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Episode 276-NJ’s New Felony Dingus Law  Also Available OnSearchable Podcast Transcript Gun Lawyer — Episode Transcript Page – 1 – of 14 Gun Lawyer — Episode 276 Transcript SUMMARY KEYWORDS New Jersey felony law, accidental discharge, Second Amendment, gun rights, reckless conduct, felony dingus, legal consequences, gun ownership, national reciprocity, pro-gun advocacy, government involvement, legal defense, gun laws, gun ownership statistics, gun control. SPEAKERS Evan Nappen, Teddy Nappen Evan Nappen 00:17 I’m Evan Nappen. Teddy Nappen 00:19 And I’m Teddy Nappen. Evan Nappen 00:20 And welcome to Gun Lawyer. New Jersey now officially has the felony Dingus law. That’s right, folks. It has to do with the criminalization of accidents. That’s it. They’ve been criminalized in New Jersey. Now let me explain why it’s the Dingus law. The reason I call it the Dingus law is that a number of years ago I was in Missouri. It was at the James Farm, Jesse and Frank James Farm. It was a great museum there. It’s a pretty cool place to visit if you’re into western history. You know, Jesse James and such is way up there of one of the fun topics to learn about. As a matter of fact, their famous bank robbery is still the record haul for any bank robbery in the U.S., ever. It was done by James and his gang. In terms of the amount of money stolen, in terms of the value of that money today, versus then, it is the record amount ever stolen. Evan Nappen 01:41 But the thing that’s interesting to me about what happened when I was at that museum is I’m looking at all kinds of things about historical facts about Jesse James and his life and all. I’m reading some things, and it talked about “Dingus” at certain times. You know, talking about things that were going on between him and his men. And I’m like, Dingus, who’s Dingus? So, I asked one of the museum folks there, hey, who is this Dingus that they’re talking about? He goes, oh, that’s Jesse James. What do you mean Jesse James is Dingus? Who called him, you know, Dingus and lived, right? He’s like, no, no, no, no, no. His men did. His men did. What? Why? Well, you see, Jesse was apparently playing around with his gun, practicing spinning or screwing around with it, or who knows what, and he accidentally shot two of his fingers off. It was in front of his men. He shot his fingers off, two of them, and Jesse James would never use profanity. He may have been a stone cold killer, but he would not ever use profanity. So, when he shot his two fingers off, he said, Dingus! Now, I don’t know about you, but if I shot my fingers off, I’d say something a lot more than Dingus. But I guess his men fell off their horses Page – 2 – of 14 laughing, you know, and they nicknamed him Dingus. And I guess if you were one of his men, you could bust his balls and call him Dingus and get away with it. Evan Nappen 03:36 But we call accidental discharges in my office “Dingus” cases in honor of Jesse James, of course. So, any accidental discharge is a Dingus case. Now, I once had a guy that shot himself in the hand with a Glock. And so that, of course, was a Dingus case. This was a number of years ago, and they tried to take away his firearms and his ability to be licensed under that. It wasn’t criminalized, but they did try to disenfranchise him of his gun rights. We fought it hard, and we were able to win and save his gun rights and his gun. About a year later, he shot himself in the hand again with a Sig. So, do you know what he was? He was a Double Dingus. That’s right. Evan Nappen 04:40 Anyway, this new Dingus law, and look, accidents can happen. You can drive your car and have an accident. Accidents happen. But this Dingus law that New Jersey has passed is a felony Dingus law. It now turns accidents into a New Jersey felony. A felony level offense. It’s very important that you understand this, because now it is actually law in New Jersey, and you have to know your rights. You have to stand on your rights. Or you not only risk losing your Second Amendment rights, but you also risk becoming a felon, going to State Prison, and having your life essentially destroyed over this. Because becoming a convicted felon can dramatically affect your career, and your ability to earn a living. Your existence becomes one of a second class citizen, and not just in terms of gun rights. Evan Nappen 05:52 So, I want to do a deep dive here into the felony Dingus law that New Jersey has now made law. And I want to make it clear so that you, my dear listeners, know what to do to protect yourself and hear it straight from me as to what you must do and how you must act. Because it will be difficult for some of you to do what I’m saying. It strikes to a certain degree against what might be your first reaction, but you have to do this. Otherwise the consequences can be dire. So, this new law that New Jersey passed, and it is officially law. It takes accidents and makes them felonies, accidents with firearms, into felony level offenses. And we’re going to take a look at how exactly that gets done. How the Legislature, in passing this law, has done it in such a bizarre way, or sneaky way, devious way, that the impact and reality of it is how I’m going to explain it. Evan Nappen 07:13 So, the law reads, and you can read the bill that passed. It was A4976 and was approved by Murphy as one of his parting gifts on January 20 of this year. (https://pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2024/A5000/4976_R2.PDF) It says, (1.a.) For the purposes of this act, “Recklessly” shall have the same meaning as set forth in N.J.S. 2C:2-2. Now, 2-2 is where the culpability standards for New Jersey law are laid out. Culpability is the establishment of the level of what has to be demonstrated in order to prove whether you’re culpable for the commission of that offense. These fall under the general requirements of culpability, and normally, culpability has to be proven. It’s a level of proof. Often we think of culpability as needing to show purpose fully. You do something purposefully. We do something knowingly, knowingly. But recklessly and negligently can also be culpability levels in criminal law, and New Jersey is now making “Reckless” as part of this law. Page – 3 – of 14 Evan Nappen 08:56 But reckless isn’t necessarily how you might generically think of it. It’s defined in this culpability statute as follows. So, this is where “Reckless” gets defined that they’re incorporating into the new law. (N.J.S. 2C:2-2.(3)) “Recklessly. A person acts recklessly with respect to a material element of an offense when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the material element exists or will result from his conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that, considering the nature and purpose of the actor’s conduct and the circumstances known to him, its disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the actor’s situation. ‘Recklessness,’ or ‘with recklessness’, or equivalent terms have the same meaning.” Evan Nappen 10:05 Now, if you’re having trouble wrapping your head around what I just said, we’re going to get back to it. But I wanted to give you that, initially, as we go through the bill, and I’m going to show you how it translates into reality under the felony Dingus law. So, New Jersey now says “reckless” is defined as what I just told you, and then they define structure. “‘Structure’ means any building, room, ship, vessel, car, vehicle, or airplane, and also means any place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons or for carrying of business therein.” So, any business establishment, any means of transport, and any room, building or ship is a structure, okay? Now the law says a person commits, oh, a disorderly person’s offense. Oh, well, that’s not a felony, Evan. That’s a disorderly person. It’s New Jersey’s version of misdemeanor. Yeah, I know that, but let’s keep reading. Evan Nappen 11:21 Okay, folks. “A person commits a disorderly persons offense by recklessly discharging a firearm . . .” Well, you might think, why I’d never be reckless. I’d never be reckless. “. . . by recklessly discharging a firearm using live ammunition rounds . . .” So, I guess you can recklessly discharge a blank gun, but whatever. “. . . recklessly discharging a firearm using live ammunition rounds unlawfully or without a lawful purpose, except that a second conviction for such an offense constitutes a crime of the fourth degree, and a third or subsequent conviction for such an offense constitutes crime of the third degree.” So, what happens is this. It ups the degree if you have repeat offenses. Evan Nappen 12:12 So, you say, well, look, man, if I have one problem, at least it’s just a misdemeanor, and it’s not a felony. I don’t become a felony Dingus problem in my life. Well, yeah, because here’s the next part. It says, a person who commits a violation of what I just said, subsection b., technically of this section, shall be charged with a crime of one degree higher than what ordinarily would be charged for such offense, where the violation occurs within 100 yards of an occupied structure. Whoa, whoa. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. So, in other words, if you have an accidental discharge, and that AD was done without lawful purpose, well, if it’s an accidental discharge, what was your lawful purpose for having an accident? Of course, there wasn’t one. It’s baked into the cake. There’s no accident done lost with a lawful purpose. Of course not. So, every accident now, unless you can show there was a lawful purpose to your accident, okay? Every accident done, every accidental discharge without a lawful purpose, within 100 yards of any building, room, ship, vessel, car, vehicle, airplane, place of overnight accommodation or where business is conducted, within 100 yards of any of those occupied places, that Page – 4 – of 14 makes it a felony level offense. A felony level offense. So, now you have your accidental discharge. It’s done without a lawful purpose. Now the law says you have to recklessly discharge a firearm without a lawful purpose. Remember, I told you what reckless was under the law. Evan Nappen 14:24 Now, think about this. Let’s go back to that reckless. A person acts reckless with respect to a material element of the offense when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a material element will result from his conduct. Oh, conscientious disregarding a risk that you could, what? Have an accidental discharge. Meaning a discharge without a lawful purpose. And the risk must be of such a nature and degree that considering the nature and purpose of the actor’s conduct and circumstances known to him. Oh, did you know you had a gun? Yeah. Did you know that when you pull the trigger of a gun, it goes bang? Yeah. Did you happen to have ammunition? Yeah. Did you check to make sure the gun was empty? Oh, well, what’s this disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the actor’s situation. Aha. Gross deviation from standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe. A reasonable person checks to make sure their gun is unloaded. Were you unreasonable in having that accidental discharge because you failed to ensure that your gun wasn’t loaded? Evan Nappen 16:18 Well, let me tell you who’s going to answer that question. Ultimately, my friends, 12 people who aren’t smart enough to avoid jury duty. That’s who’s going to answer it. Twelve persons who most likely don’t know a whole hell of a lot about guns. And even if they do, they’re not going to like the fact that you didn’t ensure that your gun was unloaded. So, this means that if you have an accidental discharge, a Dingus within 100 yards of any of those, “occupied structures”, which basically is virtually everywhere, you’re now looking at a felony charge, which will make you a convicted felon. It will cost you your gun rights throughout the entire United States, because you’d be a convicted felon. You will face criminal prosecution in New Jersey and loss of your guns and your gun license. Evan Nappen 17:32 So, what does this mean, folks? It means, if you ever have an accidental discharge, SHUT THE F UP!!! That’s right. You do not call the police if you had an accidental issue. You don’t incriminate yourself. You don’t talk about it to anyone. They have criminalized this. You have a Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. They did not put any immunity in this law for reporting an accidental discharge. You not only have no obligation to report it, you have a specific Constitutional right now against doing it. Saying you have a right not to do it, because you have a right against self-incrimination. And they’ve made it what is a virtual, almost per se, strict liability, virtually, virtually, offense. At least, how in reality, it’s going to play out. If you have an accidental discharge within 100 yards of that structure and you didn’t have a lawful purpose, did you? Was it reasonable that you deviated from the standard of not ensuring that your gun was unloaded? You can see this felony Dingus problem here, and it now applies throughout New Jersey. Page – 5 – of 14 Teddy Nappen 19:15 One concern, though, Dad, is that. Does the law address, you know, malfunction? Because we’ve had plenty of stories, you know, from the both of the SIG 320 and / or various other pistols that do have, like, mechanical failures. Is that addressed in the law? Evan Nappen 19:34 It’s not addressed in the law. And, you know, maybe if it was an actual SIG problem that can be proven, that it was mechanical, that that would be a defense at law here. You know that would be something where they’re not going to hold the recklessness standard to your conscious disregard of known risk. However, New Jersey has brought a suit against SIG itself for the problem with those guns. I wouldn’t put it past the Government trying to argue that you should have known the risk because you possess a SIG that’s known to have these problems, and we’re suing them over it. And how did you not know that your gun might have this problem? I mean, who knows how extreme they’ll go? I think it is conceivably a good defense, but they’re still going to fight that. I assure you. Evan Nappen 20:37 But short of an actual mechanical defect in a gun, short of that, this law is a huge threat. It is essentially the equivalent of making, if we made every fender bender with a driver, a felony in New Jersey. You would then have a situation where you wouldn’t want to report any car accident. Because upon reporting it, you would immediately have a right against self-incrimination, and you’d be putting yourself in jeopardy of a felony. Well, this is what New Jersey has done with the felony Dingus law to New Jerseyans, and you need to know that. You’re going to have to stand firm on your rights. If you have an AD, the first thing you do is call your lawyer who understands criminal law and understands the gun laws, so that you can be advised on this. It’s critical. The risk here is great, and it will jeopardize your freedom, your livelihood, and your gun rights. You can get at least a year and a half as a maximum, if they go to just the fourth degree level with this offense. So, you’re looking at felony Dingus here. Teddy Nappen 22:13 There’s a bit of irony. When you think about this law, I imagine just go from their perspective. Just the twisted mindset of the gun rights suppressor. In this idea, they’re trying to cut down on accidental discharges, but they’re going to go hidden because of that exact issue. It kind of goes. I remember being explained once in boxing. They did a rule change where they banned rapid punching. You know, we could do, like quick jabs, but in doing so, they required you to punch with an extended arm. They’re like, oh, we’re gonna cut down on the injuries. But it did the opposite. Because people were getting punched with an extended arm, it would cause more concussions. So, it’s just that level of almost self-fulfilling prophecy. It’s not doing anything. It causes the very harm that it meant to prevent. Evan Nappen 22:59 It will. It will. Because now when you have this instead. Let’s say, if you have an accidental discharge, instead of investigating, seeing if it hits somebody or something, or where, when or what it did, you’re going to jeopardize yourself criminally. Now you have to stand on your rights. You’re going to have to just take the Fifth immediately and stand on your rights. Call your attorney. It’s completely criminalized, criminalized. And because of that, your criminal due process rights kick in. And we might, you know, Page – 6 – of 14 normally if they were smart, they would have had an immunity for reporting it. But they don’t. They don’t. There’s no immunity here. If you report it, you’re putting yourself in jeopardy, and you’re giving up your Fifth and Sixth amendment rights by so doing. It is a stupid law. It is not just a Dingus felony, a Dingus law. It is a law passed by Dinguses and signed by Dinguses. It is literally the felony Dingus law, and so aptly named. Evan Nappen 24:10 Hey, on a different subject. Real quick, I just want to mention a landmark little factoid that I think you’ll find pretty cool. The U.S. has broken the firearm ownership number of 500 million. There are over 500 million privately owned firearms in the United States. Boy, that is fantastic. (https://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/us-civilian-gun-ownership-500-million/) Teddy Nappen 24:49 We need to get those numbers up. Evan Nappen 24:52 Yeah, right. We need to get those numbers up. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, civilian gun ownership in the U.S. has surpassed the 500 million mark, reaching an estimated 506 million firearms, and the more guns means the more impossibility of banning and seizing them. There is strength in numbers. This figure is based on Federal Manufacturing and import data compiled from 1990 through 2023 using ATF records. And the estimate accounts for firearms manufactured domestically and sold, as well as firearms imported for the commercial market. It also said that there’s continued growth with the ARs in America. Since 1990, 32 million AR-type rifles have entered circulation. 32 million ARs. Talk about being in common use. 32 million. Kind of says it all. Anyway, so we’re way up there. And it says, looking specifically, by the way, at 2023, they said a total of 13,574,653 firearms were made available to the U.S. market when imports were included. So, that was that one year, 2023, over 13 million. Handguns accounted for the majority, with 8,176,000 units, followed by 3,899,000 rifles and 1,498,000 shotguns. So, this is great news. We are definitely the land of firearms, and the Second Amendment is strong in numbers. We’ve broken the 500 million mark for U.S. gun ownership. Evan Nappen 27:23 One other quick note here that I find. A little tidbit here, and this is from militarynyi.com. Mossburg has received a new contract from the Pentagon for about $11.6 million. (https://militarnyi.com/en/news/usa-orders-mossberg-590a1-shotguns-with-custom-barrels-for-drone-interception/) It provides that they’re going to supply Mossberg 590A1 pump shotguns, which are great guns, by the way. I’m going to tell you about 590A1s in a minute. But what’s really cool about this one is that this particular shotgun is designed to combat drones. It’s made to shoot down drones. It has a 17-inch barrel with a specific configuration that’s designed for convenient placement in submarine racks. And it’s also made so that it can use special tungsten shot ammunition, tungsten shot ammo, to shoot down UAVs. And this is literally what the Government said. So, they’ve taken the 590A1s and the load, the shotgun load, is a two ounce number nine bird shot, a tungsten load. And it says it puts a large number of small tungsten pellets, creating a dense cloud ideal for hitting small targets. So, if you thought skeet shooting and trap Page – 7 – of 14 shooting was fun, how about tungsten drone shooting with Mossberg 590A1s. There you go, guys. Now we’re talking about a whole new sport. Teddy Nappen 29:28 Do you remember Amazon delivering those packages with drones? Yeah, well, trap shooting with prizes. Evan Nappen 29:37 Well, there you go. Trap shooting with prizes. But you know something about the 590A1, I gotta tell you. That’s really a great shotgun. And look, I have no financial interest in them. I just love that gun. That gun has a special thing about it when it comes to New Jersey. It is a pump shotgun, military spec shotgun. The 598 one is different from the 590 the a one has a thicker barrel, stronger receiver. It is a really tough shotgun, and it’s a pump shotgun. And because it’s a pump, it’s not semi auto. So, you can have a 590A1 in New Jersey. It can have a nine shot magazine in it. It can have a folding stock. It can have a pistol grip. It can have a bayonet lug, and they do have a bayonet lug. It can have all the whistles and bells on it and not be an assault firearm because it’s a pump shotgun. Only a semi-automatic shotgun falls under New Jersey’s assault firearm law. So, if you really want to have one of the best New Jersey legal combat shotgun with any of the fun features, then the 590A1 is unbeatable for New Jersey. And plus, when you rack that slide, any bad guy hearing that usually registers it in his pants, when you hear that racking going on. So, you should consider having one in your home defense. The 590A1, it’s a great gun. I don’t know if those tungsten loads will be available to the public or not, but this is fun stuff that I wanted to bring to your attention. Evan Nappen 31:32 Hey, let me tell you about our good friends at WeShoot. WeShoot is our gun range that Teddy and I shoot at, and we love it there. They are a fantastic range right in Lakewood, New Jersey, and they have some good specials going on. They