Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – David Jolly & Spunky Robinson In Studio

Episode Date: November 13, 2025
Guests: David Jolly, Spunky Robinson
Host/Panel: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo, & Michelle

Episode Overview

In this lively and uncensored episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness, comedians David Jolly and Spunky Robinson join the studio promoting their Stand Up Live appearance. The conversation traverses everything from outlandish origin stories, comedy scenes in Austin and Florida, marriage and relationships, the grind of comedy, and the weird but wonderful personalities you meet along the way. The episode maintains the show’s irreverent humor and willingness to push boundaries.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Spunky Robinson’s Nickname & Childhood Story

(01:48 – 04:51)

• Spunky explains the odd origin of his nickname, rooted in an incident as a toddler where he’d rub a pregnant store employee’s belly while his mother shopped.

  • “My mom gave me that name when I was like three years old.” — Spunky Robinson (01:59)

• The hosts riff and joke repeatedly on the inappropriateness of the story, pushing the comedic and controversial line with Spunky rolling along.

  • “You only get a nickname if you rape.” — Host/Interviewer (05:06)
  • “I got mine when I was three.” — David Jolly (05:18)

• The conversation runs wild with riffs about childhood, nicknames, and playful accusations, all in the show's edgy comedic style.

2. Comedy About Dark Topics

(05:15 – 08:56)

• The group launches into a darkly comedic discussion about the Golden State Killer case, referencing the bizarre details about the suspect's anatomy and how that became part of victim identification.

  • “The word rape is funny. It’s the word, not the action.” — David Jolly (05:29)

• The humor leverages discomfort for laughs, keeping with the classic shock-jock tone.

3. Backgrounds, Partnership, and Comedy Scenes

(08:56 – 10:48)

• David Jolly and Spunky talk backgrounds:
  • Jolly is from Orlando, Spunky from Miami (now Orlando), highlighting their Florida roots and friendly city rivalry.
  • Discussion about moving to Austin and the strength of its current comedy scene.
  • “I’m a regular at the Mothership. I love it, man. It’s a great time.” — David Jolly (09:57)

4. Moving, Touring, and Miami Anecdotes

(10:48 – 11:44)

• Spunky and the hosts swap Miami stories, particularly a suspiciously ‘cocaine-laden’ boat rental scenario that turns into a bit about accidental drug smuggling.

5. Relationships, Marriage & Family

(12:27 – 13:57)

• Jolly shares:

  • Not married, has a 20-year-old son, good relationship with the child’s mother.
  • Avoided marriage after seeing friends’ divorces take a toll.
  • “Me and my son’s mother have a great relationship, but we just, you know...” — David Jolly (12:59)

• Spunky is on his second marriage. They jokingly attribute his marital issues to the infamous “tummy rubbing” habit.

6. Personal Hobbies & Ethics

(14:40 – 16:39)

• Jolly admits comedy is his life, but also enjoys reading, especially about making money and investing.

• The group discusses hypothetical involvement in a Ponzi scheme and the ethics of “winning” in America.

  • “One thing about life is somebody got to win. Somebody got to lose. I’d rather win.” — David Jolly (15:49)

• On reading:

  • Jolly is reading “Mastery” by Robert Greene, inspired by self-improvement and business success books.
  • Spunky mentions "the man behind the meaning" (likely Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning).

7. The Rise with Kill Tony & Comedy Scene Insights

(17:45 – 20:25)

• Jolly discusses his recent spike in fame due to Kill Tony and the positive (often weird) encounters with fans.
  • “From like a regional success to like it being national. It’s amazing...” — David Jolly (18:08)
• Shares a story about a fan driving hours to perform a minute of standup, which turned out to be “horrible…getting dark” (19:43), and highlights the sometimes awkward side of comedy’s reach.

8. Words of Wisdom & Kindness

(20:46 – 22:32)

• The show closes with a moment of sincerity:
  • “Just be nice to everybody, man. We all humans and we all on this big rock together. Just be nice.” — David Jolly (21:00)
• They briefly discuss the show Pluribus, musing philosophically about the implications if everyone was truly nice—leading to both utopian and dystopian elements.
• The importance of basic human kindness, with Jolly expressing surprise that wishing someone “good morning” gets, today, suspicious looks rather than reciprocated warmth.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Childhood Nicknames:

  • “You only get a nickname if you rape.” — Host (05:06)
  • “If you don’t rape in a toddler, you’re not getting a good name.” — Host (05:14)
  • “You gotta be a child rapist to get a nickname.” — David Jolly (05:18)

• On Ethics & Comedy:

  • “The word ‘rape’ is funny. It’s the word, not the action.” — David Jolly (05:29)
  • “One thing about life is somebody got to win. Somebody got to lose. I’d rather win.” — David Jolly (15:49)

• On Comedy Success:

  • “From like a regional success to like it being national. It’s amazing because, like, I’m a down to earth person, you know, I’m not like a jerk, you know, I’m not hard to work with.” — David Jolly (18:08)

• On Life Philosophy:

  • “Just be nice to everybody, man. We all humans and we all on this big rock together. Just be nice.” — David Jolly (21:00)

• On Reading:

  • “I just like to get lost in a book. Just run away, just let my mind…” — David Jolly (16:56)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Topic/Segment | | ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | 01:48 | Spunky Robinson’s nickname origin story | | 05:06 | Comedic riffing on nicknames and toddler behavior | | 05:15–08:56 | Golden State Killer & dark comedy territory | | 09:57 | David Jolly on Austin comedy scene & Mothership | | 12:31 | David Jolly discusses marriage, son, and relationships | | 15:49 | Jolly discusses winner-loser mentality in America | | 17:45 | Jolly’s rise with Kill Tony and fan encounters | | 20:59 | Words of wisdom: “Just be nice” |

Tone & Atmosphere

• The entire episode is irreverent, boundary-pushing, and packed with rapid-fire humor, consistent with the Holmberg’s Morning Sickness style.
• Even when tackling uncomfortable or dark subjects, the comedic framing keeps the mood energetic and engaging.
• Jolly and Spunky share playful, self-deprecating banter while also giving genuine insights into their lives as comics on the grind.

Takeaways

• David Jolly and Spunky Robinson offer both wild humor and grounded reflections, showing the duality of life in comedy: outrageous stories, inside jokes, and a search for personal meaning and connection with audiences.
• The episode is a perfect blend of chaotic comedy and the kind of guest chemistry that makes for memorable radio.

For those who haven’t listened, this episode offers a rowdy, uncensored dive into the lives of two comics whose wit, candor, and self-awareness make for a raucous and surprisingly thoughtful hour.