Armstrong & Getty On Demand: “But You Came In Without Pants”
Hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty | Released March 28, 2025
In the episode titled “But You Came In Without Pants,” hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a myriad of pressing topics ranging from economic policies and personal health to societal norms and political controversies. This comprehensive discussion offers listeners valuable insights and perspectives on current events and personal challenges.
Economic Impacts of Tariffs on the Automotive Industry (00:55 – 04:19)
The episode kicks off with a detailed analysis of the recent 25% tariff imposed on vehicle production. Jack Armstrong outlines the economic ramifications, emphasizing the increased costs for both manufacturers and consumers.
Jack Armstrong (00:55): "Economists estimate that this will cost about $30,500 to $12,000 more per vehicle."
He references the White House's data, noting that an American-made $40,000 vehicle could see its price hike by approximately $5,000 if foreign parts are utilized.
Joe Getty adds his skepticism towards the administration's ability to mitigate these costs, particularly criticizing former President Trump's attempts to pressure automakers into maintaining prices without substantially increasing domestic manufacturing.
Joe Getty (03:51): "I don't think it's realistic to onshore that much manufacturing for a giant complicated industry in the time Trump's going to have."
The discussion highlights the broader economic challenges and the potential long-term effects on the automotive sector and consumers alike.
Navigating Sleep Challenges and Melatonin Use (04:19 – 15:09)
Shifting focus to personal health, guest Michael shares his struggles with insomnia and his experimentation with melatonin supplements. He provides an in-depth account of conflicting research surrounding melatonin's efficacy and safety.
Michael (05:00): "There's a lot not known about melatonin. There's all kinds of conflicting studies on that."
Michael expresses his frustration with inconsistent study results and personal experiences, noting:
Michael (07:15): "I took one, fell asleep hard, woke up at 12:30, wide awake... then I took another one, crashed hard, and slept clear to my alarm."
Joe Getty offers conventional advice, suggesting adherence to recommended usage:
Joe Getty (06:46): "The conventional wisdom I've always heard is take it, then go to bed. Don’t fart around for two hours."
The conversation underscores the complexities of managing sleep health and the importance of critically evaluating medical advice and personal experiences.
The Influence of Smartphones and Social Media on Youth (15:09 – 46:51)
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Peter Boghossian's book, “The Anxious Generation,” and its exploration of smartphones' impact on children and society. Armstrong and Getty examine the societal shifts towards phone-free policies in schools and the broader implications on youth development.
Joe Getty introduces the topic by referencing the book's anniversary and its call for adopting new social norms to mitigate the adverse effects of smartphone addiction:
Joe Getty (04:29): "He has some social principles we all need to adopt... that will save the kids."
Michael connects this to his personal struggles with sleep, pondering the role of smartphones in his nocturnal habits:
Michael (07:15): "I’ve been doing melatonin for my whole life...”
The hosts discuss the implementation of phone-free environments in educational settings, highlighting states like Arkansas and California adopting such measures. They debate the effectiveness and necessity of these policies, considering the modern digital landscape where smartphones are ubiquitous.
Joe Getty further explains the four social norms advocated by the book to address smartphone overuse:
- No Smartphones Before High School (Age 14)
- No Social Media Before Age 16
- Phone-Free Schools
- Increased Independence and Free Play for Children
Joe Getty (43:07): "The best way to delay the arrival of the phone-based childhood is to delay giving your child a smartphone."
Michael and Getty agree on the importance of these measures, though they acknowledge the challenges parents face in enforcing them amidst societal pressures and technological advancements.
The discussion also touches on global perspectives, comparing the United States' approach to smartphone regulation with Europe’s broader immigration and social policies. They critique the lack of discourse around strict immigration policies in countries like Germany and Canada, juxtaposing it with progressive stances in the U.S.
Joe Getty (28:45): "There are groups in the UK and the US that are promoting this stuff."
The conversation emphasizes the need for collective action and societal support to foster healthier digital habits among the younger generation.
Political Controversies and Media Bias (46:51 – 48:53)
In the latter part of the episode, Armstrong and Getty delve into recent political controversies, including former President Trump’s call to defund NPR and PBS. They critique the administration's motives and predict potential backlash from loyal audiences.
Joe Getty (39:37): "Trump's playing a dangerous game... a bunch of 80-year-olds are gonna storm the Capitol."
The hosts also discuss the sensitive issue of visa revocations targeting individuals deemed risky to U.S. foreign policy, citing statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Joe Getty (26:47): "You don't have a right to a visa if you're going to [disrupt]."
They analyze the implications of these policies on free speech and international relations, questioning the balance between national security and individual freedoms.
Additionally, Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty compare the nature of political leaks during different administrations, highlighting perceived biases and inconsistencies in media coverage.
Joe Getty (31:59): "This got no coverage and it just shows you the depth of media biases."
The segment underscores the polarized political climate and the enduring tension between governmental policies and media narratives.
Conclusion
Throughout “But You Came In Without Pants,” Armstrong and Getty engage in thought-provoking discussions that challenge listeners to consider the intricate interplay between economic policies, personal health decisions, technological influences on youth, and the current political landscape. By weaving personal anecdotes with broader societal issues, the episode offers a nuanced perspective on navigating modern-day challenges.
Highlighted Quotes:
- Jack Armstrong (00:55): "According to their fact sheet, a $40,000 vehicle made in America would cost $5,000 more if that company uses foreign parts."
- Michael (07:15): "I fell asleep hard, woke up wide awake... crashed hard, and slept clear to my alarm."
- Joe Getty (43:07): "The best way to delay the arrival of the phone-based childhood is to delay giving your child a smartphone."
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on these discussions and consider the multifaceted impacts of the topics covered on both personal and societal levels.