Round Table Launch
A National Call to Action for Families, Advocates, and Change Makers
Newsmakers Hour
Panel 1: The Rural Revival - Strengthening and Cleaning Up American Agriculture and Food Security
Moderator: John Klar, Farmer, Attorney, Advocate
John Klar
John Klar is a Vermont farmer, attorney, and author whose work bridges agriculture, law, and public policy. As a contributor to the MAHA Report, he brings a grounded producer’s voice to national discussions on food integrity, rural resilience, and constitutional principles. Klar is known for his plainspoken analysis, his defense of independent farmers, and his commitment to policies that strengthen local communities and the rule of law.
Steve Jarvis
Steve Jarvis is a dedicated American farmer known for his commitment to regenerative agriculture, soil stewardship, and transparent food production. Through his hands-on work with livestock and land restoration, he champions farming practices that rebuild ecosystems and strengthen rural communities. Jarvis brings a grounded, real-world perspective to national conversations on food integrity, sustainability, and the future of American agriculture.
Leigh Merinoff (MAHA Action)
Leigh Merinoff is a farmer, artist, educator, and MAHA Action leader known for advancing grassroots advocacy focused on health freedom, informed consent, and transparent public policy. As the founding proprietor of Meadows Bee Farm in Vermont, she has operated a children’s farm school since 2012 while fostering community empowerment through hands-on education in agriculture and ecology. With a strong focus on fundraising and development, she has served in leadership or board roles with the Weston A. Price Foundation, Children’s Health Defense, Heifer International, American Values PAC, Kennedy 2024, the Prime Act initiative, and numerous local agricultural and civic projects across rural Vermont and beyond.
Greg Gunthrop
Greg Gunthorp is a fourth-generation Indiana farmer known for his commitment to pasture-based livestock, regenerative land management, and honest, transparent food production. For decades, he has operated one of the few small-scale USDA-inspected on-farm processing facilities in the country, proving that high-welfare, sustainable farming can thrive outside industrial systems. Gunthorp is a respected national voice for independent farmers and the restoration of integrity in America’s food supply.
Rick Clark
Rick Clark is a fifth-generation Indiana farmer and leading advocate for regenerative, zero-till agriculture. He has gained national recognition for building a fully regenerative, chemical-free farming system that restores soil health, increases biodiversity, and improves long-term farm resilience. Clark regularly shares his experience with growers, policymakers, and educators, inspiring a new generation of farmers to adopt sustainable, soil-first practices.
Eric Nelson
Eric Nelson is a dedicated American farmer known for his commitment to regenerative agriculture, soil health, and transparent food production. Through his hands-on work with land restoration and sustainable livestock practices, he champions farming methods that rebuild ecosystems and strengthen local communities. Nelson brings a grounded, real-world voice to the national movement for a healthier, more resilient agricultural system.
Bryan Mussard
Bryan Mussard is a Montana rancher, agricultural entrepreneur, and advisor to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., known for his leadership in regenerative livestock practices and rural economic resilience. With decades of hands-on experience in cattle operations and soil stewardship, he brings a grounded, producer-first perspective to national conversations on food integrity and American agriculture. Mussard works to bridge the gap between farmers and policymakers, championing practical, land-based solutions that strengthen communities and the food system.
Panel 2: Fired Workers and The MAHA Union
Moderator: Leland Lehrman, MAHA Action
Sujata Gibson
Sujata Gibson is a civil rights attorney known for her work in constitutional law, medical freedom, and government accountability. She has represented individuals, families, and organizations in high-profile cases defending informed consent, bodily autonomy, and fundamental liberties. Through her legal advocacy, writing, and public speaking, Gibson has become a respected national voice for protecting civil rights in an evolving public health landscape.
Marcus Thornton
Marcus Thornton is a former federal employee and a founding voice in Feds for Freedom, a group advocating for civil liberties, medical autonomy, and ethical government practices. Through his work with the organization, he helped mobilize federal workers nationwide to stand for informed consent and transparent public policy. Thornton continues to be an advocate for constitutional rights and accountability within federal institutions.
