Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "I Like 'Rub Me'"
Release Date: May 14, 2025
Host/Authors: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of topical issues, blending political commentary, societal observations, and discussions on medical advancements. Skipping over the promotional segments, the conversation begins at [03:15] and traverses through intriguing subjects, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of contemporary matters.

1. Drug Pricing Discrepancies: US vs. UK

Timestamp: [03:15] – [06:51]

The episode kicks off with a compelling discussion about the stark difference in drug pricing between the United States and the United Kingdom. A personal anecdote is shared about a wealthy friend who purchases the same medication for $1,300 in New York and $88 in London.

• Joe Getty critiques the American pharmaceutical pricing system:

  “That's like day three of Trump's story about his fat friend.” ([04:05])

• Ryan Seacrest highlights the complexity of drug pricing:

  “And the way money flows into and out of various entities from your insurance company to the pharmacies to the drug companies, to the pharmacy benefit managers. An unholy group of humans if there ever was one.” ([05:13])

The conversation underscores how insurance practices, generic drug availability, and the involvement of pharmacy benefit managers contribute to inflated drug costs in the U.S., leaving consumers perplexed and frustrated.

2. Trump’s Saudi Arabia Speech: A Foreign Policy Analysis

Timestamp: [07:32] – [15:47]

Armstrong and Getty dissect former President Donald Trump's recent speech in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Mark Halperin. They analyze Trump's praise for the modernization of Saudi cities, attributing this progress to the region's own initiatives rather than Western intervention.

• Joe Getty reflects on the self-sustained growth of the Middle East:

  “Instead, the birth of a modern Middle East has been brought by the people of the region themselves.” ([10:02])

• Ryan Seacrest comments on the role of petrodollars:

  “It helps to have unlimited numbers of petrodollars.” ([11:21])

The hosts commend Trump's approach of respecting national traditions and fostering economic ties without imposing Western cultural or political models. They contrast this with previous U.S. interventions in regions like Baghdad, emphasizing the latter's lack of success in achieving lasting progress.

However, Ryan Seacrest raises concerns about potential negative influences from wealthy Middle Eastern entities:

“I'm still, for the record, I'm super uncomfortable with the fact that Qatar, for instance, is trying to buy influence in America.” ([14:14])

The discussion navigates the fine line between fostering international economic relationships and safeguarding domestic cultural and political integrity.

3. Medical Breakthroughs: Pig Kidney Transplants

Timestamp: [28:11] – [38:26]

The hosts transition to a fascinating discussion on recent advancements in medical science, specifically the development of pig kidney transplants.

• Ryan Seacrest introduces the topic by referencing an ultrasound of a pig kidney inside a human body:

  “The level of kidney function is as good as we would expect from a human kidney transplant.” ([28:25])

• Joe Getty elaborates on the technological marvels making this possible:

  “This is really the progress of several Nobel prize winning discoveries. Everything from CRISPR, which is gene editing technology, actually taking genes out of the pig genome, adding other genes in from humans into the pig genome.” ([31:03])

The conversation highlights the innovative use of CRISPR, cloning, and immunology to modify pig genomes, making their organs compatible with humans. While the breakthrough promises to alleviate the shortage of human organs for transplantation, the hosts also ponder the ethical and societal implications, including concerns about potential zoonotic diseases.

• Joe Getty humorously remarks on the perception of pigs in this context:

  “Two legs good, four legs bad. That's where you end up.” ([31:32])

Despite the humorous undertones, the hosts recognize the profound impact this technology could have on saving lives and revolutionizing transplant medicine.

4. Internal Dynamics within the Democratic Party: Focus on David Hogg

Timestamp: [42:54] – [46:32]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the internal struggles within the Democratic Party, particularly focusing on David Hogg, a prominent anti-gun activist and Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

• Joe Getty critiques Hogg's influence and the party's response:

  “He is the Vice Chairman of the DNC, David Hogg, he said today, 'Too many leaders in the Democratic Party are asleep at the wheel.'” ([43:27])

• Ryan Seacrest expresses frustration with the party's handling of Hogg:

  “I hate you.” ([35:50])

The hosts discuss allegations of procedural flaws being used to remove Hogg from his position, suggesting that the party is attempting to sidelined more radical elements to maintain traditional leadership structures.

• Joe Getty summarizes Hogg's background and current predicament:

  “He was one of the poor kids that was in the Parkland, Florida school when the shooter went in and killed so many people... He rose to fame by coming out and being a very outspoken anti-gun sort of person.” ([45:21])

The conversation highlights tensions between progressive and moderate factions within the party, raising questions about leadership direction and party unity.

5. Air Traffic Navigation Waypoint Names Controversy: "Rub Me"

Timestamp: [20:40] – [23:28]

In a lighter yet socially relevant segment, Armstrong and Getty discuss the controversy surrounding offensive names assigned to aviation GPS waypoints. One such waypoint, RUB MI ([22:21]), has sparked debate due to its inappropriate connotation.

• Joe Getty criticizes the focus on trivial matters amidst larger global issues:

  “You seriously, you people got nothing more important to worry about.” ([22:52])

• Ryan Seacrest sarcastically comments on the sensitivity over waypoint names:

  “Look, look at me, how sensitive and enlightened I am.” ([22:57])

The hosts argue that while efforts to sanitize language are commendable, such actions may seem insignificant when juxtaposed with pressing global challenges like pandemics, economic disparities, and international conflicts.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Armstrong & Getty provide a blend of humor, critical analysis, and insightful commentary on pressing issues ranging from healthcare and international relations to internal political dynamics and societal sensitivities. Their dialogues encourage listeners to reflect on the complexities of modern governance, technological advancements, and the interplay between cultural norms and policy-making.

Notable Quotes:

• “An unholy group of humans if there ever was one.” – Ryan Seacrest ([05:13])
• “These are incredibly advanced.” – Joe Getty ([30:31])
• “I hate you.” – Ryan Seacrest ([35:50])

This episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of multifaceted topics, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of contemporary issues through the lens of Armstrong and Getty.