{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Libertarian Christian Podcast","title":"Ep 373: Mark Skousen Explains FreedomFest","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2321,"description":"Doug Stuart welcomes a distinguished guest, Mark Skousen, renowned investment expert, economist, university professor, author, and founder of FreedomFest. Skousen shares insights into his journey towards libertarianism, shaped by his upbringing in a conservative Democratic and Mormon family, and underscores the significance of individual liberty and maximum choice in both personal and business spheres, inspired by Adam Smith's principles.Skousen provides an in-depth look into the origins and evolution of FreedomFest, conceived during his tenure as president and CEO of the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) in 2001. Despite fundraising challenges that curtailed his time at FEE, Skousen’s vision of an annual gathering of freedom enthusiasts persisted, culminating in the creation of FreedomFest in 2007. This vibrant event, held annually in Las Vegas, offers attendees an eclectic mix of entertainment, keynote speeches, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, media coverage, and lively debates.Drawing notable figures from various fields, FreedomFest boasts a diverse lineup of speakers, including celebrities like William Shatner and George Foreman, and this year expects appearances from Rob Schneider and Ice T. The event also features full presidential debates and a focus on pressing topics such as bitcoin. Skousen highlights the upcoming event's theme, \"Brave New World,\" aimed at addressing current global issues with an optimistic perspective, and mentions key speakers like Javier Millay, Steven Pinker, and Lord Matt Ridley.This July, LCI will be joining thousands of passionate defenders of liberty in Las Vegas for FreedomFest, “the world’s largest gathering of free minds.” Just like last year and the years before that, it will be a rewarding four-day conference like no other, with big debates, world-class speakers, film/music/comedy/arts festivals, social events, the “Tradeshow for Liberty” exhibit hall, and so much more.LCI will be there with hundreds of...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/_xYS0SShA1KrKcrVFqXWyj90yhkxE6xSYO7xJUc6g9c/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ5Mjc2LzE3MDY3/MjA4ODgtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}