Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America

Maj is back and out of the salon chair to resume the conversation with Jake Wiskerchen and Michael Sodini! Maj Toure is the founder of Black Guns Matter and the Solutionary Center. Maj discusses the Solutionary Center's mission, a community education hub addressing responsible gun ownership, the Second Amendment, de-escalation, conflict resolution, and mental health. He shares stories of conducting events nationwide and how th...

In this episode, Maj Toure, founder of Black Guns Matter and Solutionary University, emphasizes the critical role of firearms education and responsible gun ownership. Despite a scheduling mix-up, Maj speaks candidly from his salon chair about the misconceptions surrounding firearms and safety, the historical racism of gun control policies, and the importance of diverse voices in the Second Amendment dialogue. He shares his dedicati...

In this episode, we explore the world of gun culture with author David Yamane, who aims to bridge the divide between gun owners and skeptics. His book covers why guns resonate with their owners while addressing concerns about the risks they pose in some people's eyes. David highlights the efforts of Walk the Talk America and explores founder Michael Sodini's background growing up.

Yamane's book speaks to gu...

Jake and the clinical podcast team talk about chemical and process addictions. Chemical addictions involve substances that latch onto parts of the brain and release an excess of dopamine, creating a dependency. Process addictions, on the other hand, involve behaviors like gambling, video games, and social media, which also release chemicals in the brain and can become addictive. This conversation highlights the importance of recogn...

Nic McKinley, a former CIA operative, talks about his inspiring transition to founding Deliver Fund - an organization dedicated to combating human trafficking.

Nic shares his multifaceted journey encompassing experiences from military service to intelligence work, shedding light on how these roles have informed his approach to tackling one of today’s most pressing social issues: human trafficking. Nic also addresses the es...

In this special short podcast episode, Top Shot winner Chris Cheng announces a $100,000 fundraising challenge for Walk the Talk America during Mental Health Awareness Month. Chris explains his passion for mental health and suicide prevention in the firearms community, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between gun owners and non-gun owners. He encourages smaller donations and challenges the firearms industry to contribute. 

Send...

Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry discuss the crucial role of constructive firearm legislation and its intersection with mental health. They explore the need for laws that promote responsible storage and comprehensive firearms education and enhance mental health resources accessible to the public. They invite the audience to consider the impact of positive messaging within the firearms community, advocating for proactive solutions tha...

Brandon Covey, a licensed professional counselor (LPC), shares his journey of becoming a mental health professional and his interest in firearms. He took us through the different paths that led him to the mental health field and become an LPC. Brandon also talks about his introduction to firearms and how it led him to Walk the Talk America (WTTA). 

He explains his role in spreading awareness about mental health in gun shop...

Devin Perkins discusses recent legislation in Colorado and his organization, Kids to Kings, a Walk the Talk America program that aims to help young people avoid the struggles and issues he faced growing up. 

Devin emphasizes the importance of addressing trauma and mental health in inner-city communities and introducing firearms in a healthy manner. Perkins also highlights the need to combat misinformation and optics used b...

Michael Sodini and co-host Kenny Barlow talk with Gala True, a dedicated researcher and professor, and Caleb Morse, a 13-year Army veteran and gun shop owner.

This episode explores the innovative The Armory Project (TAP) in Louisiana. Discover how this initiative is fostering community engagement, offering crucial support to individuals in crisis, and challenging the stigma around mental health in the firearm community. T...

Jake and Mike take the hosts' seats to talk with Timmy Oh, co-founder of Vara Safety. Timmy discusses the development of their fast access safes using biometric technology. Timmy shares his motivation for entering the gun safe manufacturing business and his challenges in creating reliable biometric systems. He explains the different types of fingerprint technology and how Vara Safety's products have improved upon existing...

This week, Kevin will take the host seat to interview WTTA Board Member Dr. DB Palmer! He discusses his background and the launch of 2A Mental Health. He shares his connection with Walk the Talk America and the importance of addressing mental health in the firearms community. Dr. Palmer highlights the stigma around mental health and the need to de-stigmatize conversations about it. 

Dr. DB Palmer also talks about his journ...

In this enlightening episode of our podcast, Jake Wiskerchen, a seasoned marriage and family therapist, takes us on a deep dive into the intricacies of the human psyche alongside a panel of esteemed experts. Join us as we unravel the layers of our inner selves, shedding light on the intersection of mental health and everyday life.

This episode is not just an academic discourse; it's a practical guide to understanding ...

In this episode, former Navy SEAL Will Chesney shares his experiences as a dog handler in the military. He discusses his background growing up in a trailer park and his decision to join the military. Will explains how he became a dog handler and the dogs' valuable role in combat. He also opens up about the mental and physical health challenges he faced during his time in the military and the importance of seeking help and supp...

Orrin Johnson is an attorney in Nevada who shares a colorful mix of childhood trauma, military service, free speech advocacy, and legal practice. His firm specializes in criminal law and prioritizes veterans and gun rights. In this interview, he offers an intelligent, encouraging, and well-articulated perspective on firearms and defensive use, mental health, politics, and recent military history affecting today's veteran exper...

Austin is a master social worker, Marine Corps veteran, and 2A advocate. He has experienced homelessness and drug addiction and survived his own suicide attempt. He is now a proud father and happily married. This incredible and inspiring interview begins by discussing the social drivers of health and explores Austin's own experiences of having gone from face-down failure to redemption, faith, vulnerability, and strength by cen...

Janine De Mesa, doctoral student and psychedelic substance researcher, joins the show to discuss the benefits (and possible detriments) of substances such as psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine, ayahuasca, and others. The clinicians share their varying views and opinions, along with plenty of live audience chat commentary on their applications, uses, misunderstandings, triumphs, and personal recovery stories.

Book: How to Change Y...

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Jones, the Director of Man Therapy Partnerships, to explore the intricacies of mental health. Man Therapy stands out for its innovative, comprehensive approach, designed to engage men effectively by meeting them right where they are in their mental health journey. Eric sheds light on the organization's mission and unique strategies for promoting mental wellness among men. Additionally, Er...