Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: "Poetry About Whittling"
Date: December 16, 2025
Podcast Host: iHeartPodcasts

Overview:

This episode of Armstrong & Getty revolves around major current events—most notably the murder of director Rob Reiner and his wife, analysis of media coverage priorities, reactions to controversial Trump statements, global events including the Ukraine peace talks, and broader discussions on technology, mental health, and whittling as a simple life pursuit. Throughout, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty maintain their signature blend of candid discussion, irreverent humor, and pointed cultural commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reactions to the Rob Reiner Murder & Media Priorities

Timestamps: 02:47–06:20, 18:34–19:38

• The murder of Rob Reiner and his wife by their son dominates news coverage. Armstrong and Getty question why this story eclipses arguably more globally significant events.
  • Joe Getty: "All stories go away in, like, three days, no matter how enormous they are. Because there are so many stories, too many stories." (03:24)
  • They reflect on public fascination: “Is it just that he was a big celebrity? Why the fascination with the murder?" (19:17)
  • Discuss the cycle and “order of importance” in media, criticizing a “thirst for detail” in celebrity tragedies.
  • The hosts connect the Reiner family tragedy to broader conversations about addiction, asking if there are any workable solutions for chronic drug issues, especially among the wealthy.

2. The Trump Factor & Outrage Fatigue

Timestamps: 06:20–08:55, 42:03–43:24

• Reaction to Trump’s social media comments blaming Reiner's politics for his death, and the general pattern of Trump making inflammatory statements.
  • Jack Armstrong: “That's the sort of thing the guy's gonna say.” (07:05)
  • Joe Getty: "If you become an enemy of that guy, he, he, he has no... You're just an enemy, no matter what happens to you." (07:19)
  • Armstrong admits ongoing support for Trump over other alternatives, despite being disgusted by his behavior: “Trump does things that are just outrageously awful... On the other hand, I still am so happy he's president as opposed to Kamala. It's not even close.” (08:12)
  • Mailbag segment revisits this dilemma: “Now I'm done with the troll president. Hope that soon we can have a president of the United States. But I'm more likely to win the Powerball tomorrow...” (42:50, Listener mail)

3. Broader News Stories Push to the Periphery

Timestamps: 09:00–09:42, 14:00–15:13, 34:51–37:39

• Coverage of the Brown University shooting and an attack in Australia.
  • They highlight anti-Semitic attacks and rising tensions globally, criticizing authorities for soft-pedaling Islamist extremist threats.
  • Discuss divisions within Islam and the need to recognize the threat of fundamentalist interpretations rather than getting bogged down in caveats.
  • Armstrong: "The moderate Muslim is irrelevant to the discussion because everybody knows it. And so let's focus on those who hold the attitudes we're talking about. We are talking about Islamists." (10:58)
• Brief coverage of tech and economic news (Roomba bankruptcy, inflation, consumer spending for holidays).
• Updates on fundraising for Scouts, emphasizing the value of such programs for youth development.

4. Ukraine Peace Talks & Security Guarantees

Timestamps: 14:00–14:43, 34:51–37:39

• Discussion of ongoing peace talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and European nations.
  • Big news dropped: trilateral agreements for a “NATO-like” security guarantee for Ukraine; debate whether it's an “agreement” or needs to be a ratified treaty.
  • Joe Getty: “Where does an agreement end and a treaty begin and Senate ratification become necessary?” (36:11)
  • Creative listener solutions, e.g., “NATO should just invade Ukraine over some silly issue... You're an innovator, Billy.” (41:23)
  • Hosts recognize uncertainty around the settlement of territory, noting Trump’s urging Ukraine to cede land.

5. Technology, Smart Glasses, & Simpler Living

Timestamps: 24:48–29:20

• Opinions on tech: Armstrong likes “set it and forget it” products (Tesla, Apple), is annoyed by tech complications.
• Discusses new Ray Ban smart glasses, predicts shift away from smartphones.
• Getty wants to reject “screen life” and simplify: “I'm absolutely convinced that is the route to better mental health and happiness. Whittling and writing poetry would be the answer. Poetry about whittling.” (29:15–29:23)
• Lighthearted riffing leads to the episode’s title.

6. Fundraising for Scouts

Timestamps: 14:46–15:13, 40:19–46:17

• Ongoing donations to provide scouting opportunities.
  • Armstrong shares anecdotes about the positive impact of scouting on boys: "It's just mind blowing to me."
  • "We are raising money for scouting. We'll explain that in hour two..." (46:06)

7. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “As you know, I was born annoyed and will die annoyed, but I've tried not to be annoyed by this.” — Joe Getty (03:59)
• “If they keep breaking the law, keep locking them up.” — Joe Getty (05:36)
• “You know, there are plenty of Muslims who are fine folks and we're not talking about them. ... But there's enough that do want to kill Jews and want you to not get free speech and want your wife not to be able to walk around uncovered and etc. There's a lot of people like that.” — Jack Armstrong (10:48)
• “You're dancing to the tune of your screen.” — Jack Armstrong, on wearable tech (28:33)
• “Poetry about whittling.” — Joe Getty (29:23)
• Mailbag Listener: “Still trying to figure out how [the Aussie hero] was able to close the distance on the shooter so quickly while carrying such a huge set of balls between his legs.” (43:36)
• "If you want to really make people angry, you can do two things. Obtain happiness or tell the truth." — Tennessee Williams (Freedom-loving quote, 41:09)

Selected Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02–02:22: Show opens, various sponsor ads
• 02:22–08:55: Reiner murder, Trump response, news cycles
• 09:00–13:23: Gun violence, global events, commentary on Islam and extremism
• 14:00–15:13: Official show open, Scout fundraiser intro
• 18:34–21:35: News headlines with Katie Green, trends in coverage
• 24:42–29:20: Tech talk—Roomba, smart glasses, tech simplicity vs. complexity
• 34:51–37:39: In-depth Ukraine peace/security discussion
• 40:19–46:17: Scout fundraising, listener email, mental health, and show burnout
• 29:20–29:23: The titular "poetry about whittling" moment

Final Notes & Tone

The episode blends sober analysis of headlining tragedies with moments of irreverence and some gallows humor, a trademark of Armstrong & Getty. The hosts constantly question media priorities and lament the depletion of public attention spans. Despite heavy topics, they inject wit and personalized takes—including getaways to “Walden Pond” and playful rhymes—as they navigate the relentless news cycle.

Their fundraising focus—Scouts—serves as a hopeful, practical counterpoint to the surrounding cynicism, reflecting their admiration for character-building institutions.

For listeners seeking a digest of current news with critical, often contrarian commentary, and a dose of humor, this episode is representative Armstrong & Getty.