Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "I'm Just Keeping My Eye On The Elk"
Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Producer: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the "I'm Just Keeping My Eye On The Elk" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a variety of pressing topics ranging from tech monopolies and government workforce inefficiencies to ancient artifacts and international military tensions. The hosts maintain their signature banter, blending humor with critical analysis to engage listeners.
Tech Monopolies and Antitrust Concerns
The episode opens with a spirited discussion on Google's dominant position in the tech industry and the Justice Department's attempts to curb its monopoly.
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Joe Getty highlights the gravity of the situation:
"Advertisements next to search results accounted for 57% of Google parent Alphabet's $307 billion of revenue last year." [01:28] -
Jack Armstrong admits his limited understanding but emphasizes the pervasive influence of Google:
"The fact that you really can't live your life, especially if you got kids in school without being part of the Google world. Doesn't seem right to me." [02:39]
The hosts debate the effectiveness and intent behind the Biden administration's aggressive stance on regulating tech giants, pondering the challenges of breaking up such entrenched monopolies.
Government Workforce Efficiency
A significant portion of the episode critiques the federal government's workforce management, particularly the inefficiencies arising from remote work policies.
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Joe Getty shares an anonymous account from a Texas state employee:
"I worked for the state government... I've had many positions like this. Not all, but many government positions like this." [06:59] -
Jack Armstrong empathetically reacts:
"This makes me so combination of angry and sad. This is how empires die." [08:54]
The discussion underscores issues such as bureaucratic bloat, lack of accountability, and the systemic incentives that lead to underperformance within government roles. The hosts argue that merely enforcing in-office requirements won't resolve productivity issues, as the root causes lie deeper in the administrative structures.
The Aztec Death Whistle: An Ancient Tool of Terror
Transitioning from modern governance to ancient civilizations, Armstrong and Getty explore the eerie history and functionality of the Aztec death whistle.
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Joe Getty introduces the topic with intrigue:
"Could it be that an ancient civilization developed a tool, almost a musical instrument, that could make people insane?" [01:28] -
Jack Armstrong adds a dark humor perspective:
"I need one of those to blow around the kids to get their attention. Time for dinner." [18:33]
The hosts explain that the Aztec death whistle, shaped like a skull, was likely used in sacrificial ceremonies to intimidate and terrorize. They discuss how researchers have recreated the sounds, which resemble human screams, and reflect on the cultural implications of such artifacts.
Late Night Comedians' Joke-Off: Biden's Birthday Edition
A recurring segment in the show features a humorous competition where Armstrong and Getty critique jokes made by late-night comedians about current events, in this case, President Joe Biden's 82nd birthday.
- Joe Getty introduces the segment with flair:
"I will judge each of the jokes and grade them in the bottom joke. The bottom grade getter will be banned from comedy for life according to the authority of the International Criminal Court." [20:26]
Highlights include:
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Jimmy Fallon's attempt:
"They didn't cut him a slice of cake. They pureed it and he drank it with a straw." [21:08] -
Jim Gutfeld emerges as the favorite with his "bed bath and great beyond" joke, earning high praise for its creativity.
The segment showcases the hosts' playful rivalry and sharp wit, providing listeners with a blend of humor and critique on media portrayals of political figures.
Political Commentary: Leadership and International Tensions
A substantial discussion revolves around President Joe Biden's leadership capabilities amid escalating international tensions, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine.
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Joe Getty expresses concern over Biden's perceived disengagement:
"President Biden needs to resign. He should not be president of the United States right now." [23:25] -
Jack Armstrong references expert opinions and literature:
"The name of the book is Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobson... it's freaking fascinating, if you like that sort of thing." [26:20]
The hosts analyze recent missile strikes in Ukraine, debating whether Russia's use of an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) signifies a new escalation or mere political maneuvering. They scrutinize Biden's responses and the possible implications of his administration's actions on global stability.
Key points include:
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Ian Panel's Report:
"Multiple strikes by Russia on the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro... ICBMs have never been used in combat before and are nuclear capable." [34:45] -
Discussion on Putin's Strategy:
"Putin just makes decisions constantly and writes a law one day and defies it the next without even thinking about it." [37:05]
The conversation highlights fears of nuclear escalation, the complexities of international diplomacy, and skepticism towards current U.S. leadership's ability to manage such crises effectively.
International Affairs: Russia, China, and Missile Launches
The episode also touches upon broader international military developments, including China's recent ICBM launch and its potential impact on global geopolitics.
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Joe Getty comments on the frequency and intent behind such military actions:
"It seems clear that Putin wants to send the message yet again that any escalation in weapons supply or their use will be met with hard asperity." [36:15] -
Jack Armstrong reflects on China's actions:
"China successfully launched an ICBM into the Pacific just a couple of weeks ago the first time since 1980." [32:23]
The hosts consider the implications of these developments, discussing the balance of power, treaty obligations, and the strategic motivations behind missile launches.
Additional Segments and Closing Remarks
Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty intersperse their discussions with advertisements, humorous interludes, and brief mentions of other news topics such as Netflix's class-action lawsuit and gender-related societal changes in Washington.
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Promotions:
Advertisements for AT&T Mobile plans and Prize Picks are seamlessly integrated, providing listeners with offers while maintaining the episode's flow. -
Closing Thoughts:
The hosts wrap up the episode by reiterating key points, encouraging listeners to stay informed, and previewing future topics related to government inefficiencies and international relations.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Joe Getty:
"Advertisments next to search results accounted for 57% of Google parent Alphabet's $307 billion of revenue last year." [01:28] -
Jack Armstrong:
"This makes me so combination of angry and sad. This is how empires die." [08:54] -
Joe Getty:
"The Aztec death whistle sounds exactly like Alanis Morissette. And I said, yeah, with a dude singer." [15:22] -
Joe Getty:
"President Biden needs to resign. He should not be president of the United States right now." [23:25] -
Jack Armstrong:
"How is that not a bigger story?" [23:32] -
Joe Getty:
"Government is an enormous cash cow for people within it. Wake up." [11:08]
Conclusion
In "I'm Just Keeping My Eye On The Elk," Armstrong and Getty offer a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues, blending humor with critical insights. From dissecting tech monopolies and government inefficiencies to unraveling ancient artifacts and navigating international crises, the hosts provide listeners with a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Notable for their candid opinions and engaging dialogue, Armstrong and Getty effectively illuminate the complexities of modern society while maintaining their unique comedic flair.