Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode Title: I Don't Need Any More Bicycle Videos!!!
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Host/Authors: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the episode titled "I Don't Need Any More Bicycle Videos!!!", hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the frustrations surrounding modern digital content consumption, particularly focusing on YouTube's algorithmic recommendations. The conversation branches into broader societal issues, including the state of public libraries, the influence of political narratives on public perception, and the intricacies of modern political figures.

YouTube's Predictive Algorithms and User Frustrations

Timestamp: [03:29]
Jack Armstrong initiates the discussion by expressing exasperation with YouTube's content recommendation system:

"So honest to God, there needs to be some sort of algorithm reset button that you can do. I shouldn't be afraid to search on things and think, ah, I'd like to look that up. But then I'll end up with nothing but that for the next six months."

He recounts his experience with unintended content feeds after searching for specific topics, highlighting the lack of user control over algorithmic suggestions:

"I had a brief like week where I enjoyed those videos where they have babies. Like they have the audio from Trump, but it's a baby Trump or whatever."

Timestamp: [04:35]
Jamie Rubin suggests patience as the solution:

"Yeah, just give it time."

However, Armstrong counters the idea, emphasizing the need for more immediate control over content algorithms:

"But surely, but surely they realize they're wrong about this. So there's got to be a way to fix that."

Timestamp: [05:27]
Rubin and Armstrong brainstorm potential solutions, such as allowing users to manually adjust their content preferences through a dedicated settings page:

"It'd be cool if you could go to a page and it lists all of your things that it thinks you're into, and you could click the boxes and say, I am into these. I'm not into these anymore."

The Decline of Public Libraries and Social Issues Within

Transitioning from digital algorithms to societal structures, the hosts critique the deteriorating state of public libraries.

Timestamp: [07:17]
Armstrong references an article by Zach Bissonnette from the Free Press, highlighting the decline in library usage due to increased homelessness:

"Visits to public libraries fell by 57% in the 10 years ending in 2022."

Rubin expands on this by citing the Urban Libraries Council's report, emphasizing the rise in security incidents despite declining visits:

"Between 2019 and 2023 security incidents rose at its 115 member libraries even as visits fell another 35%."

Timestamp: [12:18]
The conversation introduces two contrasting perspectives on library management:

1. Ryan Dowd – Advocates for libraries as inclusive spaces for the homeless, promoting empathy-driven approaches.
2. Steve Albrecht – Emphasizes the need for safety and control within libraries.

Armstrong questions the mission of libraries:

"Where in the charter of libraries did it have anything to do with solving housing problems?"

Rubin and Armstrong discuss specific incidents, such as anti-Israel storytime events in Philadelphia libraries, illustrating the perceived shift in library roles:

"The Philadelphia Public Libraries have hosted... anti-Israel storytime events that teach children that Israel senselessly murdered thousands of kids in Gaza."

Timestamp: [14:11]
Rubin critiques Dowd’s approach, suggesting it prioritizes inclusivity over library usability:

"Dowd advocates for inclusion even when it comes... It seems to come at the expense of the library's environment."

Election Interference and Political Bias

Shifting focus to political discourse, Armstrong and Rubin critique the narrative surrounding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

Timestamp: [27:49]
Armstrong addresses the widespread belief among Democrats that Russia stole the 2016 election:

"Half the country and one entire political party has an article of faith that Russia stole the 2016 election."

He references a Washington Post report about Attorney General Pam Bondi initiating a grand jury investigation into Obama administration officials, suggesting political motivations behind the investigation:

"Attorney General Pam Bondi has ordered a grand jury investigation into allegations made that Obama administration Officials broke federal laws while investigating Russia's involvement in the 2016 election."

Timestamp: [31:07]
Rubin and Armstrong debate the effectiveness and intentions behind the investigation, with Armstrong highlighting the potential lack of accountability:

"I don't think anybody is ever gonna pay a price for this."

Rubin adds skepticism about the motivations, pointing out the repetitive nature of such politically charged investigations:

"We can't have your intelligence spooks fixing or attempting to fix our elections, no matter how much they hate one of the candidates."

Critique of Modern Political Figures: Jasmine Crockett and AOC

In a continued political analysis, the hosts focus on contemporary political figures like Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC).

Timestamp: [42:13]
Rubin remarks on the portrayal of these figures in media, drawing parallels to influencer culture:

"Crockett is also the star of numerous YouTube videos with 'claps back' in the title."

Armstrong and Rubin discuss the superficiality and performative aspects of modern political figures, critiquing their focus on social media engagement over substantive legislative work.

Timestamp: [47:22]
They analyze an Atlantic article profiling Jasmine Crockett, criticizing her for perceived narcissism and emphasis on social media metrics:

"The article portrays Crockett as a self-infatuated wannabe influencer who monitors social media engagement like a day trader checks her portfolio."

Armstrong underscores the shift from legislative accomplishments to personal branding:

"Now they all seem like narcissist weirdos."

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Jack Armstrong and Jamie Rubin express a deep-seated frustration with the current state of digital content consumption, the declining role and mismanagement of public libraries, and the entanglement of political narratives with personal agendas. Their discussions highlight a yearning for more control over personal digital experiences, greater accountability in political investigations, and a return to substance over superficiality in political leadership.

Notable Quotes

• Jack Armstrong [03:29]:
  "There needs to be some sort of algorithm reset button that you can do. I shouldn't be afraid to search on things and think, ah, I'd like to look that up."

• Jamie Rubin [05:25]:
  "It'd be cool if you could go to a page and it lists all of your things that it thinks you're into, and you could click the boxes and say, I am into these. I'm not into these anymore."

• Jack Armstrong [12:25]:
  "Where in the charter of libraries did it have anything to do with solving housing problems?"

• Jamie Rubin [13:52]:
  "We are losing control of a facility that has always been benevolent and peaceful for the community."

• Jack Armstrong [27:49]:
  "Half the country and one entire political party has an article of faith that Russia stole the 2016 election."

• Jamie Rubin [47:05]:
  "House Oversight Committee plus social media, please. Fireworks."

This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a critical examination of how digital platforms influence personal experiences and broader societal institutions. The hosts advocate for greater user control, accountability in public services, and integrity in political narratives.