Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "Wet Lips" Episode Summary
Release Date: April 18, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty
Producer: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction to Episode Topics
In the "Wet Lips" episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a diverse array of subjects, blending contemporary issues with historical insights. From societal trends and political discourse to educational challenges and personal anecdotes, the episode offers a multifaceted discussion aimed at engaging listeners with thoughtful commentary and lively banter.
Hormone Harmony and Aging
The episode opens with an advertisement segment featuring Jenny Garth from 9021, promoting Happy Mammoth's Hormone Harmony. Garth discusses the natural process of aging and the hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause. She emphasizes the effectiveness of Hormone Harmony in alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, low moods, and poor sleep. Garth shares her personal positive experience, stating, “I've noticed a little extra pep in my step since I started taking the Hormone Harmony supplement” (00:00).
Political Commentary: Corey Lewandowski and Kristi Noem
Jack Armstrong initiates the discussion by referencing an MSNBC analyst's claim about Donald Trump's alleged intentions toward political opponents. He shifts focus to an article about Corey Lewandowski and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, critiquing Noem's appearance and behavior. Armstrong remarks, “I don't know why she gets all dolled up the way she does for like visiting El Salvador in prisons” (01:53).
Joe Getty responds by expressing discomfort with Noem's use of glossy lipstick, sparking a humorous exchange about makeup preferences. This segment highlights the hosts' tendency to blend political critique with lighthearted personal opinions.
Historical Insights: The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Rich Lowry’s article commemorating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's midnight ride. Getty provides a detailed recount of the historical event, emphasizing the myths versus the realities:
“It’s almost certainly not the case that he yelled 'The British are coming.' He almost certainly said 'Regulars are coming out.'” (02:21)
Armstrong shares a personal anecdote about walking and driving through Lexington and Concord, appreciating the historical significance firsthand. The discussion draws parallels between Revere's ride and modern-day conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, underscoring the enduring theme of home defense against occupying forces.
Historian David Hackett Fisher is cited, describing the colonists’ actions as “an extraordinary display of courage, resolve, and discipline by citizen soldiers against regular troops” (06:03). The hosts reflect on the psychological and motivational differences between defending one's homeland versus serving as an occupying force, concluding that personal stakes significantly influence the fierceness of resistance.
The Elon Musk Family Controversy
Transitioning from history to contemporary figures, Armstrong and Getty discuss recent revelations about Elon Musk's family planning methods. Getty shares details about Musk's alleged use of surrogates and substantial financial incentives to manage his expanding family:
“He might make them sign non-disparagement agreements. NDAs. It’s all very complicated and certainly odd...” (15:04)
Armstrong speculates on Musk’s intentions, questioning the sustainability and personal impact of such a large family:
“I wonder how many kids he's thinking. I mean is he gonna get into Crazyville? Like 40, 50 kids?” (17:00)
The conversation underscores concerns about individual choice, contractual obligations, and the societal implications of billionaire influence on personal lives.
Education Crisis: Common Core and Harvard’s Remedial Math Classes
A critical segment of the episode addresses the failing state of the American education system, specifically the repercussions of the Common Core math standards. Getty summarizes findings from a federal study indicating that despite rising grade point averages, ACT scores have declined across all subjects:
“Common Core has had a significant negative impact on 8th-grade math achievements...” (22:25)
Armstrong and Getty express frustration over grade inflation and the abandonment of traditional teaching methods. They argue that the shift towards progressive curricula has hindered students' mathematical competency, making college-level remediation necessary even at elite institutions like Harvard. The hosts advocate for a return to fundamental teaching practices and criticize the influence of administrators and teachers' unions in perpetuating ineffective educational policies.
Social Media Trends: Egg Decorating and Peeps
The conversation shifts to lighter topics as the hosts discuss contemporary social media trends related to Easter celebrations. Armstrong laments outgrowing activities like egg coloring, while Getty reminisces about engaging activities with his children, such as playing golf and music. They humorously critique the trend of dyeing plastic eggs and the commercialization of Easter treats like Peeps, with Katie interjecting her disdain for such confectioneries:
“Peeps are trash.” (12:42)
This segment highlights generational differences and the commercialization of traditional festivities.
Violence and Mental Health: Recent Shootings
Addressing serious societal issues, Armstrong and Getty discuss recent shooting incidents, including one involving the son of a sheriff's deputy. They critique media coverage and societal reactions to such events, advocating for a more compassionate and non-glorifying portrayal of individuals who commit violent acts. The hosts emphasize the profound psychological impact on survivors and communities, urging a shift in cultural responses to violence.
Political Developments: U.S. Efforts in Ukraine and Domestic Policies
The hosts touch upon U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Ukraine conflict, referencing statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio about pausing negotiations if progress isn’t made. They express skepticism about the feasibility of a peace agreement, citing Moscow's lack of willingness to compromise. Additionally, they comment on the Trump administration’s legal challenges and the implications for due process and constitutional order.
Armstrong and Getty also briefly mention the economic forecast predicting widespread bankruptcies among American small businesses due to unresolved Chinese tariffs, alongside criticisms of political figures like Bernie Sanders for fiscal expenditures.
Conclusion and Final Remarks
In wrapping up the episode, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the multitude of issues discussed, from historical commemorations and educational reforms to contemporary political scandals and social trends. They reiterate their concerns about the direction of national policies and societal values, emphasizing the need for critical engagement and informed discourse.
Jenny Garth returns briefly for a promotional note, and the episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange about popular culture references, maintaining the show’s signature blend of humor and serious discussion.
Notable Quotes
- Jenny Garth: “I've noticed a little extra pep in my step since I started taking the Hormone Harmony supplement” (00:00)
- Jack Armstrong: “If you're fighting with your own home, wife, and kids at your back, you fight differently” (08:33)
- Joe Getty: “The Common Core has had a significant negative impact on 8th-grade math achievements” (22:25)
- Jack Armstrong: “Goodhart's principle: Once a measure becomes a goal, it ceases to be a good measure” (25:09)
Episode Highlights
- Historical Parallels: Drawing connections between the American Revolution and modern conflicts.
- Educational Critique: In-depth analysis of Common Core’s failure and its impact on higher education preparedness.
- Celebrity Scandals: Examination of Elon Musk’s unconventional family planning methods.
- Social Commentary: Discussions on societal trends, commercialization of traditions, and media portrayal of violence.
- Political Insights: Updates on U.S. foreign policy and domestic political controversies.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "Wet Lips" episode, providing a cohesive overview for listeners and those interested in the topics covered.
Transcript Reference: The timestamps in this summary correspond to the provided transcript segments for accurate attribution and context.