Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: No One Has Ever Called Me Placid Release Date: April 14, 2025 Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the episode titled "No One Has Ever Called Me Placid," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of topics, blending personal anecdotes with sharp commentary on current events and societal trends. The conversation oscillates between humorous exchanges and serious discussions, providing listeners with both entertainment and insightful perspectives.

Health Concerns: Strep Throat and Personal Health

The episode opens with a candid discussion about Jack Armstrong’s battle with a severe sore throat, speculating on whether it might be strep throat:

• Jack Armstrong [03:26]: "I have the worst sore throat I've ever had. But my windpipe feels like it's the size of a little tiny straw. It's just so tight."

• Ryan Seacrest [03:44]: "Sounds like you have a raging infection of some sort."

This personal health concern serves as a segue into a broader conversation about the contagiousness of strep throat and personal health practices, highlighting the importance of medical consultations and preventive measures.

The Psychology of Rewatching TV Shows and Movies

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around why individuals choose to rewatch TV shows or movies they've previously seen. Referencing a University of Chicago study, the hosts explore the psychological underpinnings of this behavior:

• Jack Armstrong [08:54]: "Rewatching provides a way to restore energy and regain a sense of peace. It's moments when the world feels uncertain. Your brain reaches for what it knows."

• Ryan Seacrest [14:03]: "Instead of shouting serenity now, you watch Frank Costanza shouting serenity now on an episode of Seinfeld you've seen 15 times."

The conversation underscores the concept of emotional regulation, where familiar media content offers comfort and stability in an unpredictable world. Armstrong contrasts his own viewing habits with those of his father, who avoids rewatching shows, suggesting differing coping mechanisms based on personal temperament.

Political Violence and Media Influence

The hosts transition to a more serious topic: an alarming increase in political violence and its portrayal in the media. They discuss a recent arson attack at Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's residence, highlighting the disturbing trend of such acts being motivated by political beliefs:

• Ryan Seacrest [06:07]: "Two assassination attempts on Trump, an assassination attempt on Brett Kavanaugh, the shooting at the baseball game a number of years ago."

Armstrong and Seacrest express concern over the normalization of political violence, debating its roots and the societal factors contributing to this trend. They critique the media's role in either exacerbating or mitigating these violent tendencies, emphasizing the need for responsible reporting.

The Cult of Luigi Mangione: Glorifying Criminals

A focal point of the episode is the disturbing phenomenon surrounding Luigi Mangione, an individual who assassinated a healthcare executive. The hosts explore how Mangione has garnered a cult-like following, comparing it to other instances where criminals are lionized:

• Jack Armstrong [25:59]: "You guys are some twisted human beings. You're hurting your cause, as is often the case with these people."

• Ryan Seacrest [30:55]: "She has meant moral retardation of some sort. That's hard to picture."

They discuss the media's uncritical coverage and the public's willingness to idolize such figures, questioning the societal values that allow for the elevation of murderers to sainthood. The conversation extends to the psychological appeal of Mangione's followers, who see him as a martyr for healthcare reform.

Media Critique: Taylor Lorenz and Public Perception

Armstrong and Seacrest critically examine the role of journalists like Taylor Lorenz, accusing her of exacerbating the problem by sensationalizing and unjustly promoting figures like Mangione:

• Ryan Seacrest [25:59]: "The utterly unhinged Taylor Lorenz, who was a hot columnist for the New York Times, then the Washington Post."

• Jack Armstrong [28:03]: "I think you're star spangled, Austin. So good."

They argue that such media figures contribute to a distorted public perception, enabling the glorification of individuals who commit heinous acts under the guise of political activism or social reform.

Psychology of Attraction and Public Figures

The hosts delve into the psychological aspects of attraction and its influence on public perception of individuals like Mangione:

• Ryan Seacrest [36:40]: "Psychological studies have shown that people react more positively to the Attractive. They assume they're more competent, more intelligent, nicer people, whatever than they actually are."

• Jack Armstrong [36:20]: "If you're a stupid person, I'd imagine that sort of pull is even stronger."

They discuss how physical attractiveness can skew public judgment, leading to overestimation of an individual's virtues and underestimation of their flaws. This phenomenon plays a significant role in how society responds to charismatic or visually appealing figures, even when their actions are reprehensible.

Conclusion: Despair for Humanity and Societal Reflections

As the episode draws to a close, Armstrong and Seacrest express a sense of despair over the current state of society, citing the examples discussed as symptoms of deeper societal issues:

• Ryan Seacrest [35:00]: "Luigi Mangione is a saint. According to his fans... it's a clear example of how terrible those new gods are."

• Jack Armstrong [38:02]: "We need more of that everywhere. Schools, movie theaters."

They advocate for a collective introspection on how society elevates harmful behaviors and individuals, urging a return to rationality and empathy. The hosts emphasize the importance of addressing systemic issues without resorting to violence or extremism, promoting peaceful and constructive avenues for change.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jack Armstrong [08:54]: "Rewatching provides a way to restore energy and regain a sense of peace."

• Ryan Seacrest [14:03]: "Instead of shouting serenity now, you watch Frank Costanza shouting serenity now on an episode of Seinfeld you've seen 15 times."

• Ryan Seacrest [25:59]: "The utterly unhinged Taylor Lorenz... she used the term Stan a couple of times."

• Jack Armstrong [30:55]: "She has meant moral retardation of some sort."

• Ryan Seacrest [36:40]: "Psychological studies have shown that people react more positively to the Attractive."

Final Thoughts

"No One Has Ever Called Me Placid" offers a compelling mix of humor, personal insight, and critical analysis of pressing societal issues. Through their engaging dialogue, Armstrong and Seacrest challenge listeners to reflect on media influence, the psychology behind media consumption, and the troubling trends in political violence and public perception. The episode serves as both a mirror and a critique of contemporary culture, urging a move towards greater awareness and thoughtful action.