Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: Human Beings Suck!
Date: December 1, 2025
Podcast Host: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty return from vacation for a lively, often sardonic discussion on the failings and complexities of human nature—hence the episode’s title, “Human Beings Suck!” The conversation weaves through stark and timely topics: the risks of AI, immigration policy, genetic surprises and inheritance lawsuits, modern American politics, Christmas culture clashes, and political scandals, all mixed with their signature humor and candidness.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. AI, Human Nature, and Existential Threats

Timestamps: 02:29–03:55

• Jack highlights the book If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, emphasizing the dangers of artificial intelligence if left unchecked. The author—a former AI optimist—now advocates for halting superintelligence due to existential risk.
• They segue into human nature:
  • “Human beings suck.” (Joe, 03:21)
  • “We're sort of designed to suck. And then culturally you have to push the suckiness out of us. That's kind of the conservative principle, right?” (Jack, 03:44)
• Joe muses on a thought-provoking read about feminism and the core of human identity being built on social connections, not radical individualism.

2. Immigration, Assimilation, and the “Suicidal” West

Timestamps: 04:41–14:20

• Jack recounts the case of an Afghan refugee who attacked National Guard members—prompting renewed debate on immigration, with Trump and Sen. Rubio calling for dramatic restrictions.
• Discussing Rubio’s speech:
  • “The new U.S. state Department directive declaring mass migration an existential threat to Western civilization isn't just an American policy shift. It's a geopolitical earthquake.” (Jack, 06:41)
• Joe agrees, calling mass migration from cultures antithetical to Western values “suicidal.”
  • “Think about just inviting four random strangers to your Thanksgiving table...totally unvetted.” (Joe, 07:28)
• Jack and Joe wrestle with historical comparisons (e.g., Irish and Italian immigrants), questioning if the differing cultural roots of modern migration challenge America’s assimilation capacity.
  • “It seems...denying the obvious to claim that we can just absorb any amount at any speed and be fine.” (Jack, 09:39)
• Joe distinguishes between prior waves of European immigration and current trends.
  • “You cannot compare Irishmen from Somalians. Sorry.” (Joe, 11:15)
• They agree that calls for checks on migration aren’t bigotry but reflect a natural, reasoned concern:
  • “You've got the gas pedal, people, then you got the brakes, people. That makes sense.” (Joe, 10:04)
• The discussion critiques “diversity crowd” talking points and signals looming court battles over new immigration restrictions.
• Trump’s combative interview approach is noted:
  • “He immediately went to insulting the reporter. It was a pretty seasoned reporter. 'Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person?'” (Joe, 14:34)

3. DNA Revelations, Inheritance, and Family Dramas

Timestamps: 18:18–22:42

• Joe narrates two related stories spotlighting how genetic testing leads not just to joyful reunions but also legal warfare:
  • Carmen Thomas: discovered her half-sisters through 23andMe, then sued them for a share of a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
  • The complex state-by-state legal landscape:
    • “In many states, genetics determine who can claim, make a claim on inheritances in the absence of a will or trust.” (Joe, 20:15)
  • A Utah case where decades of birthday cards (with $100 bills) swayed the state Supreme Court to award a third of an estate to a half-brother.
• Jack reflects on acquaintances discovering siblings late in life and the emotional complications it brings.

4. Ukraine, Peace Talks, and Trump’s MRI Mystery

Timestamps: 25:41–32:55

• Ukraine Peace Process:
  • Ongoing U.S.-brokered talks are described, with persistent hurdles as neither Russia nor Ukraine is willing to concede on key points.
    • “Seems like it seems like you need some sort of threat from the United States and. Or Europe that we're gonna really support Ukraine...But that is not what's happening.” (Jack, 27:55)
• Holiday Shopping & the “Trump Economy”:
  • They muse over consumer spending’s disconnect from widespread pessimism about the economy—“If the Christmas season ends up being up nearly double digits like it was on Black Friday. What the hell, everybody?” (Jack, 29:02)
  • Joe counsels listeners to avoid constant partisanship:
    • “If you are still looking at everything that happens through a good for Trump or bad for Trump...Take a minute. Everything's fine. Calm down. TG—touch grass.” (Joe, 29:49)
• Trump’s MRI Revelations:
  • Trump promises to release MRI results, but is evasive about what body part was scanned.
    • “Trump added yesterday that he has no idea on what part of his body he got the MRI. Wow.” (Jack, 31:30)
    • Joe satirizes: “Your ankle is one of the best ankles. Many people are saying your ankle is the best they've seen. Thank you, doctor.” (Joe, 30:49)
  • They both mock the implausibility:
    • “The idea that he doesn't have any idea? Well, that's a non-starter in terms of my believability.” (Jack, 32:00)

