Learn to Code!

Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Learn to Code!" – Episode Summary

Release Date: November 13, 2024
Host/Authors: Armstrong, Getty, and Katie
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In the "Learn to Code!" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosted by Armstrong, Getty, and Katie, the trio delves into contemporary career advice, spotlighting the evolving job landscape and the significance of adaptable skills in today's rapidly changing world. While the episode's title suggests a focus on coding, the conversation organically branches into broader discussions about career viability, particularly in the realms of radio and podcasting.

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Career Day Insights: The Importance of Coding

Armstrong kicks off the episode by sharing his upcoming engagement at his son's high school career day. He emphasizes the growing importance of coding skills for young individuals venturing into the workforce.

Armstrong [07:15]: "So my son's high school, like a lot of high schools do, having a career day. ... I want to discuss that a little bit with the rest of the cast here is also in the radio industry."

As Armstrong prepares to address students, he reflects on the dual nature of his profession—exciting yet challenging to present as a viable career option.

Armstrong [07:15]: "... it's not actually a career that's available to really hardly anybody, especially now. It never really was. It's show business."

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The Ryan Borgart Case: A Cautionary Tale

Midway through the episode, Armstrong introduces a real-life story about Ryan Borgart, a 45-year-old man who allegedly faked his death to secure a substantial life insurance payout. This narrative serves as a springboard for the hosts to explore themes of responsibility, deception, and the repercussions of unethical decisions.

Armstrong [02:55]: "So you're married with kids. You meet a chick online from Uzbekistan, wherever that is."

The discussion highlights the emotional and financial turmoil such actions can inflict on families, underscoring the gravity of making informed and ethical choices.

Getty [05:05]: "Getting baffled over the head and have his money taken. Well, he deserves that."

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Navigating Careers in Radio and Podcasting

Returning to the episode's primary focus, Armstrong and Getty engage in a candid conversation about the current state and future of careers in radio and podcasting. They address the misconceptions and realities of entering these fields, balancing passion with practicality.

Armstrong [08:08]: "You know, the radio industry is barely exists for those of us still in. It exists. Great. It absolutely exists."

Getty expands on the necessity of versatility and preparedness beyond creative skills.

Getty [10:11]: "...learn this stuff in case you succeed. Because in show business, people will try to steal from you every single day of your career..."

Armstrong expresses his reservations about presenting radio and podcasting as primary career paths to students, citing limited opportunities and intense competition.

Armstrong [07:15]: "...I kind of hate the idea of putting it in your head that this is an option for you, because it barely is anyway."

The hosts discuss the impact of technological advancements and legislative changes, such as the Telecommunications Act of 1996, on the radio landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptability.

Armstrong [08:15]: "...the telecommunications act of 1996, when Clinton was president, changed the radio landscape forever."

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Advice for Aspiring Podcasters and Radio Professionals

Katie contributes by highlighting the essential skills required for success in podcasting, beyond mere technical proficiency.

Katie [15:05]: "...the Hindenburg has landed. That sort of radio... Imagine talking for four hours because it makes you realize how long a minute is when you're just sitting there."

Getty reinforces the competitive nature of the industry, advising future podcasters to maintain realistic expectations and develop a strong personal brand.

Getty [10:48]: "You’ve got to be really compelling all of the time... What’s their handle? How do people find their way to you?"

Armstrong humorously suggests alternative stable career paths, juxtaposing the uncertainty of creative industries with the reliability of government jobs.

Armstrong [13:49]: "This is a dead end. Get a job with the state. You get a job with the state, they can’t fire you."

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Concluding Thoughts: Balancing Passion with Pragmatism

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reiterate the importance of having a backup plan while pursuing one's passions. They advocate for a balanced approach—encouraging young people to follow their interests in fields like podcasting while simultaneously acquiring versatile skills that ensure long-term career stability.

Getty [12:16]: "Have a backup plan."

Katie [12:24]: "I would absolutely emphasize some of the positives, but make clear that it is unbelievably competitive..."

Armstrong and Getty conclude with a blend of humor and earnest advice, reinforcing the episode's central message: while following one's passion is vital, it must be tempered with practical career strategies to navigate an ever-evolving job market successfully.

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Key Takeaways

• Adaptability is Crucial: In rapidly changing industries like radio and podcasting, continually updating skills and staying informed about technological advancements is essential.

• Realistic Expectations: Aspiring professionals should understand the competitive nature of creative fields and prepare accordingly with backup plans and diverse skill sets.

