The Michael Knowles Show - Ep. 1838: "Make America Pregnant Again"

Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Allie Beth Stuckey

Overview

In this episode, Michael Knowles addresses the newly announced White House plan to boost America's birth rate, focusing on its inclusion of IVF (in vitro fertilization) subsidies and the broader debate over morality, effectiveness, and cultural consequences of modern reproductive technologies. He welcomes guest Allie Beth Stuckey to weigh in on these topics and a range of political and religious issues, including high-profile controversies, the state of faith in America, and ideological shifts in younger generations. The discussion is rich with critique, moral argumentation, and reflections on cultural trends.

IVF, Fertility Policy, and the Birth Rate Crisis

[01:00] – [07:04]

Knowles announces the White House's new plan encouraging more births, but expresses disappointment that IVF is a centerpiece.
He critiques IVF as "intrinsically immoral" for destroying embryos, commodifying life, and subordinating human origins to technology.
Cites statistic: “IVF is extremely popular with the public. 70%...of American adults think IVF is a good thing. Only 8% know that it's a bad thing.” ([01:56])
Points out a “silver lining”: The plan only subsidizes IVF costs rather than mandating insurance coverage, which he regards as “the least bad” policy outcome.
Effectiveness challenged: Knowles frames a practical argument—IVF has a low success rate and expensive cycles, especially for older women, which might actually lower the birth rate by giving a “false sense of security.”
Praises operative intention for wanting more children but urges solutions “that work both practically and morally.”
Quote:

"IVF is not particularly effective. The likelihood of a live birth after a cycle...for women under 30 is just about 42%. For women between 40 and 41, it's 11%." ([03:11])

Guest: Allie Beth Stuckey on IVF, Morality, & Republican Politics

[07:04] – [11:28]

Knowles welcomes Allie Beth Stuckey, calling her "one of [his] favorite people in politics and media."
Stuckey lauds Knowles’s balanced take and laments Republican inconsistency:

“It’s a very inconsistent philosophy...If you say that a person is a person, no matter how small ... that all people...deserve...dignity and respect...we shouldn’t freeze them [or] eugenically pick out...characteristics.” ([07:46])
Both criticize pro-life Republicans who support IVF, arguing that the process results in more lost lives than abortion annually and commodifies children.
Stuckey:

“…the IVF industry actually kills more unborn children every year than the abortion industry does. And so it’s just not consistent.” ([09:48])
Provocative Argument Example: Knowles draws a sharp moral line:

"If something results in a new baby, then that has to be a good thing. And the obvious rejoinder...tell me about rape...That obviously doesn't justify rape." ([10:03])
Both agree: Every child conceived has value, but not every method of conception is moral.

Celebrity Culture & "Self-Love" Critique via J. Lo

[12:11] – [16:24]

The pair discuss Jennifer Lopez's comments on Howard Stern ([12:11]) about her failed relationships, which she attributes to her partners’ inadequacy and not her own faults.
Stuckey lampoons contemporary mantras about "self-love":

“…the self can be both the problem and the solution. That if you're depressed and anxious and lonely, you should go to the same place where your problems are to find the solution. And that, of course, doesn’t work.” ([15:16])
Knowles shares a homily illustrating the difference between self-obsession and charity:

“…the entire difference between heaven and hell is one of charity.” ([13:43])

Virginia AG Race Scandal & Partisan Extremism

[16:24] – [22:20]

Knowles turns to the Jay Jones scandal, where the Democratic AG candidate allegedly said Republicans “breeding fascists” and made violent remarks ([16:24]).
Miares, the Republican, condemns Jones for advocating political violence against children ([17:55]).
Stuckey criticizes both the Democrats’ cynical silence and the media’s distraction techniques.
Stuckey:

"To want to manifest a mom's worst nightmare...their child dying violently...What a cruel and...wicked person you have to be." ([21:12])
They discuss whether this scandal will affect women voters—Stuckey hopes it cuts through partisan noise, especially given recent political violence.

Cultural and Religious Realignment: The Next Generation

[22:20] – [30:49]

Knowles shares optimism about a religious “rightward” trend among young Catholic priests, with traditionalism increasing while concern for "climate change" and similar topics wanes with younger clergy.

“Much more orthodox, much more traditional. Much more concerned with scriptural fidelity and not trying to innovate.” ([23:12])
Stuckey discusses Evangelical trends: While theological institutions have been infiltrated by “woke” ideologies, she sees a growing backlash and renewed interest in real spiritual engagement, especially after the prominent assassination of a Christian leader named Charlie.
Both agree: Encounters with real evil (whether societal or spiritual) are inspiring people to seek deeper, orthodox faith.

