Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "So Much Hockey Unwatched" Released on February 20, 2025 | Hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty | Produced by iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction to Ethics Training in the Private Sector

Timestamp: [02:15] - [04:41]

In the opening segment, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into the pervasive nature of mandatory ethics training within private enterprises. They discuss the irony of such trainings, emphasizing their role in shielding companies from liabilities. Jack humorously remarks, “You can’t do that like in the Department of Defense” ([02:15]), highlighting the bureaucratic rigidity that companies adopt.

Joe underscores the repetitive nature of these trainings, stating, “I’ve been trained 28 times to not bribe foreign port officials” ([03:19]). Both hosts express skepticism about the efficacy of these sessions, suggesting they serve more as legal protection for companies rather than genuine moral education. They critique the superficial approach companies take, such as conducting surveys on sexual harassment to deflect responsibility from individual actions.

2. The Culture of Fighting in Hockey

Timestamp: [04:08] - [11:22]

The conversation transitions to the world of professional hockey, specifically focusing on the NHL All-Star game. Joe Getty laments his waning interest in hockey, mentioning, “I used to be a really big hockey fan. I'm not anymore” ([05:29]). They compare the All-Star games of hockey and the NBA, noting the lack of genuine competition, especially on defense.

A significant portion of this segment is dedicated to the culture of fights in hockey. Jack points out, “These are hockey fights. You didn’t usually actually try to shoot the guy and the other guy didn’t actually die” ([02:57]). Joe adds, “Fairly rare that anybody gets seriously hurt in a hockey fight” ([07:06]), emphasizing the ritualistic nature of these altercations.

The hosts draw parallels between hockey fights and historical dueling culture, discussing how both serve as mechanisms to defend personal honor without escalating to lethal violence. Jack references a book on violence, stating, “There's a book out about violence and the role that it plays” ([08:27]), to elaborate on their viewpoint that fighting in hockey is a modern, non-lethal continuation of age-old honor codes.

3. Social Issues: Pets and LGBTQ Statistics

Timestamp: [11:22] - [14:43]

Jack introduces a segment based on USA Today's recent polls. The first topic is the surprising winner of their favorite pet contest—a goat. Jack muses, “Your pet isn’t just an animal that lives in your home. It’s your confidant, your pal” ([11:22]), reflecting on the diverse perceptions of pets in American households.

The discussion shifts to the contentious USA Today poll stating that 10% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+. Both hosts challenge the validity of these statistics. Joe contends, “There’s no way one out of ten people are LGBTQ plus” ([12:59]), arguing that the term “Q” is often misused as a form of virtue signaling among youth. Jack adds, “Particularly among women, of course, you know, two drinks away from being bisexual” ([14:13]), highlighting stereotypes associated with bisexual identification.

They critique the methodology and societal influences on such polls, suggesting that societal pressures and evolving definitions contribute to inflated numbers. Joe tells a story about a mother overhearing her pre-adolescent daughters identify as bisexual without any apparent basis, reinforcing his skepticism.

4. Freedom of Expression: Halloween Decorations in Germantown

Timestamp: [18:08] - [20:35]

Armstrong and Getty discuss a local news story from Germantown, Tennessee, where a woman named Alexis faced fines for repurposing Halloween skeleton decorations for Christmas displays. Jack remarks, “I’m not bothered by that,” ([19:38]) expressing his view on the importance of personal expression over municipal regulations.

Joe criticizes the town’s decision, stating, “You don’t have to like my decorations, but that doesn’t mean Germantown has the right to force me to take them down” ([20:35]). They debate the balance between community standards and individual rights, advocating for greater tolerance of personal expression.

Jack shares a local anecdote about a neighbor’s elaborate Christmas setup that remains lit year-round, contrasting it with Alexis’s more modest decorations. The hosts argue that such municipal enforcement exemplifies overreach, infringing upon citizens' freedoms to express themselves creatively.

5. International Affairs: Hamas and Israel Ceasefire

Timestamp: [20:35] - [27:48]

The hosts transition to a grave discussion on the recent developments in the Hamas-Israel conflict. Jack critiques the media’s portrayal of Hamas, emphasizing their responsibility in atrocities. He states, “If you actually want peace and to live side by side with somebody, which they don’t” ([27:16]), condemning Hamas’s actions and leadership.

Joe agrees, adding, “If I take a hostage... it’s on you” ([25:39]), highlighting the direct accountability of Hamas for the deaths of hostages, including innocent children. They scrutinize media language, pointing out the differences in how outlets like the New York Post label the victims as “murdered,” while more sanitized terms are used by others like ABC ([23:55]).

Jack voices frustration with what he perceives as media bias, stating, “This is from ABC News. I haven’t heard this yet” ([24:21]), advocating for more straightforward and honest reporting. Both hosts express disdain for the notion of negotiating with groups that they label as “Islamic supremacists,” reinforcing their stance that such entities pose existential threats.

6. Reheating Pizza: A Lighthearted Break

Timestamp: [38:42] - [41:20]

Switching gears, Armstrong and Getty share a humorous yet practical discussion on the best methods to reheat pizza. Jack shares a nostalgic memory, quipping, “Me and it was by putting a little water on there...” ([39:26]), reminiscing about high school antics to revive stale pizza by sprinkling water before microwaving.

Joe humorously participates, demonstrating the absurdity of their methods: “I actually refer to Baxter, my dog, as my best doggy pal” ([11:54]), blending personal anecdotes with playful banter. The segment underscores their chemistry and ability to interweave personal stories with everyday topics, providing listeners with relatable and entertaining content.

7. Final Thoughts: Reflections and Wrap-Up

Timestamp: [41:20] - [44:21]

As the episode draws to a close, Armstrong and Getty engage in their signature "Final Thoughts" segment. They offer a mix of humor and candid reflections on the day’s discussions. Joe suggests a controversial idea of having Trump and Putin’s elite fighters duel for Crimea, to which Jack responds positively ([42:17]).

Katie Greener, a member of the crew, humorously dismisses cold pizza as superior, leading to lighthearted teasing from Joe. They also address listener feedback, with Joe encouraging open-mindedness and Jack acknowledging the diverse perspectives shared by their audience.

The hosts conclude with mentions of upcoming episodes and a nod to their loyal listeners, reinforcing their commitment to delivering engaging and thought-provoking content.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty: “I’ve been trained 28 times to not bribe foreign port officials” ([03:19]).

• Jack Armstrong: “You can’t do that like in the Department of Defense” ([02:15]).

• Joe Getty: “There’s no way one out of ten people are LGBTQ plus” ([12:59]).

• Jack Armstrong: “We got 36 hours free... It makes you think I’m not sure it’s worth it” ([32:33]).

• Joe Getty: “There is no moral equivalence here” ([26:01]).

Conclusion

In "So Much Hockey Unwatched," Armstrong and Getty navigate a range of topics from the ingrained ethics trainings in business, the cultural significance of fighting in hockey, to pressing social issues like LGBTQ statistics and freedom of expression. They balance serious discussions on international conflicts with lighthearted segments on everyday matters, showcasing their ability to engage listeners with diverse interests. The episode reflects their characteristic blend of humor, critical analysis, and candid conversation, making it a compelling listen for both regular fans and newcomers alike.