have a Sig Sauer P365 Flux, which is the evolution of the micro-compact carry gun, now paired with the FLUX defense chassis for enhanced stability, capacity and speed in a PDW-style platform. They have a Smith & Wesson M&P 9 M2.0 Compact, which is their carry size powerhouse with a flat face trigger, aggressive grip texture, built to perform under pressure with everyday reliability. And they have a Mossberg Gold Reserve Super Sport, a competition-ready over / under, an over and under, 12 gauge with eye-catching scroll engraving, polished blue finish, and a premium walnut stock built for the clay sports game. So, these are just a few of the hot guns being highlighted by WeShoot. You should definitely check them out. Go to weshootusa.com. Evan Nappen 32:52 You can also check out Juliana. She’s fully locked in and in love with her MAC 5, showing off, the versatile fun a modern sporting rifle platform can be. So, go to WeShoot's website – weshootusa.com. You can check out Juliana there with the MAC 5. You can also see the other great photographs that WeShoot prides themselves on. When you go to the range there, you will be very impressed. They have fantastic training, and you can get your certificate there to get your carry. You can also get all kinds of training for both beginners and experienced shooters, as well. They have top people on their staff. It is a great resource that you should take advantage of. Go to weshootusa.com and learn the best kept secret in New Jersey the WeShoot range, a fantastic place. Page – 8 – of 14 Evan Nappen 33:57 Let me also tell you about our good friends at the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs. They are the stalwart defenders of our gun rights in New Jersey. New Jersey is one tough environment, as you know, and without a great group like the Association, we’d be even worse off. Can you imagine even worse? So we’re there. We’re there with the association. You need to be with us. I’m a member. You need to be a member. It is critical. They’re the ones in Trenton with a full-time paid lobbyist keeping track of the shenanigans going on there. And we’re able to make a difference. Believe it or not. We are. Plus we have the battles ongoing in the courts, and, man, I am excited for them. We have some appellate stuff going on now, an we’re going to be getting some great results. I feel it. I know it. We’ll be reporting about that and telling you all about it here on Gun Lawyer. Evan Nappen 35:00 It’s a slow climb, because the wheels turn slow. But folks, it is. It is something where I know we’re going to be successful, and the Association is there for you, fighting for your rights. Go to anjrpc.org and join today. Make sure you’re part of the solution. Join your official NRA state affiliate, the Association. You’ll get the email alerts to the legislative alerts and court results, and you’ll be on top of things. You’ll get a beautiful newsletter. The best in the state, so you’ll know what’s going on here in New Jersey, and you’ll have the resources of the Association behind you. So, go to anjrpc.org and join today. Evan Nappen 35:58 And while you’re at it, make sure you get a copy of my book, New Jersey Gun Law. It’s the Bible of New Jersey gun law. It’s over 500 pages in a question and answer format. It explains everything you need to know so you can avoid becoming a GOFU in New Jersey. And man, do you need that because New Jersey is crazy. And to not be destroyed by the state’s gun laws, and instead be able to exercise safely and legally your rights. You need my book, New Jersey Gun Law. Go to EvanNappen.com and get your copy today. When you do get your book, right down there on the front cover, make sure you scan the QR code, and you can immediately join for free, my private subscriber base. You’ll be able to access immediately the updates, which I’ll have a new update coming out very shortly here, updating the new laws, doing a comprehensive 2026 Update. You get all that for free. So, your book stays current. Go to EvanNappen.com and get your copy today. Teddy, what do you have for us today? Teddy Nappen 37:15 Well, as we know, Press Checks are always free. And look, everyone has been seeing it on the Left, where they’re all of a sudden now everyone seems to have become an expert on the Second Amendment. As you, which, every time I hear that, I think the words Second Amendment TM – trademark, because it’s their version of the Second Amendment. They never actually go into too many details. But I will say, and this is very funny. From MSN, from this writer, Adam Lynch, “‘Never seen a surge like this:’ Panicked liberals are stocking up on guns..” (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/never-seen-a-surge-like-this-panicked-liberals-are-stocking-up-on-guns/ar-AA1QuJEL) Huh! The 500 million mark is coming into play. But I love this. If you ever want to laugh, read an MSN article, because it’s just so, not just the propaganda, but the sourcing and how it works. It’s, okay. It goes. “NPR reports liberals and members of the LGBTQ community are buying guns to protect themselves as both the White House and national discourse grows increasingly hostile.” I love how Page – 9 – of 14 they cite their sources, NPR. Like NPR is a reputable source, but yeah. And I love this, a random unnamed Maryland Doctor. It just says Maryland Doctor. I’m not saying. Evan Nappen 38:40 Oh, is he related to the Maryland man? Teddy Nappen 38:43 I guess. I know. Maybe he’s from Venezuela or El Salvador. “I’m not saying that’s what’s going to happen. What I’m saying is none of this is out of the question.” In regards to, like, Trump is going to start kicking in doors on like just. And I love this. “Charles, who is black, says he bought his handgun after Trump administration did things that scared him . . .” Okay. Evan Nappen 39:15 Well, I’ll tell you what. Every gun owner is someone with a vested interest in the Second Amendment. So, good. Yeah, good. Teddy Nappen 39:24 And they decided to do interviews. They say 30 sources, unnamed, mind you. Where they’re saying NPR reports, the face of gun ownership is changing. Once perceived as the white, rural and Republican, gun clubs or trainers, Second Amendment advocates and academic researchers now say that liberals, people of color, and LGBTQ members have been buying guns and training with them since Trump’s re-election. First of all, I like how they separate people of color and Republicans when the mass. Evan Nappen 39:54 The Second Amendment is for everybody. Teddy Nappen 39:56 Yeah! Evan Nappen 39:56 It’s for everybody. Teddy Nappen 39:57 Yeah. And also they need to remember that Hispanics overwhelmingly voted for Trump and are leaning conservative. Blacks overwhelmingly, comparatively, Trump had the most vote of black Americans since dating back to Nixon. So, whenever they try to separate out and try to paint the Republican Party as racist. I always remind them of that. It’s just such stupidity on their part. But going into that, I did love this. So, Thomas Boyer, the spokesman for the San Francisco Chapter the Pink Pistols, said, “Armed gays don’t get bashed.” Evan Nappen 40:37 Right! They don’t. Page – 10 – of 14 Teddy Nappen 40:39 I know. Didn’t you actually like, did they bring you on once, the Pink Pistols? Evan Nappen 40:43 They made me an honorary life member of the Pink Pistols, believe it or not, which is fine, great. The Second Amendment is for everyone. And you know, it doesn’t matter whether someone is liberal or conservative or what their sexual preference or race is. It is all our right. All of us have this right, and we always want to be consistent. Whether or not politically I agree with anything on the Left, it doesn’t matter. In the same way that I support their right to free speech, even though I disagree with them. Rights are rights. And the point here is we can have common ground, and we’re seeing common ground. We’re actually seeing it. Because as more of the Left wants guns, that’s great. Join with us, and let’s pass laws that enhance the Second Amendment. As a matter of fact, think of it this way, folks. The anti-Second Amendment, the Second Amendment oppressors, they don’t want the Left to exercise gun rights any more than they want the right to exercise gun rights because they are anti-gun rights. We are pro-gun rights. We want all people. And every time anybody becomes a gun owner, they now get a vested interest in our Second Amendment rights. So, this creates that common ground, and that can include national reciprocity. It can include Pretti’s Law that we’ve talked about, right? It means this is an opportunity. So, don’t let the Left’s political views cloud our commitment to universal Second Amendment rights. Teddy Nappen 42:56 So, going off of that, one of the things the article cited to was a group known as, I never heard of these guys, the Liberal Gun Club. It was from this firearm instructor, David Phillips. They have 30 chapters in other, in other states. And they said their membership has grown from 2,700 in November to 4,500. So, going off of that, I actually wanted to look these guys up to understand, like, what is a Liberal Gun Club? (https://theliberalgunclub.com/) Like it just, you just, you’re going off of that. I hear those two words, and it just doesn’t sound right. And so. Evan Nappen 43:32 But, it is right. It is right. Evan Nappen 43:35 But I know why you would think it wouldn’t be. Teddy Nappen 43:35 I know. Evan Nappen 43:37 Bingo. Teddy Nappen 43:37 Yeah, exactly. And I went to their website, and this is what was funny. The common ground managers, where they go into, we are, they go into. They include and oppose the assault weapon ban as well as restriction of magazine capacity. Page – 11 – of 14 Teddy Nappen 43:37 And this view is directly related to our preference of an enforcement approach rather than regulation. Then, and what’s even funnier, the one thing that I found, the little nugget in their entire list, they are for national reciprocity. Evan Nappen 44:11 The other factor is, and I dug deeper into them, they actually spoke out against Bloomberg and the Moms Demand Action. Evan Nappen 44:11 Okay. So, look at this liberal gun group here, the Liberal Gun Club. Liberal gun group is against the assault firearm ban, against the magazine ban and pro-national reciprocity. Guess what? We’re all on the same page. This is our common ground. This is a common ground that we need to further develop. We need the pro-Second Amendment side to happily join in the same issues that we mutually support. Look, there are things we have differences about, without a doubt, okay? Most of the liberal agenda I am not, not, on board with at all, but that’s okay. Because the issue that I care most about, the issue that is my entire life’s calling and yours as well, Teddy, is the Second Amendment. And if this group is supporting what I support, then we can be together on those issues. We need to be together on those issues and not try to exclude or judge or separate anybody away because we don’t agree with the rest of their politics. I don’t care about the rest of their politics. That’s fine for us to have our differences, but this is where we’re together. And what you just said, there is great. We need more of that. Because that’s how we can finally get the rest of the Left to lay off our rights and to pass something like National Reciprocity, to quit trying to screw with us at every turn, to disenfranchise us from our gun rights. We can unite here. Evan Nappen 46:09 Even better. Teddy Nappen 46:12 Which they go into with the head president of the yet all actions they say you need to take is to donate to them. And what can they do with their donations, or, quote, unquote, saving lives and quote unquote, ending gun violence, or so they say. However, they spend, the national group spends most of their time advocacy related to gun violence focused exclusively on passing stricter gun control laws, which have already been disproven. So, they even agree that gun control fails. They actually agree it does not solve any of the issues that they actually are worried about. And they cited to a book, and this reminded me of one you brought to me once, it was “Restricting Handguns” by Don Kates. Evan Nappen 47:07 Yes! Teddy Nappen 47:08 Where it was the liberal. It was the liberal skeptics guide where, you know, liberals. Page – 12 – of 14 Evan Nappen 47:14 The Liberal skeptics speak out. Okay. Don Kates was one of my mentors when I first became a lawyer. And prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a member of the very first firearm law firm in America. It was Bennison, Kates and Hardy, and I was in the New York City law office of Bennison and Kates. I knew Don Kates and Mark Bennison, and Dave Hardy. Don Kates was out in California, and he was criminology professor. Don Kates was great guy, and he wanted to do this very thing we’re talking about here. Of cross trestling, of uniting, of making liberals see that the Second Amendment is critical for them as well as us. And so, his book “Restricting Handguns – The Liberal Skeptics Speak Out” was all about folks who you would normally think would be anti- Second Amendment and were not. (https://openlibrary.org/books/OL4408746M/Restricting_handguns) Evan Nappen 48:26 Interestingly, Mark Benson, who was the other partner, was a former president of Amnesty International. But Mark was solidly pro-Second Amendment. I mean, Kates taught criminal justice and law in California. Okay? We’re talking about folks you might normally think of on the Left, but were actually hard-core Second Amendment great pro-gun fighters. I’ll tell you. Don Kates was the first guy that I ever met that carried a firearm, regardless. He said, Second Amendment, and that’s it. And I always was impressed how much he believed in the Second Amendment. He was fantastic. And it was great experience working for that firm and being part of the very first firearm law firm in America. Of course, now firearm law is an identified area of practice, but then people had never heard of such a thing. So, Don Kates, with this book, really had a lot of impact, and to this day, it’s still being utilized and cited because the Liberal Gun Club that you talk about is the same idea. And Kate was really ahead of his time in identifying this very thing. We need to join with the other side when they are with us on our issue. Teddy Nappen 50:14 And what was really, really funny is he meant, and there was a similar book where he references a book called “Beyond Control” by Jacob Sullum. He talks about the racist roots of gun control and drug control. (https://www.beyondcontrolbook.net/) Evan Nappen 50:27 There you go. Teddy Nappen 50:28 And it’s that, it’s that inner weaving of the policies to actually put that in perspective, because everyone on the Left, like they typically, are in lockstep on this. But if we can turn this, just like with the trans issue, if we can turn this into a 90/10 issue, we could get national reciprocity. The vast majority like this. Imagine The Trace and Bloomberg having to, I just saw this, just on my feed, where they’re trying to say, don’t go out and buy firearms. Don’t, don’t kid. Telling their liberal followers, don’t go out and buy firearms, even though they’re all calling for the Second Amendment on it. It’s that level. They have so pushed. Page – 13 – of 14 Evan Nappen 51:12 They are so scared to death that, yeah, this very thing that we’re talking about here is actually happening and taking place. And we on the pro-gun side need to put out our hand of friendship to the other side when they’re with us on our issue. Because those that oppose us, the oppressors, are scared to death of it, and with good reason. This can make us win. It can get our rights back. This is the way to do it, folks. I honestly believe and have fought for this. And throughout my legal career, we’ve seen how the liberal causes so-called, whether you know, traditionally where they claim were pro-civil rights, yet they go after a single black mom. Shaneen Allen, who had a carry permit from Pennsylvania and happened to be in the Democratic People’s Republic of New Jersey, gets put through the shredder. It’s the institutionalized racism that our good friend John Petrolino has talked about and shown in the permitting system. These are the things that are out there that the Left, historically, would have been concerned with, but somehow they block it out with guns. No, no. Join. Join together. This can get our movement over the top. Evan Nappen 52:44 The other thing they can do. This will be the Midas touch. Once they see the National Reciprocity and start carrying, all of a sudden, all the things that they were supporting, Red Flag, Universal Background Check, both things are going to predominantly deny them their rights. Because I think there’s a statistic showing, I think, it’s 67 or 68% of liberals or Democrats have mental health issues which screws them out of their rights. So, this is the key to getting them to see that this is the path to victory of how to get the Second Amendment back. Then we can remove all these insane regulations. Evan Nappen 53:22 Incrementally, get to where we need to be. Well, Teddy, I appreciate it. A great, great topic. And I want to tell you about this week’s GOFU, which is, of course, the Gun Owner Fuck Up, where actual clients, actual cases, where we see the problem, and you get to learn the lesson for free. And this week’s GOFU is pretty simple. Don’t involve the police in your life unless you absolutely have to. And what I mean is this. There are mechanisms in law that are there that people have no idea how it suddenly affects your gun rights. And that includes the so- called wellness check, even domestic violence, all these things where they’re played up as extremely important. And I’m not saying they aren’t. But it makes it so that individuals that invoke any of these laws and involve the Government in your life, next thing you know, guns are being seized. Individuals are losing their rights, and they’re having to fight to get them back. Evan Nappen 54:36 Often it’s the very person that invokes the law itself. Yeah, we see this. We get cases where the person called the police to scare their partner or to just get more attention to it. But they don’t realize that gets the entire system to come down on them, taking guns and ruining lives. They have no clue of the impact once the Government gets in your life. Forget it. It’s going to be a fight. It’s the old, I think, Ronald Reagan said, you know, “We’re here from the Government. We’re here to help.” Yeah, that’s the joke, and it’s true. This is what happens. You get a wellness check done, and boom, guns are taken. You’re now fighting for your rights. We get these all the time. Look, I understand. If someone has serious problems and they need help, maybe you’ve got to do it. If you’re being abused, okay. But, you know, if it’s not something that the Government has to get involved in, do not involve the Government. Page – 14 – of 14 Evan Nappen 55:22 Over and over and over again, we get, I get the calls. I call them “the calls of regret”. The phone calls of regret. They’re GOFUs. And yet, for me to even say this, I’ll get criticized. How dare you say that? How about stopping me? We need to know call. I see the reality of it in the practice. I get the phone call of regret when you involve the Government. So, the GOFU is that be very, very careful. Very, very selective, if you ever want to put the Government in your life or a loved one’s life. Because the ramifications, particularly in the Democratic People’s Republic of New Jersey, can be very significant and can dramatically impact yours and your loved ones lives. Evan Nappen 56:47 This is Evan Nappen and Teddy Nappen reminding you that gun laws don’t protect honest citizens from criminals. They protect criminals from honest citizens. 56:57 Gun Lawyer is a CounterThink Media production. The music used in this broadcast was managed by Cosmo Music, New York, New York. Reach us by emailing Evan@gun.lawyer. The information and opinions in this broadcast do not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state. Downloadable PDF TranscriptGun Lawyer S5 E276_Transcript About The HostEvan Nappen, Esq.Known as “America's Gun Lawyer,” Evan Nappen is above all a tireless defender of justice. Author of eight bestselling books and countless articles on firearms, knives, and weapons history and the law, a certified Firearms Instructor, and avid weapons collector and historian with a vast collection that spans almost five decades — it's no wonder he's become the trusted, go-to expert for local, industry and national media outlets. Regularly called on by radio, television and online news media for his commentary and expertise on breaking news Evan has appeared countless shows including Fox News – Judge Jeanine, CNN – Lou Dobbs, Court TV, Real Talk on WOR, It's Your Call with Lyn Doyle, Tom Gresham's Gun Talk, and Cam & Company/NRA News. As a creative arts consultant, he also lends his weapons law and historical expertise to an elite, discerning cadre of movie and television producers and directors, and novelists. He also provides expert testimony and consultations for defense attorneys across America. Email Evan Your Comments and Questions  talkback@gun.lawyer Join Evan's InnerCircleHere's your chance to join an elite group of the Savviest gun and knife owners in America.  Membership is totally FREE and Strictly CONFIDENTIAL.  Just enter your email to start receiving insider news, tips, and other valuable membership benefits.   Email (required) *First Name *Select list(s) to subscribe toInnerCircle Membership Yes, I would like to receive emails from Gun Lawyer Podcast. (You can unsubscribe anytime)Constant Contact Use. Please leave this field blank.var ajaxurl = "https://gun.lawyer/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php";

