Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: "What Are Tonsil Stones?!"
Date: April 8, 2026
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Episode Overview
In this episode, Armstrong and Getty navigate a tapestry of topics, punctuated by their signature sarcasm and insight into news, culture, and personal stories. The conversation spans from lighthearted banter about classic American treats to sharp critiques of government waste, dysfunctional systems, and political figures. Memorable moments include a humorous critique of a viral "peanuts in Coke" trend, deep dives into Medicare fraud, the merits (and annoyance) of political messaging at rock concerts, the convoluted Iran ceasefire situation, and a pointed dissection of comments by Gavin Newsom’s wife regarding crime, punishment, and privilege.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Concert Anticipation & Politics in Music
- Springsteen & The E Street Band:
Jack shares his excitement about attending a Springsteen concert with his sons (01:32–02:17). He admires the enduring musical prowess of veteran bands like the Eagles, while expressing apprehension about inevitable political speeches from the stage.- Quote (Jack, 02:17): "I'm gonna bring earplugs, not for the loud rock and roll, but for the speeches. I'll put in the earplugs during the speeches, then I'll take them out during the music."
- Political Contradictions:
The irony of Rage Against the Machine's guitarist—known for radical left politics—joining the E Street Band in pricey venues is lampooned.- Quote (Jack, 03:05): "Great guitar player, but an actual communist in a crowd full of people who've paid a thousand dollars a ticket...how funny is that?"
2. Government Waste & Medicare Fraud
- CBS News Hospice Scandal:
Armstrong & Getty recap a report on massive Medicare fraud (03:32–05:07), focusing on Dr. Rajiv Bhuva's implausible claims across hundreds of hospices, amounting to $71 million.- Quote (Joe, 04:35): "One doctor who's the director at 126 different hospices. My."
- Quote (Jack, 05:07): "No reason to think that's legitimate."
- Public Apathy:
They lament the American public’s inability to sustain outrage and to reform wasteful government programs.- Quote (Jack, 06:44): "...you just can't mobilize people to do anything about wasteful government programs. Which is why...the only thing you can do...Don't give them the money in the first place."
- Quote (Joe, 07:04): "Everyone you see...is in on a scam. So good luck with that. Sonny."
3. Taxes, Patriotism, and Moving States
- Patriotism as a Tax Tool:
The hosts mock arguments by politicians like Mamdani and AOC, claiming residence in high-tax states is patriotic.- Quote (Jack, 08:18): "So playing a freaking patriot card on me when it comes to paying ridiculous taxes...that you’re...going to waste on this homeless program..."
4. Culture & Regional Foods
- Peanuts in Coke & Tonsil Stones Viral Moment:
A viral clip about the southern tradition of putting peanuts in Coke sparks discussion (12:48–15:18). A guest compares the texture to "tonsil stones," prompting Jack's exclamation that gives the episode its title.- Quote (Audio Clip, 12:58): "Feels like someone put a whole bunch of tonsil st[ones] in my Coca Cola..."
- Quote (Jack, 13:17): "What are tonsil stones? Oh, geez."
- Regional Taste Debates:
Hosts share and critique experiences with this and other southern treats (e.g., boiled peanuts).- Quote (Joe, 14:13): "Boiled peanuts...they're like mushy and wet and gross. I wouldn't give those to prisoners."
5. Crime, Punishment, and Privilege
- Gavin Newsom’s Wife’s Comments:
A segment is devoted to Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s comments equating her childhood tragedy with crimes by inmates (19:37–22:31). The hosts, incredulous, draw distinctions between tragic accidents and violent criminal acts.- Quote (Jack, 21:16): "That's called a mistake and a tragedy. That's not a crime. An on purpose crime that is then dealt with through the legal system..."
- Quote (Joe, 21:43): "She's completely off her rock."
6. Iran, Geopolitics & Ceasefire Confusion
- Dizzying Diplomatic Chess:
Armstrong & Getty grapple with updates from the Iran ceasefire negotiations, sharing analysis from various sources and attempting to parse conflicting statements from world leaders (16:09–34:56). Questions abound about who’s actually in charge, what’s being agreed to, and whether core demands are being met.- Quote (Jack, 16:52): "I don't even know what that is. I'm going to come meet you to buy your car and I don't want your car. Oh, I don't want to sell it to you. Why are we meeting?"
- A Twitter thread is cited (29:08–32:19) analyzing the deal's ambiguity and the overnight unraveling of agreements.
- Quote (Joe, 31:49): "So, but we're thinking of. It's just, it's an idea that's out there."
- Ethical Dilemmas in Policy:
They criticize the prospect of America profiting from deals with regimes accused of killing US troops, drawing a parallel to Venezuela.- Quote (Jack, 34:35): "...the net result of the entire war would be now we're part of a deal with them to charge a toll for European ships to go through."
- Quote (Joe, 34:46): "That would be truly unholy."
7. Cryptocurrency Creator Unmasked?
- Bitcoin Origins:
The hosts discuss ongoing journalistic attempts to unmask the creator of Bitcoin (24:20–27:18). This spirals into debates about the legitimacy of cryptocurrency and the reasons for anonymity.- Quote (Joe, 25:15): "I'd be guessing, I don't know, just didn't want to be famous or you know, fear for their life."
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Key Moment | |-----------|-----------|------------------| | 02:17 | Jack Armstrong | "I'm gonna bring earplugs, not for the loud rock and roll, but for the speeches..." | | 03:05 | Jack Armstrong | "...an actual communist in a crowd full of people who've paid a thousand dollars a ticket..." | | 06:44 | Jack Armstrong | "...don't give them the money in the first place." | | 14:13 | Joe Getty | "Boiled peanuts...they're like mushy and wet and gross..." | | 19:37 | Jennifer Siebel Newsom (audio) | "But theirs was probably an accident too." | | 21:43 | Joe Getty | "She's completely off her rock." | | 31:49 | Joe Getty | "So, but we're thinking of. It's just, it's an idea that's out there." | | 34:35 | Jack Armstrong | "...now we're part of a deal with them to charge a toll for European ships to go through." | | 34:46 | Joe Getty | "That would be truly unholy." |
Key Timestamps by Segment
- 00:36–03:17 – Springsteen/Eagles concerts, aging musicians, politics at concerts
- 03:21–07:04 – CBS hospice fraud story & government waste critique
- 07:32–09:39 – Taxes, patriotism, and blue state policies
- 12:48–15:18 – Peanuts in Coke, tonsil stones, boiled peanuts, regional Americana
- 19:37–22:31 – Jennifer Siebel Newsom’s comments on crime, tragedy, and privilege
- 24:20–27:18 – Search for Bitcoin’s creator; investment vs. speculation debate
- 28:07–34:56 – Iran ceasefire: conflicting narratives, ambiguous deals, global consequences
Conclusion
This episode weaves comic relief, nostalgia, and biting policy critique with social commentary, providing listeners with a wide-ranging conversation delivered in Armstrong & Getty’s trademark candid and irreverent style. Whether poking fun at viral food trends, lamenting systemic apathy, or denouncing political naivete and geo-diplomatic absurdity, the duo delivers a blend of humor and skepticism that challenges listeners to look beneath the headlines.