Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "All I Want To Do Is Be Angry & Self Righteous" Release Date: May 12, 2025 | Host: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the May 12th episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a spectrum of pressing topics, blending international politics, media analysis, social issues, and cultural shifts. This detailed summary encapsulates their discussions, notable quotes, and the insights shared, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.
Mother's Day Reflections
[00:58] Jack Armstrong opens the episode by reflecting on Mother's Day, highlighting divergent views on its celebration. He remarks:
"Maybe I'm off base and we'll throw that out to you, the listener, later. Did you want a break from your kids on Mother's Day or did you want to spend time with your kids on Mother's Day?"
This introspection sets the tone for exploring varying societal perspectives.
International Politics: Xi, Putin, and Military Parades
The hosts transition to global affairs, focusing on the significant military parade in Moscow where President Xi Jinping stood alongside Vladimir Putin. They express concern over the display of solidarity among authoritarian leaders and the reimagining of historical narratives.
[02:26] Martha Raddatz, reporting for ABC, describes the event:
"This Week it was a massive display of military muscle... more than 11,000 Russian and foreign troops marching across Moscow's Red Square..."
[03:00] Jack Armstrong critiques Putin's portrayal of World War II history:
"Putin... rewrote history to credit the Chinese for taking the lead in turning back Japan in World War II... Completely made up."
[04:01] Joe Getty emphasizes the dangers of historical manipulation:
"Orwell tried to teach us just being played out... He who owns history owns the present. He who owns the present owns the future."
The discussion underscores the alarming trends of authoritarian regimes reshaping history to legitimize current agendas.
Ukraine Conflict and Peace Negotiations
The conversation shifts to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, focusing on the failed attempts at ceasefire talks. President Putin's refusal to agree to a ceasefire without preliminary discussions is met with skepticism.
[04:26] Joe Getty describes the geopolitical tension:
"A totalitarian pole, if you will, in a bipolar world."
[06:03] Jack Armstrong speculates on the potential failure of peace talks:
"I feel like he could easily and understandably provoke Zelinsky into an emotional outburst... he hates me too much... He's too much of a Nazi."
The hosts express doubt about the sincerity of Putin's intentions, highlighting the complexities of achieving peace amidst entrenched positions.
AI and Misinformation: The Macron-Cocaine Video
A segment on artificial intelligence and misinformation examines a viral video purportedly showing Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders involved in illicit activities. Armstrong and Getty dissect the authenticity and implications of such deepfake content.
[10:12] Jack Armstrong shares skepticism:
"It had that AI look to it... I'm sure soon that will be gone and you won't be able to see that."
[12:01] Joe Getty discusses the impact of propaganda:
"Russian propaganda... how to design it, how to seduce people."
The hosts caution listeners about the escalating sophistication of AI-generated misinformation and its potential to sway public opinion.
Gun Owner Insurance: Benefits and Pitfalls
The discussion moves to the burgeoning market of insurance tailored for gun owners, illustrated by a case from the US Concealed Carry Association (USCCA).
[15:35] Joe Getty narrates a Wall Street Journal article:
"...the number of Americans buying self-defense insurance has surged, with around 2 million people signed up."
[16:36] Jack Armstrong critiques the concept:
"That's why all the European leaders got together there in Kiev... there are going to be some hardcore sanctions coming toward Russia."
The hosts debate the practicality and ethical implications of insuring individuals against self-defense incidents, questioning whether it contributes to a more securitized society.
60 Minutes Exposé: Government Fraud and Cybersecurity Threats
A significant portion of the episode focuses on a revealing report from 60 Minutes, where Martha Raddatz discusses rampant government fraud exacerbated by cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
[21:24] Martha Raddatz states:
"We're approaching three quarters of a trillion per year that gets stolen mostly by foreign countries."
[27:09] Jack Armstrong reacts with disbelief:
"All of our personally identifiable information... is available on the darknet and can likely be purchased."
[29:02] Joe Getty highlights systemic issues:
"They don't safeguard it at all. Not really."
The hosts express frustration over the sheer scale of financial fraud and the apparent ineffectiveness of governmental safeguards, emphasizing the role of foreign adversaries in exploiting these weaknesses.
Shift in Work Culture: From Employee-Centric to Demanding
Armstrong and Getty explore the evolving dynamics of workplace culture, noting a stark shift from valuing employees to demanding greater productivity amidst economic uncertainties.
[35:00] Joe Getty reflects on recruitment strategies:
"...kids being recruited straight out of high school for $75,000 a year jobs in welding..."
[36:30] Jack Armstrong criticizes the disregard for work-life balance:
"If you can concern yourself with work life balance, you should consider yourself among the more privileged workers..."
[37:07] Jack Armstrong comments on corporate attitudes:
"We always talk about the spending is the point... I'm surprised those people don't out the, the fraud."
The hosts lament the decline in employee-centric policies, attributing it to economic pressures and a lack of legislative reform on labor issues.
Concluding Thoughts: Anger and Self-Righteousness in Modern Society
As the episode winds down, Armstrong and Getty contemplate the pervasive feelings of anger and self-righteousness in contemporary discourse.
[32:13] Joe Getty muses:
"We're gonna fight the power... all I want to do is be angry and self righteous."
[37:27] Joe Getty adds a personal touch:
"And that's not to say it's a bad idea or you shouldn't. You just have to keep it in perspective."
The duo underscores the importance of maintaining perspective amidst societal frustrations, advocating for balanced responses to the challenges discussed.
Conclusion
"All I Want To Do Is Be Angry & Self Righteous" presents a multifaceted exploration of global politics, media integrity, social insurance trends, cybersecurity threats, and shifting workplace cultures. Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty offer critical insights, peppered with relatable anecdotes and sharp commentary, making it a compelling listen for those seeking to understand the undercurrents shaping today's world.
Notable Quotes:
- Jack Armstrong [00:58]: "Did you want a break from your kids on Mother's Day or did you want to spend time with your kids on Mother's Day?"
- Martha Raddatz [21:24]: "We're approaching three quarters of a trillion per year that gets stolen mostly by foreign countries."
- Joe Getty [37:07]: "We always talk about the spending is the point... I'm surprised those people don't out the, the, the fraud."
For the full experience, listen to the episode on iHeartPodcasts.