Episode Overview

Podcast: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Arizona
Episode: 12-12-25 – Jessie "Jet Ski" Johnson – Tempe Improv – In Studio
Date: December 12, 2025
Host(s): John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Guest: Jessie "Jet Ski" Johnson, stand-up comedian, Dobson High alum

This episode features Arizona-born comedian Jessie "Jet Ski" Johnson, fresh off her national stand-up successes and returning home to headline at the Tempe Improv for the first time. The conversation is a lively, funny, and at times heartfelt exploration of her journey from Dobson High's drama stage to becoming a staple on the comedy circuit, as well as her struggles, sobriety, and path to self-discovery.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origins of "Jet Ski" Johnson

• Nickname Backstory:

  • Jessie reveals the "Jet Ski" moniker came as a joke during an open-mic after a peer’s overlong story about jet skis. (02:12)
  • She changed her name on Facebook for laughs – and Facebook’s 30-day name change policy made it stick. (02:44)
  • Notably, despite the nickname, Jessie’s never actually ridden a jet ski.
  • Quote: "The nickname just came from a story someone else was telling." – Jessie (02:15)

• Identity:

  • Jessie appreciates the nickname for standing out in a crowded field of "Jesse Johnsons." (03:00)

2. Roots in Arizona and Dobson High Pride

• Dobson High School connections run deep: John and Jessie both graduated from there, making for fun local banter. (01:39)

  • Quote: "You're the only person in our 25 years on the air that has been a guest who graduated from Dobson. Also, it's just us." – John (01:39)

• Jessie credits her start in comedy to Dobson’s “Friday Night Live” sketch group and especially drama teacher Simon Navarro, whom John also knows from high school. The importance of supportive educators is a recurring theme. (05:39–06:47)

3. Family Dynamics and Upbringing

• Jessie describes her dad as a "rocket scientist and a drummer," with a colorful family background, split homes, and a unique upbringing. (03:58–05:33)
• Living arrangements after her parents’ split shaped much of her childhood anxiety, struggles, and humor.
• John jokes about local geography and old school Arizona landmarks, keeping the tone irreverent. (04:47)

4. Comedy Path: From School to Stage

• Jessie’s high school activities included trumpet, drama, speech, and debate — “a huge nerd” by her own admission. (09:16)
• She had a full-ride scholarship for trumpet at NAU but credits Simon Navarro with encouraging her to choose comedy, reassured by the visibility of women like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at the time. (09:15–09:54)
• Recounts the importance and community of “Friday Night Live” and the continuity of school creative traditions. (08:40–09:05)
• Quote: "It's cool to be part of a legacy, if you ever get to experience that in your life." – Jessie (08:53)

5. Drugs, Sobriety, and Self-Discovery

• Jessie opens up about her struggles with addiction during her late teens and early twenties, including cocaine and psychedelics. She’s been sober since the previous December. (14:48–19:05)

  • Candidly describes the “darkest time” of her life, but also reflects that the experience gave her perspective.
  • Quote: "Darkest time of my life. Hated that time. Terrible... But now, in hindsight, I have that perspective and I've got out of it and made something of myself." – Jessie (17:29–17:38)

• Her sister and family knew about her struggles to different degrees; “intervention”-like moments with her mom are mentioned, including a story about her fridge containing only beers and cocaine. (18:00–18:13)

• Discusses the pursuit of absolute clarity: "I'm trying to take all these filters off myself to figure out my voice and who I am... when I do, then I'll start drinking again." (19:05–19:24)

  • Quote: "I'm sober now... I don't even drink coffee right now. I'm trying to take all these filters off myself to figure out my voice and who I am." (19:05)

6. Comedy Career and Podcasting

• Jessie recalls her start as part of Kill Tony’s band, dressing as characters and blending music with comedy. (11:00)
• Explains the format for her own podcast, "Jet Fuel": “It’s me and a comedic guest... just kind of have a conversation... I put on a lot of media in the background if I’m lonely. That’s what I’m putting out there.” (12:04)
• Briefly discusses hosting challenges and the skillset needed for engaging podcasting and live shows (12:04–12:15)

