Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America

Michael Sodini recaps the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits live from the Regal Products booth with Kenny Barlow. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini sit down with Tom Cruz — not that Tom Cruz — to talk about the moment that changed everything. A 26-year Army veteran, Tom shares his harrowing story of a seven-hour mental health crisis in which he took his fiancée hostage — an event he doesn’t fully remember, but one that would define the next chapter of his life.  What followed wasn’t a prison sentence — it wa...

In this episode of the Walk the Talk America podcast, host Michael Sodini talks with Dr. James Bigham, a family physician who emphasizes the importance of understanding firearm ownership within the context of mental health. The conversation explores the fears that gun owners face when discussing firearms with medical professionals, the need for cultural competence in healthcare, and the significan...

In this episode of the Guns and Mental Health podcast, host WTTA Founder Michael Sodini and Patrick Bertagna, CEO of GunAlert , engage in a profound conversation with Jon Romano, who shares his journey from a troubled youth to a pivotal moment in his life when he brought a firearm to school with the intention of suicide by cop. Jon discusses the trauma he faced, the mental health struggles that le...

Dr. Bob Smith discusses his extensive experience in primary care mental health and the importance of patient-centered interviewing skills. He highlights the crisis in mental health care, particularly the lack of training for primary care doctors to recognize and treat mental health issues.  We also explore the historical context of the mind-body split in medicine, its implications for mental healt...

Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini talk with William Sandoval about the innovative technology developed by Ocufii to enhance firearm safety. William shares his journey from a technology background to creating a proactive safety device that alerts users to movement around their firearms. The discussion also addresses concerns about data privacy, the importance of educating both the firearms communi...

Christopher Jachimiec joins us to talk about a recent Rand report that sheds light on a critical issue in the military-trust and confidentiality in mental health care. It found that over half of service members worry that seeking treatment could harm their careers, impact their security clearances, or affect deployment opportunities. Even more striking, nearly 90% of respondents said they would ho...

In this episode, Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry explore the misconceptions surrounding firearms and the gun community. They address common arguments against gun ownership, the effectiveness of gun laws, and the importance of communication in bridging the gap between differing perspectives. Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to high...

In this conversation, Michael Sodini and Brandon Roper, the President of Camfour , discuss the critical intersection of mental health and the firearms industry. Brandon also takes us through his journey in the firearms industry, from sales to his current role as President. Through this conversation, they emphasize the need for the industry to take responsibility for addressing mental health issues...

In this episode of the Guns and Mental Health podcast, host Michael Sodini and Kenny Barlow discuss their experiences at the National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearms-Related Harms. They explore the diverse perspectives on firearm research, the importance of technology in gun safety, and the challenges faced in the field. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and awa...

In this conversation, Michael Sodini and Rob Pincus discuss their experiences at a recent gun violence prevention conference in Seattle. They reflect on the interactive nature of the event, the importance of engaging with researchers, and the challenges of addressing outdated data and misconceptions about gun ownership. The discussion highlights the need for more research focused on affected popul...

In this conversation, Michael Sodini shares his experiences from the recent firearm violence prevention research conference in Seattle, where he made a historic presentation as a representative of the firearms industry. He discusses the positive reception of his presentation, the importance of engaging with researchers, and the challenges faced in funding and establishing a presence at such events...

In this episode of the WTTA Guns and Mental Health podcast, hosts Michael Sodini and J. Hood talk with comedian Roy Wood Jr. about the intersection of comedy, mental health, and firearms. Roy shares his unique approach to using humor to address sensitive topics, his experiences at pro-gun events, and the evolving landscape of gun ownership within the Black community. The discussion also explores t...

Join hosts Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini as they sit down with Dr. Emmy Betz, an emergency physician specializing in suicide prevention and firearm safety. Together, they navigate the intricate relationship between mental health and gun access, offering a respectful, collaborative approach to these critical topics. Dr. Betz brings valuable insights on managing suicide risks, the role of firea...

In this episode of the WTTA podcast, Michael Sodini and co-host Kevin Berry talk with Katie Gardner, a passionate advocate for the Second Amendment and mental health awareness. They discuss Katie's journey into the 2A community, her experiences with Gun Owners of America, and the importance of empowering women in firearms. The conversation highlights the need for open discussions about mental...

Jeremy Van Winkle, the founder of GunLox , a new technology-driven firearm safety product, joins Jake Wiskerchen and Mike Sodini. The conversation explores the importance of integrating technology into firearm safety, the challenges faced in the gun industry, and the personal journey of Jeremy, who overcame addiction and is now dedicated to creating products that protect lives. The discussion also...

The conversation focuses on the Kids to Kings program, which aims to provide firearms education and emotional intelligence training to youth in underserved communities. Kevin Dixie, the lead instructor in Atlanta, Georgia, shares insights on the importance of community outreach, mental health, and financial literacy in shaping the lives of young men. The discussion highlights the need for corporat...

Jake Wiskerchen, Michael Sodini, and Kevin Berry discuss the recent US News article that attributes high firearm deaths in the U.S. to gun prevalence rather than mental health issues. They critique the research methodology, explore the complexities of mental illness and violence, and emphasize the importance of education and emotional functioning in addressing these issues. The conversation also t...

In this conversation, Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry discuss the misconceptions surrounding guns and mental health. They touch on topics such as the prevalence of guns, the misconceptions about AR rifles, and the need for education and understanding between the gun and mental health communities. They also discuss the challenges of navigating legislation and the importance of having solutions ready...

The conversation discusses the potential Gun Alert , a technology that can notify gun owners if their firearm has been moved or removed from its usual environment. The technology aims to address issues such as suicide, domestic violence, and unauthorized access to firearms. It is well-received in various communities, including law enforcement and the firearms industry. The conversation emphasizes...

In this episode, Jake and Mike sit down with Dr. Chloe Carmichael , clinical psychologist and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety . Together, they dive into the benefits of free speech, the mental health advantages of self-expression, and the dangers of groupthink. Dr. Carmichael introduces nine practical techniques from her book to help manage anxiety, including mindfulnes...

Heather Allen, a 2A advocate and author, joins the podcast to discuss her book, '50 States in My Sights,' where she traveled to all 50 states to shoot and learn about each state's gun laws and ranges. She also talks about her background and experiences with firearms. She shares how she got into shooting and became an advocate for Second Amendment rights. Heather also talks about her...

In this conversation, Michael Sodini, Kevin Berry, and Kenny Barlow discuss Mike and Kenny's experiences at the inaugural Goals conference held by Gun Owners of America (GOA). They talk about the importance of organizations like GOA stepping up in uncertain times and the positive reception they received at the conference. They also touch on attending firearms shows and the challenges manufact...

Joe Bartozzi, the president and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), joins Mike and Jake to discuss his history working in the firearm industry, suicide prevention, and the NSSF's role and activities in advocating the gun industry. Joe is the President and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (“NSSF”) and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (“...

Paul Santilli, a clinical social worker, discusses his paper on the utilization of gun principles and gun handling in psychotherapy. He explains how he integrated gun principles into everyday life and how they can be applied in mental health counseling. The conversation highlights the importance of bridging the gap between firearms culture and mental health culture and the need for cultural compet...