Armstrong & Getty On Demand: The A&G Replay Tuesday Hour One
Released on July 1, 2025
Hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by iHeartPodcasts
Online Dating and Match.com’s Dominance
00:52 – 05:13
Jack Armstrong kicks off the episode with a humorous take on Tinder’s new double date feature, poking fun at the pitfalls of online dating. He shares his skepticism, stating, “I don’t have any practical knowledge of online dating… I’ve heard almost entirely negative stuff” (00:52). Katie Getty counters by highlighting positive outcomes, mentioning friends who have successfully found long-term relationships through dating apps.
The conversation shifts to Match.com’s strategic acquisitions, where Jack notes, “Match.com bought every single one of the other forums they own… including Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge” (02:59). He speculates on the company’s motivations, suggesting they might prefer users to remain engaged rather than successfully match, ensuring continued revenue.
Katie humorously suggests, “I'm surprised the SEC hasn't stepped in and say you've got a monopoly on coupling” (03:13), emphasizing the duo’s critical stance on the monopolistic tendencies of major dating platforms.
Library Encounter and Misunderstanding
07:17 – 12:13
Jack shares a personal anecdote about being mistaken for a neo-Nazi in the library, describing his appearance and the ensuing awkward encounter. “I get invited by a neo Nazi to a Nazi party… I know” (09:13), he recounts. Katie and Jack humorously explore the potential fallout of such a misunderstanding, imagining scenarios like, “Walking through campus, all the Nazis are waving at you, you know, hey, Jack” (10:37).
The story underscores the challenges of personal misidentification and the unintended consequences that can arise from superficial judgments based on appearance.
Political Satire: Senator Padilla Incident
12:27 – 14:12
The hosts mock the recent altercation involving Senator Padilla and the Homeland Secretary. Jack describes the incident where Padilla was “pushed by Secret Service” and likens his reaction to “some oppressive, clearly Hitler, Trump is Hitler sort of thing” (12:27). Katie criticizes Padilla's subsequent emotional statements, referring to them as “fake getting arrested drama” (12:48).
This segment highlights the hosts' disdain for perceived political theatrics and the sensationalism surrounding such events.
Trust in News on Social Media Platforms
18:46 – 24:11
Jack delves into a survey on trust in news across various social media platforms. He expresses confusion over platforms like LinkedIn and Nextdoor being categorized as social media. Notably, YouTube emerges as the most trusted source for both Republicans and Democrats, while TikTok garners the least trust, “Minus 30 for Republicans” (20:32).
Katie adds context by mentioning TikTok’s hefty $800 million fine by the EU for data violations, questioning, “Why trust China?” (20:56). The discussion also touches on the polarizing trust metrics for platforms like Twitter (now X) and Nextdoor, with significant trust gaps between political affiliations.
Media Coverage of the Boulder, Colorado Attack
24:12 – 28:36
A critical examination of mainstream media’s portrayal of the Boulder attack perpetrated by Muhammad Solomon ensues. The hosts dissect various news outlets’ headlines, highlighting inconsistencies and perceived biases:
- NBC News: “Multiple Gaza hostage awareness marchers injured. An attack in Boulder” (25:07)
- CNN: “A man reportedly set people on fire in Boulder, Colorado, leaving multiple individuals injured” (26:49)
- USA Today: Profiles the attacker’s daughter to humanize the story (27:02)
- ABC News: Suggests Islamophobia is the real issue, downplaying anti-Semitism (27:47)
Jack points out the tangled narratives, questioning the depth and accuracy of coverage, “In retrospect, I kind of wish I’d [investigated it]” (09:13). The hosts express frustration over the media’s tendency to obfuscate and shift focus, undermining the gravity of the incident.
Impact of AI on Traditional News Media
28:36 – 31:01
The hosts discuss the detrimental effects of AI tools like Google’s AI and ChatGPT on traditional news websites. Jack notes, “Traffic from search to HuffPo's desktop and mobile websites fell by just over half in the past three years” (30:21). Katie adds that major outlets like the Washington Post are also suffering, with significant traffic declines and staff cuts.
They express concern over the future of journalism, fearing that AI-driven summaries and tools may further marginalize credible news sources, leading to a reliance on potentially biased AI interpretations.
Media Representation and Cultural Trends
34:03 – 35:21
Jack comments on a New York Times article about the resurgence of cross necklaces among influencers and public figures. He mocks the publication's portrayal, stating, “The idea that the New York Times is acting like this is some interesting intersection of faith and culture” (34:38). Katie echoes his sentiment, criticizing the NYT for being out of touch with everyday Americans, especially those who have supported Trump.
This segment underscores the hosts' skepticism towards mainstream media’s focus on niche cultural phenomena, viewing it as disconnected from the broader population’s experiences.
Social Commentary on Big Cities and Human Bias
35:21 – 38:07
Jack and Katie discuss the common biases people hold against residents of major cities like New York and Los Angeles. Jack shares his annoyance with the assumption that everyone aspires to live in big cities, remarking, “I know plenty of people who might kill themselves if they had to live in New York” (35:46). Katie relates by sharing a friend's misguided envy of the Bay Area despite the region’s notorious high costs and stressful lifestyle.
They highlight the universal human tendency to idolize one's hometown while disparaging others, encouraging listeners to appreciate their origins without harboring animosity towards different locales.
Notable Quotes
- Jack Armstrong: “I only know my own personal experience… the plural anecdote is not data.” (02:05)
- Katie Getty: “I like the footwear.” (09:53)
- Jack Armstrong: “That would be evil.” (06:23)
- Katie Getty: “Or say, we blame the Jews. We hate the Jews.” (11:13)
- Jack Armstrong: “Anybody with an Irish name, I don’t say Police just arrested 25 year old Charlie McLaughlin.” (34:03)
- Katie Getty: “And your cat pooped on my lawn and I ate that tube.” (32:17)
Conclusion
In this replay of The Armstrong & Getty Show, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty deliver a blend of humor, critique, and social commentary. From the monopolization of online dating platforms to the questionable trust in social media as a news source, and from personal anecdotes about mistaken identities to sharp critiques of mainstream media narratives, the episode offers a comprehensive and engaging discussion on contemporary issues. Their candid dialogue and witty banter provide listeners with both entertainment and thoughtful insights into the complexities of modern life.