7. Phoenix Debut & Homecoming

• Jessie’s first headlining club gig in Phoenix at Tempe Improv is framed as both “exciting and nerve-wracking” because of anticipated high school turnout. (07:05–07:17)
  • Jokes about the power of doing a “revenge tour,” ejecting people she didn’t like in high school, and the strange thrill of performing for one’s hometown. (07:17–07:36)
• She’s recently relocated to Los Angeles but returns regularly for shows. (07:42)

8. Moving to LA and Working in Showbiz

• After receiving $1,000 inheritance, Jessie moved to LA, expecting it to go further than it did. (22:27–22:41)
• First big job came at the Late Late Show with James Corden, where she was the van driver for Carpool Karaoke. (22:44–23:37)
• The position helped orient her to LA and led to more production work (MasterChef, Talking Dead, etc). (23:35–24:04)

9. Reflections on Fame, Reputation, and Next Steps

• Jessie discusses the “documentary curse” that can befall celebrities, joking about what level of fame she’d accept if it meant being infamous in 35 years. (20:13–20:28)
  • She admires Ellen DeGeneres, but not for her rumored meanness.
  • Stresses the importance of kindness, especially to club staff: “I try to tip well and be nice to everybody because I want a good reputation.” (20:53)
• Her main goal: mastery of stand-up before considering diversifying into acting or Saturday Night Live. (21:10–21:29)
• Ends with gratitude and Mustang Pride for Dobson High and a joking “fortune cookie” sign-off:
  • Quote: "Many opportunities are coming to you if you look for them." (24:30)

Notable Quotes

• Jessie: "It's cool to be part of a legacy, if you ever get to experience that in your life." (08:53)
• Jessie: "Darkest time of my life. Hated that time. Terrible... But now, in hindsight, I have that perspective and I've got out of it and made something of myself." (17:29–17:38)
• Jessie: "I'm sober now... I don't even drink coffee right now. I'm trying to take all these filters off myself to figure out my voice and who I am." (19:05)
• John: "You're going to go way past my any sort of silly notoriety I've gained. You're going to be nationwide fun." (01:53)
• Jessie: "I never liked you at all. Why are you here? Get out of my house." (07:34)
• Jessie: "Many opportunities are coming to you if you look for them." (24:30)

Important Timestamps

• Nickname origin & Dobson pride: 01:38–03:07
• Drama teacher Simon Navarro & Friday Night Live: 05:39–06:47; 08:40–09:05
• Comedic beginnings / Trumpet to stand-up: 09:09–09:53
• Sobriety, drugs, and self-discovery: 14:48–19:05
• Homecoming show at Tempe Improv: 07:05–07:36; 07:42–07:54
• Moving to LA, Carpool Karaoke gig: 22:27–23:37
• Podcast 'Jet Fuel': 11:56–12:15
• Comedy, fame, and personal goals: 20:13–21:29
• Closing words of wisdom: 24:23–24:30

Tone

The episode is high-energy, self-deprecating, fast-paced, and funny. Both Jessie and John are quick with banter, poking fun at Arizona, each other, and their nostalgic Dobson High connection. Jessie’s openness about her struggles, ambitions, and the realities of comedy balance humor with heartfelt moments. The whole episode feels like an insider’s glimpse at an Arizona comedy prodigy’s homecoming, filled with warmth, pride, and unfiltered laughs.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This conversation is for anyone interested in comedy’s behind-the-scenes, the transformative (and sometimes bumpy) path from local high school stages to national comedy clubs, and the healing power of humor and honesty. Jessie "Jet Ski" Johnson brings candor, resilience, and uniquely Arizona grit – and her story is as funny as it is inspiring.