12-31-25 - Adam Ray - Live In Studio - 8 to 10am - Promoting New Year's Shows At Stand Up Live - Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona

EPISODE SUMMARY

Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Adam Ray Live Takeover & New Year's Shenanigans

Date: December 31, 2025 (Aired Jan 5, 2026)
Guests: Adam Ray (comedian, headliner at Stand Up Live NYE shows), with openers Nikki Paris and Nate Welch
Host/Staff: John Holmberg (hands the reins to Adam), Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, Dick Toledo

MAIN THEME & PURPOSE

In a rare live episode (not a pre-recorded best-of), the show hands the mics to headliner comedian Adam Ray, who delivers two hours of raucous, unfiltered, and highly interactive comedy radio with Nikki Paris and Nate Welch. The trio uses the airwaves to promote their joint New Year's run at Stand Up Live, but the true heart of the episode is a gleeful, community-driven celebration of the absurd—a battle to find the best (read: most ridiculous) Jeffrey Epstein impersonator, deep-dives on roast comedy, tales of celebrity run-ins, and playful takes on everything from moon landings to farting massage therapists. Listeners call in to compete for tickets, and the studio erupts with one-liners, impressions, and genuine camaraderie.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Adam Ray Takes Over: Setting the Tone

Holmberg introduces Adam Ray, who promptly mocks the idea of taking over and launches into playful banter with Nikki Paris and Nate Welch.
Ray sets out his comedic theme: “We're looking back at the year that was, 2025, and bringing in some lighthearted nonsense.”
Early joke on the “Epstein list” sets a bar for the episode’s blend of taboo and play (“The only island scarier than Epstein's? Staten Island.” - Nikki, 02:45).

2. The "Best Jeffrey Epstein Voice" Call-in Contest

(06:26–08:34, 13:04–18:20, 25:56–30:36, and 58:01 onward)

Listeners compete to win tickets by calling in and delivering their best imagined Jeffrey Epstein ordering at Taco Bell: “Can I have two chicken gorditas and a small Diet Sprite with a side of kids?”
Entries range from Alan Rickman shades, Tony Danza influences, to (allegedly) someone channeling Fran Drescher. Adam, Nikki, and Nate riff off each entry, gently roasting and prompting more absurdity.
- Sample joke: “Carter, as yourself, kinda a dud dude as a child.” (Carter, after dropping character – 09:34)
- Memorable: Roy calls in from a van by the Highlighter (“strip club”), delivers a Count/Alan Rickman hybrid, and wins praise for the bold “complimentary” request (16:15).
The entire crew keeps the energy frenetic, cracking jokes about Taco Bell, Epstein, and call-in etiquette.

3. Stand-Up Comedy & Celebrity Drop-Ins

(20:01–24:39)

Nikki Paris shares a comedy highlight: Justin Bieber and Tate McRae showing up at The Laugh Factory (“She looks like a Dino chicken nugget.” – Nikki, 22:25).
Nate mentions Marshawn Lynch attending a set (“He just said, ‘Man, you was funny there.’”—Nate, 23:22).
Discussion of the weird energy/pressure of celebrities in an audience (“Nate’s emotional sigh before Guy Fieri” – Adam, 25:19).

4. Comedic "Roast" Craft & Stories from the Road

(33:09–35:54)

Nate is on the global roast battle circuit, landing in the final four again this year.
- Tells of roasting a comedian with cerebral palsy (“He looked like he got a lap dance from Lizzo” – 34:07).
- Shares roast-writing philosophy: humor should be greater than meanness (“I'd rather it be funnier than it is mean.” —Nate, 35:35).

5. Planes, Public Fights, and Air Travel Mishaps

(44:42–53:35)

Adam recounts a story of defending his wife during a Southwest boarding scuffle, threatening to “beat up” a pushy passenger (“I felt sick, but also I got the last word.” – 50:20).
Nikki shares a story about passive-aggressive armrest wars; Holmberg tells of an old woman dying mid-flight (“The best part: they just rolled the cart over her” – 52:55).
Discussion about the weirdness of civil behavior on planes and how stress brings out strange sides of people.

6. Bizarre Gifts, White Elephant, and Holidays

(53:46–56:12)

The hosts swap white elephant horror stories: sex toys at a staid party, magic trick kits for kids.
The power of novelty, disappointment, and playful awkwardness in holiday gatherings.

7. Aliens, Moon Landings, and Conspiracy Tangents

(70:59–74:35)

A lighthearted but pointed discussion on new skepticism around moon landings (“I've had a full week and a half of nothing but nonsense and conspiracy crazy.” – Holmberg, 72:29).
Banter about the possibility of future “moon tourism,” and poking fun at NASA PR and space travel.

