Episode Summary:
Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Entertainment Drill (12-24-25)
Main Theme/Purpose
This segment of "Holmberg's Morning Sickness" revolves around the crew's tongue-in-cheek take on current entertainment news and pop culture oddities, all presented with irreverent humor and lively banter. Topics span from Tony Bennett's battle with Alzheimer's and his collaboration with Lady Gaga, to outrageous celebrity purchases (like Lil Uzi Vert’s $24M forehead diamond), and a rundown of weird pop culture memorabilia up for auction.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tony Bennett's Alzheimer's and Lady Gaga Duet (02:34–03:23)
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Brady reports: 94-year-old Tony Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2016. His family recently went public because Tony is unable to truly grasp his diagnosis, though he still recognizes some relatives and remains musically sharp for regular piano sessions.
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Notable moment: Despite his diagnosis, Bennett plans a second joint album with Lady Gaga.
"Tony knocks it out of the park...he and Lady Gaga are gonna do a second joint album."
— Brady Bogen (03:09) -
John's irreverent riff: Holmberg lampoons the potential duet in character, injecting humor about Bennett's age and the concept of continuing work into one’s 90s.
“It doesn't really matter what happens to you in your 90s. It’s just… it’s time. Just make it not hurt.”
— John Holmberg (03:46)
2. Shark Petting Zoo Joke & Family Banter (04:16–06:27)
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Listener Question: A fan asks if Brady would visit the ‘great white shark petting zoo’ at the OdySea Aquarium.
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Brady: He's been to OdySea but wasn’t allowed to pet sharks.
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Holmberg Jokes: Predicts the visit would end with “Sir, please pull your pants up. We’ve called the authorities.”
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Comic Bit: The guys riff on superheroes and crime fighting—Holmberg jokes about recruiting Brady's daughter, Kirby, for vigilante missions, all with playful absurdity.
"Freeze, pedophile! ...This guy's dressed as a great white shark in the middle of the Fiesta Mall parking lot."
— John Holmberg (05:45)
3. Lil Uzi Vert’s $24 Million Forehead Diamond (06:27–09:21)
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Brady Reports: Rapper Lil Uzi Vert had a $24M diamond implanted in his forehead, which reportedly took four years to pay off.
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John’s disbelief: Questioning how “generally unknown” artists (to them) have this level of money, comparing to washed-up rockers who struggle financially.
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Banter: The group jokes about “Black Vision” (a Marvel reference) and the odd economics of fame.
“Now somebody's going to steal his face?”
— John Holmberg (07:09)“How do you get $24 million and are generally unknown?”
— John Holmberg (07:53) -
They muse about other rich celebs: Discuss Trevor Noah and Bam Margera's surprising net worth, questioning the math behind their fortunes.
4. Pop Culture Collectibles & Auctions (10:32–12:11)
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Brady shares: You can buy a life-size Tauntaun (from Star Wars) head for $8,000, or a Chewbacca head for $4,500.
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John's preference: Would much rather own these than a diamond forehead implant.
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Collector’s obsession: John and Brady riff about the buyer’s remorse and impracticality of expensive props.
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Brady reminisces: Shares memories of working in theme park character costumes, describing which ones were hottest and most awkward.
“Buyer’s remorse…you wear it for a day and realize ‘I can’t use this because it's gonna make me stink...’”
— John Holmberg (11:33)
5. Hitler’s Toilet Seat Auction (11:19–13:04)
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Weirdest auction find: Hitler’s toilet seat, currently going for $5,000, with John jokingly plotting to bid and display it in the office.
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Upcoming bid: The crew plans to try on-air to snag it for the show.
“All of my awards will surround it. Circling the drain. It’s so metaphoric.”
— John Holmberg (13:02)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Tony Bennett working into his 90s:
“You’re not going to invent anything. You’re not going to accidentally stumble across a great idea. The best is behind you. Just try to not make it hurt.”
— John Holmberg (03:46) -
On expensive celebrity purchases:
“How do you get $24 million and are generally unknown?”
— John Holmberg (07:53) -
On buying Chewbacca’s head:
“Buyer’s remorse…you realize ‘I can’t use this because it's gonna make me stink…’”
— John Holmberg (11:33) -
On owning Hitler’s toilet seat:
“All of my awards will surround it. Circling the drain. It’s so metaphoric.”
— John Holmberg (13:02)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:34] – Tony Bennett’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis & Lady Gaga duet
- [04:16] – Shark petting zoo question and superhero riff
- [06:27] – Lil Uzi Vert’s $24M forehead diamond
- [10:32] – Star Wars props and theme park costume memories
- [11:19] – Bidding on Hitler’s toilet seat
Tone & Style
True to Holmberg’s brand, the tone is irreverent, mocking, and rapid-fire. Segments feature quick pivots from genuine news to absurd what-ifs, running gags, and deadpan one-liners. The hosts mix pop culture knowledge with edgy, “did he really just say that?” humor, making for a highly entertaining, if slightly chaotic, entertainment roundup.
