Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode: "I Did Not Hear Those Noises You Were Making"
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Publisher: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the August 7, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of timely and thought-provoking topics. From sports regulations and media dynamics to global economic policies and international relations, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive discussion enriched with humor and insightful commentary. Notably, the hosts intersperse their analysis with interactive segments, listener feedback, and their trademark light-hearted banter, making complex subjects accessible and engaging.

1. NFL's Ban on Smelling Salts

Timestamp: 04:00 – 06:15

The episode opens with a discussion on the NFL's recent decision to ban smelling salts—a practice where players use ammonia-based salts to regain alertness during games. Jack Armstrong initiates the conversation by questioning the rationale behind the ban and its implications for player safety and game integrity.

• Jack Armstrong [04:00]: "That's the stuff you get your bell rung with, as they used to call it, which means you've damaged your brain, perhaps irreparably."

The hosts explore the historical use of smelling salts to revive incapacitated players and debate whether the ban is a protective measure or an overreach.

• Joe Getty [04:39]: "Oh, yeah, I didn't know that. Okay, well that's probably... that probably needs to be banned. Right? It's mean. It's a foreign stimulus."

They conclude that while the intention behind the ban is to enhance player safety, it raises questions about the methods used to maintain competitive performance.

2. Fragmentation of NFL Broadcasting Rights

Timestamp: 05:12 – 07:53

Moving on, Armstrong and Getty analyze the evolving landscape of NFL game broadcasts, particularly the NFL's partnership with ESPN and the resulting fragmentation across multiple networks.

• Jack Armstrong [05:15]: "We didn't get into yesterday. The big giant deal that ESPN is made with the NFL and there's all kinds of other networks involved."

The hosts discuss the shift from traditional broadcasting to a scenario where fans must navigate various channels and streaming services to watch their favorite teams, complicating access and potentially alienating casual viewers.

• Jack Armstrong [06:15]: "It seems to me, when I was a big NFL fan, if I wanted to watch the NFC, it was on CBS. If I wanted to watch the AFC, it was on NBC. Period. End of story."

They debate whether this fragmentation will ultimately benefit or hinder the NFL’s viewership and overall popularity.

3. The Relevance and Accuracy of Television Ratings

Timestamp: 07:53 – 09:18

The conversation shifts to the relevance of television ratings in an increasingly digital and fragmented media environment. Armstrong critiques the traditional rating systems for their inability to accurately reflect viewership in the age of streaming and on-demand services.

• Jack Armstrong [07:53]: "Well, one of the reasons the ratings are so inaccurate is the purpose of ratings as people who are in this business... it's to let advertisers know where's the best place to put their ads."

They explore how advertisers rely on these ratings metrics, which may no longer capture the full spectrum of audience engagement across diverse platforms.

• Jack Armstrong [09:18]: "That's an easy way to be taken seriously. Why don't you just pluck out one of your front teeth too? You might as well, right?"

The hosts emphasize the need for more sophisticated measurement tools to better understand and monetize modern viewership patterns.

4. Economic Impact of New Tariffs and Trump’s Influence

Timestamp: 09:18 – 38:25

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the recent imposition of tariffs and their anticipated impact on the global economy. Armstrong provides a detailed analysis of how these tariffs, which he describes as a "massive tax increase," could affect consumers and businesses alike.

• Jack Armstrong [09:59]: "If you're looking around and there are like Trump boosting channels, we try very, very hard to be a truth-telling show as opposed to a Trump bashing or a Trump boosting."

The discussion touches upon the unpredictability of tariffs under Trump’s administration, including their delayed effects on consumer prices and potential retaliation from international trade partners.

• Jack Armstrong [35:11]: "If you're Trump boosting channels, we try very, very hard to be a truth telling show as opposed to a Trump bashing or a Trump boosting."

The hosts speculate on the long-term economic repercussions, suggesting that the full impact of the tariffs might not be felt until months later, potentially leading to increased inflation and strained international relations.

5. Potential Summit Between Trump, Putin, and Zelensky

Timestamp: 31:05 – 38:25

Armstrong and Getty delve into the speculative yet highly intriguing possibility of a summit involving former President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. They debate the motivations behind such a meeting and the potential outcomes.

• Jack Armstrong [32:25]: "He also plays lots of mind games, as we all know. That's part of what he did for a living in the KGB."

The hosts express skepticism about Putin’s true intentions, suggesting that the summit could be a strategic ploy to delay tariffs or manipulate geopolitical dynamics.

• Jack Armstrong [34:54]: "But it's a maximalist, you know, demand set of demands. I keep the land that I've already taken."

They also consider Zelensky's precarious position, highlighting the emotional and political challenges he might face in negotiations dominated by the aggressive tactics of both Trump and Putin.

• Jack Armstrong [35:44]: "How would you not, if it's an opportunity to stop this?"

The episode concludes with Armstrong cautioning listeners to view such high-stakes summits with a critical eye, emphasizing the complexity and potential volatility of the involved parties.

6. Historical Reflection on Pearl Harbor Retaliation

Timestamp: 49:44 – 50:37

In a poignant segment, Armstrong highlights a historical oversight regarding the retaliation following the Pearl Harbor attack. He references the massacre of 250,000 Chinese civilians by Japanese forces in retribution for aiding American pilots, a tragic event that remains largely unmemorialized.

• Jack Armstrong [50:19]: "He took shrapnel to the eye and has now had to learn."

The hosts critique the selective memory of historical commemorations, questioning why certain atrocities receive attention while others are neglected.

• Jack Armstrong [50:37]: "Nobody covered those 250,000 Chinese who were slaughtered. Where's the memorial for them, huh?"

This reflection serves as a reminder of the broader consequences of wartime actions beyond the immediate theaters of conflict.

7. Listener Interactions and Humor

Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty maintain their signature humor and rapport, often weaving in personal anecdotes and responding to listener messages.

• Jack Armstrong [20:12]: "My coffee all over the place. Oh so unhappy about this clumsy oath. Damn it."

These lighter moments, such as Armstrong's coffee spills and playful banter about clothing mishaps, provide a balanced contrast to the more serious discussions, keeping the tone engaging and relatable.

Conclusion

The August 7 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a dynamic blend of sports commentary, media analysis, economic insights, and international relations discourse, all delivered with the hosts' characteristic wit and depth. By incorporating listener interactions and personal stories, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty create a multifaceted narrative that not only informs but also entertains. Notable quotes and timestamped discussions enhance the episode's accessibility, making it a valuable listen for both regular followers and newcomers seeking a comprehensive overview of current events.

Notable Quotes:

1. Jack Armstrong [04:00]: "That's the stuff you get your bell rung with, as they used to call it, which means you've damaged your brain, perhaps irreparably."

2. Joe Getty [04:39]: "Oh, yeah, I didn't know that. Okay, well that's probably... that probably needs to be banned. Right? It's mean. It's a foreign stimulus."

3. Jack Armstrong [07:53]: "Well, one of the reasons the ratings are so inaccurate is the purpose of ratings as people who are in this business... it's to let advertisers know where's the best place to put their ads."

4. Jack Armstrong [09:18]: "That's an easy way to be taken seriously. Why don't you just pluck out one of your front teeth too? You might as well, right?"

5. Jack Armstrong [35:11]: "If you're Trump boosting channels, we try very, very hard to be a truth telling show as opposed to a Trump bashing or a Trump boosting."

6. Jack Armstrong [50:37]: "Nobody covered those 250,000 Chinese who were slaughtered. Where's the memorial for them, huh?"

This structured and detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions and memorable moments, while providing sufficient context for those who haven't listened to the episode.