Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Tired Of Misplacing Your Rabbit At Night?"

Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

1. The Struggles of Spirit Airlines

Timestamp: [00:44 - 02:56]

Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty kick off the episode by discussing Spirit Airlines' financial troubles. Michael highlights the airline's precarious position:

Michael: "Spirit is really struggling. It's not a good sign when the flight attendants come around asking you for food and blankets."
(00:44)

Katie and Michael share personal anecdotes about flying Spirit, emphasizing its reputation as a low-cost carrier prevalent on the East Coast. They humorously compare it to a "super cut rate cattle car," noting its popularity among travelers heading to and from Las Vegas.

2. Chinese Genetic Engineering: The Bride of Chinese Frankenstein

Timestamp: [02:56 - 09:47]

The conversation shifts to a captivating and controversial topic: gene-edited babies and the ethical implications surrounding them.

Key Highlights:

• Heejung Kyu's Controversial Research:
  Michael introduces Heejung Kyu, dubbed "Chinese Frankenstein," who claimed to have created the world's first gene-edited babies with immunity to HIV. Kyu was subsequently arrested for illegal medical practices in China.

  Michael: "He announced in 2018 that he had created the world's first gene-edited babies. Twin girls... designed to have immunity to HIV."
  (02:56)

• Expansion to the U.S.:
  Despite his imprisonment, Kyu plans to open a lab in Austin, Texas, focusing on Alzheimer's research using gene editing.

• Kathy Tai and Designer Pets:
  The hosts introduce Kathy Tai, a young genetic engineer aiming to create fantastical pets like dragons, unicorns, and glow-in-the-dark rabbits.

  Michael: "She's co-founded a genetic engineering company that's trying to create the next generation of pets, including dragons, unicorns, and glow in the dark rabbits."
  (04:04)

• Ethical Concerns and Social Implications:
  The discussion delves into the broader implications of "designer babies." Michael criticizes the tech industry's obsession with breeding smarter individuals, arguing that intelligence alone does not equate to success or happiness.

  Katie: "If I was given the choice between a kid with 160 IQ or average, I'd go average, because I think I'd be like just committing a kid to a lifetime of misery."
  (08:47)

• Diverse Types of Intelligence:
  They explore the multifaceted nature of intelligence, emphasizing that traits like emotional intelligence, creativity, and moral values are equally important as raw IQ.

  Michael: "The lack of insight and intelligence and wisdom are separate traits. You're not breeding for curiosity or capacity."
  (09:06)

3. Democratic Socialists and the New Political Landscape in New York

Timestamp: [15:25 - 23:25]

The hosts analyze the rise of Democratic Socialists within New York City's political sphere, focusing on the inner circles of Mayor-Elect Mamdani.

Key Highlights:

• Profile of Mamdani's Inner Circle:
  Katie details the youthful and ideologically driven team supporting the Communist mayoral candidate, highlighting their backgrounds and political beliefs.

  Katie: "Starting with this Ms. Bisgard Church, age 34... a Democratic Socialist member her entire life."
  (16:16)

• Extremist Views and Alliances:
  They discuss the controversial alliances between young progressives and Islamists, questioning the rationale behind groups like "Queers for Palestine."

  Michael: "Why would queers for Palestine exist? What the hell is going on there."
  (19:09)

• Impact on Policy and Governance:
  The discussion touches on how these ideologies might influence future policies under Mamdani's administration, expressing concerns over radical changes and instability.

  Katie: "Every parent is not like I want my kid to be a scholar at Harvard... I want my kid to be happy."
  (12:24)

4. Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the Trump-Putin Summit

Timestamp: [21:56 - 35:35]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, highlighting the strategic maneuvers and the anticipated summit between President Trump and Vladimir Putin.

Key Highlights:

• Recent Military Developments:
  Michael reports on Russia's limited advances near Donetsk and speculates on the motivations behind these movements.

