Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode: A Non-Aggressive, Non-Beefing Way
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!
Introduction
In this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a variety of current events, blending humor with insightful commentary. From the abrupt cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show to intriguing stories from the legal and educational sectors, Armstrong and Getty provide listeners with a comprehensive look at the week's noteworthy happenings.
Stephen Colbert's Show Cancellation and Political Repercussions
The episode opens with a discussion on the unexpected cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show, sparking reactions across the political spectrum. Stacey Abrams highlighted her former appearances on Colbert’s show, hinting at more politically influenced times with her comment, "after finding out Stephen Colbert was canceled, Stacey Abrams posted photos from her many appearances on the show. She alluded that those were happier times when she could still fit in a chair." (00:00).
Joe Getty points out the shifting landscape of late-night television:
"Colbert came along and prioritized talking to Democrats and people who hated Trump and, and got really good ratings and was number one almost his entire run." (22:30).
Jack Armstrong adds, "The financial model doesn't work anymore in the same way that the financial model doesn't work for newspapers and all kinds of things anymore in the modern world with Internet and blah blah blah and all the competition and." (22:30).
The hosts explore how Colbert’s overt political stance may have contributed to his show's demise, discussing the broader implications for politically charged media in an era of fragmented audiences.
Law Firm Intern Fired for Biting Coworkers
Next, Armstrong and Getty cover a bizarre incident involving a law firm intern who was terminated after allegedly biting up to ten coworkers. Jack Armstrong describes the situation:
"A summer intern for a big Manhattan law firm was reportedly relieved of her duties after biting several people, perhaps up to 10." (14:31).
Joe Getty humorously muses, "If somebody did that to me once, I would think you were a freaking weirdo." (18:20), highlighting the absurdity of the situation while discussing workplace etiquette and the potential impacts on the firm’s culture.
Education Reform and School Choice Advocacy
The conversation shifts to American education reform, with Jack Armstrong expressing his commitment:
"Reforming American education might be my greatest jihad." (02:58). He proposes an "educational reformer of the week" to recognize effective schools and teachers amidst the ongoing battle against what he describes as "neo Marxists and the lunatics."
Joe Getty touches on recent legislative changes:
"We won a big victory in President Trump's big beautiful bill, the tax mega bill. It comes with a bit of a catch." (02:58). The discussion centers on how the new tax credits for donations to private schools could be hindered by governors in blue states who are influenced by teachers' unions, potentially widening the educational divide.
Biden Administration's DOJ and School Board Protests
Armstrong and Getty delve into controversial revelations about the Biden Administration's Department of Justice (DOJ) and its attempts to suppress local school board protests. Jack Armstrong references federal documents showing that the DOJ sought ways to criminalize parental protests against school policies on Covid, transgenderism, and critical race theory:
"The Biden Attorney General Merrick Garland and the White House conspired to chill local parents school board protests." (02:58).
He critically examines the DOJ's motives and methods, questioning what constitutes harassment or intimidation in these contexts:
"What does harassment or intimidation mean if you're a parent at the end of your rope?" (07:52).
Joe Getty reinforces the skepticism, mentioning a social scientist who faced backlash for his comments on the WNBA, tying it back to the theme of institutional overreach.
Debate on Women's Sports and Societal Perceptions
The hosts engage in a spirited debate about societal perceptions of women's sports, sparked by Charles Murray's comments comparing the WNBA unfavorably to women's pro tennis. Joe Getty summarizes Murray's stance:
"He just, he's not worried about what he's supposed to say and he's 100% right." (10:48).
Jack Armstrong counters, emphasizing the athleticism and popularity of women's sports:
"They're the greatest athletes on the planet." (12:28). The discussion highlights the differing viewpoints on the value and appeal of various women's sports, reflecting broader cultural debates.
The Evolving Landscape of Late-Night Television
Armstrong and Getty return to the topic of late-night TV, analyzing how shows have become more politically charged and financially unsustainable. Joe Getty notes the declining ratings and revenue:
"The ratings for all TV shows are so much lower than they used to be." (22:47).
Jack Armstrong discusses the shift towards leaner production models, citing Seth Meyers as an example:
"But I just wanted to play a little of this. I actually haven't heard it." (24:03). The hosts express concern over the fragmentation of media and the loss of shared cultural experiences.
Personal Anecdotes: Portrait and Mandated Reporting
The hosts share personal stories, adding a relatable touch to the episode. Joe Getty recounts getting his portrait painted:
"They took a picture of me there and. And then took a couple of weeks and they painted it. So what do you think of the likeness I've always wanted?" (34:09).
Additionally, Joe Getty talks about becoming a mandated reporter after undergoing fingerprinting:
"I had to go get fingerprinted in my town a couple of weeks ago. So I went to the place you go downtown to get fingerprinted to be a mandated reporter." (34:38). These segments provide a glimpse into the hosts' personal lives, balancing the heavier political and social topics.
Sociological Study: Wealth and Marriage Age Gap
A discussion on a recent study reveals that richer men are less likely to marry significantly younger women, challenging existing stereotypes. Joe Getty states:
"A study Shows that the richer a man is, the less likely he is to marry a significantly younger woman." (36:06).
Jack Armstrong expresses skepticism:
"I find myself doubting its accuracy." (37:10), while Joe Getty considers possible sociological explanations, such as resentment towards the wealthy.
Coldplay Kiss Cam and Public Shaming
The episode also covers a story about Coldplay's kiss cam leading to public shaming. Jack Armstrong describes how an affair was inadvertently highlighted during a concert:
"A couple caught on the Coldplay kiss cam." (38:42).
The hosts mock the situation humorously, questioning the wisdom of using such moments for personal affairs:
"That's a dumb idea all the way around on so many different levels." (39:21).
Conclusion
Armstrong & Getty On Demand wraps up the episode by reflecting on the diverse topics covered, from the upheavals in media to societal debates on education and sports. The hosts maintain their signature blend of humor and critical analysis, leaving listeners with plenty to ponder until the next episode.
Notable Quotes:
- Jack Armstrong on education reform: "Reforming American education might be my greatest jihad." (02:58)
- Joe Getty on Colbert’s political stance: "He got really good ratings and was number one almost his entire run." (22:30)
- Jack Armstrong on DOJ’s interference: "There's nothing more local than education anyway. It's despicable." (08:00)
Listen to the full episode here.