STOP THE KILLING PODCAST

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Stop the Killing

Evergreen Podcasts & Sarah Ferris Media

Exploring the Darkest Corners of Violence Prevention and Survival: Join Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI's Active Shooter Program, and award-winning true-crime producer Sarah Ferris in Stop the Killing, the true-crime podcast that doesn’t just document tragedy but empowers listeners with the tools to prevent it. This series masterfully blends deep dives into infamous mass shootings, high-stakes FBI cases, and real-world survivor stories with expert analysis and practical safety strategies. Schweit—who led the first government study on mass shootings after Sandy Hook—delivers powerful insights, while Ferris transforms each episode into a gripping, unforgettable journey. Together, they equip listeners to recognize warning signs, understand preventative strategies, and become "upstanders" in the face of violence. In Season 5, meet heroes, advocates, and experts whose stories demand action—from Parkland parents who turned grief into advocacy, to Chris Hansen of To Catch a Predator - each story a call to action in America's ongoing fight against gun violence.  Stop the Killing isn’t just a podcast; it’s an indispensable guide to saving lives.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    S6E3 Red Flag Laws Explained: Can ERPOs Stop School Shootings?

    What if there was a legal tool designed to stop a mass shooting before it happens? In this episode of Stop the Killing, former FBI executive Katherine Schweit sits down with leading researchers studying gun violence prevention to explain Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) — often referred to as Red Flag Laws. These laws allow courts to temporarily restrict firearm access for people who are considered a risk to themselves or others. But how do they actually work? And can they help prevent tragedies like school shootings? Our guests from the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and the National Center for School Safety break down the research, the misconceptions, and the real-world impact of these laws. The conversation also explores why school safety goes far beyond metal detectors and lockdown drills, and why evidence shows that prevention must involve families, schools, communities, and early intervention strategies. If you’ve ever wondered whether mass shootings can actually be prevented — and what role communities can play — this episode provides crucial insight. Michael HoltzProgram Manager – Michigan Firearm Law Implementation ProgramUniversity of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention Stephen Oliphant, PhDResearch InvestigatorUniversity of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention Sarah StillwellResearch InvestigatorNational Center for School Safetyand the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention What Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) actually are Why ERPOs are often misunderstood as “gun confiscation laws” The research showing reductions in firearm suicides How ERPOs may help prevent mass shootings Why some states use these laws far more than others What the data says about school safety strategies Why anonymous reporting systems may be more effective than metal detectors The importance of community awareness and early intervention National Center for School Safetyhttps://www.nc2s.org University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Preventionhttps://firearminjury.umich.edu Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    50 min
  2. 1 DAY AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S6E4 School Shootings Start Long Before the Gun — Here’s How to Stop Them

    What if preventing school shootings has far less to do with reacting… and everything to do with what happens long before? In this powerful episode of Stop the Killing, Katherine Schweit is joined by leading researchers from the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and the National Center for School Safety to unpack what the data actually tells us about stopping violence before it starts. This isn’t about headlines. This is about evidence, prevention, and what really works. Dr. Brianna Scott — Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan Dr. Elyse Thulin — Research Assistant Professor, University of Michigan Dr. Sarah M. Stilwell — Researcher in Educational Psychology, University of Michigan 🎯 In this episode, we cover: Why school shootings are the end of a long chain of missed warning signs The role of anonymous reporting systems in preventing harm How school culture, belonging, and connection reduce violence risk The three critical environments: physical, social, and attentive Why most youth access to firearms comes from familiar homes And how early intervention can stop escalation before it becomes tragedy 💡 Key Insight School shootings don’t begin with a weapon. They begin with missed opportunities to intervene earlier. 🔗 Episode Resources & Links Here are the resources mentioned in this episode — all worth exploring: Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES) Program (free curriculum download): 👉 https://yes.sph.umich.edu/ ERPO Toolkit (Extreme Risk Protection Orders): 👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/erpo-toolkit/ Secure Firearm Storage Toolkit: 👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/safe-firearm-storage-toolkit-home/ National Center for School Safety: 👉 https://www.nc2s.org/ Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention: 👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/ Comprehensive School Safety Model: 👉 https://www.nc2s.org/resource/a-positive-youth-development-approach-to-school-safety/ 🎯 Takeaway for Listeners You don’t need to be an expert to prevent violence. 👉 Notice the signs 👉 Speak up 👉 Stay connected Because one action — one conversation — can change everything. Resources Mentioned National Center for School Safety https://www.nc2s.org University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention https://firearminjury.umich.edu Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network. Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES

    55 min
  3. 1 DAY AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S6E3 Red Flag Laws Explained: Can ERPOs Stop School Shootings?

