Podcast Summary: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness (98KUPD)

Episode Date: November 18, 2025
Episode Title: Japan Has Invented Lickable Televisions Making Us Wonder What It Will Do To Porn

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on a remarkable new Japanese invention: the lickable television screen (Taste TV or “TasTV”). The hosts riff on the technology’s odd implications—especially concerning food programming, culture, and (inevitably) pornography—exploring both humorous and semi-serious ramifications. The trademark irreverent tone of the show keeps the segment light, raunchy, and consistently energetic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction to Lickable TV

• (01:18) The hosts introduce the major tech news: Professor Homie Miyashita in Japan has invented a lickable television with flavor cartridges that dispense taste onto a hygienic film covering the screen.
  • ”This is just the beginning. Flavor cartridges that dispense droplets onto a hygienic film that's on the screen. You can remove and put a new one on, like a fruit roll up, but the screen kind of goos up that thing.” (Host, 01:25)
• The intended purpose is to let users experience flavors from around the world at home—a solution pitched in the context of post-pandemic travel limitations and culinary curiosity.

2. Immediate Reactions: Willy Wonka and Porn

• The hosts instantly make comparisons to Willy Wonka’s “lickable wallpaper,” noting both the whimsy and strangeness.
  • ”Willy Wonka's wall.” (Charlie, 02:43)
  • ”Willy Wonka's porn wall.” (Host, 02:44)
• They joke about the possibility of pornographic content taking advantage of the technology, speculating (with mock innocence and raunchy humor) on what it means for adult entertainment.
  • "The reason I’m excited about it is porn has just changed forever.” (Host, 02:23)
  • “Would you lick a porn, Brady?” (Host, 06:34)

3. Technology Breakdown & Speculative Use Cases

• Details on how the technology works: flavor cartridges and a replaceable hygienic film. Users may soon get vending-machine-style TVs that offer edible output, not just taste—though the current iteration is limited.
  • “It moistens the hygienic thing. And then you close it. You gotta be right on top of it to lick it...” (Host, 03:47)
• They poke fun at impracticalities: Who actually wants to lick a TV? How close do you need to get? What about programs like Food Network, versus less appetizing content like medical shows?
  • ”Why are you watching your TV that close?” (Charlie, 04:14)
  • "Can you imagine the freaks watching Hoarders or Dr. Pimple Popper? I'm not sure everything's going to be Taste worthy." (Host, 09:01)

4. Monetization and Premium Content

• A running joke compares flavor cartridges to TV subscription models: premium flavors (like high-end steak) could require an extra fee, while more generic options are standard.
  • “That’s like ESPN Plus. You got to pay a little extra for the good ones. Otherwise, you’re just licking the Outback. Licking the Outback is a bad band name.” (Host, 06:10–06:14)

5. Adult Content Inevitable Innovations

• Pornography as an early adopter/pusher of tech is discussed, with humorous speculation about “lickable porn” and the complications or anxieties it invites.
  • "Porn, guys, porn always helps technology along. Pardon the pun, but it's coming." (Host, 06:12)
  • "You don't know that you would lick a porn?" (Host to Brady, 06:38)
• They joke about personal boundaries, unexpected cuts in porn scenes, and how technology (like VR) might amplify or complicate these experiences.
  • "You're doing lick a porn, and all of a sudden it's a quick cut to a D. You're licking a D." (Brett Vesely, 08:17)
  • "There's no real ramifications to that D licking. It doesn't change you, unless you're like, that was delicious, Charlie." (Host, 08:24)

6. Smell-O-Vision and Sensory Integration

• The prospects for “smell-o-vision” and immersive technology are briefly considered—often dismissed as too bizarre or unmanageable.
  • "Smell O Vision's weird because where does it end? Because then your TV has to just constantly like stuff at you." (Host, 07:51)

7. Larger Commentary: Tech’s Awkward Evolution

• The hosts note that many major media technology leaps (video streaming, screen casting) were originally driven by demand for better pornography, not mainstream entertainment.
  • “...the only reason anyone ever invented the thing that throws the screen from your handheld to a screen on the wall is porn...The only reason that was invented, the only one.” (Host, 09:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 01:25 | Host | “Flavor cartridges that dispense droplets onto a hygienic film that's on the screen... So when there's like a steak on it or something, go up, give your TV a lick.” | | 02:23 | Host | "The reason I'm excited about it is porn has just changed forever." | | 02:43 | Charlie | "Willy Wonka's wall." | | 06:14 | Host | “Otherwise you’re just licking the Outback. Licking the Outback is a bad band name.” | | 06:34 | Host | "Would you lick a porn, Brady? I don't know. Frank, would you lick a porn?" | | 07:51 | Host | “Smell O Vision's weird because where does it end?” | | 08:17 | Brett Vesely | "You're doing lick a porn. And all of a sudden it's a quick cut to a D. You're licking a D." | | 09:50 | Host | “…the only reason anyone ever invented the thing that throws the screen from your handheld to a screen on the wall is porn.” |

Section Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:18–03:43] — Introduction of TasTV and food possibilities
• [03:43–06:14] — Practical and humorous concerns; premium taste cartridges
• [06:14–08:53] — The porn connection: jokes, anxieties, and imagined experiences
• [07:51–09:01] — Smell-o-vision and further tech speculation
• [09:50–11:32] — Cultural and technological reflections, how adult content pushes innovation

Tone & Language

The show’s classic irreverence is on full display—crude jokes, light raunch, and rapid-fire banter. The hosts openly speculate and tease each other about who would actually use the technology, particularly regarding porn and food, while mixing in pop culture references (Willy Wonka, Food Network, Guy Fieri) for comedic effect.

Takeaway

The invention of the lickable television is both bizarre and fascinating—serving as fodder for wild speculation on food culture, technological adoption, and, above all, the ways in which adult entertainment tends to push new media forward. The HMS crew delivers all this with their characteristic playful (and sometimes crass) humor, making for a fast-paced, laugh-heavy discussion that leaves listeners with more questions—and a lot of jokes—about what the future of immersive media might really taste like.