I Wanna Be A Cowboy

Summary

Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – “I Wanna Be A Cowboy”

Introduction

In the February 10, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, titled “I Wanna Be A Cowboy,” hosts Armstrong and Getty delve into personal aspirations, childhood dreams, and the evolving ambitions of their children. The conversation navigates through nostalgic reflections, heartfelt discussions about career choices, and insightful commentary on mentoring and youth development.

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Childhood Dreams and Parental Conversations

The episode opens with Armstrong and Getty reminiscing about conversations with their children regarding future aspirations. Armstrong shares his dialogue with his sons, highlighting the different stages of dreamcasting during childhood:

• Childhood Fantasies vs. Realistic Considerations: Armstrong notes, “[00:11] Armstrong: So my kind, my kids are kind of in that age. You know, my oldest son is in the. Where you, like, seriously have to start thinking about what you might want to do with your life. But my younger son is at the kind of more fanciful age of what do you want to be when you grow up.” This contrast underscores the transition from imaginative dreams like astronauts or cowboys to more grounded career considerations.

• Getty’s Take on Coworking: Getty humorously adds, “[00:36] Getty: Rearranging cattle is honorable work. It is cowboy,” emphasizing the respectability of traditional roles and the ideals associated with them.

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Career Paths and Real-Life Choices

The discussion organically transitions to Armstrong’s personal career trajectory and the choices that led him away from a cowboy lifestyle:

• From Feedlot to Radio: Armstrong reveals, “[00:40] Armstrong: I actually ended up working in a place where I could have been come a cowboy, if that's what I wanted to do.” He explains his decision to pursue a more stable career as a feed truck driver rather than committing to the lifelong profession of a cowboy.

• Katie’s Journey to Radio: Katie, presumably Armstrong’s youngest son, narrates his evolving interests: “[02:03] Katie: But yeah, that’s not how it happened. I went from marine biologist to archaeologist.” Ultimately, he finds his passion in radio, inspired by listening to his father and the allure of the medium during his teenage years.

• Michael’s Technical Inclinations: Michael adds, “[02:38] Michael: I also wanted to be in radio as a little kid, believe it or not. But I like the technical stuff.” His early fascination with building and technology mirrors his current work behind the scenes in radio.

• Getty’s Diverse Interests: Getty humorously recounts his varied and shifting interests over the years, ranging from paleontology to law, and ultimately settles into his current role, acknowledging, “[03:07] Getty: With great skill and aplomb. Joe Getty, fairly standard American Midwestern boy... [03:37] Armstrong: Do you remember why you change your mind on various stuff? Because I don't.”

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Influence of External Factors on Career Decisions

Both hosts reflect on how external factors and opportunities shape career choices:

• Armstrong’s Unplanned Path: Armstrong shares his unexpected pivot to radio: “[04:20] Armstrong: ...hearing about a radio program at a nearby community college where practically everybody who went there found a full time job in radio.” This opportunity diverted him from his initial plan to join the Marines, showcasing how unforeseen paths can lead to fulfilling careers.

• Getty’s Mentoring Advocacy: Getty passionately discusses the importance of mentoring programs, stating, “[09:37] Getty: ...there are lots and lots of kids like that that are kind of doomed to not pursue their dreams or even understand what their dreams are because they haven't seen somebody do it.” He emphasizes the role of mentorship in broadening young people's horizons and providing tangible examples of achievable careers.

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Children’s Future Plans and Perspectives

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the hosts’ children and their unique approaches to future planning:

• Katie’s Ambitious Plan: Armstrong humorously relays Katie’s bold plan: “[06:26] Getty: Wow, there was a, there was a twist there. Did not see that coming.” Katie intends to double his schoolwork to obtain a GED by 16, followed by two years dedicated to physical fitness, aiming to join the military with a clear, long-term vision: “[07:21] Getty: That is utterly unique.”

• Getty’s Admiration for Katie’s Vision: Getty expresses admiration for Katie’s mature understanding of long-term planning, noting, “[07:23] Armstrong: I know. [07:24] Getty: Continually reminded my kids of, of that reality because it does not seem that way when you’re young.”

• Contrasting Perspectives: The hosts contrast Katie’s forward-thinking plans with a conversation Armstrong had with a 26-year-old woman facing job loss, highlighting generational differences in handling career uncertainties: “[08:24] Armstrong: Amazing because you’re so young when you’re 38. Good Lord.”

