Fascinating!

Summary

Armstrong & Getty On Demand Episode: Fascinating! Release Date: April 3, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosted by iHeartPodcasts, the team delves into a rich tapestry of topics ranging from science fiction nuances to the ethical implications of genetic engineering. Aptly titled "Fascinating!", the episode weaves together engaging discussions, insightful anecdotes, and listener interactions, all while maintaining the show’s signature blend of humor and thought-provoking conversation.

1. Promoting Bone Valley Season 2

The episode opens with a promotional segment for Bone Valley Season 2, a narrative podcast where Jeremy Scott grapples with the aftermath of confessing to a fictional murder.

• Jeremy Scott [00:02]: "Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley season one."

• Gilbert King [00:09]: "Every time I hear about my dad is, oh, he's a killer. He's just straight evil."

This segment sets the stage for Season 2, highlighting the emotional turmoil of Gilbert King, who reflects on his father’s actions and the implications of Jeremy Scott’s confession.

2. Diving into Science Fiction

The core of the episode transitions into a spirited discussion about science fiction, particularly focusing on the iconic character Mr. Spock from Star Trek.

• Jack [01:03]: "I was thinking about something that was really interesting, and I heard Spock's voice in my head saying, fascinating, fascinating."

The hosts explore Mr. Spock's defining traits, debating whether his famous catchphrase "Fascinating" aligns with his stoic and emotionless demeanor.

• Michael [02:23]: "No, it's a perfect answer. If you're gonna look at him, but not Ph."

• Jack [03:56]: "His very catchphrase contradicted his character."

Katie adds depth to the conversation by discussing experiencial aspects of watching Star Trek, recalling personal anecdotes about the show’s influence and its binge-watching culture.

• Katie [01:05]: "About science fiction."

The discussion also touches upon Tim Sandifer’s analysis of Star Trek, highlighting its parallels with American foreign policy and the evolution of its storytelling.

• Jack [04:22]: "Tim Sanfer has written a piece on the evolving point of view and plots of Star Trek and how it parallels American foreign policy. That is knockout good."

3. Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering

Shifting gears, Armstrong & Getty delve into the controversial topic of gene editing and designer babies, referencing the seminal film Gattaca.

• Jack [08:37]: "A couple of people, including Christie, wrote notes that said, hey, you're talking about the movie Gattaca which came out in, I think somebody said, 1997."

The conversation highlights real-world advancements in genetic counseling and societal attitudes towards genetically engineered individuals.

• Michael [05:03]: "They decided they didn't like the power to choose that, but then found out that there are a whole bunch of other things you can choose."

• Jack [09:19]: "It's just naturally you would be because you wouldn't be as good looking or as smart."

Listener notes enrich the discussion, emphasizing the ethical dilemmas and societal impacts of advancements in genetic technology.

4. The Great Theater Mix-Up

A humorous yet insightful anecdote recounts a disastrous movie theater experience where an inappropriate scene from Gattaca mistakenly airs during a family-friendly screening of Elf.

• Jack [10:28]: "We thought of a very dark and serious nature. Very dark and Serious scene unfolds."

The incident sparks a debate on content appropriateness and the responsibilities of media providers, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a theater packed with children and parents.

• Michael [12:05]: "What does that mean to Satan, Daddy."

• Jack [12:29]: "They come on and say, we'd like to apologize."

5. Anecdote on Societal Coarsening

The hosts share a personal story about a local grocery store owner whose overly cheerful demeanor includes profanity, prompting a discussion on societal norms and the fine line between friendliness and coarseness.

• Michael [13:08]: "I got the little local market by my house... saying hello to everybody."

• Jack [13:00]: "It’s the coarsening of society."

This segment juxtaposes genuine kindness with unexpected vulgarity, sparking reflections on changing social interactions.

6. Closing Promotions and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the promotion for Bone Valley Season 2, encouraging listeners to subscribe and tune in for more exclusive content.

• Jeremy Scott [14:17]: "Listen to new episodes of Bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts."

Conclusion

"Fascinating!" offers a compelling blend of entertainment and intellectual discourse. From dissecting beloved science fiction characters to grappling with futuristic ethical dilemmas, Armstrong & Getty deliver a multifaceted episode that engages listeners on multiple levels. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this episode provides valuable insights and enjoyable storytelling that resonate well beyond the microphone.

Notable Quotes:

• Jack [03:56]: "His very catchphrase contradicted his character."
• Michael [05:03]: "They decided they didn't like the power to choose that."
• Jack [09:19]: "It's just naturally you would be because you wouldn't be as good looking or as smart."
• Jack [13:00]: "It’s the coarsening of society."

