Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey: Episode 1223 | Forrest Frank & the New Christian Music Revival

Release Date: July 28, 2025 | Host: Allie Beth Stuckey | Network: Blaze Podcast Network

Introduction and Overview

In Episode 1223 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, hosted by Allie Beth Stuckey from the Blaze Podcast Network, listeners are treated to a dynamic exploration of contemporary issues from a Christian, conservative perspective. This episode delves into a variety of topics, including media portrayals of femininity, the resurgence of Christian music in the mainstream, the controversial phenomenon of reborn dolls, and a critical discussion on organ donation reforms spearheaded by the Health and Human Services (HHS).

Media Mentions and Gender Discussions

Allie Beth begins by addressing recent media coverage related to her podcast. She references her interview with The New York Times and subsequent media reactions, including a more critical piece by the same publication. Additionally, she discusses an article from Cosmopolitan titled "Meet the New Wave of Femininity Influencers Who Want You to Abandon Feminism as You Know It."

Notable Quote:

"Relatable isn't new. I've been doing this for 10 years, talking about the same things."
— Allie Beth Stuckey [08:30]

She challenges the characterization of her podcast as a novel movement, emphasizing the consistency and longevity of her message regarding biblical womanhood. Allie Beth further differentiates biblical womanhood from the superficial aspects of the traditional wife trend prevalent on social media, advocating for a deeper, faith-based approach to gender roles.

Christian Music Revival

Shifting focus, Allie Beth highlights a significant milestone in Christian music. For the first time since 2014, two Christian artists have secured spots on the Billboard Top 100. Forrest Frank's "Your Way Is Better" reached number 61 and has remained on the chart for 13 weeks, while Brandon Lake's "Hard Fought Hallelujah" peaked at number 40 with an impressive 22-week streak.

Notable Quote:

"It's a collision of awesome talent and a desire to glorify God."
— Allie Beth Stuckey [21:07]

Allie Beth shares her personal experience attending Forrest Frank's concert, highlighting its family-friendly atmosphere and the artist's commitment to integrating clear gospel messages within his performances. This resurgence signifies a broader trend of Christian music gaining mainstream acceptance and influence.

Reborn Dolls Controversy

One of the most provocative segments of the episode examines the rise of reborn dolls—a trend where hyper-realistic baby dolls, sometimes costing up to $10,000, are treated by their owners as actual infants. This phenomenon has garnered attention from mainstream media, including a comprehensive article by The Wall Street Journal.

Notable Quote:

"This is a form of idolatry and replacing real children with inanimate objects."
— Allie Beth Stuckey [29:38]

Allie Beth and her guest Bri discuss the psychological and spiritual implications of this trend, arguing that reborn dolls represent a disturbing shift in societal priorities and spiritual values. They critique the notion that these dolls can serve as therapeutic substitutes for real children, emphasizing the dangers of forming emotional attachments to objects rather than living relationships.

Organ Donation Investigation and Reforms

The latter half of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Raymond Lynch, Chief of the Organ Transplant Branch at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) within HHS. This discussion centers on recent findings from an investigation announced by HHS Secretary RFK Jr., which uncovered alarming practices within a major Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) in Kentucky, Southwest Ohio, and part of West Virginia.

The Securing the US Optn Act of 2023

Dr. Lynch explains the pivotal role of the Securing the US Optn Act passed in 2023, which modernized the 40-year-old National Organ Transplant Act. This legislation introduced significant changes to enhance oversight, diversify contractors managing the organ transplant system, and establish an independent board for more objective governance.

Notable Quote:

"We are making sure that neither of those things are true. We are ensuring the system stays fair and balanced."
— Dr. Raymond Lynch [59:03]

Case Study: TJ Hoover

A focal point of the investigation is the case of TJ Hoover in Kentucky (2021), where his organ donation was initiated while he exhibited signs of life. This incident prompted HRSA to conduct a thorough review of 351 cases, revealing systemic issues such as poor neurological assessments and misclassified causes of death.

Notable Quote:

"Satan is using every way he can to vie for the throne of our hearts."
— Allie Beth Stuckey [35:00]

Reforms and Ethical Safeguards

Dr. Lynch outlines the reforms being implemented to prevent such incidents, including enhanced documentation of neurological status, improved communication with medical teams and families, and better data collection on medications administered during organ recovery processes. Additionally, he addresses concerns about potential profit incentives, clarifying that families are not compensated and emphasizing the ethical standards that govern organ procurement.

Notable Quote:

"It's a truly noble choice... a decision driven by hope, not by any profit motive."
— Dr. Raymond Lynch [62:50]

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Allie Beth wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of vigilance against idolatry and consumerism, whether manifested through reborn dolls or other materialistic pursuits. She underscores the necessity of placing trust and fulfillment in Christ rather than in transient objects or trends. The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the redemptive power of organ donation, provided that the system operates with integrity and compassion.

Notable Quote:

"God's eternal plan of redemption is always going off without a hitch."
— Allie Beth Stuckey [40:56]

Listeners are left with a call to action to support ethical practices in organ donation and to remain steadfast in their faith amidst cultural shifts.

Key Takeaways

• Media Representation: Allie Beth addresses how her podcast and message are portrayed in mainstream media, advocating for a faithful and consistent approach to Christian womanhood.

• Christian Music's Mainstream Success: The entry of Christian artists into the Billboard Top 100 signifies a growing acceptance and influence of Christian music in popular culture.

• Reborn Dolls as Modern Idolatry: The trend of reborn dolls is critiqued as a dangerous form of idolatry that distracts from real human relationships and spiritual fulfillment.

• Organ Donation Reforms: Recent investigations have exposed critical flaws in the organ procurement system, leading to significant legislative and operational reforms aimed at ensuring ethical and transparent practices.

• Faith and Cultural Engagement: The episode emphasizes the importance of grounding actions and decisions in Christian faith to navigate and influence a morally complex society.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions in Episode 1223, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on contemporary issues through the lens of faith and morality.