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The Role of Mentorship and Real-World Exposure

Getty delves deeper into the significance of exposing youth to diverse career paths:

• Breaking Down Mental Barriers: “[10:57] Armstrong: That's a weird thing about the human mind. It's putting limitations on yourself just for, like, things you aren't aware of.” He discusses how children often impose self-limiting beliefs on their potential careers due to a lack of exposure and understanding.

• Encouraging Exploration: Getty advocates for providing children with opportunities to explore various interests without preconceived limitations, reinforcing the idea that mentorship and real-world exposure can unlock hidden potentials.

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Humor and Light-Hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty infuse humor into their discussions, making the conversation engaging and relatable:

• Self-Deprecating Jokes: When discussing career changes, Getty quips, “[03:09] Getty: With great skill and aplomb.” This light-heartedness continues as they tease each other about not knowing their children’s detailed plans.

• Relatable Anecdotes: Michael shares a humorous encounter from high school: “[11:11] Getty: It’s odd. Yeah. I can’t explain it. It’s just weird. Little kid walking around in a lab coat and just fascinated by disease.” This adds a layer of relatability, as listeners reflect on their own shifting aspirations.

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Conclusion

The “I Wanna Be A Cowboy” episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers a heartfelt exploration of childhood dreams, the influence of parental guidance, and the unpredictable nature of career paths. Through personal anecdotes, humor, and thoughtful discussions, Armstrong and Getty provide listeners with a reflective look at how ambitions evolve over time and the crucial role of mentorship in shaping the futures of the younger generation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Armstrong on Childhood Conversations:

  • “[00:11] Armstrong: So my kind, my kids are kind of in that age... seriously have to start thinking about what you might want to do with your life.”

• Getty on Coworking:

  • “[00:36] Getty: Rearranging cattle is honorable work. It is cowboy.”

• Katie’s Career Path:

  • “[02:03] Katie: But yeah, that’s not how it happened. I went from marine biologist to archaeologist.”

• Armstrong Reflecting on Career Choices:

  • “[04:20] Armstrong: ...hearing about a radio program at a nearby community college where practically everybody who went there found a full time job in radio.”

• Katie’s Ambitious Plan:

  • “[06:26] Getty: Wow, there was a, there was a twist there. Did not see that coming.”

• Getty on Mentorship:

  • “[09:37] Getty: ...there are lots and lots of kids like that that are kind of doomed to not pursue their dreams or even understand what their dreams are because they haven't seen somebody do it.”

This episode beautifully blends personal storytelling with broader societal themes, making it both entertaining and enlightening for listeners.

Transcript

[Armstrong]

I want to be a cowboy. It's one more thing. Armstrong and Getty.

[Getty]

One more thing.

[Armstrong]

So my kind, my kids are kind of in that age. You know, my. My oldest son is in the. Where you, like, seriously have to start thinking about what you might want to do with your life. But my younger son is at the kind of more fanciful age of what do you want to be when you grow up? And so we have these conversations on a regular basis, you know, like when you're a really little kid, you want to be a, I don't know, astronaut or a cowboy.

[Getty]

Rearranging cattle is honorable work. It is cowboy.

[Armstrong]

I actually ended up working in a place where I could have been come a cowboy, if that's what I wanted to do.

[Katie]

You wear boots on the beach.

[Armstrong]

That was the actual job was I was working at the feedlot. And at some point you take the. Do you want to do. Go the feed truck driver route or do you want to go the cowboy route? And I want the feed truck driver route because I wasn't planning on being cowboys. More like a life profession. That's not something you just do for a year. That's like you're going to be your life. But I was going to ask everybody before I get to what my youngest son's current plan is, which is kind of funny for you. What he wants to do is life. What did you want to be when you grew up, Katie?

[Katie]

I wanted to be a marine biologist.

[Armstrong]

That's a good one because you saw Seinfeld and that's what George Costanza said he was. I've always wanted to pretend to be a marine biologist.

[Getty]

I think both of my daughters may have had a time where they wanted to do that. You see dolphins and sea turtles and all sorts of endearing creatures and you hear they're at risk. You want to do. Yeah, it's fine profession.

[Armstrong]

And what, at what point did you decide you didn't want to be that? Or maybe you don't even remember because, like, some of my stuff, I don't remember ever making a decision or. It's not like I looked into it. Well, it looked to me like, according to the actuary tables, that people die at a young age in this profession and you only make this much money, so perhaps I'll turn my gaze towards something else. That's not the way it usually works.

