FreedomFest 2025: Full Schedule

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9:30am PDT

Welcome to Thursday Morning at FreedomFest

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 9:35am PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

Speakers

Valerie Durham

Architect of the Liberty Experience

Valerie Durham is the Executive Director of FreedomFest, where her creative vision and strategic leadership have helped transform the event into the premier gathering of free minds from around the world. With a background in event design, cultural programming, and movement arts, Valerie... Read More →

Kennedy

The Rebel Queen of Liberty

For decades, Kennedy has been skewering politics, culture, and media with her signature wit and fearless independence. As the host of Kennedy Saves the World on Fox and a frequent panelist on Outnumbered, she brings sharp analysis and a punk-rock attitude to the news cycle, refusing... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:30am - 9:35am PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

9:35am PDT

The End of Open Inquiry: How Ideological Monocultures Are Shaping Our Future

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:35am - 9:55am PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

Join Bret Weinstein, evolutionary biologist and outspoken intellectual, as he explores the dangerous rise of ideological monocultures that are stifling free thought and innovation. In this provocative talk, Bret will examine how a lack of intellectual diversity, coupled with growing societal pressures to conform, is crippling critical thinking and pushing society towards stagnation. Drawing on his expertise in evolutionary biology, Bret will argue that the survival of both our culture and progress depends on our ability to embrace open inquiry, challenge the status quo, and foster a space where ideas can evolve freely. This session will challenge you to rethink the boundaries of intellectual freedom and the future of our society.

Speakers

Bret Weinstein

Evolution, Truth, and the Fight for Free Thought

Dr. Bret Weinstein is an evolutionary biologist, thought leader, and fearless challenger of conventional wisdom. With a PhD from the University of Michigan, he spent 14 years as a professor at Evergreen State College before resigning in 2017 after taking a principled stand for free... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:35am - 9:55am PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

9:55am PDT

Bitcoin 2.0: How Gamers and AI Shaped Its Path

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:55am - 10:10am PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

Join Frank Holmes for an insightful dive into the evolution of Bitcoin, where he connects the dots between the world of gaming, artificial intelligence, and the cryptocurrency revolution. In this session, Frank will explore how innovations from gaming technologies and AI are not only influencing the development of Bitcoin but also creating new opportunities for the next generation of digital currencies. Discover how decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain are being shaped by these cutting-edge technologies and how Bitcoin 2.0 is paving the way for a more secure, efficient, and accessible future of digital finance. Whether you're a gamer, tech enthusiast, or crypto investor, this session offers an exciting look at the future of money, powered by AI and the virtual world.

Speakers

Frank Holmes

The Power Broker of the Future

A renowned global investor and financial thought leader, Frank Holmes has spent his career spotting opportunities before the crowd. As Executive Chairman of HIVE Digital Technologies, he is helping lead the future of digital assets and blockchain innovation, while also serving as... Read More →

Exhibitors

Hive Digital Technologies

HIVE was the first crypto miner to go public in 2017. It has a focus on green, renewable energy and has data centers throughout Canada, Sweden and Iceland.

Thursday June 12, 2025 9:55am - 10:10am PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

10:10am PDT

It’s Your Money: Protecting Against Threats to Your Charitable Giving

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:10am - 10:30am PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

Join us for a thought-provoking Fireside Chat with DonorsTrust as we explore the critical issue of protecting your charitable giving from external threats. In this session, we’ll dive into the challenges facing donors in today’s climate, from increasing political pressure to the risks of funds being diverted from their intended causes. Learn how to safeguard your philanthropic intentions, ensure your donations align with your values, and protect your charitable contributions from being misused. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to maximize the impact of their charitable giving while maintaining control and integrity in a changing world.

