Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: The Scent Of A Loser
Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host/Authors: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Platform: iHeartPodcasts
1. Introduction and Initial Topics (00:00 – 01:28)
The episode begins with a promotional advertisement by Joe Getty for WashablesOfAs.com, highlighting their machine-washable sofas starting at $699. Shortly after, Katie Green broadcasts live from the Abraham Lincoln radio studio, introducing the hosts, Jack Armstrong and herself, Katie Green.
2. Kamala Harris's Political Maneuvers (01:28 – 07:45)
Breaking News: Kamala Harris Not Running for Governor
Katie Green announces that former Vice President Kamala Harris has decided not to run for the governorship of California next year. Initially considering the position, Harris's withdrawal raises questions about her future political ambitions. Notably, insiders suggest that this decision keeps the door open for a potential presidential run in 2028.
- Katie Green [01:28]: "Former Vice President Kamala Harris announcing she will not run for governor of California next year."
Discussion on Harris's Influence and Future Plans
Jack Armstrong sarcastically comments on the Democratic Party's selection process, implying that Harris could have easily been the Democratic nominee had she chosen to run.
- Jack Armstrong [02:04]: "The only one still El Diablo is in the details... she probably would have gotten that nod."
Katie Green references a New York Times report indicating Harris plans to form an organization to fundraise and support political activities, hinting at her preparation for a larger political role.
- Katie Green [02:54]: "Kamala Harris... expects to begin talking with podcast hosts and journalists beginning after Labor Day."
Harris's Book Launch
Kamala Harris promotes her new book, “107 Days,” detailing her short presidential campaign. The hosts critique Harris's media presence and question the authenticity and depth of her book.
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Kamala Harris [06:19]: "Since leaving office, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days... That is this book, 107 Days."
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Katie Green [07:45]: "Everybody writes a book if they're running for president because it gives the interviewers a reason to have you on."
3. The Democratic Field for 2028 (07:45 – 13:22)
Assessment of Democratic Candidates
Jack Armstrong and Katie Green delve into the current landscape of potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential race. Recent polls show a fragmented field with no single prominent figure leading decisively.
- Katie Green [10:52]: "They always end up not being the nominee, but there's some name out there... Undecided leads the field by quite a bit for the Democrats."
Pete Boot leads the potential candidates with 16%, closely followed by Kamala Harris at 13% and Governor Gavin Newsom at 12%, all within the margin of error.
- Katie Green [11:10]: "Undecided leads the field by 23. So you got Pete at 16, Kamala right behind him at 13..."
Skepticism About Harris's Prospects
Both hosts express skepticism about Kamala Harris securing the nomination, predicting her campaign might falter due to perceived weaknesses.
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Jack Armstrong [12:30]: "Bill Clinton-esque character, a moderate, well-spoken governor of some state."
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Katie Green [12:37]: "It's not a chance. It's gonna be Kamala Harris."
4. Listener Mailbag and Party Critiques (15:04 – 19:01)
Listener Feedback on Democratic History
A listener named Andy discusses the historical context of the Democratic Party, asserting that it has perpetually held racist policies. He references an interview with the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, highlighting controversial aspects of past Democratic stances.
- Andy [16:43]: "The big proponents of eugenics were the progressives of the early 20th century... Harris vs McCray in 1980..."
Critique of Modern Democratic Policies
Katie Green criticizes Harris for lacking distinct policy positions, unlike former President Donald Trump, who consistently emphasized issues like immigration.
- Katie Green [09:01]: "She doesn't have a hook like a specific topic, an issue I guess is what you call them. She doesn't have an issue."
Discussion on Democratic Candidate Viability
The hosts debate the viability of current Democratic candidates, questioning the party's direction and leadership.
- Jack Armstrong [09:06]: "She may be, as Sid Rosenberg said on our show at the convention, stupid might be the problem."
5. Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT (19:01 – 33:40)
AI's Impact on Employment and Economy
Katie Green and Jack Armstrong discuss the pervasive influence of AI, referencing a Pew Research Center survey where two-thirds of U.S. adults believe AI will reduce jobs in the next two decades. They debate the optimistic projections from AI proponents about significant GDP growth and the feasibility of a guaranteed basic income.
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Katie Green [25:33]: "A terrifying new drug trend is sweeping our streets... It's called 7 hydroxy, but some are calling it gas station heroin."
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Jack Armstrong [26:51]: "Say that AI is going to propel the global economy into extreme levels of economic growth... How will all of that enormous economic activity be funneled to me, the jobless poet?"
