Armstrong & Getty On Demand: Episode Summary Title: My Level Of Certainty Is Low
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

1. Opening Remarks and Week Ahead

The episode kicks off with Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty setting the stage for a new week filled with possibilities. Joe Getty reflects on the unpredictability that Monday brings, balancing hopes for success with the fear of unexpected setbacks.

2. Super Bowl and Kansas City Chiefs Discussion

A significant portion of the episode centers around the upcoming Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Joe Getty expresses his longstanding support for the Chiefs, despite their fluctuating performance over the years.

• Joe Getty [02:05]: “I'm a Chiefs fan because I was a Chiefs fan back when they sucked. But I was not a Chicago Bulls fan, for instance, ever in my life. And I hated Michael Jordan and them winning all the time. Fricking hated it. It was miserable.”

Jack Armstrong delves into the broader phenomenon of why successful teams often attract dislike solely based on their winning streaks, suggesting that it stems from human emotions like resentment and jealousy rather than any misconduct.

• Jack Armstrong [02:23]: “I think that's revealing of the human condition, isn't it, Jack? Why are they hated? Do they cheat? Are they foul mouth? Are they abhorrent in some way? No, it's because they win. It's resentment. It's jealousy.”

The hosts also touch upon the rampant theories suggesting that the Chiefs receive favorable calls from referees, ultimately dismissing such conspiracies while acknowledging the passion of the fanbase.

• Jack Armstrong [05:27]: “My conclusion is no, there is not a conspiracy. But like the CIA, my level of certainty is low.”

3. Political News and Donald Trump's Policies

The discussion shifts to recent political developments, notably Donald Trump's reinstatement of military personnel who were dismissed over COVID-19 vaccination refusals. The couple considers the financial and ethical implications of this move.

• Joe Getty [02:39]: “Donald Trump has reinstated all the military people that got booted out of the military because they wouldn't take the vaccination back during COVID...”

Jack Armstrong criticizes the decision, highlighting its potential financial burden and questioning the rationale behind such a policy reversal.

• Jack Armstrong [03:13]: “I think that's probably going to be a considerable bill and that kind of hurts, but it is indefensible. What was done?”

The hosts further explore the CIA and FBI's recent stance on the origins of COVID-19, suggesting a lab leak theory, and lament the government's inability to transparently communicate such findings.

• Jack Armstrong [04:19]: “Imagine the hubris of thinking your entire worldview being if we let the people of America observe what's happening around them...”

4. Immigration Policies and Enforcement

A substantial segment is dedicated to President Trump's aggressive immigration policies, including deportations and the halting of asylum applications. The hosts critique the media's portrayal of these actions and defend the administration's approach as aligning with public opinion.

• Jack Armstrong [16:42]: “There is no reasoning. And it's indefensible. Unless you're a Marxist.”

Joe Getty emphasizes the widespread support for deporting illegal immigrants, countering narratives that frame these actions negatively.

• Joe Getty [21:50]: “That's pretty easy to understand or should be pretty easy to understand.”

The hosts highlight the inefficacies and hypocrisies within local governments, such as Chicago's reluctance to cooperate with ICE, contrasting it with the federal administration's objectives.

• Jack Armstrong [19:38]: “We got solid reports of ICE activity in the area. Please tell your loved ones to be careful.”

They also discuss recent mass arrests in Denver and the broader implications of these enforcement actions.

• Joe Getty [24:27]: “Thousands of migrants are now stuck in Mexico with no idea what comes next as the administration halts all applications for asylum...”

5. Government Critique and Freedom of Speech

The hosts express frustration with governmental overreach and suppression of information, particularly criticizing the Biden administration's handling of COVID reports and its impact on public discourse.

• Jack Armstrong [23:59]: “Why was Joe freaking Biden forbidding the CIA from just releasing that report that said...It's despicable. Again, silencing people, even.”

They argue for the importance of free speech and the dangers of labeling dissenting voices as undesirable, framing such actions as indicative of authoritarian tendencies.

6. Light-Hearted Segments and Headlines

Amid serious discussions, Armstrong and Getty incorporate humor and lighter topics, including:

• Michelangelo's Absence: A brief conversation about executive producer Hansen's recent cataract surgery, mixing medical updates with playful banter.

• Celebrity Commentary: Mocking Taylor Swift's enthusiastic reactions during Chiefs' game plays, adding a satirical touch to sports fandom.

• Headlines Review: Quick takes on various news stories, from a New York Times article on China's AI advances to a heartwarming yet humorous proposal story from the New York Post.

7. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The episode concludes with the hosts promoting the Prize Picks app, encouraging listeners to engage with sports betting through their platform. They wrap up with final thoughts on the Super Bowl and teasing upcoming discussions on political and social issues.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty [01:35]: “Well, golly gee, buy the ticket, take the ride. Good luck.”

• Jack Armstrong [28:08]: “So that'd get you out of bed that day if you're kind of feeling like, ah, geez, another Super Bowl.”

• Joe Getty [31:35]: “I haven't done enough for my body today...”

Conclusion

In "My Level Of Certainty Is Low," Armstrong and Getty navigate a mix of sports enthusiasm, political critique, and societal observations with their signature blend of humor and candor. The episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at current events through the lens of two outspoken hosts, making complex issues accessible while retaining an engaging and entertaining atmosphere.