Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode Title: The Bulk of America! Release Date: July 21, 2025 Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction

In the July 21, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a mix of political controversies, media critiques, and pop culture phenomena shaping the United States. Broadcasting live from the Abraham Lincoln radio studio at the George Washington Broadcast Center, the duo offers their signature blend of humor and critical insight, engaging listeners with timely discussions and sharp commentary.

Political Claims and Controversies

Tulsi Gabbard's Allegations Against Obama

The episode opens with a heated discussion about Tulsi Gabbard, a figure recently claiming that former President Barack Obama and his administration engaged in nefarious activities aimed at undermining then-President Donald Trump.

• Joe Getty expresses skepticism, stating, “[Tulsi]… has serious evidence that Obama and his cohorts did some bad stuff and claimed some stuff that wasn't true. It’s all gonna come out soon” ([00:44]).

• Jack Armstrong questions the timing and motives behind Gabbard’s statements, suggesting she might be attempting to regain favor with Trump: “You sure she's not just saying this to get back on Trump's good side because she's not allowed in the meetings anymore?” ([01:03]).

The hosts remain doubtful about the substance of Gabbard's claims, predicting that the accusations may fade from public discourse within weeks: “give it six weeks and nobody will be talking about it either” ([01:08]).

Media Critique: NPR and PBS Bias

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing public media outlets, particularly NPR and PBS. The hosts reference articles and opinions suggesting these platforms have shifted from journalism to advocacy.

• Joe Getty cites Yuri Berliner, a notable critic, highlighting NPR’s alleged departure from unbiased reporting: “...npr, you did this to yourselves. You abandoned any pretense of journalism and just went straight progressive advocacy” ([20:20]).

• Michael adds to the criticism by quoting NPR’s leadership, who deny any inherent bias: “She 100% doesn't think there's any bias at NPR” ([19:30]).

The discussion underscores a belief among the hosts that public media have become echo chambers for progressive ideologies, detaching from the ‘bulk of America’ they are meant to serve.

Current Events: Middle East Tensions

Trump vs. Netanyahu Over Syria Bombings

The hosts touch upon the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on President Trump's disapproval of Benjamin Netanyahu for actions in Syria.

• Michael describes Gaza as "one of the most hellish spots on earth right now," emphasizing the humanitarian crisis: “...there's a lot of people that don't have a lot of food and water and when they try to get it, they get shot at by somebody and it looks hellish” ([04:28]).

• Joe Getty comments on the broader implications of Islamism, stating, “Islamism leads to nothing but horror” ([05:20]).

The conversation reflects the hosts' concern over ongoing conflicts and their impact on global stability.

Pop Culture and Social Trends

Coldplay Cam and Celebrity Scandals

The episode shifts to lighter topics, including the viral Coldplay cam trend and celebrity interactions.

• Joe Getty humorously describes the Coldplay cam as “the most American thing I've ever seen” ([04:19]), highlighting its widespread adoption across ballparks nationwide.

• Michael comments on the public's fascination with wealthy individuals, mentioning a couple involved in a Coldplay concert scandal: “They both will be okay… but I think it adds a layer of people not feeling sorry for them at all” ([03:22]).

Sports Team Names and Political Statements

A segment discusses President Trump's controversial stance on sports team names:

• Michael shares Trump’s demand to reinstate the “Redskins” name, pushing back against political correctness: “Trump is calling on the Washington Commanders to bring back the Redskins name…and the Cleveland whatever they are to become the Cleveland Indians again” ([16:20]).

• Joe Getty sarcastically remarks, “I weep the day that American sports teams have to jump and obey the President's orders” ([17:05]).

The hosts express amusement and frustration over the intersection of politics and sports branding.

Technology and Aviation Incidents

B-52 Bomber Near Collision with Commercial Flight

• Michael reports on a near-miss incident involving a B-52 bomber and a Delta Airlines commercial flight over North Dakota: “A B52 bomber almost collided with a Delta Airlines commercial flight full of people over North Dakota yesterday” ([13:34]).

• Joe Getty muses about the outdated nature of B-52s, questioning their continued use: “Who knew we're still flying B52s around” ([13:51]).

The discussion highlights concerns about aviation safety and outdated military technology.

Social and Cultural Observations

Decline of Shared Culture and Network TV

The hosts lament the erosion of shared cultural experiences, such as network television shows:

• Joe Getty references Ben Sasse’s thoughts on the decline of programs like Stephen Colbert’s show, viewing it as a sign of diminishing communal experiences: “another sign that our shared culture of network TV is dying” ([07:33]).

• Michael reminisces about the benefits of common viewership, noting the ease of conversation when multiple people watch the same shows: “It felt a lot better than being at a dinner table full of people and everybody's mentioning different shows that nobody else has seen but them” ([08:06]).

The conversation underscores a nostalgia for unified media consumption and the fragmentation brought about by diverse media preferences.

Social Issues and Public Health

Obesity and Body Image in Youth

• Joe Getty announces the upcoming release of his book on obesity, aligning it with broader discussions on public health.

• Michael recounts an NPR report on the impact of societal standards on youth body image: “...how muscular various superheroes are or whatever… more kids are overweight and are going to have medical complications or death because of that than ever before” ([24:06]).

The hosts critique societal pressures that contribute to unhealthy body standards among children, linking it to broader public health concerns.

Listener Engagement: Mailbag Segment

Audience Questions and Comments

In the Mailbag segment, listeners share thoughts and pose questions:

• Frequent Correspondent Sean humorously addresses a comment about Jack's hiking mishaps, intertwining it with historical atonement: “Here’s an opportunity for Jack to correctly atone and declare the indigenous ownership the land he was hiking on” ([34:20]).

• Jess criticizes media coverage of the Epstein files, expressing frustration over superficial reporting: “I read the first thousand words and I'm like, they're not saying anything” ([37:01]).

The segment showcases the hosts' interactive rapport with their audience, blending humor with critical analysis of listener feedback.

Notable Quotes

• Tulsi Gabbard on Obama’s Conspiracy: “[Tulsi]… had her legs looked at like 20 paragraphs in” ([37:22]).

• Joe Getty on Political Ideologies: “It's a cult. The woke cult of criminal injustice” ([15:12]).

• Michael on Media Bias: “Most Americans have a positive view of castles but a negative view of the Black Plague” ([19:56]).

• Joe Getty on NPR's Bias: “How you doing on reporting on the cast report or the US Health report… show mutilating kids and feeding them powerful hormones” ([26:51]).

Conclusion

In this episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty effectively navigate through a labyrinth of contemporary issues, from political conspiracies and media bias to pop culture trends and social health crises. Their candid and often humorous approach provides listeners with a critical lens through which to view the complexities of modern American life. By intertwining serious discourse with lighthearted banter, the hosts maintain engagement while encouraging thoughtful reflection on the topics discussed.

Note: Advertisements and promotional segments were omitted to focus solely on the episode's content.