Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: Another Boatload Of "Meh."
Date: October 20, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This episode opens the week with Armstrong & Getty’s characteristic blend of cultural commentary, news analysis, and sardonic humor. The hosts reflect on political demonstrations—especially the "no Kings" protests—polarization in America, performative activism, and wider current events. Sports, international conflicts, and shifts in American culture are flavored with memorable banter and irreverent asides.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. “No Kings” Protest & Modern Political Demonstrations (00:34–07:23)

• Confusion & Symbolism:
  Jack drove his Tesla Cybertruck through a “no Kings” protest and became the target of jeers from protesters (00:27–01:54). Irony abounds: “…I’m driving an electric vehicle from the most successful electric car company in world history and getting attacked by liberals.” — Jack (01:54)
• Perceived Purpose:
  The hosts are skeptical about the protests’ aims and effectiveness, noting their scope but lack of clear message:

  "Nobody can quite tell you what it is, what it’s against, other than Kings, clearly, but it’s just kind of a generalized I don’t like Donald Trump demonstration." — Joe (04:00)

• Social & Emotional Drivers:
  They poke at the left’s tendency toward social activism, describing protests as “a giant orgy of approving of each other and saying, ‘Look, we’re all together. And doesn’t this feel good?’ …It’s political masturbation. Sorry.” — Joe (06:01)
• Efficacy of Protests:
  Protests are described as “overrated” compared to actual organizing for political change (06:15–06:47).
• Comparison with Sports Fandom:
  Armstrong likens rallying around politics or causes to rooting for sports teams—tribalism over substantive action (07:23).

2. Sports Segment – Shohei Ohtani’s Historic MLB Performance (07:41–09:16)

• Awe at Achievement:
  The hosts recount Ohtani’s unprecedented game:

  “Many people are calling [it] the greatest performance by any single player in the history of a game that has been going for 150 years.” — Jack (08:12)

• Light Banter:
  The discussion devolves into playful ribbing about Ohtani’s build and smoothness, with Michael interjecting with subtle innuendo (08:54–09:16).

3. The “No Kings” Protest Redux & Media Responses (13:17–15:28)

• Protest Analysis:
  Hosts continue dissecting the protest, noting the lack of unity and presence of Epstein-related signs:

  “On both sides…an. A high number of Epstein signs of some sort.” — Jack (02:54)

• Media Critique:
  A segment about Trump’s satirical video response (portraying himself as a fighter pilot dropping poo on protesters while wearing a crown) is described as a commentary on the state of political opposition (14:41).
• Security Concerns:
  Discussion about an FBI investigation into a hunting stand with a line of sight to Trump’s exit area at Palm Beach Airport raises worry:

  “I think we know what they were up to. That's a big deal.” — Jack (15:19)

4. Middle East: Gaza Ceasefire, U.S. Diplomacy & Media Framing (18:54–25:34)

• Ceasefire Viability:
  Trump expresses optimism:

  “Yeah, the ceasefire is going to hold. …I think people are tired of it. …It's been centuries.” — Trump (19:02)

• Nature of Conflict:
  Both hosts and a news report describe current violence between Israel and Hamas, with Armstrong contending any peace is likely transient (20:28–21:23).
• Media Narratives:
  Discussion refers to the Washington Post laying blame at Hamas’ feet, while other media are critiqued for their framing (16:12–16:48).
• Ceasefire Architects:
  The hosts praise 60 Minutes’ coverage of Jared Kushner and Witkoff, challenging typical media portrayals:

  “They were…presented…as just corrupt crazy people… They came off as really, really, very serious, very smart people who worked on this deal and were able to pull it off. Good for 60 Minutes for doing that story.” — Jack (25:10)

5. Continual Banter & American Politics (25:34–28:28)

• Sports:
  Discussion of MLB playoffs, payroll disparities, and the Dodgers’ unapologetic embrace of “buying” their success.
• Court News:
  Supreme Court to consider whether regular marijuana users can own guns—a question hosts believe should have a simple answer given the legality of alcohol and guns (27:23–28:14):

  “You can drink beer and own a gun… So how is this different?” — Jack (27:42)

6. Mailbag & Listener Thoughts (29:35–38:04)

• Freedom & Socialism:
  Powerful “freedom-loving quote of the day” is shared:

  “Do not be seduced. Socialism is the sexiest path to losing Your freedom. Guard your freedom jealously. Defend it fiercely. Because freedom is not just an American promise, it is the hope of the world.” — Maria Karina Machado (30:47)

• Transgender Issues:
  Listener Dave questions the logic behind needing surgery if identity isn’t tied to biology.
• Civic Engagement, Election Outlooks:
  Hosts discuss public disengagement, low voter turnout, and how concentrated interests can win elections (35:30).
• Norms & Political Retaliation:
  They lament the “race to the bottom” in political norm-breaking and lawfare, seeing accelerated decline in restraint on both sides (37:07–37:38).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Things are getting weird and they’re getting weird fast. Yeah, it is weird.” — Joe (02:02)
• “Nothing draws a crowd like a crowd.” — Jack (09:57)
• “Protests are so overrated. Oh, yeah, they’re just, they don’t do anything.” — Jack (06:15)
• “I’ve decided I just can’t take that anymore. That whole thing, it’s just. It’s tiring.” — Jack on the cycle of political outrage (10:49)
• “Freedom is not just an American promise, it is the hope of the world.” — Quote of the day (30:47)
• “Socialism is the sexiest path to losing Your freedom.” — Maria Karina Machado (30:47)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------- | | 00:34-07:23 | “No Kings” protest, polarization, performative activism | | 07:41-09:16 | Shohei Ohtani & sports tribalism | | 13:17-15:28 | Protest redux, media responses, security concerns | | 18:54-25:34 | Gaza ceasefire, media framing, 60 Minutes interview | | 25:34-28:28 | MLB playoffs, Supreme Court/pot & guns | | 29:35-38:04 | Mailbag, socialism, civic engagement, political norms |

Tone & Style

Consistently irreverent, skeptical, and humorous—Armstrong & Getty toggle between pointed cultural critique and self-deprecating banter. They challenge groupthink (on both left and right), call out performative displays (from protests to politics), and reinforce their value of earnest civic engagement over empty signals.

For Listeners Who Missed It

This episode is a tapestry of the absurdities and ironies of current events, with Armstrong & Getty’s trademark candor and satire. You’ll get a flavor for the state of American protest, the role of media, and how politics and culture are increasingly tribal—and sometimes just plain “meh.” The show features sharp barbs, personal anecdotes, and a dose of world-weary wisdom for a Monday morning.