Made in America?

Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Made in America?" – Episode Summary

Release Date: April 9, 2025

In the "Made in America?" episode of the Armstrong & Getty On Demand podcast, hosted by iHeartPodcasts, Armstrong and Getty engage in a compelling discussion about the feasibility and challenges of manufacturing high-tech products, specifically the iPhone, within the United States. The episode seamlessly blends insightful analysis of global supply chains and manufacturing logistics with the hosts' trademark humor and camaraderie.

---

1. The Complexity of Domestic iPhone Manufacturing

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the intricate process of assembling an iPhone and the significant hurdles Apple would face if it attempted to manufacture these devices entirely in the U.S.

Notable Quote:
Amica Insurance remarks, “[...] assembling a panel of manufacturing and tech experts to find out how hard it would be for Apple to bring iPhone product. The short answer? It's easier to teach a bald eagle to use a screwdriver.” ([07:15])

The hosts highlight that an iPhone comprises components from over 40 countries, with critical parts sourced from regions like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. The current manufacturing prowess in these areas, honed over decades, makes replicating such efficiency and specialization in the U.S. exceedingly challenging.

Notable Quote:
Amica Insurance explains, “All the little elements in assembling the thing, they would all go up, and it would take a while to build a plant that built those screws to those specifications. It's not impossible. It's just very time-consuming and expensive.” ([12:05])

2. Supply Chain Dependencies and Economic Implications

Armstrong and Getty delve into the dependence on global supply chains, discussing how the specialized and interdependent nature of iPhone components complicates any shift towards domestic production. They explore the economic ramifications, including potential cost increases and the impact on consumer pricing.

Notable Quote:
Amica Insurance observes, “When Apple began building the Mac Pro desktop in the U.S., one of the first roadblocks was sourcing enough parts, including screws close to home.” ([11:26])

The discussion underscores that the absence of U.S.-based manufacturing facilities with capabilities comparable to their Asian counterparts poses a significant barrier, not just in terms of production capacity but also in maintaining the quality and innovation standards synonymous with Apple products.

3. Labor Shortages and Workforce Challenges

A critical aspect addressed is the severe labor shortage plaguing American manufacturers. The hosts discuss how existing manufacturers struggle to fill roles, exacerbating the challenges of ramping up domestic production.

Notable Quote:
Amica Insurance points out, “Hiring is one of the biggest problems facing existing American manufacturers. Current manufacturers can't fill their jobs.” ([13:56])

This shortage underscores a broader issue within the U.S. manufacturing sector, where the demand for skilled labor outpaces supply, hindering efforts to boost domestic production of complex electronics like the iPhone.

4. Economic Viability and Cost Concerns

The conversation pivots to the economic viability of producing iPhones in the U.S., touching upon the potential for exorbitant costs that could render the devices unaffordable for the average consumer.

Notable Quote:
Amica Insurance shares, “[...] each part is, where's the cheapest way, cheapest, slash, fastest we can get this part to us?” ([10:05])

They discuss estimates suggesting that manufacturing iPhones domestically could increase costs significantly, potentially driving retail prices up to prohibitively high levels, thereby affecting Apple's competitive edge in the global market.

5. Technological and Logistical Hurdles

The hosts explore the technological and logistical hurdles involved in establishing a U.S.-based manufacturing ecosystem capable of producing high-tech devices at scale.

Notable Quote:
Amica Insurance states, “It's very difficult. They have talons jack and no thumbs. Building the full stack of iPhone components and assembling in. In the U.S. impossible.” ([09:30])

This metaphor emphasizes the steep learning curve and infrastructural investments required to match the sophisticated manufacturing processes currently entrenched in Asia.

6. Humorous Interlude: The Calf Muscle Conundrum

Interwoven with these serious discussions is a humorous and ongoing conversation about Jack's struggle with skinny calves. This segment provides levity and showcases the hosts' dynamic rapport.

