Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "I'm Not Hanging Out With That Idiot" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: November 22, 2024 | Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty | Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!

1. American Airlines' "Buzzer" System and the "Gate Lice" Phenomenon

Timestamp: [02:57] – [05:03]

Jack Armstrong initiates the discussion by delving into American Airlines' latest implementation—a buzzer system designed to manage their complex boarding groups. With nine different boarding groups, passengers often face confusion, leading to instances of individuals attempting to bypass their designated lines, colloquially termed "gate lice."

Jack Armstrong (02:57):

"It's essentially a buzzer that they're employing. This is especially important at American Airlines because it's the biggest airline in the U.S. they have nine different boarding groups, which makes it sort of especially confusing for folks."

Joe Getty adds his perspective, humorously referring to these disruptors as "airport apes," highlighting the frustration employees face daily.

Joe Getty (04:06):

"A gate lice, some refer to them as airport apes. Who cares? It's, it's bored, annoyed employees who deal with the public all day long came up with a semi amusing nickname to help, you know, cut into the drudgery of their day a little bit."

The hosts critique the terminology used by media figures like Jake Tapper, who describe such passengers in demeaning terms, questioning the balance between professionalism and venting frustration.

2. The Absurdity of Presidential Turkey Pardoning

Timestamp: [05:03] – [11:29]

Shifting to Thanksgiving traditions, Armstrong and Getty examine the long-standing practice of presidential turkey pardoning. Drawing from a recent New York Times essay, they trace the history from Harry Truman to George H.W. Bush, emphasizing the ritual's inherent silliness.

Jack Armstrong (05:39):

"John F. Kennedy, when face to face with the live turkey, disregarded the sign hung around the bird's neck that read, good eating, Mr. President."

Joe Getty doesn't mince words about the practice's triviality, sarcastically linking it to international conflicts.

Joe Getty (08:54):

"But you're not wrong. But to me, the pardoning the turkey shows weakness. This is why Putin invaded Ukraine, because we're not even tough enough to execute our guilty turkeys. Guilty of deliciousness."

The hosts argue that animals cannot commit crimes, making the act of pardoning turkeys not only unnecessary but also irrelevant in the context of more serious national issues.

Jack Armstrong (09:06):

"Modern law has long abandoned the view that animals can commit crimes. That makes it impossible to take seriously the idea that turkeys need to be pardoned no matter what they have done."

They conclude this segment by reflecting on how societal values have shifted, rendering the turkey pardon a mere formality devoid of meaningful impact.

3. Analyzing the Jussie Smollett Controversy

Timestamp: [27:16] – [35:24]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting the Jussie Smollett scandal. Armstrong and Getty express strong opinions on Smollett's alleged orchestration of his own racist and homophobic attack, criticizing his actions and the subsequent legal repercussions.

Jack Armstrong (27:31):

"We thought this was our, you know, our inroad impacting. They have a book. Oh, my God, that's hilarious."

Joe Getty (30:02):

"He should be in some sort of jail. That is horrible. That's absolutely horrible."

The hosts mock the idea of Smollett's manipulation, highlighting the damaging effects such actions have on public trust and racial relations. They discuss how Smollett's false claims have reinforced negative stereotypes about certain groups, further polarizing society.

Joe Getty (31:07):

"Of confirmation for a certain crowd of the whole Trump voter racial relations thing, even though it wasn't true."

Armstrong and Getty also touch upon the broader implications of Smollett's actions on media narratives and public perception, underscoring the importance of truthfulness in high-profile cases.

4. Shifting Trends in Alcohol Consumption and Semi-Sobriety

Timestamp: [11:29] – [13:17]

The conversation transitions to societal changes in alcohol consumption, noting a rise in semi-sobriety. The hosts discuss how younger generations are drinking less alcohol, possibly due to increased acceptance and use of marijuana.

Joe Getty (11:29):

"But you're not wrong. But to me, the pardoning the turkey shows weakness."

Jack Armstrong (12:15):

"After being told for decades that red wine was good for you, they reversed their stance, declaring any alcohol consumption harmful."

They debate the credibility of health studies, with Armstrong expressing skepticism over fluctuating dietary recommendations.

Jack Armstrong (13:17):

"That's another reason why I ignore most studies about any sort of health thing. They changed their mind so many times in my life."

5. The Shadow of Chinese Espionage on U.S. Telecommunications

Timestamp: [19:35] – [22:22]

A pressing national security issue is addressed as Armstrong and Getty discuss recent revelations about Chinese hacking into U.S. telecommunications networks. Citing comments from Senator Mark Warner and an article by David Sanger in the New York Times, they emphasize the severity of the intrusion.

Jack Armstrong (19:53):

"Senator Mark Warner, who is the Democratic chairman of the Intelligence Committee, said this is significantly worse than we even thought."

Joe Getty (21:00):

"We are being invaded and they are fighting us. We're just not fighting them because we're too content."

The hosts express frustration over the lack of widespread media coverage on the topic, arguing that such espionage threatens national security by granting China unprecedented access to private communications, including those of high-ranking officials.

Jack Armstrong (21:03):

"China had access to absolutely listening to the phone calls or reading the texts of any American who's got, you know, any of the big cell phone companies..."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Health Tips

Timestamp: [43:52] – [48:33]

In a lighter vein, Armstrong and Getty share personal stories related to exercise and health. Getty highlights the benefits of walking, referencing studies that suggest even minimal physical activity can significantly extend one's lifespan.

Joe Getty (44:44):

"The best return on any investment since bitcoin, when it was $10, is just walking a half hour a day."

Armstrong recounts his parents' disciplined walking routines, attributing their good health to consistent exercise.

Jack Armstrong (45:30):

"My mom and dad have been committed to walking since, geez, I don't know, early '80s. They did that every night after dinner..."

They also touch upon the importance of expressing gratitude within family settings, citing research from the University of Illinois.

Joe Getty (46:41):

"One of the most positive, beneficial things you can say in any family setting is thank you."

Conclusion and Teasers for Upcoming Episodes

Timestamp: [48:33] – [51:12]

As the episode wraps up, Armstrong and Getty tease topics for future shows, including:

• Pete Hegseth's Potential Nomination as Secretary of Defense: Delving into the controversies that could impede his appointment.

• Xi Jinping's Policies: Despite criticizing his actions elsewhere, they hint at acknowledging areas where they believe he is correct.

• Further Analysis of Current Events: Including discussions on cultural shifts and political scandals.

Joe Getty (50:25):

"Stay with us for next hour. If you don't get next hour, grab it via podcast Armstrong and Getty on Demand."

The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe and follow the podcast for ongoing commentary and analysis.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong (05:39):

  "John F. Kennedy... put a sign around its neck, you know, happy eating."

• Joe Getty (08:54):

  "This is why Putin invaded Ukraine, because we're not even tough enough to execute our guilty turkeys. Guilty of deliciousness."

• Joe Getty (27:16):

  "He should be in some sort of jail. That is horrible."

• Jack Armstrong (19:53):

  "Senator Mark Warner... this is significantly worse than we even thought."

Conclusion:

In "I'm Not Hanging Out With That Idiot," Armstrong and Getty offer a blend of humor, critical analysis, and personal anecdotes to tackle a range of topics from airline boarding systems and Thanksgiving traditions to high-profile scandals and national security concerns. Their candid and often irreverent style provides listeners with an engaging take on contemporary issues, encouraging both reflection and amusement.

For those seeking insightful yet entertaining discussions on current events and societal trends, this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand is a must-listen.