Podcast Summary: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode: 12-15-25 - Monday – w/Frank Caliendo
Air date: December 15, 2025
Main Cast: John Holmberg (Host), Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo, Guest: Frank Caliendo

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the off-beat, candid, and often absurd wit that is Holmberg’s Morning Sickness trademark. With comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo joining the banter, the crew dives into everything from the costly reality of pet ownership, legal oddities, Las Vegas adventures, the “proper” value of donation gifts, and some uniquely Holmberg-run tangents. The mood stays irreverent and zany, blending genuine conversation with segues into media, pop culture, and a hefty bit of dark or slapstick humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Green Day Ticket Promo & General Banter

[01:09–02:56] Contest to win tickets by using the app during Green Day songs.
The hosts joke about whether they’d actually attend every free show or sell the tickets, poking fun at each other's concert-going habits.
- John: “Would you want to go to every show ever? … I don’t think I could do it. I’d sell most of those.” [01:49]

2. NBA Cup Weekend & Suite Experiences

[02:17–06:00] Byron recounts flying to the NBA Cup, sitting in a luxury suite, and running into comedian Andrew Santino.
- Discussion on how high up some arena suites are—“almost like watching foosball happen.”
- Amusingly failed attempt to distinguish between “event” and “tournament,” with Frank and John ribbing Byron for his storytelling tangents (and post-leg-day exhaustion).
Frank: “I gotta be honest with you. I went and did a leg workout with a trainer this morning.” [05:14]
John: “You got up at 4 in the morning to go work out? ... Oh, that’s dumb.” [05:27]

3. Frank Caliendo’s Upcoming New Year’s Eve Shows

[06:09–06:46] Brief plug for Frank’s comedy sets at the Tempe Improv on New Year’s Eve.

4. The Brady Report: Fun Facts & “Cupcake Day”

[07:11–10:07]
- Start with “Happy National Cupcake Day” and some trivia.
- Riff on the size and flexibility of John’s broken nose, segueing into multiple jokes about detachable noses, impressions of Artie Lange, and “Mr. Potato” comparisons.
- John: “You ever seen me take my nose off? ... It is literally just this mush ball that sits on top of a bone.” [08:22]

5. Hollywood News Tangent: Rob Reiner Rumor

[10:07–11:37]
- Rumors swirl about Rob Reiner (“murdered in Brentwood” joke), with conversations about how shocking news sometimes lacks context or warning signs.
- Discussion transitions to Reiner’s directorial legacy—“The greatest career… Misery, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me are enough to be like, that’s enough.” [11:42]

6. NEWS: Lawyer Sues IRS for Pet Dependents

[12:03–16:21]
- Main Story: A lawyer is suing the IRS to allow people to claim pets as dependents.
- The group admits spending staggering sums on specialized dog food that rivals fine dining.
  - John: “I have a freezer for special dog food... It’s insane.” [12:41]
  - Byron: “A friend was over and he talked about his $80 bag of dog food like it was expensive. I’m like, that's a day.” [13:05]
- Jokes about whether these expenses should qualify as tax write-offs.
- Frank notes the broader financial burden of pet ownership and wonders if policy change would help shelters—Frank: “If it wasn’t so expensive, the shelters wouldn’t be as full... I totally think that’s true.” [16:34]
- Legal note: You typically can't challenge the tax code in court, making this lawsuit a long shot.

7. Weird News: Thief Calls Police for Forgotten Property

[16:52–17:43]
- Story: A car thief calls police for help retrieving personal items left in a stolen vehicle.
- Quick punchline from John about “Rob Reiner in Brentwood” (a play on the O.J. Simpson case). [17:31]

8. Vegas Oddity: The Aria “Jail” & Casino Surveillance

[17:52–20:37]
- Discussion about a regular casino player/lawyer, Michael Duke Thompson, who claims he was drugged, ran up $75k gambling debt, and awoke “cuffed in the Aria jail.”
- Reveal: The Aria has its own jail—John: “They have an Aria jail? … I need to know where that is.” [18:54]
- Emphasis on how comprehensive casino surveillance is—John: “Not only did they have it on camera … they’re coded to you.” [19:33]

9. Poll: Is a “Donation Gift” Actually a Good Gift?

[20:39–22:28]
- Frank shares a poll asking if a donation in your name is a good present.
- The panel cynically agrees most people fake enthusiasm—John: “Nobody thinks that's … nobody.” [21:07]
- They joke about the awkwardness of receiving charity gifts for causes the recipient may not support.
- Running gag about Shriners’ Kids commercials—how child spokespeople get replaced when they "age out" or aren't as adorable as new recruits.