AI in Everyday Applications
The hosts recount personal experiences with AI tools like ChatGPT, highlighting both its utility and potential pitfalls. Jack shares a listener's negative experience with a chatbot that over-affirmed and fabricated statistics, raising concerns about AI's role in reinforcing biases.
- Jack Armstrong [30:56]: "I fed it random scenarios... It would insist I was special and no one else was asking the questions I was asking."
The Future of Information and AI
They explore the consequences of AI providing information directly, potentially rendering traditional content sites obsolete due to diminished ad revenue.
- Katie Green [32:08]: "AA problem... nobody's gonna create these sites anymore because there's no clicks or money to be made."
6. Drug Trends and Public Health (20:27 – 24:56)
Introduction to 7 Hydroxy and Nitazines
Katie Green highlights a new drug threat, "7 Hydroxy," likened to "gas station heroin," which is easily accessible over the counter. The discussion underscores the dangers of such substances, including their high addiction potential and the emerging threat of nitazines, even more potent than fentanyl.
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Katie Green [20:27]: "A terrifying new drug trend is sweeping our streets... It's called 7 hydroxy, but some are calling it gas station heroin."
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Jack Armstrong [23:35]: "And how in the hell is that available at the gas station?"
Public Health Concerns
The hosts emphasize the urgent need for regulatory measures to curb the availability of these potent synthetic opioids and prevent further addiction crises.
- Katie Green [22:07]: "You're addicted the first time you try it. That's horrifying."
7. Space Exploration and Lunar Colonization (34:39 – 38:58)
Donald Trump's Moon Ambitions
Sean Duffy's promotional message outlines plans to return to the moon under Donald Trump's leadership, with intentions to establish a base camp and eventually proceed to Mars.
- Sean Duffy [34:39]: "Start of the year, we are going to go back to the moon... We're going to land back on the moon... and set up our base camp."
Host Commentary on Space Conquest
Jack Armstrong and Katie Green critique the militaristic and colonial mindset behind the lunar plans, drawing parallels to Earth's historical conquests and expressing concerns over potential conflicts with other nations, particularly China.
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Jack Armstrong [35:00]: "They're going to respect a flag planting."
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Katie Green [35:06]: "That's settler colonialism."
Speculations on Lunar Rivalries
The hosts speculate on possible confrontations over lunar territory, envisioning scenarios where competing nations might dispute or contest flag plantings, thereby igniting "Moon Wars."
- Katie Green [37:17]: "Inevitable. It's the initial step and we'll just... we're just going to extend the Monroe Doctrine to the moon."
8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts (38:08 – 40:34)
Final Thoughts from the Team
In the concluding segments, the hosts and their technical director, Michael, share humorous and speculative thoughts about the discussed topics, including the absurdity of flag-planting on the moon and the potential for international disputes in space.
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Michael [38:20]: "My new plan is to print out a bunch of flags, and when I want something, I'm going to stake my flag in it."
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Katie Green [38:35]: "Thought for us... national humiliation."
Sign-Off
The episode wraps up with promotions for their website, merchandise, and an invitation for listeners to engage via mailbags. The final moments include a light-hearted exchange about macaque monkeys and a humorous sign-off.
- Jack Armstrong [39:34]: "Go To Armstrong and getty.com for the hot links for the Katie's corner."
Notable Quotes
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Jack Armstrong [07:01]: "If I were a Democratic candidate, I'd barricade myself in my house and threaten suicide instead of letting her on the stage with me."
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Katie Green [09:01]: "She doesn't have a hook like a specific topic, an issue I guess is what you call them. She doesn't have an issue."
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Kamala Harris [06:19]: "Sometimes the fight takes a while, but I remain full of hope and I remain clear-eyed."
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Jack Armstrong [26:51]: "Say that AI is going to propel the global economy into extreme levels of economic growth believing that GDP growth could explode to... which is a hilariously stupid idea."
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Katie Green [32:08]: "AA problem... nobody's gonna create these sites anymore because there's no clicks or money to be made."
Conclusion
In "The Scent Of A Loser," Armstrong & Getty delve into the intricacies of Kamala Harris's political trajectory, critique the future landscape of the Democratic Party, explore the profound implications of AI on society and the economy, discuss alarming new drug trends, and speculate on the militarization of space exploration. Throughout the episode, the hosts blend sharp political commentary with humor, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging analysis of contemporary issues.
