Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: “Chocolate Cake Is The Cherry On Top Of Life”
Date: September 12, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong, Joe Getty
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode, Armstrong and Getty dive deep into current events swirling around the shocking political assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. They discuss the fallout, the suspect’s background, and use the moment to launch into a spirited critique of the politicization of daily life, especially among youth and in education. Alongside these heavy topics, the show provides lighter moments, including a humorous rundown of recent “cancel culture” targets, banter on face expressions during Zoom meetings, critiques of Starbucks bathroom policies, and a candid take on protein bars and diet culture. The conversation is lively, opinionated, and peppered with signature A&G humor.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. The Political Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Timestamps: 00:57 – 08:58

• Governor Spencer Cox’s Statement: The episode opens with Utah Governor Spencer Cox announcing the suspect in Kirk’s assassination, Tyler Robinson, has been apprehended. The Governor frames the event as an attack not only on an individual, but on the “American experiment” itself.
  • Quote [00:57, Gov. Cox]: “This is certainly about the tragic death, assassination… but it is also much bigger… It is an attack on our ideals.”
• Discussion: Jack and Joe express their moral abhorrence toward political violence of any kind.
  • Quote [01:45, Joe]: “If you’re okay with the other side getting beaten down or killed, you have not thought this through.”
• Details on the Suspect:
  • Investigation revealed Robinson had become radicalized through political discussions, online messages, and had even engraved political slogans on rifle casings.
  • Quote [05:24, Gov. Cox]: “Investigators noted inscriptions... On a fired casing read ‘notices bulges OWO what’s this?’ ...Others read ‘hey, fascist! Catch!’ ...‘If you read this, you are gay. LMAO.’”
• Analysis: Hosts dissect the significance of these details and reflect on the dangers of politicizing and radicalizing youth.

2. The Dangers of Politicizing Everything

Timestamps: 08:58 – 13:20

• Cultural Critique: Jack argues that the real tragedy is the way educational institutions increasingly make all aspects of life political, thereby stoking division and rage among young people.
  • Quote [09:59, Jack]: “Looking to government to solve every single issue and problem we have as people is insane.”
• Joe references Nick Gillespie’s commentary (Reason magazine) that the genius of America is that politics doesn’t have to dominate our lives.
  • Quote [08:58, Joe]: “Politics should be the least important part of our lives. Imagine saying that to a room full of college kids.”
• They joke about the idea of decolonizing subjects like math and relive a British sentiment:
  • Quote [11:13, Jack]: “It used to be that an Englishman could go two weeks without being reminded of or bumping up against his government. And now you can’t get through an afternoon.”

3. Cancel Culture & Cultural Satire

Timestamps: 13:35 – 15:44

• Chocolate Cake as Life’s Joy: In a comic interlude, the show veers into chocolate cake metaphors and “treat yourself” culture.
  • Quote [13:42, Jack]: “To me, chocolate cake is the cherry on the sundae of life.”
• Comedy Bit – The List of Cancellations: A comedic monologue lampoons recent efforts to “cancel” brands and icons, from Aunt Jemima to Mr. Potato Head.
  • Quote [14:43, Comedian]: “You got Mr. Potato Head changed to just Potato Head to be more gender inclusive.”

4. How to Respond to Political Hysteria

Timestamps: 15:44 – 17:56

• The Power of Mockery: The hosts suggest ridicule as a tool against “dictatorial” zealotry.
  • Quote [15:48, Jack]: “If you successfully mock the rigid dictators of leftist America, that’s when you get them.”

5. Lighthearted Workplace Tangent: Resting Murdery Face

Timestamps: 16:15 – 18:08

• Banter about Zoom Meetings: Joe describes practicing facial expressions to avoid appearing menacing (having a “resting murdery face”).
  • Quote [16:44, Joe]: “Just sitting, walking down the street... I might be like nearly ecstatic, but that’s just what my face looks like.”

6. Starbucks Renovations & Public Bathrooms

Timestamps: 18:49 – 20:29

• Jokes on Starbucks’ Planned Renovations: Speculation about bathroom design as a response to homeless patrons.
  • Quote [19:35, Jack]: “Yeah, just woke. Doesn’t work. It doesn’t work in the real world.”
• Shared Experiences: Discussion about communal bathroom sinks causing discomfort.

