Armstrong & Getty On Demand

Episode: I Don't Watch the News
Date: September 8, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts – Armstrong & Getty

Episode Overview

In this episode, Armstrong and Getty blend their trademark humor and genuine storytelling, centering around the theme of stepping outside your social comfort zone—specifically, making connections with neighbors at a cul de sac barbecue. The hosts also riff on a beloved viral video of a child explaining why he doesn’t watch the news, using it as a charming starting point for deeper conversation about healthy neighborly relationships, introversion, and even a bit of Jello nostalgia. The episode is lighthearted, relatable, and filled with memorable moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Viral "Apparently" Kid & Media Nostalgia

• Armstrong shares a classic viral news clip (01:13), where a young boy is interviewed at a fair and hilariously describes his experience, culminating with the line:

  “Apparently, I’ve never been on live television before, but apparently sometimes I don’t watch the news because I’m a kid...”
  (Child Interviewee, 02:08)

• Hosts Reflect on Internet Fame (03:14):
  Armstrong worries aloud about what became of the kid, joking about the perils of viral fame:

  “I hope he isn’t something horrific now, is he?... Being cute 10 years ago is not an excuse for everybody to dig into your life.”
  (Armstrong, 03:14; Getty, 03:16)

2. Stepping Out of Introversion at the Neighborhood Barbecue

• Armstrong confesses his introverted nature (05:12), admitting he dreads such gatherings but is always glad he overcomes it:

  “Because I’m an introvert…I dread those sorts of things. I wish I didn’t.”

• Emphasis on Community (06:23):
  Armstrong extols the value of forging neighborhood bonds, sharing stories of delicious homemade food and the genuine connections made between adults and kids.

  “It was so flipping wholesome. It was just out of control wholesome.” (Armstrong, 05:58)

• Getty jokingly laments the disappearance of Jello from gatherings, adding levity:

  “Whatever happened to jello? Why don’t you young people eat jello?” (Getty, 06:23)

3. The Unexpected Upsides of Going Social

• Armstrong recounts the joy and practicality that comes with knowing neighbors (07:29):

  “I want them [his kids] to realize the advantage of knowing your neighbors…You know, ‘Hey, I’m going to be gone for the next week. If a moving van shows up, that’s not me.’”

• Follow-up from Getty (07:18):
  Getty echoes the sentiment, indicating he’s learned to always go because, “You’ll be glad you went. You will be glad you went, go. And I do.”

4. Neighbors Sharing Stories—The Heart Attack Incident

• Armstrong recounts a harrowing story from a neighbor (08:10) about a heart attack, humorously describing his own lightheaded response:

  “Oh, I had to sit down … I was getting lightheaded. Things were black. Why does that happen?” (Armstrong, 08:35)

• Modern Medicine’s Miracles (09:04):
  Armstrong shares the neighbor’s recovery time:

  “…total time, he said, from when his wife parked the car and he walked into the ER to where he was headed home, a new man was 47 hours.”
  (Armstrong, 09:04)

5. Joy in Simple Community and Quirky Wisdom

• Running theme: Finding joy and reassurance in neighborhood community, illustrated through stories, food, and even jokes about Jello flavors (Armstrong & Getty, 09:59).
• Final neighborly wisdom and jokes (10:10):

  “You can pick your nose, you can pick your friends, but you can’t pick your neighbors or your family.”
  (Armstrong, 10:10)
  Getty's reply:
  “You can pick your nose, but you can’t pick your neighbors. And you certainly can’t pick your neighbor’s nose.”
  (Getty, 10:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Armstrong, on introverts going to gatherings:

  “If you are an introvert like me, go to these things. I’ve never regretted going to something like this.” (06:40)

• Getty, on Jello’s questionable flavors:

  “The green lime. Have you ever had a lime in your mouth? It tastes nothing like lime. It’s a lie. That Jello is a lie.” (07:59)

• On modern medical miracles:

  "…from when his wife parked the car and he walked into the ER to where he was headed home, a new man was 47 hours. That’s just modern miracles, man." (Armstrong, 09:04)

• On community's practical benefits:

  "You know, just that sort of stuff. It's so handy for your neighborhood." (Armstrong, 07:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:13 – Armstrong introduces the viral “Apparently kid” news clip
• 02:08 – Child gives his legendary “apparently” quote
• 05:12 – Armstrong discusses his introversion and dread of social gatherings
• 06:23 – Getty reminisces about Jello as a forgotten staple
• 07:29 – Armstrong emphasizes the value of knowing your neighbors
• 08:10 – Story about neighbor’s heart attack and its physical effect on Armstrong
• 09:04 – Neighbor’s rapid medical recovery described
• 10:10 – Classic “you can pick your nose…” neighbor joke and friendly banter

Overall Tone and Takeaways

The tone is warm, humorous, and grounded in everyday reality. Armstrong & Getty blend self-deprecating wit with encouraging reflections on the value of personal connections, especially in an era where social isolation is common. Memorable anecdotes—both lighthearted and serious—make the episode a reminder that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to stronger community, lasting friendships, and some unexpectedly great stories.