Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: The Average American Pig Could Fit In My Pants
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Host(s): Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Description: The official, On-Demand podcast of The Armstrong & Getty Show! Accept no substitutes!

Overview

In this engaging episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a myriad of topical discussions ranging from infrastructure critiques and stringent California regulations to major league sports movements and the complexities of modern political scandals. Interspersed with candid banter and humorous exchanges, the episode provides insightful commentary on current events, societal trends, and governmental policies. Notable guest Gavin Newsom joins the conversation, adding depth to the discourse on California's legislative environment and national political dynamics.

1. High-Speed Rail and Infrastructure Debate

Discussion Points:

• Critique of the high-speed rail initiative.
• Financial and logistical challenges highlighted by Bill Maher.

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Maher [00:23]: "Sure, you're tired of talking about the high speed rail, but it was passed in 2008. In 2019, you said, let's be real. The current project as planned, would call cost too much, respectfully, take too long."
• Gavin Newsom [00:43]: "Right now, there simply isn't a path to get from Sacramento to San Diego. Well, there's a path. It's the highway."

Summary: The episode opens with a discussion sparked by Bill Maher's critique of the high-speed rail project, emphasizing its exorbitant costs and prolonged timelines. Gavin Newsom counters by pointing out the existing highway infrastructure as a more viable alternative for transit between Sacramento and San Diego. The hosts debate the efficacy of large-scale infrastructure projects versus traditional transportation methods, questioning the practicality and economic sense behind high-speed rail investments.

2. California’s Stringent Regulations: The Single-Use Bottle Ban

Discussion Points:

• New California law prohibiting the sale of single-use water bottles.
• Implications for consumers and businesses.
• Broader critique of California's regulatory environment.

Notable Quotes:

• Gavin Newsom [06:45]: "You can't buy a single use water bottle. Everything in America, you can buy literally 540 different beverages at your average big convenience."
• Jack Armstrong [07:24]: "So add to the list with gas cans and lawnmowers, and there's just a gazillion things you could come up with."

Summary: A significant portion of the episode addresses California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent legislative move banning single-use water bottles. The hosts explore the practical challenges faced by consumers, such as the inability to purchase water on-the-go, and businesses, including convenience stores grappling with compliance. Armstrong and Getty critique the overregulation, suggesting it contributes to broader issues like high rents and consumer frustration, ultimately painting California as a state where excessive laws hinder everyday life.

3. Major League Baseball’s Athletics Relocating to Sacramento

Discussion Points:

• The Athletics temporarily moving to Sacramento due to relocation.
• Community reception and logistical considerations.
• Impact on Oakland fans and Las Vegas prospects.

Notable Quotes:

• Gavin Newsom [04:15]: "The average American man is fatter than the average American pet. Big."
• Jack Armstrong [05:27]: "Oh, my God. God, they'll club us. They'll night stick us for saying that. Don't say that."

Summary: The hosts discuss the Athletics' temporary move to Sacramento, highlighting the sensitivity around the team's identity and fan base. There's a palpable frustration among Sacramento residents who are eager to embrace Major League Baseball, juxtaposed against the Athletics' strategic avoidance of directly referencing Sacramento to maintain their regional appeal. Armstrong expresses concern over potential fan alienation, while Newsom underscores the logistical success with high attendance figures, indicating a strong local support despite the team's fluctuating location.

4. Melatonin and Modern Sleep Solutions

Discussion Points:

• Personal experiences with melatonin supplementation.
• Advice on appropriate dosages and effects.
• Alternative sleep aids and methods.

Notable Quotes:

• Gavin Newsom [09:43]: "Take one milligram if needed. Take one more milligram. Anything more than that can have the opposite effect."
• Jack Armstrong [09:46]: "I took 20."

Summary: Transitioning into health and wellness, Armstrong and Getty explore the topic of sleep aids, focusing on melatonin usage. Gavin Newsom shares his personal experiment with melatonin, initially taking excessive doses before discovering that smaller amounts are more effective. This segues into a broader conversation about the million-dollar sleep industry, skepticism towards energy drinks, and innovative sleep solutions like ice baths and infrared saunas. The hosts weigh the benefits and drawbacks of various methods, providing listeners with a nuanced view of achieving better sleep amidst modern life's challenges.