Speakers

Peter Lipsett

Empowering Principled Philanthropy

Peter Lipsett serves as Vice President at DonorsTrust, a donor-advised fund dedicated to protecting donor intent and advancing liberty through strategic philanthropy. He founded and leads DonorsTrust’s Novus Society, a network designed to engage donors under 40 in intentional giving... Read More →

Lawson R. Bader

Advancing Liberty Through Philanthropy

Lawson R. Bader has served as President and CEO of DonorsTrust and Donors Capital Fund since 2015, overseeing the management of donor-advised funds that safeguard the intent of conservative and libertarian philanthropists. With over 20 years of experience in free-market research and... Read More →

Exhibitors

DonorsTrust

DonorsTrust is the community foundation for liberty. By offering donor-advised funds, legacy planning services, and personalized giving strategies, DonorsTrust helps its clients simplify and safeguard their charitable giving while maximizing tax benefits. For over 25 years, DonorsTrust... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:10am - 10:30am PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

10:30am PDT

Golden Opportunity or Fool's Gold? Navigating the 2025 Bull Run

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 10:50am PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

Gold has glittered brighter than ever in 2025, soaring to record highs and capturing the attention of investors worldwide. But with great value comes great volatility. Join our expert panel as we delve into the dynamics of the current gold market, exploring whether this is a genuine opportunity or a speculative bubble waiting to burst. We'll examine the factors fueling the rally, the role of central banks, and strategies for investors looking to capitalize on gold's ascent while managing potential risks. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the precious metals market, this session will provide valuable insights to navigate the golden age of 2025.

Moderators

Louis Navellier

The Man Who Turns Data into Market-Beating Returns

For over four decades, Louis Navellier has been one of Wall Street’s most trusted voices, translating academic market research into real-world investment success. As Founder and Chief Investment Officer of Navellier & Associates, he pioneered a data-driven, quantitative approach... Read More →

Speakers

Van Simmons

The Master of Rare Coins

A consummate collector and dedicated numismatist, Van Simmons is a titan in the rare coin world, recognized for his expertise in portfolio construction, set building, and assisting clients in acquiring the world's most exquisite and valuable rare coins. With over 40 years in the business... Read More →

David Metcalfe

Expert in Investment-Grade Gemstones

David Metcalfe, now semi-retired, brings over four decades of experience as a principal dealer and conference speaker in the wealth protection and asset accumulation sector. He continues to consult for a select group of international clients, private equity hedge funds, and auction... Read More →

David Rhodes

Builder of Mining Fortunes

David Rhodes is a bold strategist and visionary leader in the world of mining finance. With over 30 years of global experience, he has arranged more than US$18 billion in funding for mining projects across six continents, transforming high-potential opportunities into world-class... Read More →

Exhibitors

Empress Royalty

Empress Royalty is a global royalty and streaming creation company providing investors with a diversified portfolio of gold and silver investments.

The Hard Asset Exchange (North America) Ltd.

The Oldest Proven form of Wealth Accumulation may offer the Highest Returns going Forward!When you compare the return to ownership of assets like Gold, Silver, and even the Stock Market over the past 20 years, one asset class return stands above ALL the others.From a Wealth Accumulation... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:30am - 10:50am PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

10:50am PDT

The Timeless Path to Self-Mastery: Why Stoicism Still Matters

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:50am - 11:10am PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

This is Ryan Holiday at his best—cutting through the noise of modern life to remind us that ancient wisdom holds the key to enduring strength, clarity, and purpose. In this compelling work, Holiday explores how the Stoic virtues of courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom aren't just philosophical ideals—they're practical tools for mastering yourself in a chaotic world.

Drawing on the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, Holiday makes Stoicism deeply accessible and relevant, showing how it can guide us through personal struggle, leadership challenges, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Whether you're facing stress, failure, success, or uncertainty, this book offers a timeless framework to rise above it with resilience and integrity.

Speakers

Ryan Holiday

Bringing Ancient Wisdom to Modern Life

Ryan Holiday is one of the most influential modern voices bridging ancient philosophy and contemporary challenges. A bestselling author whose books have sold over 10 million copies and spent more than 200 weeks on bestseller lists, Ryan has made Stoicism accessible and actionable... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 10:50am - 11:10am PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

11:10am PDT

Shaping Culture: How to Make Good Ideas Irresistible

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:10am - 11:35am PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

In a world flooded with information, how do you make your ideas stand out and resonate with the masses? Join Ryan Holiday and Daniel Richards for an insightful follow-up conversation on the art of shaping culture and crafting ideas that are not just heard, but embraced. Drawing from their combined expertise in marketing, storytelling, and personal growth, they’ll explore the timeless strategies behind powerful messaging, cultural influence, and the creation of movements that endure. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or simply someone passionate about spreading your message, this session will reveal the principles that make good ideas not only stick, but thrive.

