Armstrong & Getty On Demand: Episode Summary Title: You Can't Open Your Eyes & You Whistle Through Your Ears
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host/Authors: Jack Armstrong & Joe Getty
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

In this engaging episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a myriad of pressing topics ranging from local politics and social issues to international affairs and defense. Their candid discussions, sprinkled with humor and sharp insights, provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current socio-political landscape.

1. New York City Mayoral Primary Upset

The episode kicks off with a surprising development in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat to state Assemblyman Zoran Mamdani, a result that took many by surprise.

Key Points:

• Zoran Mamdani's Victory: At just 33 years old, Mamdani secured decisive wins in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, showcasing a strong base of support in these key boroughs.
• Cuomo's Concession Speech: Cuomo praised Mamdani's ability to "touch young people and inspire them to come out and vote" (02:14).
• Media and Public Reaction: The hosts express skepticism about Mamdani's political stance, labeling him a "socialist, Israel-hating, Jew-hating" candidate, and predict a potential media-fueled narrative against him.

Notable Quote:

• Jack Armstrong: "It's amazing you have that power." (00:28) – Highlighting the unexpected nature of Mamdani's triumph.

2. 10-Year Anniversary of Marriage Equality

Marking a decade since the landmark Supreme Court decision in the Obergefell case, Armstrong and Getty reflect on the evolution of the gay rights movement.

Key Points:

• Supreme Court Decision: Recalling the day gay marriage was legalized, the hosts reminisce about the public celebrations and the shift in societal norms.
• Andrew Sullivan's Commentary: Referencing Sullivan's New York Times essay, they discuss concerns over the movement's "radicalization," particularly regarding transgender issues.
• Debate on Gender Ideology: Both hosts critique modern gender theories, arguing that conflating gay rights with trans issues has diluted the original objectives of the movement.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong: "Being a man or woman has nothing to do with biology. That's a good point." (08:25)
• Joe Getty: "Again, to go along with radical gender theory is to submit to something you know in your heart is bizarre and untrue." (08:34)

3. Pentagon's Iran Strike and Media Response

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Pentagon's recent release of videos depicting bunker-busting bombs used in an Iran strike, analyzing the implications and media portrayal.

Key Points:

• Military Action Details: Armstrong and Getty dissect the visuals of the strikes, questioning the extent of the damage and the accuracy of leaked reports.
• Media Spin and Public Perception: They argue that the media has potentially misrepresented the effectiveness of the strikes, framing it as a negligible event despite evidence of substantial destruction.
• International Reactions: The hosts touch upon Iran's response, including the suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signaling ongoing tensions.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Getty: "The pilots called the blast the brightest explosion they've ever seen in their lives. It looked like, it literally looked like daylight." (19:44)
• Jack Armstrong: "It's an act of submission." (12:26) – Referring to the acceptance of radical gender theories, illustrating their broader critique of societal shifts.

4. Trump's Influence on NATO and European Defense Spending

Armstrong and Getty commend former President Trump for his role in compelling European NATO members to increase their defense budgets, a move they believe has strengthened the alliance.

Key Points:

• Defense Spending Milestone: Under Trump's leadership, 32 NATO countries committed to spending 5% of their GDP on defense, a significant rise from previous allocations.
• Media Neglect: The hosts lament that this achievement went underreported due to negative perceptions of Trump in the media.
• Strategic Implications: Enhanced defense spending by European nations is viewed as a crucial step in bolstering NATO's collective security, especially in light of Russian aggression.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong: "I've never understood how you don't see it that way." (25:43)
• Joe Getty: "What are you gonna do?" (29:41) – Emphasizing the inevitability of stronger defense measures despite media criticisms.

5. Brief News Bits and Humorous Anecdotes

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts shift to lighter topics and humorous exchanges, providing a balance to the intense discussions.

Key Points:

• Leanne Rhimes Incident: They briefly mention the actress’s on-stage mishap involving her teeth, injecting humor into the conversation.
• Plastic Surgery Banter: An amusing dialogue ensues about contemplating a chin tuck and the potential teasing from family members.
• Yeezy Slides Joke: The hosts joke about Adolf Hitler's hypothetical use of Kanye West’s Yeezy Slides, blending pop culture with dark humor.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong: "You can't open your eyes and you whistle through your ears and all kinds of different things happen." (15:35) – A playful reference to the exaggerated effects of plastic surgery.
• Joe Getty: "Is that the Klansman's brand?" (34:47) – Poking fun at the earlier joke about Yeezy Slides.

6. Closing Remarks and Teasers

As the episode wraps up, Armstrong and Getty tease upcoming topics, maintaining their trademark blend of seriousness and wit.

Key Points:

• Upcoming Health Segment: Discussion on the decline of heart attack deaths juxtaposed with the rise of other deadly conditions.
• Right-Wing Divides: Exploration of the schism between isolationists and interventionists within the political right, questioning the actual influence of isolationist voices.
• Final News Bit: Highlighting Iran's parliamentary decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA, reinforcing ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack Armstrong: "We're just going to have to." (28:12) – Summing up the inevitability of addressing complex international issues.
• Joe Getty: "It's a battle of our time that we fight every day in our own little way." (29:33) – Emphasizing the personal nature of combating widespread societal challenges.

Conclusion

In this episode, Armstrong and Getty effectively navigate through a spectrum of topics, offering listeners a blend of in-depth analysis, personal anecdotes, and humor. From examining local political upheavals and reflecting on social progress to critiquing international military actions and celebrating defense achievements, the hosts provide a well-rounded perspective. Their candid conversations encourage listeners to engage critically with current events while enjoying the light-hearted moments that make the podcast uniquely entertaining.

Notable Overall Quote:

• Jack Armstrong: "It's the battle of our time that we fight every day in our own little way." (29:33) – Capturing the essence of their ongoing discourse on societal and political issues.

For those who missed the episode or wish to revisit the discussions, the full podcast is available on-demand through iHeartPodcasts.