Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: "We Are Done With That Sh!t!!!"

Date: September 30, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty

Overview

This episode is a wide-ranging conversation centering on the U.S. military’s new hardline, anti-“woke” direction, prompted by recent remarks from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The hosts debate the merits and downsides of DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives in the armed forces, critique “wokeness” generally, and discuss broader social issues including political polarization, law, entertainment, and even Halloween décor. Throughout, Armstrong & Getty bring their signature irreverent tone—skeptical, combative, and unfiltered.

Main Themes and Key Segments

1. The New "War Department" and Pushback Against "Wokeness"

• Timestamps: 00:28 – 12:49

Key Discussion Points

• Historical Framing: The episode opens by reflecting on the military maxim "to ensure peace, we must prepare for war," with hosts noting that America has shifted from this stance post-Cold War and now faces new threats, notably China.
• Pete Hegseth's Speech: Michael reads excerpts from Secretary Hegseth's forceful speech declaring a purge of DEI, identity politics, and social justice priorities in the Department of Defense.
  • “We are done with that ass. No more identity months.” – Jack Armstrong (03:20)
  • Hegseth frames the military’s only job as warfighting and winning, not social experimentation.
• Quotes from Pete Hegseth (Read by Michael):
  • “Unrelenting and uncompromising… Not because we want war, but because we love peace.” (01:36)
  • "No more identity months, DEI offices, dudes in dresses. No more climate change worship… We are done with that." (02:44)
  • On standards: "If not, they're not standards, they're just suggestions—suggestions that get our sons and daughters killed." (07:46)
  • On fitness: "It's tiring to look out at…formations and see fat troops. Likewise, it’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals…" (09:51)
  • "Move out and draw fire…we are the War Department. Godspeed." (10:41)

Hosts' Response

• Jack and Drew are largely supportive of Hegseth’s message, criticizing what they see as the infiltration of “toxic ideological garbage” in the military.
  • “If we can't understand how obviously that is the right thing to do, then we deserve to be taken over by China.” – Jack Armstrong (08:36)
• They believe standards should be "ruthless, dispassionate, and common sense," and any deviation for the sake of diversity is dangerous.
  • “Everybody’s going to be fit to serve…standards must be uniform, gender-neutral, and high.” – Michael quoting Pete Hegseth (07:46)

2. William Cohen's Rebuttal and the DEI Debate

• Timestamps: 03:31 – 06:46

Key Discussion Points

• Former Clinton-era Secretary of Defense William Cohen responds on CNN, asking:
  • “Was it wokeness that said we should integrate the military…Tuskegee Airmen…Colin Powell…?” (03:49)
• Drew and Jack dismiss Cohen’s argument as “one of the worst, most stupid arguments,” criticizing the implication that DEI policies are the only way for minorities to advance.
  • “That’s a very insulting thing to say to Colin Powell.” – Jack Armstrong (04:51)
  • “Whenever you’re trying to make the argument that you’ve got to prioritize, what, women, black, trans, whatever, to get people to rise up, you’re claiming they’re not qualified to get there on their own.” – Jack Armstrong (05:57)
• They draw clear distinctions between historical desegregation and today’s diversity initiatives.

3. Military Standards & Gender Issues

• Timestamps: 07:10 – 10:41

Key Discussion Points

• Hegseth’s “golden rule” for military units is discussed: everyone must be able to physically fulfill the job requirements, regardless of gender or identity.
• Anecdotes are shared of women (and others) placed in roles they weren’t physically able to perform.
  • "That's no knock on any woman who can do the same physical thing as a man… but if you can't understand the difference, you're just an idiot." – Jack Armstrong (08:55)
• Critique of supposed “fat generals” rounds out this segment, mocking the military leadership’s physical fitness.

