Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America

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 health within the gun community, the significance of community events, and the personal stories that drive advocacy efforts. Katie shares her insights on overcoming fear at the range and the cultural shifts in women's involvement in firearms. The episode concludes with a look at future events and the ongoing mission to bridge the gap between mental health and gun rights.

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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 touches on mental health issues related to firearm access and the need for responsible gun ownership. Jeremy shares his vision for future innovations and the purpose behind his work, emphasizing the importance of community and support in overcoming personal struggles.

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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 corporate support and the impact of mentorship on children's lives, emphasizing the program's potential to break stereotypes and foster responsible gun ownership.

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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 touches on the need for hope and empowerment in the gun community, advocating for responsible gun ownership and mental health awareness.

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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 to address these misconceptions. In this part of the conversation, Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry discuss the importance of offering mental health resources in gun shops and the misconceptions that both the gun community and healthcare organizations have about each other. 

They emphasize the need for open and nuanced conversations to bridge the gap between these two communities. Michael shares personal stories of engaging with individuals with opposing views and finding common ground. They also touch on the importance of respectful dialogue and its impact on changing perspectives.

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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 the importance of collective action and sensible solutions to reduce gun-related tragedies. The product is seen as a deterrent and an extra layer of security, especially for households with children or individuals going through mental health challenges. It is also seen as a tool for responsible gun ownership and can be used in scenarios such as temporary firearm storage or during times of crisis.

The conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach to address the root causes of gun-related problems and the importance of education, technology, and collaboration among different stakeholders. Gun Alert is a new technology that aims to prevent accidental shootings and unauthorized access to firearms. The device is a sensor that attaches to a gun and sends an alert to the owner's smartphone if the gun is moved or tampered with. The goal is to promote responsible gun ownership and reduce gun-related accidents and tragedies. Gun Alert is currently focused on creating awareness and forming partnerships to get the product in the hands of those who need it the most, such as new gun owners, underserved communities, and veterans. The company's long-term vision is to make Gun Alert a standard accessory for gun owners, just like seat belts are for car owners.

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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 mindfulness, emotion-based to-do lists, and mental shortlists for redirecting energy. 

They also examine cultural trends contributing to the overuse and medicalization of anxiety, including the financial incentives driving overdiagnosis and the diminishing role of spirituality in society. Parenting challenges, such as schools shouldering too much responsibility and limited parental involvement, are discussed as factors influencing childhood anxiety.

Dr. Carmichael and Jake highlight concerns with the current mental health system, which often focuses on symptom management rather than addressing root causes. They also stress the importance of the cautious use of screening tools to prevent the pathologization of normal experiences. The conversation explores barriers to finding the right therapist, from financial limitations to insurance challenges, and concludes with a deeper look at the intersection of mental health and gun ownership. Topics such as red flag laws, cognitive dissonance in mental health diagnosis, and the shortcomings of research on gun ownership are all addressed.

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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 work as an instructor, teaching women how to shoot and obtain concealed carry permits. She discusses the importance of self-defense and the misconceptions around the effectiveness of smaller caliber firearms.

Heather will also donate a portion of the proceeds from all book purchases during the month of September to WTTA!

Links:
Buy Her Book
Instagram
Website

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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 manufacturers face in managing their budgets for these events. 

The conversation then shifts to the importance of promoting responsible gun storage and its potential concerns and benefits. They emphasize the need for open dialogue and proactive measures to address issues related to firearms and mental health. The conversation covers various topics related to the gun industry, mental health, and suicide prevention. The hosts discuss the importance of creating a unified message and working together to address these issues. They also highlight the need for firearms companies to be brave and engage in conversations about mental health and responsible storage. The hosts share their experiences at the GOALS Conference and the VA Suicide Prevention Conference, emphasizing the value of networking and collaboration. They also mention the Kids to Kings event, which aims to introduce firearms and life skills to underprivileged youth.

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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 (“SAAMI”). He is also the Chairman of the Project ChildSafe® Foundation. He has spent over 40 years in a variety of technical, legal, and executive management roles.
He is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (“CAHSS”) and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (“CSF”).

Joe also serves on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Red Cross and is a past Chairman of the Board of Goodwill Industries of Southern New England, where he is still serving as a member of the Goodwill Operations Committee.

Joe is an American Society for Quality (“ASQ”) Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Auditor, and Certified Quality Technician.

He graduated cum laude from the Quinnipiac University School of Law and is licensed to practice law in the state and federal courts of Connecticut, the state of Maine, and in the United States Supreme Court.

Joe is a 2014 recipient of the Anthony V. DeMayo Pro Bono Award, presented by the Connecticut Bar Association.

Links

NSSF
Project Child Safe
Gun Storage Check Week
Brave Conversation

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