  Michael: "They might have dedicated more resources or used up reserves... otherwise, it is just terrible luck."
  (22:20)

• Zelensky's Stance:
  Katie emphasizes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's refusal to cede territory to Russia, underscoring national pride and resistance.

  Katie: "Ukrainian soldiers echo Zelensky in saying that giving up territory to Russia is not an option."
  (24:06)

• Trump-Putin Negotiations:
  The hosts debate the potential outcomes of the upcoming summit, expressing skepticism about Trump’s comments and Putin's strategies.

  Katie: "If I was given the choice between a kid with 160 IQ or average, I'd go average... committing a kid to a lifetime of misery."
  (25:43)

  Michael: "I think he's underestimating Putin. You’d better never, ever underestimate your opponent."
  (31:36)

• Speculations on Diplomatic Tactics:
  They predict possible scenarios where Putin may delay negotiations or present counterproposals, making genuine peace elusive.

  Michael: "He’s going to ride a grizzly bear bare-chested for the photo op... hitting Trump with a seven-point plan."
  (32:39)

  Katie: "I don't want to see Trump and Putin smiling side by side. The guy is ordering the bombings of grade schools..."
  (35:35)

5. The Rise of "Clanker" and Attitudes Toward AI

Timestamp: [38:15 - 41:46]

In a lighter yet thought-provoking segment, the hosts explore the emergence of the term "clanker" as a modern slur against artificial intelligence and robots.

Key Highlights:

• Definition and Usage:
  "Clanker" has gained popularity on platforms like TikTok, where people use it to express frustration with automated systems and robots.

  Michael: "Clanker is a word that has emerged recently... people on TikTok are posting videos of people harassing robots."
  (38:21)

• Legislative Response:
  Senator Ruben Gallego introduced legislation to protect individuals from being forced to interact with "clankers."

  Getty: "My new bill makes sure you don't have to talk to a clanker if you don't want to."
  (39:11)

• Linguistic and Social Implications:
  Katie and Michael debate whether "clanker" qualifies as a derogatory term, discussing its impact on societal views of technology.

  Katie: "It seems like somebody looking for a minor problem where major problems exist."
  (41:34)

  Michael: "Human beings have that reaction to something new that they perceive as threatening is as deep within us as anything in our DNA."
  (41:44)

• Anthropomorphism of AI:
  They analyze how society's tendency to humanize technology contributes to negative perceptions and language trends.

  Katie: "I asked my Tesla a question... it was trying as hard as it can to sound like a human."
  (40:59)

6. Final Thoughts and Teasers

Timestamp: [35:35 - End]

As the episode wraps up, Armstrong and Getty hint at upcoming topics, including the intersection of Marxism and Islamism, and societal reactions to technological advancements.

Michael: "Coming up next hour. Why are Marxists getting together with Islamists? How did that all get started?"
(35:35)

Katie: "They're calling like you drop an in bomb on..."
(35:53)

Conclusion

In this episode of "Armstrong & Getty On Demand," Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a variety of pressing topics, from the ethical dilemmas of genetic engineering and the complexities of modern political alliances to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and societal attitudes toward artificial intelligence. Through engaging discussions peppered with humor and critical insights, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive analysis of contemporary issues, backed by personal anecdotes and informed opinions.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael on Intelligence:

  "You're not breeding for curiosity or capacity."
  (09:06)

• Katie on Designer Babies:

  "If I was given the choice between a kid with 160 IQ or average, I'd go average, because I think I'd be like just committing a kid to a lifetime of misery."
  (08:47)

• Michael on Putin's Strategy:

  "I think he's underestimating Putin. You’d better never, ever underestimate your opponent."
  (31:36)

• Katie on Clankers:

  "It seems like somebody looking for a minor problem where major problems exist."
  (41:34)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Tired Of Misplacing Your Rabbit At Night?" episode, providing listeners with an informative overview of the topics covered.