Julian Raven: Free Speech, Art, and the Smithsonian Legal Battle

02 Dec 2025 • 63 min • EN

In this episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Julian Raven — British-born, Spanish-raised, American artist, entrepreneur, and First Amendment activist. Raven’s story is as unique as his art: from missionary work to becoming a multidisciplinary artist, and from the pulpit to the courtroom. He became nationally known after his Trump portrait was rejected by the Smithsonian, launching an eight-year legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. His fight revealed deep questions about free speech, artistic freedom, and government accountability. 📚 Raven tells the full story in his book Odious and Cerberus: An American Immigrant’s Odyssey and His Free-Speech Legal War Against Smithsonian Corruption. 👉 Learn more at www.julianraven.com 🔥 Topics we cover: The Smithsonian legal battle that exposed systemic flaws How art and faith can inspire resilience What “free speech” really means in America today The intersection of politics, culture, and creativity Why Raven continues to fight for truth, liberty, and accountability 🎯 Subscribe | Like | Share | 📌 Watch the FULL episode right here: https://www.YouTube.com/@The_MisFitNation 🌐 Connect with us at www.themisfitnation.com #JulianRaven #FreeSpeech #Smithsonian #FirstAmendment #ArtAndPolitics #TheMisFitNation #TruthToPower #OdiousAndCerberus #RichLaMonica Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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