Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: "A Pair of Greats, A Pair of Great Stories"
Date: October 23, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts
Overview
This episode reflects on a turbulent day for the NBA—marred by news of a game-fixing scandal—by pivoting to positive, personal stories from two basketball legends, Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. With the NBA season just starting, Armstrong, Getty, and guest Katie swap anecdotes, reactions, and commentary, highlighting the human side of athletic greatness.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The NBA Scandal and Shifting to Positivity
- Armstrong introduces the episode with mention of an NBA game-fixing scandal, but notes the coincidental timing of getting to share two uplifting stories from Michael Jordan and Shaq.
- The focus is on storytelling from NBA greats and celebrating the start of the new season.
Michael Jordan’s Unexpected Vulnerability
[01:13–02:35]
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Armstrong: Sets up the clip, explaining that Michael Jordan is rarely in the media and tends to come across as “shallow” or obsessively focused.
“A lot of people who are really good at focusing on things to the point of obsession and being great are kind of... they weren't thinking about a lot of other stuff.” [00:57]
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Jordan Story: Jordan hadn’t picked up a basketball in years until asked to shoot a free throw in front of a homeowner’s grandkids.
- Jordan:
“That’s the most nervous I’ve been in years... those kids heard the stories from the parents about what I did 30 years ago... the expectation is 30 years prior and I haven’t touched the basketball.” [02:04]
- He made the shot, which he found deeply gratifying.
- Jordan:
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Hosts' reactions:
- Getty: “Wow. See, that's charming.” [02:35]
- Armstrong: Appreciates the idea that someone so legendary could leave the game so completely.
- Anecdote about Larry Bird: When asked if he could beat Jordan now, Bird says he’d try hard, “but I’m old and fat.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s Lesson on Pressure
[03:29–04:49]
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Setup: Shaq’s appearance on The Tonight Show, recounting a turning-point story from his rookie season.
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Shaq’s Story: After a bad game against the Knicks, Shaq’s strict, military dad made him mull over what “pressure” really meant.
“Pressure is when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from...” [04:24]
- Shaq’s dad brought him to see a homeless family under a bridge, then challenged his assumptions about pressure.
- Shaq helped the family after meeting them, and the lesson profoundly changed his perspective on his career and life.
“So pressure to me is like when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from. So I don’t really believe in the word pressure.” [04:46]
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Armstrong: Notes this lesson stuck with Shaq and shaped his mindset for the rest of his career.
"He no longer felt pressure. It was just like, it's just a game..." [04:52]
Shaq’s Personality, Reputation, and Legacy
[05:18–08:19]
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Getty and Katie reflect on Shaq’s generosity, charisma, and approachability. Getty recalls seeing him play at University of Illinois vs. LSU and being underwhelmed—yet jokes about how Shaq turned that supposed lack of “skill” into “hundreds of millions of dollars.”
“He's just a big, huge dude who backs in with his ass and flips the ball to the hoop...and then he made hundreds of millions of dollars doing that very thing over and over again.” [05:50]
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Armstrong recalls Shaq’s infamous freestyle rap after winning a championship in Miami:
“Hey Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes. That’s right, Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes. That’s my favorite Shaq thing of all time.” [06:02]
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Katie shares a viral moment where Shaq protected a young fan from security backstage, calling him “a real down to earth dude.” [07:21]
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Getty describes seeing Shaq dwarf other NBA giants during the Dream Team’s practice session:
“All the guys come out, including a couple of seven-[footers], like, wow, that's a big dude...and then standing next to a couple [of] seven footers, Shaq comes out...he made the other giant dudes look like children.” [08:17]
Encounters with NBA Legends: Snubs and Highlights
[08:29–09:57]
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Getty jokes about being snubbed by Alonzo Mourning for a picture—leading to a running joke. Armstrong mentions being snubbed by Rick Barry, noting his reputation:
“He’s a well known dick, though, so it’s not that surprising.” [08:51]
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Katie shares a personal memory of attending a Warriors youth camp, recalling how mugsy Bogues, despite being short for the NBA, seemed huge to her.
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The hosts reminisce about seeing NBA stars like Mugsy Bogues and Antwan Jamison up close and fostering children’s excitement for the game.
Notable Quotes
- Michael Jordan:
“…that’s the most nervous I’ve been in years … those kids heard the stories from the parents about what I did 30 years ago … the expectation is 30 years prior and I haven’t touched the basketball.” [02:04]
- Shaquille O’Neal (on pressure):
“Pressure is when you don’t know where your next meal is coming from … I don’t really believe in the word pressure.” [04:24, 04:46]
- Armstrong (on Shaq’s mindset):
“He no longer felt pressure. It was just like, it's just a game. I'm going to try my hardest … but it's not life or death. I'm rich, I'm healthy, I got a great family. What am I worried about here?” [04:52]
- Armstrong (favorite Shaq line):
“Hey Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes. That’s right, Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes.” [06:02]
Timestamps of Key Segments
- NBA Scandal Introduction & Jordan Teaser: [00:00–00:55]
- Michael Jordan’s story (original recording): [01:13–02:35]
- Discussion of Jordan/Legacy: [02:36–03:27]
- Shaq’s Pressure Story (original recording): [03:29–04:49]
- Armstrong & Crew React to Shaq: [04:52–05:57]
- Shaq’s Rap Story / Personality: [06:02–06:54]
- Personal Stories & NBA Encounters: [07:21–09:57]
- Final NBA Reminiscence & Wrap: [10:02–10:20]
Tone & Style
The episode is loose, lighthearted, and full of playful banter, mixing admiration for NBA heroes with self-deprecating humor and genuine nostalgia.
For Listeners Who Missed It
This episode stands out as a rare, endearing look at the humility and humanity of all-time-great athletes. Through both reflection and laughter, Armstrong & Getty—and guest Katie—spotlight what makes NBA legends relatable and inspiring, while side-stepping the headlines in favor of stories you’ll want to share.