Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode: "I Have Tusks"

Release Date: March 21, 2025
Host/Authors: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the "I Have Tusks" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty navigate through a week’s worth of eclectic topics, blending humor with sharp commentary. From peculiar viral clips to pressing societal issues, the duo delivers their signature blend of wit and insight. This summary captures the episode's key discussions, notable quotes, and the dynamic interaction between Armstrong and Getty.

Week in Review: Cow Clips of the Week [00:31 - 02:04]

The episode kicks off with Armstrong and Getty reviewing their traditional "Cow Clips of the Week." This segment showcases quirky viral moments and news snippets, setting a humorous tone.

• SpaceX Endeavors:
  Jack Armstrong [00:42]: “SpaceX crew 10 climbing through the skies above a Falcon 9 rocket.”
  Joe Getty [01:46]: “Send me now. Yes.”

• Tesla Dealership Attacks:
  Jack Armstrong [02:04]: “Tesla's spray painted in Massachusetts. We have to make them really afraid.”
  Joe Getty [02:07]: “Shots fired at this Tesla dealership in Oregon.”

The hosts highlight the increasing tensions surrounding high-profile companies and their CEOs, particularly Elon Musk.

Main Discussion: "I Have Tusks" Clip Analysis [04:28 - 09:39]

The centerpiece of the episode revolves around a viral clip featuring an individual with extensive facial piercings, humorously referred to as having "tusks."

• Description of the Clip:
  Katie [04:28]: “It's a dude dressed as a woman, and she's got one of those nose rings and that looks like two hooks coming out of his nostrils.”

• Hosts' Reactions:
  Jack Armstrong [07:12]: “Completely aside from the trans issue, that person had tusks... They have tusks.”
  Joe Getty [08:10]: “Look at his schnoz. He's got like various studs stuck in various locations around his nose.”

The discussion delves into societal perceptions of body modification and self-expression. Armstrong references PJ O'Rourke’s take on piercings and tattoos, suggesting an inverse relationship between personal adornments and perceived interest levels.

• Notable Quote:
  Jack Armstrong [09:05]: “My message to the world is that I'm buttusked.”

The segment blends humor with a critical look at cultural trends, emphasizing the hosts' skepticism towards extreme self-modification.

Educational Concerns: Chronic Absenteeism [17:06 - 23:24]

Armstrong and Getty shift focus to the alarming rise in chronic absenteeism among students, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Statistics and Impact:
  Joe Getty [21:11]: “Chronic absenteeism has skyrocketed since COVID... last year was well above the national average.”
  Jack Armstrong [22:46]: “Chronic absentee is more than 10 days, is that what you said?”

• Expert Insights:
  Jack Armstrong [23:24]: “The ability to read by third grade... is a reliable predictor of future success.”

The hosts express concern over the long-term effects of disrupted education, highlighting the critical nature of early literacy and consistent school attendance.

• Notable Quote:
  Joe Getty [23:35]: “So New York's now got just a crisis of, you know, I wonder if I could find that real quickly.”

This discussion underscores the broader societal implications of educational setbacks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Social Media's Impact on Teen Friendships [23:40 - 26:53]

The conversation transitions to the psychological effects of social media on teenage relationships.

• Research Findings:
  Joe Getty [24:06]: “Unmet expectations on social media are the primary cause of teen friendship conflicts...”
  Jack Armstrong [24:53]: “If I had the ability to actually see the party everybody was going to, it would have been brutal.”

• Emotional Consequences:
  Joe Getty [25:34]: “Seeing the girl you dated with some other guy... that’s just brutal.”

The hosts discuss how social media fosters feelings of exclusion, jealousy, and rejection, exacerbating conflicts among teens. They reflect on personal anecdotes to illustrate the challenges teens face in the digital age.

• Notable Quote:
  Joe Getty [26:06]: “What they found paints a concerning picture of modern teen relationships.”

This segment highlights the necessity for interventions and support systems to help teens navigate the complexities of online interactions.

Political Commentary and Public Opinion [29:17 - 33:28]

Armstrong and Getty delve into current political issues, focusing on public trust in institutions and the impact of political decisions.

• Education Policy Critique:
  Jack Armstrong [19:03]: “National Education Association says the move will… None of those things.”
  Joe Getty [19:21]: “You're lying. I wonder why they would lie.”

• Public Trust Statistics:
  Joe Getty [31:21]: “Small business is the most trusted valued thing... 61%.”
  Jack Armstrong [31:35]: “If small businesses are the backbone of the country, what is talk radio?”
  Joe Getty [32:07]: “The following four are all positive. Negatives are balanced. The same. Organized labor, banks, higher education.”

The discussion critiques the negative perceptions of institutions like Congress and the media, juxtaposed against the high trust in small businesses and the military. The hosts express skepticism towards educational reforms and highlight discrepancies in public trust metrics.

• Notable Quote:
  Joe Getty [32:33]: “It couldn't be more screwed up.”

This analysis reflects the hosts’ concerns over declining trust in critical institutions and the broader implications for societal cohesion.

Final Segments: Closing Thoughts and Humorous Interludes [33:28 - End]

As the episode nears its conclusion, Armstrong and Getty share personal reflections and engage in light-hearted banter.

• Pet Names Discussion:
  Joe Getty [05:18]: “Yeah, she calls me honey.”
  Katie [05:40]: “We have two. One we made up, sweetheart. And babo.”

• Humorous Anecdotes:
  Jack Armstrong [16:45]: “As a guy who drives a Tesla, I'm wondering if anything will happen but to me get my car keyed or yelled at.”
  Joe Getty [30:19]: “That's one of the great T-shirts of all time.”

• Final Thoughts:
  Jack Armstrong [34:09]: “Trying to figure out what to do with my teenage boys on a Friday night...”
  Joe Getty [34:25]: “I'm going to a minor league hockey game tonight... grown men will punch themselves in the face.”

The episode wraps up with the hosts sharing their plans and musings, maintaining the engaging and relatable rapport that defines Armstrong & Getty.

• Notable Quote:
  Jack Armstrong [35:16]: “God bless America.”

Conclusion

"I Have Tusks" offers listeners a blend of humor, critical analysis, and personal anecdotes. Armstrong and Getty adeptly navigate a range of topics, from viral internet clips to serious societal issues like education and mental health. Their engaging dialogue, punctuated with memorable quotes and relatable insights, makes for a compelling listen that resonates with a broad audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [09:05]: “My message to the world is that I'm buttusked.”
• Joe Getty [19:21]: “You're lying. I wonder why they would lie.”
• Joe Getty [26:53]: “Who's the guy who said that famous phrase?”
• Joe Getty [31:21]: “Small business is the most trusted valued thing... 61%.”

For more insights and discussions, visit armstrongandgetty.com.