8. Cancel Culture, PC Moments, and Inappropriate Confessions

(76:00–79:50)

Adam shares the tale of a massage therapist who farted on him during a Soothe session—insisting on confessing after (“It’s like robbing a store and then turning yourself in an hour later.” – Adam, 77:29).
They riff on first-date farts, inappropriate honesty, and “take it to the grave” moments.

9. Dating in 2026 and New Orleans Stereotypes

(80:06–83:36)

Nate confesses he doesn't trust dating apps; says he wants to keep building momentum in comedy and life in the new year.
Nate tells the legend of Nic Cage buying a haunted house in New Orleans, then building a grave to lift a voodoo curse (“He built his grave in New Orleans already…” – 82:17).

10. Call-In Resolutions: From Sobriety to Sexual Awakening

(88:13–91:29)

Christian: Calls in celebrating 10 months’ sobriety, planning to “keep working on myself and stay sober” (88:33).
Catherine: In a showstopping turn, says her 2026 resolution is to “take it up the ass,” revealing she’s embracing new experiences after 11 years of marriage (89:21–90:40). The team erupts—proclaiming it the “closer” of the show and awarding her the grand prize.
- Nikki: “Have you met Louie Anderson?” (a callback to an earlier Larry Anderson bit)
- Adam: “Bring your anal partner. Judy Bloomberg, not that ain’t true.” (91:07)
Christian, the sober caller, gets two tickets as runner-up: “You get two because you’re a buzzkill.”

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

“Staten Island—the only island scarier than Epstein's.”—Nikki Paris (02:45)
“We obviously, as TV personalities, have a lot of time in our day to think about stuff that probably a lot of people listening don’t think about. I guarantee you most people that are calling in with Epstein voices haven’t thought about what he sounds like.”—Adam Ray (14:07)
“Carter, as yourself—kinda a dud dude as a child.”—Adam Ray riffing on a caller (09:34)
“Who would you want to see in the audience? … Guy Fieri.” [emotional sigh]—Nate Welch (23:38)
“You reminded me of Adam Sandler, the therapist on ‘What the Hell Happened to Me?’ where the guy was farting throughout the whole thing… But anyway, I thought that was inappropriate.”—Adam Ray, post-massage tale (78:30)
"Take it to the grave. Disappeared from life."—Holmberg, after Adam’s Soothe story (79:05)
“My New Year's resolution is to take it up the ass.” — Catherine, NYE call-in, upending the show's finale (89:21)
“We finish on time. That never happens.”—Holmberg, as the chaos finally wraps, 10am on the dot (91:55)

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

02:18—Adam Ray takes control, introduces the Epstein impression contest
06:26—Explains Epstein contest; listeners to call in
08:34–18:20—First rounds of call-ins; banter with Carter and Roy
20:01–24:39—Stand-up stories: Nikki on Bieber, Nate on Marshawn Lynch
25:56–30:36—More Epstein impressions, comedic anatomy of a call-in contest
33:09–35:54—Nate’s roast battle resume and “mean vs funny” debate
44:42–53:35—Adam’s airplane confrontation, Nikki’s armrest feud, Holmberg’s dead seatmate
70:59–74:35—Aliens, moon landings, and healthy (or unhealthy) skepticism
76:00–79:50—Farting masseuses and "first date" confessions
80:06–83:36—Nate’s New Orleans superstitions, Nic Cage haunted house story
88:13–91:29—Resolution call-ins: Christian’s sobriety, Catherine’s “backdoor” epiphany

OVERALL TONE & FLOW

Playful, uninhibited, and boundary-pushing, this episode is a full-tilt New Year’s party veering from silly to vulgar to genuinely insightful about comedy and human foibles. The camaraderie is infectious, and Adam Ray’s quick wit keeps the show fast-paced and crowd-friendly, while Holmberg and crew jump back in to take jabs and steer the chaos. The revolving door of in-jokes, callbacks, and unguarded listener moments produce a sense of real community, making for a memorable live radio event.

FINAL REMARKS

If you missed the broadcast, you missed a rare blend of interactive stand-up, local flavor, and midnight madness. This episode stands out for:

Its running audience participation
Unpredictable, refreshingly candid conversations (from sober resolutions to sexual awakenings)
Generous, well-executed riffing and impressions

Perfect for anyone craving top-tier morning madhouse energy and a window into the comedian’s creative mind.

