Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America

Walk the Talk America
  • 4.6 (18)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America

An honest and comprehensive discussion about guns and mental health. Two highly stigmatized cultures that have long stood across from each other, refusing to collaborate whenever tragedy strikes. That trend ends now. For firearms owners, clinicians, and the curious public. 

  1. MAY 5

    Ep 146: Mike and Kenny Barlow Recap NRA

    Michael Sodini recaps the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits live from the Regal Products booth with Kenny Barlow. Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    27 min

  2. APR 11

    Ep 145: A Veteran’s Mental Health Crisis and the Woman Who Stood By Him

    Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini sit down with Tom Cruz — not that Tom Cruz — to talk about the moment that changed everything. A 26-year Army veteran, Tom shares his harrowing story of a seven-hour mental health crisis in which he took his fiancée hostage — an event he doesn’t fully remember, but one that would define the next chapter of his life.  What followed wasn’t a prison sentence — it was a redemption arc powered by compassion, self-awareness, and one woman’s extraordinary strength under pressure. Together, Tom and his wife would navigate law enforcement, stigma, the military system, and ultimately, the long journey to healing. Tom now travels the country with his family, sharing their story to change the conversation around suicide prevention, trauma, and firearm responsibility — especially within the military and veteran community. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Tom’s wife calmly de-escalated a life-or-death situation — without formal trainingThe importance of lived experience in suicide prevention policyThe gray area between law enforcement, mental health, and justiceWhy Tom trains his son to be a part of his support systemThe work Tom does now to bridge police and community through mental health educationSend us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    1h 15m

  3. MAR 27

    Ep 144: Why Doctors Need to Understand Gun Owners with Dr. James Bigham

    In this episode of the Walk the Talk America podcast, host Michael Sodini talks with Dr. James Bigham, a family physician who emphasizes the importance of understanding firearm ownership within the context of mental health. The conversation explores the fears that gun owners face when discussing firearms with medical professionals, the need for cultural competence in healthcare, and the significance of responsible firearm ownership.  Dr. Bigham shares his journey in bridging the gap between the medical community and gun owners, advocating for open dialogue and education to reduce risks associated with firearm access, especially in mental health crises. The episode also highlights the Lock, Stock, and Barrel program, which aims to demystify firearms for medical professionals and promote safe practices.  *The views and opinions expressed by James Bigham are his own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.* Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    1h 21m

  4. MAR 20

    Ep 143: Inside the Mind of a School Shooter with Jon Romano

    In this episode of the Guns and Mental Health podcast, host WTTA Founder Michael Sodini and Patrick Bertagna, CEO of GunAlert, engage in a profound conversation with Jon Romano, who shares his journey from a troubled youth to a pivotal moment in his life when he brought a firearm to school with the intention of suicide by cop. Jon discusses the trauma he faced, the mental health struggles that led to his actions, and the importance of open communication and connection in preventing similar tragedies. The conversation also touches on the role of medication, firearms education, and the need for ongoing dialogue about mental health and safety in schools.  Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    1h 21m

  5. MAR 13

    Ep 142: The Mind-Body Connection Explained with Dr. Bob Smith

    Dr. Bob Smith discusses his extensive experience in primary care mental health and the importance of patient-centered interviewing skills. He highlights the crisis in mental health care, particularly the lack of training for primary care doctors to recognize and treat mental health issues.  We also explore the historical context of the mind-body split in medicine, its implications for mental health care, and the need for better integration of mental health services within the healthcare system. He emphasizes the significance of recognizing co-occurring disorders, the mind-body connection in chronic pain, and the stigma surrounding mental health in medical settings. We also touch on the role of emotions in health and the importance of spirituality and self-actualization in the healing process. Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    1h 19m

  6. MAR 6

    Ep 141: Innovative Technological Solutions with William Sandoval

    Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini talk with William Sandoval about the innovative technology developed by Ocufii to enhance firearm safety. William shares his journey from a technology background to creating a proactive safety device that alerts users to movement around their firearms. The discussion also addresses concerns about data privacy, the importance of educating both the firearms community and behavioral health professionals about available safety options, and the future of firearm safety devices in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.  Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    1h 30m

  7. FEB 28

    Ep 140: Confidentiality Concerns in Military Mental Health with Christopher Jachimiec

    Christopher Jachimiec joins us to talk about a recent Rand report that sheds light on a critical issue in the military-trust and confidentiality in mental health care. It found that over half of service members worry that seeking treatment could harm their careers, impact their security clearances, or affect deployment opportunities. Even more striking, nearly 90% of respondents said they would hold back on what they share with military mental health providers due to privacy concerns. These findings highlight the urgent need to address barriers to care and build trust so those who serve can access the mental health support they need without fear of negative consequences. Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    1h 4m

  8. FEB 20

    Ep 139: How Gun Owners Can Change the Narrative on Firearms & Mental Health

    In this episode, Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry explore the misconceptions surrounding firearms and the gun community. They address common arguments against gun ownership, the effectiveness of gun laws, and the importance of communication in bridging the gap between differing perspectives. Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's Send us a text Walk the Talk America would like to thank our partners who make these conversations possible and want to highlight our top two partner tiers below! Platinum Tier: Ruger Armscor Gold Tier: NASGW Lipsey's Davidson's

    1h 12m
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4.6
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

An honest and comprehensive discussion about guns and mental health. Two highly stigmatized cultures that have long stood across from each other, refusing to collaborate whenever tragedy strikes. That trend ends now. For firearms owners, clinicians, and the curious public. 

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