Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode Summary: "Grunting Like Animals Is The Next Step"

Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Title: Grunting Like Animals Is The Next Step

1. Political Commentary: AOC, Bernie Sanders, and Senator John Kennedy

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted take on the political landscape, focusing on Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Bernie Sanders. Host Joe Getty introduces a humorous exchange involving Senator John Kennedy’s critical stance on AOC.

• Joe Getty [00:10]: "And now here's Armstrong and Getty. What do you think of the new leadership? Jasmine, AOC and Bernie."

• Senator John Kennedy [00:27]: "I consider Congresswoman Ocasio Cortez to be the leader of the Democratic Party... our plan for dealing with her is called Operation Let Her Speak."

Michaelangelo mocks Senator Kennedy’s remarks, highlighting the comedic aspect of his comments on AOC’s influence.

• Michaelangelo [00:55]: "That's Senator John Kennedy. We mock his always attempts at hum every time he talks. But she's the reason her directions on the shampoo bottle is pretty funny."

The hosts discuss the upcoming Denver tour featuring AOC and Bernie Sanders, injecting humor into the political discourse.

2. U.S.-Iran Relations and Nuclear Concerns

A significant portion of the episode delves into the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran concerning Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The hosts express strong opinions on President Trump’s stance and the potential consequences if Iran acquires nuclear weapons.

• Jack Armstrong [01:54]: "President Trump understands peace through strength... we can never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon that they will actually use it."

Joe Getty emphasizes the imminent threat he perceives from Iran’s nuclear advancements.

• Joe Getty [02:04]: "Iran is very close to assembling six nuclear bombs. They will kill Israel, they'll come after us..."

Michaelangelo shares skepticism about the urgency of these claims, questioning the consistency of the information.

• Michaelangelo [02:43]: "They've been so close to getting a bomb for like I feel like forever. I don't know if those are exaggerations or it's just always been true."

The discussion highlights the tension between aggressive rhetoric and the complexities of international negotiations.

3. San Quentin Prison Reforms and Criticism of Gavin Newsom

Transitioning to domestic issues, the hosts critique California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plans to transform San Quentin Prison into a more rehabilitative environment.

• Joe Getty [04:48]: "Gavin Newsom has a couple of insane things going on right now... turning San Quentin into something like a Norwegian retreat center."

They debate the effectiveness of such reforms, balancing the goals of reducing recidivism with maintaining deterrents.

• Joe Getty [06:15]: "My brother-in-law is a current resident there... the incredibly expensive Ozempic is being handed out to prisoners to help them slim even though they're not terribly overweight."

Michaelangelo questions the practicality and necessity of such programs in a prison setting.

• Michaelangelo [06:15]: "But what about your career criminals? Isn't prison supposed to be somewhat unpleasant?"

The segment underscores concerns about the allocation of taxpayer money and the potential lack of tangible benefits from these reforms.

4. Employment Issues: Lyft Driver Fired

The conversation shifts to employment stability, highlighting a case where a Lyft driver lost their job, possibly due to listening to unauthorized talk radio content.

• Michaelangelo [08:22]: "Apparently we were at one point... Grant Napier, who lost his job during the George Floyd nuttiness for saying all lives matter."

• Joe Getty [08:42]: "Lost his every single one. Yes."

The hosts express frustration with gig economy companies like Lyft and Uber, discussing the precarious nature of such jobs.

• Joe Getty [09:15]: "Wow. Lyft. I'm going with Uber or maybe a taxi cab. Damn you."

5. Elon Musk vs. Peter Navarro: Trade Policy Clash

A heated exchange between Elon Musk and Peter Navarro over U.S. trade policies is examined, showcasing personal insults and policy disagreements.

• Peter Navarro [09:39]: Discusses Elon Musk’s role as an assembler rather than a manufacturer, expressing support for bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.

• Joe Getty [10:42]: "Musk. Calling him a moron and dumber than a sack of bricks."

• Michaelangelo [11:07]: "Gay chainsaw."

The hosts mock the feud, highlighting the lack of professionalism and the personal nature of their disputes.

• Joe Getty [11:39]: "You got to be dumber than a sack of bricks to think David Muir is a real journalist."

Senator John Kennedy’s insights are shared, emphasizing internal disagreements within the administration.