Notable Quote:
Jack humorously remarks, “If there's anybody listening who had skinny calves and managed to come up with an exercise that actually did anything about it, please email or...” ([13:56])

*Amica Insurance adds, “With the calves, it's tax season.” ([13:56])

This lighthearted banter not only entertains but also humanizes the hosts, making the episode engaging and relatable.

7. Conclusion: The Future of American Manufacturing

Wrapping up the episode, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the future prospects of American manufacturing in the high-tech sector. They consider the necessary strategic investments, policy reforms, and workforce development initiatives required to overcome the highlighted challenges.

Notable Quote:
Amica Insurance concludes, “Building in the U.S. [would require] reconstructing the supply chain by shifting some of its key component manufacturing to the broader North American region.” ([12:05])

This final insight reinforces the complexity of reshaping the manufacturing landscape and the multifaceted approach needed to achieve sustainable domestic production.

---

Overall Takeaway:

"Made in America?" offers listeners a comprehensive examination of the formidable challenges involved in domestic manufacturing of advanced electronics. Through a blend of expert analysis and engaging dialogue, Armstrong and Getty illuminate the intricate interplay between global supply chains, labor markets, and economic factors that influence the feasibility of "Made in America" initiatives. Simultaneously, the episode maintains a balanced tone with humorous interludes, ensuring an informative yet entertaining experience for its audience.

Transcript

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[Colby Ekowitz]

You see a headline but don't have time to read the whole story. Or there's so much news you're not sure what is worth your time. Colby I'm Colby Ekowitz, co host of Post Reports, the weekday afternoon podcast from the Washington Post. Post Reports brings you what's relevant and revealing. Breaking stories, politics, wellness, culture. Each episode goes beyond a headline for the context you need. Find Post Reports now. Wherever you're listening.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Amica Insurance]

No purchase necessary. VGW Group Void we're prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. Made in America. You'd have to take out a mortgage it's one more thing. Armstrong and Getty.

[LifeLock]

One more thing before we get to that.

[Jack]

Katie, you go to the gym every day.

[Amica Insurance]

Mm.

[Jack]

I've heard of these my whole life. I've never done them. What is a crunch?

[Katie]

It's like a sit up where your knees are bent, your elbows and your knees touch.

[Jack]

Sit up where your knees are bent and you touch.

[Katie]

Your feet are off the ground. Yeah. So you.

[Amica Insurance]

Oh. You don't have to have your feet off the ground really, technically. But it's not like a full setup because they figured they found out that it's not good for your back or something. So it's like a semi sit up.

[Jack]

I've done a gazillion sit ups in my life, but it's working the same muscles. Crunches and sit ups.

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah, more or less.

[Katie]

You can.

[Amica Insurance]

Terminal muscles.

[Katie]

Yeah, different parts anyway.

[Amica Insurance]

You can like alternate elbow, right elbow to left knee, and back and forth and that sort of thing.

[Katie]

I just halfway.

[Jack]

I just saw this. How many crunches you should be able to do at different ages? And it's like 30 when you're in your 40s and 20 when you're in your 50s.

[Amica Insurance]

How likely should I be to fall for listicles at various ages? Right. Yeah.

[Jack]

Anyway, I was just thinking about that because I. One of the reasons I've never done any crunches, just whatever reason, that's not a body part. I've been like the one body part. Like, if there was a great exercise for my calves. I am so embarrassed by my calves. That's like, if I have to get undressed anywhere, what I think everybody's staring at is my calves. So if I. Yes.

[Katie]

Are they weak leg day or is that what.

[Jack]

My. My calves are so skinny. I'm just. Genetically. That's just the way I'm built. I mean, they. They're like little toothpicks.

[Amica Insurance]

They're probably sinewy though, right?

[Jack]

Somewhat. But my ankles, I have tiny bone structure, so my ankles are tiny like a pencil. And then it goes up there to the knee and you're like a racehorse or a chicken. I used to lift weight to this chicken. Yeah, right, right. More like a chicken. That's what a friend of mine used to say. Are those your legs or are you riding a chicken? And then another guy used to lift weights with these with a big football star. Dude said, dude, we got to do something about those ankles.

