Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – "Jo Koy – Mortgage Matchup Center Show – Call In"

Date: November 20, 2025
Featured Guest: Jo Koy

Overview

In this episode, John Holmberg catches up with nationally renowned comedian Jo Koy for a lively, joke-filled phone conversation. They reminisce about Jo's roots with the show, discuss the wild trajectory of his career, upcoming arena gigs—including a historic show at LA’s SoFi Stadium—and crack jokes about fame, relationships, and life in the comedy fast lane. The banter is fast, irreverent, and loaded with inside jokes, offering fans an authentic snapshot of Jo Koy’s comedic style and his ongoing friendship with the show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jo Koy’s Explosive Career and Relationship with the Show

• Holmberg playfully accuses Jo of "outgrowing" the show, questioning whether he would ever return after skyrocketing to fame.
  • “You sold out Hawaii, every island, 452 nights in a row… And then you went on. I'm so proud of him. And then the least you could do every once in a while is check in and just say, hey… and then that all just stopped.” —John (02:05)
• Jo jokes about calling in just to check up, not just to plug something, but Holmberg isn't convinced.
  • “That's… you are lying right now, by the way.” —Jo Koy (03:49)
• Light ribbing about failed restaurant ventures, with both agreeing on the folly of investing in such ideas.
  • “Is there any way I could talk you into, like, investing in something once again?...I just want it to fail.” —Jo Koy (04:54, 05:08)

2. Public Life and Love Life

• Discussion about Jo’s past high-profile relationship with Chelsea Handler and why he keeps romance private now.
  • "I just keep it quiet." —Jo Koy (06:13)
• Jokes about manufacturing TMZ-worthy scandals for publicity, with playful suggestions that Holmberg could be Jo’s “next headline.”
  • “You should just be my love interest.” —Jo Koy (07:59)
  • "I'll just have my hand near it...they'll know I was going for it." —Holmberg (08:09)
• Running gag about mixing up comedians, pop culture moments, and the absurdity of fame.

3. Arenas, Stadiums, and the Immensity of Stand-Up in 2025

• Jo announces his upcoming performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with Gabriel Iglesias—a huge milestone for any comedian.
  • “I'm playing SOFI Stadium in Los Angeles in March. I can't imagine what it's like... Have you Done a stadium that size before?” —Holmberg (13:16)
  • "The biggest I've ever done was Tacoma Dome. I sold 23,000… And now we're playing SoFi. That's… the size of four to two Tacoma domes." – Jo Koy (13:16–13:47)
• Discussion of the logistics of such large-scale comedy shows: sound delays, huge crowds, special production requirements.
  • "Well, no, no, we set it up for end stage, so we're right around 55,000..." —Jo Koy (13:52)
• Both laugh about what it's like to fill an arena and how small club shows compare.

4. Collaborations & Plans for the Future

• Details about the SoFi Stadium show:
  • "No, it's co-headlining...It's the way it's set up. It's set up perfectly." —Jo Koy (25:53, 27:17)
  • Playful debate over who’s really the headliner since one has to go on last.
  • The pair plan a Spanish-Korean musical fusion number for the finale.
    • "We do have a song. And it's… a Spanish song on top of Korean drums." —Jo Koy (26:01)
• Jo is filming a new Netflix special in Stockton, CA, slated for January.
  • “I'm shooting another special for Netflix, man. Shoot it. January.” —Jo Koy (26:28)
• Jo jokes about a potential country album and future ambitions still left to chase.
  • “I'm going to music, Brady. I have a country album coming out.” —Jo Koy (16:01)

5. Personal Anecdotes and Comedic High Jinks

• Touching on celebrity encounters that blew Jo’s mind, including recognition by Zakk Wylde backstage at an Ozzy Osbourne concert and collaborating with Martin Lawrence.
  • “It was kind of crazy to see Zakk Wylde… know who I was… in front of my son… That was insane.” —Jo Koy (19:17–19:35)
  • “Going to lunch with Martin Lawrence… to work on a TV idea together… That was insane.” —Jo Koy (19:35–20:29)
• The team relives the comedy show’s humble beginnings, old live venues, and exchanging jokes about outdated cell numbers and inside pranks.
  • “I text all four numbers I have for you the other day to ask a question.” —Holmberg (03:53)
• The Joys of “Barbecue Sauce Past”: Jo fondly remembers Brady's failed BBQ sauce venture.
  • “Brady’s barbecue sauce was amazing.” —Jo Koy (15:35)
  • “Too many people died, Joe.” —Holmberg (15:42)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Career Growth and Old Friends:
  • "You'll never do our show again." —Holmberg (00:40)
  • "I'll always do your show." —Jo Koy (00:44)
• On Relationship with Fame:
  • “I think what I learned the most is I don't want to be public anymore. I keep it quiet.” —Jo Koy (06:13)
• On Headlining Massive Venues:
  • "Now we're playing SoFi...the size of four Tacoma Domes." —Jo Koy (13:44)
• On Enormity of Showbiz:
  • "I can't grasp it. I'm actually talking to somebody who has the ambition to go, all right, I'll go stand out there. It's just crazy." —Holmberg (29:24)
• On Celebrity Mix-Ups:
  • "Your friend Joe… she thought you were Joe Rogan." —Holmberg (31:11)
• On Cell Phone Shenanigans:
  • “I have Joe Koy. Joe Koy, three. Shelley, your old assistant, the new Jo Koy. I'll try that one.” —Holmberg (21:34)
• Commitment to Old Friends:
  • "I will always come on the show again." —Jo Koy (17:09)
  • "See, I wanted you to answer honestly." —Holmberg (17:10)
  • "I will be there.” —Jo Koy (17:12)

Important Timestamps

• Introduction & Jo Koy’s Return — 00:40–03:45
• Restaurant Ventures and Failed Investments — 04:25–05:21
• Fame & Relationships, Paparazzi Life — 05:40–08:16
• Comedy at SoFi and Logistical Challenges — 13:16–14:47
• Barbecue Sauce Bit — 15:30–15:45
• Plans for New Comedy Specials, Album, and SoFi Details — 16:00–16:24, 25:50–27:44
• Celebrity Encounters: Ozzy, Zakk Wylde, Martin Lawrence — 19:03–20:29
• Text Message Ping Pong: Who Has Whose Number? — 21:30–25:00
• Closing: Heartfelt Thanks and Running Gags About Fame — 29:24–32:41

Tone & Style

The episode is fast-paced, ribald, and delivered in a tone of friendly mockery and deep mutual respect. Holmberg is irreverent and sharp, while Jo Koy matches him beat for beat with good-natured humor and self-deprecation. The playful repartee and nostalgia make this more than just a celebrity interview—it’s a reunion of longtime friends.

Takeaways

• Jo Koy’s comedic career has ascended to rare heights, culminating in co-headlining SoFi Stadium with Gabriel Iglesias in March (55,000 seats).
• He’s filming another Netflix special in January 2026 and is still expanding his creative ambitions.
• The show’s warmth and humor underscore the importance of maintaining old friendships even as fame grows.
• Listeners are treated to insider stories, showbiz musings, and plenty of classic HMS/Jo Koy banter.

For Jo Koy’s tour dates, fans can check local listings—including the Mortgage Matchup Center show and SoFi Stadium in March.