Podcast Summary: Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Episode 12-15-25

Date: December 15, 2025
Special Guest: Frank Caliendo
Main Theme: Absurdity of Celebrity Crime Scene Visits + Comedic Improvisation
Listen: 98KUPD

Episode Overview

In this episode, John Holmberg and the HMS crew (Brady Bogen, Brett Vesely, Dick Toledo) are joined by comedian Frank Caliendo. The show quickly pivots from local banter to deep dive into the bizarre news story: TMZ reports that comedy legends Billy Crystal and Larry David were seen at the alleged crime scene of Rob Reiner's murder. This prompts a comedic riff about crime, celebrity culture, and the birth of a parody detective duo, "Jewman & Thrifty." The episode is rich in improv, cultural satire, and showcases Caliendo's wit and impersonations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Frank Caliendo’s Improv and Upcoming Show

• [01:07] The episode announces Frank Caliendo’s New Year’s Eve shows at the Tempe Improv, with humorous banter about how people decide on holiday plans.
• Regular playful ribbing about comedy club logistics and comedian interactions.

2. The Rob Reiner Crime Scene – Media Absurdity

• [02:46] John Holmberg introduces the story: “They just arrested Rob Reiner's son. … The son is doing it. … more focused on the fact that Billy Crystal and Larry David went over to the house. Why?”
• The hosts and Frank mock the TMZ-style coverage and question why celebrities are allowed at active crime scenes.
• [03:47] Running gag: celebrity pacts about cleaning up embarrassing personal info if one dies.

3. Comic Reenactments – Larry David & Billy Crystal at the Scene

• [04:01–05:16] The team ad-libs possible Larry David/Billy Crystal reactions at the scene, with Frank channeling their voices:
  • "Pretty dead." – Joel, as Larry David, multiple times around [04:13]
  • “Let's go grab something.” – (implying a bagel, continuing their Jewish-American banter)
• They lampoon the Hollywood tendency to turn even tragic moments into potential TV content.
• [05:16]: “We could probably get some good ink.” & “We can just look distraught as we're leaving.”

4. Hatching ‘Jewman & Thrifty’: Satirical Crime-Fighter Duo

• [08:32] The group spontaneously invent a parody: “I'm Jew man.” (Larry David) “My little partner, thrifty.” (Billy Crystal)
• Riff on Jewish stereotypes lovingly: the frugal sidekick, guilt as a weapon, and Jewish mothers as their version of “Alfred.”
  • [09:17] “That’s thrifty’s catch... let's save some money.” – “My belt is just a change purse. Just making change and throwing wooden nickels.” – [09:22] Joel.
  • “Instead of pepper spray, we have guilt powder.” – [09:42] Unknown Male Guest.
  • “We don't really stop a crime. We just leave you neurotic.” – [09:45] Joel.

5. Reflections and Recaps

• Caliendo and the crew recap a successful recent show and tease more upcoming comedy.
• [10:29–11:42] Lighter banter about how life and the year have been like “Groundhog Day, but a month.”
• They close with more riffs on the “Jewman & Thrifty” concept, musing about future adventures and possible scripts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On crime scene absurdity:
  • [02:46] John Holmberg: "They're more focused on the fact that Billy Crystal and Larry David went over to the house. Why? ... Why would you want Larry David?"
  • [05:11] Joel (as Larry): “I like this. A good idea. It’s a great...a lot of attention. I mean, Rob doesn’t need it anymore.”
• On forming the detective duo:
  • [08:34] Joel: “I’m Jewman.”
  • [08:35] John Holmberg: “My little partner, Thrifty.”
  • [09:45] Joel: “We don’t really stop a crime. We just leave you neurotic.”
  • [09:54] Joel: “My mother. This is mother. She caused this… berate the mother. Make them feel terrible.”
• On comedy and career:
  • [10:24] John Holmberg: “They’re always asking how much we got to get this guy and this guy. And I’m like, yeah, I’ll do it.”
  • [11:17] Frank Caliendo: “Meeting today are your islands...that story you brought back from Vegas that had no middle or ending…”

Segment Timestamps & Highlights

• [01:07–01:54] – Frank’s Tempe Improv plug and comedic banter about club staff.
• [02:46–06:12] – In-depth satirical breakdown of the Rob Reiner news story, celebrity crime scene critique, and mockery of Hollywood culture.
• [08:32–09:54] – Invention and improvisation on “Jewman & Thrifty”; character building and gags about Jewish superheroes.
• [10:29–11:42] – Quick fire reflections on comedy, the repetitive nature of time, and wrapping up with more “Jewman & Thrifty.”

Flow and Tone

• The tone is irreverent, quick-witted, and blends genuine amazement at celebrity culture with sharp Jewish humor.
• The group lets rapid-fire jokes and impersonations build on each other, especially during the creation of “Jewman & Thrifty.”
• The humor is affectionate, poking fun at both the news cycle and classic Jewish archetypes.

Conclusion

This episode delivers classic “Morning Sickness” energy—with timely pop culture satire, improv-driven comedy, and surprisingly sharp commentary on the spectacle of celebrity news coverage. The spontaneous birth of “Jewman & Thrifty” offers a highlight in both creativity and comic timing, displaying the chemistry between Frank Caliendo and the HMS team.

Listeners get not only a digest of the bizarre Reiner story but also a masterclass in live comedic riffing. If you want to hear how comics turn headlines into hilarity, this episode is a must.

Special Recommendation:

• Catch Frank Caliendo at Tempe Improv (New Year’s Eve shows) for more of the comedy fans love here.
• For more content: 98KUPD Morning Sickness