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Art, Law, and Pop Culture: Julian Raven Updates and Eagle Pass Pop-con Preview (Ep. 206)
About this Episode
On tonight’s show from the Asylum Studios in Eagle Pass, I kicked off a packed program with returning guest and friend of the show, artist and author Julian Raven. Julian delivered a major update on his ongoing legal battles with the Smithsonian Institution, arguing the Smithsonian is a private charitable trust—"an independent entity"—and not a federal government agency, a distinction he says was underscored by recent leadership turmoil and public statements by the Board of Regents. He laid out his motions now before the D.C. District Court to vacate a 2018 ruling and align the record with law and history, while revisiting the origins of the Smithsonian, James Smithson’s will, and the Institution’s long, complicated funding path. We also explored Julian’s new lawsuit against New York State’s DEC over alleged contamination claims at his Elmira studio, his principled approach to law and citizenship, and why the Declaration of Independence remains his blueprint for civic action.
In hour two, Danny Mendoza joined to preview Eagle Pass Pop-con developments. He announced a free “Mini EP Pop-con” planned at the Eagle Pass Mall (targeting January 31, 11 AM–6 PM) featuring pro cosplayers, Star Wars cosplayers, a Hello Kitty appearance, a wrestler signing, and preliminary cosplay contests for kids, teens, and adults. Danny also unveiled early-bird sponsor and vendor opportunities (including steep, limited discounts) that roll into the larger Eagle Pass Pop-con 3, with the full date and theme to be revealed at the mini event.
Special thanks to surprise drop-in guest and original EP Pop-con MC, Ruben Camarillo, for sharing on-the-ground perspectives from Pop-con 1 and 2. If you missed Julian’s powerful July 2 appearance, cue it up—his immigration journey and love for America’s founding principles are a must-hear.
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Special thanks to:
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Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
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(00:00:48) Cold open and mic checks
(00:03:46) Live from Asylum Studios: show kickoff
(00:04:08) Host intro, Monday blues, week preview
(00:05:11) Guest lineup lands late: Julian Raven and Danny Mendoza
(00:05:41) Catching up with Julian: legal updates teaser
(00:06:43) Weekend recap: Bible study on dispensations
(00:10:51) Housekeeping and contact info before guests
(00:11:00) Earl Grey salute and bringing on Julian Raven
(00:11:49) Rewinding Julian’s journey: art, activism, and the Trump portrait
(00:13:56) Smithsonian showdown: lawsuits, motions, and June’s ‘independent entity’ moment
(00:17:37) Who was James Smithson? Origins, will, and the trust
(00:26:08) Congress, the gold, and funding the Smithsonian
(00:30:26) Taft’s clarity and the private trust vs. government fog
(00:33:38) Art, politics, and the National Portrait Gallery dispute
(00:37:42) Odious and Cerberus: Julian’s book and allegory of law
(00:41:32) Status quo bias and public confusion about the Smithsonian
(00:41:37) Segue to New York DEC case: studio, brownfields, and PCE/TCE
(00:51:42) Court fireworks: pro se battles, motions, and sanctions talk
(00:56:58) Principles over comfort: Declaration of Independence as blueprint
(01:03:54) Wrapping hour one with Julian and break
(01:11:02) Hour two: debrief on Julian and local sponsor shoutouts
(01:13:13) Introducing Danny Mendoza and Eagle Pass Popcon
(01:17:55) Popcon sizzle: guests, teasers, and mini-event idea
(01:21:42) Cosplay lineup, Star Wars groups, and contests
(01:27:40) Sponsor roll call and ‘grandfathered’ vendors
(01:32:37) Surprise drop-in: Ruben Camarillo joins
(01:39:37) Special sponsor deals and mini Popcon details
(01:46:57) Community tie-ins: local giveaways and charity support
(01:52:26) Merch plans and building the Popcon brand
(01:57:07) Final plugs, scheduling teases, and closing credits
- Wayne Rankin
- Rosanna Rankin
- Carolina Jimenez
Hosts & Guests
No transcript available for this episode.