5. Political Scandals and the Use of Signal App in Government

Discussion Points:

• Controversy surrounding Mike Waltz and the use of Signal for official communications.
• Analysis of the implications for national security and administrative integrity.
• Internal White House dynamics and Trump's relationship with administration officials.

Notable Quotes:

• Gavin Newsom [17:12]: "Do we not have nine SNL? Can we play that? We don't. We don't have it."
• Jack Armstrong [21:13]: "He's a serious man. Yes."
• Gavin Newsom [22:38]: "That's the worst one of those I've ever heard."

Summary: A heated segment delves into the scandal involving Mike Waltz, a White House official, and his inappropriate use of the Signal app for sensitive communications. Armstrong and Getty dissect the potential fallout within the Trump administration, debating the security risks and the apparent disconnect between high-level officials using ostensibly secure messaging platforms. They highlight conflicting narratives about the security of Signal, with discussions on whether the leak was a genuine security threat or a political maneuver. The conversation underscores the complexities of maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in government communications amidst evolving technology.

6. President Trump’s Shift in Foreign Policy: Comments on Putin and Iran

Discussion Points:

• Trump's recent remarks expressing anger towards Vladimir Putin.
• Consideration of secondary tariffs on Russian oil and penalties for non-compliance.
• Analysis of Trump's negotiation tactics and potential impacts on international relations.

Notable Quotes:

• Jeffrey Goldberg [29:14]: "Yesterday, President Trump called me to tell me, quote, I was very angry, pissed off when Putin started getting into Zelensky's credibility..."
• Gavin Newsom [31:00]: "Trump is actually horrified by the loss of life and is extremely motivated to end it."
• Jack Armstrong [32:53]: "If he senses that Trump can be manipulated through, you know, sentimentality or normal concern for human life, he will exploit that as much as he possibly can."

Summary: In a pivotal discussion on international politics, Armstrong and Getty analyze President Trump's unexpected stern remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin. Citing an interview with Jeffrey Goldberg, they explore the implications of Trump's anger towards Putin's interference in Ukrainian leadership credibility and his threats of imposing heavy tariffs on Russian oil. The hosts debate whether this marks a genuine policy shift or a strategic political maneuver by Trump, considering the potential ramifications for U.S.-Russia relations and broader geopolitical stability. They also discuss Trump's approach to Iran, questioning the efficacy and realism of his vague threats of bombing should diplomatic deals falter.

7. Cultural and Social Commentary

Discussion Points:

• Satirical take on political figures and social norms.
• Reflections on public reactions to legislative changes and sporting events.
• Humorous interludes mimicking social media and SNL sketches.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong [17:22]: "It's a 999 plan. Actually, we do have it now. We have it now. Here we go."
• Gavin Newsom [28:01]: "The most interesting thing to me, news wise, around any of this stuff, was Trump for the first time badmouthing Putin yesterday in his phone call with Kristen Welker of Meet the Press."

Summary: Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty infuse their discussions with cultural satire and humor, often referencing popular media formats like Saturday Night Live and social media interactions. They mockingly recreate snippets of conversations and portray exaggerated political scenarios, offering listeners both laughter and critical perspectives on how public figures and media influence societal discourse. This blend of humor with serious topics provides a balanced and entertaining listening experience, ensuring that complex issues are accessible and engaging.

Conclusion

This episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand successfully weaves together a tapestry of current events, personal anecdotes, and sharp political analysis. From dissecting infrastructure projects and state regulations to navigating the turbulent waters of political scandals and international diplomacy, Armstrong and Getty offer listeners a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the issues shaping today's society. Their ability to balance humor with insightful commentary makes this episode a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the multifaceted landscape of contemporary American life.

Notable Timestamps for Reference:

• 00:23 – Bill Maher on High-Speed Rail
• 06:45 – California's Single-Use Bottle Ban
• 05:27 – Athletics Moving to Sacramento
• 09:43 – Melatonin Dosage Discussion
• 17:12 – Signal App Scandal with Mike Waltz
• 29:14 – President Trump's Comments on Putin

For those who missed the episode or wish to revisit specific discussions, the full transcript is available on the podcast's official website.