a lot of local music, and not all of it is good:
  • A: "By day two, we're all like…"
  • Holmberg: "By day two, we are a little bit, 'Is anybody talented?'" (04:58)
  • Holmberg: "I am a hate watcher. The worse it is, the better I feel." (04:50)

Notable Quotes:

• "Strap on the... This is no way to fill these last five slots." – John Holmberg (05:13)
• "They think they are [the good stuff], which makes it even better." – John Holmberg (05:20)

2. Playdio Logistics & Legal Chatter

[02:34 - 03:48]

• FCC & Call Letters: Quick clarification on the station’s FCC license—though they broadcast from Phoenix, Tempe is their city of license, sparking a brief discussion about radio rules and possible infractions.
  • Holmberg: "Larry got all worried that we were breaking the law there... Tempe Phoenix, you know, I get in trouble for that later. But you will get in trouble for pushing that COVID vaccine on everybody." (03:14)
• Banter Around Logistics: They riff about the confusion with dual cities, showing the show’s irreverent tone.

3. John's Upcoming William Shatner Event

[05:20 - 09:00]

• Event Overview: Next Thursday (13th), John Holmberg will moderate a William Shatner Q&A at the Orpheum after a screening of Wrath of Khan.
• Tickets: Available via Orpheum Theater's site; seats selling fast, especially balcony and front.
• Frank Caliendo Co-Hosting: Comic Frank Caliendo will join; John anticipates mostly sitting back and letting Shatner "run the show" with long, compelling stories:
  • Holmberg: "You ask him a couple of questions and he tells 20 minute stories about each question. I do nothing. I just sit and laugh, occasionally throwing a jab." (07:50)
• Shatner’s Legacy: Remarks on his longevity and ability to entertain—credits his runs on Twilight Zone, TV in the ’50s, Star Trek, and even his recent jaunt into space.
  • Holmberg: "He was on TV in the 50s. It's remarkable how long he’s been in this world doing what he’s doing." (06:18)
• Personal Stories: Holmberg reminisces about previous dinners and awkwardly trying to switch from "Mr. Shatner" to "Bill," teasing his goal to be on a first-name basis.
• Dining with Shatner: They plan to dine at the Orpheum with food delivered in, indulging in a bit of star treatment.

Notable Quote:

• "Trust me on this one. It is a night of entertainment. You will not be disappointed. It's awesome. It's the best. The best gig I'll ever get because it's... Do you want to hang out with William Shatner all night? Check that. Yes." – John Holmberg (07:20)

4. The Orpheum Theater: A Hidden Gem

[09:00 - 09:30]

• Venue Praise: The team highlights the Orpheum as a beautiful yet rarely appreciated spot in downtown Phoenix:
  • Holmberg: "It is a crown jewel of downtown Phoenix that no one knows about." (09:12)
• Architecture & Design: Jokes about the lavish, flamboyant décor as a possible byproduct of 1920s gay design sensibility:
  • Holmberg: "It was designed in the 20s by 1920s homosexuals. There's no question in my mind." (09:30)
• Sound & Atmosphere: Emphasis on the venue’s excellent acoustics and atmosphere, urging locals to check it out.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If we do, there's no way we'll be able to perform." – Panel on non-gig-ready entrants (04:17)
• "I am a hate watcher. The worse it is, the better I feel." – John Holmberg on enduring Playdio submissions (04:50)
• "Trust me on this one. It is a night of entertainment." – Holmberg inviting people to the Shatner event (07:20)
• "It is a crown jewel of downtown Phoenix that no one knows about." – Holmberg on the Orpheum Theater (09:12)
• "[The Orpheum] was designed in the 20s by 1920s homosexuals. There's no question in my mind." – Signature tongue-in-cheek humor from Holmberg (09:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Playdio Sign-Ups, Elation & Dread: 01:13 – 05:20
• FCC & Station Banter: 02:34 – 03:48
• AI Band Speculation: 03:48 – 04:17
• William Shatner Orpheum Event Details: 05:20 – 09:00
• Orpheum Theater Discussion: 09:00 – 09:30

Tone & Style

The episode is lively, irreverent, and full of good-natured roast-like banter. Holmberg balances genuine enthusiasm for local music and celebrities with sardonic takes on the quirks of live radio and Arizona’s music scene. The crew’s camaraderie and playful sarcasm keep the conversation flowing and listeners engaged.

Summary prepared for listeners who missed the episode or want to revisit the highlights of this fun, snarky, and informative show.