[Amica Insurance]

Wow. I don't know how much you can build up ankles.

[Prolon]

Well, right.

[Jack]

You can't do anything about your ankles. Your ankles are your ankles There are.

[Katie]

Few things that hurt more than your calves being sore after, like, really working them out. It makes walking so difficult.

[Jack]

But I've been, I've been in the gym like almost every day for, I don't know how many months now, a lot. And, and it's, it's been good for me, but I, I don't do anything for my calves. And it's so, and it's becoming more noticeable, not less so. The rest of my body has like, you know, improved, but I still look like I'm. Are you riding a chicken? It's not, it's not like an important thing in my life, but no, I was just looking at the crunches, thinking, I wish there was something similar to crunches that they've really developed that they think, man, this really targets your calves and tremendous results.

[Amica Insurance]

Well, you could just, you know, you stand flat footed, then raise up on your toes, hold it for two, three seconds and do that 30 seconds.

[Jack]

I've done a lot of those and I've never seen anything ever happen.

[Amica Insurance]

Well, it could be you just, you're not built to.

[Jack]

That's what.

[Amica Insurance]

I've been moderately overweight my entire life. I have very beautifully developed calves. You ever, you know, you see a big fat guy on the street, if he moves around a lot, he's not a sedentary fat guy. He's going to have massive calves. One of the few benefits of being.

[Jack]

Overweight because you're exercising them just by.

[Amica Insurance]

Moving around, you're lifting weights.

[Katie]

I like what my coach said to me the other day. I work out for everyone else's safety because you get all the aggression out and then you can go about your day.

[Amica Insurance]

Oh, there you go. Yeah. Final note, before we get into the gist of the podcast today, I just have a very tight schedule today and I was texting my beloved bride, do you have time to make me a ham sandwich? But inexplicably I typed, do you have time to make me a man sandwich? I realized my mistake just before I sent it. I don't even know what that would be, but it doesn't sound good.

[Jack]

And it's not the way to introduce it through text unless you do it regularly. Unless this is something. Maybe that's it. Okay, so you and Judy make man sandwiches on a regular basis.

[Amica Insurance]

So it wasn't pick up hobos. And, you know, that's what we call.

[Jack]

It wasn't odd for you, hey, gardener down the street. It wasn't odd for you to say, you got time for a man sandwich today? The gardener's here.

[Amica Insurance]

Oh, boy, oh, boy. Glad I did not hit send. Where were we?

[Prolon]

Ah.

[Jack]

Oh, my God.

[Amica Insurance]

Speaking of smartphones, Joanna Stern, who writes the tech column for the Wall Street Journal. An American made iPhone just expensive or completely impossible. And, you know, I'm kind of curious about that question, and it might be something we all find out at, like, soon. But I just, I'm more interested just in what it takes to assemble something like a smartphone.

[Katie]

But you.

[Jack]

But on that topic, I keep seeing these memes of. Or comments about. So this is what we want, Americans, you know, sewing shoes together or tuning, turning tiny screws and iPhones. Now, when did we become this precious about jobs?

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah, I lifted up bales of hay.

[Jack]

Every single day for four years because it was a great job and I made money and I bought a motorcycle in high school and everything. I did it willingly. There are people that would turn screws into iPhones. Willing. It's not your dream job. It's not where you want to end up in life. But if it's a job that pays enough to do, why, why you decided that that's. I don't know. I don't, I don't get that angle of attack on this whole tariff thing.

