Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "It's Too Late, Baby!" – Episode Summary

Release Date: January 7, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Podcast: Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!

1. Unexpected Gunshot Incident During a Podcast Segment

Timestamp: [00:02] – [02:01]

The episode kicks off with an unexpected and alarming incident where a guest, identified as "Rapper Too Low," accidentally discharges a firearm during the podcast recording.

• Jack Armstrong humorously introduces the situation with playful banter:
  "[00:44] Joe Getty: What the hell is this?"
  "[01:21] Jack Armstrong: Somebody who?"

• Joe Getty reflects on the casual reaction to the gunshot, contrasting it with his own disbelief:
  "[01:55] All right, getting back to our topic, motivating ourselves for the new year. Rapper Too Low, if you need it."

Despite the tense moment, the hosts swiftly transition back to their intended discussion on new year motivations, underscoring their ability to maintain composure and steer the conversation forward.

2. Critique of Progressive Ideologies and Cultural Marxism

Timestamp: [02:01] – [09:56]

The hosts delve into a provocative piece written by Jeff Goldstein, which aggressively rejects various progressive ideologies. This "reDeclaration of Independence" serves as a focal point for their critique.

• Jack Armstrong reads excerpts highlighting the rejection of concepts like white violence, anti-racism, cultural Marxism, equity, inclusivity, and mandated diversity: "[02:06] Jack Armstrong: ...I reject equity because it is collectivism disguised as virtue. I reject inclusivity because it is inorganic, superficial and contrived."
  "[04:15] Joe Getty: Digital blackface. I'd forgotten that term."

• The discussion emphasizes their stance against imposed societal changes and the erosion of individual identity: "[08:14] Joe Getty: Trudeau resigning in Canada is a lot of what Sparked..."
  "[09:56] Joe Getty: So anyway, man, you have heard a lot of gunshots..."

• Jack Armstrong further criticizes the penetration of neo-Marxist ideas into education and media, expressing concern over the manipulation of societal norms: "[09:53] Jack Armstrong: ...rationalizing how radical gender theory is being taught to young children in over a third of American states..."

3. The Decline of the Progressive Movement

Timestamp: [05:42] – [07:10]

Referencing a Wall Street Journal article, the hosts discuss the perceived decline of the progressive movement in global politics.

• Joe Getty highlights the misconception of the movement's size, suggesting it was more prominent online and within academic circles than in reality: "[05:42] Joe Getty: The progressive moment in global politics is over... It was misleading because it was so prevalent in TV newspapers and Twitter..."

• Jack Armstrong recalls a previous discussion on the effectiveness of a small, dedicated group in driving significant change, reinforcing the idea that a minority can wield disproportionate influence: "[06:39] Jack Armstrong: It only takes 15% of a population that's dedicated to a revolution to make it successful..."

4. Social Media Policy Shifts: Meta’s Return to Free Expression

Timestamp: [19:53] – [23:02]

The conversation shifts to significant changes in social media policies, particularly focusing on Meta (formerly Facebook).

• Joe Getty questions the current prominence of Facebook, leading to an analysis of Meta's recent policy changes aimed at reducing censorship: "[20:30] Joe Getty: Well, it's not as big as it once was... Zuckerberg, who runs the thing, made some big announcements today..."

• Jack Armstrong quotes Mark Zuckerberg’s announcement about restoring free expression and eliminating fact-checkers: "[20:45] Jack Armstrong: ...we're simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms."

• The hosts express approval of these changes, viewing them as a victory against perceived media bias and censorship: "[21:13] Joe Getty: To our roots in free expression. That is pretty damned interesting... Mark Zuckerberg is the dumbest sounding billionaire..."
  "[22:28] Jack Armstrong: It's just dressing up my opinion, man, as a fact..."

5. Progressive State Laws and Their Implications

Timestamp: [23:02] – [29:04]

Armstrong and Getty critique a series of state-level laws enacted in 2024, portraying them as overreaches of progressive agendas.

• California's School Policies:

  • Prohibits school officials from informing parents about a child’s gender dysphoria or other mental health issues:
    "[26:06] Jack Armstrong: California schools... barred officials from alerting parents about gender dysphoria..."

