Podcast Title: Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: Milk The Cows!
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!
1. The Rise of Zoran Mamdani: New York’s New Mayor
In this episode, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the surprising election of Zoran Mamdani as the Mayor of New York City. Despite trailing in the polls weeks before the election, Mamdani secured a definitive victory, leading to a flurry of discussions about his background and political stance.
Joe Getty emphasizes Mamdani's youthful appeal and affluent background:
"Barring some really seismic something or other, he is going to be the mayor of New York. And he is good. He is only 33 years old."
(01:32)
The hosts draw parallels between Mamdani and former President Donald Trump, particularly in their approach to media and public engagement. They critique Mamdani's perceived detachment from the working class, highlighting his privileged upbringing and questioning his understanding of widespread economic struggles.
Jack Armstrong comments on Mamdani’s entitlement:
"He was never had to do the things it takes to be successful in America. He was born to it. He was gifted it."
(01:57)
The discussion extends to Mamdani's policy directions, with Greg Ip from the Wall Street Journal being cited for his critical stance on Mamdani’s plans to address New York’s housing shortage. Ip argues that Mamdani's approach may exacerbate the crisis by constricting housing supply to keep prices low.
(04:45)
2. Decoding The Atlantic’s Interpretation of 'Jaws'
Armstrong and Getty critically analyze a piece from The Atlantic, which controversially interprets the classic film Jaws as an allegory for class struggle. The hosts find this interpretation exaggerated and unfounded, arguing that the movie primarily serves as a straightforward horror film without deeper socio-political commentary.
Joe Getty mocks the complexity of the analysis:
"The Atlantic beast that I read is so not much different than that."
(20:33)
They humorously dissect the article's attempt to assign profound meanings to the characters and plot, reinforcing their stance that Jaws was never intended to reflect class divisions. The hosts argue that such overanalyyses are indicative of a broader trend where intellectual vanity leads to misinterpretation of media.
3. Current Events and Pop Culture Tidbits
a. Celebrity Breakup:
The duo briefly touches upon the breakup of actor Orlando Bloom and singer Katy Perry after a six-year engagement, speculating humorously on the challenges of maintaining relationships amid busy careers and differing lifestyles.
(13:20)
b. Missing Teens and FLDS Cult Concerns:
A concerning report is discussed involving the disappearance of two teenagers in Idaho, suspected to be taken to an FLDS (Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) group. The hosts express alarm over the potential for cult-related abductions and the psychological impact on families.
(29:40)
c. The 4am Club: The Left’s Equivalent to QAnon:
Armstrong and Getty introduce listeners to the "4am Club," a nascent movement on the left resembling QAnon in its conspiratorial beliefs. They describe it as a group of spiritually inclined women who believe they are experiencing timeline splits, where alternate realities have Trump as president. The hosts critique the movement's reliance on unfounded theories and its spread through social media platforms like TikTok and Reddit.
"Now, it's not about getting up before the sun to get a good run in or go to the gym or. Or to even pray or study the Bible..."
(32:16)
4. Healthcare Legislation and Medicare Provider Taxes
The hosts shift focus to a critical analysis of proposed healthcare legislation targeting Medicare provider taxes. They explain how these taxes have historically been used by states to fund Medicaid programs, drawing federal funds and reducing state expenditures. The proposed "big beautiful bill" aims to dismantle this structure, which the hosts argue will face fierce opposition from healthcare lobbies despite its potential to streamline and reduce government healthcare spending.
Jack Armstrong succinctly summarizes the issue:
"One of the things they're going to get rid of is this giant, incredibly expensive Medicare scam."
(16:24)
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty maintain a critical stance on political developments, media interpretations, and emerging social movements. Their blend of humor, skepticism, and incisive commentary offers listeners a provocative take on contemporary issues.
Notable Quotes:
-
Joe Getty (01:57): "He was never had to do the things it takes to be successful in America. He was born to it. He was gifted it."
-
Jack Armstrong (04:45): "Greg ip, the great housing market writer for the Wall Street Journal. His headline today is New Yorkers Vote to make their housing shortage Worse."
-
Joe Getty (20:33): "The Atlantic beast that I read is so not much different than that."
-
Joe Getty (32:16): "But the press isn't writing about it because they know it makes lefties sound wacky."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn by Armstrong and Getty in the "Milk The Cows!" episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.