[Amica Insurance]

As that young man who we talked about, who was a Navy Seal, Harvard doctor and astronaut, said, there's no job that you're better than. So I, I'll go with his attitude. But anyway, I find some of this stuff really interesting, you know, and not to get too tariffy on you on the podcast, but so Commerce Secretary told CBS has faced the nation, it's going to be automated. We're going to make the iPhones in the country. And they point out, except the iPhones contain a patchwork of sophisticated parts sourced from many countries and put together primarily in China, where electronics manufacturing has been perfected over a generation. America doesn't have facilities that resemble Chinese ones, nor does it have skilled manpower to assemble iPhones at that scale. I don't know how long it would take to pick up those skills.

[Jack]

Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen the inside of an iPhone, oddly enough.

[Amica Insurance]

So she writes, we assembled a panel of manufacturing and tech experts to find out how hard it would be for Apple to bring iPhone product. The short answer? It's easier to teach a bald eagle to use a screwdriver. They unanimously agree.

[Jack]

And I assume that's hard.

[Amica Insurance]

It's very difficult. They have talons jack and no thumbs. Building the full stack of iPhone components and assembling in. In the U.S. impossible. Shifting some manufacturing here, not totally insane. So here's what it would take to build at least part of it. In the land of the free. There are parts from over 40 different countries inside a single iPhone, and that.

[Jack]

Would be the free market of building iPhones at work. The each part is, where's the cheapest way, cheapest, slash, fastest we can get this part to us?

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah. And the most complex and specialized components come from about a half a dozen different countries, according to this Duke University professor who spent decades studying global manufacturing. Right now, many of those parts, the sophisticated ones, are made in or near China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, which benefit from being very close together. The only realistic past the path to US iPhone assembly is to reconstruct its supply chain by shifting some of its key component manufacturing to the broader North American region. Mexico, Canada, maybe even western Europe, because we're pretty close to them. If a US assembly operation were to start in the next three to five years, however, it would depend on parts from Asia for at least that three to five years. And they're looking at the sum of an iPhone's parts and its costs. And yeah, memory is made in the US that's the only thing.

[Jack]

Does this agree with other. Apple said this, and then another news story said the iPhone would cost 3500 bucks if you made even some of it in the United States. Yeah, I'd be a pretty expensive dang phone. Yes, Michael.

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah, this. Go ahead, Michael.

[Katie]

I was just thinking, what about cheaper components? You know, they got the fancy glass on, it suddenly becomes really plastic.

[Jack]

It wouldn't be the iPhone if they started doing cheaper stuff. No doubt.

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah. And again, this isn't about scaring into anybody, into supporting Trump or being against him or anything. I just thought it was interesting describing the realities of the global assembly of electronics. And they mentioned that when Apple began building the Mac Pro desktop in the U.S. one of the first roadblocks was sourcing enough parts, including screws close to home.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Screws?

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah, yeah. The little screws that hold the thing together, they're made in Asia.

[Katie]

That seems like something we should do.

[Jack]

Surely we can make those.

[Amica Insurance]

Well, of course we can 3D print them or something.

[Katie]

Yeah.

[Amica Insurance]

And instead of being $10 a gross, they'd be $100 a gross times the. The dozens and dozens and dozens of components in an iPhone. That's the problem. These little elements in assembling the thing, they would all go up, and it would take a while to build a plant that built those screws to those specifications. It's not impossible. It's just very time consuming and expensive. Even if funding were no object, this expert estimates it would take three to five years to build out the scale and quality required for us to join hands in a big American manufacturing kumbaya.

[Jack]

I'm not going to make a man sandwich with you. Your calves are too small. Otherwise I'd be all in.

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah. Yeah. Then they talk about the severe labor shortage that we talked about the other day. Foxconn, which assembles iPhones, has said it employs 300,000 workers in Zhengzhou, China, known as iPhone city. Was that 300,000?

[Jack]

Is that where the least the rumors were that they had, like, put nets outside the windows because so many people were jumping out the window to kill themselves? I don't know if that's true.

[Amica Insurance]

Silly rumor. The nets were just to keep people. The people got past our suicide guards. It wasn't a lot of people. Uh, hiring is one of the biggest problems facing existing American manufacturers. Current manufacturers can't fill their jobs. What are you gonna do about that, wise guy, huh? Kick him off welfare?

