Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: BEST OF HMS PODCASTS - THURSDAY - March 13, 2025

Host/Author: 98 KUPD | Hubbard Radio
Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction

In this "Best Of" episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS), broadcasted on March 13, 2025, host John Holmberg, along with his co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, delve into the controversial engagement of media mogul Rupert Murdoch at the age of 92. This episode offers a blend of humor, sharp social commentary, and provocative discussions, characteristic of Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show.

Rupert Murdoch's Engagement: A Central Discussion

The episode centers around Rupert Murdoch's engagement to a significantly younger woman, sparking a heated debate among the hosts about age disparities in high-profile relationships.

Holmberg opens the discussion with a critical tone:

"Rupert Murdoch, he's a billionaire. He's gonna get married again. At 92 years old. He asked a lady to marry him and he's robbing the cradle. She's 67. Ladies."
— [00:40]

He questions the ethical and social implications of such relationships, highlighting the imbalance of power and the potential for manipulation.

Brady chimes in late into the conversation:

"I still think he could have did better than that though."
— [04:01]
Brady suggests that Murdoch could have chosen someone younger, reinforcing the idea of exploiting age differences for personal gain.

Gender Equality and Power Dynamics

A significant portion of the episode tackles the broader theme of gender equality, or the perceived lack thereof, in relationships and society.

Holmberg declares a provocative stance:

"This is equality. This is what men can't have. You want to talk about equal rights? Give that to us."
— [01:14]
He argues that women possess unique advantages—particularly in manipulation and social influence—that men believe they cannot achieve, turning the concept of equality on its head.

The discussion evolves into a critique of societal expectations and the pressures faced by men:

"There's a lot of pressure with being a man. Having to be right all the time and fix stuff."
— [12:53]

Holmberg emphasizes the societal burden placed on men to always be the problem-solvers, contrasting it with what he perceives as women's strategic advantages.

Reality TV and Romantic Relationships

The hosts draw parallels between Murdoch's engagement and reality TV shows like The Bachelor, using them as frameworks to discuss modern romance and manipulation.

Holmberg fantasizes about a new reality show concept:

"Rupert the Bachelor. You. Can you imagine the age range? 18 to 80. It would be every one."
— [02:23]
He envisions a show where participants range vastly in age, critiquing the superficiality and manipulative nature of such formats.

Megan counters, attempting to add depth:

"It's all for love. It's all the blablab."
— [02:44]
However, Holmberg remains skeptical, suggesting that what is portrayed as romance is merely strategic manipulation for personal gain.

The Manipulative Nature of Relationships

Holmberg posits that relationships, especially involving older billionaires and younger women, are fundamentally transactional.

He articulates:

"Stop trying to get the advantages men have, which is intelligence. Rat logic. And start using what you've got, which is the ability to manipulate us like nothing else on this planet and use it. There's your equality."
— [02:56]
Here, Holmberg suggests that women leverage their social and manipulative skills to attain similar or greater power dynamics traditionally held by men.

Humorous Anecdotes and Banter

The episode is peppered with humorous exchanges and light-hearted banter that highlights the hosts' camaraderie and sharp wit.

Mathias and Holmberg joke about public perceptions of relationships:

Mathias: "Unbelievable."
Holmberg: "18 to 80. It would be every one."
— [02:26] / [02:35]

Additionally, the hosts humorously speculate about fictional characters and scenarios, maintaining an engaging and entertaining atmosphere throughout the discussion.

Deathbed Reflections: Men vs. Women

A poignant segment explores what individuals might express in their final moments, revealing deeper insights into gender perspectives on relationships.

Holmberg shares his findings:

"I did that little impromptu study downstairs and asked sales ladies, if you could plan your deathbed speech to your husband, what would you say? And I mean, it was like they already had it ready. They took it real serious."
— [15:12]

In contrast, when men are asked the same question, their responses are largely apologetic and regretful, lacking the heartfelt expressions often shared by women:

"Every one of them started with, I'm sorry. It was all. And I'm like, well, I don't even need to go."
— [16:16]

Megan adds a contrasting perspective:

"I would tell him I love him, and this has been a marvelous time to spend our time."
— [16:20]

This segment underscores the emotional disconnect Holmberg perceives between men and women regarding the expression of love and regret.

Conclusion: The State of Relationships Today

As the episode wraps up, Holmberg reflects on the complexities of modern relationships, the pursuit of power, and the elusive quest for genuine connection.

He muses:

"Ladies, stop with the inequality talk and recognize where your advantages live. Stop trying to get the advantages men have, which is intelligence. Rat logic. And start using what you've got, which is the ability to manipulate us like nothing else on this planet and use it."
— [03:40]

Holmberg calls for a reevaluation of societal norms and personal strategies in relationships, urging listeners to acknowledge and utilize inherent advantages to achieve equality and fulfillment.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Holmberg: "Do any of you people do any actual work?"
  — [00:40]

• Brady: "I still think he could have did better than that though."
  — [04:01]

• Holmberg: "Use your strength. 67, Rupert Murdoch, single. There should have been a line around the world to get into that house."
  — [06:11]

• Megan: "It's about romance."
  — [11:26]

• Holmberg: "Every guy out there is like, well, still have to bone Oprah. It's worth it."
  — [08:38]

• Megan: "No, it's not like that."
  — [11:26]

• Holmberg: "International Women's Day. Now use it."
  — [12:53]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness provocatively examines the intersection of age, power, and gender in high-profile relationships, using Rupert Murdoch's engagement as a focal point. Through a blend of humor, satire, and critical analysis, the hosts challenge listeners to reconsider societal norms and the true nature of equality in modern relationships.

For more episodes, tune in to 98 KUPD (97.9 FM), the 98KUPD app, or visit www.98kupd.com. Broadcasts are available weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM.