Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: Got Any Thicc Trees Around Here?
Date: December 15, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty

Episode Overview

This episode of Armstrong & Getty weaves together commentary on recent international terrorism stories, a bizarre domestic terrorism plot, reflections on pop culture tragedies, military affairs, technological advances in warfare, and a passionate fundraising campaign for Scouting America. As usual, Armstrong & Getty mix serious news breakdowns with wry humor and slice-of-life anecdotes, making for a brisk, varied show that moves from terrorism and geopolitics to Christmas trees and scouting in rapid succession.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Australian Islamist Attack

Discussion on a Father-Son Terrorist Shooting & Heroism

[03:03] The hosts recount a shooting in Australia carried out by a father and son motivated by radical Islam, emphasizing the bravery of a Syrian migrant who intervened heroically:

“It was the heroic actions of a 43-year-old Syrian migrant who actually managed to wrestle that weapon away from the father. The brave Syrian... was shot himself by the son. And eventually the father died at the scene...” (Host B, 03:03)
[03:38] Armstrong reflects on the immense savings in lives thanks to the intervention, noting:

“Who knows how many lives he saved. Could be dozens. Because that shooting went on for ten freaking minutes.” (Host C, 03:38)
Discussion follows about public perceptions of terrorism compared to individualized tragedies (such as the Rob Reiner story).

2. Rob Reiner Tragedy & Its Coverage

Contrast Between Global and Personal Tragedies

[04:16] The conversation pivots to the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly by their son, noting the media saturation and comparing its broader significance to global terrorism:

“It has no bigger significance than that... This whole Islamists going around shooting people, causing mayhem around the world, is a giant global story.” (Host C, 04:32)
Update later in the show confirms charges:

“The son of Rob Reiner, Nick Reiner, has been officially charged with murder in the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner...” (Host C, 22:49)

3. Domestic Terror Plot Foiled in Los Angeles

Details on the "Turtle Island Liberation Front"

[05:37] The hosts unpack the recent arrest of four people plotting New Year's Eve bombings in LA, linked to intersectional far-left groups:

“[The plot] was supposed to begin on New Year's Eve in Los Angeles... initiated in part due to the September 2025 executive order signed by President Trump to root out left wing domestic terror organizations in our country such as antifa and other radical groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front.” (Host B, 05:37)
They discuss the complexity and mixed motives of these groups:

“They're kind of the whole intersectional omnicause, militantly angry about capitalism and the Jews in Palestine.” (Host B, 06:22)
[07:33] Details about the accused and their charges, emphasizing the anti-capitalist and anti-government ideology.
The hosts note the similarity to 1970s radical groups, remarking on the resurgence of "omnicause" violence.

4. Scouting America Fundraiser

Personal Reflections on Scouting, Christmas Tree Sales, and Donations

[08:32] Armstrong shares his experience with his son joining Boy Scouts, deeply praising its effect:

“Just stunning what it does for leadership and confidence and, you know, life skills. Being able to go out in the world and survive, which for whatever reason doesn’t get taught anymore. I’m highly impressed with the Scouts.” (Host C, 08:32)
[09:49] They share funny donor names and encourage participation, giving running donation totals:

"Our initial goal was $50,000. I think we're going to hit that easy as we're at 19,357 and we just started a couple of hours ago." (Host C, 09:49)
[10:35] Emphasis on inclusivity and scholarships for disadvantaged youth, positioning scouting as a counterweight to the “war against boys” and the loss of traditional values in schools.

5. Christmas Tree Anecdotes & "Thicc Tree" Humor

The Lighter Side: Observations from the Scouts' Tree Lot

[10:44] Armstrong describes the mix of customers at the Scouts’ Christmas tree lot, including a quirky deep-dive into the types of people—especially two particular "rugged" guys overly picky about tree selection.
[12:32] Getty works in his unique “tree selection wisdom”:

“I picked my tree the same way I picked my wife. A good straight spine, that’s what you’re looking for.” (Host B, 12:32)
Both hosts riff on preferences for “thicc” Christmas trees:

C: “But you got any thick trees around here? T H, I, C, C. That’s what I’m looking for.” (13:45)

6. Dick Van Dyke Turns 100 – Age Gaps & Cultural Commentary

[17:31] They celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday, discussing his marriage to a woman 46 years his junior, reflecting on societal attitudes toward large age differences:

“We give a pass, don’t we? ... Of course, in his case, I'd only be 57. How old’s his wife?” (Host C, 18:26)

7. January 6 Pipe Bomb Case Solved by Tech

FBI Example of Mass Data Analysis and AI in Solving Crime

[20:15] The hosts examine the recent break in the January 6 pipe bomb investigation, primarily through computational advances:

“This was cracked when a tech-savvy law enforcement officer wrote a new computer program that could deal with and decipher that mountain of information. And that’s how they broke the case.” (Host B, 21:31)
Discussion evolves into how AI and big data will increasingly solve complex crimes that stump human investigators.

8. Global Affairs: U.S. Action in Venezuela & Germany’s Military

[26:49] The hosts touch on U.S. pressure on Venezuela, including seizing oil tankers and imposing sanctions.
[27:55] Armstrong & Getty debate the rationale and press narratives around Germany’s large-scale military re-armament:

“Let Germany defend itself and become an ally worth having. I don't think Hitler's going to rise from the grave and start World War II again...” (Host B, 28:03)
[29:15] Germany’s role as the world’s third largest economy and its current defense investments.

9. Future Tech in Warfare: Remote-Control Cockroaches

[31:56] Fascination with Germany’s DARPA-equivalent program to develop remote-controlled cockroaches for surveillance:

“They had the, uh, correspondent on there steering cockroaches around. ...it’s probably a precursor to...completely mechanical little bugs...that’ll infiltrate anywhere you need to.” (Host C/B, 32:19)
[34:15] Dread and humor over future “exploding lung” microdrones:

C: “Oh, my God. Exploding lungs.”
B: “Yep. Yep. My new heavy metal band.”
[35:35] Continued jokes about “gun wielding rats” and potential future absurdities of animal-warfare hybrids.

10. National Guard in Syria & Online Scam Enslavement

[41:59] The hosts are surprised by how many Iowa National Guardsmen are deployed in Syria, questioning the necessity and history of such deployments.
[44:45] Reporting on border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, with the shocking twist that casinos were actually “scammer camps” with trafficked people forced to conduct online fraud.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On the Australian shooting (03:38–03:53):

"If you're in a big crowd and somebody starts shooting, I would have in my mind, you know, get to cover, run, whatever...in fairly soon this will be over—couple minutes max...Ten minutes." (C, 03:53)
On the media's wall-to-wall coverage of murder stories (04:32):

“This whole Islamists going around shooting people, causing mayhem around the world, is a giant global story. Now is that what was going on with this terror plot in LA...?" (C, 04:32)
On the “Turtle Island Liberation Front” (06:14):

“We intend to file additional charges...The defendants are all radical anti-government members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which...is an anti-capitalist, anti-government movement that calls for their associates to rise up and fight back against capitalism.” (B, 06:14)
On the value of scouting (08:32):

“Just stunning what it does for leadership and confidence and, you know, life skills. Being able to go out in the world and survive which for whatever reason doesn’t get taught anymore. I’m highly impressed with the Scouts.” (C, 08:32)
Christmas Tree Selection Wisdom (12:32, 13:33, 13:45):

B: “I picked my tree the same way I picked my wife. A good straight spine, that’s what you’re looking for.”
C: “Yeah, I too like my women like I like my Christmas tree. Good wide trunk, solid.”
C: "But you got any thick trees around here? T H, I, C, C. That’s what I’m looking for."

Timestamps for Key Segments

Australian Terror Attack: 03:03–04:16
Rob Reiner Tragedy: 04:16 & 22:49
LA Domestic Terror Plot: 05:37–08:22
Scouting Fundraiser / Tree Lot Stories: 08:32–13:52; 35:30–38:23
Dick Van Dyke Turns 100: 17:31–19:48
Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Solved by Tech: 20:10–22:49
German Military & Remote Control Cockroaches: 27:55–35:01
National Guard in Syria: 41:59–43:53
Thai-Cambodia Scammer Slavery: 44:45–46:38
Final Thoughts and Wrap: 46:40–48:37

Tone and Style

The episode is fast-paced, candid, and darkly witty throughout, with Armstrong and Getty moving seamlessly between news satire, earnest commentary, pop culture observations, and friendly banter. They commonly trade in deadpan wordplay, nostalgic reflection, and sharp skepticism toward media narratives.

Takeaways

Terrorism, both international and homegrown, remains a focus—and the hosts are skeptical about media priorities.
Scouting is held up as an antidote to societal malaise—fundraising is highlighted with both sincerity and humor.
The future of warfare—from drone cockroaches to AI crime solving—is both fascinating and a little terrifying.
Humor and personal anecdotes leaven even the darkest news, staying true to the show's recognizable voice.

Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: Got Any Thicc Trees Around Here?
Date: December 15, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Australian Islamist Attack

Discussion on a Father-Son Terrorist Shooting & Heroism

[03:03] The hosts recount a shooting in Australia carried out by a father and son motivated by radical Islam, emphasizing the bravery of a Syrian migrant who intervened heroically:

“It was the heroic actions of a 43-year-old Syrian migrant who actually managed to wrestle that weapon away from the father. The brave Syrian... was shot himself by the son. And eventually the father died at the scene...” (Host B, 03:03)
[03:38] Armstrong reflects on the immense savings in lives thanks to the intervention, noting:

“Who knows how many lives he saved. Could be dozens. Because that shooting went on for ten freaking minutes.” (Host C, 03:38)
Discussion follows about public perceptions of terrorism compared to individualized tragedies (such as the Rob Reiner story).

2. Rob Reiner Tragedy & Its Coverage

Contrast Between Global and Personal Tragedies

[04:16] The conversation pivots to the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly by their son, noting the media saturation and comparing its broader significance to global terrorism:

“It has no bigger significance than that... This whole Islamists going around shooting people, causing mayhem around the world, is a giant global story.” (Host C, 04:32)
Update later in the show confirms charges:

“The son of Rob Reiner, Nick Reiner, has been officially charged with murder in the deaths of his parents, Rob Reiner and Michelle Singer Reiner...” (Host C, 22:49)

3. Domestic Terror Plot Foiled in Los Angeles

Details on the "Turtle Island Liberation Front"

[05:37] The hosts unpack the recent arrest of four people plotting New Year's Eve bombings in LA, linked to intersectional far-left groups:

“[The plot] was supposed to begin on New Year's Eve in Los Angeles... initiated in part due to the September 2025 executive order signed by President Trump to root out left wing domestic terror organizations in our country such as antifa and other radical groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front.” (Host B, 05:37)
They discuss the complexity and mixed motives of these groups:

“They're kind of the whole intersectional omnicause, militantly angry about capitalism and the Jews in Palestine.” (Host B, 06:22)
[07:33] Details about the accused and their charges, emphasizing the anti-capitalist and anti-government ideology.
The hosts note the similarity to 1970s radical groups, remarking on the resurgence of "omnicause" violence.

4. Scouting America Fundraiser

Personal Reflections on Scouting, Christmas Tree Sales, and Donations

[08:32] Armstrong shares his experience with his son joining Boy Scouts, deeply praising its effect:

“Just stunning what it does for leadership and confidence and, you know, life skills. Being able to go out in the world and survive, which for whatever reason doesn’t get taught anymore. I’m highly impressed with the Scouts.” (Host C, 08:32)
[09:49] They share funny donor names and encourage participation, giving running donation totals:

"Our initial goal was $50,000. I think we're going to hit that easy as we're at 19,357 and we just started a couple of hours ago." (Host C, 09:49)
[10:35] Emphasis on inclusivity and scholarships for disadvantaged youth, positioning scouting as a counterweight to the “war against boys” and the loss of traditional values in schools.

5. Christmas Tree Anecdotes & "Thicc Tree" Humor

The Lighter Side: Observations from the Scouts' Tree Lot

[10:44] Armstrong describes the mix of customers at the Scouts’ Christmas tree lot, including a quirky deep-dive into the types of people—especially two particular "rugged" guys overly picky about tree selection.
[12:32] Getty works in his unique “tree selection wisdom”:

“I picked my tree the same way I picked my wife. A good straight spine, that’s what you’re looking for.” (Host B, 12:32)
Both hosts riff on preferences for “thicc” Christmas trees:

C: “But you got any thick trees around here? T H, I, C, C. That’s what I’m looking for.” (13:45)

6. Dick Van Dyke Turns 100 – Age Gaps & Cultural Commentary

[17:31] They celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday, discussing his marriage to a woman 46 years his junior, reflecting on societal attitudes toward large age differences:

“We give a pass, don’t we? ... Of course, in his case, I'd only be 57. How old’s his wife?” (Host C, 18:26)

7. January 6 Pipe Bomb Case Solved by Tech

FBI Example of Mass Data Analysis and AI in Solving Crime

[20:15] The hosts examine the recent break in the January 6 pipe bomb investigation, primarily through computational advances:

“This was cracked when a tech-savvy law enforcement officer wrote a new computer program that could deal with and decipher that mountain of information. And that’s how they broke the case.” (Host B, 21:31)
Discussion evolves into how AI and big data will increasingly solve complex crimes that stump human investigators.

8. Global Affairs: U.S. Action in Venezuela & Germany’s Military

[26:49] The hosts touch on U.S. pressure on Venezuela, including seizing oil tankers and imposing sanctions.
[27:55] Armstrong & Getty debate the rationale and press narratives around Germany’s large-scale military re-armament:

“Let Germany defend itself and become an ally worth having. I don't think Hitler's going to rise from the grave and start World War II again...” (Host B, 28:03)
[29:15] Germany’s role as the world’s third largest economy and its current defense investments.