• Senator John Kennedy [13:03]: "We will let their public sparring continue. And you guys should all be very grateful that we have the most transparent administration in history."

6. Masters Golf Tournament Insights

A brief, humorous segment covers the Masters Golf Tournament, touching on dress codes and exclusive access.

• Joe Getty [14:04]: "I'm going to keep our eye on that. God bless America Armstrong and Gettysburg... It's the Masters golf tournament."

The hosts playfully discuss the impossibility of accessing Augusta National without special permissions, poking fun at exclusive events.

7. Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) Criticism

A substantial critique of the SPLC is presented, arguing that it unfairly labels moderate to conservative groups as hate groups.

• Joe Getty [17:49]: "The SPLC is a lot of things. It is not an anti hate group. It is a hate group itself... it claims to be an anti hate group, but it's not."

He cites cases involving the Liberty Council and accuses the SPLC of targeting conservative Christian groups without substantial evidence.

• Joe Getty [24:07]: "The foundation for Immigration Rights Reform and Moms for Liberty that doesn't want boys in girls locker rooms is a hate group. That's the SPLC."

Michaelangelo references Tucker Carlson’s criticisms, reinforcing the narrative against the SPLC’s credibility.

8. “The Silent Riot” TikTok Trend

The hosts analyze a TikTok trend dubbed "The Silent Riot," critiquing its effectiveness and underlying message.

• Katie Greener [17:49]: "This is a tick tock trend that is happening... they just stare into the camera for about 10 seconds."

Joe Getty dismisses the movement as ineffective and driven by poorly informed individuals.

• Michaelangelo [18:34]: "It's almost like what are those simulation games that Sims or what are those that people get into."

9. Online Dating and Its Psychological Impact

A thoughtful discussion explores the psychological effects of online dating, referencing a New York Post study on its potential to lower libido and cause addictive behaviors.

• Michaelangelo [27:58]: "A study that dating apps can cause a lowering of your libido... human beings were not built to fall in love multiple times and have them not work out."

Joe Getty shares a poignant quote from Caitlin Flanagan, emphasizing the overwhelming impact of the Internet on human behavior.

• Joe Getty [31:08]: "The Internet did not arrive like a wave, allowing us time to think about our humanity before we had put our toes in the wall."

The hosts discuss the addictive nature of dating apps and the resulting chronic stress and emotional damage.

• Michaelangelo [29:57]: "It's a big deal. Really big deal... They just ask for it in Chateau Quentin."

10. Final Thoughts and Sign-Off

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing final, often humorous, reflections on today's topics. They touch on technological addictions, cultural shifts, and societal changes, maintaining their characteristic blend of humor and critique.

• Joe Getty [34:04]: "Just hose it out at the end of the show. Plastic everything."

• Michaelangelo [34:24]: "My final thought is you guys are so traditional and romantic."

The hosts sign off with playful banter, encouraging listeners to visit their website for more content and merchandise.

Notable Quotes

1. Senator John Kennedy [00:27]:

   "Our plan for dealing with her is called Operation Let Her Speak."

2. Jack Armstrong [01:54]:

   "President Trump understands peace through strength... we can never allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon that they will actually use it."

3. Joe Getty [02:04]:

   "Iran is very close to assembling six nuclear bombs. They will kill Israel, they'll come after us..."

4. Peter Navarro [09:39]:

   "Elon's a car assembler. We want him home for our national security economic surrogate."

5. Joe Getty [10:42]:

   "Musk. Calling him a moron and dumber than a sack of bricks."

6. Katie Greener [17:49]:

   "This is a tik tok trend that is happening... they just stare into the camera for about 10 seconds."

7. Joe Getty [24:07]:

   "The SPLC is a hate group itself... it claims to be an anti hate group, but it's not."

8. Michaelangelo [27:58]:

   "A study that dating apps can cause a lowering of your libido... human beings were not built to fall in love multiple times and have them not work out."

Conclusion

"Grunting Like Animals Is The Next Step" is a multifaceted episode where Armstrong and Getty blend humor with sharp political and social commentary. From critiquing political figures and policies to exploring the psychological impacts of modern technology, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive and engaging discourse. Notable for their candid opinions and memorable quotes, Armstrong and Getty provide both entertainment and thoughtful analysis, making the episode a valuable listen for those interested in current affairs and societal issues.