[Katie]

But yeah, that's not how it happened. I went from marine biologist to archaeologist.

[Getty]

And then another good one.

[Katie]

Ended up in radio.

[Armstrong]

Ended up in radio. I don't know if That's.

[Katie]

No, that. This. That's because what I ended up actually wanting to do. Oh, okay.

[Armstrong]

Wanting to do that. At what point. At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to be on the radio?

[Katie]

Around the time that I. I was a teenager, so. 13.

[Armstrong]

Okay.

[Getty]

Ish.

[Katie]

Yeah.

[Armstrong]

Interesting.

[Katie]

Fell in love with the morning show. Was listening to Rush with my dad all the time. Found out dad did some radio and here we are.

[Michael]

It's awesome.

[Getty]

Cool.

[Armstrong]

Michael.

[Michael]

I also wanted to be in radio as a little kid, believe it or not. But I like the technical stuff. I used to take Tinker toys and build tall towers all the way to the ceiling of the house.

[Armstrong]

Yeah, that's interesting. We've worked with you for 25 years and I didn't know that.

[Michael]

Yeah. As a little kid and. But I would play. I remember I'd have a little record player, official price, record player. Not pretend I was a dj, but I always. Yeah, I ended up wanting to play with, you know, buttons and things like that. So that's kind of what I'm doing now.

[Getty]

Yeah.

[Katie]

Cool.

[Michael]

Yeah.

[Getty]

With great skill and aplomb. Joe Getty, fairly standard American Midwestern boy, cycle of paleontology, Scientologist, hockey player, baseball player, professional musician, lawyer. Than this dead end job.

[Armstrong]

Do you remember?

[Getty]

You know, it. There was definitely a progression.

[Armstrong]

Do you remember why you change your mind on various stuff? Because I don't.

[Getty]

I think running up against reality, honestly realizing I'm not really good enough for that and I have other interests now. I think it was as simple as that.

[Armstrong]

Yeah. I mean, if I go way back to the beginning, I think it was cowboy now for a very long time. I wanted to be a carpenter and I really liked working with building stuff and all that sort of thing. Still do, but like, I don't remember it any at any point deciding. I don't know, I probably hit my thumb a lot, so maybe I'll. I mean, I just, you know, just stopped being my interest for whatever reason.

[Getty]

Yeah, I think that's it. You just develop other interests, get passion for something else.

[Armstrong]

I was hardcore. I was going to join the Marines for most of high school. I mean, this wasn't even when I was a little kid. I mean, that was just absolutely my plan. I don't know. I honestly don't know. It has something to do with hearing about a radio program. I think I was, I was in. I never did any sort of like drama, musical stuff until my senior year of high school. And I. I did that and I got kind of sucked into that world of performing, entertaining, the adulation that comes with it. And then I heard about a radio program at a nearby community college where practically everybody who went there found a full time job in radio. At least that was the stat at the time, which is amazing now. It was true then, but impossible now. There's not three full time radio jobs available in the country. But I just thought, oh, that'd be awesome. I always had listened to Ray always want, like the idea of being on the radio. And then I was full speed on that after that, I. But I don't remember why I changed my mind. Like you would think you'd remember that, but I don't.

[Getty]

The Marines thing. Yes. Unless it's, you know, as I said, you just develop other passions and you kind of get led away.

[Armstrong]

And I've sometimes wondered what my life would have been like if I had gone that direction. I kind of wish I would have just for the. The challenge of it and everything that comes with it. But I'm really happy with the way things turned out in my. My career this way, so I wouldn't want to mess with it too much. But yeah. Sometime when Elon gets the right rocket, I will travel to the parallel universe where I joined the Marine Corps and see where I ended up. Here's my son's current plan. He wants to double up on his schoolwork. Currently, he does a combination of homeschool and independent study. He's not in a traditional school setting. He is. He wants to double up on his schoolwork. He wants to pass the GED at 16, so he'll have his high school education. Then he wants to spend two years getting jacked. Okay.

[Getty]

Wow, there was a, there was a twist there. Did not see that coming.

[Katie]

Did not. That was not on my bingo card.

[Michael]

Yeah, me neither.

[Armstrong]

It made, it made me laugh out loud just like this yesterday when he told me, this is my plan. Now I'm gonna double up my studying so I can get my GED at 16, and then I'm gonna spend two years getting jacked.

[Michael]

Yeah.

[Getty]

All right, so now he's educated and.

