Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America

Walk the Talk America

The Walk the Talk America Podcast is where firearm culture and mental health meet with curiosity, not confrontation.   Each episode brings together voices from the firearm community, mental health professionals, researchers, and everyday gun owners to have honest conversations about suicide prevention, culture, and practical solutions.   We focus on education over outrage, nuance over noise, and collaboration over division, because reducing negative outcomes requires diverse perspectives.    And because this work is personal, every episode closes with a simple but powerful question: How do you stay mentally healthy?

  1. Aug 11

    Ep 175: Domestic Violence Survivor Fights to Restore Her Gun Rights | Kelly Sutliff’s Updated Story

    Domestic violence survivor Kelly Sutliff returns to Guns & Mental Health with a major update: after years of legal battles, having her firearm confiscated, and navigating New Jersey’s firearm permitting system, she has finally been approved to own a handgun again. But getting there was anything but simple. Kelly shares what happened after she reapplied for her New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, why she was asked to undergo psychological and psychiatric evaluations, how the process ultimately cost her nearly $10,000, and why she believes her experience raises serious questions about red flag laws, due process, domestic violence survivors, and the restoration of firearm rights. Michael Sodini, Kevin Berry, and Rafael join Kelly for a wider conversation about what happens when firearm laws intersect with domestic violence, mental health evaluations, victim safety, and the realities of navigating the legal system. Rafael also shares how Bersa stepped in to help make Kelly whole by donating the handgun she was finally able to purchase after receiving approval. The conversation then turns to Kelly’s Canines: Tales of Courage, the nonprofit Kelly founded to provide trained protection dogs to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors at no cost. Kelly explains how her own protection dog helped restore a sense of safety after her firearm was taken and how that experience inspired her to help other survivors. This episode explores: • Kelly’s original red flag and firearm confiscation • Her experience as a domestic violence survivor in New Jersey • The process of restoring her firearm rights • Psychological evaluations for firearm ownership • The nearly $10,000 cost of navigating the process • Due process and red flag laws • Firearm ownership and mental health • Bersa’s decision to donate Kelly a handgun • Protection dogs as another option for survivor safety • Kelly’s Canines: Tales of Courage • How firearm policy can create unintended consequences for victims Walk the Talk America works to bridge the gap between mental health and responsible firearm ownership through education, conversations, partnerships, and programs designed to reduce suicide and improve mental wellness without stigmatizing gun owners. If Kelly’s story resonates with you, share this episode. These conversations matter, particularly when laws designed to protect people may have unintended consequences for the very individuals they are intended to help. Linbks: Kelly Sutliff https://www.instagram.com/kellys_k9s_tailsofcourage/ https://www.instagram.com/real_talk_with_kelly/ https://www.kellysk9s.org https://www.youtube.com/@KellysK9sTailsofCourage https://www.tiktok.com/@tails_of_courage Bersa https://www.instagram.com/bersa_usa/ https://bersausa.com https://www.facebook.com/BersaArms Rafael DelValle https://www.instagram.com/rdelvalle1/ Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

  2. Aug 10

    Ep 174: Inside the NRA Annual Meeting: How the Firearm Industry is Changing the Mental Health Conversation

    What really happens at the NRA Annual Meeting, and how is the firearm industry evolving its approach to mental health and suicide prevention? In this special recap episode, Michael Sodini, J Hood, and Kevin Berry reflect on their experience at the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting, sharing what stood out from dozens of meetings with firearm manufacturers, media outlets, and industry leaders. They discuss how conversations about mental health have matured, why more companies are engaging with Walk the Talk America, and the barriers that still prevent some organizations from getting involved. The discussion explores why supporting suicide prevention isn’t just about writing a check. From including mental health resources in product packaging to sharing educational content, donating auction items, collaborating on research, and simply amplifying lifesaving resources, the team explains how companies of every size can make a meaningful impact. They also examine the unique role Walk the Talk America plays as a bridge between the firearm industry, healthcare, and mental health communities, and share a vision for bringing those worlds together through deeper collaboration, research partnerships, and future industry summits. Whether you’re a firearm owner, industry professional, healthcare provider, researcher, or simply interested in finding practical, nonpartisan solutions to reduce suicide while respecting the reasons people choose to own firearms, this episode offers an inside look at where the conversation is headed—and why collaboration matters more than ever. Topics Covered: Behind the scenes at the 2026 NRA Annual MeetingWhy more firearm companies are engaging with mental healthCommon misconceptions that prevent organizations from getting involvedPractical ways businesses can support suicide preventionThe importance of partnerships between industry and healthcareWalk the Talk America’s long-term vision for collaboration and researchWhy changing culture takes consistency, trust, and patienceLearn more about Walk the Talk America at walkthetalkamerica.org. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