• Ethical Considerations: The Ryan Borgart case serves as a reminder of the profound impact personal and financial decisions can have on one's family and community.

• Balanced Career Advice: Encouraging young people to pursue their passions while also emphasizing the importance of practical education and versatile skills.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Armstrong [07:15]: "It's not actually a career that's available to really hardly anybody, especially now. It never really was. It's show business."

• Getty [10:11]: "You’ve got to be smart. You got to be savvy. You got to be knowledgeable. You got to be confident."

• Armstrong [13:49]: "This is a dead end. Get a job with the state. You get a job with the state, they can’t fire you."

• Katie [15:05]: "Imagine talking for four hours because it makes you realize how long a minute is when you're just sitting there."

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Conclusion

In "Learn to Code!", Armstrong & Getty navigate the intricate balance between passion-driven careers and practical career planning. Through personal anecdotes, societal observations, and a touch of humor, the hosts provide valuable insights for both young listeners contemplating their future and seasoned professionals reflecting on industry changes. The episode serves as a thoughtful discourse on pursuing one's dreams while staying grounded in reality, ensuring listeners are both inspired and informed.

Transcript

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[Armstrong]

CT mobile.com here's my advice Young people learn to code. It's One More Thing Armstrong and Getty One More Thing. So I'm speaking at Career Day at my son's high school on Friday. I want to discuss that a little bit with the rest of the cast here is also in the radio industry.

[Getty]

But yeah, I'm trying to remember. I've done a couple of those, but.

[Armstrong]

It'S been ages before we get to that. Wanted to hear this story. This is about the dude and the faking his death. Katie Should I already gave it away? Did I give it away? Should I not have given it away?

[Katie]

Kind of gave it away though.

[Armstrong]

Okay, let's listen to it.

[Unnamed Reporter]

45 year old Ryan Borgart vanished from Green Lake in Wisconsin in August. Police found his kayak, his car, along with his wallet, keys and license. But for 54 days, search teams using sonar and divers scoured this lake in vain. Police say it all unraveled when they learned Ryan's Passport was used in Canada. The day after he disappeared, a search of his computer revealed the married father was talking online to a woman from Uzbekistan. He had recently taken out a $375,000 life insurance policy and moved money overseas. The FBI is also involved in this investigation. At this point they think Ryan Borgar is somewhere in Eastern Europe.

[Armstrong]

So you're married with kids. You meet a chick online from Uzbekistan, wherever that is.

[Getty]

Once you've had Uzbekistani, you'll never go back to your wife or your granny. Like the old saying goes. Jeez, I don't want. Well, look what I had to work with.

[Katie]

Go to the car.

[Armstrong]

What are you going to rise with Uzbekistan? Easy for you to say. So the insurance policy was that for him to have money or to leave money for his family as he headed out the door.

[Katie]

I would think for his family. Right.

[Armstrong]

I think it to me, I'm guessing he took a bunch of money. But then, you know, I left them even more behind with the. I died, I died at the lake.

[Getty]

I mean, well, right? Yeah. Just because you decided I'm out of here, I'm gonna go hook up with a hot, hot Uzbekistani woman. Doesn't mean. That's right. But he has kids. Oh my lord.

[Katie]

Yeah, he's got three beautiful kids.

[Getty]

Well, he's crazy, but yeah, there's that.

[Katie]

And his wife looked like.

[Getty]

Looks like crazy for Uzbekistani tail.

[Armstrong]

His wife looks nice.

[Katie]

Nice looking, really sweet looking family. What a dick.

[Armstrong]

Yeah. Crap. And so I'm sure the money's gone. She's not gonna get the insurance payout because he's not dead. That sucks hard. Oh, that's a bad one.

[Getty]

I'm kayaking around in Green Lake, Wisconsin, wherever that is with my cute wife and my three beautiful children.

[Armstrong]

You won the lottery?

[Getty]

Of course. I'm not happy. I'm not crazy. He's clearly a freaking nut job.

[Armstrong]

Yeah, it's a sad story. All for some Uzbekistan. All for some sweet Uzbekistani tale. Uzbeky Becky.

[Getty]

Becky.

[Armstrong]

Becky. Stan. Stan.

[Katie]

Well, and how's he even know? I mean we heard that whole. That scam where guys were getting scammed out of a bunch of money overseas.

[Armstrong]

Decent point. We're. We're assuming this is even slightly real. It's quite possibly got over there and it's a dude. Yeah, and he's one of many dudes showing up to see this dude who they all think is a woman. And yeah, he. All he did was lose his money.

