Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Best of HMS Podcasts - Stone Cold Steve Austin

Episode Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: 98KUPD | Hubbard Radio
Guest: Stone Cold Steve Austin
Episode Focus: Highlights from April 2007 interview promoting "The Condemned"

Introduction of Stone Cold Steve Austin

In this "Best of HMS Podcasts" episode aired on March 13, 2025, Arizona's favorite morning radio show, Holmberg's Morning Sickness (HMS), welcomes the legendary WWE superstar, Stone Cold Steve Austin. Hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo engage in a lively and humorous conversation with Austin, delving into his latest cinematic venture and sharing behind-the-scenes insights.

Insights into "The Condemned"

Brady Bogen opens the discussion by focusing on Austin's new movie, "The Condemned," set to release on April 27, 2007. Austin provides an enthusiastic overview:

"It's a rated R movie. It's a hard action movie. If you like hard action movies, this is one for you. It's violent, it's got some humor in it and a few people die and all kinds of cool stuff. So there's a little bit of a message to this movie also."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [01:30]

Austin emphasizes the film's blend of intense action, humor, and underlying messages, positioning it as a standout in the action genre.

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes

The conversation shifts to Austin's experiences on set, particularly his interactions with co-star Vinnie Jones:

"There was a lot of practical joking going on the set, and we had a good time. And Vinny's a funny guy and he's a wise guy, so that's all we did, was make fun of each other."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [03:07]

Austin shares fun stories about pranking Jones, including placing promotional photos on his mirror and a memorable incident involving blow-up dolls:

"I got a bunch of those damn blow up dolls and a few assorted items and just killed his bus with all that stuff. And the brutality ensued from there."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [03:18]

These anecdotes highlight the camaraderie and playful environment during the film's production.

Stone Cold’s Wrestling Career

A significant portion of the interview delves into Austin's wrestling persona and the evolution of his iconic image. Discussing his original wrestling name concepts, Austin reflects on rejected ideas and the creation of "Stone Cold":

"When I first came up with the concept... I came up with this cold blooded ruthless character. So I pitched this idea to the office... Names like Fang McFrost, Ice Dagger, and Otto Von Ruthless."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [04:01]

Austin candidly recounts the challenges of crafting a persona that resonated with fans, ultimately leading to the birth of one of wrestling's most enduring characters.

Hair Loss and Its Impact

Addressing a more personal topic, Austin discusses his decision to shave his head due to hair loss, a pivotal moment in solidifying his "Stone Cold" image:

"When I was at WCW, I had long blonde hair... I watched this special about the serial killer and I came up with this cold blooded ruthless character."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [04:44]

He humorously narrates his failed attempt to use a wig:

"So I walked out of that damn place and never went and got it. But shaving my head ended up working out real well for me."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [06:03]

This decision not only enhanced his on-screen persona but also became a defining characteristic beloved by fans.

Light-Hearted Banter on Wrestling Moves

The hosts and Austin engage in playful discussions about the practicality of wrestling moves outside the ring. Austin humorously assesses the effectiveness of his signature "Stone Cold Stunner" in real-life situations:

"It works great in a wrestling ring, but it's probably not going to work good in real life. If I was to go, you'll lose."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [08:39]

This segment showcases Austin's wit and self-awareness, providing fans with entertaining insights into the crossover between his wrestling legacy and everyday scenarios.

Fan Interaction and Listener Emails

Emulating a "Jim Rome moment," Brady reads out humorous and appreciative listener emails praising Austin's interview:

"Dear Pimp, out of all the people in the WWE, I would have never thought Steve Austin was such a nice, funny dude. I am loving that interview. Ashley, great interview. Best I have ever heard. I will listen to you forever. Richard."
— Listener Email [14:29]

These interactions highlight the strong fan connection and Austin's approachable demeanor, further endearing him to his audience.

Conclusion and Closing Remarks

As the interview wraps up, the hosts express their excitement for the movie's release and gratitude towards Austin for his engaging participation:

"You guys just hung out the whole time, goofing around?"
— Brady Bogen [02:32]

"This is a good action movie and I had a lot of fun making it in."
— Stone Cold Steve Austin [10:01]

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks, leaving listeners both entertained and anticipating the release of "The Condemned."

Notable Quotes

• "There's a little bit of a message to this movie also." — Stone Cold Steve Austin [01:30]

• "We had a lot of fun making fun of each other." — Stone Cold Steve Austin [03:07]

• "When I first came up with the concept... Names like Fang McFrost, Ice Dagger, and Otto Von Ruthless." — Stone Cold Steve Austin [04:01]

• "Shaving my head ended up working out real well for me." — Stone Cold Steve Austin [06:03]

• "It works great in a wrestling ring, but it's probably not going to work good in real life." — Stone Cold Steve Austin [08:39]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness offers a captivating glimpse into Stone Cold Steve Austin's cinematic endeavors, wrestling legacy, and personal anecdotes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, the engaging dialogue and behind-the-scenes stories make this a must-listen installment of Arizona's #1 Morning Radio Show.