10. Punchlines & Classic Slapstick

[22:28–24:56]
- Extended roast of Shriners’ fundraising campaigns, comparing the “aging out” shift to TV character swaps.
- Seemingly never-ending cycle of sick kids/personalities (“Caleb, you’re being replaced by cuter George!”).

11. Classic Stunts, Oddities & Viral Videos

[27:12–33:55]
- Frank presents “Brady videos”: a man getting punched through a glass door, “Cannonball Frank Richards” (the man who took literal cannonball shots to the stomach), and a series of gruesome workplace and surveillance accidents.
- Standout moment: Watching the historical footage of Frank “Cannonball” Richards and lampooning old-timey stunts—John: “I love olden times when there were no rules and no barriers... I want to stand in front of your cannon!” [33:55]
- Failed flying suit off the Eiffel Tower—classic “Wile E. Coyote” trope.

12. Oddest Moment Competition

[38:07–40:08]
- Fart contest on Spanish TV—hosts marvel at “core strength” and laugh at the cultural gap.
- Surveillance clip: Sleepy wife bites down on husband’s advances—John: “She made blood. Well, that'll happen when you...You're not supposed to put that in traps." [40:08]

13. More Gruesome Videos & Dark Humor

[40:08–42:28]
- Disturbing industrial accident video. Panel is alternately horrified and riffing with off-the-wall jokes.
- Musings on inventiveness (“I want to shoot an 8th grader at me...put a midget in there and smash him into me.”) [42:03]
- Return to “Cannonball Frank” jokes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Unlikely Pet Write-Offs:
- “I knew it had gotten out of hand when I came home about two weeks ago and I heard in the kitchen, ‘All right, order up, get it to the dogs’…we’ve hired Gordon Ramsay to cook for us. Now if there’s chefs, there’s people involved.” — John Holmberg [15:57]
On Casino Surveillance:
- “Not only did they have it on the camera where it fell out of my pocket, they’re coded to you…It’s pretty remarkable.” — John Holmberg [19:33]
On “Donation” Gifts:
- “If Frank said, John, I donated in your honor to the Humane Society, I’d be like, that’s nice... prove it.” — John Holmberg [21:19]
On Shriners Commercials:
- “Can you imagine that meeting—talk about getting fired—Caleb, we’re gonna let you go. You’re no longer the spokesperson. Have you found a cuter kid? Boy, have we.” — John Holmberg [23:40]
Old-School Stuntmen:
- “I love olden times when there were no rules and no barriers. I want to stand in front of your cannon!” — John Holmberg [33:55]

Important Timestamps

Green Day/App Ticket Bit: 01:09–01:50
NBA Vegas Suite Story: 02:17–06:00
Nose Detachment Banter: 07:42–09:48
Rob Reiner Rumor: 10:07–11:37
Pet Dependents Lawsuit: 12:03–16:21
Casino Aria Jail Story: 17:52–20:37
Donation Gift Poll: 20:39–22:28
Shriners Kids Segment: 22:28–24:56
Cannonball Frank, Viral Videos: 27:12–33:55
Fart Contest (Spain): 38:07–38:55
Industrial Accident Clip: 40:08–42:28

Tone & Style

The crew’s tone is relentlessly sardonic, sharp, and rooted in observational (often “too real”) humor, swinging from personal anecdotes to pointed pop culture takedowns and anything for a punchline. Frank Caliendo’s appearances amp up the impression gags, adding extra chaos to the usual formula. Nothing is sacred: donors, dog owners, celebrity tragedies, or charity kids.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

You’ll walk away with:

Hysterical but honest insights on "modern" dog parenting and pet economics.
Glimpses into the strangeness of Vegas, both dazzling and dark.
Ongoing bits deconstructing the sincerity (and hypocrisy) behind "charity gift" giving.
Classic radio show slapstick between news, bizarre real-life videos, and group one-upmanship.
A reminder that anything, post-leg day, is difficult to accomplish—especially telling a straight story.

Warning: Strong language, gallows humor, and adult themes pervade in the trademark style of HMS.