[Jack]

So if. If there's anybody listening who had skinny calves and managed to come up with an exercise that actually did anything about it, please email or.

[Amica Insurance]

Oh, my God. With the calves, it's tax season.

[LifeLock]

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[Amica Insurance]

We know it's more than a life policy. It's about the promise and the responsibility that comes with being a new parent, being there day and night and building a plan for tomorrow today for the ones you'll always look out for Trust Amica Life Insurance. Amica empathy is our best policy.

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[Colby Ekowitz]

You see a headline but don't have time to read the whole story or there's so much news you're not sure what is worth your time. I'm Colby Ekowitz, co host of Post Reports, the weekday afternoon podcast from the Washington Post. Post Reports brings you what's relevant and revealing. Breaking stories, politics, wellness, culture. Each episode goes beyond a headline for the context you need. Find Post Reports now wherever you're listening.

[Amica Insurance]

Have you heard of the Internet?

[Jack]

How about, well, I want actual real world experience? The Internet is full of crap. Have you used the Internet recently?

[Katie]

So many cats workouts. And if you go to the gym every day, ask somebody at the gym that's got legs.

[Amica Insurance]

Yeah, I'm back to yelling at Jack because Katie's on my side. What's the matter with you?

[Jack]

Wait a second. I'm not Talking to a human being. I'm not talking to a human being in person.

[Katie]

That's not filler.

[Amica Insurance]

But yeah, we have fillers.

[Jack]

The implants is a thing. I could do that.

[Katie]

You could do that.

[Jack]

Problem is, one of the problems is because my ankles are so skinny. There's nothing I can do about that. There's nothing you can do about the size of your bone, of your ankle or your wrists? No, that's just what it is.

[Amica Insurance]

Not in adulthood.

[Jack]

Even if I. What? Filler.

[Amica Insurance]

Filler. Oh, oh, oh. That was my last shred of respect for you.

[Jack]

If I got calf filler. Yeah, no kidding. Yeah, that'd be too much.

[Katie]

You better figure it out soon because summer's around the corner. You have to wear shorts.

[Jack]

No, I am not. I have not worn shorts in 30 years, so I will be fine.

[Katie]

Well, and why is that, Jack? Tell Katie why you don't do that.

[Jack]

Because I'm a grown up grown man.

[Katie]

Okay. What's your actual answer for not working?

[Jack]

That's my actual answer.

[Katie]

You're kidding me.

[Jack]

It is. Would you like me to forward the New York Times article that agrees with me that grown men should not wear shorts?

[Amica Insurance]

I wear long pants only under protest or for formal occasions. Just one more final note on the on the iPhone thing, because I think somebody probably finds it as interesting as your calves. Tim Cook told Fortune that the incentive to build in China wasn't really cheap labor. Of course he would say that, wouldn't he?

[Jack]

Yeah, of course he would.

[Amica Insurance]

I think both things are true. The products we do require really advanced tooling. That's the sophisticated iPhone making equipment in the US you could have a meeting of tooling engineers, and I'm not sure we could fill the room. In China, you could fill multiple football fields. Wow, that's troubling because they crank out all the specialized engineers at such enormous numbers.

[Jack]

Well, that's what Trump's trying to change, though. He's trying to make it so we would have more of those kind of people. Take a long time.

[Amica Insurance]

The one thing he needs to do, and he's trying is crush the WOKE educational complex. Let's get back to educating kids, man. Would that help?

[Katie]

You know, else you can fill Jack's calves with some filler.

[Jack]

I'll post a picture. I'll try to get a good picture. You think? Well, I've seen skinny calves. No, you don't know. I will post a picture. It's shocking.

[Katie]

Did you. Did you guys happen to see the little picture I sent you? These are a pair of socks That I will be purchasing for Jack as soon as we're done with the podcast. They turn your legs into chicken legs with little chicken feet.

