Ep 172: Ton Jones on Grief, Resilience, Firearms, and the Conversations That Save Lives

Ep 172: Ton Jones on Grief, Resilience, Firearms, and the Conversations That Save Lives

Author: Walk the Talk America July 20, 2026 Duration: 1:59:40
Ton Jones is known by many as the larger-than-life personality from Auction Hunters, but behind the television career, firearms expertise, and decades in the outdoor industry is a story shaped by loss, resilience, responsibility, and human connection. In this deeply personal conversation, Ton joins Michael Sodini and Kevin Berry to discuss the unexpected rabbit holes he discovered while listening to the Guns & Mental Health podcast, his concerns about how suicide prevention and firearm po...

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: 50

Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America
Podcast Episodes
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…