4. Broader Cultural Commentary (Halloween, Entertainment, and More)

• Timestamps: 13:08 – 29:55

Key Discussion Points

• The hosts discuss Chinese infrastructure achievements (e.g., the world’s highest bridge) and compare U.S. vs. Chinese efficiency.
• Pop culture interlude: brief chat about Lionel Richie’s age and plastic surgery, upcoming movies ("Nuremberg," Daniel Day Lewis’s return), and a John Candy documentary.
• Method acting and its psychological toll discussed (“…makes you crazy. Like, it just takes too much of your soul to do that…” – Jack Armstrong, 17:10).
• Halloween traditions, neighborhood decorations, and the “arms race” of lawn inflatables.
  • “Are you even trying?” – Jack Armstrong, joking about giant Halloween decorations (28:28)

5. Political Notes: Trump’s Middle East Plan and Shifting Politics

• Timestamps: 17:25 – 25:16

Key Discussion Points

• Joe Scarborough and Tom Friedman (NYT) surprisingly praise Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, sparking analysis about political realignment around this rare consensus.
  • “It is unprecedented in its creativity.” – Tom Friedman, quoted by Armstrong (19:17)
• Discussion of the likely futility of peace with Hamas (“If I were the leader of Hamas, that would be my plan: agree to it, then immediately begin undermining it…” – Drew, 20:05)

6. Law, Academia, and "The Real Wrestling Match"

• Timestamps: 22:35 – 25:29

Key Discussion Points

• Media reaction to the death of radical cop-killer Asata Shakur and her controversial lionization by some on the left.
  • "She murdered a cop…Chicago Teachers Union put out a statement of love and respect in her passing…" – Jack Armstrong (21:27)
• Study on political polarization in "Big Law:" elite law firms’ donations have swung heavily toward Democrats (from 6:1 in 2020 to 12:1 in 2024).
  • “That’s absolutely horrifying.” – Jack Armstrong (25:13)
• Hosts assert that even as “wokeness” has peaked, the true ideological struggle is far from over.

7. Final Thoughts & Lighthearted Closer

• Timestamps: 29:59 – end

Key Discussion Points

• They touch on the government shutdown, noting public apathy and media hype around a near-annual event.
• Short sports segment: the WNBA playoffs without Caitlin Clark, the excitement of MLB’s postseason, and the regional vs. national following of baseball and football.
• Light banter on Halloween couples costumes—Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are suggested as the hot look this year.
• Closing fun fact: people tend to marry others with similar psychiatric profiles—"depression, anxiety…people tend to marry people who have the same challenge" – Drew (35:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We are done with that ass. No more identity months.” – Jack Armstrong (03:20)
• "If we can't understand how obviously that is the right thing to do, then we deserve to be taken over by China." – Jack Armstrong (08:36)
• “You actually think that there can’t be another Colin Powell unless you have some sort of DEI program? That’s a very insulting thing to say to Colin Powell.” – Jack Armstrong (04:51)
• “Whenever you’re trying to make the argument that you’ve got to prioritize...you're claiming they're not qualified to get there on their own.” – Jack Armstrong (05:57)
• "I'm also directing that warfighters in combat jobs execute their service fitness test at a gender neutral age normed male Standard scored above 70%...it's completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals..." – Michael quoting Pete Hegseth (09:51)
• “We need a military that looks scary AF to China. That’s what we need.” – Jack Armstrong (12:30)
• “Nature has no use for you anymore... You've done what nature wanted you to do.” – Jack Armstrong, on empty-nesting (25:41)

Tone and Style

The episode continuously maintains a sardonic but conversational mood, with rapid-fire exchanges, sarcastic quips, and strong opinions. The language is punchy and colloquial, with explicit disapproval of “wokeness,” DEI, and the inefficiencies of bureaucracy—whether in the Pentagon or elsewhere. The style emphasizes bluntness and comic exaggeration, particularly in non-political segments.

Summary

This episode fiercely critiques the perceived “woke” shift in the U.S. military, offers a vigorous defense of merit-based standards, and lampoons diversity efforts that the hosts regard as misguided or dangerous. The conversation is animated with examples from recent news, relevant political and cultural developments, and frequent forays into lighter, everyday banter. The blend keeps the mood energetic and engaging for listeners—whether or not they share Armstrong & Getty’s perspectives.