Are We On a Ride or a Mission?

This episode was produced while streaming LIVE on X and Facebook.  Billy Dees and Anna R. Madsen discuss Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent press conference on autism, which took place earlier this week. Kennedy presented updated autism data, revealing an increase in prevalence from one in 36 to one in 31 children, and emphasized the need for more timely data collection. The discussion highlights the controversy surrounding Kennedy's comments, particularly his assertion that a significant percentage of autistic children may face challenges in adulthood, which sparked backlash from some in the autism community who felt misrepresented.  Billy and Anna underscore the importance of acknowledging the rising autism rates and the need for a national conversation about it, while also addressing the media's portrayal of Kennedy as a "vaccine skeptic." They argue that the discourse around autism and related issues is often polarized, preventing constructive dialogue. This conversation is significant as it sheds light on the complexities of autism awareness, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the necessity for ongoing research and discussion in the field. You can follow Billy Dees on X @BillyDees https://x.com/BillyDees You can follow Anna Matson on x @AnnaRMatson https://x.com/AnnaRMatson 00:02 - Kennedy's autism data discussion  06:03 - Context matters in autism debate  12:21 - Understanding autism as an epidemic  23:49 - Political labels and independence  28:57 - Space flight and media perception  38:12 - Genetic engineering concerns explored  47:06 - Podcast launch and conversations