Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: No Space Beast Is Illegal On Stolen Land
Date: February 20, 2026
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty dive into a range of topics from the satirical framing of "space beasts" and billionaire taxes in California to a deeply critical look at the U.S. political climate and upcoming State of the Union address. They blend news, cultural commentary, and sharp humor, covering everything from Prince Andrew’s latest scandal and media priorities to sporting comebacks and the decline of political norms in America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Satire: Space Beasts and California Politics

• The show opens with humorous riffs on aliens as "unplaneted carbon beasts" and puns on immigration language, poking fun at political semantics.
• Discussion pivots to the proposed California billionaire tax—a purportedly “one-time” 5% levy that is polling well but eliciting major skepticism from the hosts.
  • Jack Armstrong: “Started as a one time emergency thing...” (01:41)
  • They point out the historic permanence of “temporary” taxes and joke about billionaires fleeing the state.

2. Populist Sentiment & Western Dissatisfaction

• Joe and Jack discuss a wave of populist/socialist mood spreading across Western societies.
  • Joe Getty: “It’s almost like California is almost like a drunk that needs to hit bottom. It’s just got to get so dysfunctional and terrible.” (02:52)
• They tie these feelings into broader trends, citing the international nature of discontent.

3. Potential for War with Iran & Media Attention

• Looking ahead, they preview an interview with military analyst Mike Lyons on escalating tensions with Iran.
• They criticize the lack of national dialogue or presidential explanation regarding military build-up.
  • Jack Armstrong: “We’ve never gone to war without having more of a discussion about it or the president justifying the reason for it.” (03:47)
  • Jack Armstrong: “Hey, media, you can write an article about how he hasn’t explained it, but maybe you ought to be making it a bigger priority of a story.” (04:23)

4. Prince Andrew, Epstein, and the British Monarchy

• Extensive, critical, and satirical dissection of Prince Andrew’s scandal, linking it to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
• The hosts use a “Godfather” analogy to describe Prince Andrew as the family’s “Fredo”—the weak, manipulated sibling.
  • Jack Armstrong (on Andrew): “He’s absolutely Fredo… does deals with enemies of the family. And Michael finally kills him. The brother Charles is like—‘you’re giving secrets to Epstein so you can seem cool, and he’s treating you like you’re important and cool because he’s getting stuff from him, you moron.’” (06:21)
• Speculation on the British justice system's independence and how scandals serve as distractions from larger political issues.

5. Sporting Triumphs: Alyssa Liu vs. Eileen Gu

• They celebrate Alyssa Liu’s Olympic gold medal and contrast her story (escaping Communist China, skating for America) with Eileen Gu, who competed for China for monetary reasons.
  • Jack Armstrong (on Gu): “She should become a verb… like Benedict Arnold.” (12:06)
  • Joe Getty: “Goo said, ‘yeah, I’ll take your commie money…’ And Liu’s dad said, ‘F off you commie scum.’” (11:39)
• Media criticism for lauding Gu’s choice and ignoring the political implications.

6. Decline of Norms & the State of the Union Address

• The State of the Union is lambasted as an empty political tradition that’s lost its purpose in the era of constant presidential media presence.
  • Jack Armstrong: “It’s gotten stupider and stupider… more of just a campaign speech.” (23:01)
• Covered increased partisanship: Democrats and Republicans now plan rival events instead of joint attendance.
  • Joe Getty: “If we can’t have a gathering of our nation’s governors… we’re doomed as a country.” (25:15)
  • Jack Armstrong: “At some point, you just gotta call it off and go back to the norms…" (25:56)

7. Clips of the Week & Mailbag Highlights

• Montage of the week’s audio highlights ("Clips of the Week") blends political absurdity, world news, and comic relief.
• Listener messages are read, ranging from hockey game excitement to birthday haiku banter.
  • Listener BJ: "This was an unbelievable game. Two minutes left to elimination. They scored a tie. They win in sudden death over time." (33:41)

8. Call for Serious Leadership in Government

• The episode closes with admiration for leaders like Ben Sasse, calling out the prevalence of shallow, attention-seeking politicians.
  • Jack Armstrong (on Sasse): “There are people like that, you just don’t hear about them much because they’re not trying to be TikTok stars.” (31:37)
  • Joe Getty: "They look like a senator and they knew who’s ass to kiss..." (31:21)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Tax Skepticism:
  • Jack Armstrong: “The premise is hilarious always. Anyway, it’s just… this is just a unique time that we’re short of money.” (01:47)
• Prince Andrew as Fredo (Godfather Parallel):
  • Jack Armstrong: “Prince Andrew is so Fredo… I can handle things, I’m smart. So you know, Epstein is like a Shakespearean level understander of human nature…” (06:21–07:47)
• On US Political Dysfunction:
  • Joe Getty: “If we can’t have a gathering of our nation’s governors and the President says ‘good to see you, we’re all together in this’, we’re doomed as a country.” (25:15)
• On Flimsy Political Stars:
  • Jack Armstrong: “We got a whole bunch of people in Congress that just want to be TikTok stars and we’re never going to get anywhere with a bunch of TikTok stars.” (30:05)

Important Timestamps

• Satirical Alien Immigration Talk – 00:53
• California Billionaire Tax & Populism – 01:23–03:23
• Iran War Media Critique – 03:23–04:30
• Prince Andrew, Epstein, and the Royals – 04:41–10:14
• Alyssa Liu vs. Eileen Gu Olympics Story – 10:37–13:57
• State of the Union & Decline of Political Traditions – 21:53–29:19
• Admirable Leadership vs. TikTok Politicians – 30:04–31:46
• Listener Mail: Women’s Hockey Win & Haikus – 33:32–34:56

Tone & Style

The episode maintains Armstrong & Getty’s signature sharp, irreverent, and often sarcastic tone. They use biting humor to underline their political skepticism, historical references, and pop culture analogies, especially to critique public figures and media blind spots.

Summary Takeaways

Listeners are treated to a whirlwind of topical news and cultural hot takes, with Armstrong & Getty skewering everything from tax policy and foreign policy opacity to royal scandals and media complicity. Their core message: American political and media traditions are in a state of accelerated decline—and the only hope is to return to basic adult behavior, serious debate, and fewer reality-show theatrics in government.