Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: "Teen Sex Leads To Murder"
Date: November 3, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Overview
In this episode, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty dive into pressing political and cultural events, from the rise of Islamist extremism in the U.S. and Europe to reflections on Halloween, pop culture’s messages to teens, and the current state of American politics. The hosts mix serious analysis with trademark irreverence, blending global affairs, social commentary, and moments of everyday humility.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Foiled Dearborn Terror Plot & Western Responses to Extremism
[00:28–06:19]
- Details of the Plot: The episode begins with a news recap: FBI agents thwart a planned Halloween terror attack linked to ISIS in Dearborn, Michigan. Five suspects, naturalized citizens with weapons and training, were detained.
- Jack: “We do not need an Islamist terrorist attack in the United States to further get us all worked up.” [00:58]
- Media and Official Secrecy: Discussion follows on the tendency of UK and European authorities to obscure details about religion or background in attacks, breeding public suspicion.
- Joe: “Authorities systematically cover up involvement of Islamists…and so the Internet goes wild in the other direction.” [01:59]
- Reactions to the Mayoral Race in NYC: Conversation shifts to Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist with an avowedly pro-Palestinian stance, possibly becoming New York’s mayor.
- Joe: “Part of the reason I believe that [about Mamdani] is because he…proudly stated at the Democratic Socialists of America convention that he came to politics through the Palestinian cause.” [03:47]
- Comparison with Middle Eastern Extremism: Discussion of Abdul Malik Al Houthi, leader of the Houthis, his uncompromising slogans (“Death to America. Death to Israel. Curse the Jews. Victory to Islam.” [05:38]), drawing a parallel to some U.S. political movements.
2. Islamist Activism in U.S. Schools
[06:19–08:24]
- Student Activism: Reports about pro-Hamas activists (notably Abdullah Akal and Mohan Mohammed Bodouay) launching initiatives in NY high schools, creating Islamic-leaning clubs with Students for Justice in Palestine.
- Joe: “These people are hardcore, end democracy, install Sharia law, and they’re organizing clubs in 50 high schools…” [07:49]
- Scale of Movement: Students for Justice in Palestine now has 350 chapters across North America.
3. Trump’s Foreign Policy Rhetoric on Nigeria
[08:24–09:29]
- President Trump’s Statement: Trump threatens military action in Nigeria in response to attacks on Christians, raising questions about America’s global role.
- Jack: “Military action in a country of 230 million people ... where does that fit in with the whole America First, minding our own business thing?” [08:58]
4. Subversion and the Influence of Islamism
[09:29–10:32]
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s Writings: Joe discusses Ali’s comparison of Islamist tactics to Soviet subversion, referencing Yuri Bezmenov’s work on psychological warfare.
- Joe: “She relates some of the subversion...to the Soviet techniques. It’s absolutely brilliant.” [09:50]
5. Light Interlude – Halloween, Consumerism, and Teen Culture
[11:35–17:19]
- Halloween Observations: Jack reflects on his kids’ Halloween experience, noting the prevalence of “slutty” costumes among college students and the ease with which families can buy candy.
- Joe: “Big Candy is who’s really pushing Halloween.” [12:07]
- Horror Movie Watching & Messages: Discussion of classic horror movies with Jack’s son, focusing on the trope: “teen sex leads to murder.”
- Jack: “If you start to get undressed, you are going to be hacked to death. That’s just the way it is. … The nice girl who stayed clothed does not get hacked to death.” [17:40]
- Joe: “Society is better when we were all steaming up the backs of cars. … Get off the Internet and grope somebody with their consent.” [17:56]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Islamist Movements and U.S. Politics
- Joe: “If you don't think Islamism is on the march in the United States and Europe, which is way down that road, you are a fool or a coward who's been bullied by talk of Islamophobia, et cetera. It is one of the great challenges this country faced, and I'm glad that more and more people recognizing it, but not nearly enough.” [07:10]
On Horror Films & Parental Messaging
- Jack: “Teen sex leads to murder, so… if you start to get undressed, you are going to be hacked to death. … The nice girl who stayed clothed does not get hacked to death.” [17:40]
- Joe: “Society is better when we were all steaming up the backs of cars. … Get off the Internet and grope somebody with their consent.” [17:56]
Political Cynicism & Rhetoric
-
Joe: “Politics is so now completely about saying stupid things to stupid people to motivate them to vote stupidly.” [22:46]
-
Jack (on Gavin Newsom): “Do you think Joe Biden was capable of serving another term? Yeah, well, my… it was situational. Okay, then you've changed topics already. … He gets away with never addressing whatever issue you're talking about.” [25:55]
-
Joe (on Gavin Newsom): “He is utterly soulless and amoral. He is a cipher. He is a tool who changes what he says… entirely situationally.” [27:05]
Humility & Perspective
- Jack: “Every once in a while I need those... dose[s] of perspective every now and then. … Here I am, poor me on this beautiful Sunday… and there’s a mom… with two obviously very special needs kids. … Do I need to be slapped in the face any harder than that?” [31:21]
- Joe: “I'm just annoyed because I'm a terrible piano player with my fingers.” [31:37] (after Jack describes seeing an armless woman play piano with her feet)
Political Coverage: Gavin Newsom, Zohran Mamdani, and U.S. Elections
[20:22–29:48]
- Gavin Newsom on Meet the Press: Jack and Joe critique Newsom’s evasiveness and political tactics.
- Jack: “He gets away with never addressing whatever issue you’re talking about.” [25:55]
- Joe: “He is utterly soulless and amoral.” [27:05]
- Prop 50 and Presidential Ambitions: Discussion about Newsom’s growing donor support and opposition research (“oppo”) efforts by rivals like Rahm Emanuel.
- Barack Obama’s Political Calculations: Obama notably did not appear with Mamdani, seen as too politically radical even for a progressive establishment.
End-of-Episode Reflections: Life, Fairness, and TV
- Golden Bachelor Controversy: Reflection on ageism and dating standards; the "golden bachelor" was criticized for limiting his prospective dates to women under 45, despite being 66. [35:47]
- Obama & New York Mayoral Race: Obama campaigned for candidates nearby but avoided Mamdani, highlighting Democratic tensions. [36:49]
- Perspective and Gratitude: Closing thoughts on seeing others with greater struggles, emphasizing humility and gratitude for ordinary challenges. [31:21]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Foiled Terror Plot & Extremism: [00:28–06:19]
- Islamist Activism in U.S. Schools: [06:19–08:24]
- Trump on Nigeria & Internationalism: [08:24–09:29]
- Ayaan Hirsi Ali & Subversion: [09:29–10:32]
- Halloween, Consumerism, Traditions: [11:35–13:20]
- Horror Movies & Cultural Norms: [15:02–17:56]
- Gavin Newsom Political Analysis: [20:22–29:48]
- Gratitude & Perspective Stories: [30:04–32:39]
- Golden Bachelor/Age Controversy: [35:46–36:49]
- Discussion of Obama/Mamdani: [36:49–39:04]
Summary Tone
The episode maintains Armstrong & Getty’s signature blend of irreverence, skepticism, and sharp-edged humor. Political analysis is direct and often biting, cultural observations veer from sardonic to sincerely self-reflective, and the hosts’ chemistry fosters a conversational flow that moves seamlessly from world events to personal life lessons.
Recommended for listeners seeking:
- Unfiltered commentary on politics, public safety, and shifting American culture
- Debates on extremism, activism, and the pitfalls of media and politics
- Insights into modern traditions and pop culture—delivered with wit and candor