The Social Justice Gospel and Theological Differences

[30:49] – [34:35]

Conversation shifts to ideological divides within American Christianity.
Stuckey explains that "social justice Christians" prioritize earthly utopias over emphasis on spiritual warfare or sin:

“They...are interested in maneuvering politically to gain enough power to...create their multicultural utopia here on earth...They roll their eyes...at spiritual warfare.” ([29:32])
Knowles invokes Richard Niebuhr’s famous critique:

“A God without wrath, leading a people without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.” ([30:49])

Israel, Palestine, and Christian Obligations

[34:35] – [42:09]

Knowles brings up recent extreme statements by pro-Palestinian student groups and asks about Christian positioning on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Stuckey distinguishes her non-dispensational Evangelical view:

“I don't think the Christian has any obligation to support the modern state of Israel. I don't believe that they have any biblical responsibility to do that.” ([37:38])
They discuss confusion around dispensationalist theology; Stuckey offers a primer.
Both agree it's a false choice to see Christians allied with political Islam and reject the narrative that Christians and Muslims can unite against secularism.
Knowles:

“There’s been a long-term conflict here...Islam takes a more favorable view of Christ...They deny the central axis on which the whole world turns.” ([39:11])
Stuckey:

"Their entire ideology is one that is based on pillaging and destruction...certainly as a religion, as a worldview, it is one of chaos and destruction." ([40:58])
They warn against “neutered Christianity” and urge muscular resistance to evil.

Federal Authority and Urban Crime

[42:09] – [45:43]

Discussion briefly touches on Trump's plans to send the National Guard to stem violence in American cities like Chicago.
Knowles (with comedic flair) and Stuckey mock leftist double standards, support a strong governmental role to restore public safety, and criticize local leaders’ failures.
Stuckey:

"This is peace through strength...Do we care about the poor kids in the poor neighborhoods who are getting slaughtered or not?" ([44:40])

Allie Beth Stuckey’s Jubilee Debate & the Changing Culture War

[46:59] – [53:19]

Knowles praises Stuckey’s “magnificent” debate performance on Jubilee, highlighting her clear, compassionate, and scriptural defense of Christian teaching on gender.

“It is toxically empathetic to feel so deeply how someone feels that you affirmed the lie that you can be born in the wrong body.” (Stuckey, 47:51)
They note a surprising civility among liberal Christian debate opponents, possibly influenced by a recent tragedy (Charlie’s memorial) and a cultural shift.
Stuckey:

"I definitely tried...to out kindness them...A lot of liberal Christians just haven’t thought about why they believe what they believe. So I could see their wheels turning too...” ([53:19])
Both express hope that respectful, values-based dialogue can plant seeds for cultural renewal.

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote / Moment | |----------|-------------|-------------------| | 01:56 | Knowles | "IVF is extremely popular with the public. 70%...think IVF is a good thing. Only 8% know that it's a bad thing." | | 09:48 | Stuckey | "The IVF industry actually kills more unborn children every year than the abortion industry does." | | 15:16 | Stuckey | "We do not have a deficit of self love in this country...That is not our problem." | | 23:12 | Knowles | "The priests are getting much more conservative, much more orthodox...Much more concerned with scriptural fidelity." | | 29:32 | Stuckey | "...they are interested in maneuvering politically...to create their multicultural utopia here on earth..." | | 37:38 | Stuckey | "I don't think the Christian has any obligation to support the modern state of Israel." | | 40:58 | Stuckey | "Their entire ideology is one that is based on pillaging and destruction...as a worldview, it is one of chaos and destruction." | | 44:40 | Stuckey | "This is peace through strength...Do we care about the poor kids...getting slaughtered or not?" | | 47:51 | Stuckey | "To separate your identity and your spirit from your body is dualism...not a biblical idea." | | 53:19 | Stuckey | "A lot of liberal Christians just haven’t thought about why they believe what they believe...All we can do is plant seeds and then God does the rest." |

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:00 – White House birth rate/IVF plan critique
07:04 – Allie Beth Stuckey joins; Republican inconsistency on IVF
12:11 – J. Lo, self-love, & narcissism in celebrity culture
16:24 – Jay Jones scandal and political violence debate
22:20 – Young clergy’s turn to traditionalism; faith trends
30:49 – Social justice gospel vs. orthodox Christianity
34:35 – Israel/Palestine conflict: Christian views, dispensationalism
42:09 – Federal role in fighting crime in cities like Chicago
46:59 – Stuckey’s Jubilee debate & tone shift among liberals
53:19 – Final reflections on cultural engagement and Christian witness

Tone & Takeaways

Throughout, Knowles and Stuckey blend serious moral analysis with irreverent humor and cultural commentary. The episode is pointed, critical of current policies and trends, but concludes with hopeful notes about the possibility of cultural and spiritual turnaround—if only those on the right stand firm in charity, clarity, and conviction.