    What if there was a legal tool designed to stop a mass shooting before it happens? In this episode of Stop the Killing, former FBI executive Katherine Schweit sits down with leading researchers studying gun violence prevention to explain Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) — often referred to as Red Flag Laws. These laws allow courts to temporarily restrict firearm access for people who are considered a risk to themselves or others. But how do they actually work? And can they help prevent tragedies like school shootings? Our guests from the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and the National Center for School Safety break down the research, the misconceptions, and the real-world impact of these laws. The conversation also explores why school safety goes far beyond metal detectors and lockdown drills, and why evidence shows that prevention must involve families, schools, communities, and early intervention strategies. If you’ve ever wondered whether mass shootings can actually be prevented — and what role communities can play — this episode provides crucial insight. Guests Featured Michael Holtz Program Manager – Michigan Firearm Law Implementation Program University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention Stephen Oliphant, PhD Research Investigator University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention Sarah Stillwell Research Investigator National Center for School Safety and the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention In This Episode What Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) actually are Why ERPOs are often misunderstood as “gun confiscation laws” The research showing reductions in firearm suicides How ERPOs may help prevent mass shootings Why some states use these laws far more than others What the data says about school safety strategies Why anonymous reporting systems may be more effective than metal detectors The importance of community awareness and early intervention Resources Mentioned National Center for School Safety https://www.nc2s.org University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention https://firearminjury.umich.edu Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network. Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES

    46 min
  4. 12 MAR

    S6E2 The Real Cost of Gun Violence: Lawsuits, Liability & the Price of Freedom

    When we talk about gun violence, we count the dead.We count the injured.We debate the laws. But what about the financial cost? In this episode, former FBI executive Katherine Schweit examines the hidden economic impact of gun violence in America — from multi-million-dollar settlements to bankrupt gun manufacturers. Using real cases including: The 2022 Buffalo Tops Supermarket shooting The $73 million Sandy Hook settlement The $10 million award to a teacher shot by a 6-year-old student Lawsuits involving ghost guns, straw purchases, and firearm accessories Katherine breaks down: ✔ What the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) actually protects✔ Why a gun accessory manufacturer paid $1.75 million✔ How liability law is evolving✔ Whether firearm companies should be shielded from responsibility✔ And what shifting financial risk could mean for the future of gun policy This isn’t a debate about the Second Amendment.It’s a conversation about accountability, insurance, and the true cost of doing business in a country flooded with firearms. Because beyond grief and trauma — there is an economic impact. And someone always pays. Gun violence financial impact Firearm manufacturer liability PLCAA explained Sandy Hook lawsuit settlement Buffalo supermarket shooting 2022 Ghost guns and legal accountability Straw purchases and gun dealer liability School shooting lawsuits Insurance requirements for gun owners Economic cost of gun violence in America Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: conningthecon@yahoo.com Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS, SUPPORTS THE PODCAST CRIMECON UK TICKETS HERE CRIMECON US TICKETS HERE DON’T forget to use DISCOUNT CODE “FERRIS” RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVESGun Violence, Firearm Law, Sandy Hook, Buffalo Shooting, School Safety, Second Amendment, Public Policy, Crime Prevention, Legal Analysis, True Crime Education Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min

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5
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About

Exploring the Darkest Corners of Violence Prevention and Survival: Join Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI's Active Shooter Program, and award-winning true-crime producer Sarah Ferris in Stop the Killing, the true-crime podcast that doesn’t just document tragedy but empowers listeners with the tools to prevent it. This series masterfully blends deep dives into infamous mass shootings, high-stakes FBI cases, and real-world survivor stories with expert analysis and practical safety strategies. Schweit—who led the first government study on mass shootings after Sandy Hook—delivers powerful insights, while Ferris transforms each episode into a gripping, unforgettable journey. Together, they equip listeners to recognize warning signs, understand preventative strategies, and become "upstanders" in the face of violence. In Season 5, meet heroes, advocates, and experts whose stories demand action—from Parkland parents who turned grief into advocacy, to Chris Hansen of To Catch a Predator - each story a call to action in America's ongoing fight against gun violence.  Stop the Killing isn’t just a podcast; it’s an indispensable guide to saving lives.

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