Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America
The Walk the Talk America Podcast is where firearm culture and mental health meet with curiosity, not confrontation.
Each episode brings together voices from the firearm community, mental health professionals, researchers, and everyday gun owners to have honest conversations about suicide prevention, culture, and practical solutions.
We focus on education over outrage, nuance over noise, and collaboration over division, because reducing negative outcomes requires diverse perspectives.
And because this work is personal, every episode closes with a simple but powerful question: How do you stay mentally healthy?
Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America
Ep 133: Insights from the ER on Firearms and Mental Health with Dr. Emmy Betz
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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 informed decision-making. The episode explores complex issues such as the nuances of legislation, the significance of data-informed strategies, and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities.
Highlights include:
- Restoring trust in research related to gun safety and mental health.
- The impact of programs like Pause to Protect reshaping firearm safety narratives.
- Challenges in securing funding for vital initiatives.
- Practical approaches to mental health and self-care.
- Strategies for fostering open dialogue and bridging divides across differing perspectives.
Through honest conversation, Jake, Michael, and Dr. Betz explore how positive messaging, upstream prevention, and community engagement can drive meaningful change in addressing firearm safety and mental health.
More Links:
Injury and Violence Prevention Center
Firearm Injury Prevention Initiative
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