What happens after the mission ends? In this episode, we sit down with Marine Corps veteran and founder of VMHA, Dwayne Edwards, for an honest conversation about life after service, the identity crisis many veterans face, and why our system still fails to meet their mental health needs. Dwayne shares his journey from growing up in Jamaica and navigating Brooklyn as a kid, to leading Marines in Iraq and later reinventing himself at Yale. He talks about the cultural pressure veterans face when see...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Season 6Ep. 20
In this unfiltered conversation, Aaron Stark returns to continue a story: how he went from the brink of committing a school shooting to becoming a national voice for prevention and mental health reform. Host Jake Wiskerchen digs into the raw truths that don’t get discussed enough, from the failings of our systems to the unrelenting weight of shame and what it means to truly reach a hurting kid. Aaron speaks candidly about what it’s like to test adults as a desperate teenager, how he challenged t...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 6Ep. 19
Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini sit down with Aaron Stark, a man who once nearly became a school shooter, to explore the roots of despair, the systemic failures that allow trauma to fester, and the moments of compassion that can save a life. Aaron shares his deeply personal story of abuse, neglect, and hopelessness, and how two friends changed everything. From the dangerous effects of untreated shame to the failure of our systems to identify and intervene with at-risk youth, this conversation...
Jun 09, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 18
Rob Bogue of Robust Futures and SuicideMyths.org joins Jake and Mike to challenge some of the most deeply ingrained beliefs in suicide prevention. From questioning the predictive power of warning signs and screening tools to highlighting the harmful consequences of forced hospitalization and red flag laws, this conversation peels back the layers of a flawed system. Rob shares the personal story that drove him to launch Suicide Myths—a growing library of evidence-backed debunkings—and discusses t...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 17
In this episode of the Walk the Talk America podcast, hosts Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini are joined by Klint Macro and Matt Mallory from Meet the Pressers. They discuss their journey in the firearms industry, the importance of mental health in relation to gun ownership, and the responsibilities that come with being a gun owner. The conversation delves into training for critical incidents, the role of visualization in preparation, and the impact of red flag laws on mental health and gun rig...
May 29, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 6Ep. 16
Grant Magers, founder and CEO of American Rounds —an innovative company bringing ammunition vending machines (yes, really) to retailers nationwide. In this refreshingly light-hearted but deeply insightful episode, Grant breaks down the origin story of American Rounds and how the technology works, from ID verification to facial matching. We also discuss some controversy, including fears about surveillance, facial recognition, and pushback from both sides of the gun debate. Grant shares how he's b...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Season 6Ep. 15
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...
May 05, 2025•27 min•Season 6Ep. 13
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 unde...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 6Ep. 12
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 m...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 6Ep. 11
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 trag...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Season 6Ep. 10
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. H...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Season 6Ep. 9
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 saf...
Mar 06, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Season 6Ep. 8
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 find...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 7
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 Davids...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 6Ep. 6
In this conversation, Michael Sodini and Brandon Roper, the President of Camfour , discuss the critical intersection of mental health and the firearms industry. Brandon also takes us through his journey in the firearms industry, from sales to his current role as President. Through this conversation, they emphasize the need for the industry to take responsibility for addressing mental health issues, particularly among gun owners and veterans. The dialogue explores the challenges of engaging with ...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 6Ep. 5
In this episode of the Guns and Mental Health podcast, host Michael Sodini and Kenny Barlow discuss their experiences at the National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearms-Related Harms. They explore the diverse perspectives on firearm research, the importance of technology in gun safety, and the challenges faced in the field. The conversation emphasizes the need for education and awareness to address misconceptions surrounding firearms and mental health while also highlighting inno...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Season 6Ep. 4
In this conversation, Michael Sodini and Rob Pincus discuss their experiences at a recent gun violence prevention conference in Seattle. They reflect on the interactive nature of the event, the importance of engaging with researchers, and the challenges of addressing outdated data and misconceptions about gun ownership. The discussion highlights the need for more research focused on affected populations, particularly regarding suicide prevention, and the influence of funding on research outcomes...
Feb 02, 2025•58 min•Season 6Ep. 3
In this conversation, Michael Sodini shares his experiences from the recent firearm violence prevention research conference in Seattle, where he made a historic presentation as a representative of the firearms industry. He discusses the positive reception of his presentation, the importance of engaging with researchers, and the challenges faced in funding and establishing a presence at such events. The conversation also touches on the need for more comprehensive research on gun-related issues, p...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Season 6Ep. 2
In this episode of the WTTA Guns and Mental Health podcast, hosts Michael Sodini and J. Hood talk with comedian Roy Wood Jr. about the intersection of comedy, mental health, and firearms. Roy shares his unique approach to using humor to address sensitive topics, his experiences at pro-gun events, and the evolving landscape of gun ownership within the Black community. The discussion also explores the importance of mental health advocacy and the role of humor in navigating serious issues. Througho...