William Riley Fernandez
William Riley Fernandez is a policy advisor and strategic analyst specializing in public health, governance, and evidence-based reform. With a background in navigating complex scientific, legal, and regulatory issues, he helps develop practical, transparent solutions that strengthen institutional accountability. Fernandez is known for his clear, systems-level thinking and his commitment to advancing policies that prioritize public well-being.
Louis Civello
Louis Civello is the President of the Suffolk County PBA and a respected labor leader known for his strong advocacy on behalf of law enforcement and public safety. In his role, he represents thousands of officers, leads contract negotiations, and works to strengthen community trust through transparent, accountable policing. Civello is also deeply engaged in civic and public health advocacy, bringing a principled, service-driven perspective to policy discussions.
Panel 3: Standing Up America’s MAHA Manufacturing and Services Infrastructure
Moderator: Bill Moses, Strategist, Advocate, Reformer
Bill Weiland
Bill Weiland is an entrepreneur, investor, and natural foods pioneer known for shaping some of the most influential brands in the health and wellness sector. As the founder of Presence Marketing, he helped accelerate the growth of mission-driven companies focused on organic, regenerative, and clean-label products. Weiland is also a dedicated advocate for food system reform, supporting initiatives that promote transparency, sustainability, and long-term public health.
Dan Fabricant
Dan Fabricant, Ph.D., is a leading expert in nutritional science, dietary supplements, and regulatory policy. As the CEO of the Natural Products Association and former Director of the FDA’s Division of Dietary Supplement Programs, he has shaped national standards for product safety, quality, and industry oversight. Fabricant is widely recognized for his scientific rigor and his advocacy for consumer protection and evidence-based regulation.
Steve Bullock
Steve Bullock is the founder of Perfect RX and a leading advocate for restoring integrity, transparency, and accountability in public health and pharmaceutical policy. Drawing on his background in wellness, supplement formulation, and industry oversight, he works to expose misaligned incentives and promote safer, more ethical health solutions. Bullock’s mission centers on empowering consumers with truthful information and championing reforms that protect individual well-being
Panel 4: Touch Grass…Young People Look at MAHA
Moderator: Leland Lehrman, MAHA Action
Sam Sievers
Adnan Alkhalili
Adnan Alkhalili is a citizen-scientist, student of metabolic health, and founder of Touch Grass Together, a youth-led collective focused on reconnecting people to healthy food, lifestyle, and community. As a psychology major at Rutgers University and an EMT, he draws on both academic training and real-world care experience to address the metabolic and social challenges facing younger generations. Alkhalili is committed to restoring “metabolic coherence” through nutrition, wellness education, and cultural change.
Hunter Korsmo
Panel 5: Metabolism Matters
Moderator: Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, Metabolic Research Pioneer
Dr. Dominic D’Agostino
Dr. Dominic D’Agostino is a metabolic research pioneer whose work focuses on ketogenic therapies, cellular energetics, and the role of metabolism in neurological disease, performance, and resilience. A professor at the University of South Florida and a leading voice in therapeutic nutrition science, he has helped advance cutting-edge research on cancer metabolism, brain health, and metabolic interventions. Dr. D’Agostino is widely recognized for translating rigorous science into practical insights that are reshaping modern approaches to health and longevity.
Dr. Andrew P. Koutnik, PhD
Dr. Andrew P. Koutnik, PhD, is a metabolic health researcher whose work focuses on nutrition, physiology, and the therapeutic potential of metabolic interventions. His research spans ketogenic therapies, metabolic therapeutics, and the role of diet in chronic disease and performance. Dr. Koutnik is widely respected for translating complex metabolic science into practical, evidence-based insights that support long-term health and resilience.
Dr. Mariela Glandt, MD
Dr. Mariela Glandt, MD, is an endocrinologist specializing in metabolic health, diabetes reversal, and root-cause approaches to chronic disease. With extensive clinical experience and a focus on therapeutic nutrition, she has helped lead innovative programs that move patients beyond symptom management toward full metabolic restoration. Dr. Glandt is a recognized international voice in redefining diabetes care through evidence-based, patient-centered interventions.