5. Political Corruption: Congressional Insider Trading

Timestamps: 36:10–39:29

• Jack spotlights Rep. Tim Burchett’s (R) viral moment denouncing congressional self-enrichment via stock trades:
  • “It's not a swamp. A swamp is something cool God created...This is a sweet sewer. This is created by man and it needs to stop.” (Burchett, as quoted by Jack, 37:03)
• The “Unusual Whales” website is discussed—tracking unusual congressional trades for retail traders.
• Burchett’s assertion that “Pelosi's not even in the top 10” among congressional profit-seekers is highlighted, suggesting bipartisan abuse of the system.

6. Christmas Controversies & The War on Tradition

Timestamps: 43:18–45:58

• Jack and Joe react to Portland’s decision to remove the “Christmas” label from its tree-lighting ceremonial language, making room for Free Palestine and Native American Heritage Day commentary:
  • “The majority of people are there for...the freaking Christmas tree lit up. You can't acknowledge what the majority of people like 99% of the people there for. You gotta talk about other trodden upon people...” (Jack, 45:16)
  • Joe skewers the event:
    • “In defense of the completely insane and urine stained Rose City...they did trot out a Santa Claus and...holiday carols...” (Joe, 45:39)

7. Pop Culture & Holiday Shopping Nuggets

Timestamps: 46:12–47:21

• Jack shares a Vegas anecdote: a store’s top-selling memorabilia is a $1,500–$3,000 photo of “Cousin Eddie” from Christmas Vacation, signed by Randy Quaid.
  • “If he gets 200 bucks a signing out of the 1500 and signs a thousand in a day. He made $200,000.” (Jack, 47:12)
• Joe: “I'm not paying 3k for it. I'm not even paying 1500 for it. But that's pretty funny.” (47:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On human nature:
  • “Human beings suck.” (Joe Getty, 03:21)
• Armstrong on conservatism:
  • “We're sort of designed to suck. And then culturally you have to push the suckiness out of us. That's kind of the conservative principle, right?” (Jack Armstrong, 03:44)
• On immigration:
  • “You cannot compare Irishmen from Somalians. Sorry.” (Joe Getty, 11:15)
• On inheritance and DNA surprises:
  • “Even if there is a will or trust, common phrases such as ‘to my descendants’ or ‘to my children’ can open the door for a surprise relative to make a claim. Affairs have been going on forever, but now they're getting discovered.” (Joe Getty, 21:43)
• Rep. Burchett on Congress:
  • “A swamp is something cool God created...This is a sweet sewer. This is created by man and it needs to stop.” (Rep. Burchett as cited by Jack Armstrong, 37:03)
• On Portland’s Christmas tree:
  • “She used her time on stage to lead the crowd in a Free Palestine chant...This is the perfect time to bring this up. There are a lot of genocides going on.” (Joe Getty quoting the event, 44:00)
• On the MRI confusion:
  • “That seems odd to me that he got an mri, but he has no idea what part of the body.” (Jack Armstrong, 31:35)

Episode Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment Topic | Timestamps | |-------------------------------------------------|-------------------| | AI and Human Nature | 02:29–03:55 | | Immigration Debate (Rubio’s Speech, Assimilation)| 04:41–14:20 | | DNA Surprises & Inheritance Lawsuits | 18:18–22:42 | | Ukraine Talks, Trump’s MRI | 25:41–32:55 | | Congressional Insider Trading | 36:10–39:29 | | Christmas Tree “Renaming” in Portland | 43:18–45:58 | | Christmas Shopping Pop Culture Story | 46:12–47:21 |

Tone and Style

Jack and Joe maintain their trademark banter—mixing sharp observations, exasperation, playful mockery, and serious critique. The tone swings from skeptical to outright cynical, but occasionally (as in family drama stories) lands on a warmer note.

For New Listeners

This episode is ideal for those interested in timely political commentary, social trends, and cultural flashpoints, delivered with humor and irreverence. Whether mocking bureaucracy, dissecting legal loopholes, or skewering holiday controversies, Armstrong & Getty aim to provoke, entertain, and challenge.

Armstrong & Getty On Demand—sharp talk, skeptical wit, and a firm belief that, yes, human beings often suck... but at least it makes for entertaining radio.