Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America
An honest and comprehensive discussion about guns and mental health. Two highly stigmatized cultures that have long stood across from each other, refusing to collaborate whenever tragedy strikes. That trend ends now. For firearms owners, clinicians, and the curious public.
Guns and Mental Health by Walk the Talk America
Ep 145: A Veteran’s Mental Health Crisis and the Woman Who Stood By Him
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 under pressure. Together, Tom and his wife would navigate law enforcement, stigma, the military system, and ultimately, the long journey to healing.
Tom now travels the country with his family, sharing their story to change the conversation around suicide prevention, trauma, and firearm responsibility — especially within the military and veteran community. In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How Tom’s wife calmly de-escalated a life-or-death situation — without formal training
- The importance of lived experience in suicide prevention policy
- The gray area between law enforcement, mental health, and justice
- Why Tom trains his son to be a part of his support system
- The work Tom does now to bridge police and community through mental health education