[Getty]

Getting baffed over the head and have his money taken. Well, he deserves that.

[Katie]

Yeah. And now he's actually missing, right? Because he's over there.

[Armstrong]

Yes, now you're actually missing.

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[Armstrong]

So my son's high school, like a lot of high schools do, having a career day. And so they send out an email to all the parents. Would you like to come speak at career day about what you do for a living? To give our high school students who are now just a couple of years away from the real world, some ideas of things they could go out there and do to make a living. And well, Joe can speak to this because he's done it before. I've not done it before, but it's the, it's the odd thing of on one hand I got a cool job. That sounds fun and cool, because it is. But on the other hand, it's not actually a career that's available to really hardly anybody, especially now. It never really was. It's show business. And you know, it exists. And I don't mind telling you about it, but I kind of hate the idea of putting it in your head that this is an option for you, because it barely is anyway.

[Getty]

Well, yeah, but you're. I assume you're thinking of yourself as a podcaster. Well, yes, broadcast.

[Armstrong]

So that's one thing. My son, I didn't actually get in to it. He's not going to be able to go because it filled up very quickly and they. He's a freshman and they let the seniors pick first. It makes sense because they're a year out from the real world. And then juniors, you know, makes sense. And it filled up immediately. And I think it's because I put radio announcer, slash podcaster, and they probably don't even know what radio announcer is. But the word podcaster got their attention and, and I will speak to a little of that, but I don't, I don't know. I don't. Because that, it's. First of all, the radio industry is barely exists for those, those of us still in. It exists. Great. It absolutely exists. Fantastic. And it's good for the advertisers and it's good for everybody. But. But technological changes and changes in the laws. The Telecommunications act of 1996, when Clinton was president, changed the radio landscape forever. And then everything from them, technological wise, changed it and everything like that. So they're just on as many jobs as there used to be.

[Getty]

Correct?

[Armstrong]

Yeah, but those of us still in it, it's fantastic. But it's, it's kind of hard to go into a classroom and say, here's something you could do for a living.

[Getty]

Sure, yeah. Yeah. You got to bring Hansen along to answer like all of their technical questions.

[Armstrong]

Well, I'm not going to answer any technical questions because I don't think that matters at all. But anybody who owns a computer or a phone can be a podcaster. I mean, the barrier of entry is almost zero for being a podcaster, but then actually turning it into money is a whole different thing. And so I don't know what, what, what have you told people in the past about your. You're lucky to have it, you know, one in a million shot career?

[Getty]

My memories are very vague.

[Armstrong]

I mean, back when you were going into high schools, it was, you know, the Hindenburg has landed. That sort of radio.

[Getty]

Yeah, exactly. Yeah. That's why my memories are so vague now. It was a long time ago. I have a feeling that I probably accented the idea that it takes a very long time and you have to work hard and you have to be willing to do about anything. If you go in picky, you're doomed. Pursue any opportunity that comes along as aggressively as you can.

[Armstrong]

You're talking about the radio industry or the podcasting industry?

[Getty]

Oh, podcast. No, podcast thing didn't exist when I was.

[Armstrong]

Oh, you're talking about what you used to say. Yeah, okay.

[Getty]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, right now. And. Yeah. And I.

[Armstrong]

So, okay, this is my real question. And, Katie, you can answer this to your young.

[Getty]

Get to the real question.

[Armstrong]

The real question is, how far do I want to go down the road? Of. Of course you'd like to be rich, and most of you would like to be famous, but very, very, very few people could. Can be rich and famous, and it's, you know, a good idea to pursue other things and this on the side or have very real realistic expectations going in. How far down that road do I want to go? Being, like, a downer, where they all walk out and think, oh, crap, I probably can do it, because he says, nobody can really do it. And I wish I'd have gone over to the coding guy and had him speak about something that I could actually do for a living.

[Getty]

AI will be doing the coding. Don't waste time.

[Armstrong]

Coding is even worse than this.

[Getty]

You asked Katie, so I'll let her answer first. I have my own answer.

[Katie]

I mean, I don't know that I would discourage them, but I would definitely give them a warning.

[Armstrong]

Well, first of all, I don't want the competition. What if they're smart and funny? I don't need them out there competing against me for the rest of my career.

[Getty]

But, yeah, no, then undermine them.

[Armstrong]

Right?

