Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand - "Human Taxidermy"

Episode Information:

• Title: Human Taxidermy
• Release Date: June 20, 2025
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction

In the "Human Taxidermy" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a variety of pressing social and political issues, blending humor with insightful commentary. This episode navigates through the complexities of the online dating industry, geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, and a heated discussion sparked by Whoopi Goldberg's controversial statements on race and gender. Additionally, the hosts share personal anecdotes and engage with listener emails, adding a relatable touch to the conversation.

2. Online Dating and Platform Manipulation

The episode kicks off with a critical examination of the online dating landscape. Joe Getty raises concerns about the monopolistic tendencies of major dating companies:

[03:06] Joe Getty: "Not all of them, but most of the ones you've heard of are owned by one company. And there's some belief that they've changed the algorithm to make sure you don't match with somebody because that'd be the end of you as a customer."

Ryan Seacrest adds to the discussion by likening the situation to a "Facebook in reverse," emphasizing the platforms' focus on maximizing user engagement:

[03:29] Ryan Seacrest: "Yeah, it's the Facebook in reverse principle. And he'd be engaged as long and as frequently as possible."

The hosts express frustration over the superficial nature of online dating interactions, suggesting that many users engage out of boredom rather than genuine connection:

[04:56] Joe Getty: "There's a certain amount of that. It's almost like out of boredom. I need something to do as opposed to, you know, looking for the biggest connection and decision you're ever going to make in your life."

3. US-Iran Geopolitical Tensions and Military Involvement

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. The conversation centers around the potential for military action against Iran's nuclear program and the public's perception of such measures.

Poll Discussion: The hosts analyze polling data to gauge American sentiment on military intervention:

[16:27] Ryan Seacrest: "But my point is Trump could come out today and say, I've decided to never bomb Iran, it was a terrible idea, I'm never doing it. And then bomb a half hour later. He's allowed to do that."

Joe Getty references a YouGov poll indicating only 16% of Americans support military involvement:

[16:11] Joe Getty: "Should the US Military get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran? Only 16%. Yes. Now there are 24% unsure. But that still only brings you up to 40%. It's a 60-40 No."

Discussion on Poll Accuracy: The hosts debate the reliability of different polling organizations, noting discrepancies between YouGov and Gray House Polling, which reports a higher 67% support for military strikes:

[19:48] Joe Getty: "How long would it take for Iran to build its own ICBMs? Perhaps the type North Korea already likes. Likely Fields. I am far less concerned with US military involvement in the Persian Gulf than the prospect of a wacky regime able to range US cities with thermonuclear warheads."

Policy Implications: They discuss the potential political ramifications, suggesting that political parties addressing illegal immigration effectively could gain favor in upcoming elections:

[22:27] Joe Getty: "Man, I think you get to the next presidential election, the party that stopped illegal immigration and did something about it is going to be rewarded rather than penalized."

4. Whoopi Goldberg's Controversial Comparisons on Race and Gender

A heated segment arises from Whoopi Goldberg's remarks comparing the experience of being black in America to being a woman in Iran. The hosts scrutinize and vehemently criticize her statements, debating the validity and implications of such comparisons.

[31:12] Ryan Seacrest: "Speaking of things that need to be rewired, how about Whoopi Goldberg?"

Offensive Statements: Ryan Seacrest condemns Goldberg's analogy, labeling it as a "moronic argument" and expressing frustration over the oversimplification of complex social issues:

[32:11] Joe Getty: "Be black if you're black. Oh, Lord, it's worse to be black in America or the same as being a woman in Iran. Moral relativism is one of the most dangerous things to Western society that exists."

Defense of American Context: The hosts assert that life in the United States, particularly for black individuals, is fraught with systemic issues that warrant recognition without diminishing other global struggles:

[32:20] Joe Getty: "Moral relativism is wokeism is what it is."

Concluding Remarks on the Topic: They conclude by emphasizing the sensitivity required in such discussions and the need to avoid trivializing endemic social injustices:

[33:17] Joe Getty: "Wonder what Ted Danson thinks now."

5. Miscellaneous Topics

Throughout the episode, Armstrong & Getty intersperse their main discussions with lighter, more personal stories and tangents.

Home Renovation Anecdote: Ryan Seacrest shares his frustrations with securing a home equity line of credit due to bureaucratic hurdles:

[26:04] Ryan Seacrest: "We've been doing this remodel project... they have to send an appraiser out, and he has to delay a week because he's on vacation or something like that."

Trader Joe's Trivia: The hosts engage in playful banter about a peculiar situation where a new Trader Joe's store opened adjacent to an existing one:

[42:31] Ryan Seacrest: "Customer love it. While stone cashiers have never been more confused."

They humorously explore the oddity of duplicate store locations:

[43:42] Ryan Seacrest: "All of the US Biggies do their manufacturing... same for insurance companies in Connecticut."

6. Listener Emails and Final Thoughts

In the latter part of the episode, Armstrong and Getty interact with listener emails, addressing personal concerns and sharing final reflections to wrap up the show.

Listener Interaction: A listener named Eric Yahoo Crotty from Oregon writes about his concerns regarding Iran's missile capabilities and the potential threat of ballistic missiles reaching U.S. cities:

[36:03] Eric Yahoo Crotty: "How long would it take for Iran to build its own ICBMs? I'm willing to saddle up and ride a nuke Slim Pickens style to ensure this threat is eliminated."

Final Thoughts: The hosts share closing remarks filled with humor and final pieces of advice:

[45:18] Joe Getty: "All I can say is try and avoid the emergency room. I'm just thinking of all that ballpark food that you're gonna eat."

[45:50] Ryan Seacrest: "My final thought is you can't give us the loan because the doors got removed. That's correct."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joe Getty on Dating Algorithms:

  [03:06] "They're trying to develop, be a little less snarky."

• Ryan Seacrest on User Engagement:

  [03:29] "It's the Facebook in reverse principle."

• Joe Getty on Polling Data:

  [16:11] "Should the US Military get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran? Only 16%. Yes."

• Ryan Seacrest on Whoopi Goldberg's Comments:

  [31:21] "She's a dope working there with the cast of Chattering Hens."

• Joe Getty on Moral Relativism:

  [32:07] "Moral relativism is one of the most dangerous things to Western society that exists."

Conclusion

The "Human Taxidermy" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a blend of sharp political commentary, social critique, and personal anecdotes. By addressing the manipulative tactics within the online dating industry, the looming threat of geopolitical conflicts, and the nuanced debates surrounding race and gender, the hosts provide a comprehensive and engaging discussion for their audience. Their ability to intertwine serious topics with humor and relatability makes this episode a compelling listen for those seeking informed and candid perspectives on contemporary issues.