Dr. Matt Bernstein, MD
Dr. Matt Bernstein, MD, is an integrative medicine physician focused on metabolic health, preventative care, and patient-centered healing. His work bridges conventional medicine with evidence-based lifestyle interventions, helping patients address the root causes of chronic illness rather than just managing symptoms. Dr. Bernstein is known for his thoughtful, systems-level approach to restoring long-term health and resilience.
Panel 6: Conversation with Sara Brenner - FDA and MAHA, Then and Now
Moderator: Leland Lehrman, MAHA Action
Sara Brenner, FDA Preventive medicine and Public Health Physician
Sara Brenner is a senior official at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where she works at the intersection of regulatory science, public health policy, and medical product oversight. With extensive experience in federal health governance, she plays a key role in advancing safety standards, evidence-based regulation, and interagency collaboration. Brenner’s work supports the FDA’s mission to protect public health and uphold the integrity of America’s medical and scientific systems.
Dr. Meryl Nass, MD
Dr. Meryl Nass, MD, is an internal medicine physician and biodefense expert known for her work on vaccine safety, biological warfare, and public health policy. As the founder of Door to Freedom, she advocates for medical ethics, informed consent, and the protection of civil liberties in global health governance. Dr. Nass is widely recognized for her research, congressional testimony, and longstanding commitment to transparency and patient rights.
Panel 7: School Lunches and Early Childhood Nutrition
Moderator: Debra Sheldon, Vice President, MAHA Institute
Nina Teicholz - Leaders from U.S. school districts with successful domestic food sourcing
Nina Teicholz is a science journalist and bestselling author known for her groundbreaking work on nutrition policy, food systems, and evidence-based dietary reform. Through her leadership at The Nutrition Coalition, she has championed data-driven updates to national dietary guidelines and highlighted the importance of real, nutrient-dense foods in institutional settings—including schools. Teicholz is a prominent advocate for transparent nutrition science and supports districts shifting toward healthier, domestically sourced school meals.
Hilary Boynton - Agricultural producers providing school food programs
Hilary Boynton is the founder of School of Lunch and a national leader in bringing regenerative, nutrient-dense, scratch-cooked meals back into schools. Through chef training, community education, and partnerships with farms and districts, she champions real-food systems that support children’s gut health, development, and long-term well-being. Her work has helped spark a movement to transform school lunch programs and reconnect families with whole, healing foods.
Deirdre Goldfarb - MAHA Action
Deirdre Goldfarb is a leader with MAHA Action, where she drives grassroots engagement around health freedom, informed consent, and accountable public policy. She works to mobilize citizens, support local advocacy networks, and equip communities to engage effectively with lawmakers. Goldfarb is known for her strategic organizing and her commitment to empowering everyday Americans to shape the policies that impact their lives.
Leslie Manookian, Health Freedom Defense Fund
Leslie Manookian is the founder and president of the Health Freedom Defense Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting bodily autonomy, informed consent, and civil liberties in public health policy. A former Wall Street executive turned documentary filmmaker and advocate, she has led legal and educational efforts challenging government overreach and promoting transparent, ethical health practices. Manookian is widely recognized for her leadership in the national health freedom movement.
Panel 8: MAHA 2026 - Health, Freedom & Justice - The National and International Legal and Regulatory Landscape
Moderator: Mary Holland, Children’s Health Defense
Mary Holland, Children’s Health Defense
Mary Holland is the President of Children’s Health Defense and a longtime attorney and advocate focused on vaccine safety, civil liberties, and informed consent. She has co-authored influential books and legal analyses examining public health policy, human rights, and medical freedom, and has testified before state and federal bodies on these issues. Through her leadership at CHD, Holland works to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual health rights.
Leslie Manookian, Health Freedom Defense Fund
Leslie Manookian is the founder and president of the Health Freedom Defense Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting bodily autonomy, informed consent, and civil liberties in public health policy. A former Wall Street executive turned documentary filmmaker and advocate, she has led legal and educational efforts challenging government overreach and promoting transparent, ethical health practices. Manookian is widely recognized for her leadership in the national health freedom movement.
