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 the importance of mental health advocacy and the role of humor in navigating serious issues. Throughout the episode, Roy emphasizes the need for open dialogue and the power of comedy to foster understanding and connection.


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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 firearms in crises, and the importance of empowering communities with education and resources for informed decision-making. The episode explores complex issues such as the nuances of legislation, the significance of data-informed strategies, and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities.

Highlights include:

• Restoring trust in research related to gun safety and mental health.
• The impact of programs like Pause to Protect reshaping firearm safety narratives.
• Challenges in securing funding for vital initiatives.
• Practical approaches to mental health and self-care.
• Strategies for fostering open dialogue and bridging divides across differing perspectives.

Through honest conversation, Jake, Michael, and Dr. Betz explore how positive messaging, upstream prevention, and community engagement can drive meaningful change in addressing firearm safety and mental health.

More Links:
Injury and Violence Prevention Center
Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative

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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!

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