Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Fecal Matter Is Out Of Fashion"
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty | iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the episode titled "Fecal Matter Is Out Of Fashion," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a myriad of topics ranging from the inefficiencies of government services to cultural and political commentaries. Interspersed with their trademark humor and sharp insights, the duo navigates through current events, societal frustrations, and thought-provoking discussions.

DMV Frustrations and System Inefficiency

One of the primary discussions centers around the perennial frustrations associated with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Both hosts express exasperation over the lengthy wait times and perceived inefficiencies within the system.

• Joe Getty laments, "Why are all life's losers hanging out at the DMV?" [02:55], highlighting a common sentiment of frustration among patrons.

• They critique the outdated processes, with Joe Getty suggesting the integration of modern technology: "I wonder if AI can get a wrap on this someday where there's a DMV AI thing that can tell you, no, you need this form."* [06:03]

The conversation extends to the emotional toll on DMV employees, questioning how one could maintain a positive demeanor in such a demanding environment.

Privatizing the Postal Service

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the financial woes of the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the potential benefits of privatization.

• The announcer provides compelling statistics: "The per employee cost at the Postal Service averaged almost $86,000, compared to $76,000 at UPS and $54,000 at FedEx." [15:26]

• Joe Getty reinforces this point, stating, "It's 86 grand per employee for the post office and almost half that for FedEx." [15:37]

The hosts discuss the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) assessment of USPS's unsustainable business model and ponder whether privatization could inject the necessary efficiency and innovation to revitalize mail services.

Recent News: Incident Involving Weezer's Bassist's Wife

In a lighter yet intriguing segment, the hosts recount a bizarre incident involving the wife of Weezer's bassist.

• Joe Getty narrates the event: "She's the bass player from Weezer. They are a very popular band from back in the day. She's standing in the driveway with a gun... She points the gun at the cops." [44:24]

The discussion explores the ramifications of such incidents on personal lives intertwined with fame and the unpredictability of human behavior under stress.

Inflation and Economic Indicators

Shifting focus to economic topics, Armstrong and Getty touch upon recent inflation data and its implications.

• Joe Getty remarks on rising prices: "Eggs hit an all-time high... up 5.6% from last month." [37:02]

While inflation numbers are slightly lower than expected, the increasing costs of everyday items like eggs remain a point of concern, reflecting broader economic challenges.

Cultural and Political Commentary: The American Idea

A substantial segment is dedicated to reflecting on the foundational American principles and the challenges they face in contemporary society.

• Drawing from Dan McLaughlin's work, the hosts discuss whether Americans still believe in the "American idea," encompassing democracy, free markets, civil liberties, and pluralism.

• Unnamed Announcer emphasizes, "The largest single crisis we have today is whether or not the American people will remain committed to the American idea." [28:24]

• Joe Getty shares his perspective: "I'm beyond cynical about the idea that there's not a privileged class that gets treated differently and everything like that." [30:07]

The conversation critiques progressivism's influence on institutions, arguing that excessive red tape hampers the nation's resilience and ability to adapt swiftly in times of need.

Current Events: Israel Under Attack

Addressing international concerns, the hosts briefly mention the ongoing missile attacks against Israel, urging listeners to support humanitarian efforts.

• Unnamed News Anchor states, "Missile fire has resumed from the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas enemies seeking Israel's destruction." [48:35]

This segment underscores the gravity of geopolitical tensions and the human suffering resulting from prolonged conflicts.

Conclusion

Throughout "Fecal Matter Is Out Of Fashion," Armstrong and Getty provide a blend of humor, critical analysis, and heartfelt commentary. From the nitty-gritty frustrations of everyday government services to deep dives into national identity and international crises, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the multifaceted issues shaping contemporary society.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty [02:55]: "Why are all life's losers hanging out at the DMV?"

• Joe Getty [06:03]: "I wonder if AI can get a wr*ap on this someday where there's a DMV AI thing that can tell you, no, you need this form."

• Unnamed Announcer [15:26]: "The per employee cost at the Postal Service averaged almost $86,000, compared to $76,000 at UPS and $54,000 at FedEx."

• Joe Getty [15:37]: "It's 86 grand per employee for the post office and almost half that for FedEx."

• Joe Getty [44:24]: "She's the bass player from Weezer. They are a very popular band from back in the day. She's standing in the driveway with a gun... She points the gun at the cops."

• Joe Getty [37:02]: "Eggs hit an all-time high... up 5.6% from last month."

• Unnamed Announcer [28:24]: "The largest single crisis we have today is whether or not the American people will remain committed to the American idea."

• Joe Getty [30:07]: "I'm beyond cynical about the idea that there's not a privileged class that gets treated differently and everything like that."

This episode effectively captures the essence of societal challenges, the intersection of personal frustrations with broader systemic issues, and the ongoing discourse on American values and international relations.