Speakers

Ryan Holiday

Bringing Ancient Wisdom to Modern Life

Daniel T. Richards

Championing Liberty Through Storytelling, Strategy, and Objectivist Values

Daniel T. Richards is the Executive Director of the Prometheus Foundation, where he brings decades of experience in marketing, storytelling, and organizational leadership to the cause of promoting Objectivism and individual liberty. A lifelong advocate for human flourishing, Daniel... Read More →

Exhibitors

Prometheus Foundation

Prometheus Foundation is an independent, nonprofit enterprise whose mission is to promote Ayn Rand and advance her philosophy, Objectivism. We achieve this mission by finding and funding independent thinkers who have good ideas, work smart, follow through, and get things done... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 11:10am - 11:35am PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

3:45pm PDT

Welcome to Thursday Evening at FreedomFest

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:45pm - 3:50pm PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

Speakers

Valerie Durham

Architect of the Liberty Experience

Kennedy

The Rebel Queen of Liberty

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:45pm - 3:50pm PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

3:50pm PDT

GLOBAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT - The “Tariff-ying” Debate: Trade Wars, Protectionism, and the Future of Global Markets

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:50pm - 4:20pm PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

In this high-stakes debate, we’ll explore the growing global tensions surrounding trade wars, protectionism, and their potential consequences on the future of international markets. With the shifting dynamics of global trade, what’s the true impact of tariffs on the world economy? How do national policies shape the global financial landscape, and are we headed toward a new economic order? This session brings together experts from different corners of the financial world to unpack the forces driving market volatility and discuss the road ahead. Expect a robust conversation on the complexities of modern economics and what the future holds for global trade.

Moderators

Mark Skousen

America's Economist

Dr. Mark Skousen is a leading economist, financial publisher, and tireless advocate for liberty whose work bridges the worlds of academia, business, and public policy. As the founder and producer of FreedomFest, Mark has created one of the largest gatherings of free minds in the world—a... Read More →

Speakers

Steve Forbes

The Capitalist’s Capitalist

Few voices in business and economics carry the weight of Steve Forbes. As Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, he has spent decades shaping the conversation around entrepreneurship, capitalism, and the forces driving global markets.A tireless advocate for free markets, sound... Read More →

Barbara Kolm

The Global Voice for Free Markets

Few have done more to champion Austrian economics and free-market principles on the world stage than Barbara Kolm. As President of the Friedrich A. v. Hayek Institute and Founding Director of the Austrian Economics Center, she has been a driving force for economic liberty and sound... Read More →

Art Laffer

The Architect of Supply-Side Economics

When it comes to modern economic thought, few names hold as much weight as Arthur B. Laffer. Best known as “The Father of Supply-Side Economics,” he revolutionized tax policy with the Laffer Curve, a concept that shaped President Reagan’s economic agenda and ignited a global... Read More →

Helen Raleigh

A Bold Critic of Communist China

Helen Raleigh is a relentless advocate for freedom, opportunity, and the American dream, drawing from both her personal journey and deep policy expertise. As an entrepreneur, author, and political commentator, she speaks hard truths about China’s aggression, America’s broken immigration... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 3:50pm - 4:20pm PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

4:20pm PDT

Between Freedom and Harm: Rethinking "Sex Work", Social Media, and Consent

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

In this provocative session, Michael Shermer and Dr. Debra Soh dive deep into the controversial issues surrounding "sex work," social media, and consent. Exploring the fine line between individual freedom and societal harm, they challenge common assumptions about autonomy, exploitation, and the digital age. With social media normalizing the commodification of intimacy and the rise of "sex work" glamorized as empowerment, they will unpack the realities of these industries—highlighting the psychological, ethical, and legal implications. Are we truly liberated, or are we being sold a bill of goods? This session promises a candid, thought-provoking examination of personal freedom, responsibility, and the complex intersection of technology and human behavior.

