Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: "Didn't We Already Eat Several Times?"
Date: September 12, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Platform: iHeartPodcasts
Overview:
This episode of Armstrong & Getty revolves around the dramatic fallout of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, its cultural and generational impact—especially among young men—and the tension between reflecting on political violence and seeking normalcy in everyday life. The hosts also touch on related current events, the value of organizations like the Boy Scouts, and broader societal issues, all laced with their trademark wit and irreverence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Breaking News: Arrest in Charlie Kirk Assassination
- [00:46, 01:37] News emerges that a suspect in Charlie Kirk's assassination has been apprehended, allegedly after confessing to his father, who convinced him to turn himself in with the help of a minister.
- Quote (Jack Armstrong, 01:17): "Wow."
- Both hosts express the widespread shock and cultural reach of the assassination, noting its penetration into mainstream consciousness—in settings ranging from social gatherings to major sports events like the Yankees’ moment of silence.
- Quote (Joe Getty, 03:18): "I don't think I fully appreciated what a big Deal. He was to young men. I mean, the fact that the New York Yankees put Charlie Kirk's face up on the screen and had a moment of silence..."
2. The Impact on Young Men and Cultural Reflection
- Discussion about Charlie Kirk's resonance among young men:
- Joe Getty (03:43): Shares that even Gavin Newsom’s son was a fan, underlining Kirk’s influence.
- Armstrong notes Kirk’s unique stance of "rejecting the notion that to be a male is somehow to be diseased," reflecting what many young men have heard from educators.
- The assassination has become a generational touchstone, compared to historical events in terms of pervasiveness.
3. Handling of Political Violence in the Media
- Hosts address discrepancies in media coverage and the preliminary nature of some details (e.g., possible suspect motives, social media rumors).
- Joe Getty (10:46): "I'm not surprised by that at all... all you have to say is preliminary law enforcement reports said. And that is disclaimer enough. People understand that."
- Discuss the possibility of “statistical distortion” regarding political violence and its attribution in media.
- Jack Armstrong (18:09): "There is some serious statistic distortion slash gaslighting going on on the question of political violence."
4. Generational Challenges & Mentorship: The Boy Scouts Anecdote
- [05:26 – 07:56] Joe recounts his experience at a Boy Scouts fundraiser and praises the organization’s role in building leadership among young men (and now women).
- Stresses the importance of environments where "toxic masculinity" isn’t a theme, and empowerment is central.
- Joe Getty (06:07): "...it's really about leadership skills. That's what it's all about."
- Both hosts reflect on societal challenges faced by boys and men today.
5. Lighter Moments: Overeating and Everyday Life
- [08:10 – 09:32] Armstrong & Getty humorously discuss recent overindulgence at social dinners, with Armstrong quipping about family-style Italian food and Getty about desserts.
- Joe Getty (09:20): "'Didn't we already eat several times?' What are we doing right?"
6. News Roundup with Katie Green
- [13:48 – 18:09] Katie Green returns as news anchor, delivering a rapid round of news:
- Suspect in custody for Kirk’s murder (NBC)
- Viral trauma of the Kirk assassination video on children (Washington Post)
- Epidemic of “swatting” threats on college campuses post-shooting (ABC)
- Gaza City destruction amid Israel’s ongoing military operations (CNN)
- Public schools’ failing grades and parental demands for change (Fox News)
- Oddities like an emotional support alligator banned from Walmart (NY Post)
- Satirical note from Babylon Bee:
- Katie Green (18:00): "Why won't conservatives give up their guns? Ask the people who continue to shoot at them."
7. Media Criticism & Political Violence Statistics
- Detailed discussion on partisan bias in media coverage of violence and the manipulative use of statistics to frame “right wing” versus “left wing” violence.
- Jack Armstrong (26:18): "It is one of the... most almost hilariously dishonest expressions of statistics I've ever heard in my life."
8. The Psychology Behind the Suspect
- Examination of the personal dimensions: The suspect is only 22, with a possibly still-forming personality and ideological motivation.