• Illinois’ Terminology Changes:

  • Renames "offenders" to "justice impacted individuals," which critics argue obscures the nature of their past actions:
    "[31:49] Joe Getty: You gotta be kidding."
    "[32:07] Joe Getty: They sounded more like describing a crime victim..."

• Colorado and Oregon’s Health Policies:

  • Reduces waiting periods for assisted suicide and approves injection sites for deadly drugs, respectively:
    "[33:41] Joe Getty: ...approved injection sites for deadly drugs..."

• Minnesota’s Regulation of Nuisance Beavers:

  • Attempts to legislate the consumption of beaver meat, viewed as a trivial and overreaching policy:
    "[33:41] Jack Armstrong: Twin Cities Democrats added a provision... barring people who kill nuisance beavers from eating them..."

The hosts vehemently oppose these laws, describing them as "Orwellian" and detrimental to parental rights and individual freedoms.

• Joe Getty sums up the frustration:
  "[29:03] Jack Armstrong: ...I feel like they're mocking the President. So for the year 2025, a whole bunch a big musical acts..."

• Jack Armstrong urges listeners to take action through voting and engaging with local school boards:
  "[30:03] Jack Armstrong: ...vote. Go to school board meetings, talk to your kids' teachers and tell them, please tell me..."

6. Technological Advancements: Nvidia and Robotics

Timestamp: [16:32] – [18:23]

The hosts explore the latest developments in technology, focusing on Nvidia's groundbreaking advancements in robotics.

• Joe Getty highlights Nvidia’s ascent to becoming the world’s most valuable company, primarily driven by its computer chips: "[16:32] Joe Getty: What is the most valuable company in the world?... it's surprising that they've been as successful as they have..."

• Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, unveils new gaming chips that significantly enhance robotics technology, predicting rapid advancements: "[17:04] Joe Getty: ...next family of gaming chips... making robotics technology just explode."

• Jack Armstrong humorously speculates on the future of robotics, mixing awe with apprehension: "[18:23] Jack Armstrong: Robots, say goodbye to your internal organs as they'll be ripping them out when they come for you."

The conversation underscores both the potential and the fears associated with AI and robotics, balancing enthusiasm with caution.

7. Upcoming Classic Rock Tours

Timestamp: [34:44] – [38:26]

Concluding the episode on a lighter note, Armstrong and Getty share a comprehensive list of classic rock and throwback musical acts set to tour in 2025.

• Highlighted Tours Include:

  • AC/DC: Featuring Angus Young’s iconic performances.
  • Ringo Starr and his All Star Band: Collaborating with members from Aerosmith, Electric Light Orchestra, Toto, and Men at Work.
  • Billy Joel with Stevie Nicks, Sting, and Rod Stewart: An eclectic mix promising a unique concert experience.
  • Live Legends: Including Springsteen and the E Street Band, Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey of The Who, and more.

• Joe Getty humorously adds:
  "[37:33] Joe Getty: Springsteen and the East Street Band are going to tour in '25..."

• Jack Armstrong caps off with a joke about older rock bands persisting:
  "[38:26] Jack Armstrong: 80 plus year olds touring and calling it rock and roll. Who to Thunk, Armstrong and Gettysburg."

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty on Progressive Movement Decline:
  "[05:42] Joe Getty: The progressive moment in global politics is over..."

• Jack Armstrong on Cultural Marxism:
  "[09:53] Jack Armstrong: ...radical gender theory is being taught to young children in over a third of American states..."

• Mark Zuckerberg’s Policy Announcement:
  "[21:04] Jack Armstrong: What we're doing today is we're getting back..."

• Critique of California’s School Laws:
  "[26:38] Joe Getty: If your kid decides to be a different gender, they keep it a secret."

Conclusion

In this episode, Armstrong and Getty tackle a range of hot-button issues from unexpected podcast disruptions and critiques of progressive ideologies to significant shifts in social media policies and state laws. Their discussions are laced with humor, sharp critique, and a call to action for listeners to engage in political processes. The episode wraps up with an enthusiastic overview of upcoming classic rock tours, providing a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections, focusing solely on the substantive discussions and key points raised by the hosts.