Podcast Summary: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode: 12-15-25 - Monday – w/Frank Caliendo
Air date: December 15, 2025
Main Cast: John Holmberg (Host), Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo, Guest: Frank Caliendo

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Green Day Ticket Promo & General Banter

[01:09–02:56] Contest to win tickets by using the app during Green Day songs.
The hosts joke about whether they’d actually attend every free show or sell the tickets, poking fun at each other's concert-going habits.
- John: “Would you want to go to every show ever? … I don’t think I could do it. I’d sell most of those.” [01:49]

2. NBA Cup Weekend & Suite Experiences

[02:17–06:00] Byron recounts flying to the NBA Cup, sitting in a luxury suite, and running into comedian Andrew Santino.
- Discussion on how high up some arena suites are—“almost like watching foosball happen.”
- Amusingly failed attempt to distinguish between “event” and “tournament,” with Frank and John ribbing Byron for his storytelling tangents (and post-leg-day exhaustion).
Frank: “I gotta be honest with you. I went and did a leg workout with a trainer this morning.” [05:14]
John: “You got up at 4 in the morning to go work out? ... Oh, that’s dumb.” [05:27]

3. Frank Caliendo’s Upcoming New Year’s Eve Shows

[06:09–06:46] Brief plug for Frank’s comedy sets at the Tempe Improv on New Year’s Eve.

4. The Brady Report: Fun Facts & “Cupcake Day”

[07:11–10:07]
- Start with “Happy National Cupcake Day” and some trivia.
- Riff on the size and flexibility of John’s broken nose, segueing into multiple jokes about detachable noses, impressions of Artie Lange, and “Mr. Potato” comparisons.
- John: “You ever seen me take my nose off? ... It is literally just this mush ball that sits on top of a bone.” [08:22]

5. Hollywood News Tangent: Rob Reiner Rumor

[10:07–11:37]
- Rumors swirl about Rob Reiner (“murdered in Brentwood” joke), with conversations about how shocking news sometimes lacks context or warning signs.
- Discussion transitions to Reiner’s directorial legacy—“The greatest career… Misery, A Few Good Men, When Harry Met Sally, Stand By Me are enough to be like, that’s enough.” [11:42]

6. NEWS: Lawyer Sues IRS for Pet Dependents

[12:03–16:21]
- Main Story: A lawyer is suing the IRS to allow people to claim pets as dependents.
- The group admits spending staggering sums on specialized dog food that rivals fine dining.
  - John: “I have a freezer for special dog food... It’s insane.” [12:41]
  - Byron: “A friend was over and he talked about his $80 bag of dog food like it was expensive. I’m like, that's a day.” [13:05]
- Jokes about whether these expenses should qualify as tax write-offs.
- Frank notes the broader financial burden of pet ownership and wonders if policy change would help shelters—Frank: “If it wasn’t so expensive, the shelters wouldn’t be as full... I totally think that’s true.” [16:34]
- Legal note: You typically can't challenge the tax code in court, making this lawsuit a long shot.

7. Weird News: Thief Calls Police for Forgotten Property

[16:52–17:43]
- Story: A car thief calls police for help retrieving personal items left in a stolen vehicle.
- Quick punchline from John about “Rob Reiner in Brentwood” (a play on the O.J. Simpson case). [17:31]

8. Vegas Oddity: The Aria “Jail” & Casino Surveillance

[17:52–20:37]
- Discussion about a regular casino player/lawyer, Michael Duke Thompson, who claims he was drugged, ran up $75k gambling debt, and awoke “cuffed in the Aria jail.”
- Reveal: The Aria has its own jail—John: “They have an Aria jail? … I need to know where that is.” [18:54]
- Emphasis on how comprehensive casino surveillance is—John: “Not only did they have it on camera … they’re coded to you.” [19:33]

9. Poll: Is a “Donation Gift” Actually a Good Gift?

[20:39–22:28]
- Frank shares a poll asking if a donation in your name is a good present.
- The panel cynically agrees most people fake enthusiasm—John: “Nobody thinks that's … nobody.” [21:07]
- They joke about the awkwardness of receiving charity gifts for causes the recipient may not support.
- Running gag about Shriners’ Kids commercials—how child spokespeople get replaced when they "age out" or aren't as adorable as new recruits.

10. Punchlines & Classic Slapstick

[22:28–24:56]
- Extended roast of Shriners’ fundraising campaigns, comparing the “aging out” shift to TV character swaps.
- Seemingly never-ending cycle of sick kids/personalities (“Caleb, you’re being replaced by cuter George!”).

11. Classic Stunts, Oddities & Viral Videos

[27:12–33:55]
- Frank presents “Brady videos”: a man getting punched through a glass door, “Cannonball Frank Richards” (the man who took literal cannonball shots to the stomach), and a series of gruesome workplace and surveillance accidents.
- Standout moment: Watching the historical footage of Frank “Cannonball” Richards and lampooning old-timey stunts—John: “I love olden times when there were no rules and no barriers... I want to stand in front of your cannon!” [33:55]
- Failed flying suit off the Eiffel Tower—classic “Wile E. Coyote” trope.