Key Takeaways:

• The intricate balance between character traits and signature phrases can define the perception of iconic fictional characters.
• Ethical considerations in genetic engineering remain a pressing societal issue, with real-world implications mirroring those depicted in science fiction.
• Personal anecdotes and humorous incidents can effectively illustrate broader social trends and changes.

For more engaging discussions and entertaining insights, subscribe to Armstrong & Getty On Demand and stay tuned for upcoming episodes that continue to explore the fascinating intersections of culture, technology, and human behavior.

Transcript

[Jeremy Scott]

Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley season one.

[Gilbert King]

Every time I hear about my dad is, oh, he's a killer. He's just straight evil.

[Jeremy Scott]

I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.

[Gilbert King]

At the end of the day, I'm literally a son of a killer.

[Jeremy Scott]

Listen to new episodes of bone Valley Season 2, starting April 9 on the iHeartRadio app.

[Jack]

App.

[Jeremy Scott]

Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jack]

Fascinating. It's one more thing. Armstrong and Getty. One more thing. Two notes from the world of science fiction. Jack, I know you love that genre of entertainment slash literature.

[Michael]

I am not a science fiction person. I don't know why. I just don't think it.

[Jack]

I don't know why either. It's. It's great. There's some. That's just. It's some of the wisest, best things you see. You change the setting. Katie. What? Did your dog break wind? Why do you have that look on your face?

[Michael]

She feels the same way I do about science fiction.

[Katie]

About science fiction.

[Jack]

I work with philistines. This is terrible. No, it changes. All right, you know what? I'm not going to try to explain Beethoven to a couple of basset hounds. No offense. No, you either like it or you don't, but it is somebody more. I'll bet Tim Sandifer could wax incredibly eloquent on why science fiction is so good. Because it changes enough frames of reference that you can isolate various aspects of human behavior in a way that highlights them in a way that's difficult with other fiction. Anyway. Fascinating. Exactly. I have no blank. An idea. This is note from Science Fiction Number one, why this popped into my head. I'm wandering off to the bathroom. The Radio ranch. It must have been. I was thinking about something that was really interesting, and I heard Spock's voice in my head saying, fascinating, fascinating. And you know what occurred to me? Tell me about Mr. Spock. Michael, I'm putting you on the spot here. What is the most distinctive thing about the character Mr. Spock? It was his ears. No. Well, you know what? That's not a bad answer.

[Michael]

No, it's a perfect answer. If you're. If you're gonna look at him, but not. Not Ph.

[Jack]

How about his personality? What was most notable? Class anyone? That's right.

[Michael]

Well, I'm interested. So, Michael, you don't have an answer. Have you never seen Star Trek?

[Jeremy Scott]

Here and there.

[Jack]

But not really.

[Michael]

He was emotionless, right?

[Jack]

Exactly.

[Michael]

Have you seen Star Trek?

[Katie]

Katie, when I was a kid, the original Trek, everybody saw my dad watched a bit of it and I was forced.

[Jack]

Oh, I was. I was a big fan. And then I got to college and a bunch of buddies of mine and I would get baked every Sunday night after our, like, homework was done and stuff like this, studying, and we would get baked and watch Star Trek.

[Jeremy Scott]

Fascinating.

[Jack]

In one guy's room.

[Michael]

One episode or multiple episodes?

[Jack]

No, just one.

[Jeremy Scott]

Just one.

[Katie]

Over and over again.

[Jack]

Yeah. There was one of the TV stations that aired Star Trek at 9:00 Sunday nights.

[Michael]

What a different era in that. You would now, you know, be able to binge the whole series in one weekend.

[Jack]

Right, exactly. But, oh, we had ground rules about there's no saving seats. If you got up to hit the john, the next guy's going to jump into that good seat and you come back and you shuffle your feet, lose your seat. There's etiquette. It was very formalized. Anyway, it occurred to me, Spock saying, fascinating. That's an emotional reaction. His catchphrase contradicted his very essence. If you are robot like and feel no emotion, you're not gonna be fascinated by a problem.

[Michael]

No.

[Jack]

Or an issue.

[Michael]

It's just more information. But it has no emotional effect on you.

[Jack]

Right, exactly. His very catchphrase contradicted his character. I hope Tim Sandifer hears this. I would love to hear his comments someday.

[Michael]

Remember the episode where he thought Jim was dead and he was so excited to see Jim that he has a big smile? Jim, you're alive. Briefly breaking character and having emotions.

[Jack]

Of course. He was half human, Jack. Oh, that's right, he was half human.

[Michael]

Yeah.