Jan 09, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Join hosts Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini as they sit down with Dr. Emmy Betz, an emergency physician specializing in suicide prevention and firearm safety. Together, they navigate the intricate relationship between mental health and gun access, offering a respectful, collaborative approach to these critical topics. Dr. Betz brings valuable insights on managing suicide risks, the role of firearms in crises, and the importance of empowering communities with education and resources for informe...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 30 min
In this episode of the WTTA podcast, Michael Sodini and co-host Kevin Berry talk with Katie Gardner, a passionate advocate for the Second Amendment and mental health awareness. They discuss Katie's journey into the 2A community, her experiences with Gun Owners of America, and the importance of empowering women in firearms. The conversation highlights the need for open discussions about mental health within the gun community, the significance of community events, and the personal stories that dri...
Nov 08, 2024•51 min
Jeremy Van Winkle, the founder of GunLox , a new technology-driven firearm safety product, joins Jake Wiskerchen and Mike Sodini. The conversation explores the importance of integrating technology into firearm safety, the challenges faced in the gun industry, and the personal journey of Jeremy, who overcame addiction and is now dedicated to creating products that protect lives. The discussion also touches on mental health issues related to firearm access and the need for responsible gun ownershi...
Oct 31, 2024•1 hr 17 min
The conversation focuses on the Kids to Kings program, which aims to provide firearms education and emotional intelligence training to youth in underserved communities. Kevin Dixie, the lead instructor in Atlanta, Georgia, shares insights on the importance of community outreach, mental health, and financial literacy in shaping the lives of young men. The discussion highlights the need for corporate support and the impact of mentorship on children's lives, emphasizing the program's potential to b...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Jake Wiskerchen, Michael Sodini, and Kevin Berry discuss the recent US News article that attributes high firearm deaths in the U.S. to gun prevalence rather than mental health issues. They critique the research methodology, explore the complexities of mental illness and violence, and emphasize the importance of education and emotional functioning in addressing these issues. The conversation also touches on the need for hope and empowerment in the gun community, advocating for responsible gun own...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 34 min
In this conversation, Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry discuss the misconceptions surrounding guns and mental health. They touch on topics such as the prevalence of guns, the misconceptions about AR rifles, and the need for education and understanding between the gun and mental health communities. They also discuss the challenges of navigating legislation and the importance of having solutions ready to address these misconceptions. In this part of the conversation, Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry d...
Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 28 min
The conversation discusses the potential Gun Alert , a technology that can notify gun owners if their firearm has been moved or removed from its usual environment. The technology aims to address issues such as suicide, domestic violence, and unauthorized access to firearms. It is well-received in various communities, including law enforcement and the firearms industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of collective action and sensible solutions to reduce gun-related tragedies. The prod...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Season 4Ep. 61
In this episode, Jake and Mike sit down with Dr. Chloe Carmichael , clinical psychologist and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety . Together, they dive into the benefits of free speech, the mental health advantages of self-expression, and the dangers of groupthink. Dr. Carmichael introduces nine practical techniques from her book to help manage anxiety, including mindfulness, emotion-based to-do lists, and mental shortlists for redirecting energy. They also examine cultur...
Sep 19, 2024•1 hr 37 min•Season 4Ep. 60
Heather Allen, a 2A advocate and author, joins the podcast to discuss her book, '50 States in My Sights,' where she traveled to all 50 states to shoot and learn about each state's gun laws and ranges. She also talks about her background and experiences with firearms. She shares how she got into shooting and became an advocate for Second Amendment rights. Heather also talks about her work as an instructor, teaching women how to shoot and obtain concealed carry permits. She discusses the importanc...
Sep 12, 2024•47 min•Season 4Ep. 59
In this conversation, Michael Sodini, Kevin Berry, and Kenny Barlow discuss Mike and Kenny's experiences at the inaugural Goals conference held by Gun Owners of America (GOA). They talk about the importance of organizations like GOA stepping up in uncertain times and the positive reception they received at the conference. They also touch on attending firearms shows and the challenges manufacturers face in managing their budgets for these events. The conversation then shifts to the importance of ...
Sep 05, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 58
Joe Bartozzi, the president and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), joins Mike and Jake to discuss his history working in the firearm industry, suicide prevention, and the NSSF's role and activities in advocating the gun industry. Joe is the President and CEO of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (“NSSF”) and the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (“SAAMI”). He is also the Chairman of the Project ChildSafe ® Foundation. He has spent over 40 years in a v...
Aug 29, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 4Ep. 57
