The Junto Podcast

Edgar Mills dives into the competitive shooting world, highlighting its culture of safety, responsibility, community, and role in American gun ownership. 

He also discusses how the competition world is left out of the political gun debate, the most current defensive gun use (DGU) data, and why shooting sports deserve recognition as a prominent sport based on industry growth and American tradition.

Host Edgar Mills breaks down the divisive world of firearms training across competition, tactical, and self‑defense camps and how social media fuels ego, misinformation, and debate.

He argues hours aren’t the same as experience, emphasizes fundamentals and measurable marksmanship, and advocates training skills in isolation then applying them under stress.

The episode closes with practical advice to train responsibly, understand different perspectives, and information about upcoming Osprey Shooting Solutions courses and matches. https://ospreyshootingsolutions.com/firearms-training

Host Edgar Mills critiques social media performative outrage over Shane Gillis' SNL monologue and a female armpit-hair 'bravery' trend, arguing both are low-stakes distractions. He contrasts these moral panics with urgent global problems like poverty and violence, defends free speech, and calls for refocusing attention on real policy solutions. The episode ends with announcements about upcoming firearms courses and events.

In this episode Edgar Mills examines a recent Cornell sexual-assault case to explore how rape is handled across different settings; from elite campuses and corporate power to immigration and homelessness. He outlines common traits of perpetrators, institutional failures, and the role of politics and privilege in shaping outcomes.

The host also addresses false allegations, emphasizes the need for consistent accountability, and calls on parents and communities to teach respect and protect victims while urging evidence-based responses.

Edgar Mills marks the two-year anniversary of the Junto podcast, tracing its roots to Ben Franklin's 1727 Junto Club and explaining the show's mission to promote practical critical thinking and bold creativity.

The episode outlines recurring themes, guest conversations, listener participation (essays and appearances), and a call to build community through mutual improvement and real-world application.

Host Edgar Mills examines how lying is learned and becomes a repeating pattern that damages families, relationships, work and health. He describes how children copy parental deception, how lying connects to personality issues like narcissism and antisocial behavior, and how repeated deceit destroys trust, intimacy, any love that may have ever existed.

The episode also outlines a path to repair: acknowledge the behavior, take accountability, choose truth consistently, and make honest effort to change so relationships can heal and genuine trust can be rebuilt.

Edgar Mills explores the rise and mechanics of modern cancel culture, tracing its tactics from historical propaganda to social media mobs. He explains how targeted accusations, viral labels, and media amplification silence dissent and punish individuals and institutions.

The episode uses real-world examples and argues for skeptical thinking, consistent standards, and resisting authoritarian mob tactics that stifle debate.

Host Edgar Mills explores abortion through history, science, and culture, tracing the issue from Margaret Sanger and early laws to Roe v. Wade and recent policy changes.

The episode examines embryology (the “zinc spark” and fertilization), statistical patterns and racial disparities, common reasons women seek abortions, and alternatives such as adoption.

Mills argues for consistent application of scientific evidence, greater personal and parental accountability, and clearer, more compassionate public conversations about new human life.

Host Edgar Mills examines the weight of the word “hate,” contrasting it with anger through Aristotle and modern psychology and warning against casual use that fuels dehumanization.

He distinguishes hating systems or ideologies from hating individuals, cites violent examples where reduction of people to symbols led to murder, and argues for empathy and individual discernment.

The episode closes with five practical steps to avoid destructive hate: name the feeling, research, separate person from proposition, refuse to pile on, and pause before acting. He finishes with a brief recap of the recent OSS Armed Self‑Defense course.

Host Edgar Mills answers a stir caused by a clip from his guest spot on A Better Way 2A podcast. He challenges the idea that civilians need military-style kit and "truck guns" in their vehicles, arguing many are preparing for a fantasy fight instead of real risk. He challenges tired cliches: "better to have it and not need it", "two is one, one is none", "when the SHTF".

He discusses magazine malfunctions, equipment quality, maintenance, and real and concerning vehicle gun-theft statistics, and explains why carrying extra gear should follow an actual risk assessment, not Instagram hype.

Drawing on 30 years of experience and a high-profile case study, Mills urges legitimate training, critical thinking, and carrying equipment justified by your actual daily risks.