Armstrong & Getty On Demand – Episode: "If You Came For Flowery, You Got It!"

Release Date: April 16, 2025

Hosted by Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty under the banner of iHeartPodcasts, the episode titled "If You Came For Flowery, You Got It!" delves into pressing societal issues, primarily focusing on the rising autism diagnosis rates in America and the public's perception of government spending and taxation. Interspersed with light-hearted segments and community anecdotes, the hosts engage in a candid and insightful conversation alongside Dr. Nicole Safire, offering listeners a comprehensive exploration of these topics.

1. Rising Autism Rates: Unpacking the Statistics and Implications

Introduction to the Issue

The episode opens with Alexis McAdams from Fox News presenting alarming CDC statistics: in 2022, 1 in every 31 children in America was diagnosed with some measure of autism, a significant increase from 1 in 36 in 2023 and 1 in 150 in 2000. The data also reveals a higher prevalence of autism in boys compared to girls.

Expert Insights and Controversial Claims

Dr. Nicole Safire lends her expertise, emphasizing the gravity of the autism surge. At [00:53], she states:

“Autism is so overwhelmingly a bigger deal now than it used to be. It may be around the edges, it's because of diagnosis, but it's not a factor in the whole thing at all.”

Joe Getty challenges the notion that increased awareness solely accounts for the rise, sharing a personal narrative about his daughter's evolving diagnosis over the years. At [02:34], Dr. Safire adds:

“I've been around schools a lot with my 15-year-old and a 13-year-old... That number sounds easily right to me. 1 out of 30.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Assertions

The conversation shifts to political figures, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claiming that a singular toxin, including vaccines, could be responsible for autism's rise—a theory widely debunked by scientific evidence. At [04:15], Kennedy confidently states:

“By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we'll be able to eliminate those exposures.”

However, Dr. Safire and Getty express skepticism. At [06:40], Dr. Safire remarks:

“That's the first time I've ever heard parenting styles thrown out there for the whole autism thing.”

Genetics vs. Environmental Factors

Discussing the interplay of genetics and environment, Dr. Safire introduces the concept of epigenetics:

“If you have a particular gene and it is exposed to a particular environmental factor, that will... It's a genetic issue, but it's epigenetic.”

Getty concurs, highlighting the complexity of attributing autism to singular causes.

Conclusion on Autism Discussion

The segment underscores the multifaceted nature of autism diagnosis rates, balancing between genetic predispositions and environmental influences while critiquing oversimplified causative claims. The hosts emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and the potential ramifications of politicizing health issues.

2. Public Perception of Government Spending and Taxation

Cato Institute Survey Findings

Transitioning from health issues to economic concerns, Dr. Safire presents findings from a Cato Institute and YouGov survey. A staggering 85% of Americans believe that the massive increase in federal spending over the last decade has either done nothing for them or worsened their quality of life.

At [16:46], Dr. Safire shares:

“85% of Americans say all that government spending has done nothing for them or made their lives worse.”

Taxation Sentiments

Delving deeper, 55% of Americans feel that their taxes are too high, with an equal percentage believing they pay more than their fair share. This sentiment persists despite the fact that approximately half of the population does not pay federal income taxes.

At [29:30], Dr. Safire notes:

“55% of Americans think their taxes are too high. 55% same number believe they pay more than their fair share in taxes.”

Support for Tax Cuts

A significant 85% of Americans support making the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent, viewing them as essential for economic stability and financial fairness. Dr. Safire emphasizes:

“Three quarters of Americans agree that tax cuts should be made permanent because taxes are too high.”

Wealth Redistribution Views

Contrary to prevalent media narratives suggesting widespread disdain for the wealthy, 65% of Americans admire the rich, and 71% disagree with the notion that allowing individuals to become billionaires is immoral.

At [32:31], Dr. Safire asserts:

“71% disagree that it's immoral for society to allow people to become billionaires.”

Implications and Policy Considerations

The discussion highlights a disconnect between media portrayals and public opinion, suggesting that substantially conservative fiscal policies might find fertile ground. Dr. Safire underscores the consensus on prevalent government overspending and the public's desire for fiscal restraint.

3. Community and Light-hearted Segments

Neighbors in Conflict

In a humorous interlude, Armstrong and Getty recount a viral YouTube clip of neighbors in a heated argument. Dr. Safire playfully critiques the aggressiveness displayed, advocating for more constructive communication methods.

At [18:07], Dr. Safire muses:

“I find that on YouTube and it's gonna go right up your... Come say it to my face, you f. Ing idiot.”

Baseball Game Anecdotes

The hosts share amusing anecdotes from baseball games, including a peculiar sound effect causing discomfort among fans and a jest about a fan attempting to engage with players using a microphone and earpiece.

At [20:17], Joe Getty comments:

“That sound was giving me nausea.”

4. Reflections and Closing Thoughts

Optimism Amidst Challenges

Despite the daunting statistics and economic concerns, Armstrong and Getty express a sense of optimism, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts and informed citizenry in effectuating change.

Dr. Safire concludes with a call to action:

“We need to deal with it from a spending standpoint. So we're not getting the government we deserve on this front.”

Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with reminders of upcoming segments and a nod to ongoing societal debates, leaving listeners with food for thought on the interplay between public perception, policy, and personal narratives.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Nicole Safire [01:53]:

  “Autism is so overwhelmingly a bigger deal now than it used to be... It just takes away the momentum you've got in the conversation.”

• Joe Getty [03:16]:

  “But is that 10% rise, is it 50%? Is it 100%? That's what makes so many of these discussions in the media especially so annoying to me.”

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. [04:15]:

  “By September, we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we'll be able to eliminate those exposures.”

• Dr. Nicole Safire [29:44]:

  “One of the reasons this got attention was some of the tax stuff yesterday... 85% say all that government spending has done nothing for them or made their lives worse.”

• Joe Getty [33:15]:

  “Anybody who does think we should make it impossible to become a billionaire, you, you just, you so dumb.”

Conclusion

In "If You Came For Flowery, You Got It!", Armstrong and Getty navigate complex topics with a blend of expertise, personal anecdotes, and relatable humor. By addressing the surge in autism diagnoses and the stark public opinion on government spending, the episode invites listeners to critically assess prevailing narratives and consider the underlying factors shaping contemporary America.