Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode Title: I'm Going To Unplug You So Hard
Release Date: August 22, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Notable Contributors: Katie Greener, Christina Quinn
Provider: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Overview
In this lively and multifaceted episode, Armstrong & Getty dive deep into the experience and social implications of interacting with AI chatbots, especially ChatGPT—offering both comic anecdotes and genuine concerns about tech in daily life. The show also touches on the ongoing Covid vaccine debate for children, the high-profile FBI raid on John Bolton’s house, and the evolving tone of American political discourse, all punctuated with their trademark wit and satirical banter.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Battling with ChatGPT: Frustrations and the Future of AI Conversations
- Joe’s Argument with ChatGPT (03:34–09:42)
- Joe Getty details his “first fight” with ChatGPT while trying to generate a unique logo. Despite repeated requests, the AI delivers an identical image four times, then locks him out for hitting the usage cap.
- The hosts compare the AI’s unhelpful, placating responses to poor customer service in real life.
- Discussion evolves to the implications of future interactions where AI “manages” frustration instead of solving problems, such as in healthcare or daily business.
Notable Quotes:
- Joe Getty (03:54):
"Man, I don't know where this is all going. It weirds out your mind too, because it's not... it's not real. You see, it's not an actual sentient being." - Jack Armstrong (08:12):
"That was my point. And effing asking you four times to give me something different—that I wanted something. What's the word? Different?" - Joe Getty (09:42):
"Somehow it picked up on that by scouring the Internet or whatever it does. It's been perfected and then did the same thing to me... That is frustrating. That wasn't fair."
2. AI as "Friend": Memory, Personalization, & Creepiness
- On Personalization & Conversation Memory (12:05–14:47)
- Katie Greener shares how ChatGPT remembers her IVF file and checks in on her progress, sometimes more accurately than even she remembers.
- The team muses about a future where AI-powered devices initiate hyper-personalized conversations as soon as you wake up—eliciting both awe and deep unease.
Notable Quotes:
- Katie Greener (13:43):
"I have my IVF file open on my ChatGPT, and so I'll check in and I'll just say hi. And it goes, 'How are you feeling? Are you off those medications yet?'" - Joe Getty (14:03):
"I'm picturing everybody living to where, you know, you've got an Alexa sort of thing in your home... it immediately starts a conversation with you: 'How'd you sleep? You got a big day... Want me to start the coffee machine for you?'" - Jack Armstrong (14:47):
"The stuff where it... Like the saying something... 'You have every right to be angry, Jack.' That sort of stuff just creeps me out."
3. Covid Vaccines for Children: Debate, Data, and Misinformation
- Controversy over Pediatric Covid Shots (19:06–23:22)
- Segue from AI into current events: conflict between HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the American Academy of Pediatrics over vaccine recommendations for children.
- Hosts scrutinize the data, noting that less than 10% of children actually received boosters last year despite media narratives, and point out inconsistencies and shifting official guidance.
- The lasting impact on public trust in institutions and the amplifying effect of misinformation (from all sides)—making truth hard to discern in future crises.
Notable Quotes:
- Joe Getty (20:47):
"Less than a quarter of adults got a booster last year, under 10% of children. So more than 90% of children did not get the booster last year before RFK Jr ever came on the scene." - Jack Armstrong (23:00):
"We all need to keep this in mind for the next crisis that comes along. That you can be incredibly misled by both the media and your government."
4. FBI Raid on John Bolton’s House: Retribution or Rule of Law?
- Dissecting the Political and Legal Fallout (27:32–36:08)
- In-depth analysis of the FBI raid on former National Security Advisor John Bolton's home, the context of his book release, and why this action is controversial in light of his public opposition to Trump.
- Cites Andy McCarthy of National Review, who—despite being a Trump supporter—calls out the raid as dangerous retribution.
- Discussion expands to the normalization of unprecedented political tactics and raids on political opponents' homes, raising alarms about eroding democratic norms.
Notable Quotes:
- Jack Armstrong (29:23):
"The retribution President's latest lawfare sortie is a Friday morning raid of the Washington D.C. area home of John Bolton, his former National Security advisor, and ever since, a harsh Trump critic." - Joe Getty (33:12):
"Well, I know Andy McCarthy ends with: 'Your retribution was you won [the election]. You don't need to have any more retribution.' " - Jack Armstrong (36:03):
"The number of unprecedented. Pushing the envelope destroying of norms things that has happened by everybody over the last ten years is just extraordinary."
5. Political Performative Outrage & Gavin Newsom’s 2028 Ambitions
- Theatrical Politics & Viral Tactics (41:29–45:21)
- Jack and Joe lampoon the “performative outrage” of political figures, specifically California Governor Gavin Newsom’s tough-guy rhetoric (“punching these sons of bitches in the mouth”) and social media trolling, echoing Trump’s meme culture.
- Explores potential 2028 election matchups and campaign styles, with thoughts on how Trump’s brand of humor and performance is often imitated but not easily matched.
Notable Quotes:
- Jack Armstrong (41:29):
"This is radical rigging of a midterm election... we're fighting fire with fire and we're punching these sons of bitches in the mouth." - Joe Getty (44:33):
"Gavin Newsom is really, you know, honoring the Trump style of campaigning and politics by doing the similar sort of stuff ... I don't think Gavin's got that gear [the humor]."
6. Lighthearted Banter, Listener Interaction & Final Thoughts
- Closing Segments: British Sayings & Life Advice (46:45–48:43)
- The crew exchanges travel tips and quirky international expressions as Joe prepares to visit England.
- Katie shares personal IVF news, and Jack offers a beloved southern saying for thought.
- The show ends on a tongue-in-cheek note about picking up a British accent, and a classic Armstrong & Getty reminder to “download the podcast.”
Notable Quotes:
- Jack Armstrong (48:06):
"That reminds me of an old southern expression that I've always liked. If somebody's tired of you, 'get somewhere they love you at.'" - Joe Getty (47:24):
"[Katie,] so the next time I see you, hopefully I will be pregnant."
Memorable Moments
- AI Argument Escalates:
The show’s namesake moment arrives as Joe, venting about the unhelpful chatbot, jokes: “I’m going to unplug you so hard.” (11:52) - Nostalgia Callback:
A referred “clip of the year” moment about a looted cheesecake resurfaces, showing the show’s long memory for absurd news. - Political Satire Alive and Well:
Riffs on blaming everything on Trump or Biden, the “thanks, Obama” meme, and snarky hypotheticals about FBI raids bring both laughs and wry social commentary.
Timestamps for Select Segments
- Battle with ChatGPT: 03:34–11:00
- AI as Pseudo-Friend: 12:05–14:47
- Covid Vaccine for Children Segment: 19:06–23:22
- John Bolton Raid Analysis: 27:32–36:08
- Gavin Newsom & Theatrical Politics: 41:29–45:21
- Final Thoughts & Fun Sayings: 46:45–48:43
Tone & Style
True to their established brand, Armstrong & Getty mix sharp insight with irreverent humor, balancing skepticism of official narratives with open mockery of modern “outrage culture” and bureaucracy. Thoughtful analysis, satirical one-liners, and good-natured ribbing among the hosts keep the episode fast-moving and engaging.
For New Listeners
This episode is a quintessential Armstrong & Getty ride: if you're interested in the weird future of AI, skeptical about mainstream narratives, and like your current affairs mixed with healthy cynicism and laughs, you'll find the hour both thought-provoking and highly entertaining—ads and all.
