Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode Summary: "I Like My Lambs Noisy"

Podcast Information

• Title: Armstrong & Getty On Demand
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!
• Episode: I Like My Lambs Noisy
• Release Date: February 6, 2025

1. NPR's Editorial Shift and Media Bias

Discussion Overview: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the controversial shifts within National Public Radio (NPR), focusing on a critical essay by Yuri Berliner. Berliner, a former NPR employee of 25 years, resigned citing a decline in journalistic integrity and an increasing bias towards progressive narratives.

Key Points:

• Yuri Berliner's Critique: Berliner argued that NPR moved away from its foundational values of curiosity, open-mindedness, and rigorous journalism. He highlighted a focus on "one story after another" centered on progressive issues like racism, transphobia, and the climate apocalypse, sidelining significant topics such as the COVID-19 lab leak theory and Hunter Biden's laptop story.

• Catherine Mayer's Leadership: The hosts criticize Catherine Mayer, NPR’s CEO, labeling her as an "activist and propagandist" rather than a journalist. They question her commitment to journalistic truth, echoing Berliner's sentiments.

• Funding and Bias: Armstrong mentions a $500 million fund being distributed to NPR and PBS outlets, questioning how taxpayer money is being utilized. He suggests that despite the funding not being enormous, it contributes to NPR’s perceived bias.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty [03:44]: "She is an activist and a propagandist. And she is, with her blonde hair and her straight white teeth and her lovely shape and her soothing voice, trying to explain this whole seeking the truth thing."

• Jack Armstrong [04:05]: "Tell me a realm of life where you like that. When is the truth getting in the way. When is that ever a thing?"

Timestamped Insight:

• [07:47]: Armstrong emphasizes the challenge of combating NPR’s bias by personally urging friends to listen alongside him to identify biases: “I'll point out all the places where it's just insanely biased.”

2. Cultural and Political Commentary

Discussion Overview: The conversation shifts to broader cultural and political issues, including President Trump's stance on Gaza and his executive orders affecting women's sports.

Key Points:

• Trump's Gaza Proposal: A controversial plan by President Trump to take over Gaza, including forcibly relocating Palestinians, was quickly rejected by neighboring countries such as Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. The hosts express skepticism about the feasibility and ethical implications of such a proposal.

• Executive Order on Women's Sports: The hosts discuss an executive order by Trump prohibiting biological males from competing in women's sports, highlighting its stringent requirements and potential impact on schools receiving federal funding.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty [18:25]: "President Trump unexpectedly announced plans for a US Takeover of Gaza... countries the president says would take in displaced refugees."

• Jack Armstrong [41:24]: "There are those that have said that... I want you to know that the crisis is here."

Timestamped Insight:

• [40:31]: Announcement of Trump's executive order: "The new order prohibits biological males from competing against biological females for sports teams at schools at any level that receive federal taxpayer dollars."

3. The Discourse on Inclusivity and Language

Discussion Overview: Armstrong and Getty explore the use of inclusive language, particularly the term "Latinx," and its reception within Hispanic communities.

Key Points:

• Critique of "Latinx": The hosts argue that "Latinx" is an ill-received term among Hispanic populations, labeling it as a creation of "over-educated white women." They assert that the term is often used in media outlets like NPR and PBS despite its lack of acceptance among the communities it aims to represent.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [09:44]: "Do you realize that Latinx is stupid and that Hispanic people don't like it..."

• Joe Getty [10:05]: "Are you aware that Latinx people hate Latinx more than anybody else?"

Timestamped Insight:

• [10:09]: Armstrong’s direct challenge: "Do you have regrets about how NPR dealt with the Hunter Biden laptop story, the lab leak theory, or more recently, President Joe Biden's apparent cognitive decline while in the White House?"

4. Best Movies of All Time – A Lively Debate

Discussion Overview: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the "50 Best Movies of All Time," critiquing the list's composition, and sharing personal favorites.

Key Points:

• Critique of the List: Armstrong and Getty express dissatisfaction with the inclusion of older, less mainstream films like "Paths of Glory" and "Seven Samurai," arguing that such movies are not watched by the general public today. They advocate for recognizing movies with substantial cultural impact and widespread recognition.

• Personal Favorites: The hosts share their top movie choices, highlighting films like "Unforgiven," "Apocalypse Now," and "Airplane." They lament the absence of classics like "Citizen Kane" and contemporary favorites such as "Taxi Driver."

• Cultural Impact vs. Critical Acclaim: The discussion underscores a divide between movies that have significant cultural resonance versus those that are critically acclaimed but lack widespread viewing.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [20:39]: "Are they ever a thing? It is... my favorite movie of all time, I think, is Apocalypse Now."

• Joe Getty [27:05]: "For me, it’s Airplane, the comedy movie way back when. So I have fond memories of watching it with my dad."

Timestamped Insight:

• [30:53]: Armstrong critiques the slow pace of classic films: “Can they speed up old timey movies? Just like the way we were talking earlier about listening to podcasts at one and a half times speed.”

5. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Discussion Overview: In the episode’s finale, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the earlier discussions, reiterate their stances, and share final thoughts on various topics.

Key Points:

• Final Reflections on Trump's Policies: The hosts express strong support for Trump’s executive orders, emphasizing their necessity and the relief they bring to certain communities.

• Engagement with Audience: They encourage listeners to visit their website for more content and express appreciation for their audience’s support.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty [25:09]: "We will fight this fight. I am gonna stand with you in this fight. And we will win."

• Jack Armstrong [43:36]: "I always feel like trapped and cheated when forced to name one of the best of something or my favorite of something... But that's silly."

Timestamped Insight:

• [43:17]: Armstrong poses a rhetorical question: "How many schools across the country at all levels are happy that Trump did that so that they've got an excuse for no longer allowing this?"

Conclusion

In "I Like My Lambs Noisy," Armstrong & Getty confront significant issues surrounding media bias, political policies, and cultural inclusivity. Their candid discussions, peppered with sharp critiques and personal opinions, provide listeners with a perspective that challenges mainstream narratives. The episode also features an engaging debate on cinematic excellence, reflecting the hosts' dedication to cultural discourse. Through their unfiltered dialogue, Armstrong and Getty aim to inform and provoke thought among their audience, staying true to their brand of no-substitute content.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Jack Armstrong: “Tell me a realm of life where you like that. When is the truth getting in the way.”

• Joe Getty: “Are you aware that Latinx people hate Latinx more than anybody else?”

Timestamp Highlights:

• [03:19]: Critiquing Catherine Mayer's leadership at NPR.
• [10:46]: Discussion on NPR’s funding and potential biases.
• [18:25]: Analysis of Trump’s Gaza proposal.
• [30:12]: Armstrong's frustration with the outdated pacing of classic films.
• [43:36]: Final reflections on Trump’s executive orders.

For More Insights: Visit armstronggetty.com to explore additional content, discussions, and updates from Armstrong & Getty.