7. Israel-Palestine Update & UN Vote

Timestamps: 20:43 – 21:31

• Global Politics Update: Brief coverage of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the UN’s statehood vote.
  • Quote [21:24, Jack]: "The leadership hasn't wanted [a Palestinian state] unless it wipes out Israel for three generations."
• US Stance and Rubio's Visit: Only a handful of countries, including the US, voted against Palestinian statehood; Marco Rubio leverages this with a symbolic visit to Israel.

8. Russia, NATO, and Drone Incursions into Poland

Timestamps: 21:31 – 27:34

• Reporting on Russian Drones: Multiple Russian drones entered Polish airspace, probing NATO’s reaction.
  • Quote [23:02, Jack]: “The Russian claim was that it’s the Ukrainians’ fault... But authorities... are saying no way.”
• Trump’s Response: Played down the incident, suggesting it “could have been a mistake.”
  • Quote [23:31, Trump]: “Could have been a mistake. But regardless, I’m not happy about anything having to do with that whole situation.”
• NATO’s Dilemma: Discussion on the cost-ineffectiveness of using expensive fighter jets to counter cheap drones.
  • Quote [25:55, CNN Reporter]: “This is totally unprecedented... Not the most cost-effective way to do that.”

9. Ukraine War - European Dependency on Russian Energy

Timestamps: 28:01 – 29:35

• Critique of European Policy: The hosts criticize Europe’s continued energy purchases from Russia.
  • Quote [29:30, Jack]: “Don’t watch, don’t listen to what they say. Watch what they do.”
• Civilians Targeted in Ukraine: Mention of a Russian missile strike on elderly Ukrainians.

10. Miscellaneous: Uber’s Helicopter Feature & Protein Bars

Timestamps: 30:44 – 37:01

• Uber's Next Move: Jokes about the prospect of booking helicopters via Uber.
• Are Protein Bars Just Candy? Brief discussion of nutrition myths and advice.
  • Quote [34:09, Joe]: “You’d have to search high and low to find an American who actually needs more protein than they’re getting.”
• Dieting Reality Check: Calorie deficit is still the core of weight loss, says Joe.
  • Quote [35:26, Joe]: “If you take in fewer calories than you burn every day, you lose weight. The end.”
• Snack Alternatives & Egg-Peeling Hack: Humorous suggestions for snacks and peeling hard-boiled eggs.

Notable Quotes

• Governor Spencer Cox [00:57]: “It is an attack on the American experiment. It is an attack on our ideals.”
• Joe Getty [01:45]: “If you’re okay with the other side getting beaten down or killed, you have not thought this through.”
• Nick Gillespie via Joe Getty [08:58]: “Politics should be the least important part of our lives.”
• Jack Armstrong [13:42]: “To me, chocolate cake is the cherry on the sundae of life.”
• Unknown Comedian [14:43]: “You got Mr. Potato Head changed to just Potato Head to be more gender inclusive.”
• Jack Armstrong [15:48]: “If you successfully mock the rigid dictators of leftist America, that’s when you get them.”
• Joe Getty [16:44]: “I don’t have rbf. I have rmf. Resting, Murdery face.”

Episode Tone & Takeaways

• Language/Tone: Direct, sardonic, irreverent, at times earnest.
• Major Themes:
  • The urgency and risks of letting politics seep into all aspects of American life.
  • The dangers of political radicalization.
  • Holding up satire and laughter as weapons against dogmatism.
  • The importance of skepticism, critical thinking, and not surrendering to mass hysteria.
  • Mixing weighty topics with banter and personal anecdotes for levity.

For New Listeners: Why Listen?

This episode offers a pointed, unsparing look at the consequences of hyper-politicization while maintaining Armstrong & Getty’s trademark blend of outrage, sarcasm, and humor. The hosts careen from the tragic and very real (Charlie Kirk assassination, global conflicts) to the absurd (Zoom faces, chocolate cake, egg-peeling hacks), providing a dynamic portrait of the world in 2025—never boring, often enlightening, and occasionally hilarious.

Missed an hour? Listen to the full Armstrong & Getty podcast for more insights, laughs, and the latest on America’s culture and politics.