[Jack]

Tim Sanfer has written a piece on the evolving point of view and plots of Star Trek and how it parallels American foreign policy. That is knockout good.

[Michael]

Oh, really? Oh, yeah, that's interesting. It's not about how William Shatner, some seasons would be fat and some seasons would be fit.

[Jack]

No. Although that is worthy of study in itself. All right, nerds, Science fiction note number two. And there are a couple of people who emailed us. We were talking about gene splicing, editing designer babies.

[Michael]

Yeah. And how it's a real thing. This New York Times columnist writing about how she and her husband with IVF were given the choice of whether they wanted a boy or a girl, and they decided they didn't like the power to choose that, but then found out that there are a whole bunch of other things you can choose. And a poll came out that 40% of Americans said they would make choices in embryos. If they. If it would make it more likely that their kid could get into a good school.

[Jack]

Whatever. I hate that phrase.

[Katie]

I don't even know what that means.

[Jack]

Oh, yeah, I kind of hate that attitude. Yeah.

[Michael]

So like, make taller, better looking, smarter. You can choose that.

[Jack]

Or just quote, unquote, happy.

[Michael]

Happier. Yeah.

[Katie]

You guys ever see that show Black Mirror on that?

[Jack]

No. I've got a note to watch that and I haven't yet.

[Michael]

What's the premise?

[Katie]

The premise? It's basically way in the future and it's very tech, like technology based. So at one point you have people walking around and they have like a social status above their heads that you can see, you know, and if you do something that's socially unacceptable, your status goes. It's just like a bunch of really terrible technology scenarios. Scenarios. This sounds like something out of Black.

[Jack]

Mirror, but did you enjoy that show?

[Katie]

I love that.

[Jack]

Which is science fiction. You hypocrite.

[Katie]

I don't do the whole space aliens thing. I don't know.

[Jack]

That's where you draw the line.

[Katie]

That's where I draw the line.

[Jack]

Yeah. Okay, I will watch it because it sounds really interesting.

[Katie]

Yeah, it really is.

[Jack]

So anyway, we were talking about this and I suggested that Mike Judge, who was behind the. We thought it was a comedy. Turns out it was a documentary. Idiocracy. One of our mutual favorite movies of all time. It's. It's dumb, but it's smart. Anyway, he needs to make an idiocracy for genetically engineered humans who are all, you know, good looking, tall, blue eyed, whatever, kind of a Stepford Wives baby.

[Michael]

And pleasant or happy. Because we mentioned the show. Every writer, musician, artist was unhappy. Has there ever been a happy, great guitar player? I don't know if there has been.

[Jack]

Right. Whether alienated or lonely or a misfit who's looking for some purpose to their life. Yeah, yeah, it's. Well, discontent in general drives achievement.

[Jeremy Scott]

Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley season one.

[Jack]

I just knew him as a kid.

[Jeremy Scott]

Long silent voices from his past came.

[Gilbert King]

Forward and he was just staring at me.

[Jeremy Scott]

And they had secrets of their own to share.

[Gilbert King]

Gilbert King. I'm the son of Jeremy Lynn Scott.

[Jeremy Scott]

I was no longer just telling the story. I was part of it.

[Gilbert King]

Every time I hear about my dad, it's, oh, he's a killer. He's just straight evil.

[Jeremy Scott]

I was becoming the bridge between a killer and the son he'd never known.

[Gilbert King]

If the cops and everything would have done their job properly, my dad would have been in jail, I would have never existed.

[Jeremy Scott]

I never expected to find myself in this place. Now I need to tell you how I got here.

[Gilbert King]

At the end of the day, I'm literally a son of a killer.

[Jeremy Scott]

Bone Valley Season 2 Jeremy.

[Jack]

Jeremy, I want to tell you something.

[Jeremy Scott]

Listen to new episodes of bone Valley Season 2 starting April 9 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. And to hear the entire new season ad free with exclusive content starting April 9th, subscribe to Lava for Good plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Jack]

Anyway, so a couple of people, including Christie, wrote notes that said, hey, you're. You're talking about the movie Gattaca which came out in, I think somebody said, 1997. It's not a comedy, but it's a beautiful film about the not too distant future where people choose traits and those who are born naturally are considered second class citizens.

[Michael]

Oh wow.

[Jack]

I'm a genetic counselor and former genetic research scientist and it is literally referenced in ethical discussions all the time. It's normal to have someone ask the question, isn't that a little too Gattaca? Wow.

[Michael]

What would cause naturally born to be second class citizens?

[Jack]

Well, because they were inferior. They're not all in beautiful and perfect.

[Michael]

And well, I suppose, yeah, just naturally you would be because you wouldn't be as good looking or as smart.