9. Future Tech in Warfare: Remote-Control Cockroaches

[31:56] Fascination with Germany’s DARPA-equivalent program to develop remote-controlled cockroaches for surveillance:

“They had the, uh, correspondent on there steering cockroaches around. ...it’s probably a precursor to...completely mechanical little bugs...that’ll infiltrate anywhere you need to.” (Host C/B, 32:19)
[34:15] Dread and humor over future “exploding lung” microdrones:

C: “Oh, my God. Exploding lungs.”
B: “Yep. Yep. My new heavy metal band.”
[35:35] Continued jokes about “gun wielding rats” and potential future absurdities of animal-warfare hybrids.

10. National Guard in Syria & Online Scam Enslavement

[41:59] The hosts are surprised by how many Iowa National Guardsmen are deployed in Syria, questioning the necessity and history of such deployments.
[44:45] Reporting on border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, with the shocking twist that casinos were actually “scammer camps” with trafficked people forced to conduct online fraud.

Notable Quotes & Moments

On the Australian shooting (03:38–03:53):

"If you're in a big crowd and somebody starts shooting, I would have in my mind, you know, get to cover, run, whatever...in fairly soon this will be over—couple minutes max...Ten minutes." (C, 03:53)
On the media's wall-to-wall coverage of murder stories (04:32):

“This whole Islamists going around shooting people, causing mayhem around the world, is a giant global story. Now is that what was going on with this terror plot in LA...?" (C, 04:32)
On the “Turtle Island Liberation Front” (06:14):

“We intend to file additional charges...The defendants are all radical anti-government members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which...is an anti-capitalist, anti-government movement that calls for their associates to rise up and fight back against capitalism.” (B, 06:14)
On the value of scouting (08:32):

“Just stunning what it does for leadership and confidence and, you know, life skills. Being able to go out in the world and survive which for whatever reason doesn’t get taught anymore. I’m highly impressed with the Scouts.” (C, 08:32)
Christmas Tree Selection Wisdom (12:32, 13:33, 13:45):

B: “I picked my tree the same way I picked my wife. A good straight spine, that’s what you’re looking for.”
C: “Yeah, I too like my women like I like my Christmas tree. Good wide trunk, solid.”
C: "But you got any thick trees around here? T H, I, C, C. That’s what I’m looking for."

Timestamps for Key Segments

Australian Terror Attack: 03:03–04:16
Rob Reiner Tragedy: 04:16 & 22:49
LA Domestic Terror Plot: 05:37–08:22
Scouting Fundraiser / Tree Lot Stories: 08:32–13:52; 35:30–38:23
Dick Van Dyke Turns 100: 17:31–19:48
Jan. 6 Pipe Bomb Solved by Tech: 20:10–22:49
German Military & Remote Control Cockroaches: 27:55–35:01
National Guard in Syria: 41:59–43:53
Thai-Cambodia Scammer Slavery: 44:45–46:38
Final Thoughts and Wrap: 46:40–48:37

Tone and Style

Takeaways

Terrorism, both international and homegrown, remains a focus—and the hosts are skeptical about media priorities.
Scouting is held up as an antidote to societal malaise—fundraising is highlighted with both sincerity and humor.
The future of warfare—from drone cockroaches to AI crime solving—is both fascinating and a little terrifying.
Humor and personal anecdotes leaven even the darkest news, staying true to the show's recognizable voice.

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Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Australian Islamist Attack

2. Rob Reiner Tragedy & Its Coverage

3. Domestic Terror Plot Foiled in Los Angeles

4. Scouting America Fundraiser

5. Christmas Tree Anecdotes & "Thicc Tree" Humor

6. Dick Van Dyke Turns 100 – Age Gaps & Cultural Commentary

7. January 6 Pipe Bomb Case Solved by Tech

8. Global Affairs: U.S. Action in Venezuela & Germany’s Military

9. Future Tech in Warfare: Remote-Control Cockroaches

10. National Guard in Syria & Online Scam Enslavement

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone and Style

Takeaways

Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Australian Islamist Attack

2. Rob Reiner Tragedy & Its Coverage

3. Domestic Terror Plot Foiled in Los Angeles

4. Scouting America Fundraiser

5. Christmas Tree Anecdotes & "Thicc Tree" Humor

6. Dick Van Dyke Turns 100 – Age Gaps & Cultural Commentary

7. January 6 Pipe Bomb Case Solved by Tech

8. Global Affairs: U.S. Action in Venezuela & Germany’s Military

9. Future Tech in Warfare: Remote-Control Cockroaches

10. National Guard in Syria & Online Scam Enslavement

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone and Style

Takeaways