The Michael Knowles Show - Ep. 1838: "Make America Pregnant Again"

Date: October 17, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Allie Beth Stuckey

Overview

IVF, Fertility Policy, and the Birth Rate Crisis

[01:00] – [07:04]

Knowles announces the White House's new plan encouraging more births, but expresses disappointment that IVF is a centerpiece.
He critiques IVF as "intrinsically immoral" for destroying embryos, commodifying life, and subordinating human origins to technology.
Cites statistic: “IVF is extremely popular with the public. 70%...of American adults think IVF is a good thing. Only 8% know that it's a bad thing.” ([01:56])
Points out a “silver lining”: The plan only subsidizes IVF costs rather than mandating insurance coverage, which he regards as “the least bad” policy outcome.
Effectiveness challenged: Knowles frames a practical argument—IVF has a low success rate and expensive cycles, especially for older women, which might actually lower the birth rate by giving a “false sense of security.”
Praises operative intention for wanting more children but urges solutions “that work both practically and morally.”
Quote:

"IVF is not particularly effective. The likelihood of a live birth after a cycle...for women under 30 is just about 42%. For women between 40 and 41, it's 11%." ([03:11])

Guest: Allie Beth Stuckey on IVF, Morality, & Republican Politics

[07:04] – [11:28]

Knowles welcomes Allie Beth Stuckey, calling her "one of [his] favorite people in politics and media."
Stuckey lauds Knowles’s balanced take and laments Republican inconsistency:

“It’s a very inconsistent philosophy...If you say that a person is a person, no matter how small ... that all people...deserve...dignity and respect...we shouldn’t freeze them [or] eugenically pick out...characteristics.” ([07:46])
Both criticize pro-life Republicans who support IVF, arguing that the process results in more lost lives than abortion annually and commodifies children.
Stuckey:

“…the IVF industry actually kills more unborn children every year than the abortion industry does. And so it’s just not consistent.” ([09:48])
Provocative Argument Example: Knowles draws a sharp moral line:

"If something results in a new baby, then that has to be a good thing. And the obvious rejoinder...tell me about rape...That obviously doesn't justify rape." ([10:03])
Both agree: Every child conceived has value, but not every method of conception is moral.

Celebrity Culture & "Self-Love" Critique via J. Lo

[12:11] – [16:24]

The pair discuss Jennifer Lopez's comments on Howard Stern ([12:11]) about her failed relationships, which she attributes to her partners’ inadequacy and not her own faults.
Stuckey lampoons contemporary mantras about "self-love":

“…the self can be both the problem and the solution. That if you're depressed and anxious and lonely, you should go to the same place where your problems are to find the solution. And that, of course, doesn’t work.” ([15:16])
Knowles shares a homily illustrating the difference between self-obsession and charity:

“…the entire difference between heaven and hell is one of charity.” ([13:43])

Virginia AG Race Scandal & Partisan Extremism

[16:24] – [22:20]

Knowles turns to the Jay Jones scandal, where the Democratic AG candidate allegedly said Republicans “breeding fascists” and made violent remarks ([16:24]).
Miares, the Republican, condemns Jones for advocating political violence against children ([17:55]).
Stuckey criticizes both the Democrats’ cynical silence and the media’s distraction techniques.
Stuckey:

"To want to manifest a mom's worst nightmare...their child dying violently...What a cruel and...wicked person you have to be." ([21:12])
They discuss whether this scandal will affect women voters—Stuckey hopes it cuts through partisan noise, especially given recent political violence.

Cultural and Religious Realignment: The Next Generation

[22:20] – [30:49]

Knowles shares optimism about a religious “rightward” trend among young Catholic priests, with traditionalism increasing while concern for "climate change" and similar topics wanes with younger clergy.

“Much more orthodox, much more traditional. Much more concerned with scriptural fidelity and not trying to innovate.” ([23:12])
Stuckey discusses Evangelical trends: While theological institutions have been infiltrated by “woke” ideologies, she sees a growing backlash and renewed interest in real spiritual engagement, especially after the prominent assassination of a Christian leader named Charlie.
Both agree: Encounters with real evil (whether societal or spiritual) are inspiring people to seek deeper, orthodox faith.