[Katie]

Discourage the hell out of them. No, just, you know, I would say I like your idea of having a back. Kind of a backup plan.

[Armstrong]

You know, it's a little like an NBA player going in there and talking about, this is a career option for you.

[Katie]

Right? Yeah. Have a backup plan.

[Getty]

I would. I would absolutely emphasize some of the positives, but make clear that it is unbelievably competitive, especially now, and that you've got to be really compelling all of the time. It's. It's a tough thing to do, but, you know, another message might be. And I remember this is one of the few moments of decent parenting I ever Generated was explaining to my kids, who. All of whom had various passion for the arts and music, drama, whatever. And I told them, you're not studying math and business and English and everything else in case you fail. I'm not encouraging you to do these things because I think you're going to fail. I said, learn this stuff in case you succeed. Because in show business, people will try to steal from you every single day of your career, at least until you surround yourself with good enough people that. That they're not. You've got to be smart. You got to be savvy. You got to be knowledgeable. You've got to be confident. You got to be a negotiator. You got to understand finances and stuff like that. The last thing you want to do is be some sort of naive, uneducated artist who just, you know, throws yourself to the wolves.

[Armstrong]

I know what I'll say.

[Getty]

This is.

[Armstrong]

This is a dead end. Get a job with the state. You get a job with the state, they can't fire you. Paycheck forever. You work till you're like 50. Pension and health care the rest of your life.

[Getty]

Now, many of you won't understand. This would. You're gonna keep a bottle of vodka in the bottom drawer, all right, Just to get through the day, because they're all gonna be days. You're gonna think, I'd rather be dead. But a little nip from old Uncle Vodka, I'll set you right on the right track and you'll. You'll be fine. Trust me when I say that.

[Katie]

Just a little nip.

[Guest 2]

What about dressing for the part? Show up with headphones on.

[Katie]

Oh, God.

[Armstrong]

You know, my. My back. When radio was an industry you actually could go into and get a job in whatever town you lived in. I don't care how small the town was, they had a radio station, maybe two you could go work at and earn a living. I mean, that. That was a long time ago, but even then, my first radio teacher at college said, almost none of you are going to be able to make a living in this. And I just want you to know. And my only thought was, that's true for them, but it's not true for me. That's the way I thought about it. But I'm glad she said that.

[Getty]

Yeah, I received similar warnings.

[Katie]

Yeah, my mass comm teacher when I was in college did a really cool thing with our class that kind of opened my eyes to talk radio because we were. We were in that whole realm of the class. And he had to sit silent for One minute. And he said that was one minute. Imagine talking for four hours because it makes you realize how long a minute is when you're just sitting there, you know. And it kind of opened my eyes. Like, wow, that really is. That's a skill you have to hone in on.

[Armstrong]

I was going to talk a little bit about the spoken word is more popular than it's ever been in my life. I think with podcasting and, you know, you've all seen some of the amazing podcasting contracts people have signed. So spoken word. Still a great desire for it out there. You just have to have an angle. Be an expert in something or be funny or charming or something.

[Getty]

Or all of the above. Yeah. Just, you know, you might want to emphasize it takes a hell of a lot of work. You've got to be with. It sounds easy. It only sounds easy because you've worked like crazy to make it sound easy. You will sound crappy if you think it is easy. Unless you're just wildly talented. And although even then there are lots of wildly talented people. But what are they talking about? What is their topic? What's the handle? How do people find their way to you?

[Armstrong]

And that's why you should get a job with the state.

[Getty]

Exactly. And again, bottom drawer. Keep it just a little vodka or whatever. You know what, you ladies? Maybe little schnapps. It's minty. It's fresh. Wow.

[Katie]

You ladies some schnapps.

[Getty]

A little slow gin fizz.

[Guest 2]

You could show him how to.

[Getty]

He's sour. Maybe. Katie, tell me. Tell me what I'm scratching you where he is. That's right, Jack.

[Guest 2]

You could show me how the proper way to cue a record. You should also give him a pop quiz on the laws of EAs testing how to.

[Getty]

How to. How to splice tape.

[Armstrong]

You know, I actually might include that in the. And that's true for any industry that they go into that. I. There are several skills I learned and got really good at that became immediately worthless when technology changed. And that's just the way life is, no matter what you're doing. Yeah. And you got to, you know, keep adapting.

[Getty]

You got to keep just a little bottle. Oh, I guess I covered that thoroughly.

[Guest 2]

Kids, let me give you a quiz on payola. Well, I guess that's it.

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