“Look in the mirror. Celebrate the highs, enjoy the lows… shave your head, your back, your penis and your crack. Happy New Year, Adam Ray, everybody.” —Adam Ray (92:36)

EPISODE SUMMARY

Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Adam Ray Live Takeover & New Year's Shenanigans

MAIN THEME & PURPOSE

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Adam Ray Takes Over: Setting the Tone

Holmberg introduces Adam Ray, who promptly mocks the idea of taking over and launches into playful banter with Nikki Paris and Nate Welch.
Ray sets out his comedic theme: “We're looking back at the year that was, 2025, and bringing in some lighthearted nonsense.”
Early joke on the “Epstein list” sets a bar for the episode’s blend of taboo and play (“The only island scarier than Epstein's? Staten Island.” - Nikki, 02:45).

2. The "Best Jeffrey Epstein Voice" Call-in Contest

(06:26–08:34, 13:04–18:20, 25:56–30:36, and 58:01 onward)

Listeners compete to win tickets by calling in and delivering their best imagined Jeffrey Epstein ordering at Taco Bell: “Can I have two chicken gorditas and a small Diet Sprite with a side of kids?”
Entries range from Alan Rickman shades, Tony Danza influences, to (allegedly) someone channeling Fran Drescher. Adam, Nikki, and Nate riff off each entry, gently roasting and prompting more absurdity.
- Sample joke: “Carter, as yourself, kinda a dud dude as a child.” (Carter, after dropping character – 09:34)
- Memorable: Roy calls in from a van by the Highlighter (“strip club”), delivers a Count/Alan Rickman hybrid, and wins praise for the bold “complimentary” request (16:15).
The entire crew keeps the energy frenetic, cracking jokes about Taco Bell, Epstein, and call-in etiquette.

3. Stand-Up Comedy & Celebrity Drop-Ins

(20:01–24:39)

Nikki Paris shares a comedy highlight: Justin Bieber and Tate McRae showing up at The Laugh Factory (“She looks like a Dino chicken nugget.” – Nikki, 22:25).
Nate mentions Marshawn Lynch attending a set (“He just said, ‘Man, you was funny there.’”—Nate, 23:22).
Discussion of the weird energy/pressure of celebrities in an audience (“Nate’s emotional sigh before Guy Fieri” – Adam, 25:19).

4. Comedic "Roast" Craft & Stories from the Road

(33:09–35:54)

Nate is on the global roast battle circuit, landing in the final four again this year.
- Tells of roasting a comedian with cerebral palsy (“He looked like he got a lap dance from Lizzo” – 34:07).
- Shares roast-writing philosophy: humor should be greater than meanness (“I'd rather it be funnier than it is mean.” —Nate, 35:35).

5. Planes, Public Fights, and Air Travel Mishaps

(44:42–53:35)

Adam recounts a story of defending his wife during a Southwest boarding scuffle, threatening to “beat up” a pushy passenger (“I felt sick, but also I got the last word.” – 50:20).
Nikki shares a story about passive-aggressive armrest wars; Holmberg tells of an old woman dying mid-flight (“The best part: they just rolled the cart over her” – 52:55).
Discussion about the weirdness of civil behavior on planes and how stress brings out strange sides of people.

6. Bizarre Gifts, White Elephant, and Holidays

(53:46–56:12)

The hosts swap white elephant horror stories: sex toys at a staid party, magic trick kits for kids.
The power of novelty, disappointment, and playful awkwardness in holiday gatherings.

7. Aliens, Moon Landings, and Conspiracy Tangents

(70:59–74:35)

A lighthearted but pointed discussion on new skepticism around moon landings (“I've had a full week and a half of nothing but nonsense and conspiracy crazy.” – Holmberg, 72:29).
Banter about the possibility of future “moon tourism,” and poking fun at NASA PR and space travel.

8. Cancel Culture, PC Moments, and Inappropriate Confessions

(76:00–79:50)

Adam shares the tale of a massage therapist who farted on him during a Soothe session—insisting on confessing after (“It’s like robbing a store and then turning yourself in an hour later.” – Adam, 77:29).
They riff on first-date farts, inappropriate honesty, and “take it to the grave” moments.

9. Dating in 2026 and New Orleans Stereotypes

(80:06–83:36)

Nate confesses he doesn't trust dating apps; says he wants to keep building momentum in comedy and life in the new year.
Nate tells the legend of Nic Cage buying a haunted house in New Orleans, then building a grave to lift a voodoo curse (“He built his grave in New Orleans already…” – 82:17).

10. Call-In Resolutions: From Sobriety to Sexual Awakening

(88:13–91:29)

Christian: Calls in celebrating 10 months’ sobriety, planning to “keep working on myself and stay sober” (88:33).
Catherine: In a showstopping turn, says her 2026 resolution is to “take it up the ass,” revealing she’s embracing new experiences after 11 years of marriage (89:21–90:40). The team erupts—proclaiming it the “closer” of the show and awarding her the grand prize.
- Nikki: “Have you met Louie Anderson?” (a callback to an earlier Larry Anderson bit)
- Adam: “Bring your anal partner. Judy Bloomberg, not that ain’t true.” (91:07)
Christian, the sober caller, gets two tickets as runner-up: “You get two because you’re a buzzkill.”