Aimee Villella McBride, Global Wellness Forum
Aimee Villella McBride is a leader with the Global Wellness Forum, where she advances initiatives focused on integrative health, preventive wellness, and global well-being. With a background in advocacy, communications, and community engagement, she helps elevate evidence-based approaches to holistic health on an international stage. McBride is known for her ability to connect experts, policymakers, and communities around solutions that support human flourishing.
Leah Wilson, Stand For Health Freedom
Leah Wilson is the co-founder and executive director of Stand For Health Freedom, a national nonprofit empowering citizens to engage in the legislative process and protect fundamental health rights. With a background in law and community advocacy, she leads initiatives that strengthen civic participation, informed consent, and government accountability. Wilson is known for her strategic organizing and her commitment to giving individuals a voice in shaping public health policy.
Dr. Meryl Nass, MD, Door to Freedom
Dr. Meryl Nass, MD, is an internal medicine physician and biodefense expert known for her work on vaccine safety, biological warfare, and public health policy. As the founder of Door to Freedom, she advocates for medical ethics, informed consent, and the protection of civil liberties in global health governance. Dr. Nass is widely recognized for her research, congressional testimony, and longstanding commitment to transparency and patient rights.
Panel 9: MAHA Moms - Fertility, Parenting and Health Freedom
Moderator: Mary Holland, Children’s Health Defense
Debra Sheldon, Vice President, MAHA Institute
Debra Sheldon is the Vice President and co-founder of the MAHA Institute, where she helps shape national strategies for health freedom and public well-being. A former Director of Special Operations at American Values PAC, she played a central role in developing the Policies for the People initiative and recruiting candidates aligned with MAHA’s mission. Debra is a strong advocate for mothering, fertility, family health, and policies that prioritize people over institutions.
Leslie Manookian (Health Freedom Defense Fund) – Interview
Natalie Dodson is a Policy Analyst at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, where she focuses on issues at the intersection of public health, family policy, and cultural ethics. Her research supports evidence-based reforms that strengthen human dignity, community well-being, and responsible governance. Dodson is known for her clear analysis, principled approach, and commitment to advancing policies rooted in ethical and constitutional foundations.
Panel 10: Regulating Toxins Right - The MAHA EPA Working Group
Moderator: Mary Holland, Children’s Health Defense
Zen Honeycutt, Moms Across America
Zen Honeycutt is the founder and Executive Director of Moms Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering families to advocate for clean food, transparency, and environmental health. A leading voice in grassroots activism, she has championed policy changes around GMO labeling, pesticide reform, and chemical safety. Through nationwide education campaigns and community organizing, Honeycutt works to protect children’s health and strengthen the integrity of America’s food system.
Robert Bowcock
Robert Bowcock is a water quality expert and environmental investigator known for his decades-long work exposing contamination and protecting communities from unsafe water systems. A longtime collaborator of Erin Brockovich, he has assisted in major investigations across the country, helping uncover chemical pollution, regulatory failures, and public health threats. Bowcock is recognized nationally for his technical expertise, advocacy for clean water, and commitment to environmental justice.
Aaron Vandiver
W. Aaron Vandiver is a writer, attorney, and policy researcher whose work spans environmental conservation, public health, and civic reform. As a writer for Team Kennedy, he contributed strategic messaging, research, and narrative development rooted in science, ethics, and constitutional principles. Vandiver is widely respected for his clear analytical voice and his commitment to advancing policies that protect human rights, ecological integrity, and the public good.
Panel 11: Healthcare Technology and Payments - Security, Effectiveness and Justice
Moderator: Mary Holland, Children’s Health Defense
Wayne Miller
Wayne Miller is a former pharmacologist with extensive experience in drug development, safety assessment, and pharmaceutical industry operations. After years working within the system, he now focuses on educating the public about regulatory processes, industry incentives, and the importance of transparent, patient-centered medicine. Miller is known for his clear, science-informed perspective and his commitment to improving accountability in modern healthcare.
Jose Arrieta
Jose Arrieta is a former Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), where he led major initiatives in emerging technology, data modernization, and digital transformation. Known for pioneering the federal government's first blockchain implementation, he helped advance transparency, security, and innovation across complex health systems. Arrieta is widely recognized for his leadership at the intersection of technology, public policy, and healthcare infrastructure.