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Watts to talk about something so many parents and caregivers quietly wrestle with, how to stay fired up in the middle of responsibility, burnout, and the weight of shoulds. Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action and the author of Fired Up, and our conversation goes far beyond advocacy. We talk about identity, purpose, and what happens when women are taught to put obligation ahead of desire for most of their lives. This episode is about what it looks like to reconnect with yourself, not by blowing up your life, but by getting honest about what matters. Topics we cover include: Why so many women are taught to fulfill obligations before desires How guilt, fear, and perfectionism drain motivation The difference between purpose and being purposeful Imposter syndrome and fear of public failure Parenting, fulfillment, and modeling self trust for kids Community as a key part of sustainable change Why wanting more does not mean you are ungrateful To connect with Shannon Watts follow her on Instagram @shannonrwatts, check out all her resources at https://shannonwatts.org/home/ and buy her book “Fired Up” https://www.firedupbook.com/.  00:00 – Choosing Hope Over Cynicism 00:38 – Why This Conversation Matters Right Now 01:31 – Meet Shannon Watts 02:55 – Staying Fired Up Without Burning Out 03:36 – Leaving California and Finding Community 05:55 – Talking Across Differences 07:17 – Why Women Feel Stuck in Obligation 08:35 – The Moment Everything Changed 10:22 – Desire vs Obligation 12:45 – It Is Never Too Late 15:13 – Rethinking Legacy and Guilt 18:06 – What Kids Really Learn From Us 20:12 – Losing Forward and Redefining Failure 23:21 – Handling Blowback and Shame 25:27 – Imposter Syndrome and Being the First 27:59 – Values, Abilities, and Desires 32:18 – Finding Your People 37:22 – Parenting, Purpose, and Modeling Fire 40:48 – The First Step to Living on Fire 42:51 – Final Reflections Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon Watts to talk about something so many parents and caregivers quietly wrestle with, how to stay fired up in the middle of responsibility, burnout, and the weight of shoulds. Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action and the author of Fired Up, and our conversation goes far beyond advocacy. We talk about identity, purpose, and what happens when women are taught to put obligation ahead of desire for most of their lives. This episode is about what it looks like to reconnect with yourself, not by blowing up your life, but by getting honest about what matters. Topics we cover include: Why so many women are taught to fulfill obligations before desires How guilt, fear, and perfectionism drain motivation The difference between purpose and being purposeful Imposter syndrome and fear of public failure Parenting, fulfillment, and modeling self trust for kids Community as a key part of sustainable change Why wanting more does not mean you are ungrateful To connect with Shannon Watts follow her on Instagram @shannonrwatts, check out all her resources at https://shannonwatts.org/home/ and buy her book “Fired Up” https://www.firedupbook.com/.  00:00 – Choosing Hope Over Cynicism 00:38 – Why This Conversation Matters Right Now 01:31 – Meet Shannon Watts 02:55 – Staying Fired Up Without Burning Out 03:36 – Leaving California and Finding Community 05:55 – Talking Across Differences 07:17 – Why Women Feel Stuck in Obligation 08:35 – The Moment Everything Changed 10:22 – Desire vs Obligation 12:45 – It Is Never Too Late 15:13 – Rethinking Legacy and Guilt 18:06 – What Kids Really Learn From Us 20:12 – Losing Forward and Redefining Failure 23:21 – Handling Blowback and Shame 25:27 – Imposter Syndrome and Being the First 27:59 – Values, Abilities, and Desires 32:18 – Finding Your People 37:22 – Parenting, Purpose, and Modeling Fire 40:48 – The First Step to Living on Fire 42:51 – Final Reflections Our podcasts are also now on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with closed captioning, check us out there and ⁠subscribe to PedsDocTalk⁠. Get trusted pediatric advice, relatable parenting insights, and evidence-based tips delivered straight to your inbox—join thousands of parents who rely on the PDT newsletter to stay informed, supported, and confident. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠! And don't forget to follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠@pedsdoctalkpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram—our new space just for parents looking for real talk and real support. We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on the ⁠PedsDocTalk Podcast Sponsorships⁠ page of the website.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Free and fair elections are an essential component of democracy. But fair elections face a number of threats in the United States right now. Onerous ID and proof of citizenship requirements exclude millions of legal voters. And lack of legal clarity about the process to certify results creates the risks of post-election chaos. Samantha Tarazi joins host Alex Lovit to discuss these and other threats to American elections. Samantha Tarazi is the cofounder and chief executive officer of Voting Rights Lab, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization securing and expanding the freedom to vote in all 50 states since 2017. Her voting and elections policy expertise has been featured in major national and in-state publications. Previously, as the inaugural chief engagement officer at Everytown for Gun Safety, Sam helped grow Moms Demand Action from a Facebook group into a national network of over 55,000 volunteer leaders working to advance gun safety education and policy. https://votingrightslab.org/ https://tracker.votingrightslab.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To wrap up 2025, we're re-running some of our favorite guest episodes from this year—including this interview with Shannon Watts, founder of ⁠Moms Demand Action⁠, discussing her book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Shannon shares the personal story behind her midlife awakening, how she built the largest grassroots movement to fight gun violence in America, and the life-changing formula she developed to help women find purpose, passion, and courage—no matter their life stage. Shannon, Margaret, and Amy discuss: How societal “shoulds” can keep women stuck The “fire triangle” formula: how your values, abilities, and desires can reignite your life Why “false fires” (like busyness and performative happiness) burn us out How Shannon knew it was time to pass the torch at Moms Demand Action—and what it taught her about transitions The importance of building our own communities of firestarters Why your fire doesn't have to “earn its keep” Here's where you can find Shannon: ⁠www.firedupbook.com⁠ (enroll in Shannon's course here) @shannonrwatts on IG and Substack Buy FIRED UP: ⁠https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593831939⁠ We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, midlife women, midlife crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosts: Rob Chappell, Stephanie Díaz de León, and Omar Waheed Guest: Nate Buescher, UW–Madison freshman and star of Disney Channel's Electric Bloom Runtime: 53:38 On this week's podcast, we catch up on a range of news stories from the week, and get acquainted with a new neighbor who's a rising Disney star.

