Holmberg’s Morning Sickness Podcast

Episode: Playdio DAY ONE – Band 22: VINCDICATED

Air Date: November 24, 2025
Host(s): John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Key Segment: Playdio Competition – Band 22: Vindicated

Episode Overview

This episode continues the annual Playdio event, where local bands compete for a chance to become the show's next theme song creators. The hosts review and critique submissions live on air. In this segment, they introduce and react to Band 22: Vindicated, a heavy metal act from Phoenix. The show's signature style is lighthearted, irreverent, and occasionally brutal in its musical judgments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Stage: Playdio Continues

• John recaps the Playdio premise: bands vie to write the show’s 2026 theme.
• He notes speculation that some entries might be AI-generated, explaining the requirement for live performance to prove authenticity.
• Some humorous banter about sports, with John lamenting that NBA star Kevin Durant isn’t playing for “personal reasons.”
  • John: “Personal reasons. Get over it. You’re going to work. Everybody's got personal problems." (04:21)

2. Band Introduction: Vindicated

[05:56]

• Band bio is read aloud:
  • Phoenix-based, high-energy heavy metal.
  • Influences include Megadeth, Van Halen, Pantera, Metallica, and others.
  • Claims a blend of old-school aggression and modern intensity.
  • Boasts of sharing the stage with big names (Powerman 5000, Fear Factory) and getting support from members of Tesla.
  • The hosts begin to poke fun at the bio’s excessive length.
    • John: “Their bio’s too goddamn long. Here we go. It’s Vindicated, everybody." (07:16)

3. Song Play & Reaction

[07:30 - 08:46]

• The band introduces their track with a lengthy, dramatic spoken-word intro reminiscent of “V for Vendetta”:
  • Unknown: “The only verdict is vengeance. A vendetta held as a votive but in vain for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtu..." (07:30)
• The actual song then begins, described as high-energy metal, but the hosts’ reactions quickly turn sour.
  • John: “That was just brutal. Your drummer’s having a seizure. I would have stopped at the beginning part. Got my wallet out and put it right in his mouth.” (08:46)
  • Bret: “We hit the wall on the last one. You decided to push forward.” (09:08)

4. Host Panel Discussion & Ratings

[09:10 - 10:24]

• The hosts openly mock the theatrical intro and chaotic drumming.
  • John: “Metronome would be like, I quit. What’s he doing?" (08:46)
  • They agree that long intros are only suitable for established bands, not newcomers.
    • John: “The only people who can do it are massive... New bands that screw around with that, we’re bored.” (09:56)
  • Larry, the station’s Program Director, chimes in complaining about drawn-out intros.
    • John: “Larry… he goes, I hate when they effing do this. Just get to it. Has no place in that song.” (09:31)
• The panel decides to rate Vindicated’s effort a 3 out of 10, mostly for the effort in their overlong bio and intro.
  • John: “I’ll give them a three just for taking all that time to write that book for a biography.” (09:19)
  • Bret: “I’ll give a three for their three minute intro before the song.” (09:28)

5. Playdio Competition Wrap-Up

[10:24 - 10:55]

• The hosts joke about how many bands remain and tease the next day’s schedule.
• They briefly revisit their favorite band of the day: Witness Protection, questioning if they might be AI-generated.
  • John: “But the winner of today, in my opinion, is witness protection. Who’s with me? Oh, yeah.” (10:47)
• Lighthearted ribbing continues as they sign off for the segment.

Notable Quotes

• On band bios:

  • John: “Their bio’s too goddamn long. Here we go. It’s Vindicated, everybody. Let’s see if they can do exactly that.” (07:16)

• On performance quality:

  • John: “Your drummer’s having a seizure. I would have stopped at the beginning part. Got my wallet out and put it right in his mouth.” (08:46)

• On long intros:

  • John: “The only people who can do it are massive... New bands that screw around with that, we’re bored.” (09:56)

• On show ratings:

  • John: “I’ll give them a three just for taking all that time to write that book for a biography.” (09:19)
  • Bret: “I’ll give a three for their three minute intro before the song.” (09:28)

Key Segment Timestamps

• [02:58] – Playdio context and banter, AI speculation
• [05:56] – Vindicated’s bio and introduction
• [07:30] – Spoken-word intro for Vindicated’s song
• [08:18] – Vindicated’s song begins
• [08:46] – Hosts’ immediate post-song reactions
• [09:19] – Ratings and discussion on intros
• [10:24] – Panel wraps, reflects on Witness Protection

Summary & Takeaways

This Playdio episode captures the irreverent, sometimes harsh, yet authentic spirit of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness. Vindicated, Band 22, brings a theatrical yet unwelcome long intro and a song that didn’t land with the hosts, earning some of the most colorful critiques of the day. The show offers honest, sometimes blunt feedback—tempered with humor—making it clear that even seasoned live acts need to read the room (and keep bios and intros tight).

Those seeking a no-nonsense (and no mercy) review of local Arizona talent—and a taste of morning show caustic wit—need look no further than this Playdio installment.