Don Lueders
Don Lueders is an information architect and data systems strategist known for designing clear, efficient frameworks that help organizations manage and understand complex information environments. With expertise spanning workflow design, knowledge management, and digital transformation, he creates structures that improve transparency, usability, and operational clarity. Lueders is recognized for his ability to translate intricate data problems into intuitive, human-centered solutions.
Keith Barksdale
Keith Barksdale is a vaccine-injured advocate and former Wall Street professional who now dedicates his work to raising awareness about medical harm, accountability, and patient rights. Drawing on his financial and analytical background, he brings a clear, evidence-focused voice to national conversations on safety, ethics, and informed consent. Barksdale is known for his courage in speaking out and his commitment to supporting others navigating similar experiences.
Panel 12: Addressing America’s Mental Health Crisis
Moderator: Cooper Davis, Inner Compass Initiative
Gretchen LeFever Watson
Dr. Gretchen LeFever Watson is a clinical psychologist, researcher, and health policy analyst known for her work on behavioral health, medication risk, and public system reform. She has published extensively on overdiagnosis, mental health outcomes, and evidence-based approaches that prioritize patient well-being. Watson is recognized for challenging entrenched systems and advancing reforms that promote ethical care, accountability, and long-term health resilience.
Dr. Josef Witt-Doering
Dr. Josef Witt-Doering is a psychiatrist and former FDA medical officer whose work focuses on drug safety, regulatory oversight, and ethical clinical practice. Drawing on his experience inside federal review systems, he now advocates for greater transparency, accountability, and patient-centered decision-making in medicine. Dr. Witt-Doering is widely recognized for his expertise in psychopharmacology and his principled voice in reforming regulatory processes that impact public health.
Laura Delano, Inner Compass Initiative
Laura Delano is the founder of Inner Compass Initiative, a nonprofit supporting individuals navigating psychiatric medication withdrawal and systemic challenges within mental health care. Drawing from her lived experience and years of advocacy, she works to foster informed consent, peer support, and alternative approaches to healing. Delano is a respected voice in rethinking mental health systems and empowering people to reclaim autonomy over their well-being.
Matthew Bernstein
Dr. Matthew Bernstein is a psychiatrist specializing in integrative mental health, metabolic wellness, and root-cause approaches to psychiatric care. His work bridges conventional psychiatry with evidence-based lifestyle and physiological interventions, helping patients move beyond symptom suppression toward long-term healing. Dr. Bernstein is known for his systems-level thinking and his commitment to reshaping mental health care through compassionate, patient-centered practice.
Derek Blumke, Grunt Style Foundation
Derek Blumke is the Executive Director of the Grunt Style Foundation, where he leads initiatives supporting veterans, military families, and service-connected wellness. A U.S. Air Force veteran and co-founder of Student Veterans of America, he has spent his career strengthening mental health resources, community reintegration, and advocacy for those who have served. Blumke is recognized nationally for his leadership in veteran empowerment and mission-driven organizational growth.
Panel 13: The Culture of MAHA - Renaissance or Enlightenment?
Moderator: Cooper Davis, Inner Compass Initiative
Teddy Macker
Teddy Macker is a writer, poet, and educator whose work explores nature, spirituality, and the human experience with clarity and lyrical depth. He has also contributed as a speechwriter for Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., bringing his literary voice to national conversations on justice, nature, and renewal. Macker’s poetry and prose continue to inspire audiences seeking meaning, connection, and a deeper sense of belonging in the modern world.
Jeremy Zogby
Jeremy Zogby is a political strategist and public opinion researcher known for his work in polling, messaging, and campaign insight. As a member of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s team, he contributed data-driven analysis to guide strategy, voter engagement, and narrative development. Zogby is recognized for his ability to translate public sentiment into actionable intelligence for leaders and movements shaping national policy.
Jay Richards, Restoring American Wellness, The Heritage Foundation
Jay Richards, Ph.D., is a senior research fellow at The Heritage Foundation and a national voice on economics, technology, culture, and public policy. He co-leads Restoring American Wellness, an initiative focused on rebuilding health, integrity, and resilience within U.S. institutions. Richards is known for his interdisciplinary scholarship and his commitment to advancing policy solutions rooted in human dignity, free enterprise, and the common good.