  3. Jul 28

    Ep 173: A Therapist’s Journey Into Firearm Culture

    What happens when a licensed therapist falls in love with shooting sports? In this episode of the Guns & Mental Health Podcast, Stanford Spurlock shares his journey from working in the music industry to becoming a mental health counselor, competitive shooter, and advocate for reducing the stigma between firearm ownership and seeking therapy. The conversation explores why many responsible gun owners hesitate to seek mental health care, how therapists can better understand firearm culture, and why nuance—not stereotypes—is essential for improving both mental health and responsible firearm ownership. Whether you’re a firearm owner, clinician, veteran, or simply interested in improving conversations around mental health, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on one of today’s most misunderstood topics. In this episode: Why Stanford left the music industry for mental healthBecoming a firearm owner in MontanaThe stigma surrounding gun owners seeking therapyWhy many therapists don’t understand firearm cultureHow responsible firearm ownership and mental wellness can coexistThe importance of secure firearm storage during times of crisisWhy nuance matters more than labelsSubscribe for more conversations exploring the intersection of mental health and responsible firearm ownership. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

  4. Jul 20

    Ep 172: Ton Jones on Grief, Resilience, Firearms, and the Conversations That Save Lives

    Ton Jones is known by many as the larger-than-life personality from Auction Hunters, but behind the television career, firearms expertise, and decades in the outdoor industry is a story shaped by loss, resilience, responsibility, and human connection. In this deeply personal conversation, Ton joins Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry to discuss the unexpected rabbit holes he discovered while listening to the Guns & Mental Health podcast, his concerns about how suicide prevention and firearm policy are approached, and why meaningful progress requires people from different communities to sit down and truly listen to one another. Ton shares a powerful story about supporting a suicidal veteran during a hunting trip, reflects on helping researchers better understand firearms at SHOT Show, and explains how his years working in Hollywood taught him to translate complicated and emotionally charged topics between people with very different perspectives. He also opens up about surviving on his own as a teenager, losing nearly everything when his home was robbed and burned down, the sudden death of his father, the loss of his grandfather, and the lessons that helped him rebuild rather than allow grief and anger to consume him. The conversation also explores responsible firearm ownership, the family traditions that shaped Ton’s understanding of safety and secure storage, and the daily practices he now uses to protect his own mental wellness. This episode is ultimately about showing up: for family, for friends, for veterans, for people who are struggling, and even for those whose perspectives may be very different from our own. Because sometimes a conversation, a phone call, a shared campfire, or a simple question “How are you doing?” can help bring someone back to life. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

  5. Jul 2

    Ep 171: Jared Buchanan's Journey of Healing and Advocacy

    Jared Buchanan shares his personal journey through grief, mental health advocacy, and ultra running, all inspired by his father's suicide. Discover insights on recognizing signs, the importance of connection, and how resilience and humor can aid healing. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

  6. Jun 24

    Ep 170: Protecting Schools and Supporting Veterans

    In this episode of Guns and Mental Health, Mike and Jake sit down with the Allegiance Project Foundation to discuss a different approach to school safety. The conversation explores how Allegiance Project Foundation hires and trains veterans for school security, helps schools build a security mindset, and supports veterans as they transition out of military service and into a renewed sense of purpose. From threat assessment and school safety culture to veteran mental health, identity, brotherhood, and the hard realities of transition, this episode digs into what it means to protect children while also caring for the people doing the protecting. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

  7. May 8

    Ep 169: Listening Through Loss: Nelba Márquez-Greene on Grief, Community, and Humanity

    In this deeply human episode of the WTTA Guns and Mental Health Podcast, Michael Sodini sits down with Nelba Márquez-Greene, mother of Ana Grace, who was murdered in the Sandy Hook shooting. This conversation is not about politics or taking sides. It is about listening. Nelba shares her story as a mother, wife, clinician, educator, and survivor of unimaginable loss. Together, she and Michael discuss grief, community, storytelling, faith, mental health, responsible conversations around firearms, and the importance of seeing one another as human before anything else. It is a powerful reminder that real progress begins when people are willing to sit together, listen honestly, and refuse to let tragedy become just another talking point. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

  8. Apr 16

    Ep 168: From the Firearms Industry to the Research Stage

    Michael Sodini recaps his experience last fall at Rutgers University, where he was invited to close out a summit hosted by the New Jersey Gun Violence Research Center.  In this conversation, Michael and Kevin break down what happened when Walk the Talk America brought a firearms industry perspective into a room full of researchers, social workers, and advocacy groups. They discuss the disconnect between policy conversations and the realities of gun ownership, the momentum behind WTTA’s ROOTS Project and Kids to Kings, and why practical solutions, trusted messengers, and better collaboration matter more than ever. Send us Fan Mail Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and would like to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Bleeker Street Publications Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

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4.6
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

The Walk the Talk America Podcast is where firearm culture and mental health meet with curiosity, not confrontation.   Each episode brings together voices from the firearm community, mental health professionals, researchers, and everyday gun owners to have honest conversations about suicide prevention, culture, and practical solutions.   We focus on education over outrage, nuance over noise, and collaboration over division, because reducing negative outcomes requires diverse perspectives.    And because this work is personal, every episode closes with a simple but powerful question: How do you stay mentally healthy?

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