TAG: Talking About Guns

S2 E29: “History tells us when there’s progress, there’s backlash” – Talking About Guns with Jocelyn Benson

A recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal for her “exemplary public service to advance free and fair elections,” Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson joins us for the latest episode of TAG. From armed protestors outside her home in the middle of the night contesting the 2020 election results and learning of a plot published on Facebook to shoot her in her backyard to her efforts to institute a ban on guns within 100 feet of polling places, Secretary Benson shares first-hand how gun safety interfaces with elections. We also discuss the impact of the Michigan State University and Oxford High School shootings on legislation and Gen Z.  In the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope, Dr. Siegel unpacks the post-Bruen federal district court decision from Oregon – which upheld the state’s ban on large capacity ammunition magazines – and its potential ramifications on the upcoming Supreme Court case regarding gun restrictions for the subjects of domestic violence restraining orders. Host: Mathew Littman Guest: Jocelyn Benson Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia Executive Producer: Adria Márquez Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

S2 E28: “This not talking about politics thing that I was taught growing up, that doesn’t serve us” – Talking About Guns with Leigh McGowan

She was given a death sentence. Years later, she asked herself, “What am I doing with this extra life I’ve been given?” On the latest episode of TAG, we chat with Leigh McGowan about her Webby-award winning @IAmPoliticsGirl “Breakfast Rants” and podcast that have attracted nearly 2 million followers and earned her praise for her breakdown of complex issues into no-nonsense, everyday speak. We delve into what the Right and Left get wrong on gun safety; we discuss the need to prioritize responsible gun ownership and regulation vs. banning; and she leaves us with a piece of advice: “Vote for leaders who aren’t afraid of change and who acknowledge solutions.”  In the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel dives into concealed carry: the history behind it, recent trends, the difference between shall issue vs. may issue, and how 97Percent’s roadmap addresses it. Host: Mathew Littman Guest: Leigh McGowan Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia Executive Producer: Adria Márquez Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

S2 E27: “I’ve devoted my life to fight for a world where people don’t have to feel that kind of pain” – Talking About Guns with Congressman Maxwell Frost

The first Gen Z member of congress joins us on the latest episode of Talking About Guns. 26-year-old Representative Maxwell Frost recounts the “emotional whiplash” of attending the Newtown vigil in DC at age 15 and how it “made me uncomfortable to a point where I’ve devoted my life to fighting for a world where people don’t have to feel that kind of pain.” The former national organizing director of March for Our Lives explains why the first bill he introduced on the Hill was to create a national gun violence prevention office. He unpacks the frustrations of his colleagues telling him off the record that they want to act but fear breaking from their party. We also chat about the importance and pressures of representing what it means to be a young person today. On the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope and in the wake of multiple shootings that have brought Stand Your Ground laws to the forefront, Dr. Michael Siegel breaks down the difference between the Castle Doctrine and Stand Your Ground laws, explains how the latter came to be, what his research shows about their impact on homicide rates, and why he argues they should be repealed. Host: Mathew Littman Guest: Congressman Maxwell Frost Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia Executive Producer: Adria Márquez Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

S2 E26: “The idea that we don’t care is absurd and offensive” – Talking About Guns with Kostas Moros

In the wake of the Covenant School shooting in Nashville, we’re joined by Second Amendment activist and gun rights attorney Kostas Moros on the latest episode of TAG. “The idea that we don’t care is absurd and offensive,” Kostas tells us regarding the perception of gun owners and their feelings about school shootings. We discuss the number one area of common ground between gun owners and non-gun owners; we delve into the pros and cons of gun permitting and red flag laws; and he tell us why he engages with 97Percent so much on Twitter.  And on the latest edition of Siegel’s Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel does a deep dive on red flag laws: the evidence of their effectiveness, specific provisions needed to protect the rights of gun owners, and the importance of enabling family members to petition the court – particularly in light of the Nashville shooting. Host: Mathew Littman Guest: Kostas Moros Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia Executive Producer: Adria Márquez Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

S2 E25: “A revolution in American gun policy” – TAG with Professor Adam Winkler

In the latest episode of TAG, we’re joined by UCLA’s Adam Winkler – one of the most cited law professors in judicial opinions today – to discuss what he deems “a revolution in American gun policy” since the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision came down in June. The “Gun Fight'' author and Second Amendment expert breaks down the new Bruen constitutionality test and its consequences. He reveals how the “centerpieces of modern gun policy just don’t have any history in the 17 and 1800s,” so they are “on thin ice.” He explains how gun rights organizations have been empowered to challenge every regulation, the possible path to the 5th Circuit decision on domestic abusers being overturned, and what he thinks the gun safety movement should prioritize when the courts are a “minefield.”  And on the latest edition of Siegel's Scope, Dr. Siegel explores the lessons learned from public health’s approach to tobacco and how they might be applied to gun violence. Host: Mathew Littman Guest: Professor Adam Winkler Producer: Ernesto Chavezvaldivia Executive Producer: Adria Márquez Editor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane