Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "That's Apples & Volkswagens"

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty

Introduction

In the episode titled "That's Apples & Volkswagens," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into pressing political and social issues, offering their candid perspectives and sharp critiques. The discussion navigates through high-profile political arrests, the ongoing debate surrounding former President Trump's mental state, California's homelessness crisis under Governor Gavin Newsom, and the alarming rise of Chinese espionage within U.S. universities.

1. Arrest of a Democratic Congresswoman

Timestamp: [03:14] – [05:13]

The episode opens with the arrest of a Democratic congresswoman, which becomes a focal point of contention between the hosts.

• Jack Armstrong expresses strong disapproval: “The days of woke are over.” ([03:24])

• Joe Getty criticizes her actions: “She was shoving federal agents...No, I didn't." ([03:29])

The hosts condemn the congresswoman's behavior, labeling it as unprofessional and indicative of broader systemic issues within political spheres.

2. The State of Former President Donald Trump

Timestamp: [03:38] – [04:50]

A listener's question about the apparent decline in Donald Trump's mental faculties sparks a heated exchange.

• Joe Getty asserts: “That's apples and Volkswagens in terms of mental decline.” ([03:38])

• Jack Armstrong counters with introspection advice: “Take a long look at yourself... If you don't know what introspection is, take a long, hard look at yourself.” ([04:24])

The discussion highlights the hosts' frustration with media and public figures glossing over Trump's behavior, emphasizing the need for honest self-assessment.

3. California’s Homelessness Crisis and Governor Gavin Newsom’s Policies

Timestamp: [05:08] – [13:04]

A substantial portion of the episode critiques Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of California's homelessness issue.

• Jack Armstrong references a piece by Will Swaim in the National Review, criticizing Newsom’s approaches and budgetary decisions: “His green energy initiatives have killed the state's oil industry while jacking up the price of gasoline to the highest in the nation.” ([07:00])

• The hosts spotlight Amy Bublak, mayor of Turlock, California, who defied Newsom by refusing to allocate $267,000 to a homeless shelter without accountability. Joe Getty summarizes the governor's stance: “Californians are vomiting even as they listen. People are dying on their watch.” ([09:00])

• Jack Armstrong emphasizes the misuse of funds: “The state has invested billions to combat homeless... Over a single dollar.” ([09:56])

The conversation underscores perceived inefficiencies and mismanagement in state-funded initiatives, advocating for more accountable and effective solutions to homelessness.

4. Chinese Espionage in U.S. Universities

Timestamp: [27:16] – [40:07]

The hosts shift focus to national security concerns, specifically the extent of Chinese espionage activities within American academic institutions.

• Jack Armstrong introduces alarming findings from The Free Press: “Stanford, hardly the only university where the CCP is using this approach. Happening across the country, indeed around the world.” ([32:10])

• Joe Getty elaborates on the methods employed by the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS): “They use Chinese students inside the United States to violate conflicts of commitment and conflicts of interest...” ([35:36])

• The episode highlights specific tactics, such as non-traditional collectors and the use of civilians to extract information: “The aim of non-traditional collectors isn't necessarily to steal classified documents, but rather to quietly extract the know-how behind American innovation.” ([35:34])

• Jack Armstrong shares a personal anecdote about interactions with a suspected MSS agent, emphasizing the subtle coercion and personal manipulation used to steal information: “He says, 'I could probably look into that,'” ([38:44])

The discussion paints a concerning picture of widespread espionage, urging listeners to recognize and address the vulnerabilities within academic and technological sectors.

5. Potential Impacts and Future Implications

Timestamp: [39:48] – [40:07]

Addressing the broader implications of Chinese espionage:

• Jack Armstrong speculates on national security threats: “If the poo hits the fan... our cell phones go off, our lights go off...” ([40:07])

• Joe Getty echoes the severity: “I would be horrified, but I wouldn't be surprised.” ([41:09])

The hosts discuss the potential for significant disruptions to U.S. infrastructure and societal functions, attributing a sense of inevitability and urgency to the need for robust countermeasures.

Conclusion

Throughout "That's Apples & Volkswagens," Armstrong and Getty provide a critical examination of contemporary political and security challenges. Their unfiltered commentary sheds light on issues such as political accountability, national security threats from foreign espionage, and the efficacy of state-led social programs. The episode serves as a call to action for listeners to remain vigilant and engaged in addressing these multifaceted problems.

Notable Quotes:

• “The days of woke are over.” — Jack Armstrong ([03:24])

• “That's apples and Volkswagens in terms of mental decline.” — Joe Getty ([03:38])

• “His green energy initiatives have killed the state's oil industry while jacking up the price of gasoline to the highest in the nation.” — Jack Armstrong ([07:00])

• “Take a long look at yourself... If you don't know what introspection is, take a long, hard look at yourself.” — Jack Armstrong ([04:24])

• “Stanford, hardly the only university where the CCP is using this approach. Happening across the country, indeed around the world.” — Jack Armstrong ([32:10])

• “They use Chinese students inside the United States to violate conflicts of commitment and conflicts of interest...” — Joe Getty ([35:36])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions and insights, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the topics covered without delving into non-content segments such as advertisements or intros.