Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: "I Need Figgy Pudding & Spotted Dick"
Release Date: May 13, 2025

Overview

In the episode titled "I Need Figgy Pudding & Spotted Dick," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of pressing topics, including controversial legislation in Colorado, a high-profile celebrity trial, violence linked to Mexican cartels, ethical concerns surrounding international gifts, and the looming impact of artificial intelligence on employment. The discussion is enriched with firsthand testimonies, expert opinions, and timely news updates, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current events.

1. Gender-Affirming Care Legislation in Colorado

Discussion Highlights: Jack Armstrong and Michael engage in a critical examination of recent bills in Colorado that mandate insurance coverage for gender-affirming treatments and influence child custody decisions based on a child's gender identity.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [05:04]: "A House bill would require insurance companies to cover so-called gender-affirming drugs and procedures for both children and adults, including puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and the removal of healthy breasts and genitalia."
• Michael [05:10]: "If another court from another state gives custody to a parent who affirms the child's biological sex, a bill directs Colorado courts to ignore that decision and instead award custody to the parent who pushes the child toward transition purely because they pushed the child toward transition. You crazy people, right?"

Testimony from Brandy Cruz: The episode features a poignant excerpt from Brandy Cruz, who narrates her experiences with gender transition treatments, highlighting the long-term physical and emotional repercussions she faced.

• Brandy Cruz [08:00]: "I had facial feminization surgery. I had sex reassignment surgery. I was on HRT for 17 years. Now I'm on a combo dose because I can't go off. I have multiple health conditions from transitioning young and for transitioning for so long."

Insights: The hosts argue that such legislation prioritizes ideological conformity over children's health and autonomy. They express concerns about the permanent and irreversible nature of gender-affirming procedures, especially when administered to minors.

2. High-Profile Celebrity Trial: P. Diddy and Brandy Cruz

Discussion Highlights: Jack and Michael provide updates on the ongoing trial involving P. Diddy and his ex-girlfriend, Brandy Cruz. The episode discusses the potential implications of Cruz's testimony and the media's portrayal of the case.

Notable Quotes:

• Katie [15:32]: "At the moment she's visibly upset. Also eight and a half months pregnant. Just as a note."
• Jack Armstrong [16:12]: "She described 'freak offs' as involving the hiring of escorts and setting up experiences for performances directed by Diddy."

Insights: The hosts emphasize the severity of the allegations, including physical abuse and psychological manipulation, asserting that the trial could become one of the most significant celebrity cases of the generation.

3. Violence and Political Assassinations in Mexico

Discussion Highlights: A grim report on the rampant violence in Mexico underscores the dangers faced by politicians opposing cartel interests. The hosts lament the frequent and brutal assassinations that rarely gain international attention.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael [17:17]: "A woman running for mayor was gunned down on live television in front of her supporters."
• Jack Armstrong [18:50]: "We have been railing against progressive policies that have made crime legal again and emptied the prisons. It takes two weeks to undo and maybe 200 years to get back."

Insights: The conversation highlights the urgent need for robust law enforcement and policy reforms to combat cartel-related violence and protect public servants in Mexico.

4. Ethical Concerns Over Qatar's Luxury Jet Gift

Discussion Highlights: The hosts debate the propriety of Qatar gifting a massive and luxurious 7478 jet to the U.S., exploring the ethical and political ramifications of such a gesture.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [20:16]: "The jet, which is bigger and more luxurious than Air Force One, would almost certainly be the most expensive gift ever from a foreign power."
• Donna Brazil [21:10]: "They're giving us a free jet. I could say, no, no, no, don't give us. I want to pay you a billion or 400 million or whatever it is."

Insights: Concerns are raised about Qatar's geopolitical motives, including their support for the Muslim Brotherhood and the potential influence such gifts could wield over U.S. policies and positions.

5. The Impending Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment

Discussion Highlights: Jack and Michael delve into the transformative effects of AI and automation on the job market, predicting significant disruptions across various industries.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [28:09]: "If the AI thing happens and that 10% happens, I mean, how many Americans are working at this point?"
• Michael [38:51]: "I think it's like two years off. We've only got such a ready acceptance of AI taking over so many jobs."

Insights: The hosts forecast that AI advancements could eliminate millions of jobs, particularly in sectors like trucking and white-collar professions, leading to increased unemployment and a potential need for universal basic income. They discuss societal and economic challenges that may arise from such a shift, including political instability and an overburdened welfare system.

6. Recommendations and Cultural Commentary

Discussion Highlights: The hosts recommend the television series Black Mirror to listeners interested in exploring the ethical and societal implications of technology.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [25:26]: "I would describe it as a modern-day cinematic quality Twilight Zone. Each episode stands alone... revolving around the theme of man trying to deal with the new technological world."
• Katie [27:10]: "The latest episode I just watched... they create mini drones that look like bumblebees, but then someone hijacks them to kill people."

Insights: Through their discussion of Black Mirror, the hosts underscore the relevance of speculative fiction in understanding and anticipating real-world technological challenges and ethical dilemmas.

7. Closing Thoughts

As the episode concludes, Jack reflects on the rapid advancements in technology, particularly AI, and the necessity for society to adapt proactively. He warns of the potential societal upheaval if measures are not taken to address the impending changes in the job market and economic structures.

Conclusion

"I Need Figgy Pudding & Spotted Dick" offers a critical and multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues ranging from gender legislation and celebrity misconduct to international ethics and technological disruptions. Through incisive commentary and real-life testimonies, Armstrong and Getty provide listeners with a thought-provoking analysis of the forces shaping today's society.

Note: Advertisements for sponsors such as Talkspace have been excluded from this summary to focus solely on the episode's core content.