Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona: Best of HMS Podcasts - Featuring Joe Rogan (May 2005)

Released on January 1, 2025

In this standout episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, Arizona's premier morning radio show hosted by John Holmberg, listeners are treated to a lively and engaging in-studio conversation with none other than comedian and "Fear Factor" host, Joe Rogan. Recorded in May 2005, this episode captures Rogan's candid interactions with Holmberg and fellow co-hosts Brady Bogen, Bret Vesely, and Dick Toledo, offering fans a deeper glimpse into Rogan's multifaceted career and comedic insights.

1. Welcome and Introduction

The episode kicks off with John Holmberg promoting local comedy events, highlighting performances by notable comedians like Paul Versey, Beth Stelling, and Lil Rel. However, the spotlight soon shifts to welcome Joe Rogan into the studio.

[01:14] Joe Rogan: "Yes."

[01:15] Maddie Akupd: "Joe Rogan. What's up, man?"

Rogan responds with enthusiasm, mentioning his extended stay in Arizona to film a comedy DVD, signaling a weekend packed with creative endeavors.

2. Joe Rogan's Comedy Ventures

Rogan elaborates on his current projects, emphasizing his passion for stand-up comedy despite his "Fear Factor" fame.

[06:04] Joe Rogan: "Well, yeah. I mean, what I really like to do is stand up. I mean, when I'm not doing Fear Factor, that's what I mostly do, right?"

He expresses a genuine love for stand-up, distinguishing it from other entertainment avenues that are primarily financially motivated.

[06:23] Joe Rogan: "You know, when you're a stand up, they offer you other stuff and that's how I got on television in the first place."

Rogan's commitment to comedy shines through as he discusses the balance between passion and the commercial aspects of the entertainment industry.

3. Reality of Fear Factor and Reality TV

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the nature of "Fear Factor" and the broader landscape of reality television. Rogan shares his perspective on the unexpected challenges and perceptions associated with reality TV.

[02:21] Maddie Akupd: "The every channel in this city shows Fear Factor. I'm home early. I watch a lot of weird TV."

[02:24] Joe Rogan: "That's not my fault."

He candidly addresses the ubiquity of the show and the mixed reactions it garners, highlighting the thin line between expectation and reality in televised content.

[02:28] Joe Rogan: "No, no. It's just the way it goes. Just no one ever expected that to happen with reality TV. They expected it only with, like, sitcoms."

Rogan underscores the unpredictable nature of reality TV, contrasting it with scripted genres like sitcoms.

4. Insights into UFC and Mixed Martial Arts

Transitioning seamlessly, the conversation shifts to UFC and mixed martial arts (MMA), areas where Rogan has substantial expertise.

[07:01] Joe Rogan: "I've done martial arts since I was a little kid, so, you know, I've always been, you know, a big fan of fighting and I don't even really like other sports."

Rogan passionately discusses the authenticity and raw excitement of MMA compared to other mainstream sports, emphasizing the visceral thrill of real combat.

[07:20] Joe Rogan: "The ball actually went in the net. That's incredible. It does. See, it's. It's a non-event."

[07:27] Joe Rogan: "But a fight is a fight. You know what I'm saying? Like, there's always. It's always exciting."

He articulates his preference for sports that showcase genuine competition and physical prowess, distinguishing MMA's appeal from the sometimes theatrical nature of other sports.

5. The Steroid Debate in Sports

A heated topic emerges as the discussion turns to the use of steroids in professional sports, including MMA.

[09:22] Maddie Akupd: "There's nothing wrong with it, I don't think. If you want to shrink your balls from my entertainment, then I'm all for that."

[09:27] Joe Rogan: "I'm talking about all the athletes are Lance Armstrong's on steroids. They're all famous for it."

Rogan critiques the prevalent steroid use in various sports, questioning the integrity of athletic achievements tainted by performance-enhancing drugs.

[09:42] Joe Rogan: "I don't know if you knew that."

[09:44] Maddie Akupd: "I prescribe, get a wad going, you."

The hosts engage in a spirited exchange, debating the ramifications of steroid use on athlete performance and public perception.

6. Humorous Tangents and Banter

Interspersed with serious discussions, the episode is peppered with lighthearted banter and humorous tangents that showcase the camaraderie among the hosts.

[12:18] Maddie Akupd: "They made you run around way too much. Western. Oh, man."

[13:03] Joe Rogan: "They beat you with a stick if you don't run."

The humorous interactions provide a balanced dynamic, making the conversation both informative and entertaining.

7. Conclusion and Farewells

As the episode draws to a close, Rogan promotes his upcoming shows and DVD releases, while the hosts encourage listeners to tune in and support his endeavors.

[14:24] Maddie Akupd: "And there's a brand new, brand new 20-minute chunk in Joe's act of limo driver jokes. Jack is fantastic."

[14:51] Maddie Akupd: "You can see Joe Rogan 24 hours a day on every channel, on every station ever."

Rogan expresses his gratitude for the warm reception and looks forward to future interactions.

[15:06] Joe Rogan: "Thank you, thank you. Appreciate it."

Key Takeaways

• Joe Rogan's Multifaceted Career: Beyond hosting "Fear Factor," Rogan is deeply entrenched in the stand-up comedy scene, balancing his passion with the demands of television fame.

• Reality TV's Unpredictability: Rogan offers a candid perspective on the evolution and reception of reality television, highlighting challenges faced by shows like "Fear Factor."

• Authenticity in Sports: A fervent advocate for genuine competition, Rogan emphasizes the unmatched excitement of MMA over other sports that may lack authenticity.

• Steroid Use in Athletics: The conversation underscores concerns about the integrity of sports marred by performance-enhancing drugs, sparking a debate on fairness and athlete health.

• Engaging Host Dynamics: The playful and humorous interactions among the hosts enrich the episode, making complex topics accessible and entertaining.

This episode is a treasure trove for fans of Joe Rogan and Holmberg's Morning Sickness, offering an unfiltered look into Rogan's thoughts on comedy, reality TV, and the sporting world. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to the show, this conversation provides valuable insights wrapped in engaging dialogue.