Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: Generating Lots of Leftovers Release Date: November 20, 2024

In the "Generating Lots of Leftovers" episode of the Armstrong & Getty On Demand podcast, hosts Joe Armstrong and Michael Getty engage in a lively and humorous discussion centered around Thanksgiving preparations, meal planning, and the perennial topic of leftovers. The episode seamlessly blends personal anecdotes, playful banter, and relatable holiday experiences, making it an engaging listen for audiences gearing up for the festive season.

Thanksgiving Hosting and Leftovers

The episode kicks off with Joe and Michael delving into their Thanksgiving hosting plans. Joe shares his excitement about anticipating leftovers, quipping, "Live for turkey sandwiches" (02:17), highlighting his enthusiasm for post-Thanksgiving meals. In contrast, Michael expresses a more sentimental view, lamenting the absence of leftovers at home: "I got nothing. I got no leftover turkey, I got no leftover pie" (01:54). This contrast sets the stage for a broader conversation about the role of leftovers in holiday traditions.

Turkey Sandwiches: An Art Form

The hosts explore the nuances of crafting the perfect turkey sandwich. Joe describes his ideal sandwich with a blend of ingredients: "Some stuffings, a little mayonnaise, and then just a little cranberry sauce on there. Sweeten it up. Maybe a tiny bit of mustard" (02:36). Michael echoes this sentiment, humorously stating, "Yeah, you gotta live for something. Might as well be turkey sandwiches. Yes" (02:21). This segment underscores the simple pleasures that come from holiday leftovers, turning them into culinary creations.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Feasts

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the merits of homemade versus restaurant-ordered Thanksgiving meals. Joe recounts a past experience where he invested considerable effort into cooking an elaborate meal: "I commenced to cooking some fancy meals, including a smoked salmon dish with some fancy pants sauce" (07:22). He reflects on the balance between effort and outcome, realizing that simpler options like ordering Chinese takeout or making hamburgers might have been more efficient, achieving "80% is good" with much less effort (07:25).

Michael shares his tradition of bringing a Thanksgiving meal from a high-end restaurant, appreciating the convenience despite missing the homemade charm: "It loses some of the charm that it's not homemade, but it was" (06:49). This exchange highlights the diverse approaches to holiday meal planning and the trade-offs between tradition and practicality.

Cooking as a Personal Enjoyment

The conversation takes a reflective turn as Michael discusses his relationship with cooking: "I hate anything to do with cooking, so it's only the result. And, you know, the result is often not worth the amount of effort as you're implying" (08:13). In contrast, Joe finds joy in the cooking process, particularly when preparing his favorite dishes like pork shoulder: "I do a pork shoulder thing that's just mind bendingly good. That's worth the time and trouble" (08:12). This dialogue emphasizes how personal attitudes towards cooking can influence holiday experiences and meal outcomes.

Humorous Banter and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, Joe and Michael engage in playful teasing and humorous exchanges. A notable moment occurs when Joe mistakenly makes an offhand comment about Michael's past, leading to a quick apology:

• Joe: "Once again. You know what? I apologize again, man to man, Michael." (10:01)
• Michael: "Okay?" (10:07)

Additionally, the hosts reminisce about childhood activities and old-school games, such as bottle flipping and beanbag tossing, adding a layer of nostalgia to the conversation. Joe shares a fond memory of practicing baseball skills by tossing a tennis ball: "I had to entertain myself by laying on my back and throwing a tennis ball up in the air" (14:34), while Michael contrasts this with today's digital distractions: "You'd be watching a video game" (15:10).

Listener Clips and Viral Content

The episode incorporates listener-submitted clips, which Joe and Michael dissect with their characteristic humor. One such clip involves a woman attempting to make pizza healthier by removing grease, prompting the hosts to critique the impracticality of the method:

• Katie: "I learned this in college. Okay, so you take the pizza, flip it, and you drop it..." (09:09)
• Michael: "That's the worst life hack I've ever heard." (09:30)

Another listener clip features passengers reacting to a ship tilting during a Celine Dion song on a cruise, which Joe mocks: "Now hang with my idea. We play the Titanic song, right? And then I like veer so sharply, the ship starts to tip" (10:01).

These segments showcase the hosts' ability to blend humor with social commentary, making light of everyday situations and viral trends.

Nostalgia and Personal Stories

Joe shares anecdotes from his professional life, reminiscing about a colleague in San Diego and the playful office games they used to engage in: "We would sit there, toss bean bags to try to get him to perch on top of the pipe" (13:07). These stories not only provide insight into Joe's personality but also resonate with listeners who appreciate behind-the-scenes glimpses into the hosts' lives.

Conclusion: Balancing Tradition and Convenience

As the episode draws to a close, Joe and Michael reflect on the balance between maintaining Thanksgiving traditions and adapting to modern conveniences. They acknowledge the varying approaches to holiday preparations, whether through elaborate home-cooked meals or convenient restaurant takeaways, ultimately celebrating the diverse ways families create and enjoy their Thanksgiving experiences.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Armstrong: "Live for turkey sandwiches." (02:17)
• Michael Getty: "I got no leftover turkey, I got no leftover pie." (01:54)
• Katie: "Katie, just give the puppy dog guys and get some to go." (02:21)
• Joe Armstrong: "I'm convinced that one of the reasons I was a pretty decent baseball player back in the day is I had to entertain myself by laying on my back and throwing a tennis ball up in the air." (14:34)
• Michael Getty: "Plus, you just spent a lot of time staring at your phone, so you wouldn't have had time to lay on your back and throw a ball in the air." (15:10)

Final Thoughts

In "Generating Lots of Leftovers," Armstrong & Getty successfully blend humor, personal stories, and relatable holiday themes to create an engaging and entertaining episode. Whether discussing the merits of homemade versus restaurant meals or reminiscing about childhood games, the hosts offer listeners a heartfelt and amusing take on Thanksgiving preparations and the joys of leftovers. This episode stands out as a delightful listen for anyone looking to add a dose of laughter and camaraderie to their holiday season.