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Bridging Guns And Mental Health with Walk The Talk America
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What if the most effective mental health leadership in America came from the firearms community itself? We sit down with Michael Sodini, a third‑generation industry insider and founder of Walk The Talk America (WTTA), to unpack how gun owners, trainers, and manufacturers are driving practical suicide prevention—no new laws required. Michael shares the candid origin story behind WTTA, the loss that made silence impossible, and the simple question that sparked a movement: if we can’t collaborate on legislation, what can we build together that actually helps people?
We walk through the game‑changing idea of putting free, anonymous mental health screenings directly into gun boxes and onto product packaging with partners like Ruger and Armscor. By meeting owners where they are, these tools normalize regular check‑ins, set a personal baseline, and make it easy to act early—without surveillance or stigma. Michael explains why focusing on suicide prevention is the most impactful path, how the industry’s trusted voice increases adoption, and what “the mental game” of responsible ownership looks like inside the home and around family.
The conversation dives into WTTA’s cultural competence course for clinicians and the growing national directory of pro‑2A, firearms‑informed therapists. We talk about real barriers to care—judgment, fear of confiscation, confusion about laws—and how better language, safer off‑ramps, and telehealth access change outcomes. Michael also tackles the unintended consequences of red flag and transfer laws, offering a nuanced view that resonates across political lines because it centers on one goal: making it safe to ask for help.
If you care about practical safety, civil rights, veteran and first responder wellness, or smarter mental health access, this story matters. Explore resources at wtta.org, share this episode with a friend who might need it, and subscribe to the show. Your review helps more people find tools that save lives.
Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.
The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi
To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!
Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.
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By Brian McCollum, David Alderman & Crystal MillánSend us a text
What if the most effective mental health leadership in America came from the firearms community itself? We sit down with Michael Sodini, a third‑generation industry insider and founder of Walk The Talk America (WTTA), to unpack how gun owners, trainers, and manufacturers are driving practical suicide prevention—no new laws required. Michael shares the candid origin story behind WTTA, the loss that made silence impossible, and the simple question that sparked a movement: if we can’t collaborate on legislation, what can we build together that actually helps people?
We walk through the game‑changing idea of putting free, anonymous mental health screenings directly into gun boxes and onto product packaging with partners like Ruger and Armscor. By meeting owners where they are, these tools normalize regular check‑ins, set a personal baseline, and make it easy to act early—without surveillance or stigma. Michael explains why focusing on suicide prevention is the most impactful path, how the industry’s trusted voice increases adoption, and what “the mental game” of responsible ownership looks like inside the home and around family.
The conversation dives into WTTA’s cultural competence course for clinicians and the growing national directory of pro‑2A, firearms‑informed therapists. We talk about real barriers to care—judgment, fear of confiscation, confusion about laws—and how better language, safer off‑ramps, and telehealth access change outcomes. Michael also tackles the unintended consequences of red flag and transfer laws, offering a nuanced view that resonates across political lines because it centers on one goal: making it safe to ask for help.
If you care about practical safety, civil rights, veteran and first responder wellness, or smarter mental health access, this story matters. Explore resources at wtta.org, share this episode with a friend who might need it, and subscribe to the show. Your review helps more people find tools that save lives.
Right To Bear
We are the only member-based, American legal protection provider dedicated to the preservation of individual liberty, for responsible freedom loving people in the United States. Our core program includes unlimited legal defense both criminally and civilly, expert witness fees, psychological support, and gun replacement. To signup go to Protect with Bear and use code 'BTT" at checkout for a 10% discount.
The official drink of The Armed Guardian Podcast. Check out all their coffee, teas, and Coco's in the link in the show notes. Get a special discount by using the coupon code "BRIAM10". https://www.blackoutcoffee.com?p=HkU3v6Jqi
To reach us on topics, suggestions or guest referrals email us at [email protected]. This podcast is sponsored by Right To Bear Legal Protection and Blackout Coffee
Our motto is: Learn, Train, & Survive!
Check out out webpage, www.thearmedguardianpodcast.com and our Facebook page.