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

“Staten Island—the only island scarier than Epstein's.”—Nikki Paris (02:45)
“We obviously, as TV personalities, have a lot of time in our day to think about stuff that probably a lot of people listening don’t think about. I guarantee you most people that are calling in with Epstein voices haven’t thought about what he sounds like.”—Adam Ray (14:07)
“Carter, as yourself—kinda a dud dude as a child.”—Adam Ray riffing on a caller (09:34)
“Who would you want to see in the audience? … Guy Fieri.” [emotional sigh]—Nate Welch (23:38)
“You reminded me of Adam Sandler, the therapist on ‘What the Hell Happened to Me?’ where the guy was farting throughout the whole thing… But anyway, I thought that was inappropriate.”—Adam Ray, post-massage tale (78:30)
"Take it to the grave. Disappeared from life."—Holmberg, after Adam’s Soothe story (79:05)
“My New Year's resolution is to take it up the ass.” — Catherine, NYE call-in, upending the show's finale (89:21)
“We finish on time. That never happens.”—Holmberg, as the chaos finally wraps, 10am on the dot (91:55)

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

02:18—Adam Ray takes control, introduces the Epstein impression contest
06:26—Explains Epstein contest; listeners to call in
08:34–18:20—First rounds of call-ins; banter with Carter and Roy
20:01–24:39—Stand-up stories: Nikki on Bieber, Nate on Marshawn Lynch
25:56–30:36—More Epstein impressions, comedic anatomy of a call-in contest
33:09–35:54—Nate’s roast battle resume and “mean vs funny” debate
44:42–53:35—Adam’s airplane confrontation, Nikki’s armrest feud, Holmberg’s dead seatmate
70:59–74:35—Aliens, moon landings, and healthy (or unhealthy) skepticism
76:00–79:50—Farting masseuses and "first date" confessions
80:06–83:36—Nate’s New Orleans superstitions, Nic Cage haunted house story
88:13–91:29—Resolution call-ins: Christian’s sobriety, Catherine’s “backdoor” epiphany

OVERALL TONE & FLOW

FINAL REMARKS

If you missed the broadcast, you missed a rare blend of interactive stand-up, local flavor, and midnight madness. This episode stands out for:

Its running audience participation
Unpredictable, refreshingly candid conversations (from sober resolutions to sexual awakenings)
Generous, well-executed riffing and impressions

Perfect for anyone craving top-tier morning madhouse energy and a window into the comedian’s creative mind.

“Look in the mirror. Celebrate the highs, enjoy the lows… shave your head, your back, your penis and your crack. Happy New Year, Adam Ray, everybody.” —Adam Ray (92:36)

12-31-25 - Adam Ray - Live In Studio - 8 to 10am - Promoting New Year's Shows At Stand Up Live

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Summary

EPISODE SUMMARY

Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Adam Ray Live Takeover & New Year's Shenanigans

MAIN THEME & PURPOSE

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Adam Ray Takes Over: Setting the Tone

2. The "Best Jeffrey Epstein Voice" Call-in Contest

3. Stand-Up Comedy & Celebrity Drop-Ins

4. Comedic "Roast" Craft & Stories from the Road

5. Planes, Public Fights, and Air Travel Mishaps

6. Bizarre Gifts, White Elephant, and Holidays

7. Aliens, Moon Landings, and Conspiracy Tangents

8. Cancel Culture, PC Moments, and Inappropriate Confessions

9. Dating in 2026 and New Orleans Stereotypes

10. Call-In Resolutions: From Sobriety to Sexual Awakening

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

OVERALL TONE & FLOW

FINAL REMARKS

Summary

EPISODE SUMMARY

Holmberg's Morning Sickness – Adam Ray Live Takeover & New Year's Shenanigans

MAIN THEME & PURPOSE

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Adam Ray Takes Over: Setting the Tone

2. The "Best Jeffrey Epstein Voice" Call-in Contest

3. Stand-Up Comedy & Celebrity Drop-Ins

4. Comedic "Roast" Craft & Stories from the Road

5. Planes, Public Fights, and Air Travel Mishaps

6. Bizarre Gifts, White Elephant, and Holidays

7. Aliens, Moon Landings, and Conspiracy Tangents

8. Cancel Culture, PC Moments, and Inappropriate Confessions

9. Dating in 2026 and New Orleans Stereotypes

10. Call-In Resolutions: From Sobriety to Sexual Awakening

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

TIMESTAMPS FOR IMPORTANT SEGMENTS

OVERALL TONE & FLOW

FINAL REMARKS