12. Oddest Moment Competition

[38:07–40:08]
- Fart contest on Spanish TV—hosts marvel at “core strength” and laugh at the cultural gap.
- Surveillance clip: Sleepy wife bites down on husband’s advances—John: “She made blood. Well, that'll happen when you...You're not supposed to put that in traps." [40:08]

13. More Gruesome Videos & Dark Humor

[40:08–42:28]
- Disturbing industrial accident video. Panel is alternately horrified and riffing with off-the-wall jokes.
- Musings on inventiveness (“I want to shoot an 8th grader at me...put a midget in there and smash him into me.”) [42:03]
- Return to “Cannonball Frank” jokes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Unlikely Pet Write-Offs:
- “I knew it had gotten out of hand when I came home about two weeks ago and I heard in the kitchen, ‘All right, order up, get it to the dogs’…we’ve hired Gordon Ramsay to cook for us. Now if there’s chefs, there’s people involved.” — John Holmberg [15:57]
On Casino Surveillance:
- “Not only did they have it on the camera where it fell out of my pocket, they’re coded to you…It’s pretty remarkable.” — John Holmberg [19:33]
On “Donation” Gifts:
- “If Frank said, John, I donated in your honor to the Humane Society, I’d be like, that’s nice... prove it.” — John Holmberg [21:19]
On Shriners Commercials:
- “Can you imagine that meeting—talk about getting fired—Caleb, we’re gonna let you go. You’re no longer the spokesperson. Have you found a cuter kid? Boy, have we.” — John Holmberg [23:40]
Old-School Stuntmen:
- “I love olden times when there were no rules and no barriers. I want to stand in front of your cannon!” — John Holmberg [33:55]

Important Timestamps

Green Day/App Ticket Bit: 01:09–01:50
NBA Vegas Suite Story: 02:17–06:00
Nose Detachment Banter: 07:42–09:48
Rob Reiner Rumor: 10:07–11:37
Pet Dependents Lawsuit: 12:03–16:21
Casino Aria Jail Story: 17:52–20:37
Donation Gift Poll: 20:39–22:28
Shriners Kids Segment: 22:28–24:56
Cannonball Frank, Viral Videos: 27:12–33:55
Fart Contest (Spain): 38:07–38:55
Industrial Accident Clip: 40:08–42:28

Tone & Style

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

You’ll walk away with:

Hysterical but honest insights on "modern" dog parenting and pet economics.
Glimpses into the strangeness of Vegas, both dazzling and dark.
Ongoing bits deconstructing the sincerity (and hypocrisy) behind "charity gift" giving.
Classic radio show slapstick between news, bizarre real-life videos, and group one-upmanship.
A reminder that anything, post-leg day, is difficult to accomplish—especially telling a straight story.

Warning: Strong language, gallows humor, and adult themes pervade in the trademark style of HMS.

12-15-25 - BR - MON - w/Frank Caliendo - Lawyer Suing IRS To Have Dogs Listed As Dependents - John Discovers There's An Aria Jail - Poll Asks Is A Donation In Your Name A Good Gift

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Summary

Podcast Summary: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Green Day Ticket Promo & General Banter

2. NBA Cup Weekend & Suite Experiences

3. Frank Caliendo’s Upcoming New Year’s Eve Shows

4. The Brady Report: Fun Facts & “Cupcake Day”

5. Hollywood News Tangent: Rob Reiner Rumor

6. NEWS: Lawyer Sues IRS for Pet Dependents

7. Weird News: Thief Calls Police for Forgotten Property

8. Vegas Oddity: The Aria “Jail” & Casino Surveillance

9. Poll: Is a “Donation Gift” Actually a Good Gift?

10. Punchlines & Classic Slapstick

11. Classic Stunts, Oddities & Viral Videos

12. Oddest Moment Competition

13. More Gruesome Videos & Dark Humor

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Style

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

Summary

Podcast Summary: Holmberg’s Morning Sickness – Arizona

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Green Day Ticket Promo & General Banter

2. NBA Cup Weekend & Suite Experiences

3. Frank Caliendo’s Upcoming New Year’s Eve Shows

4. The Brady Report: Fun Facts & “Cupcake Day”

5. Hollywood News Tangent: Rob Reiner Rumor

6. NEWS: Lawyer Sues IRS for Pet Dependents

7. Weird News: Thief Calls Police for Forgotten Property

8. Vegas Oddity: The Aria “Jail” & Casino Surveillance

9. Poll: Is a “Donation Gift” Actually a Good Gift?

10. Punchlines & Classic Slapstick

11. Classic Stunts, Oddities & Viral Videos

12. Oddest Moment Competition

13. More Gruesome Videos & Dark Humor

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Timestamps

Tone & Style

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode