Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Lookin' Out The Slit" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: August 1, 2025 | Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

In the episode titled "Lookin' Out The Slit," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a variety of topics ranging from sports ratings and political maneuvers to the intricacies of Medicare and Medicaid. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn throughout the episode, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. NFL Ratings and Jim Harbaugh’s Insight (00:16 – 01:19)

The episode kicks off with a discussion on the dominance of the NFL in the sports broadcasting landscape. Jack Armstrong references Jim Harbaugh’s prediction regarding the NFL's high ratings.

• Jim Harbaugh's Prediction:
  “This game will get higher ratings than a World Series baseball game or any NBA Finals game.” (00:16)

• Analysis:
  Armstrong emphasizes the NFL's unparalleled status, describing it as "the 500 pound gorilla" in the sports world (01:10). This sets the tone for understanding the NFL's massive influence compared to other major sports leagues.

2. Kamala Harris on The Colbert Show: Presidential Ambitions (01:10 – 05:23)

The hosts transition to a political analysis of Vice President Kamala Harris's recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

• Harris’s Appearance and Ambitions:
  Jack Armstrong critiques Harris’s potential presidential aspirations, labeling her as “delusional” and highlighting her adeptness at charming media appearances without delving into policy challenges (01:10 – 02:34).

• Audience Reaction:
  The enthusiastic reception of Harris on Colbert’s predominantly left-leaning audience is dissected, suggesting that such acclaim may fuel her presidential ambitions despite perceived weaknesses (02:25 – 05:23).

• Notable Quote:
  “If you have a host that wants to help you along, she's fine at it.” – Jack Armstrong (02:06)

3. Trump’s Tariff Announcements and Legal Challenges (05:23 – 11:33)

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to the ramifications of former President Donald Trump’s recent announcement of 68 new tariffs.

• Tariff Details:
  Trump unveils tariffs affecting 68 countries, including a significant 35% tariff on Canada effective immediately (05:13 – 06:22).

• Media Coverage and Analysis:
  The hosts critique MSNBC’s handling of the tariffs, highlighting a lack of substantial analysis and the perpetuation of a negative narrative without recognizing the significant shift in U.S. trade policy (06:22 – 07:42).

• Legal Proceedings:
  Discussion on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's skepticism towards Trump's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs. Armstrong anticipates a ruling against Trump, emphasizing the judiciary's reluctance to accept broad executive authority without explicit congressional mandate (07:42 – 11:33).

• Notable Quote:
  “The whole taco thing is a stupid narrative.” – Jack Armstrong (07:42)

4. Medicare and Medicaid: 60th Anniversary and Financial Implications (18:24 – 31:44)

One of the most in-depth discussions revolves around the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid, examining their financial burdens and effectiveness.

• Historical Context:
  The hosts provide a critical perspective on the origins of Medicare and Medicaid, arguing that these programs have expanded beyond their intended scope, leading to excessive government spending without corresponding health outcomes (21:22 – 24:46).

• Financial Analysis:

  • Cost Claims:
    Jack Armstrong cites a Wall Street Journal opinion piece stating that $45 trillion has been spent on Medicare and Medicaid without evidence of their effectiveness, though Joe Getty suggests the figure might be closer to $30 trillion (22:31 – 22:48).

  • Waste and Fraud:
    Getty highlights significant waste, fraud, and abuse within these programs, estimating losses between 25-35%, which translates to approximately $1 trillion annually (20:57 – 23:53).

• Program Effectiveness:
  The discussion questions the efficacy of Medicaid in improving health outcomes, pointing out long wait times and lifestyle factors that undermine its impact. Medicare is described as having a "mixed record," offering some benefits but still contributing to the overall financial strain (23:53 – 24:30).

• Policy Implications:
  The hosts argue for transparency in healthcare funding and advocate for a free-market system where individuals directly fund their healthcare, thereby fostering better patient-doctor relationships and improved health outcomes (24:30 – 28:26).

