TAG: Talking About Guns

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 LittmanGuest: Jocelyn BensonProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

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 LittmanGuest: Leigh McGowanProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

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 LittmanGuest: Congressman Maxwell FrostProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

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 LittmanGuest: Kostas MorosProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

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 LittmanGuest: Professor Adam WinklerProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, we're joined by Wake Forest Professor David Yamane, who shares with us what prompted a liberal academic to become an armed American, acclaimed for his expertise in Gun Culture 2.0: the shift toward self-defense. He tells us about his Sociology of Guns course and what surprises his students most – including the cognitive dissonance they feel when going to the gun range on Day 1. Most importantly, he imparts some poignant advice for how to have more productive conversations about gun safety, including: to have them face-to-face with “people not already committed on this issue,” to begin with commonalities, to “relentlessly focus” on who shouldn't have guns, and to not invoke Australia or England. And on the latest edition of Siegel's Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel analyzes the “devastating implications for public health” of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision to strike down a law barring those subject to domestic violence restraining orders from possessing a gun. Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Professor David YamaneProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, 97Percent Board Member and Former Homeland Security Advisor to VP Mike Pence, Olivia Troye, shares the incredible story of how her aunt was at the El Paso Walmart shooting -- and after being dragged to safety by a stranger, provided intel on the shooter. Olivia walks us through her responsibilities in the aftermath of a crisis. We analyze whether mass shootings should be considered domestic terrorism. And the “recovering Republican” shares what's missing from her party on gun safety and why she thinks members of the GOP are “required to make a difference.” And, on the latest edition of Siegel's Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel discusses the merits of laws that reduce incentive to steal guns, laws that require reporting lost or stolen guns, age requirements for purchasing guns, high capacity magazine bans, and child access prevention laws.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Olivia TroyeProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, we're joined by former Illinois Republican Congressman and 2020 GOP Presidential Candidate Joe Walsh: a self-proclaimed “gun nut” who tells us what propelled his evolution from Tea Party member with an A rating from the NRA to outspoken gun safety advocate. 97Percent's newest board member explains why “it's going to take someone like me helping to lead the way to get change”; “it can't be the Dems out in front.” He shares the feedback he's received from gun owners and how “they're looking for a vehicle to jump on to.” Also, in the latest edition of Siegel's Scope, Dr. Michael Siegel examines the effect of state gun laws on the incidence and severity of mass shootings.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Congressman Joe WalshProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, we're joined by The History Channel's “Top Shot Season 4” Champion Chris Cheng: an openly gay, Asian American, civil rights advocate who left his career at Google to become a professional sports shooter – breaking every stereotype about the gun community in the process. We chat about his experience in the competition as a self-taught amateur not taken seriously. We delve into how the gun industry 10 years ago was not talking about suicide and treated it as inevitable, but has since shifted. We talk about the need for respectful, good faith conversations about gun safety, and Chris emphasizes how irresponsible it is not to get trained on how to use your firearm. Later in the episode, in another special edition of Siegel's Scope, Tufts University's Dr. Michael Siegel answers questions about the first-of-its-kind research and policy roadmap he and 97Percent just released via an excerpt from our 97Percent conference.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Chris ChengProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of Talking About Guns, we chat with former 8-term NY Congressman Steve Israel about the conversation with a Republican colleague in a members-only elevator that inspired his novel, a political satire imagining a world where it's mandated for all Americans to carry a gun. We break down the power of voter intensity (“an obligation to support extremes”) vs. NRA funding (“not as influential as people think”). And Israel shares his thoughts on the chances of future legislation. On another special edition of Siegel's Scope, we dive into Part 2 of the research 97Percent and Dr. Siegel just released – which identifies four policies to keep guns out of the hands of violent people that are supported by gun owners and estimated to reduce gun homicides by 28%.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Congressman Steve IsraelProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

