Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode Summary

Episode Title: We'll Just Refer to Them As...the K-O-F.
Air Date: April 7, 2026
Hosts: Jack, Michael, GPT (AI voice/character)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the bizarre yet scientifically intriguing world of flatulence research, primarily focusing on the work of Dr. Michael Levitt—dubbed “the King of Farts (K-O-F)”—and science’s surprisingly serious examinations of human gas. The hosts, Jack and Michael, wrestle with the maturity level of the subject, alternating between lighthearted banter and actual scientific discussion as they explore the history, key findings, and outlandish research studies that attempt to answer the age-old question: whose flatulence is worse, men or women?

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction and Reluctance about the Topic

• Jack introduces the theme, referencing Dr. Michael Levitt, a notable gastroenterologist known for pioneering flatulence research.
• Michael expresses skepticism about discussing flatulence, worried it sounds childish, while Jack insists, “This is a discussion of science.” (00:31)

The “King of Farts”—Dr. Michael Levitt

• Jack recounts how Dr. Levitt rose to fame after being introduced to a gas chromatograph, a device typically used in soil and crime investigations, but which Levitt used to analyze human flatulence.
• Notable achievement: Levitt helped develop space suits with charcoal filters so “astronauts [don’t inhale] their own flatus during a spacewalk.” (02:27)
• Jack lightens the mood: “The best system we had prior was you just kind of have to like toot in your own helmet.” (03:31 – Michael)

The Groundbreaking Gender Study

• Referencing a new book by another gastroenterologist, Trisha Pasricha, Jack describes the infamous study:
  • 16 men and women were fed gas-inducing foods (beans and lactulose).
  • Researchers collected gas via rectal tubes and gas bags, then analyzed the results via chromatography.
  • Standout moment: “The flatus collected in these bags was then sniffed and rated by two independent judges on who signed up for that gig. Oh, my God, listen to Jack. He is suffering.” (06:18 – Jack, Michael)

Results: Who's Flatus Is Worse?

• Key scientific conclusion: Women’s flatus had a “much greater odor intensity,” but men produced a larger volume. The effect is about equalized in real life due to volume vs. concentration.
  • Jack: “But it gets better. The flatus collected in these bags was then sniffed and rated by two independent judges.” (06:18)
  • Michael: “So as a zero, you could say, congratulations, your shit doesn't stink.” (07:06)

Flight and Flatulence: Why Planes Bring Trouble

• Jack explains why we all get gassy on airplanes, referencing the ideal gas law (PV=nRT):
  • Increased altitude lowers pressure, making gas expand in your gut.
  • “Before you judge anyone aboard, remember the ideal gas law...” (08:26 – Jack)
• Michael: Claims he doesn’t relate to the experience, prompting Jack to accuse him of “fart denial.” (09:06)

Pepto Bismol: A Flatus Defense?

• Dr. Levitt’s research proved that bismuth subsalicate (Pepto Bismol) “binds and neutralizes more than 95% of sulfide gases in the gut.” (09:22 – Jack)
  • Suggests a pre-flight regimen for those anxious about gas in confined spaces.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jack’s hesitation:
  “I climbed the steps to the high dive with great verve and confidence and I got out there and thought, nope.” (01:38)

• Michael’s banter:
  “If you give me a few minutes, I could go down to the grade school and get an 8 year old and they could come in and do this, because that's who would appreciate it.” (01:52)

• On astronaut space suits:
  “He helped develop space suits filtered with activated charcoal to prevent astronauts from having to inhale their own flatus during a spacewalk.” (02:27 – Jack)

• The sniff test:
  “The flatus collected in these bags was then sniffed and rated by two independent judges on who signed up for that gig. Oh, my God, listen to Jack. He is suffering.” (06:18 – Jack/Michael)

• Worst job in science:
  “Popular Science ranked Levitt's flattest odor judge as the worst job in science.” (07:06 – Jack)

• Airplane advice:
  “Before you judge anyone aboard, remember the ideal gas law, PV equals nRT.” (08:26 – Jack)

• Michael’s discomfort:
  “It's the only time ever in 30 years I've ever been ashamed to be a part of this.” (10:13 – Michael)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:27 – Introduction of Dr. Michael Levitt as the “king of farts”
• 01:38 – Jack’s moment of self-doubt and humor about the topic’s childishness
• 02:27 – Dr. Levitt’s role in NASA’s astronaut suits (flatulence filtration)
• 05:20 – Haribo sugar-free gummy bear story and the science of sugar alcohols
• 06:15–06:47 – Detail of the infamous gas collection and sniffing study
• 07:06 – “Worst job in science” and the actual findings of the gender flatulence study
• 08:26 – Explaining why passengers get gassy on airplanes and the ideal gas law
• 09:22 – Scientific solution: Pepto Bismol binds odor-causing gases
• 10:13 – Michael’s candid shame and comedic wrap-up

Tone & Style

The episode oscillates between irreverent humor and genuine scientific inquiry. Jack tries to maintain a veneer of seriousness, while Michael is often incredulous or embarrassed by the subject matter, with frequent quips and sarcastic asides. The conversational style invites laughter but also delivers legit science about flatulence—a surprisingly overlooked yet universal human experience.

Conclusion

In trademark Armstrong & Getty fashion, the hosts take a topic most would avoid and turn it into a curious blend of education and laughter. Whether intrigued by the “worst job in science,” amused by Michael’s discomfort, or genuinely interested in why airplane air is sometimes less than fresh, listeners get a memorable, quirky exploration of the science of human gas—courtesy of the King of Farts, Dr. Levitt. The episode closes with a sense of relief and defeat, proving that science can be both fascinating and very, very funny.