Michael Sodini recaps the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits live from the Regal Products booth with Kenny Barlow.

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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 was a redemption arc powered by compassion, self-awareness, and one woman’s extraordinary strength under pressure. Together, Tom and his wife would navigate law enforcement, stigma, the military system, and ultimately, the long journey to healing.

Tom now travels the country with his family, sharing their story to change the conversation around suicide prevention, trauma, and firearm responsibility — especially within the military and veteran community. In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Tom’s wife calmly de-escalated a life-or-death situation — without formal training
• The importance of lived experience in suicide prevention policy
• The gray area between law enforcement, mental health, and justice
• Why Tom trains his son to be a part of his support system
• The work Tom does now to bridge police and community through mental health education

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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 significance of responsible firearm ownership. 

Dr. Bigham shares his journey in bridging the gap between the medical community and gun owners, advocating for open dialogue and education to reduce risks associated with firearm access, especially in mental health crises. The episode also highlights the Lock, Stock, and Barrel program, which aims to demystify firearms for medical professionals and promote safe practices. 

*The views and opinions expressed by James Bigham are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.*

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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 led to his actions, and the importance of open communication and connection in preventing similar tragedies. The conversation also touches on the role of medication, firearms education, and the need for ongoing dialogue about mental health and safety in schools. 

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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 health care, and the need for better integration of mental health services within the healthcare system. He emphasizes the significance of recognizing co-occurring disorders, the mind-body connection in chronic pain, and the stigma surrounding mental health in medical settings. We also touch on the role of emotions in health and the importance of spirituality and self-actualization in the healing process.

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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 community and behavioral health professionals about available safety options, and the future of firearm safety devices in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. 

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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 hold back on what they share with military mental health providers due to privacy concerns. These findings highlight the urgent need to address barriers to care and build trust so those who serve can access the mental health support they need without fear of negative consequences.

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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.

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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, particularly among gun owners and veterans. The dialogue explores the challenges of engaging with anti-gun advocates, the importance of controlling the narrative surrounding gun ownership, and the diverse perspectives within the gun community. They also highlight the significance of community support following tragedies and the role of data in shaping discussions about firearms. Personal mental health strategies, including hobbies and spending time in nature, are shared as effective coping mechanisms.

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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 awareness to address misconceptions surrounding firearms and mental health while also highlighting innovative solutions for improving gun safety practices.

In this conversation, Kenny Barlow and Michael Sodini discuss the challenges and nuances surrounding gun policy, mainly focusing on outdated data, reliable research, and the role of anecdotal evidence in shaping perceptions of firearm safety. They emphasize the need for credible messengers in the gun rights conversation and explore innovative solutions for gun storage and safety. The discussion highlights the importance of building trust within the community and the necessity of supporting research that accurately reflects the realities of gun ownership and mental health.

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