Podcast Title: Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
Host/Author: Blaze Podcast Network
Episode: Ep 1169 | You Need to Calm Down (About Tariffs) | Guest: Ron Simmons
Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction to American Girl’s Cultural Shift

In this episode of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, Allie delves into a topic close to her heart: the recent cultural shifts within the American Girl brand. As a devoted girl mom and long-time admirer of American Girl, Allie expresses her concerns over the brand's progressive pivot away from its original, more conservative values.

Nostalgia and Concern: Allie reminisces about her childhood with American Girl dolls, highlighting how the brand once emphasized virtues, appropriate confidence, and the unique value of being a girl. "I remember their lives, I remember their stories and all of their different personality traits because they just kind of left an indelible mark on my young, impressionable mind" (00:30).

Promotion of Diverse Holidays: Allie critiques American Girl’s recent introduction of dolls celebrating a variety of cultural and religious holidays, specifically pointing out the inclusion of an Eid al-Fitr outfit. She questions the brand’s decision to promote Islam alongside other holidays without giving equal representation to Christianity. "I simply find that strange... if you realize that America, this is American Girl, is actually a country with a Christian, or some would say Judeo Christian foundation... Islam as now a very formidable part of American society, it is actually okay. I just want to give you permission in case you needed it" (06:38).

Lack of Christian Representation: Allie notes the absence of explicit Christian symbols in American Girl’s holiday collections. While other religions’ symbols like the Star of David and Islamic motifs are prominently featured, Christian symbols such as crosses and nativity scenes are either minimized or relegated to the bottom of the cultural celebrations page. "But at least I have not seen any crosses, any mangers, any nativities for these Christian holidays" (31:00).

Introduction of Progressive Dolls: She highlights the brand’s expansion to include boy dolls, LGBTQ+ representations, and dolls with social justice causes, which she perceives as a departure from the brand's original mission. "In 2021 of the year was a doll named Kira Bailey... The same year AG released a street chic collection of dolls with blue and purple hair" (26:15).

Alternative Options: Allie advocates for alternatives like Faith Friends dolls, which uphold Christian values and provide a more aligned choice for parents seeking biblically grounded toys for their children. "They are a Christian alternative... get it. That's part of what sharing the arrows is as believers" (29:45).

Conversation with Ron Simmons on Tariffs and the Economy

Transitioning from cultural discussions, Allie engages in a thoughtful conversation with her father, Ron Simmons, regarding the escalating tariff war and its implications for the U.S. economy.

Current Tariff Situation: Allie outlines the recent developments in the U.S.-China tariff conflict. "After China threatened to impose an additional 34% tariff on American goods, Trump added an additional 50% to their existing tariffs, bringing the total tariff against China to 104% (31:45)." She also mentions China's retaliation with an 84% tariff on U.S. goods and the European Union's potential countermeasures.

Economic Impact and Market Reactions: Ron emphasizes the importance of a long-term perspective on stock market investments, advising listeners to avoid making hasty decisions based on short-term market volatility. "If you have money that you need to use within the next 12 months, that money should never be in the stock market" (31:50).

Fairness and Reciprocity: Ron concurs with Trump’s strategy, highlighting the need for reciprocal trade measures to level the playing field with China. "President Trump is not saying, hey, you charge us 2%, so we're going to charge you 20%. That's not what he's saying... What we're looking for is kind of tit for tat that 2% versus 2%, 10% versus 10%" (37:18).

Positive Long-Term Outlook: Despite the immediate concerns, Ron remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of the tariff war. He believes that these measures will ultimately strengthen the U.S. economy by encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing the trade deficit. "I believe that this is something that we're witnessing that I think in the long term will benefit your kids, my grandkids and their kids and kids of theirs for generations to come" (47:58).

Impact on Consumer Prices: When addressing fears of rising consumer prices due to tariffs, Ron reassures listeners that significant price hikes are unlikely for everyday items. "I just do not see it happening. It hasn't happened yet... I do not see it increasing prices at home on the things that you and I buy every day" (48:34).

Advice on Housing and Interest Rates: The discussion also touches on housing market concerns amidst fluctuating interest rates. Ron advises focusing on long-term investment and cautions against adjustable-rate mortgages, suggesting fixed-rate options instead. "I would never buy an adjustable rate mortgage. I would only buy fixed mortgage and I would try to do it on 15 years if you can" (49:42).

Population Growth and Immigration: Allie raises concerns about the intersection of tariffs, housing prices, and immigration, suggesting that stricter immigration controls could alleviate some economic pressures. Ron acknowledges the complexity of the issue, noting the delicate balance between individual liberties and economic impacts. "If someone's here legally and they want to have their parents live with them or whatever the scenario is, I mean, that's just... that's their freedom" (54:15).

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Allie expressing gratitude for her father’s insights, reassuring listeners to remain calm and informed amidst economic uncertainties. "You need to abandon American girls... As far as, as grocery store items and things like that, I don't see there being a big change in those" (49:04). Allie encourages her audience to stay connected and informed, promising more in-depth discussions in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Allie Beth Stuckey (00:30):
  "I remember their lives, I remember their stories and all of their different personality traits because they just kind of left an indelible mark on my young, impressionable mind."

• Allie Beth Stuckey (06:38):
  "I simply find that strange... if you realize that America, this is American Girl, is actually a country with a Christian, or some would say Judeo Christian foundation... Islam as now a very formidable part of American society, it is actually okay."

• Ron Simmons (37:18):
  "President Trump is not saying, hey, you charge us 2%, so we're going to charge you 20%. That's not what he's saying... What we're looking for is kind of tit for tat that 2% versus 2%, 10% versus 10%."

• Ron Simmons (48:34):
  "I just do not see it happening. It hasn't happened yet... I do not see it increasing prices at home on the things that you and I buy every day."

• Allie Beth Stuckey (49:42):
  "Interest rates people, what happened Allie, with it's not yalls fault. Your generation and the generations behind you is that you were exposed to, to historically low interest rates where you could buy a house with a 3% mortgage."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions on American Girl's cultural evolution and the economic implications of current tariff policies, providing listeners with valuable insights and expert perspectives.