The Social Justice Gospel and Theological Differences

[30:49] – [34:35]

Conversation shifts to ideological divides within American Christianity.
Stuckey explains that "social justice Christians" prioritize earthly utopias over emphasis on spiritual warfare or sin:

“They...are interested in maneuvering politically to gain enough power to...create their multicultural utopia here on earth...They roll their eyes...at spiritual warfare.” ([29:32])
Knowles invokes Richard Niebuhr’s famous critique:

“A God without wrath, leading a people without sin into a kingdom without judgment through the ministrations of a Christ without a cross.” ([30:49])

Israel, Palestine, and Christian Obligations

[34:35] – [42:09]

Knowles brings up recent extreme statements by pro-Palestinian student groups and asks about Christian positioning on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Stuckey distinguishes her non-dispensational Evangelical view:

“I don't think the Christian has any obligation to support the modern state of Israel. I don't believe that they have any biblical responsibility to do that.” ([37:38])
They discuss confusion around dispensationalist theology; Stuckey offers a primer.
Both agree it's a false choice to see Christians allied with political Islam and reject the narrative that Christians and Muslims can unite against secularism.
Knowles:

“There’s been a long-term conflict here...Islam takes a more favorable view of Christ...They deny the central axis on which the whole world turns.” ([39:11])
Stuckey:

"Their entire ideology is one that is based on pillaging and destruction...certainly as a religion, as a worldview, it is one of chaos and destruction." ([40:58])
They warn against “neutered Christianity” and urge muscular resistance to evil.

Federal Authority and Urban Crime

[42:09] – [45:43]

Discussion briefly touches on Trump's plans to send the National Guard to stem violence in American cities like Chicago.
Knowles (with comedic flair) and Stuckey mock leftist double standards, support a strong governmental role to restore public safety, and criticize local leaders’ failures.
Stuckey:

"This is peace through strength...Do we care about the poor kids in the poor neighborhoods who are getting slaughtered or not?" ([44:40])

Allie Beth Stuckey’s Jubilee Debate & the Changing Culture War

[46:59] – [53:19]

Knowles praises Stuckey’s “magnificent” debate performance on Jubilee, highlighting her clear, compassionate, and scriptural defense of Christian teaching on gender.

“It is toxically empathetic to feel so deeply how someone feels that you affirmed the lie that you can be born in the wrong body.” (Stuckey, 47:51)
They note a surprising civility among liberal Christian debate opponents, possibly influenced by a recent tragedy (Charlie’s memorial) and a cultural shift.
Stuckey:

"I definitely tried...to out kindness them...A lot of liberal Christians just haven’t thought about why they believe what they believe. So I could see their wheels turning too...” ([53:19])
Both express hope that respectful, values-based dialogue can plant seeds for cultural renewal.

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

01:00 – White House birth rate/IVF plan critique
07:04 – Allie Beth Stuckey joins; Republican inconsistency on IVF
12:11 – J. Lo, self-love, & narcissism in celebrity culture
16:24 – Jay Jones scandal and political violence debate
22:20 – Young clergy’s turn to traditionalism; faith trends
30:49 – Social justice gospel vs. orthodox Christianity
34:35 – Israel/Palestine conflict: Christian views, dispensationalism
42:09 – Federal role in fighting crime in cities like Chicago
46:59 – Stuckey’s Jubilee debate & tone shift among liberals
53:19 – Final reflections on cultural engagement and Christian witness

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Ep. 1838 - Make America Pregnant Again

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Summary

The Michael Knowles Show - Ep. 1838: "Make America Pregnant Again"

Overview

IVF, Fertility Policy, and the Birth Rate Crisis

Guest: Allie Beth Stuckey on IVF, Morality, & Republican Politics

Celebrity Culture & "Self-Love" Critique via J. Lo

Virginia AG Race Scandal & Partisan Extremism

Cultural and Religious Realignment: The Next Generation

The Social Justice Gospel and Theological Differences

Israel, Palestine, and Christian Obligations

Federal Authority and Urban Crime

Allie Beth Stuckey’s Jubilee Debate & the Changing Culture War

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Takeaways

Summary

The Michael Knowles Show - Ep. 1838: "Make America Pregnant Again"

Overview

IVF, Fertility Policy, and the Birth Rate Crisis

Guest: Allie Beth Stuckey on IVF, Morality, & Republican Politics

Celebrity Culture & "Self-Love" Critique via J. Lo

Virginia AG Race Scandal & Partisan Extremism

Cultural and Religious Realignment: The Next Generation

The Social Justice Gospel and Theological Differences

Israel, Palestine, and Christian Obligations

Federal Authority and Urban Crime

Allie Beth Stuckey’s Jubilee Debate & the Changing Culture War

Notable Quotes & Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Tone & Takeaways