Speakers

Michael Shermer

Champion of Reason and Inquiry

Dr. Michael Shermer has built a career on questioning assumptions and challenging belief systems. As the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, longtime Scientific American columnist, and host of The Michael Shermer Show, he has dedicated his life to exploring why people believe... Read More →

Debra Soh

Science, Truth, and the Fight for Reality

Dr. Debra Soh is a fearless science journalist and expert on gender, sexuality, and neuroscience. Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, New York Post, Newsweek, Harper’s Magazine, Scientific American, and more.With a PhD in sexual neuroscience... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:20pm - 4:40pm PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

4:40pm PDT

Parkinson’s Disease Reversed in 200+ Humans: How FDA Denies You Medical Freedom

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:40pm - 4:55pm PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

In this eye-opening session, Dan Montano reveals groundbreaking advancements in reversing Parkinson’s Disease in over 200 individuals, challenging the narrative pushed by the FDA and pharmaceutical giants. He’ll expose how medical freedom is being denied to millions of patients by bureaucratic red tape, preventing access to potentially life-saving treatments. Montano will discuss the innovative treatments that have shown extraordinary promise, how the FDA has blocked their availability, and why the system is designed to prioritize profits over patient well-being. This session is a call to action for those who believe in the power of personal choice in healthcare and the urgent need to demand medical freedom for all.

Speakers

Dan Montano

Pioneering Regenerative Medicine to Transform Lives

Dan Montano is the CEO and founder of Zhittya Genesis Medicine, a biotechnology company based in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a background in investment banking, Montano has been instrumental in launching over 100 companies and handling numerous IPOs. In 1998, he transitioned from investment... Read More →

Exhibitors

Zhittya Genesis Medicine

Zhittya Genesis Medicine Inc. (Zhittya means “life” in Ukrainian) is advancing a group of drugs which trigger the human body’s natural regeneration process. Zhittya’s regenerative drugs act by specifically stimulating the growth of new blood vessels (a biological process termed... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:40pm - 4:55pm PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session

4:55pm PDT

FreedomFest Mock Trial: Big Pharma on Trial

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:55pm - 6:00pm PDT

Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

In this real-life courtroom drama, we bring the pharmaceutical industry to trial, offering both sides a fair opportunity to make their case. With a judge, jury, lawyers, and expert witnesses, this mock trial will explore the controversial practices of Big Pharma—from pricing strategies and marketing tactics to issues of transparency and patient safety. The prosecution will argue the case for accountability, while the defense will present the industry's contributions to global health. This interactive session will give you a front-row seat to a fascinating debate on one of the most critical issues in modern healthcare, where you, the audience, get to weigh in on the verdict. Come prepared for a thought-provoking exploration of the balance between profit, health, and responsibility.

Speakers

Dan Troy

Legal and Regulatory Expert

Dan Troy is a globally recognized healthcare lawyer with over 30 years of experience spanning leadership roles in life sciences, legal, and regulatory sectors. He has held key positions, including chief counsel at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and general counsel for major... Read More →

Twila Brase

The Watchdog of Medical Freedom

For decades, Twila Brase has been on the front lines of the fight for patient and doctor autonomy, challenging government overreach in healthcare and advocating for medical freedom. As the president and co-founder of the Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom (CCHF), she has led efforts... Read More →

Michael Shermer

Champion of Reason and Inquiry

Dr. Robert Malone

Champion of Medical Innovation & Free Inquiry

A pioneer in mRNA technology and a steadfast advocate for medical freedom, Dr. Robert Malone has spent his career at the forefront of scientific discovery. With decades of experience in virology, immunology, and biodefense, he has contributed to groundbreaking advancements in medicine... Read More →

Del Bigtree

Broadcasting the Fight for Medical Freedom

Del Bigtree is one of the most prominent voices in the health freedom movement, known for his fearless investigative journalism and unrelenting advocacy for medical transparency. As founder of the Informed Consent Action Network (ICAN) and host of the groundbreaking show The HighWire... Read More →

Aaron Siri

Defender of Individual Rights

Aaron Siri is a dedicated civil rights attorney and the founder of Siri & Glimstad LLP, where he fights relentlessly for free speech and individual freedoms. Specializing in cases involving medical autonomy, privacy, and government overreach, he has become a leading advocate for those... Read More →

Catherine Bernard

Fighting for Justice, Defending the Innocent

Catherine Bernard is a founding partner of Bernard & Johnson, LLC and leads the firm's criminal and trial practices A passionate advocate, she has successfully represented thousands facing serious criminal charges across Georgia, specializing in cases involving wrongful accusations... Read More →

Thursday June 12, 2025 4:55pm - 6:00pm PDT
Main Stage - Oasis 3&4

General Session