[Armstrong]

Swole, and then what next? And then he's gonna join the military because he. He wants to do like my brother Jeff, who is career military because he's seen somebody do the other end of it. He also is just an odd. He's a different sort of human being. And he seems to understand, like, time horizons as a kid the way that you only usually do as an adult. But to him, 20 years in the military where you get you know, the, all the benefits that come with him. He thinks I'd only be 38, so it's just I'd have all these other opportunities to do this and that. It's like that's not usually the way you think when you're young. You know, being 38 seems like you might as well be dead. So there's no way I'm gonna commit to doing. But that's the way he looks at things.

[Getty]

That is utterly unique.

[Armstrong]

I know.

[Getty]

Continually reminded my kids of, of that reality because it does not seem that way when you're young. I remember being practice, not panic stricken, but extremely concerned at age 22 and a half that I wasn't completely certain what I wanted to do.

[Armstrong]

Right, right.

[Getty]

Go off and do something for five years, then you'll be 27 and a half. Oh, you know, from this perspective, it's crazy, but man, that is, that is so nuts that he's in a good way that he's got that perspective.

[Armstrong]

Well, you know, because we all just went through all our different iterations of things we want to do. I don't expect him to stay on this plan, but he's been with it for quite a while. He's always asking my brother about the military this, military that. And it would, it's actually a good plan if you, if you can handle the idea at a young age of 20 year commitment or something. And you don't have to commit for 20 years at a time. You sign up for chunks at a time.

[Katie]

But boy, understanding that age is, that's.

[Armstrong]

Amazing because you're so young when you're 38. Good Lord.

[Katie]

Oh my gosh. I just had a conversation with a girl over the weekend. She lost her job unfortunately on Friday and she's losing it. She is 26 years old.

[Getty]

Oh boy.

[Katie]

She's like, I'm already 26. I went, first of all, shut up about already being 26.

[Armstrong]

Okay, enough of that.

[Getty]

Yeah.

[Katie]

Second, you're fine.

[Getty]

Go find a 23 year old. Who wants to hear that? The rest of us, not so much.

[Armstrong]

Yeah, that's pretty funny. But I'd never heard anybody who had the plan of taking two years off to get jacked.

[Getty]

Yeah, I love that. So just as an aside, on a semi serious note, it's one of the reasons I really believe in mentoring programs and am like crazy super passionate about not papering over deficiencies in schools in like, inner city areas, rough areas, whatever, wherever schools are suffering and then just admitting the kids anyway because my and Jack knows this story. My the fact that it didn't even occur to me to pursue a career in radio until I was at a band rehearsal and one of the guitar players said he was going to his radio class. And I thought, oh, is that how you do that? I'd be better than him. And I enrolled in a radio class. It was as if I'd spent my entire life wandering around saying, you know, I'd really like to cure people of disease. And I'm fascinated by pharmacology, and knives don't bother me. And I understand that surgery is important. And boy, oh, boy, I like science. And again, healing people. And it never occurred to me to be a doctor. I mean, it was that dense that it never occurred to me. It just didn't. For some reason, I thought they import space aliens to do that, or you're hatched or, I don't know, some of. By God, it never occurred to me. No, you just make a couple of basic steps and then you explore it. And the fact that I could have that. That. That lack of vision just because I didn't know what those steps were, I realized there are lots and lots of kids like that that are kind of doomed to not pursue their dreams or even understand what their dreams are because they haven't seen somebody do it. And so that's what's so important about mentoring programs and, like, the NFL. One of the best super bowl ads is this. The day after the super bowl, we're taping this. One of the best ones was that I am somebody thing where they go into neighborhoods and they tell kids, hey, this is a real possibility. People like you do this. I think those are great.

[Katie]

Yeah.

[Armstrong]

That's a weird thing about the human mind. It's putting limitations on yourself just for, like, things you aren't aware of. I've done right. And again, a variety of area areas. And it's just.

[Getty]

It's odd. Yeah. I can't explain it. It's just weird. Little kid walking around in a lab coat and just fascinated by disease.

[Katie]

I wish he could do something with that.

[Getty]

Yeah, I guess I'll go manage a grocery store.

[Michael]

I remember in high school, I wasn't getting very good grades, and I was at the guidance counselor, and he said, you know, well, what kind of career do you think you're going to have with this kind of grades? And I looked at him, I said, how about a guidance counselor? Went very poorly.

[Armstrong]

Oh, man. It's funny because it's true.

[Michael]

It's funny.

[Getty]

Youthful trolling at its best.

[Michael]

Well, I guess that's it?