Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: "He's Completely Lying Out Of His Ass!" Release Date: January 24, 2025

Summary:

In this engaging episode of "Armstrong & Getty On Demand," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a variety of pressing topics ranging from disaster response policies and political maneuvering to economic trends and the rising costs of pet ownership. Through a blend of insightful commentary and sharp humor, the duo offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the week's most significant events and their broader implications.

1. Disaster Response: Federal vs. State Control

The episode opens with a discussion on former President Trump's stance on disaster response, emphasizing his preference for state-managed efforts over federal agencies like FEMA.

• Joe Getty (00:22): “Trump has specifically said he wants states, not FEMA, to run disaster response… then the FEMA people come in and bigfoot you, and all of a sudden you can't.”

• Jack Armstrong (01:01): Raises the question of federal funding for disaster relief, pondering the fairness of taxpayers in one state funding another's rebuilding efforts.

The hosts explore the efficiency and potential bureaucracy involved in federal versus state-run disaster management, questioning the sustainability and fairness of the current system.

2. Trump's Speech at Davos

The conversation shifts to Donald Trump's recent speech delivered virtually at the Davos conference, highlighting his continued influence and the perception of him as a global leader.

• Joe Getty (02:25): “He [Trump] gave quite the speech and people seem to be, he's getting treated like the leader of the world this time around.”

• Jack Armstrong (02:26): Playfully remarks on Trump's missed physical presence: “My Invitation to Davos. Got lost somehow on the way to my mailbox.”

The hosts discuss the implications of Trump's rhetoric on global warming and his global standing, juxtaposing his actions with his statements.

3. Clips of the Week: Political Highlights

In the "Clips of the Week" segment, Armstrong and Getty touch upon various political developments, including the pardoning of January 6th defendants and concerns about authoritarianism.

• Joe Getty (03:08): “We are on the eve of an authoritarian administration. This is not Fox, Congressman.”

• Jack Armstrong (03:27): Comments on the cultural shift with more people turning to Cartoon Network reruns during turbulent times.

This section underscores the hosts' apprehensions about the current political climate and the potential drift towards authoritarian practices.

4. Economic News: Chain Store Closures

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the alarming trend of chain store closures across the United States, attributing the decline to the rise of online shopping.

• Joe Getty (09:38): “A record 15,000 chain stores are expected to close across the United States this year…”

• Jack Armstrong (10:20): Reflects on the broader economic implications and the potential political fallout for President Trump due to these closures.

The discussion delves into how shifting consumer behavior is reshaping the retail landscape and the consequent impact on local economies and employment.

5. The Rising Cost of Pet Ownership

Perhaps the most extensive and heartfelt discussion centers on the increasing expenses associated with pet ownership, juxtaposed with the financial struggles of everyday Americans.

• Jack Armstrong (14:04): “$2,085.60. That is the average cost of pets last year…”

• Joe Getty (16:09): Highlights the contradiction between high pet-related expenditures and the lack of savings among Americans: “Almost 60% of Americans don't have savings to cover a $1,000 emergency.”

The hosts debate the societal implications of prioritizing pet expenditures over personal financial security, questioning the moral and economic choices individuals make. Their conversation extends into a humorous yet critical exploration of pet adoption practices and the emotional bonds that influence financial decisions.

6. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its conclusion, Armstrong and Getty share personal anecdotes related to pet expenses and reaffirm their perspectives on current events.

• Joe Getty (34:34): Shares a personal experience: “$4,000. That was my personal biggest expense. Single one time expense on my dog Jackson.”

• Katie Greener (35:16): Adds her own story: “My dog Bailey needed a tooth pulled. Went to go pick her up after the procedure. $3,200 later because they decided to pull 14 of them.”

The final segment underscores the pervasive issue of rising pet care costs, leaving listeners with a mix of humor and concern about the financial decisions intertwined with personal relationships and societal expectations.

Conclusion:

In "He's Completely Lying Out Of His Ass!," Armstrong and Getty navigate a complex web of political, economic, and social issues with their characteristic blend of insight and wit. From scrutinizing disaster response policies and political rhetoric to dissecting economic trends and the costs of pet ownership, the episode offers listeners a thorough examination of contemporary challenges. Notably, the inclusion of personal anecdotes and direct quotes (e.g., Joe Getty's frustration at [00:22] and Jack Armstrong's reflection on pet expenses at [14:04]) enriches the conversation, making the content relatable and thought-provoking for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty (00:22): “Trump has specifically said he wants states, not FEMA, to run disaster response…”

• Jack Armstrong (01:01): “If you choose to live in whatever, you know, Hurricane Island, Florida, why am I paying for that here in placid weather, Nebraska?”

• Joe Getty (03:08): “We are on the eve of an authoritarian administration. This is not Fox, Congressman.”

• Jack Armstrong (14:04): “$2,085.60. That is the average cost of pets last year…”

• Joe Getty (16:09): “Almost 60% of Americans don't have savings to cover a $1,000 emergency.”

This episode of "Armstrong & Getty On Demand" masterfully intertwines current events with personal reflections, offering listeners a multifaceted perspective on the issues that shape our society today.