Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: We Still Use Floppies
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the episode titled "We Still Use Floppies," hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a variety of topics ranging from the intricate workings of the Catholic Church's Papal conclave to the glaring inefficiencies within the United States' air traffic control system. Through engaging dialogue, humor, and insightful commentary, Armstrong and Getty navigate current events, historical anecdotes, and societal observations, providing listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining discourse.
The Papal Conclave and Media Coverage
The episode opens with a discussion about the impending Papal conclave, highlighting the limited information available to the public and the media's intense interest in the selection process.
Jack Armstrong [03:00]: "And now, here's Armstrong and Gettysburg. With just under 48 hours until the first votes are cast, the most powerful men of the Catholic Church are focusing their minds and mostly keeping their silence."
The hosts critique the media's fervent coverage, questioning the general public's genuine interest in the selection of the next Pope.
Jack Armstrong [04:03]: "I don't know. They're told to go cover it. I guess I don't."
A listener interjects with differing perspectives on the relevance of the Pope to everyday life, sparking a debate on the significance of religious leadership versus popular culture events like the NBA finals.
Listener [03:34]: "How many of these journalists give a crap who the next pope is?"
Armstrong shares a humorous take on his own disinterest, drawing parallels between the conclave and high-profile entertainment events.
Jack Armstrong [05:36]: "But it's got a bit of a combination of the Met Gala and Royal Family in terms of covering it, doesn't it?"
Historical Insights into Papal Elections
Delving deeper, Armstrong provides a historical overview of Papal conclaves, recounting the longest in history that took place in 1268 in Viterbo near Rome. He illustrates the extreme measures taken to expedite the selection of Pope Gregory X, emphasizing the evolution of the conclave process to its modern form.
Jack Armstrong [06:55]: "The Conclave in the town of Viterbo near Rome was the longest in history. The cardinals were bitterly divided over the next pope. The Italian prelates wanted an Italian pope, the French wanted a Frenchman. And neither side budged for nearly three years."
He further explains the establishment of the Sistine Chapel as the permanent venue for conclaves and the stringent rules implemented to prevent prolonged deadlocks.
Jack Armstrong [08:19]: "The eventual winner, Pope Gregory the 10th, sought to avoid a repeat by imposing some ground rules that still govern conclaves today from the year 1260, including strict seclusion, daily voting, and some degree of discomfort."
Modern Societal Observations: Met Gala and Fashion
Transitioning to contemporary issues, Armstrong critiques the societal obsession with events like the Met Gala, comparing it to futuristic dystopian settings reminiscent of "The Hunger Games."
Jack Armstrong [11:05]: "I compared it to the capital in the Hunger Games movies... it's about a republic where the capital has become so rich and so isolated from the lives of normal people."
A listener responds by highlighting the irony of progressive cities like New York embracing conspicuous consumption and fame, questioning the alignment of such values with progressive ideologies.
Listener [13:15]: "Doesn't that seem backwards to you somehow?"
Political Ideologies and Fascism
The conversation shifts towards political discourse, particularly focusing on Jonah Goldberg's "Liberal Fascism." Armstrong and a listener discuss the misappropriation of the term "fascism" in modern political rhetoric.
Listener [13:51]: "Fascism is way more of a left thing than it is a right thing. How it got tagged as a right thing, I don't know."
Armstrong emphasizes the core similarities between communism and fascism, underscoring the oppression of individual rights under any totalitarian regime.
Jack Armstrong [14:30]: "It's all about exploiting the working people and trampling on individual rights."
The Flawed Air Traffic Control System
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing the United States' air traffic control system, spotlighting a recent system-wide outage at Newark Liberty Airport that led to communication and radar failures for extended periods.
Jack Armstrong [27:51]: "At Newark's Liberty Airport tonight. ABC News learning Air traffic controllers lost radar and communications with planes packed with passengers for 60 to 90 seconds last week."
Armstrong outlines the severity of the issue, citing outdated technology such as floppy disks still in use by the FAA, and the prolonged modernization efforts that began in 2003.
Jack Armstrong [32:53]: "They literally still use floppy disks. Does Gen Z even know what those are?"
He criticizes the bureaucratic inertia and labor union constraints that hinder urgent updates and staffing improvements, pointing out the inefficiency and potential safety hazards inherent in the current system.
Jack Armstrong [33:20]: "It's like trying to find some handyman to fix your Victrola that you inherited from your great grandma."
The discussion includes the FAA's inadequate staffing levels, with a shortage of air traffic controllers exacerbating the problem, and the Trump administration's attempts to address these long-standing issues.
Jack Armstrong [37:04]: "It's three to five months of paid training and then a three-year apprenticeship."
Cultural and Social Commentary
Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty intersperse their discussion with humorous anecdotes and social observations. They touch upon viral incidents, such as a Pittsburgh Pirate fan's dangerous somersault onto the field, and reflect on the modern phenomenon of tribalism in social and political contexts.
Jack Armstrong [48:30]: "We've become so tribal. If they are against somebody, we are with her. At least in some quarters. It's trouble."
The hosts also explore the concept of "last words," contemplating their significance and often humorous nature, providing light-hearted moments amidst more serious discussions.
Listener [21:07]: "Some people have last words laying in bed, knowing they're likely to be their last words. And they're often very profound or touching or interesting or whatever."
Conclusion
"We Still Use Floppies" serves as a multifaceted exploration of diverse topics, seamlessly blending historical context, political critique, and social commentary. Armstrong and Getty adeptly navigate complex issues, offering listeners both entertainment and thoughtful insight into the inefficiencies plaguing critical systems and the societal values shaping modern discourse.
Notable Quotes
- Jack Armstrong [03:34]: "How many of these journalists give a crap who the next pope is?"
- Listener [13:15]: "Doesn't that seem backwards to you somehow?"
- Jack Armstrong [14:30]: "It's all about exploiting the working people and trampling on individual rights."
- Jack Armstrong [32:53]: "They literally still use floppy disks. Does Gen Z even know what those are?"
- Jack Armstrong [33:20]: "It's like trying to find some handyman to fix your Victrola that you inherited from your great grandma."
- Jack Armstrong [48:30]: "We've become so tribal. If they are against somebody, we are with her. At least in some quarters. It's trouble."
Key Takeaways
- The Papal conclave remains a topic of significant but perhaps overblown media interest, with historical practices influencing modern protocols.
- The US air traffic control system is critically outdated, with bureaucratic challenges impeding necessary modernization efforts.
- Political and societal discussions reveal deep-seated frustrations with systemic inefficiencies and ideological misalignments.
- Armstrong and Getty blend humor with serious critique, fostering an engaging environment for listeners to reflect on contemporary issues.
For those interested in a blend of humor, history, and critical analysis of current events, "Armstrong & Getty On Demand" continues to offer insightful and entertaining content.