On the latest episode of TAG, we're joined by Amy Swearer, a legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation. We chat about why she wanted to fill the conservative vacuum in gun safety and why it's so important and how to have conversations with people who disagree with you about gun policy. She shares the highs and lows of her experiences testifying before Congress following Uvalde and Buffalo; and we discuss how policies like red flag laws should focus on addressing the underlying problem, not solely disarmament.Also on a special edition of Siegel's Scope, we dive into the research 97Percent and Dr. Siegel just released, which revealed including specific provisions in gun policies can increase gun owner support substantially and identified four polices that could together reduce firearm homicide rates by 28% and reduce suicide rates by 6.4%.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Amy SwearerProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In the latest episode of TAG, we chat with Latino Rifle Association President, P.B. Gomez, about the deliberate irony of the organization's name, how the LRA is opposed to certain cultural norms of gun ownership, why gun “laws with good intentions have consequences for marginalized communities,” and his goal of making more gun safety education content available in Spanish.Dr. Siegel also joins us for another edition of “Siegel's Scope,” where he talks about police shootings of Black victims and how the issue is being framed inaccurately. He explains why rates vary so much across the country and why body cams and implicit racial bias training are not the right solutions.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: P.B. GomezProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

13-year NFL veteran, FOX Sports broadcaster, screenwriter, and 97Percent board member Ephraim Salaam joins us for the latest episode of TAG. We chat about the culture of gun ownership in the NFL – about the need for protection following robberies and one of his teammates being held at gunpoint. Ephraim tells us about when he was with the Atlanta Falcons, a white lawyer told a room of African Americans to leave their gun in plain sight if pulled over. He spoke of his goals to destigmatize gun ownership in the Black community and shared his unique approach to angry Twitter DM's. Dr. Michael Siegel also joins us for another edition of Siegel's Scope, where he continues his discussion of assault weapons bans and why they're ineffective. He shares how his position on the issue changed and analyzes the bill that just passed the House.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Ephraim SalaamProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

Abené Clayton, lead reporter for The Guardian's “Guns and Lies” series, joins us for the latest episode of TAG to discuss her work investigating everyday gun deaths in Black and brown communities – not solely high-profile mass shootings. She dissects “the unspoken epidemic”: an unprecedented increase in homicides among Black women, particularly in the Midwest. We discuss the effectiveness of certain community interventions, but also who is being left out of these solutions. Dr. Michael Siegel also joins us for another edition of Siegel's Scope, where he talks about one of the most hot-button issues out there: assault weapon bans. He explains why they're not as effective as people may think.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Abené ClaytonProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

After nearly losing his life to a stray bullet, Joe Sakran decided to become a trauma surgeon to “give other people the same second chance I was given.” Dr. Sakran, now Director of Emergency Surgery at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, joins us to talk about the creation of @ThisIsOur Lane, his viral Twitter account in response to the NRA, and why making “the community closest to the struggle part of the solution” is so critical. He talks about the power of sharing his story & perspective with not only policymakers on both sides of the aisle, but also a group of disinterested kids on a hospital tour: “I went from a white coat to someone they could relate to.” And stick around for the latest edition of Siegel's Scope, as Dr. Siegel breaks down the three things needed to actually treat gun violence as a public health issue.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Dr. Joseph SakranProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

Former Republican Congressman Carlos Curbelo, who served Florida's 26th district from 2015-2019, joins us for Episode 2 of TAG Season 2. While many believe additional, federal, gun safety legislation is unlikely anytime soon after the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Cong. Curbelo explains how the “breakthrough” could mean more needed reforms are coming -- how “Republicans now have a positive experience they can look back on and a point of reference.” He also shares how Florida's Republican-led reforms following Parkland showed the party can act despite special interest groups and not face negative political consequences. Finally, stick around as Dr. Michael Siegel joins us for another edition of Siegel's Scope, where he breaks down exactly which gun laws work and don't work based on his data.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Congressman Carlos CurbeloProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

Talking About Guns is a bi-weekly video series created to demystify a typically loaded and polarizing topic, featuring a variety of guests who represent different perspectives in the gun safety debate.

On the Season 2 premiere of TAG we're joined by Jonathan and Geneva Solomon, the husband & wife co-owners of Redstone Firearms: California's only Black-owned gun shop. They explain why they put education at the forefront of their business, why “there's no excuse” for not safely storing your firearm, and why they're proud to epitomize The Responsible Majority.

