Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Entertainment Drill - MON - Fun Facts On Home Alone

Date: December 15, 2025
Host: John Holmberg
Co-hosts: Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo
Episode focus: Fun behind-the-scenes facts about “Home Alone,” discussion of a recent heroic event at Bondi Beach, and light entertainment news.

Episode Overview

This segment of Holmberg’s Morning Sickness blends playful banter with timely topics—offering behind-the-scenes trivia about the classic film “Home Alone,” reflection on a harrowing active shooter event at Bondi Beach, and quick takes on recent entertainment news. The show's tone moves from sobering real-life heroism to light-hearted anecdotes, hallmarking the team’s signature mix of wit, irreverence, and pop culture savvy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Heroism at Bondi Beach (01:05–04:56)

• Incident Recap:
  The crew discusses a recent shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia, where an attendee’s quick thinking and bravery prevented greater tragedy during a Hanukkah celebration.

  • Holmberg summarizes:

    "Some guy, brave hero, went up and tackled one of the shooters, got the gun from him, turned it. The other shooter shot him twice...He saved so many lives." (01:39)

  • The team's take: This act of courage successfully neutralized one shooter before law enforcement could arrive, likely preventing more casualties.

  • Training Discussion:
    The hosts reflect on the benefits of tactical and active shooter training, citing their own experiences with drills:

    "We've gone through active shooter training and like real live sound, you know, dummy rounds. And when that's going off indoors, it is horrifying in a drill." (03:00)

  • Takeaway:
    Holmberg emphasizes preparation and situational awareness:

    "It's not fear, but it is preparation and it's smart." (04:47)

2. “Home Alone” Behind-the-Scenes Fun Facts (04:56–06:02)

• Origin Story:
  John Hughes allegedly conceived of “Home Alone” due to his own travel anxieties; his son recalls the impetus was, “What would happen if we left one of the kids accidentally behind?” The script’s first draft was written in nine days. (04:57)

• Casting Tidbits:

  • Chris Farley:
    Auditioned for the role of Santa Claus. (05:26)
  • Joe Pesci’s Method Acting:
    Actually bit Macaulay Culkin's finger during rehearsal; Macaulay still has a white scar on his right index finger. (05:33)
  • Filming Location:
    The real owners lived in the McCallister house during shooting. (05:46)
  • Family Cameo:
    Macaulay’s real brother, Kieran Culkin, played cousin Fuller, the bedwetter. (05:55)
    • Brady reacts:

      "I didn't know that. Karen's in that one too, by the way." (06:02)

3. Entertainment News & Viral Tidbits (06:02–07:42)

• Controversial Trump Tweet:
  The team debates a tasteless tweet about Rob Reiner’s (fictional, in this context) passing, attributed to Donald Trump.

  • Holmberg laments the incivility:

    "It is the worst tweet I've read from anybody, maybe ever...We're less than 24 hours from finding dead bodies." (06:27–07:02)

  • Bret Vesely comments:

    "You're surprised?" (07:17)

• A Surreal Celebrity Anecdote:

  • Peter Billingsley (A Christmas Story) once watched the film at age 18 at the Playboy Mansion with Hugh Hefner.

    "That's the best thing. All right. Way to clean it back. That's a way to lock her down right there." (07:42)

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On heroics at Bondi Beach:

  • Holmberg:

    "He sacrificed himself. And you don't want to make yourself a victim, but if you know what you're doing, and that guy clearly did ... true, true heroics there." (03:06–03:16)

• On “Home Alone” trivia:

  • Brady:

    "It's a good idea. It's an easy concept. And then you add a little slapstick, you're killing a lot of time." (05:21)

  • On Joe Pesci:

    "Joe Pesci actually bit Macaulay Culkin's finger during ... one of the rehearsals. Macaulay ... still has a white scar on his index finger." (05:33)

• On the controversial Trump tweet:

  • Holmberg:

    "That is horrible...you can't defend that." (06:27)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Heroism and self-defense at Bondi Beach: 01:05–04:56
• “Home Alone” behind-the-scenes fun facts: 04:56–06:02
• Discussion of Rob Reiner/Trump tweet: 06:02–07:17
• Peter Billingsley’s Playboy Mansion story: 07:31–07:42

Tone & Flow

True to the show’s mix of irreverence and sincere entertainment, the hosts pivot deftly from heavy, real-world events to classic movie nostalgia and quick-hit celebrity anecdotes. Their sarcastic edge shines through, but not at the expense of thoughtful commentary and genuine reactions—particularly in topics where heroism and social decency are involved.

Conclusion

This episode encapsulates Holmberg’s Morning Sickness’ signature blend: unpredictable, engaging, and always conversational. Whether you’re a fan of pop culture deep dives or candid, occasionally off-color opinion, this segment serves up both, punctuated by humor and the chemistry of long-time collaborators.

Listeners walk away with fresh trivia to share, a reminder of everyday heroism, and a dash of entertainment-world absurdity to round out the ride.