The Dissonance Podcast

The Deadly Connection Between Domestic Violence & Firearms (w/ Alicia Nicols)

in 2022, i interviewed alicia nicols, lsw, deputy director of the national resource center on domestic violence and firearms, for an episode of my podcast, “last call with brennen johnson”. the focus on the season was going to be on guns in america. due to a number of personal and logistical reasons, the season was never completed or released… but this conversations we did record never stopped echoing in the back of my mind. today, i’m finally sharing the first episode, with the second one coming soon. in this episode, we talk about guns, not in the abstract or the political, but as they exist in the most intimate and dangerous places: our homes, our relationships, our silence. alicia shares critical insight into how domestic violence and gun access are inextricably linked in america, how mass shootings often start with intimate partner violence, and why the way we talk about these issues is part of the problem. we cover: • the laws not being enforced that allow abusers to keep firearms • how domestic violence is a leading indicator of mass violence • the stigma survivors face when seeking safety • what it would really look like to prevent this kind of harm this is not a comfortable listen, but it’s a necessary one. because behind every statistic is someone who didn’t survive. and every silence makes it easier for this cycle to continue. ⸻ ⚠️ content warning (CW): this episode contains discussion of gender-based violence, coercive control, gun violence, partner abuse, sexual violence, and mass harm events. take care of yourself while listening—skip or pause if you need to. 🕰️ note: this conversation was recorded nearly three years ago. while some statistics or policies may have evolved, the core of this conversation remains painfully relevant. huge thanks to alicia nicols for the interview, and to henry martin for filming, directing, editing, and desiging the graphic. ⸻ 💬 if this episode made you think, please like, share, and comment. your engagement helps more people find this info, and maybe helps someone feel less alone. 📌 the second episode is coming next week

31. Stephen Mattson

Brennen sits down with Stephen Mattson (Author of The Great Reckoning, and the upcoming On Love And Mercy) to talk about his soon to be released devotional, as well as the importance of social justice; both on the world at large, and especially in the hearts of those who follow after the example of Jesus.  Music provided by Josh Leininger Sponsored by Anchor.fm, Wesley Andrews, and Elevat.

30. The Shepherd & The Shrink - The Best Movies of The Decade (2009-2019)

In February 2019 Brennen and Contessa sat down with their producer Jared Thompson to talk about the best movies of the previous decade for Dissonance's side podcast "The Shepherd & The Shrink. A month later the world imploded due to the Covid Pandemic and the episode slipped through the cracks to make way for a series on White Supremacy in the light of the murder of George Floyd. Now, in August of 2021, as Dissonance plans on coming back, we release the long-awaited "Best Of" episode! All at once, and unedited (enjoy a minute long conversation about mic placement to kick things off). This episode is sponsored by Wesley Andrews, Elevat, and Anchor.Fm Huge thanks to Contessa and Jared for waiting a year and a half to hear their podcast episode.  Look for more episodes coming soon on The Dissonance Podcast.

29. Why Would Anyone Go To Church With Kevin Makins

We sit down with pastor & author Kevin Makins to talk about his new book: “Why Would Anyone Go To Church?”. During our conversation we talk about how church has changed in the Covid Era, and why with all of its faults and issues neither Kevin nor I can give up on church. Huge thanks to our sponsors wesleyandrews.cc, anchor.fm, & elevatingtheglobe.org. Find us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter at The Dissonance Podcast. As well support us on Patreon.

28. Julian J Flores - Post-Christian pt.6

We sit down to talk to Julian about his journey through religion, and the slow realization that walking away from religion doesn’t mean walking away from morality. Huge thanks to our sponsors wesleyandrews.cc, anchor.fm & elevatingtheglobe.org! Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at The Dissonance Podcast. As well, support us on Patreon.