[Jack]

And by the way, Christine Rancho Cordova, I will. I'll drop her note, but she says I won't bore you with all the details, blah, blah, blah. No, go ahead, Boris, with as many details as you want. I find this all fascinating. And she makes the point that yeah, we talk about the ethics all the time, but I do think it's just a matter of time, especially because other countries have been dabbling in it anyway. And I thought Gattaca. That sounds really familiar. Cataca. Why does that sound so familiar? And I think, I think that's the movie I got to retell a story that's been told more than once on the show through the last, well, 1997, 25 years, whatever. I took my kids to see Elf. Good movie in the theater.

[Michael]

Great movie.

[Jack]

And they had a couple of previews.

[Michael]

A young Zooey Deschanel.

[Jack]

Oh, so cute. Anyway, Katie rolls her eyes. I'm a straight.

[Michael]

Maybe you were there for an older Ed Asner.

[Jeremy Scott]

I don't know.

[Jack]

So any. Oh, she was so lovable in that movie. She's d. Anyway, so a couple of previews and then another preview. We thought of a very dark and serious nature. Very dark and Serious scene unfolds. And it is, as I recall. Oh, what's her name? Beautiful African American actress Halle Berry. Yeah. Who's sitting in a chair talking to some sort of counselor detective or something like that. And get the bleepers ready.

[Michael]

And what's the ages on your kids again?

[Jack]

This is a theater full of parents and children ages 5 through 13.

[Katie]

Well, yeah, you're seeing Elf, so that.

[Jack]

Makes sense in the theater. And the scene unfolded as follows. Blah, blah, blah. The detective or counselor or whatever the person was, says to the Halle Berry character. So are you telling me you talked to Satan and the Halle Berry character? I think it was Halle Berry says, talk to Satan. I fucked him. And the whole theater goes, whoa, whoa, what is happening here? And there's a huge uproar, including me.

[Michael]

And we're like, what are you doing?

[Jack]

Everybody's shouting at the projection booth. And they. And everything stops and the lights go on. And about two or three minutes of. There's a great deal of buzz in the theater. You can imagine the parents and the kids going, oh, my God.

[Michael]

What does that mean?

[Jack]

What does it mean to Satan, Daddy.

[Jeremy Scott]

Oh, geez.

[Katie]

Oh, my God.

[Jack]

When's Elf come out?

[Michael]

I'm crying.

[Jack]

They come on and say, we'd like to apologize. The projection booth ran the wrong film. We'll have Elf queued up for you in just a moment.

[Michael]

If you'd like to sign some paperwork on the way out saying you will not hold us responsible for any future trauma, we will give you a free small popcorn.

[Jack]

And I think that movie was Gattaca. Anyway. Yeah, I was wondering if you guys.

[Michael]

Actually enjoy treating your customers like a piece of.

[Jack]

Yeah. Huh.

[Katie]

Oh, I can only imagine the parents in there. Oh, my God.

[Michael]

That is something. You know, since we got an F bomb in the show already, I'll tell the story because this happened two days ago. I got the little local market by my house, little grocery store. That the good enough grocery store in case, unless you need a whole bunch of stuff, everybody goes to nice grocery store. It just came under new ownership. And the guy's working really hard to. To please everybody and saying hello to everybody and introducing himself and everything like that. It's really nice, everything like that. I'm in the other there the other day, and I'm going through. And I said, looks like it's not gonna rain, Danny. And he said, yeah, it's pretty fucking nice outside.

[Jack]

All right.

[Katie]

See, I love that.

[Michael]

I thought, what?

[Jack]

No, it's the coarsening of society.

[Michael]

He's just a nice, cheerful guy. He's like, 62 or something like that. Owns a store, kind of a fat guy, and just very super pleasant, like helping the old ladies to their car. Yeah, it's pretty nice outside. Sam told me. He said you got to start talking to him that way. It's like, where's the milk?

[Jack]

No, no, no.

[Katie]

Oh, that's awesome.

[Jack]

Well, I guess that's it.

[Katie]

I was really hoping you were gonna say, I guess that's it.

[Jack]

Me too. 100 great minds. I thought of it.

[Jeremy Scott]

Something unexpected happened after Jeremy Scott confessed to killing Michelle Schofield in Bone Valley season one.

[Gilbert King]

Every time I hear about my dad is, oh, he's a killer. He's just straight evil.

[Jeremy Scott]

I was becoming the bridge between Jeremy Scott and the son he'd never known.

[Gilbert King]

At the end of the day, I'm literally a son of a killer.

[Jeremy Scott]

Listen to new episodes of bone Valley Season 2, starting April 9 on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.