Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "If I Go Two Days Without Seeing A Ballet I Feel Empty Inside" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the latest episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of timely and thought-provoking topics, from the declining influence of cable news to the burgeoning intersection of artificial intelligence and art. The discussion is punctuated with sharp critiques, scientific insights, and personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of content for listeners.

Decline of Cable News and the Fall of Joy Reid

[02:39 - 05:20]
The episode kicks off with a robust critique of Joy Reid, a prominent MSNBC host whose show, The Readout, was recently canceled. Armstrong and Getty express skepticism about the reasons behind her departure, attributing it to declining viewership rather than any shift in network direction.

• Joe Getty emphasizes the diminishing relevance of cable news:
  "Cable news is definitely a dying thing. I mean the ratings are so low... they're way smaller than medium-sized radio shows or YouTube channels." [03:14]

• Jack Armstrong intensifies the criticism:
  "Joy Reid's show has been canceled out of sheer misogyny and racism by MSNBC hosts. I think national tragedy." [03:50]

The hosts argue that cable news, particularly networks like MSNBC and CNN, have lost their grasp on mainstream audiences, with viewership numbers plummeting into the hundreds of thousands. They contrast this with Fox News, which they perceive as maintaining a more substantial and engaged audience.

The Rise of AI in the Art World

[19:07 - 22:10]
Transitioning from media critique, Armstrong and Getty explore the controversial entry of artificial intelligence into the art market.

• Jack Armstrong introduces the topic by referencing Sotheby's first-ever AI art auction:
  "Sotheby's is having its first ever AI art auction, which has got some in the art community up in arms." [19:19]

• They discuss the debate surrounding AI-generated art, with real artists opposing its recognition as legitimate art while others argue for its artistic value:
  "Art's art. And I don't know where we land on this. It's kind of confusing." [19:19]

• The conversation touches on the historical evolution of art movements and questions what AI's role will be:
  "Throughout the history of mankind, art reflected what's going on culturally in the world at the time... What is that going to mean when it's AI?" [19:52]

The hosts ponder whether AI art will follow the trajectory of previous art movements or forge an entirely new path, reflecting societal changes and technological advancements.

Understanding Musical Anhedonia

[24:59 - 29:17]
A segment on musical anhedonia—a condition where individuals do not derive pleasure from music—reveals fascinating insights into human psychology and neuroscience.

• Joe Getty explains the condition:
  "Musical anhedonia isn't about being tone-deaf or having trouble understanding music. This is so interesting. People with this condition can tell perfectly well whether a melody is happy or sad." [27:18]

• Jack Armstrong relates it to personal experiences:
  "I feel like I'm that way with food. I don't care about food the way other people do." [28:07]

• They discuss the evolutionary aspects and potential primal reasons behind the human response to rhythm:
  "Something deep and primal in us... An incredibly common part of all ritual, tribal rituals and prehistoric rituals and modern rituals." [29:25]

This discussion highlights how fundamental rhythms and music are to human culture and individual emotional experiences, raising questions about the diversity of human responses to art forms.

The Impact of Disconnecting from Mobile Internet

[30:16 - 35:42]
Armstrong and Getty examine a scientific study on the psychological and behavioral effects of blocking mobile Internet access for two weeks.

• Joe Getty summarizes the study's findings:
  "Blocking mobile Internet on your phone for two weeks had an effect on depression larger than typically seen in antidepressant drug studies... Increased well-being in 91% of participants in at least one key area." [31:18]

• Jack Armstrong shares personal anecdotes, emphasizing the universal desire to disconnect:
  "We all went on a vacation where we don't have Wi-Fi... It was unplugged. It was you and nature. It was wonderful." [31:31]

• They discuss the societal implications, such as improved social interactions and mental health:
  "Participants naturally spent more time socializing in person, exercising, being outdoors. And these shifts in behavior partially explained improvements in well-being." [32:21]

The hosts advocate for reduced smartphone usage, suggesting even moderate restrictions can yield significant mental health benefits.

Political Commentary: Trump’s Mineral Deal with Ukraine

[38:28 - 41:08]
The hosts shift to geopolitics, analyzing former President Donald Trump's negotiations concerning mineral deals with Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

• Cindy Crawford relays Jack Armstrong's insights:
  "When the mineral deal is struck, I mean, I know Trump has said he's going to have the earth movers and the tractors going in... It has to be lasting." [39:03]

• Joe Getty expresses skepticism about the administration's resolve:
  "If you lack the will to defend those interests, then it doesn't matter. It's a house of cards, paper tiger." [40:20]

The discussion centers on the potential motivations behind the deal, its impact on the war's outcome, and whether the U.S. possesses the determination to enforce such agreements against Russian aggression.

Government Memo on Diversity Activities

[41:08 - 43:07]
Armstrong and Getty critique a memo from a federal agency directive aimed at ceasing various diversity and inclusion activities within California.

• Jack Armstrong interprets the memo as a rollback of diversity initiatives:
  "All activities from the California Civil Rights Advisory Committee have been ceased. That means all the, the useless hours wasted on webinars and meetings to celebrate everything like LGBTQ+ Asian Pacific Island Day..." [41:21]

• Joe Getty predicts resistance and loopholes:
  "People will keep doing it in defiance of the law or create loopholes or pretend to be doing what they're supposed to, but not doing it." [42:21]

• Cindy Crawford voices concern over the impact on minority hosts:
  "On a network where we've got two, count them, two non-white hosts in primetime. Both are losing their shows... That feels worse than bad no matter who replaces them." [12:55]

The hosts highlight the tension between governmental directives and ongoing diversity efforts, questioning the long-term effects on institutional inclusivity.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Real Connections

[43:07 - 45:30]
The episode concludes with the "Final Thoughts" segment, where Armstrong and Getty reflect on personal and societal themes.

• Joe Getty shares a craving for tacos, leading to a humorous exchange about food preferences:
  "I have had the worst food craving in the last day. Craving for tacos." [43:12]

• Jack Armstrong reminisces about authentic street tacos in Mexico, contrasting them with fast food:
  "The best tacos I've ever had are at those taco stands in tiny towns... Fresh ingredients made right there." [44:08]

• Joe Getty delivers a poignant closing remark on accountability:
  "Whether it's a government administrator or a cop, if you don't like what they're doing, point your finger aggressively at them and say I pay your salary." [44:24]

This segment underscores the importance of genuine human interactions and the value of holding those in power accountable.

Conclusion

In this episode, Armstrong & Getty navigate through critical analyses of media and government practices, the evolving landscape of art amid technological advancements, and the profound effects of digital disconnection on mental health. Their blend of sharp commentary, scientific exploration, and personal stories offers listeners a comprehensive and engaging discourse on contemporary issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty [03:14]: "Cable news is definitely a dying thing. I mean the ratings are so low..."
• Jack Armstrong [19:19]: "Art's art. And I don't know where we land on this. It's kind of confusing."
• Joe Getty [27:18]: "Musical anhedonia isn't about being tone-deaf or having trouble understanding music."
• Jack Armstrong [31:31]: "We all went on a vacation where we don't have Wi-Fi... It was unplugged."
• Joe Getty [40:20]: "If you lack the will to defend those interests, then it doesn't matter. It's a house of cards, paper tiger."
• Joe Getty [44:24]: "Whether it's a government administrator or a cop, if you don't like what they're doing, point your finger aggressively at them and say I pay your salary."

For those looking to stay informed on current events with a critical eye and a touch of humor, this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers valuable insights and engaging discussions.