Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "You're The One Who Just Called Me A Sleazy Feline"

Release Date: June 19, 2025

In this episode of the official Armstrong & Getty On Demand podcast by iHeartPodcasts, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a range of hot-button topics, blending political commentary with cultural observations. The discussion is both lively and contentious, reflecting the polarized climate of contemporary media and politics.

1. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Controversial Comments on 'The View'

The episode kicks off with Armstrong and Getty reacting to Arnold Schwarzenegger's recent appearance on the daytime talk show The View. Schwarzenegger stated, “when you come to America, you're a guest. You have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back” ([01:36]). This remark did not sit well with the hosts, leading to spirited exchanges.

Jack Armstrong expressed strong disapproval:
"No. Crude. I don't approve. I disavow... I hope you leave enough room for my fist because I'm going to ram it into your stomach." ([02:27])

Joe Getty echoed the frustration, emphasizing the unwelcome nature of such blanket statements about immigrants:
"You're here from another country. Have a responsibility to give back. So turn around." ([02:20])

2. Tucker Carlson’s Interview Tactics with Ted Cruz

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Tucker Carlson's interview with Senator Ted Cruz. Armstrong and Getty critique Carlson’s aggressive and often misleading questioning style.

Joe Getty remarked on the division within the Republican Party:
"A lot of mainstream media is playing clips of Tucker Carlson interviewing Ted Cruz... trying to portray the right as divided at each other's throats." ([02:42])

They highlight Carlson's persistence in attacking Cruz’s support for Israel, suggesting financial motivations behind his policies:
"Tucker keeps going back to that... You called me an anti-Semite. I did not." ([07:14])

The hosts accuse Carlson of twisting conversations and using unfair arguments to sidetrack the interviewee, noting,
"The multi-layered bad faith arguments are amazing." ([10:26])

3. Dynamics Within Political Parties

Armstrong and Getty explore the internal diversity within political factions, particularly contrasting the Republican Party's varied viewpoints with what they perceive as a more monolithic Democratic coalition.

Joe Getty points out the lack of dissent within left-leaning media:
"Tell me a podcast that leans left where they aren't just uniformly opposed to Trump and ever argue with each other." ([03:43])

Jack Armstrong counters by referencing a university study on political disagreements, emphasizing the broader spectrum of opinions on the right:
"There’s no comparison. [...] you have a beautiful diversity of opinions on the right versus the left." ([03:55])

4. Media Bias and Representation

The hosts discuss perceived biases in media coverage, particularly in how serious issues are framed. They critique outlets like ABC News for what they consider prejudicial language in reporting significant legal rulings.

Jack Armstrong critiques the Supreme Court ruling coverage:
"The amount of prejudicial language in there is amazing." ([23:04])

They lament the lack of balanced reporting, suggesting that mainstream media often fails to present nuanced perspectives.

5. Supreme Court Ruling on Transgender Medical Care

A substantial segment is dedicated to the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Tennessee's ban on certain gender-affirming medical treatments for minors. Armstrong and Getty dissect the ruling, arguing that it improperly conflates gender identity with biological sex.

Joe Getty reacts to the conservative majority's stance:
"You’re freaking crazy... Medical care. In what sense is doing something completely unnecessary to a child? Medical care?" ([22:40])

Jack Armstrong further elaborates on the absurdity of the court's decision:
"The whole idea of a transgender boy... I reject the notion that there is such a thing as a transgender boy." ([28:58])

They criticize the use of language like "gender affirming care," asserting it legitimizes what they view as radical gender theories.

6. Juneteenth: Historical Significance and Modern Challenges

In celebrating Juneteenth, the hosts reflect on its historical importance as the day when enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom, symbolizing the true end of slavery in the United States.

Joe Getty shares historical context:
"It's the anniversary of... Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced general order number three, which stated that all enslaved people were free." ([35:00])

However, Armstrong and Getty express concern over the commercialization and politicization of Juneteenth:

Jack Armstrong states:
"It's incredibly moving... But like so many other things, in the wake of the George Floyd thing, pandering politicians and angry activists jammed it down America's throat." ([39:00])

They argue that the holiday has been co-opted by certain political movements, diluting its original significance.

7. Scientific Breakthroughs: CRISPR and Gene Editing

The conversation briefly touches on recent advancements in gene editing technology, specifically CRISPR, and its potential to eliminate genetic disorders such as Down syndrome.

Joe Getty reflects on the ethical implications:
"If you can do that, you can also make everybody 6, 7 feet tall... an army out of them." ([19:35])

Jack Armstrong adds a cautionary note about the vast powers that such technologies confer:
"AI Nuclear weapons. Crispr. Yeah. We have these enormous powers now." ([19:47])

They acknowledge both the awe-inspiring potential and the fearsome possibilities of genetic manipulation.

8. Pop Culture and Historical References

The hosts weave in references to pop culture and historical events, adding a lighter dimension to the discussion.

Joe Getty reminisces about the lasting impact of the film Jaws:
"It's the 50th anniversary of Jaws debuting... made people irrationally scared of being attacked by sharks." ([34:29])

They also discuss the enduring presence of Cheerios in the cereal aisle amidst product discontinuations, highlighting nostalgia and consumer habits.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Armstrong and Getty maintain a critical stance on mainstream media practices, political discourse, and societal changes. Their conversation reflects a broader skepticism towards media narratives and political strategies, emphasizing the need for honest and fair discussions on contentious issues.

Notable Quote for Reflection:
"We're taking it back. To quote Bono, yeah, you don't get to use that. Use Juneteenth for all that crap. That's not what it is." ([40:03])

This episode encapsulates the hosts' commitment to challenging prevailing narratives and advocating for what they perceive as truth and integrity in public discourse.

For those interested in hearing more about the Medal of Honor, the episode includes several promotional segments highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. military heroes, available on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.