Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Best of HMS Podcasts Episode: Friday, January 3, 2025
Title: Suspicious Of The 92yo Who Just Hiked Grand Canyon Rim to Rim - January 2024
Host/Authors: John Holmberg, Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo
Release Date: January 3, 2025

1. Introduction to the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Incident

The episode centers around a controversial news story from January 2024, where a 92-year-old man reportedly became the oldest individual to hike the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, covering 24 miles. Host John Holmberg and co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo dissect the story, expressing significant skepticism about the legitimacy and safety of such an endeavor at an advanced age.

Notable Quote:

• Brady Bogen [01:15]: "There's no way a 92-year-old man becomes the oldest to hike the canyon rim to rim. That's just irresponsible. That's called elder abuse."

2. Skepticism and Accusations of Foul Play

Brady Bogen leads the charge in questioning the legitimacy of the elderly hiker's accomplishment. He suggests that the feat may not have been achieved independently but possibly coerced by family members, possibly for financial gain or to expedite inheritance processes.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen [02:17]: "It's an attempted murder by his grandson or whatever. I want to see two things when I see somebody drag a 90-year-old across the Grand Canyon... his financial statements and... the will."
• Brady Bogen [04:16]: "And anyone can say anything. There's no possible way anybody."

3. Personal Anecdotes on Elderly Family Members

The hosts share personal stories about their own elderly family members to highlight the physical limitations typically associated with advanced age. These anecdotes serve to underscore their disbelief that a nonagenarian could undertake such a strenuous hike without assistance or ulterior motives.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen [05:22]: "I have a friend, a woman who's 93 years old, and the last thing I'm doing is hiking anything with her that isn't flat."
• Bret Vesely [05:52]: "I took my mom golfing... She can't even get through a Golf 16."

4. Inheritance and Family Dynamics

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around inheritance issues. The hosts theorize that the elderly hiker's grandson may have orchestrated the hike to manipulate or secure inheritance, labeling such actions as morally reprehensible and tantamount to attempted murder.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen [06:00]: "A responsible human being would realize... I'm not doing that."
• Brady Bogen [07:00]: "I want to know who took him. I want to know the story. I want to see this guy's financial reports."

5. Critique of Media Portrayal and Societal Views on Aging

The hosts criticize how the media portrays elderly individuals undertaking extreme activities, suggesting that such narratives mask underlying exploitation or neglect. They argue that society should focus more on the real struggles faced by the elderly rather than sensationalizing rare feats.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen [09:35]: "We should look at the 92-year-olds in the facilities. Here's what 92 really looks like."
• Brady Bogen [11:05]: "That's what 92 looks like. Holmberg's morning sickness."

6. Physical Therapy Experiences and Elder Care

Transitioning from the Grand Canyon story, the hosts delve into their experiences with physical therapy, discussing the challenges elderly individuals face in rehabilitation. They emphasize the frustration with older family members who resist physical therapy, viewing it as unnecessary or burdensome.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen [15:14]: "I've done plenty of physical therapy... I have a friend... He's not allowed to drive."
• Bret Vesely [16:41]: "Give me credit for stopping by."

7. Shift to Social Issues: Generation Z and LGBTQ Communities

In the latter part of the episode, the conversation shifts towards social issues, particularly focusing on Generation Z's identification with LGBTQ+ communities. The hosts express controversial and critical opinions about the increasing percentage of young individuals identifying as LGBTQ+, attributing it to societal indoctrination and expressing concerns over cultural shifts.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen [21:37]: "30% of Generation Z is identifying as LGBTQ. That number has never been higher than 10."
• Brady Bogen [24:25]: "30%. That's why the numbers have leapt."
• Brady Bogen [25:36]: "They're trying to make all our kids gay. That's the agenda. Make everyone gay so they don't vote to be independent."

8. Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their skepticism about the motivations behind sensational news stories involving the elderly and expressing their disapproval of current social trends related to gender and sexual identity.

Notable Quotes:

• Brady Bogen [26:46]: "We've done it in five years. We're way ahead of schedule."
• Bret Vesely [26:48]: "We made it. Hey, we got a lot of help from the networks."

Summary

In this episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness, the hosts offer a critical and skeptical analysis of a news story about a 92-year-old man hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim. They question the authenticity and safety of the feat, suggesting potential exploitation by family members for financial gain. Throughout the discussion, personal anecdotes about elderly family members and broader critiques of media portrayal of aging individuals are interwoven. The conversation later shifts to address social issues, particularly focusing on the rise of LGBTQ+ identification among Generation Z, with the hosts expressing controversial and critical viewpoints. The episode encapsulates the hosts' confrontational and provocative style, aiming to challenge and disturb listeners' perspectives on sensitive topics.