Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: The A&G Replay Wednesday Hour 4
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Platform: iHeartPodcasts
1. Unusual News Story: Man Shot by Dog
Timestamp: [01:32] - [05:14]
The episode kicks off with an absurd news report from Fox 13 about a man in Memphis who was allegedly shot by his dog. The news anchor describes how the incident occurred when the dog accidentally pressed the trigger of a gun lying on the bed.
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Jack Armstrong humorously comments, “Accident. Yeah. So the dog claims you pretend to throw the tennis ball...” ([02:10])
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Katie adds comedic relief, saying, “Bad boy. Bad dog.” ([02:31])
The hosts engage in a playful debate about the plausibility of the story, highlighting the surreal nature of the report and questioning the circumstances that led to such an incident.
2. US vs. China in the Battle Over Critical Minerals
Timestamp: [07:03] - [10:00]
Katie delves into the ongoing struggle between the US and China over the control of critical minerals essential for modern technology, such as graphite used in electric vehicle batteries.
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She explains, “China, which provides more than 90% of the world's battery grade graphite supply, jacked up its production, flooding the market and driving prices so low that this mine, this company, could not mine profitably.” ([09:00])
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Jack Armstrong reflects on the overreliance on China, stating, “Way too many” ([08:48])
The discussion highlights the challenges faced by American companies attempting to reduce dependency on Chinese supplies, including government delays and local protests impacting mining operations.
3. The Rise and Fall of the Cannabis Industry in Pueblo, Colorado
Timestamp: [10:12] - [14:13]
The hosts shift focus to the cannabis industry's boom and subsequent decline in Pueblo, Colorado.
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Katie summarizes, “Pueblo's dreams have gone up in smoke. A once thriving industry of retailers, growers, and cannabis oil extractors... it's collapsed. Only 45 remain.” ([12:15])
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Jack Armstrong questions the sustainability, “If you're counting on enough people smoking enough pot to, you know, make your schools great...” ([13:05])
They discuss factors such as the dominance of illicit growers who operate without the constraints faced by licensed businesses, leading to significant tax revenue drops and a backlash against the legal cannabis market.
4. Stock Market Declines and Economic Uncertainty
Timestamp: [19:50] - [31:30]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the recent turmoil in the stock market and broader economic concerns.
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Jack Armstrong notes, “The Dow closing nearly 900 points down...” ([19:53])
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Katie critiques the President's communication, explaining, “He didn't say, we will do everything we need to to avoid a recession. That's why that's significant.” ([21:36])
They analyze the impact of political decisions on market confidence, referencing Mark Halpern's newsletter which discusses the loss of confidence in Trump's economic strategies. The conversation touches on the government's role in the economy, the potential for a doom loop driven by regulatory changes and market reactions, and the challenges democracies face in implementing long-term economic strategies.
- Jack Armstrong adds insight, “To a large extent, the U.S. economy has really just become the U.S. government spending and transfers.” ([25:17])
5. Generational Naming Conventions
Timestamp: [32:52] - [37:13]
Katie brings up an article criticizing Mark McCrindle for naming generations, sparking a discussion on the utility and relevance of generational labels.
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She expresses frustration, “Generation Beta. And of course beta is an insult in the modern world...” ([34:45])
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Jack Armstrong reminisces, “I gotta believe that he or whoever was in charge. They came up with Gen X way back in the day.” ([33:26])
The hosts debate the practicality of such labels, considering the rapid technological and social changes that make traditional generational boundaries less meaningful. They humorously suggest more descriptive names based on technological influences, like “smartphone” or “all digital weirdos.”
6. Concerns Over TikTok's Revenue Models and Content Moderation
Timestamp: [37:13] - [39:06]
The final substantive discussion revolves around TikTok's live streaming revenue, particularly the platform's reliance on digital tipping and the associated risks.
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Katie warns, “There's an enormous child porn market on TikTok. These underage girls from all over the world...” ([38:48])
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Jack Armstrong responds with a mix of humor and concern, “I'll show you whatever part you want to see for a five spot...” ([38:02])
The conversation highlights the potential for exploitation on live streaming platforms and the challenges in regulating digital economies to protect vulnerable users.
Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty provide a blend of humor, critical analysis, and insightful commentary on a range of topics from bizarre news stories and economic challenges to societal trends and digital platform concerns. Their engaging discussion is peppered with notable quotes that offer both levity and depth, making complex issues accessible and entertaining for their audience.
Notable Quotes:
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“Accident. Yeah. So the dog claims you pretend to throw the tennis ball...” — Jack Armstrong ([02:10])
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“China, which provides more than 90% of the world's battery grade graphite supply, jacked up its production...” — Katie ([09:00])
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“Pueblo's dreams have gone up in smoke...” — Katie ([12:15])
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“The Dow closing nearly 900 points down...” — Jack Armstrong ([19:53])
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“Generation Beta. And of course beta is an insult...” — Katie ([34:45])
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“There's an enormous child porn market on TikTok...” — Katie ([38:48])
This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand offers listeners a comprehensive overview of pressing issues with a unique blend of humor and critical insight, ensuring an engaging experience even for those who haven't tuned in before.