[Jack]

Yeah, that would. That would be. That would. That would be. That. Yeah, that'd be too real on my legs.

[Amica Insurance]

How the f did you find those?

[Katie]

My friend has a pair of those. It's so funny when she wears them.

[Amica Insurance]

That's a terrible look.

[Jack]

It's so funny every day at the gym. My buddy Matt. Are those your legs? You riding chicken every day?

[Amica Insurance]

Where do you stand on novelty socks, mister? I wear long pants all the time, no matter how hot it is. Do you have any, like, fun socks?

[Jack]

I'm wearing some right now that. I hate to curse again, but I'm wearing some cousin Eddie socks right now that say full.

[Amica Insurance]

You know what? Classy is the only word that pops to mind.

[Katie]

Yeah, I was thinking of the same.

[Amica Insurance]

Thing with my suit.

[Jack]

I'm wearing a suit.

[Katie]

Yeah. Reeks of class.

[Amica Insurance]

I resisted that for years, but my kids started buying them for me, so I kind of embraced it.

[Jack]

Oh, you go into those stores, the sock stores that just have walls. There's so. Oh, you have it. They're great.

[Amica Insurance]

My favorite haberdasher.

[Jack]

They're great.

[Katie]

They're so funny.

[Jack]

Everything in the world. I mean, anything you can imagine of socks, like, my son really likes. Just the various snack socks. He's got Cheetos, he's got Doritos.

[Katie]

He's got no tacos. I call them my tox socks.

[Jack]

Just random, weird, you know, socks for beverages, food.

[Katie]

My favorite pair that I.

[Jack]

Sharks.

[Amica Insurance]

Yes.

[Katie]

Yeah. Well, my favorite pair that I own. Sorry, Hanson. They just say polite as.

[Amica Insurance]

Oh, that's more bleeping. You know what? I'm withdrawing from this conversation. I just. It's beneath me.

[Jack]

Take my skinny legs and walk out.

[Katie]

Well, I don't want a man sandwich, but I'll go with a man witch. I need some sloppy joes.

[Amica Insurance]

Yes.

[Katie]

Well, I guess that's it.

[LifeLock]

It's tax season, and by now. I know we're all a bit tired of numbers, but here's an important one you need to hear. $16.5 billion. That's how much money in refunds the IRS flagged for possible identity fraud last year. Here's another 20%. That's the overall increase in identity theft related to tax fraud in 2024 alone. But it's not all grim news. Here's a good number. 100 million. That's how many data points LifeLock monitors every second. If your identity is stolen, LifeLock's US based restoration specialists will fix it, backed by another good number, the million dollar protection plan. In fact, restoration is guaranteed or your money back. Don't face identity theft and financial losses alone. There's strength in numbers with Lifelock Identity theft protection for tax season and beyond. Join now and save up to 40% your first year. Call 1-800-LIFELOCK and use promo code iheart or go to lifelock.com iheart for 40% off. Terms apply Molly I'm Molly Roberts.

[Ryan Seacrest]

And I'm Drew Goins. Each Friday on Impromptu, we talk through the questions we can't stop thinking about.

[Amica Insurance]

Do we need to rethink how much we drink?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Why are companies really asking workers to.

[Katie]

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[Amica Insurance]

Does boycotting a business actually work?

[Ryan Seacrest]

Should we quit social media? We're here when the news gets personal.

[Amica Insurance]

And the headlines hit home. Join Molly and me every Friday on.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Impromptu from Washington Post Opinions.

[Amica Insurance]

Find Impromptu Impromptu wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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You know how we're always talking about what's next? Well, I found it. It's called Formula E. Forget everything you think you know about racing. This isn't just cars going fast. It's like a supercomputer on wheels. The tech is insane and the drivers, they're like chess grandmasters at 200 miles per hour. You've got to see it. Trust me, you'll be hooked. Follow Formula E live on Roku next race Miami, April 12 for some of.

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