- Jack Armstrong (28:31): "...a 22 year old personality still forming, brain still forming... entirely possible we have an impressionable young man swept up by the ideology..."
- Both express sadness at the tragic outcome and the frequency with which ordinary people make terrible decisions.
9. Legacy and Next Steps for Young People
- Listener emails prompt reflection on how those inspired by Kirk should move forward. Advice includes amplifying his civil approach, avoiding the “assassin’s veto” (being silenced by violence), and drawing on historical examples of resilience after assassination (e.g., post-MLK, post-crucifixion of Jesus).
- Joe Getty reads listener Star’s email (37:03):
- "Let's focus on the fear for our democracy and hammer more on the value of his methods... if followers... let us become disciples of Charlie's method. Civil dialogue over political issues."
- Joe Getty reads listener Star’s email (37:03):
- Debate around whether Kirk’s absence will galvanize other influencers towards healthier or more antagonistic rhetoric.
- Joe Getty (38:28): "Are those young men going to... gravitate towards somebody else who wants to have reasonable debate, or are they gonna... be pushed into the more flamethrower type young man podcasters, influencers out there, say, see, they want you dead..."
10. International & Other Major News Briefs
News is put in perspective with other global and national crises (e.g., Russia-Poland drone strikes, Gaza, economics/inflation).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On the Weight of Charlie Kirk’s Assassination
- Joe Getty (02:30): "I continue to be mostly impressed by the way it's being handled in the main, better than anything I can remember."
- Jack Armstrong (03:18): "The penetration in the American consciousness is practically unprecedented."
- Jack Armstrong (03:56): "He rejected the notion that to be a male is somehow to be diseased..."
Media Critique
- Joe Getty (11:00): "You have to believe that if it said... MAGA on the bullets, they would have gone ahead and run with that story."
- Jack Armstrong (11:09): "...if some young lefty influencer was slaughtered... they would report that immediately, of course."
Civil Discourse & Legacy
- Reader Star’s email (37:03): "Let's focus on the fear for our democracy and hammer more on the value of his methods... let us become disciples of Charlie's method. Civil dialogue over political issues."
Lighter Banter
- Joe Getty (09:20): "I've been to meals before... didn't we already eat several times? What are we doing right?"
- On the alligator story (17:10):
- Jack Armstrong: "Well, that's just racism, man."
- Joe Getty: "Walmart was a bridge too far."
Timestamps for Key Segments
| Time | Segment/Topic | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:46 | Breaking news: Kirk suspect in custody | | 01:37 | Details on turning in of suspect | | 03:18 | National reaction, Yankees tribute | | 05:26 | Boy Scouts fundraiser, generational mentorship | | 07:56 | Girl Scouts, overindulgence at dinners | | 08:54 | Italian food, “Didn’t we already eat?” anecdote | | 13:48 | Katie Green’s news segment begins | | 17:10 | Emotional support alligator, other quirky news | | 18:00 | Babylon Bee satirical segment on gun rights | | 26:18 | Discussion: political violence statistics in media | | 28:31 | Psychological profile of suspect, role of youth | | 37:03 | Listener emails on Kirk’s legacy and next steps | | 38:28 | Will future influencers escalate or de-escalate rhetoric? |
Tone & Language
- Conversational, irreverent, but deeply reflective in the wake of tragedy.
- Witty banter and dry humor continue even amidst somber topics, providing moments of levity ("Didn’t we already eat several times?").
- Hosts strive for honest, sometimes blunt discussions of media bias, societal challenges, and generational divides.
Conclusion
This episode interweaves national trauma, generational introspection, and the everyday absurdities of life. Armstrong & Getty dig into the meaning and aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s assassination—especially for young men—and the dangers of letting political violence dictate civic discourse. Through it all, their signature wit keeps the discussion grounded and accessible.
If you missed the episode, this summary captures the essential news, cultural critique, listener engagement, and trademark humor that define Armstrong & Getty’s approach to turbulent times.