Welcome to Perimenopause WTF!, brought to you by ⁠Perry⁠—the #1 perimenopause app and safe space for connection, support, and new friendships during the menopause transition. You're not crazy, and you're not alone!  Download the free Perry App on ⁠Apple⁠ or ⁠Android⁠ and join our live expert talks, receive evidence-based education, connect with other women, and simplify your perimenopause journey.Today's episode is titled “The Perimenopause Wake-Up Call: How to Rise, Roar, and Rewrite Midlife”. Authors Shannon Watts & Jen Hatmaker sit down for a deeply personal and revealing conversation as they open up about their individual experiences navigating perimenopause. They candidly discuss the confusing symptoms, the challenge of self-discovery, and the treatments and lifestyle changes that ultimately brought them clarity and relief. 

What if the key to moving from stuck to unstoppable isn't finding your one big purpose but choosing to live with purpose, every day?In this episode, we sit down with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action and author of New York Bestseller Fired Up, to explore a practical framework for aligning what you value, what you're good at, and what truly matters to you. She calls it the fire formula, a tool for any stage of life, from early career to midlife reinvention.We unpack three common myths that hold women back:That you need a single, all-consuming callingThat happiness is the goalThat constant busyness means you're succeedingShannon also shares her playbook for handling blowback when you start showing up differently, how to decide whose feedback matters, what to hold onto, and how to keep going when the discomfort sets in.You'll hear actionable strategies for building aligned community, sustaining momentum, and reclaiming your time and voice. We also get into:How to navigate professional risks and resistanceHow to build meaningful relationships in midlifeHow to push back against the systems and narratives shaping our democracyThis is a grounded, honest conversation about courage, clarity, and living on your own terms. If you're ready to stop waiting for permission, this episode offers the tools and the push to start.Click here for more Show Notes and Guest Bio. If you enjoy the episode share it with a friend, leave us a review and don't forget to hit the subscribe button. If you are ready to take your career and business to the next level, apply to join our community of professional women, all eager to help you get there and stay there. Learn more at www.VESTHer.co

