Podcast Summary: Armstrong & Getty On Demand – "Whiz It Out"
Date: December 2, 2025
Hosts: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Notable Guest: Mike Lyons (Military Analyst)
Episode Overview
This episode opens with the Armstrong & Getty team diving into the ongoing controversy around recent U.S. military strikes off the coast of Venezuela, questions about legality and military professionalism, and the political fallout for Secretary Pete Hegseth. Military analyst Mike Lyons joins to provide context and perspective. The discussion shifts to the Ukraine war "freeze" proposal and its historical parallels, before moving on to concerns about supplement fraud on Amazon, a viral NFL field goal gaffe, and the IRS's awkward attempt to define pornography for tip-tax purposes. Light-hearted commentary on bizarre foot fetishes, awkward workplace dynamics, tips on fantasy sports, and a sharp critique of Europe’s energy policy rounds out the episode.
In-Depth Discussion Points & Insights
1. Venezuela Boat Strike Controversy: Military Conduct & Political Backlash
[02:43 - 10:33]
- Context:
Armstrong & Getty discuss a controversial military operation involving multiple strikes on a vessel off the coast of Venezuela, with political attention sharply focused on Secretary Pete Hegseth’s involvement. - Mike Lyons’ Take:
- The episode is being used as a political tool, with intense civilian scrutiny on what is usually standard military procedure.
- There's historical precedent for "double tap" strikes; the current attention is driven more by politics than a change in military conduct.
- Quote:
"This mission is being so scrutinized...I can give you multiple examples of previous missions...but for now, it's reached this hyperbolic boiling point." — Mike Lyons [04:31] - Lyons insists these were legal, military targets, and that seasoned professionals would not have fired on illegal targets.
- Hosts’ Reflections:
- Armstrong wonders if things are getting “way too lawyerly” compared to past conflicts.
- Lyons says all actions were within the rules once the targets were declared military threats, emphasizing that accountability extends down the chain of command, not just to Hegseth.
2. Historical & Legal Context: War Crimes and Targeting Survivors
[06:33 - 10:33]
- Getty:
Raises the issue of international law regarding attacks on shipwreck survivors. - Lyons:
- Argues context is everything — these were declared legal targets, not helpless survivors.
- Stresses there’s no evidence of intentional war crimes; much of the debate reflects political agendas.
- Quote:
“Nobody in the military is committing war crimes, which is where this has gone to.”— Mike Lyons [05:21]
- Political Motives:
Both hosts and Lyons agree that recent timing, Congressional actions, and media maneuvering strongly suggest these hearings are as much about "getting" Hegseth as about actual misconduct.
3. Ukraine “Freeze”: Armistice or Appeasement?
[10:33 – 13:57]
- Lyons’ RealClear Defense Piece:
- Frames the proposed Ukraine deal as a “Korean-style armistice”—not a true peace, just a freeze likely to tee up future conflict.
- Without NATO security guarantees, Ukraine would risk being unable to defend itself if the conflict restarts.
- Quote:
“It’s Korea, 1953—will create a DMZ...but it can always be restarted. I just don’t believe this is good for long-term Eastern Europe.”— Mike Lyons [11:13]
- Technological Race:
- Russian advances in drone technology have leveled the battlefield with Ukraine, highlighting the need for ongoing innovation.
- Getty’s Concern:
- Unlike Korea, proposed terms would leave Ukraine “more or less disarmed”—ripe for a future Russian offensive.
4. Buyer Beware: Amazon Supplements Exposed
[20:31 – 23:36]
- Consumer Lab Investigations:
- About 50% of Amazon's top supplements tested contained little or none of the labeled ingredients.
- Almost all failed products came from overseas sellers, especially China.
- Quote:
“Half the supplements tested were effectively fakes... many contained none or almost none of what the label promised.”— Joe Getty [21:23]
- Host Reactions:
- Strong advice to stick to reputable domestic brands.
- Amusing aside about placebo effects: Armstrong is "pro-placebo" if it works for you.
5. Viral NFL Gaffe: The Missed Field Goal
[23:41 – 31:45]
- Play Description:
- A Giants kicker faceplants spectacularly, missing the ball by a foot during a field goal attempt; hosts dissect the comic tragedy.
- Getty:
"He hit a foot, foot and a half behind the ball... never even scared the ball." [28:23]
- Social Media Reaction:
- Both hosts marvel at how even elite pros can have such awkward moments. Advice: Lean into the meme and cash in with endorsements.
6. IRS, Digital Tips, and Pornography: Drawing the Line
[32:06 – 44:07]
- IRS Rulemaking:
- New tax law for tips excludes sex work and pornography, but the IRS is struggling to define where the line is—does, for example, foot fetish content qualify?
- Hosts’ Banter:
- Armstrong is mystified by foot fetishes; Getty is “foot neutral.”
- Discussion on awkward workplace dynamics when foot interests become obvious.
- Quote:
"If she showed up in open-toed sandals... everyone’s going to be checking you out today." — Jack Armstrong [34:31]
- Legal Gray Areas:
- Hosts speculate, with some hilarity, about judges being forced to rule on whether showing feet, doing yoga in tights, or topless content constitutes "pornographic activity" for tax purposes.
7. Europe’s Green Energy Gamble Backfires
[44:07 – 47:39]
- Europe’s Experience:
- Despite big cuts in carbon emissions, residents face electricity rates up to four times higher than the U.S.
- Getty:
“Germany now has the highest domestic electricity prices in the developed world.” [46:54]
- Consequences:
- Sky-high prices hurt industry, drive volatility, and deter AI or other key sectors from investing in Europe.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Mike Lyons (on Venezuela strike):
"Once they are approved legal... it's pretty hard to bring that Hellfire missile back." [05:15] - Jack Armstrong (on supplement placebo):
"If I think it works and it made me feel better, I'm 100%, I'll pay for it." [22:04] - On the field goal blunder:
"If you do that in junior high, everyone would laugh at you and they would wonder why did you ever think you could kick a football?" — Armstrong [28:16] - On IRS and foot fetishes:
"Do you look at yours every day and go, ew, keep them away from people?" — Getty [33:47] - On Europe’s energy plight:
"The poor Euros, having learned three or four languages, got screwed." — Getty [44:55]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Venezuela Strike Controversy & Military Ethics: 02:43 – 10:33
- Ukraine "Freeze" Deal & Military Implications: 10:33 – 13:57
- Amazon Supplement Fraud: 20:31 – 23:36
- Viral NFL Missed Field Goal: 23:41 – 31:45
- IRS, Digital Content, and Defining Porn: 32:06 – 44:07
- Europe’s Energy Backfire: 44:07 – 47:39
Tone & Language
The hosts maintain their trademark mix of pointed inquiry, irreverent commentary, and dry wit. Mike Lyons brings clear, military-informed expertise, steering discussions away from sensationalism back to context and operational realities. Throughout, Armstrong & Getty balance skepticism and snark, particularly when poking fun at supplement fads, foot fetishes, or field goal debacles. The episode offers sharp, insightful, and often humorous takes on the major stories of the week.