Armstrong & Getty On Demand: "What's Wrong With Snaps?" – January 29, 2025

In the January 29, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosted by Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong under the iHeartPodcasts banner, the hosts delve into pressing societal issues ranging from political controversies to the mental health crisis among youth. Titled "What's Wrong With Snaps?", the episode navigates through complex discussions, insightful commentary, and lively debates, all while maintaining an engaging and relatable tone for listeners unfamiliar with the podcast.

1. RFK Jr.'s Confirmation as Secretary of Health and Human Services

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion surrounding Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s (RFK Jr.) confirmation hearings for the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Jack Armstrong critiques RFK Jr.'s stance on vaccines and his financial interests, stating:

"You're going to get a hatchet in the forehead if he does." [20:52]

This remark underscores the skepticism the hosts have regarding RFK Jr.'s intentions and potential conflicts of interest, especially concerning vaccine policies. Joe Getty emphasizes the importance of the conversation:

"I like the fact that we're having this discussion." [42:36]

They dissect RFK Jr.'s interactions with prominent figures like Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, highlighting attempts to challenge his ethical guidelines and questioning his commitment to public health. The hosts express concern over RFK Jr.'s ability to balance personal financial gains with the responsibilities of a public health official.

2. The Mental Health Crisis Among Youth

A significant portion of the episode addresses the alarming rise in mental health issues among children and adolescents.

Jack Armstrong presents stark statistics:

"When my uncle was president, 2% of American kids had chronic disease. Today, 66% have chronic disease." [40:46]

He connects this surge to environmental factors, such as microplastics and the pervasive use of smartphones, suggesting that these elements disrupt hormonal balances and contribute to increased anxiety and depression:

"I believe that the whole smartphone thing, staring at the phone's lack of connectedness with human beings is probably the number one factor in young people being so depressed and anxious and disconnected and suicidal." [07:40]

Joe Getty shares personal anecdotes about dealing with family members' mental health struggles, reinforcing the real-world impact of these statistics:

"I dealt all day yesterday... mental issues that ... didn't hardly ever exist all that much before." [11:48]

3. Environmental Impacts on Health

The hosts explore the environmental determinants of health, particularly focusing on electric vehicles (EVs) and microplastics.

Jack Armstrong critiques the environmental benefits of EVs by highlighting unforeseen consequences:

"They're so damn heavy, they wear out roads faster... They go through tires really fast." [04:29]

He raises concerns about the end-of-life issues related to EV batteries and their broader environmental footprint.

Furthermore, both hosts discuss how microplastics infiltrate the environment, leading to hormonal disruptions:

"There's always a better word than things. There are substances... that have the ability to change our production of various hormones." [05:05]

4. DEI, Affirmative Action, and Civil Rights

A substantial segment is dedicated to dissecting the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and their alignment with the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Jack Armstrong provides a historical perspective:

"The Civil Rights act got perverted into the new DEI thing and everybody started to think... It's resolutely colorblind." [27:41]

He criticizes DEI programs for diverging from the original intent of civil rights legislation, arguing that they perpetuate racial biases rather than eliminating them. The discussion extends to Trump's executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives, which the hosts view as a necessary correction to uphold true colorblind policies.

Joe Getty reflects on societal progress and the lingering challenges:

"How we haven't had to have a conversation around how does that fit in with Ibram X Kendi... It doesn't fit." [32:02]

The hosts advocate for a return to policies that enforce equal treatment without preferential considerations based on race, aligning with their interpretation of the Civil Rights Act.

5. Personal Reflections and Societal Observations

Throughout the episode, Joe Getty and Jack Armstrong interweave personal stories and societal observations to underscore their points. For instance, Joe Getty recounts conversations about the increasing prevalence of mental health diagnoses:

"My son's getting his TDAP today... how several diseases are more common now." [42:25]

Jack Armstrong muses on cultural shifts, referencing pop culture and historical figures to illustrate changes in societal attitudes:

"Coleman Hughes talks about people who went on... it's gotten absurd." [37:51]

These reflections serve to humanize the broader topics, making the discussion more relatable and impactful for listeners.

6. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In the concluding moments, the hosts emphasize the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis and the importance of unbiased public health policies.

Joe Getty succinctly summarizes the predicament:

"Why does it have to fall into the camp of politics? Which side am I supposed to be on this?" [43:21]

They advocate for depoliticizing health issues to ensure that the focus remains on effective solutions rather than partisan debates. The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to engage in these critical conversations and push for meaningful change.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty on the mental health crisis:

  "I don't have the slightest idea if he [RFK Jr.] has the right answers... but it seems like one out of four kids has [mental health issues]." [11:48]

• Jack Armstrong on DEI and Civil Rights:

  "The Civil Rights act got perverted into the new DEI thing and everybody started to think... It's resolutely colorblind." [27:41]

• Jack Armstrong criticizing environmental policies:

  "Microplastics... have the ability to change our production of various hormones." [05:05]

• Joe Getty reflecting on political implications:

  "Why does it have to fall into the camp of politics? Which side am I supposed to be on this?" [43:21]

Conclusion

"What's Wrong With Snaps?" offers a comprehensive examination of interconnected issues affecting modern society, from public health and environmental concerns to the intricacies of civil rights policies. Through candid dialogue and critical analysis, Armstrong & Getty challenge listeners to rethink prevailing narratives and advocate for solutions grounded in science and equality. Whether it's questioning the efficacy of DEI programs or spotlighting the dire state of youth mental health, the episode serves as a catalyst for meaningful discourse.