On the Season One Finale of Talking About Guns, we talk with Rep. Seth Moulton, a Marine Corps Veteran and U.S. Representative for Massachusetts's 6th congressional district. Rep. Moulton and Matt discuss what inspired him to join the Marines, his comfort level with grenades, the importance of making gun owners' voices a part of the debate, and why the Senate needs to immediately pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Congressman Seth MoultonProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Marchelle "Tig" Davis, a Veteran, firearms instructor, and Founder of My Sister's Keeper Defense. Marchelle shares about her aim to teach one million women how to defend themselves with firearms as well as the importance of having women welcome other women into the responsible gun ownership community.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Marchelle "Tig" DavisProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Sean Maguire, a British-American actor and singer, and Founder of The Players Conservatory. Sean shares how as a pop star in 1996, he met with the victims of Britain's deadliest mass shooting in Dunblane, Scotland and how that experience has stayed with him. He talks about how his wife's perspective as a former detective has shaped his own views on gun reform. We debate an assault weapons ban and wrap things up with a challenge to Sean to finish gun-centric lines from his roles in “The Magicians” and “Timeless.”Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Sean MaguireProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Rob Pincus, an educator, author, entrepreneur, and gun rights and responsibility advocate. Rob is also the founder of I.C.E. Training Company, which provides training in firearms, tactics, and unarmed defense to military, law enforcement, private security, and students.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Rob PincusProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Chris Marvin, US Army veteran and founder of Marvin Strategies, a strategic communications firm specializing in integrating veteran voices into complex social issues. Chris also founded Got Your 6, a nonprofit organization working to ensure veterans are portrayed more accurately in film and television.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Chris MarvinProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Stephen Gutowski, award-winning journalist and Founder of The Reload, who talks about his work reporting on gun policy and politics, his founding of The Reload, an independent publication focusing on fair and discerning reporting on firearms and how they intersect with politics, and a fun trivia game to wrap things up.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Stephen GutowskiProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Jason George, Emmy-nominated actor, advocate, and 97Percent board member, who shares his personal experiences with guns, what Hollywood can implement on-set to avoid tragic accidents with firearms, and finally a Grey's Anatomy and Station 19, “Which character is most likely to?” game.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Jason GeorgeProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Justin McFarlin, an Army combat veteran and NRA-certified pistol instructor, who shares the conversations he has with his fellow veterans and gun owners about the importance of responsible gun ownership and how accountability is key to reducing gun violence deaths in America.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Justin McFarlinProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Mark McKinnon, famed Republican strategist and host of The Circus on Showtime, and discuss Mark's work in politics and the incredible results of a poll we conducted with Beacon Research of more than 1,000 gun owners across the country.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Mark McKinnonProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with Fred Guttenberg, father turned advocate after the murder of his daughter Jamie in the Parkland school shooting. Fred and Matt discuss the importance of gun owners being for gun safety, respecting the 2nd amendment, and steps we can take to stop bad actors from ending up with weapons they shouldn't be able to acquire.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Fred GuttenbergProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In this week's episode, we talk with 97Percent board member Abra Belke, a former lobbyist for the National Rifle Association. How can we make sure gun owners are included in the conversation about gun laws? How does the urban vs. rural divide on gun ownership impact gun issues? How can we reduce accidental firearm incidents in the home? Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Abra BelkeProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane

In today's premiere episode, we talk with Whitney Austin, founder of Whitney/Strong: a nonprofit focused on reducing gun violence by increasing responsible gun ownership -- which she created after surviving a mass shooting in Cincinnati, Ohio. She tells us what question she wishes people would stop asking her, what it's like talking to gun shop owners about suicide prevention, what legislation she's currently working on, and she shares why she was a gun owner before she was shot 12 times and why she still is now.Host: Mathew LittmanGuest: Whitney AustinProducer: Ernesto ChavezvaldiviaExecutive Producer: Adria MárquezEditor: Stephanie Genuardi Cunnane