Holmberg’s Morning Sickness Podcast Summary

Episode: Entertainment Drill - WED - w/Dale Hellestrae – What To Expect For This Year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
Air Date: November 26, 2025
Guests/Panel: John Holmberg (Host), Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo, Dale Hellestrae

Episode Overview

This episode of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness brings humor, sports nostalgia, pop culture banter, and a preview of the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The crew is joined by former NFL lineman turned broadcaster Dale Hellestrae for their signature mix of playful ribbing, sports memories, and entertainment news, all delivered in their irreverent, conversational style.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Thanksgiving Memories with Dale Hellestrae

• The team dives straight into Hellestrae’s Thanksgiving Day football memories, notably his time with the Dallas Cowboys, discussing classic games, legendary blunders, and career stats.
• Dale and the crew reminisce about memorable matchups:
  • The “Leon Lett Game” Blunder (Miami vs. Cowboys 1993):
    • “That was a goof and that was snowing.” – John Holmberg [01:48]
  • Dale lists his own record: “You were 7 and 4 [on Thanksgiving as a player]...” – Holmberg [01:32]
  • Randy Moss’s dominant rookie performance is fondly (and ruefully) recalled:
    • “He caught three passes for about 210 yards and three touchdowns...” – Dale Hellestrae [02:08]

2. Entertainment Drill: Embarrassing Sports Moments

• The crew discusses an awkward free throw attempt at a Phoenix Suns game by sports broadcaster Kevin Ray (a friend of the show).
• Relentless Teasing: They roast Ray’s embarrassing performance and debate natural athleticism versus “looking like an athlete.”
  • “Why kick the man when he’s down?” – Holmberg [03:46]
  • “I haven’t shot a basketball for years but that’s not true because he was at my house playing...” – Holmberg [04:19]
  • “Had he thrown it [the basketball at me], would have plugged me. I would have dropped like a bat.” – Holmberg [06:13]
• The discussion devolves into playful jabs at Kevin’s “awkward” form, comparing him to stick-figure video game boxers.

3. Pop Culture and Odd News

• Guy Fieri’s Injury:
  • “Guy Fieri blew out his quad. He fell down the stairs in mid-shoot.” – Brady [06:40]
  • They riff on the irony of a celebrity chef needing to be “in shape” just to taste food and film TV.
• AMC Popcorn Pass:
  • “Cyber Monday, you get half off a large popcorn every day of the week plus a refill of soda every day for 29.99.” – Brady [07:52]
  • Holmberg brands it a rip-off, mocking the profit margins on theater snacks.

4. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Preview

• The big segment covers what to expect from this year’s parade.
  • Notable Balloons Mentioned: Labubu (“They’re like Beanie Bears...”), Super Mario, Foreigner (the band), Beagle Scout Snoopy, Bluey, Minnie Mouse, SpongeBob SquarePants, Spider-Man, Sesame Street, Camp Snoopy.
    • “The band Foreigner’s a balloon. Okay. I thought they made balloons out of Lou Graham.” – Holmberg [09:52]
    • “Do you know any of these? Yeah, this is... I don’t know.” – Holmberg [10:08]
  • Performers Previewed: Cynthia Erivo, Lil Jon, and K-Pop group Huntrix.
    • “Lil Jon? ...I’ve heard that name.” – Dale [10:29]
    • “I think she’s K-Pop.” – Holmberg [10:34]
• The segment has everyone gently ribbing each other’s cultural awareness (or lack thereof) and age.

5. Holiday Traditions & Closing Thoughts

• Dale reveals he doesn’t cook for Thanksgiving and prefers to hit the golf course: “Do you get up early on Thanksgiving and help out? ...No, I stay out of the way.” – Dale [10:46]
• Holmberg shares family plans, with typically dry humor about stepmoms, hunting dads, and lunch arrangements.
• Listener Shout-Out:
  • John reads an email from a listener who had to put down his dog, encouraging everyone to give extra love to their pets.
    • “Please give some love to your pups... That’s a tough time to lose one...” – Holmberg [11:12]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On NFL nostalgia:
  “He caught three passes for about 210 yards and three touchdowns. Yeah, oh, that’s right.” – Dale Hellestrae [02:08]

• On embarrassing free throws:
  “He didn’t even hit the rim or back. Johnny.” – Brady [03:55]
  “Had he thrown it would have plugged me. I would have dropped like a bat.” – Holmberg [06:13]

• On Guy Fieri’s injury:
  “Guy Fieri blew out his quad. He fell down the stairs and did a mid shoot.” – Brady [06:42]
  “You have to wheel around for grocery games.” – Holmberg [06:55]

• On Macy’s parade balloons:
  “The band Foreigner’s a balloon. Okay. I thought they made balloons out of Lou Graham.” – Holmberg [09:52]
  “Labubu ... They’re like Beanie Bears.” – Holmberg [09:40]

• Holiday wisdom:
  “Do you get up early on Thanksgiving and help out? ...No, I stay out of the way.” – Dale Hellestrae [10:46]

• Pet loss empathy:
  “Please give some love to your pups... That’s a tough time to lose one...” – Holmberg [11:12]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Cowboys & Thanksgiving NFL Memories: 01:27 – 02:38
• Kevin Ray’s Free Throw Disaster: 03:36 – 06:33
• Guy Fieri’s Injury / Pop Culture Bites: 06:35 – 07:41
• AMC Popcorn Pass Discussion: 07:52 – 08:34
• Macy’s Parade Preview: 08:34 – 10:45
• Thanksgiving Traditions & Sign-off: 10:46 – 11:33

Tone & Style Notes

• Banter is fast, sarcastic, playful, and distinctly irreverent.
• The crew thrives on self-deprecation and potshots at each other's pop culture knowledge, athletic prowess (or lack thereof), and age.

Summary

This episode captures Holmberg and his crew at their best: blending local flavor, sports nostalgia, and entertainment news with relentless roasting and laughter. Dale Hellestrae’s anecdotes add a sports insider’s touch, while the Macy’s Parade preview and pop culture jabs keep things light for the holiday season. The heartfelt listener email at the end brings a genuine moment of humanity to the show’s raucous energy.

Best for listeners who:

• Relish sharp sports talk mixed with goofy, good-natured banter.
• Want a humorous prelude to their Thanksgiving Day.
• Appreciate a head’s up on the Macy’s parade lineup (with a side of snark).