Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Gonna Get the D's" – July 23, 2025

Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

1. Immigration, Redistricting, and Urban Leadership

The episode kicks off with a robust discussion on the intersection of immigration and political redistricting. Congresswoman Yvette Clark from New York is cited, emphasizing the strategic use of undocumented immigrants to influence electoral districts. Joe Getty highlights this by stating:

"When I hear colleagues talk about the doors of the inn being closed... I'm saying I need more people in my district just for redistricting purposes." (03:40)

Jack Armstrong notes the broader implications of such strategies, aligning them with the controversial "Replacement Theory" often associated with figures like Tucker Carlson:

"Replacement theory... it's, it's on the same page." (04:33)

The conversation then shifts to local governance, focusing on Mayor Daniel Lurie of San Francisco. A recent poll reveals a 73% approval rating for Lurie, a stark contrast to previous administrations plagued by overspending and homelessness. Getty commends Lurie's policies:

"One of his first acts was to declare a fentanyl state of emergency... he spearheaded a massive cut to the San Francisco budget." (05:06)

In contrast, Jack Armstrong critiques Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, portraying him as a product of left-wing activism that failed to address fundamental issues:

"He was performative... the Minnesota Democratic Farm Labor Party abandoned him." (07:09)

2. Javier Milei’s Economic Overhaul in Argentina

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the economic reforms introduced by Javier Milei, Argentina’s president. Joe Getty provides an overview of the dire economic state Milei inherited:

"In 2023, Argentina's GDP was shrinking by 1.5% or more a year... annualized inflation exceeded 200%." (08:59)

However, Milei’s "shock therapy" approach has reportedly stabilized the economy:

"He's brought monthly inflation down from 13% to 2%. The economy is not shrinking anymore. It's growing at 7% a year." (12:18)

Jack Armstrong reflects on the transformative impact of free-market policies:

"The free market works so much better... World’s better than government control." (12:18)

The hosts acknowledge the success while also recognizing the challenges ahead, emphasizing Milei’s role in reversing long-standing economic mismanagement.

3. Media Evolution and the Rise of the Free Press

The duo shifts focus to the media landscape, spotlighting Barry Weiss and her venture, the Free Press. Joe Getty praises Weiss for striving towards unbiased journalism:

"I'm a big fan... there's a hunger out there for reasonable journalism." (13:35)

Jack Armstrong appreciates the Free Press’s commitment to honesty over political alignment:

"As long as I believe what you're telling me is true, we can come to different conclusions." (14:28)

They discuss the importance of diverse media voices in fostering an informed public, highlighting the Free Press as a beacon for balanced reporting.

4. Sentencing of Brian Kohlberger: A Reflective Analysis

A poignant segment delves into the sentencing of Brian Kohlberger, a former criminology PhD student responsible for a tragic mass shooting in Idaho. The ceremony is charged with emotion as survivors' families testify. A notable moment includes a mother's stark observation:

"You got A's in college, but you're gonna get big D's in prison." (22:44)

Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty express sympathy towards the victims' families and critique the criminal justice system’s handling of such heinous crimes. They emphasize the personal anguish and societal implications of Kohlberger’s actions, underscoring the need for accountability and compassion within the legal framework.

5. Venus Williams’ Historic Tennis Victory at 45

Shifting to lighter topics, the hosts celebrate Venus Williams’ remarkable achievement of winning a WTA-sanctioned match at 45, making her the oldest player to do so. Jack Armstrong reminisces about Williams’ illustrious career:

"She won her first tournament at 16... looking at her journey from Compton to Wimbledon." (29:26)

Joe Getty admires her longevity and resilience, contrasting her disciplined training with the heavily coached young athletes he observes:

"There are some athletes that can compete against the good 21-year-olds when they're 40, but not much further than that." (30:44)

The discussion highlights Williams’ dedication and serves as an inspiration for maintaining athletic prowess beyond traditional peak years.

6. Pop Culture and Cybersecurity: North Korean Cyber Activities

In a segment blending pop culture with cybersecurity, the hosts explore North Korea’s unconventional methods of generating income. Joe Getty reveals that thousands of North Koreans have been assuming American identities to secure remote jobs, often utilizing pop culture references like Minions in their online personas:

"Allusions to Minions and other characters are so ubiquitous that investigators pursuing North Koreans view these references as a sign they might be on the right track." (46:19)

This quirky tactic not only underscores North Korea’s resourcefulness but also poses unique challenges for cybersecurity efforts. Jack Armstrong comments on the cultural assimilation evident in these cyber behaviors.

7. Final Thoughts: Upholding Tolerance and Confronting Intolerance

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the overarching theme of tolerance in society. Joe Getty articulates a fundamental principle:

"A tolerant society must be intolerant of intolerance or it will cease to be tolerant at all." (50:19)

Jack Armstrong echoes this sentiment, urging listeners to stand against bullying and intolerance, emphasizing the importance of courage in upholding societal values.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty (03:40): "When I hear colleagues talk about the doors of the inn being closed... I'm saying I need more people in my district just for redistricting purposes."

• Joe Getty (08:59): "In 2023, Argentina's GDP was shrinking by 1.5% or more a year... annualized inflation exceeded 200%."

• Jack Armstrong (12:18): "The free market works so much better... World’s better than government control."

• Joe Getty (22:44): "You got A's in college, but you're gonna get big D's in prison."

• Joe Getty (50:19): "A tolerant society must be intolerant of intolerance or it will cease to be tolerant at all."

Conclusion

In "Gonna Get the D's," Armstrong & Getty deliver a compelling mix of political analysis, economic insights, and cultural commentary. From evaluating urban leadership and international economic reforms to celebrating athletic excellence and scrutinizing cyber threats, the episode encapsulates a broad spectrum of contemporary issues. The hosts' balanced perspectives and inclusion of poignant quotes offer listeners a nuanced understanding of complex topics, making the episode both informative and engaging for those seeking comprehensive podcast content.