• Notable Quote:
  “If you were to completely be a free market system where you had a relationship with a doctor and you funded your own, I think it's really clear that your outcomes would be better.” – Joe Getty (24:30)

5. Ocho Network and Alternative Sports Programming (14:04 – 17:31)

Shifting to lighter content, Armstrong and Getty explore the quirky offerings of the Ocho Network, an eccentric sports channel known for unconventional competitions.

• Origins and Growth:
  The Ocho Network, inspired by the movie "Dodgeball," has become a platform for third-tier sports, celebrating the bizarre and fun side of athletic competition (14:04 – 15:44).

• Featured Sports:

  • Slippery Stairs Competition: Participants navigate soap-covered inflatable stairs.
  • Extreme Archery: High-precision archery events.
  • Robot Fighting and Foot Golf: Innovative and entertaining variations of traditional sports.

• Personal Anecdotes:
  The hosts share their experiences and enthusiasm for activities like paintball, adding a personal touch to the discussion (15:44 – 17:31).

• Notable Quote:
  “They have diving chess... move your piece, then come back up for air.” – Jack Armstrong (16:32)

6. Record Lightning Bolt and Saudi Amusement Park Accident (31:58 – 34:44)

The hosts touch upon recent unusual news stories, adding variety to the episode.

• Longest Recorded Lightning Bolt:
  A lightning bolt stretching 515 miles across Texas to Missouri, captured in 2017, is discussed with curiosity about its implications on climate change (31:58 – 32:30).

• Saudi Amusement Park Tragedy:
  The terrifying incident of a ride malfunction in Saudi Arabia, leading to injuries and local hospital emergencies, is described with vivid detail (32:31 – 34:44).

• Notable Quote:
  “And that's the day you decide to never go on a ride again.” – Katie (33:37)

7. Celebrity Couples and Political Commentary (34:28 – 35:23)

A humorous segment addresses the rumored romantic involvement between astronaut Katy Perry and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

• Celebrity Gossip:
  The hosts mockingly discuss the unlikely coupling, linking it to Trump derangement syndrome and political narratives (34:28 – 35:23).

• Notable Quote:
  “Hi, I'm Katy Perry. Let's go to space.” – Jack Armstrong (34:42)

8. Donald Trump’s Extraordinary Fundraising as a Lame Duck President (35:23 – 36:34)

Concluding the episode, Armstrong and Getty analyze Donald Trump's unprecedented fundraising efforts during his lame duck period.

• Fundraising Figures:
  Trump’s primary super PAC raised an astonishing $177 million in the first half of the year, with an additional $28 million from its leadership pack, totaling nearly $200 million (35:23 – 36:06).

• Implications:
  The hosts speculate on the reasons behind this surge, considering Trump's continued influence and strategic political maneuvering despite his imminent departure from office (35:32 – 36:34).

• Notable Quote:
  “Donald J. Makes me insane in a lot of ways. But man, is he making great progress on some fronts.” – Michael (36:14)

Conclusion

Throughout "Lookin' Out The Slit," Armstrong and Getty offer a blend of sharp political critique, insightful analysis, and lighthearted banter. From dissecting major political moves and healthcare policies to exploring unconventional sports and viral news stories, the episode provides a comprehensive look at contemporary issues with their characteristic wit and assertiveness. Notable quotes punctuate the discussion, adding depth and personal viewpoints that engage both listeners familiar and unfamiliar with their content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “This game will get higher ratings than a World Series baseball game or any NBA Finals game.” – Jack Armstrong (00:16)
• “If you have a host that wants to help you along, she's fine at it.” – Jack Armstrong (02:06)
• “The whole taco thing is a stupid narrative.” – Jack Armstrong (07:42)
• “If you were to completely be a free market system where you had a relationship with a doctor and you funded your own, I think it's really clear that your outcomes would be better.” – Joe Getty (24:30)
• “They have diving chess... move your piece, then come back up for air.” – Jack Armstrong (16:32)
• “Hi, I'm Katy Perry. Let's go to space.” – Jack Armstrong (34:42)
• “Donald J. Makes me insane in a lot of ways. But man, is he making great progress on some fronts.” – Michael (36:14)

This structured and detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the discussions without needing to listen to the entire podcast.