Charles Eisenstein
Charles Eisenstein is a writer, speaker, and cultural philosopher whose work explores the narratives shaping health, ecology, and modern society. A trusted advisor to Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., he brings a systems-thinking perspective to public health and policy reform. His insights—featured in outlets such as The New York Times—have made him a respected voice in movements working to restore integrity and reimagine the structures that guide civic life.
Jeffrey Tucker, Brownstone Institute
Jeffrey Tucker is the founder and president of the Brownstone Institute, a research organization dedicated to restoring classical liberal principles, civil liberties, and scientific integrity in public policy. An economist, writer, and editor, he has authored numerous books and articles on economics, freedom, and governance. Tucker is widely recognized for his advocacy during the COVID-19 era and his leadership in defending open societies and accountable institutions.
Panel 14: Fireside Roundtable: Making America Healthy Again
Moderator: Cooper Davis, Inner Compass Initiative
Kevin Bardosh, Former NIH
Dr. Kevin Bardosh is a researcher and global health scholar whose work examines public health policy, infectious disease, and the social dimensions of health interventions. A former NIH-affiliated academic, he has contributed to research and advisory roles around the world, studying how policy, culture, and governance shape health outcomes. Dr. Bardosh is recognized for his critical, evidence-based perspective on pandemic response, bioethics, and the societal impacts of public health decision-making.
Patriek Karayil - Former White House Innovation Fellow, Director of Government Relations, MAHA Institute
Patriek Karayil is the Director of Government Relations at the MAHA Institute and a former White House Innovation Fellow, where he helped design modern solutions for public-sector challenges. With expertise at the intersection of policy, technology, and civic services, he advances initiatives that strengthen transparency, efficiency, and health freedom. Karayil is known for his strategic leadership and his commitment to empowering institutions that serve people, not bureaucracy.
Noah Sofio, Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services
Noah Sofio is a policy professional with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where he works on federal programs that shape access, quality, and delivery of public health services. His experience spans regulatory analysis, stakeholder engagement, and implementation of reforms that affect millions of Americans. Sofio is known for his commitment to improving government systems and advancing policies that support equitable, effective healthcare.
Gina Loudon - Real America’s Voice
Gina Loudon, Ph.D., is a media personality, author, and political commentator best known for her work on Real America’s Voice. With a background in psychology and public communication, she provides analysis on culture, governance, and national policy through broadcast, writing, and advocacy. Loudon is recognized for her energetic commentary and her engagement with grassroots audiences across the country.
Specail Guests
Moderator: Cooper Davis, Inner Compass Initiative
Ryan Engelhart
Ryland Engelhart is a regenerative farmer, food systems innovator, and co-founder of Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing soil health and climate-smart agriculture. Through farming, filmmaking, and public education, he champions regenerative practices that restore ecosystems, nourish communities, and reconnect people to land stewardship. Engelhart is widely recognized for his role in popularizing soil-based solutions and inspiring a movement toward resilient, living agriculture.
Eric Nelson
Eric Nelson is a dedicated American farmer known for his commitment to regenerative agriculture, soil health, and transparent food production. Through his hands-on work with land restoration and sustainable livestock practices, he champions farming methods that rebuild ecosystems and strengthen local communities. Nelson brings a grounded, real-world voice to the national movement for a healthier, more resilient agricultural system.
Rick Clark
Rick Clark is a fifth-generation Indiana farmer and leading advocate for regenerative, zero-till agriculture. He has gained national recognition for building a fully regenerative, chemical-free farming system that restores soil health, increases biodiversity, and improves long-term farm resilience. Clark regularly shares his experience with growers, policymakers, and educators, inspiring a new generation of farmers to adopt sustainable, soil-first practices.
AJ Richards, From The Farm
AJ Richards is a regenerative rancher and founder of From The Farm, a movement reconnecting consumers to local food systems and transparent, community-based agriculture. A U.S. Army veteran turned food advocate, he champions soil health, producer autonomy, and direct farm-to-family distribution models that strengthen rural economies. Richards is known for his entrepreneurial leadership and his mission to rebuild resilient food networks rooted in trust and stewardship.
