Let's Talk About Your Guns

Looking Back, Moving Forward: There's Still More to Talk About

As we close out two seasons of Let's Talk About Your Guns, we reflect on what we've learned about secure firearm storage and its role in preventing suicide. Are people getting the message? What barriers still stand in the way? And how can we move forward? In this episode, we reconnect with past guests Dr. Emmy Betz, Reba Rice-Portwood, Jay Zimmerman, Dr. Mike Anestis, Dr. Joseph Simonetti, and Julie Still, to talk about what has changed—and what still needs to. One theme remains clear: meaningful change happens through trust, connection, and meeting people where they are. Whether you're a gun owner, a healthcare provider, or simply someone who cares about saving lives, this conversation highlights the power of small steps, open dialogue, and the courage to start the conversation. For more resources, visit cstsonline.org [https://www.cstsonline.org].

Protection Vs Risk

When Bill Mays first started carrying a gun, he believed it was the key to his personal safety. As a firearms trainer and enthusiast, he had guns everywhere—until one moment of crisis changed everything. In this episode of Let's Talk About Your Guns, Bill shares his journey from firearm advocate to safe storage educator, revealing how a missing gun saved his life. Dr. Curt West is also joined by Dr. Tara Warner to explore the psychology behind protective gun ownership and why the perception of safety often overshadows real risks. Together, they unpack the tension between security and accessibility, offering insights on how open conversations about safe storage can prevent tragedy—without compromising protection.

Gatekeepers 2.0: Family Law

Leslie Hu was in a custody dispute with her ex-husband when he took his own life and that of their son, Pierce, in an act of gun violence. Tragically, her story highlights a growing crisis: filicide during custody battles, a lethal combination of conflict and firearm access. Leslie and family law attorney Monica Mazzei share their journey to create Pierce's Pledge. Their movement encourages family law attorneys to require clients to remove guns from the home during disputes. One simple precaution—removing firearms from the home during emotionally charged times—can prevent tragedy. This episode is about creating safe spaces for children and families and using practical measures to save lives when tensions run high.

Teens and Triggers: Surviving the Impulse

Carson Molle was a typical teenager, but he kept a dark secret. As he struggled in school and sports, he became depressed. Then one day he tried to end his own life, but survived. In this episode, Carson and his mother Amber talk about safe gun storage in their family and the importance of preventing unsupervised access by teens. Dr. Stephen Cozza, child psychiatrist, joins the conversation to explore teenage impulsivity, mental illness, and the critical need for parents to have open discussions about mental health and firearm safety.

Gun Shops Would Like a Word

In this episode of "Let's Talk About Your Guns", Dr. West speaks with gun shop owners Caleb Morse and Jacquelyn Clark about their experiences with firearm storage and suicide prevention. They discuss how their shops handle the delicate process of accepting firearms for storage, often due to personal crises, and the importance of building trust with customers. The conversation also covers the critical role gun dealers have in preventing firearm suicides by engaging in open, direct conversations and ensuring that safe storage practices are understood and implemented at home. The discussion highlights the nuanced challenges of balancing safety, access, and responsibility in the firearms industry.