In this utterly informative sit-down session, we got to speak with assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at BGSU and Spring 2025 ICS Faculty Fellow Meagan Docherty to talk about gun violence reduction and prevention in Toldeo, Ohio.  She identifies gun violence as a public health crisis that disproportionately impacts children and minority communities. Docherty stresses the idea that gun violence prevention and reduction is an issue that must be addressed collaboratively with scholars, politicians, and community engagement. To tackle this issue Docherty works with community groups such as the Toledo Community action table and Moms Demand Action to gather a community perspective, as she believes no progress can be made without the people who are directly impacted by gun violence. Docherty hopes to increase visibility surrounding human health and safety, children, racial equity and address gun violence prevention on both local and state levels. Want to delve even deeper into this important issue? Watch Dr. Docherty's public talk on our YouTube channel by following this link https://youtu.be/N6S8YtOBQec?si=uvsTGKHNL8XpQecW.A transcript for this episode can be found here.

This week I talk with Susie Kaufman, who is running for a seat on the St. Louis Park School Board. We talk about why she's running for office, her advocacy work with Moms Demand Action, and quickly finding a Jewish community when she moved to Minnesota a decade ago, on this week's Who The Folk?! Podcast.Susie's campaign website: https://www.susieforslp.com/Article referenced on open enrollment data: https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-school-open-enrollment/601444999Sponsor this week: MAZON: A Jewish Response To HungerThe Who The Folk?! Podcast is part of the Jewfolk Podcast Network, a product of Jewfolk, Inc. Episodes are produced by Jewfolk editor-in-chief Lonny Goldsmith. If you have questions, comments, or a guest to nominate, send an e-mail to editor@jewfolk.com. For more information, go to TCJewfolk.com/podcast

A shooter, who according to police, was armed with a rifle, shotgun and pistol, opened fire into a mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Two children were killed and at least 17 people, including 14 children, were injured. Moms Demand Action Executive Director Angela Ferrell-Zabala joined "Forbes Newsroom" to discuss the tragedy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy is joined by former congressperson Marie Newman who shares her advocacy against bullying, her first-hand account of the January 6th insurrection, and her insights into how we can save our nation's politics and find our path again.Donate to Breaking Down PatriarchyMarie Newman is a former congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, marketing executive, author of A Life Made from Scratch and When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions, antibullying activist, former Moms Demand Action spokesperson and national LGBTQ+ advocate. In addition to those roles, she is a mom of two adult children, consultant and podcaster. Marie Newman is known for building movements and solving the toughest problems. Her motto has always been, when you do not see the solution you desperately need, make it from scratch! She lives in Lagrange, Illinois with her husband and beagle, Iggy.

Kelly welcomes Shannon Watts back to the podcast. The founder of Moms Demand Action has a new book: “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.”   “Happiness is a temporary state, not a life goal.”  “Women's desires are hijacked by their obligations.”  “Your fire starts where […]

What happens when one mother's grief and rage transform into a national movement? In this gripping episode of The Determined Society, Shannon Watts — activist, author of Fired Up, and founder of Moms Demand Action — joins Shawn French for a raw, emotional, and empowering conversation about how she turned a single Facebook post into one of the most powerful grassroots networks in the country. From the early days of doubters and death threats to building bipartisan coalitions and influencing gun policy, Shannon pulls no punches. She shares what it takes to stay in the fight, how to lead without being liked, and why being underestimated is her superpower. This episode covers: -Her new book Fired Up and the next chapter of her mission -The origin story of Moms Demand Action after Sandy Hook -Why being “just a mom” became her greatest strength -Building political power from the ground up -What real impact looks like — and what it doesn't -Motherhood, activism, and staying in the game If you're looking for fire, leadership, and purpose in action—this is it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Too many women are running on empty and Shannon Watts is here to challenge that. She is the founder of Moms Demand Action and author of Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Shannon joins us to talk about living with purpose and power, how to protect your energy and why reinvention is essential. If you feel your fire flickering, this conversation will help reignite it.

