Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: Rhymes With Bass Shole...
Date: August 21, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty

Overview

In this episode, Armstrong & Getty dive into contemporary political antics, social trends, and international affairs, combining their trademark wit and skepticism. Key topics include the "Latinx" debate in politics, California's reputation as a hostile environment for business (with a focus on Gavin Newsom), the peculiarities of modern dating culture ("Shreking"), and the complexities of international security guarantees, especially in relation to Ukraine and NATO. The show is lively, irreverent, and makes frequent use of sarcasm and pointed commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The “Latinx” Conversation & Political Posturing

Timestamps: 03:35–06:02

• Armstrong and Getty lampoon the use and politicization of the term "Latinx," describing it as an out-of-touch, unnecessary label that few in the Latino community actually use.
• They highlight California Governor Gavin Newsom’s shifting position and use of “Latinx” in his public persona, especially as he postures for a potential presidential run.
• Michael: "Not one person ever in my office has ever used the word Latinx. So can we finally put that to bed?" (03:37)
• The hosts discuss how politicians focus on headlines instead of addressing substantial issues.

Notable Quote

• Michael: "Trans boys and girls sports or the term Latinx, which is one of the dumbest things that's ever happened in my lifetime. He has to run away from it if he wants to be president." (05:35)

2. California’s Business Environment & Gavin Newsom’s Response

Timestamps: 06:02–11:05

• The hosts review the announcement from Bed, Bath & Beyond’s new CEO, detailing the company’s refusal to re-enter California due to the state’s overregulation and high costs.
• Newsom’s sarcastic social media retort targeting the company is dissected and mocked for lacking substance.
• They juxtapose losing private sector jobs with increases in government employment in California.
• Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is referenced, criticizing Newsom for driving away business and people.
• The conversation devolves into comedic riffs on the nature of “bed, bath, and beyond” (“What’s the ‘beyond’?”) before circling back to the seriousness of anti-business policies.

Notable Quote

• Joe: "Instead of addressing policy, he says, 'Oh yeah, the same company that went bankrupt and closed all their stores two years ago.' Let me explain something to you, Gavin, because you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth..." (08:35)
• Joe: "Go ahead, Gavi, give us some more of your clever, clever snark. What a blank—rhymes with 'bass shoal.'" (10:25)
• Michael: "He is a blank. What a blank whole thing to say." (10:25)
• Joe: "Oh, please run for president. Please, I beg you. Because your humiliation will nourish my soul for a thousand years." (10:54)

3. Modern Dating Trends: “Shreking”

Timestamps: 11:51–24:13, 45:47–49:50

• Michael introduces “Shreking,” a trend where people intentionally date unattractive partners expecting to be treated better, referencing both a USA Today article and insider anecdotes.
• The hosts express astonishment and disgust at the concept, critiquing the shallowness and dysfunction involved.
• Michael: "Shreking involves dating someone you're not attracted to in the hopes that this person will treat you better in return." (16:58)
• Joe: "If you even have in your mind at all that you're dating down, it is doomed." (18:46)
• Joe gives classic relationship advice: "Marry your best friend who you happen to be sexually attracted to. That's what you're looking for. Quit with your Shreking and your ghosting..." (19:19)
• Ridicule ensues over stories of women charging men $500 for dates—a practice likened to escorting or to "renting a Ferrari" for public image purposes.
• Both hosts condemn the transactional and superficial nature of such arrangements.
• Joe: "You're doomed to misery. Let's go ahead and bottom line it here." (49:24)

4. International Affairs: Ukraine, Russia & Security Guarantees

Timestamps: 28:32–41:44

• Discussion of Russia’s insistence on being part of any group guaranteeing Ukraine’s security and the skepticism around Western interpretations of Putin’s positions.
• Analysis of diplomatic failures, miscommunications (e.g., American misinterpretation of Russian statements), and Trump’s negotiating tactics.
• The hosts examine NATO’s Article 5: its reliability, political reality, and how it might apply in a crisis, especially regarding the Baltic states.
• Debate over whether international agreements mean anything when force and national interest ultimately dictate action.
• Joe: "Any soldier could tell you the idea of purely defensive war is not war. That's a shooting gallery." (36:53)
• Michael: "Putin is hoping that the NATO countries won't actually honor that. Article 5. An attack on one is an attack on all. That won't actually honor that when it comes to push and shove..." (40:05)
• Joe: "Strategic clarity… that's a practically 100% guarantee against aggression." (40:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joe to Newsom: "Go ahead, Gavi, give us some more of your clever, clever snark. What a blank—rhymes with 'bass shoal.'" (10:25)
• Michael: "Oh, please run for president. Please, I beg you. Because your humiliation will nourish my soul for a thousand years." (10:54)
• Joe on Shreking: "Can we just use the term dysfunction and move on? Not everything needs a name." (19:08)
• Joe’s dating advice: "The secret to happy marriage is marry your best friend who you happen to be sexually attracted to." (19:19)
• Joe: "You're doomed to misery. Let's go ahead and bottom line it here." (49:24)

Segment Timestamps

• Latinx & Political Pivots: 03:35–06:02
• California/Biz Exodus & Newsom Snark: 06:02–11:05
• Modern Dating Trends – Shreking: 11:51–24:13, 45:47–49:50
• International Affairs (Ukraine, NATO, Putin): 28:32–41:44

Tone & Style

The episode features the classic Armstrong & Getty approach—sarcastic, blunt, skeptical, and humorous, particularly when addressing hypocrisy in politics and absurdities in social trends. Conversations are conversational, unscripted, and peppered with mockery and personal asides.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode provides sharp, funny, and fiercely opinionated takes on political branding, economic realities in California, the bizarre stratification of modern dating (like "Shreking"), and geo-political chess games in Europe. If you like satire-cutting through the noise and aren’t shy about strong opinions, Armstrong & Getty deliver a densely packed hour of infotainment.