Ep 164: Bridging the Gap: A Yale Researcher, Gun Owners, and What Actually Reduces Harm

Ep 164: Bridging the Gap: A Yale Researcher, Gun Owners, and What Actually Reduces Harm

Author: Walk the Talk America February 12, 2026 Duration: 1:28:43
For the first time on the WTTA podcast, we’re joined by a researcher, and not just any researcher. Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry sit down with Kerri Raissian, Senior Research Scientist at the Yale School of Public Health’s Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative. Kerri shares her path from growing up on a cattle farm in Texas, to working in a district attorney’s office and running one of the largest domestic violence shelters in the country, to becoming a researcher focused on what actually r...

At a time when discussions around firearms often turn polarized, Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America offers a different kind of space. This podcast deliberately bridges two worlds that are deeply interconnected yet rarely discussed together with genuine openness. You’ll hear from mental health clinicians, researchers, and people who own and use firearms, all sitting down for conversations that prioritize understanding. Episodes tackle difficult subjects like suicide prevention within the community, the cultural dimensions of gun ownership, and actionable steps toward safety and well-being. The approach here is built on a foundation of education and nuance, steering clear of sensationalism to foster meaningful collaboration. By focusing on shared goals rather than divisions, the dialogue moves toward practical solutions and reduced stigma. Tune in for a series that handles complex topics with the care and honesty they require, proving that constructive talk is possible. Walk the Talk America hosts this essential podcast as part of their broader mission to facilitate these connections.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America
Podcast Episodes
Ep 135: Engaging with Researchers: Mike Goes to Seattle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:15
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.…
Ep 134: Comedy Meets Mental Health with Roy Wood Jr. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:40
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 t…
Ep 131: Faith and Firearms with Jeremy Van Winkle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:23
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…
Ep 130: Empowering Youth Through Firearms Education with Kevin Dixie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:07
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, Georgi…
Ep 129: Why We Should Address Mental Health Over Gun Control [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:33:45
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 methodolo…
Ep 128: Addressing Misconceptions in Gun Culture and Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:28:22
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 fo…