Amy and Margaret sit down with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, to discuss her transformative new book: Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Shannon shares the personal story behind her midlife awakening, how she built the largest grassroots movement to fight gun violence in America, and the life-changing formula she developed to help women find purpose, passion, and courage—no matter their life stage. Shannon, Margaret, and Amy discuss: How societal “shoulds” can keep women stuck The “fire triangle” formula: how your values, abilities, and desires can reignite your life Why “false fires” (like busyness and performative happiness) burn us out How Shannon knew it was time to pass the torch at Moms Demand Action—and what it taught her about transitions The importance of building our own communities of firestarters Why your fire doesn't have to “earn its keep” Here's where you can find Shannon: www.firedupbook.com (enroll in Shannon's course here) @shannonrwatts on IG and Substack Buy FIRED UP: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9780593831939 We love the sponsors that make this show possible! You can always find all the special deals and codes for all our current sponsors on our website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.whatfreshhellpodcast.com/p/promo-codes/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ mom friends, funny moms, parenting advice, parenting experts, parenting tips, mothers, families, parenting skills, parenting strategies, parenting styles, busy moms, self-help for moms, manage kid's behavior, teenager, tween, child development, family activities, family fun, parent child relationship, decluttering, kid-friendly, midlife women, midlife crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As founder of Moms Demand Action — the nation's largest grassroots movement against gun violence — author Shannon Watts has helped thousands of women find their voice and take action. In her new book, Fired Up, Watts outlines a practical and inspiring framework for reigniting purpose, confidence, and ambition. With real-life stories from women across generations and backgrounds, Fired Up offers tools to help readers identify what sparks them and live with greater intention and impact. Watts seeks to challenge the negative narrative that many women hold, asserting that empowerment begins where expectations end. In a world that often pressures women to shrink themselves, choosing to embrace desire and step outside prescribed roles becomes a powerful, even radical, act. Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, the nation's largest grassroots group fighting against gun violence. Known as the ‘summoner of women's audacity,' she spent more than a decade leading one of the world's largest field experiments for mobilizing women. She has been named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People, a Forbes 50 over 50 Changemaker, and a Glamour Woman of the Year. She is an active board member of Emerge America, one of the nation's leading organizations for recruiting and training women to run for office. She is the author of the 2019 book Fight Like a Mother, and she writes regularly for Substack and outlets like The Washington Post, Elle, TIME, and more. Brooke Baldwin is a TV host, award-winning journalist and bestselling author. She writes a weekly Substack entitled “Unraveling, with Brooke Baldwin.” It's inspired by her bombshell first person essay published in Vanity Fair entitled: “Leaving CNN Was How I Found My Voice.” For more than a decade, Brooke anchored her own live daily news show on CNN and was renowned for her versatility, authenticity, and humanity at the news desk. After CNN, Brooke hosted a popular social experiment show on Netflix called The Trust. Brooke is the author of the bestselling book Huddle: How Women Unlock Their Collective Power, redefining the word ‘huddle' to explore how women lean on one another to provide support, empowerment, inspiration, and the strength to enact meaningful change. Brooke now lives in Los Angeles after a ten-year run-in New York City. She is a proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Buy the Book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age (Hardcover) Elliott Bay Book Company

Shannon Watts didn't set out to become an activist - she was just a mom folding laundry when Sandy Hook happened. But that moment of rage transformed her into the founder of Moms Demand Action and one of the most powerful voices in the gun safety movement. Now, as she steps into her next chapter with her new book "Fired Up" hitting shelves, Shannon is sharing the secrets of how ordinary women can create extraordinary change - and why midlife is actually the perfect time to do the biggest thing you've ever done.In this powerful conversation, Shannon reveals how she went from 75 Facebook friends to building the largest grassroots organization led by women, why she calls herself "the summoner of women's audacity," and how untreated ADHD became her superpower. Whether you're feeling called to start a movement or simply want to step more fully into who you're meant to be, Shannon's story proves that the spark inside you is enough - you just have to stop listening to the voices telling you why you can't.Key Takeaways: • The audacity blueprint: How to stop waiting for permission and start pursuing what sets you on fire • From spark to flame: Why sharing your "little idea" with community is the fastest way to bring any concept to life• The midlife advantage: How wisdom, security, and not caring what people think creates your most powerful years • Building your sisterhood: Why deep friendships aren't just nice to have - they're essential for thriving in midlife • Permission to pivot: How to embrace multiple chapters and know that your best days are ahead, not behind youShannon's new book "Fired Up" is available now wherever books are sold.Shannon Says: You're Not Too F***ing Old! To do the biggest thing you've ever done in your entire life!Learn more about Jen Marples at https://www.jenmarples.comWant to work with Jen? Book a complimentary 20-minute call HERE. Follow Jen @jenmarples on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTubeSubscribe to Jen's NewsletterUnedited AI Transcript HereCONNECT WITH SHANNON WATTS:LinkedInInstagramWebsiteGet her new book Fired Up HERE

In today's episode I speak with activist Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, about her new book 'Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age'. Shannon shares her journey from corporate PR to leading a grassroots movement against gun violence and discusses how women can discover their core values, ignite personal and professional transformations, and find a sense of belonging. We talk about the importance of taking small, consistent actions, identifying personal values and abilities, and building supportive communities. This episode serves as a reminder that purpose is always evolving and to live authentically and audaciously at every stage of life.I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: draliza.substack.com Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Resortpass: Visit resortpass.com/humans and use code humans at checkout for $20 off your first purchase.Medtronic: For more information and to take the pledge to talk to your mother or a woman in your life about heart health, visit Alettertomymother.comWater Wipes: Visit WaterWipes.com to learn more about how Water Wipes effectively cleans with minimal ingredients that leave nothing behindKiwiCo: Get $15 off on your Summer Adventure Series at kiwico.com/RGHRoyo: Go to- EATROYO.com -and use my promo code HUMANS for your20%OFF1MD: Head to 1MD.org and use code [HUMANS] for 15% offPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As I am recording this, we are 1 week after the Thrive in '25 Conference. Wow! Just wow! The women that attended were so powerful and wonderful to meet and get to know in-person. It was almost like an out-of-body experience to know that I helped bring this to life. And now, I am resting as much as I can. After 1 year of planning, it is wonderful to be able to know that is behind me and I can fully ease into summer and slower days and making fun memories with my family.So, what are we talking about today? I have a powerful guest for the show, former Congresswoman Marie Newman. Marie is so inspiring to listen to because her life and career have had so many zigs and zags, but Marie hasn't been afraid to do something new. In fact, she admitted that she's the opposite for being afraid. She often will get teased when she's going to embark on something different. I would like to get teased for that!During the podcast, Marie and I chatted about:The various twists and turns in Marie's career and life.What prompted Marie to write her book, A Life Made From Scratch.What life was like as a Congresswoman, and what she learned from that role to create meaningful and long-lasting change.How she has felt moving from a public life and image to a private one.How she has navigated parenting a transgender child.And so much more!Here is more about Marie:Marie Newman is a former congresswoman, nonprofit CEO, marketing executive, author of A Life Made from Scratch and When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions, antibullying activist, former Moms Demand Action spokesperson and national LGBTQ+ advocate. In addition to those roles, she is a mom of two adult children, consultant and podcaster. Marie Newman is known for building movements and solving the toughest problems. Marie's next book, her memoir, will be released March of 2025, (pre-order starts in February) A Life Made From Scratch. Her motto has always been, when you do not see the solution you desperately need, make it from scratch!

Happy Monday! Our program begins a new week with important information from great returning guests. In studio with us this morning we have Steve McHugh of Be SMART for Kids, joined by Carol Ireland and Rebecca Slowik, volunteers with Moms Demand Action - IL. The work that our guests do saves lives and this morning we will talk about secure gun storage, how you can get involved and other tips to keep your loved ones protected. Got questions? Send us an email to: goodmorningaurorail@gmail.comHave a great rest of the day! Good Morning Aurora will return with more news, weather and the very best of Aurora. Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcastThe second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 to 9:30 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora.Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodmorningaurorailInstagram: goodmorningaurorailSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningauroraACTV (Aurora Community Television): https://www.aurora-il.org/309/Aurora-Community-TV#kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroraillinois #cityofaurorail #auroramedia #auroranews #morningnews #goodmorningaurora #morningshow #monday #fyp #momsdemandaction

In a recent Secrets of Adulthood Substack Live conversation, I talked to the terrific Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action (the nation’s largest grassroots group fighting gun violence. We discuss insights from her latest book and how we've arrived at several of our own Secrets of Adulthood, including why it’s important to ask yourself whether your life goals are your own or someone else's, the cost of indecision, and when to double-back or double-down. Resources & links related to this episode: Subscribe to Secrets of Adulthood on Substack Playing with Fire by Shannon Watts on Substack Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.com Visit Gretchen's website to learn more about Gretchen's best-selling books, products from The Happiness Project Collection, and the Happier app. Find the transcript for this episode on the episode details page in the Apple Podcasts app. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since she started Moms Demand Action in 2012 following the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Shannon Watts has drawn thousands of women from the sidelines and gotten them involved, helping them realize the power they had. Now she brings that approach to helping people more broadly stand up and achieve their potential. Whether it's launching your dream business, leaving a bad relationship, or standing up for yourself at the office, Watts has an approach to “identify, light, and feed the fire inside you.” She explores that in her new book Fired Up, and she returns to the Commonwealth Club World Affairs stage to share her inspiration with women everywhere. She says it will not only transform your life, but it can transform the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A formula for reigniting your purpose at any age, from the founder of Moms Demand Action.

