Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "Just Got a Brand New Tattoo!"

Episode Information:

• Title: Just Got a Brand New Tattoo!
• Podcast: Armstrong & Getty On Demand
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In the episode titled "Just Got a Brand New Tattoo!", hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the multifaceted world of tattoos. The conversation revolves around personal experiences, the symbolism behind tattoos, societal perceptions, and the intricacies involved in getting inked. The discussion is enriched with anecdotes, humor, and thoughtful insights into the art of tattooing.

New Tattoo Reveal and Initial Reactions

The episode kicks off with Jack Armstrong proudly announcing his latest tattoo:

[01:04] Jack Armstrong: "Just got a brand new tattoo. It's huge. It says no tattoos. It's one more thing."

This playful paradox sets the tone for the ensuing discussion, as the hosts and guests explore the deeper meanings and implications of tattoos.

The Fascination with Bad Tattoos

The conversation seamlessly transitions to the allure of bad tattoos and the online communities that celebrate them. The hosts reference popular websites where individuals showcase their regrettable ink choices.

[01:28] Unnamed Guest: "That tattoo that went viral, it says no regerts."

Jack Armstrong adds his own perspective on these platforms:

[01:33] Jack Armstrong: "That is one of my guilty pleasures. It's been a while since I've done it, but going to one of those bad tattoos websites where it's either no regerts or various misspellings or somebody gets, like, their baby's face tattooed on them, but it looks like a demon because the artist is just not that good."

The discussion highlights the humor and fascination people have with aesthetically unpleasing tattoos, emphasizing the importance of choosing a skilled tattoo artist.

The Importance of Meaning and Symbolism

Jack Armstrong shares his experience using AI to decide on his tattoo, stressing the importance of personal resonance and symbolism.

[02:27] Jack Armstrong: "So I was expressing my love for AI specifically chat GPT just because that's the one I've tried and I want to try Grok and some other ones, but I thought, all right, why not? I just asked what kind of tattoo should I get? And it told me to find the right tattoo. Consider what resonates with you, your personal style and any symbolic meaning you'd like to convey. Think about the tattoos, placement, your lifestyle and your long term comfort with the design."

Katie Getty echoes the sentiment, discussing the dilemma of visibility and personal expression:

[02:53] Katie Getty: "I often thought, I mean, what am I, what am I expressing if I'm not expressing it to anybody but like two people on earth?"

Placement and Visibility: Balancing Personal and Public Expression

The hosts delve into the strategic considerations behind tattoo placement, balancing personal significance with public visibility. They explore areas that are easily covered and those that are more prominent, discussing the implications of each choice.

[03:17] Jack Armstrong: "I've had the same thought roughly. Although I think, you know, if I'm going to get one, and I've considered it for years, it would probably be the classic, you know, shoulder location."

Katie adds her perspective on selective visibility:

[03:32] Katie Getty: "I often thought, I mean, what am I, what am I expressing if I'm not expressing it to anybody but like two people on earth?"

Evolution of Tattoo Culture and Gender Perceptions

The conversation shifts to the historical context of tattoos, particularly their evolution from being taboo to mainstream. Katie reflects on past societal norms and her personal admiration for her uncle's tattoo:

[04:23] Katie Getty: "But my uncle had a tattoo when I was a kid and I always thought it was so cool. He was a really buff dude and he was a marine and fought in Vietnam and he had a bulldog on his arm. And I always just thought that was so badass."

Joe Getty contributes by recalling societal reactions to tattoos in earlier decades:

[04:35] Joe Getty: "Yeah."

Katie elaborates on the shock value tattoos once held, especially for women:

[04:55] Katie Getty: "Like, I worked at a bar for years. If a girl, like a big nightclub, country club, like 300 people on a Saturday night, if a woman had walked in with tattoos, everybody would have been talking in the entire bar. It would have been so shocking and I know."

Personal Stories: Family Tattoos and Regrets

An unnamed guest shares a personal story about their family's tattoo experiences, highlighting both sentimental value and regrettable outcomes:

[11:06] Unnamed Guest: "We were in Hawaii, I was in high school, and we just so happened to run into Nikki six's nanny... My mom got her dolphin that's jumping over a shamrock... I decided on two hearts next to each other. One filled in like the American flag, the other filled in like the Irish flag. Unfortunately, it wasn't a horrible idea. Except for the tattoo artist did the American flag vertically, so it looks like Puerto Rico."

This narrative underscores the importance of precision and intention in tattoo design, as well as the lasting impact of tattoo choices.

Pain and Cost: Practical Considerations

The hosts discuss the physical and financial aspects of getting tattoos, providing listeners with realistic expectations.

[07:32] Unnamed Guest: "Yeah, I've had plenty of very. And I will tell you. The ribs."

Katie inquires about the pain associated with specific tattoo placements:

[07:54] Katie Getty: "How would you describe the pain?"

The conversation addresses the variability of pain based on location, size, and personal tolerance, as well as the substantial financial investment tattoos can require:

[13:32] Jack Armstrong: "And once they got to that elbow bone. Things were not so funny anymore."

[13:39] Unnamed Guest: "Oh, my God. It depends on what you get, but, I mean, easily five grand."

Social Perceptions and the Modern Tattoo Landscape

The discussion highlights how societal attitudes towards tattoos have softened over the years, making them more accessible and less stigmatized.

[05:19] Katie Getty: "That's one of the interesting things about, about tattoos is it certainly lost its edginess."

Katie observes that tattoos no longer necessarily signify a rebellious or edgy persona:

[05:43] Unnamed Guest: "Now am I right now it's defined by the type of tattoo, you know, if you're the vanilla and very dainty and whatnot, they have the very dainty style tattoo."

Potential Tattoo Ideas and Creative Designs

The hosts brainstorm creative and humorous tattoo ideas, reflecting on personal style and individuality.

[14:36] Unnamed Guest: "I kind of want one of you guys to get one. Just so you know what it's like."

[14:55] Jack Armstrong: "Wow."

Katie entertains whimsical concepts for tattoos:

[14:57] Katie Getty: "People consider that on the back of my head. My shaved head."

The lighthearted exchange showcases the playful side of tattoo planning and design.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with reflections on the personal significance of tattoos and the unique stories they tell. The hosts emphasize that tattoos are deeply personal choices that go beyond mere aesthetics, representing individual journeys, memories, and identities.

Notable Quotes

• Jack Armstrong [01:04]: "Just got a brand new tattoo. It's huge. It says no tattoos. It's one more thing."

• Unnamed Guest [01:28]: "That tattoo that went viral, it says no regerts."

• Jack Armstrong [02:27]: "Think about the tattoos, placement, your lifestyle and your long term comfort with the design."

• Katie Getty [05:43]: "You could be as vanilla, mainstream, normal... and be a tattoo person."

• Unnamed Guest [12:22]: "I came about 3 inches off the table, and I looked at my dad, and he went, nope, gotta finish."

• Jack Armstrong [13:39]: "Easily five grand."

Final Thoughts

"Just Got a Brand New Tattoo!" offers an engaging exploration of tattoo culture, blending humor with heartfelt anecdotes. Armstrong and Getty provide a comprehensive look at the considerations involved in getting a tattoo, from artistic design to personal significance, making it a valuable listen for both tattoo enthusiasts and the curious alike.