Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America Walk the Talk America

In this episode, we sit down with Jacquelyn Clark, co-owner of Bristlecone Shooting, Training & Retail Center, to discuss the crucial role of community and mental health in the firearms industry. Jacquelyn shares her personal journey into the industry. She highlights the importance of providing secure storage options at local gun ranges and shops to prevent access to firearms during times of crisis. Jacquelyn emphasizes the need for a welcoming and inclusive environment in gun shops ...

Ashley Hlebinsky discusses her work as a firearms historian and her experience in the court system as an expert witness. She highlights the importance of public education and providing unbiased information about firearms history. Ashley also shares her frustration with the polarized gun debate and the negative impact it has on mental health. She emphasizes the need for civil discourse and finding common ground to save lives. Ashley Hlebinsky is a firearms historian specializing in materi...

Megan Braganza and WTTA Board Member Ashley Hlebinsky join the podcast to discuss all things service dogs. Megan is a skilled dog trainer specializing in service dogs and one of the trainers who trained Ashley's service dog. We touch on the differences between service dogs and emotional support animals, the training process, and the tasks these dogs perform. Megan shares her personal journey with her service dog, who helps manage her migraines, hypoglycemia, and anxiety. Additionally, th...

Maj is back and out of the salon chair to resume the conversation with Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini! Maj Toure is the founder of Black Guns Matter and the Solutionary Center. Maj discusses the Solutionary Center's mission, a community education hub addressing responsible gun ownership, the Second Amendment, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and mental health. He shares stories of conducting events nationwide and how these experiences created a centralized space to teach skills like yo...

In this episode, Maj Toure, founder of Black Guns Matter and Solutionary University, emphasizes the critical role of firearms education and responsible gun ownership. Despite a scheduling mix-up, Maj speaks candidly from his salon chair about the misconceptions surrounding firearms and safety, the historical racism of gun control policies, and the importance of diverse voices in the Second Amendment dialogue. He shares his dedication to making firearms training accessible and stresses the nee...

In this episode, we explore the world of gun culture with author David Yamane, who aims to bridge the divide between gun owners and skeptics. His book covers why guns resonate with their owners while addressing concerns about the risks they pose in some people's eyes. David highlights the efforts of Walk the Talk America and explores founder Michael Sodini's background growing up. Yamane's book speaks to gun enthusiasts, skeptics, and the curious alike. He encourages readers to embrace differ...