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

We're tackling the growing issue of excessive screen time among kids and its effects on mental health. We discuss the latest recommendations from health officials, the challenges parents face in setting boundaries, and the hidden dangers of social media. Hear from our hosts about their experiences, strategies for reducing digital dependency, and ways to encourage outdoor activities and genuine interactions. Discover how small changes can lead to big improvements in your child's life.Send us a...

In this episode, Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry of Walk the Talk America (WTTA) are joined by Derek LeBlanc, founder of Kids S.A.F.E. Foundation, to discuss youth's critical need for gun safety education. The conversation dissects the manipulation of gun violence data, the importance of educating children on firearm safety, and the role of secure storage. Derek shares insights from his experiences teaching gun safety to children across the country and highlights the challenges and opportuniti...

Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry recap Michael's experience co-presenting with Mental Health America at the Stop the Stigma Together conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The topic for their presentation was addressing the shared stigma faced by the mental health and firearms communities. The session was met with enthusiasm and requests for Walk the Talk America resources, emphasizing the importance of bridging conversations between gun ownership and suicide prevention.They highlight Michael's me...

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...