Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Finna Get A Sandwich" | April 15, 2025

In the April 15, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into pressing societal issues, including the intersection of mental health and political violence, as well as a lighthearted yet incisive discussion on celebrity space tourism. The episode skillfully blends serious discourse with humor, providing listeners with both insightful analysis and entertaining anecdotes.

1. The Intersection of Mental Health and Political Violence

Psychologists' Political Leanings and Their Impact

The episode opens with a sobering revelation about the political inclinations within the psychology profession. Jack Armstrong highlights that "about 85 to 90% of psychologists identify as left of center" (03:10). This statistic serves as a foundation for exploring how these leanings might influence perceptions and attitudes toward political violence.

Case Study: Luigi Mangione's Assault on Governor Shapiro

Joe Getty introduces a recent incident involving Luigi Mangione, who violently attacked Governor Shapiro's mansion in Pennsylvania. Getty details Mangione's chaotic background, stating, "He had no particular ideology" and "social media suggested deep cynicism and some posts espousing a libertarian bent bordering on anarchism" (05:19). The hosts discuss Mangione's deteriorating mental state, with his mother expressing frustration over the inability to secure help despite multiple police interventions (06:45).

Challenges in Preventing Attacks

Bobby Bones (interjected as a participant in the discussion) emphasizes the systemic issues in preemptively addressing such violent tendencies: "Waiting till somebody's been killed is not a very good standard. Can we come up with a standard short of that?" (08:25). The conversation underscores the delicate balance between civil liberties and the need for proactive mental health interventions.

2. Media Portrayal and Public Perception of Violence

Media's Role in Shaping Attitudes

The hosts critique the mainstream media's handling of incidents involving political violence. Jack Armstrong references CNN's coverage of Mangione, highlighting an alarming normalization of violence by labeling Mangione as a "revolutionary" figure (14:25). This portrayal, according to the hosts, contributes to a desensitized public mindset toward extreme actions.

Public Reaction and Double Standards

Joe Getty points out the inconsistency in public and media reactions: "If somebody buddy gunned down Randy Weingarten today, I would think that was awful" versus the seemingly more accepting stance toward Mangione (13:22). The discussion reveals a troubling double standard in societal reactions based on differing political viewpoints.

Quotes Highlighting Media Influence

• Bobby Bones: "She's a despicable human... that sort of tolerance of horrifying political violence seeps into brains both sane and insane" (15:23).
• Jack Armstrong: "There's a huge disconnect between the narratives and the angles the mainstream media pushes and what the American public feels" (14:53).

3. Celebrity Space Tourism: A Modern Bachelorette Party?

Katy Perry's Blue Origin Flight

Transitioning from serious societal issues, Armstrong and Getty shift gears to a lighter topic: Katy Perry's recent space flight with Blue Origin. The hosts humorously liken the mission to an extravagant bachelorette party, critiquing the commercialization and spectacle surrounding celebrity space tourism.

Humorous Comparison to Bachelorette Parties

Joe Getty describes the scene aboard the spacecraft, noting the similar dynamics to a bachelorette party: “It was basically the same thing... 'I can't believe you're here,' 'We trained for this,'” (33:24). The discussion highlights the performative aspects of such high-profile space missions, questioning their authenticity and purpose.

Anecdotes from the Flight

The hosts recount amusing incidents from the flight, such as Katy Perry singing "What a Wonderful World" post-flight and the crew members' overly enthusiastic antics. Bobby Bones remarks on their disbelief: "You did the thing with your daughter and then publicized your tour in the same breath. Oh boy." (28:09).

Quotes Illustrating the Absurdity

• Joe Getty: "How would you describe it? It's very difficult because you're fly... but the best part was when we got back in our seats after zero GS Katie sang what a Wonderful World." (19:04)
• Bobby Bones: "Elsewhere in the pod, Lauren Sanchez held up a plushie of Flynn... like a drunk person kissed it and said, proud of you, Flynn." (28:32)

4. The Viability and Value of Space Tourism

Cost vs. Experience

The conversation naturally flows into a debate on the practicality and worth of space tourism. Joe Getty questions the hefty price tag associated with such experiences, pondering what it would take to make space travel accessible to the average person: “What does it cost currently? Do you know?... I don't think it's worth $10,000.” (34:17).

Personal Reflections on Space Experience

Bobby Bones shares his fascination with the concept of weightlessness, expressing a desire to experience floating like an astronaut: “I feel like I would enjoy the feeling of weightlessness.” (36:44). However, both hosts remain skeptical about the profound personal transformations touted by celebrities post-flight.

Quotes on Space Tourism's Impact

• Joe Getty: “I don't think it would. Like I would change my view of all humanity and what love means...” (35:17)
• Bobby Bones: “I think it would be pretty, but pretty... I already know it. I've seen the pictures.” (36:03)

5. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode draws to a close, Armstrong and Getty offer their concluding reflections, juxtaposing the gravity of political violence with the frivolity of celebrity spaceflights. Their final thoughts emphasize the importance of genuine human connection and societal responsibility over ostentatious displays of wealth and status.

Hosts' Reflections

• Bobby Bones humorously critiques the current state of government systems: “If someone proposed this system, they would probably be 5150 and held for their own safety and that of others.” (43:33)
• Joe Getty underscores the absurdity of complicated tax systems, referencing Donald Rumsfeld’s infamous IRS letter to highlight bureaucratic inefficiencies: “He says... 'I cannot and do not know whether our tax returns are accurate.'” (42:07)

Closing Statements

The hosts wrap up by encouraging listeners to engage more thoughtfully with societal issues while maintaining a sense of humor about the absurdities of modern life.

Conclusion

In "Finna Get A Sandwich," Armstrong & Getty adeptly navigate complex topics, from the interplay of mental health and political violence to the frivolous nature of celebrity-endorsed space tourism. Through insightful discussions and sharp wit, the episode invites listeners to reflect on the deeper implications of societal behaviors and media portrayals, all while keeping them entertained with relatable humor.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jack Armstrong (03:10): “About 85 to 90% of psychologists identify as left of center.”
• Joe Getty (05:19): “He social media suggested deep cynicism and some posts espousing a libertarian bent bordering on anarchism.”
• Bobby Bones (08:25): “Can we come up with a standard short of waiting till somebody's been killed?”
• Bobby Bones (14:25): “She's a despicable human... that sort of tolerance of horrifying political violence seeps into brains both sane and insane.”
• Joe Getty (19:04): “It's very difficult because you're fly... but the best part was when we got back in our seats after zero GS Katie sang what a Wonderful World.”
• Joe Getty (34:17): “What does it cost currently? Do you know?... I don't think it's worth $10,000.”
• Bobby Bones (36:44): “I think it would be pretty, but pretty... I already know it. I've seen the pictures.”

(Note: Timestamps correspond to the provided transcript sections for reference.)