Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "No One Takes You Seriously If They Can See Your Shins"

Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host/Authors: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Podcast: Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction & Opening Remarks

The episode begins with Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty broadcasting live from the Abraham Lincoln Radio Studio at the George Washington Broadcast Center. They introduce the episode with their characteristic banter, setting a candid and conversational tone for the discussions ahead.

2. Putin and the Ukraine War

[00:23] Unnamed Guest:
“To the extent that the White House said that Ukraine started the war, I disagree. I think Vladimir Putin started the war. I also believe through bitter experience that Vladimir Putin is a gangster. He's a gangster with a black heart.”

The guests delve into the origins of the Ukraine conflict, vehemently attributing the initiation of the war to Vladimir Putin rather than Ukraine. The unnamed guest paints a grim picture of Putin, comparing him to notorious figures to emphasize his malevolent nature.

[01:02] Unnamed Guest:
“I wouldn't trust this guy like I trust gangster gas stations. Sushi.”

Joe Getty responds with his trademark humor, mocking the guest’s metaphor before acknowledging the seriousness of the point being made.

3. Republican Perspectives on Putin and Rubio

[03:09] Joe Getty:
“My great worry... is that the great things Trump is doing will soon be derailed by the nutty things he's doing and saying.”

The conversation shifts to internal Republican dynamics, specifically focusing on how different members view handling the situation with Putin and Ukraine. They highlight Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s stance, suggesting he aligns with advocating a strong response against Putin’s aggression.

4. Trump's Influence and Concerns

Joe Getty expresses concerns about President Trump's actions potentially undermining his policy achievements. The discussion reflects apprehension that Trump's unconventional approach might derail significant conservative progress.

5. Culture Wars and Conservatism

[04:03] Unnamed Guest:
“It was the best three weeks for conservatives in the culture war in a half a century.”

Referencing Rich Lowry's analysis, the hosts discuss the recent conservative gains in cultural battles. However, they contrast this with their frustration over current policies, particularly criticizing immigration and what they perceive as fascist tendencies in energy and border policies.

6. Hollywood’s Portrayal of China and Tom Cotton’s Critique

[05:08] Unnamed Guest:
“Have you ever seen anybody Chinese is the bad guy in a movie?”

Tom Cotton's new book, "7 Things You Can't Say About China," is discussed, highlighting his criticism of Hollywood’s portrayal of Chinese characters. The guests agree that economic pressures, primarily the lucrative Chinese market, influence Hollywood to avoid depicting Chinese individuals as antagonists.

[07:17] Joe Getty:
“We’re gonna punish you.”

They elaborate on the consequences Hollywood faces when producing anti-China narratives, citing the banning of films like "Seven Years in Tibet" in China as a deterrent against negative portrayals.

7. Gender and Sports Policies in Schools

The hosts address controversial policies allowing boys to compete in girls' sports, sharing anecdotes of athletes like John Katie Spencer who have outperformed their female counterparts. They criticize these policies as undermining fair competition and express frustration over the lack of public outcry.

[15:41] Unnamed Guest:
“I’d rather ride a porcupine to work than have Hollywood something or other.”

They argue that such policies prioritize ideology over athletic fairness, questioning the long-term implications for school sports and the broader societal acceptance of these changes.

8. Government Deficit and Fiscal Responsibility

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the national deficit and its implications on essential services like Social Security and medical care.

[18:18] Unnamed Guest:
“If we don't solve the deficit, there won't be money for medical care, there won't be money for Social Security.”

They emphasize the urgency of addressing the deficit to prevent financial strain on critical programs, advocating for fiscal responsibility as a cornerstone of sustainable governance.

9. Government Inefficiencies and Waste

The conversation moves to government inefficiencies, highlighting the massive improper payments identified in recent fiscal reports.

[27:04] Unnamed Guest:
“She wanted to push back on the trans thing and they wouldn't let her have a meeting in the library.”

They discuss the systemic issues within government spending, referencing the Wall Street Journal's report on $149 billion in improper payments—nearly 4% of all government expenditures—as a reflection of outdated and inefficient systems.

10. Recent News Highlights

a. KFC Moves Headquarters to Texas

[14:03] Unnamed Guest:
“What is happening? What's next? Jersey Mike's becomes Maine's Mickey's?”

The hosts humorously critique KFC’s decision to relocate its corporate headquarters from Kentucky to Texas, suggesting it as another example of corporate instability and the unpredictable nature of corporate governance.

b. IVF Mix-Up Lawsuit

[31:37] Unnamed Guest:
“What a terrible story.”

They recount a distressing case where a fertility clinic mistakenly implanted the wrong embryo, resulting in racial identity confusion and a heartbreaking custody lawsuit. The hosts express sympathy for the affected individual and criticize the clinic's negligence.

11. Cultural Trends: Less Colorful Society

The episode concludes with a discussion on the noticeable decline in color vibrancy in various aspects of life, from cars to media.

[34:02] Unnamed Guest:
“Every aspect of life is being stripped of color.”

They explore observations made by a culture critic about the shift towards more muted and monochromatic choices in design, entertainment, and everyday objects, pondering the societal implications of this trend.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:23] Unnamed Guest:
  “Vladimir Putin is a gangster with a black heart. He makes Jeffrey Dahmer look like Mother Teresa.”

• [03:09] Joe Getty:
  “The great things Trump is doing will soon be derailed by the nutty things he's doing and saying.”

• [05:08] Unnamed Guest:
  “Have you ever seen anybody Chinese is the bad guy in a movie?”

• [15:41] Unnamed Guest:
  “I’d rather ride a porcupine to work than have Hollywood something or other.”

• [18:18] Unnamed Guest:
  “If we don't solve the deficit, there won't be money for medical care, there won't be money for Social Security.”

• [27:04] Unnamed Guest:
  “She wanted to push back on the trans thing and they wouldn't let her have a meeting in the library.”

• [34:02] Unnamed Guest:
  “Every aspect of life is being stripped of color.”

Conclusion

"No One Takes You Seriously If They Can See Your Shins" is a comprehensive episode where Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty tackle a range of pressing political and cultural issues. From geopolitical conflicts involving Putin and Ukraine to internal Republican strategies, fiscal responsibilities, government inefficiencies, and societal shifts in cultural expression, the hosts provide a blend of critical analysis, personal anecdotes, and sharp commentary. Notably, the episode underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility and highlights concerns over cultural and policy changes affecting sports, media, and societal norms.

For listeners who missed the episode, the detailed discussions and notable insights offer a thorough understanding of the current political landscape and cultural debates shaping America.