How to Protect Gun Rights & Mental Health | Michael Sodini, Walk the Talk America | Ep. 136

"Every year at SHOT Show, I noticed one less person visiting our booth. And I realized—it wasn’t accidents or crime, it was suicide." Michael Sodini

🎯 What You’ll Learn:
🔹 The unexpected connection between guns & mental health
🔹 Why the firearms industry is leading the way in suicide prevention
🔹 How red flag laws can backfire & stop people from getting help 🚩
🔹 The grind & sacrifice behind building a nonprofit from scratch 💪
🔹 Why every gun owner needs a mental health plan 🧠🔫

💡 This episode is a MUST-LISTEN for gun owners, trainers, & anyone who cares about mental health & personal freedom!

Tonight on Defenders LIVE, host Lora Thorson sits down with Michael Sodini, a third-generation firearm industry professional and founder of Walk the Talk America (WTTA), a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health awareness and responsible gun ownership.

Michael shares his unexpected journey from fashion modeling to real estate marketing, and eventually into the firearm industry. He discusses his visionary approach to addressing mental health challenges within the gun community and how WTTA is pioneering solutions through education, cultural change, and accessible resources.

This episode is packed with insights on business growth, community support, and real solutions that are reshaping the firearms industry's role in mental health and suicide prevention.

Notable Quotes:
"We keep saying ‘it’s a mental health issue’—but if we don’t actually do something about it, we’re just passing the blame."

“If we can talk about training, safe storage, and gun laws—we can talk about mental health. It’s all part of responsible ownership."

"Guns and mental health are not mutually exclusive. When you buy a firearm, you learn safety—why wouldn’t you also have a mental health plan?"

"If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they wanted help but were afraid of losing their gun rights, I wouldn’t need donations."

"I made a lot of money for years—then I followed my passion and went broke doing it. But I believed in this mission."

💙 Support Walk the Talk America
🔗 Visit WTTA.org for:
✅ Free & anonymous mental health screenings
✅ Resources for gun owners, trainers, and mental health professionals
✅ Ways to support & donate to the mission

💡 Want to help but don’t have money to donate?
📢 Share the message on social media, tell a friend, or connect WTTA with gun shops, ranges, and trainers!