George Conway examines Trump’s disastrous strategy in the Middle East. Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts details her new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second part of my interview with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, host of the Substack newsletter "Playing with Fire", and author of the brand new book “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age”, we get into the mindset side of writing. We covered: - Reckoning with the enormity of needing to produce 60,000+ words for a book- The "small miracle" or crystallizing a thought in a way you hadn't been able to articulate before- How getting reiki helps her write- Shifting out of perfectionism and into flow- The huge difference in the lived experience between Gen X women and their mothers- Taking aim at mom guilt- The woo woo retreat that almost made her run for the door, but turned out to be a much-needed entryway to being playful Thank you for listening! Visit Shannon at ⁠shannonwatts.substack.com⁠. For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com. And thanks to this week's sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're a manager trying to move your organization in a new direction, an entrepreneur seeking to fix a consumer pain point, or a non-profit leader working to improve society, it can be hard to turn your and others' passion for a cause into meaningful change. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, a gun safety advocacy group, shares how she channeled her anger over U.S. school shootings into an organization with more than 10 million supporters and a string of policy victories. She explains how to know when your desires, values, and skills align to tackle a challenge, how to build a coalition, and how to keep people motivated, Watts is the author of the book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.

Whether you're a manager trying to move your organization in a new direction, an entrepreneur seeking to fix a consumer pain point, or a non-profit leader working to improve society, it can be hard to turn your and others' passion for a cause into meaningful change. Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, a gun safety advocacy group, shares how she channeled her anger over U.S. school shootings into an organization with more than 10 million supporters and a string of policy victories. She explains how to know when your desires, values, and skills align to tackle a challenge, how to build a coalition, and how to keep people motivated, Watts is the author of the book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age.

Twelve years ago, Shannon Watts was folding laundry when breaking news stopped her in her tracks: a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. The next morning, she woke up with a fire inside her, and turned her grief and rage into action. That action became Moms Demand Action, now part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country. In today's episode, Shannon joins Jessi Hempel to reflect on the grassroots journey that began in her kitchen and grew into a national movement. Shannon's new book, Fired Up, is a call to action for women everywhere who are ready to turn their spark into action, but aren't sure where to start. Jessi and Shannon discuss: Shannon's journey from corporate PR to grassroots activism The power of starting before you feel ready Why burnout can be a turning point How women, especially mothers, are the hidden engine of societal change Lessons from more than a decade of advocacy and organizing Join the conversation at Hello Monday Office Hours. Catch us Wednesday at 3 PM ET on the LinkedIn News Page. See you there.

Tired of living on autopilot while your dreams sit on the back burner? Shannon Watts knows that restlessness. Before founding Moms Demand Action and earning accolades including Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential, Shannon was an overwhelmed mom who broke down in a doctor's office, covered in stress-induced eczema from living a life that no longer worked. In her new book "Fired Up," Shannon shares her transformation from breakdown to fired-up founder of a grassroots movement against gun violence and champion of "summoning the audacity of women." You'll discover how to identify what's truly calling you, push through the fear of being "too late," and give yourself permission to live audaciously at any age. Your midlife restlessness isn't something to fix—it's a fire waiting to ignite. Ready to light that spark, beauties? FOLLOW A CERTAIN AGE: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ GET INBOX INSPO: Sign up for our newsletter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AGE BOLDLY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ We share new episodes, giveaways, links we love, and midlife resources Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I am re-playing my interview with advocate, Substacker, and "summoner of women's audacity," Shannon Watts in honor of the fact that her new book “Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age” released just last week. Shannon first entered that national conversation when she founded Moms Demand Action, the grassroots movement for common sense gun reform that began with a Facebook post the day of the Sandy Hook school shooting and has grown to include more than 10 million members. Shannon writes regularly for her Substack, Playing with Fire, and outlets like The Washington Post, Elle, Time, and more. She has also been named Glamour's Woman of the Year and one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.Since leaving Moms Demand Action, Shannon has been on a quest to motivate more women to use their voices to advocate for change, whether that's within their own families, workplaces, communities, states, the country, or the world. It was an honor to talk with her and we really broke it down, covering: - Knowing when it's time to transition out of what you've been doing- ADHD and how its effects have changed as she's gotten older- Switching gears from being a very public person who had to keep her private life private (to not feed the trolls) to a private person who talks about private things (menopause, ADHD) publicly- The incredible origin story of Moms Demand Action (or what I call, "the Facebook post heard 'round the world)- Her standing desk fail Thank you for listening! Visit Shannon at ⁠shannonwatts.substack.com⁠. For full show notes with links to everything we discuss, plus bonus photos!, visit katehanley.substack.com. And thanks to this week's sponsor, Air Doctor Pro. Visit airdoctorpro.com and use code KATE to save 30% off an amazing indoor air filter *and* receive a free three-year warranty (an $84 value). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shannon Watts thought she had it all figured out - marriage, three kids, and a steady job. But by her mid-thirties, she realized she was living someone else's life. After leaving an unfulfilling marriage and career, she spent years asking herself one crucial question: "What do I want?" That led her to found Moms Demand Action at age 41 after a mass school shooting - despite being an introvert with ADHD and a fear of public speaking. In this episode, Kelly reads a letter Shannon wrote to her younger self, where she shares her "fire formula" for transformation, why pursuing your desires is a radical act for women and how living authentically became her greatest legacy. Check out Shannon's new book: Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age https://www.amazon.com/Fired-Up-Spark-Flame-Alive/dp/0593831934 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meidastouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Trump supporters turning against him over a myriad of issues where they feel betrayed and Meiselas interviews Moms Demand Action founder Shannon Watts who just a released a new book today called Fired Up about how people can find their the fire inside them to fight back against the Trump regime and other injustices. Buy Shannon's book 'Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age' here: https://amzn.to/4eb96ov Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am thrilled to have Shannon Watts, author and founder of Moms Demand Action, on the show to talk about her new book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. I was definitely fired up and inspired by what Shannon had to share, and I think you will be, too. If you've been going through life on autopilot (as many high-functioning codependents do), feel like something is missing, or like you've been playing it small and it's time to stop and do something different, this conversation is for you. Shannon shares practical tips and strategies for reimagining your life and while we talk about perimenopause and menopause, these tips can apply to anyone in any season of life! Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/729

“Living on fire is really a metaphor for figuring out two things,” says Shannon Watts. “What is limiting you. And what is calling you.” Watts spent 11 years as the full-time volunteer lead of Moms Demand Action, which she founded. Now, as she puts it, Watts continues to summon the audacity of other women. Today, she shares so many useful life nuggets from her new book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. For the show notes, head over to my Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Totally Booked: LIVE! In this special episode of the podcast (in-person at the Whitby Hotel with a live audience!), Zibby interviews activist and author Shannon Watts about FIRED UP: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, which chronicles her journey from suburban mom to founder of Moms Demand Action, the nation's leading grassroots movement for gun safety. Shannon shares how the tragedy at Sandy Hook ignited her activism, the personal cost of taking on the gun lobby, and how she ultimately redefined her own life. Reflecting on her divorce, burnout, and the power of community, she offers a roadmap to help women live more authentically and boldly.Purchase on Bookshop: https://bit.ly/4nbnpgWShare, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens! Now there's more! Subscribe to Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books on Acast+ and get ad-free episodes. https://plus.acast.com/s/moms-dont-have-time-to-read-books. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the life you really want isn't lost—it's just buried under expectations? Today's guest is activist, author, and founder of Moms Demand Action, Shannon Watts. On the pod, she shares what it takes to reclaim your voice, reconnect with your purpose, and live a life lit by your own desire. We talk about identity, burnout, blowback, and what it means to start a fire at any age.You'll Learn: -How to reconnect with your true desires (not just the ones you were taught to want)-The difference between obligation and purpose and how to stop confusing the two-The real cost of staying quiet and how to move through the fear of being seen-What Shannon's “fire formula” is and how to use it to find purpose at any age-How to let go of an identity that no longer fits and begin to reinvent yourself Shannon Watts is the founder and former leader of Moms Demand Action—one of the largest grassroots movements in the country, dedicated to ending gun violence and creating safer communities.  She's also a speaker, community leader and author of the beautiful new bookFired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. More on Shannon

How do we ensure that in the process of organizing folks of diverse backgrounds, we aren't letting our egos get in the way?My guest today, Shannon Watts, reminds us that in order to lead, we have to listen and learn from each other. Shannon is the founder of  Moms Demand Action, a movement fighting gun violence, and author of ‘Fired Up: How to Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive At Any Age.'Resources mentioned in this episode:Shannon's book, ‘Fired Up: How to Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive At Any Age.”Moms Demand Action website‘We're All George Floyd Now' ArticleJimmie Briggs Say More episodeFollow Tulaine on:InstagramLinkedinXProduced by the New Profit and Hueman Group Media.Views and opinions expressed during the podcast are those of the individuals expressing them and do not necessarily reflect those of New Profit or Hueman Group Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're ready to empower yourself to step into your true purpose but are paralyzed by fear, what-ifs, and imposter syndrome, you've found the right conversation. Today's guest is Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, the nation's largest grassroots group fighting gun violence in the U.S. Like many of us, Shannon was left outraged and broken after hearing news stories about school shootings and seeing the impact of gun violence on communities across the countries. One night, her sadness transformed to rage, and her life was changed after a Facebook post kicked off what would become Moms Demand Action, a movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. They work to pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of families and communities. They know that gun violence is preventable, and they are committed to doing what it takes to keep families safe. Shannon has been named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People, a Forbes 50 over 50 Changemaker, and a Glamour Woman of the Year. She's also someone who went through an extraordinary transformation, and this is the focus of her and Dr. Alexandra's conversation, and of her new book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Shannon empowers folks to break free from limits, trust their instincts, and lead with passion to create meaningful change. Shannon and Dr. Alexandra talk about activism and the way it impacts relationships, particularly marriage, and Shannon shares how her own marriage evolved as she went through this incredible unfolding. Relevant Links"Your Anxiety Toolkit" on MasterClass: www.masterclass.com/youranxietytoolkitFired Up How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age by Shannon WattsOrder Dr. Alexandra's book, Love Every DaySubscribe to Dr. Alexandra's NewsletterSubmit a Listener Question

In this episode of My Simplified Life, host Michelle Glogovac interviews Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action and author of Fired Up: A Story of Resilience & the Power of Community. Shannon shares her inspiring journey from stay-at-home mom to national leader in the gun violence prevention movement. They dive into the founding of Moms Demand Action, the ongoing fight for gun safety legislation, and the critical role women play in activism and politics. Shannon also opens up about balancing motherhood with advocacy work, the strength of grassroots organizing, and even touches on her passion for astrology. This empowering conversation highlights why women's voices matter in both personal and political spaces—and how following your passion can create meaningful change. What We're Talking About... Shannon Watts founded Moms Demand Action after the Sandy Hook tragedy. Activism can be a catalyst for personal transformation. Women often overlook their own abilities and desires. The importance of community support in activism. Women only hold about 25% of elected positions in the U.S. Finding one's voice is crucial for empowerment. Balancing family life with activism is challenging but rewarding. Astrology can provide insights into personal growth. Rituals, like enjoying champagne, can enhance daily life. It's never too late to pursue your passions. Chapters 00:00 Friendship and Connection 03:41 The Birth of a Movement 06:52 Activism and Personal Growth 13:09 Balancing Family and Advocacy 16:29 Transformative Experiences in Advocacy 21:42 The Importance of Women in Politics 24:01 Astrology and Personal Insights 27:48 Future Aspirations and Reflections 31:50 Celebrating Community and Inspiration 32:18 Finding Your Passion and Building Connections Links Mentioned Fired Up by Shannon Watts https://www.firedupbook.com

Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a prominent grassroots organization fighting gun violence in the United States. She initially aspired to be an investigative journalist, and she earned a journalism degree but transitioned into a career in public relations, spending nearly two decades in corporate communications at companies like Anthem and GE Healthcare. After taking a step back from her career to become a stay-at-home mom, the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012 spurred her into action, and she founded Moms Demand Action with a simple Facebook group. Leveraging her communications and branding expertise, she transformed the group into a powerful nationwide movement, now part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country, with nearly 11 million supporters. She has since been recognized as one of Time's 100 Most Influential People and a Forbes 50 Over 50 Changemaker. She's also authored books including Fight Like a Mother and Fired Up.Buy Shannon's new book here.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our guest today is Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America—the largest grassroots movement in the country. Back in 2012, Shannon began her career in activism when she posted a call to action on Facebook to end gun violence, in response to the horrors of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Her message was met with an overwhelming response, and soon after, the mother of five and former communications executive founded Moms Demand Action. Although Shannon stepped down as the founder in 2023, she continues to work to mobilize massive change on the boards of Emerge America—an organization dedicated to recruiting and training women to run for office—and Advance Peace—a community-based organization focused on ending gun violence. And now, she's joining us right ahead of the launch of her second book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Her inspiring story includes:completing her education while battling undiagnosed ADHD.unexpectedly becoming the leader of the largest grassroots movement in the countrytaking on the gun lobby and facing frightening pushback.avoiding the trap of “founders' syndrome.”and what it means to live a life that's on fire.On Sali: Argent Copain Blazer and Maybelle Pocket TeeOn Shannon: Argent Tuxedo Blazer, Stretch Blouse, and Cropped Straight Leg Trouser Work Friends Credits:Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan WoldoffTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudioWork Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women's clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women's progress. For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content. To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to WorkFriends@ARGENTWork.com for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.

For episode 265, Sharon speaks with and activist and author, Shanon Watts about her new book, Fired Up.Shannon is the founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest grassroots group fighting gun violence in the U.S. Known as the ‘summoner of women's audacity,' she has been named one of TIME's 100 Most Influential People, a Forbes 50 over 50 Changemaker, and a Glamour Woman of the Year. Shannon is also an active board member of Emerge America, one of the nation's leading organizations for recruiting and training women to run for office. Helping to redefine what's possible when audacious women unite to drive change, she writes regularly about culture, politics and women's issues for her Substack, Playing with Fire, and outlets like The Washington Post, Elle, Time, The 19th. Her new book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, is coming out on June 17th, 2025. To learn more about Shannon's work, or get a copy of Fired Up you can visit her website here.In this conversation, Shannon and Sharon speak about:The impetus for Shannon's bookHow to live a life on fireShannon's personal storyMarrying our abilities, values & desiresBeing burned up by our angerSurvivors of gun violenceWhat holds us backSharon's fear of public speakingThe firestarter triangleHow we find our desires & aspirationsSharon and Sharon's top valuesLiving with a sense of what you care aboutHow do we sustain our fire?Community BuildingFirestarter UniversityShannon closes the conversation with a short reading from her book, Fired Up.Join Sharon for her new online course, Intro to Meditation, starting June 21st. With meditation becoming increasingly popular, it can be hard to know where to begin. This four-day introductory course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of meditation. This course is ideal for beginners who want to establish a practice, as well as experienced students seeking a refresher course. Learn more: Intro to Meditation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Activist and author Shannon Watts has an important message for women - it is not too late — and you are not too old! — to go after what you really want. The founder of Moms Demand Action is back on the pod with Sophia to chat about the inspiration and message behind her new book, "Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age." Shannon opens up about the turning point in her life, the phone call from Maria Shriver that led to her new book, and the inspirational stories from women living their most authentic lives. Plus, real talk from Sophia and Shannon about living with ADHD, Michelle Obama's parenting advice, and the importance of practicing hope . . . especially through the next four years. "Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age" will be available for purchase on June 17. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moms Demand Action is one of the most active and viral anti-gun groups in America. They regularly lobby, march, and demand that you give up your guns to make our country “safer.” Today's guest is not having it. She is tired of MDA presuming to speak for all women and mothers, and she is telling a very different story about our Second Amendment rights. -----⭐ SPONSOR: Good Ranchers Good Ranchers offers 100% American meat, protecting you from tariff-related price increases and their vacuum-sealed, individually wrapped cuts reduce food waste, saving families an average of $500 a year.

In this powerful episode of I Am Refocused Radio, we sit down with Congresswoman Marie Newman—former U.S. Representative, movement-builder, and author of the upcoming memoir A Life Made From Scratch. Known for her unapologetic stance on healthcare reform, economic justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, Congresswoman Newman shares what it really takes to stand on your values in Washington—and why she's still hopeful about the future of American democracy.We dive deep into her personal journey from entrepreneur and mother to political firestarter, and she gives us a raw, honest look at the cost of fighting for change in a divided nation. If you've ever wondered how real change gets made—or how to keep pushing forward when the system pushes back—this episode is for you.Congresswoman Marie Newman is a trailblazing former U.S. Representative, nonprofit CEO, marketing executive, author, and nationally recognized advocate for equity and justice. She is the author of When Your Child Is Being Bullied: Real Solutions and the forthcoming memoir A Life Made From Scratch (March 2025), which chronicles her journey from mompreneur and activist to Congress and beyond.Known for building movements and tackling the nation's toughest problems, Newman has been a fierce advocate for healthcare reform, anti-bullying policy, LGBTQ+ rights, gun safety, reproductive freedom, and economic equity. A former spokesperson for Moms Demand Action and a nationally recognized LGBTQ+ ally, she has dedicated her career to ensuring marginalized voices are heard—and centered—in policymaking.Marie has been featured on MSNBC, CNN, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, and PBS, and her work has been spotlighted by The New York Times, Washington Post, Elle, Teen Vogue, Ms. Magazine, The New Yorker, Chicago Tribune, and many more. Her op-eds and public speeches have sparked conversations across the political spectrum, from Capitol Hill to kitchen tables.She currently lives in LaGrange, Illinois, with her husband and beagle, Iggy. Marie is a proud mom of two adult children, an active consultant, and a podcaster. Her debut novel—a work of political fiction—is due out in 2026, and she will launch her new podcast in 2025.Her personal motto? “When you don't see the solution you desperately need—make it from scratch.”http://marienewmanstudio.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

Description: Today's guest, Shannon Watts, has come to be known as a formidable force in the world. As the founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest grassroots movement against gun violence formed after the Sandy Hook school shooting tragedy in 2012, her activism has mobilized millions of moms to successfully pass  over 500 gun safety laws. As Amy poignantly stated, Shannon's work “has legitimately made a tangible impact on the safety of my kids in their classrooms”, demonstrating the profound significance of Shannon's contributions. Watts has since shifted her time and attention to empowering women, whom she credits as the real changemakers in any movement. She has founded the Firestarter School, a platform designed to help women reclaim their power and has a forthcoming book,  Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, releasing in the summer of 2025, which explores the necessary elements needed to ignite a fire in your life and pursue your passion and purpose. Thought-provoking Quotes: When you get involved in something like activism, it helps you realize that you have all of this untapped power.  And it does give you the audacity to become a firestarter, to prioritize your desires over your obligations. – Shannon Watts Right out of college, I married my college sweetheart at 23-years-old. By the time I was 29, I had three children.  I have a job I don't love. By my mid-thirties, I realized, this is not the person I would have chosen to be. I was having a difficult time acknowledging that I was living a life that was not true to me. – Shannon Watts So many women keep collecting new fuel, acquiring new skills, waiting for the other pieces to come together.  And we're prepared when the opportunity presents itself. – Amy Hardin Society shoulders women with so many burdens so she doesn't have room to explore her desires.  If you're going to claim space, raise your voice, you are going to get blowback.  The direct proportion of how much you can grow your fire corresponds to how much blowback you're willing to withstand. – Shannon Watts Remind yourself of your wins everyday, whether they're your wins or wins for what you want to see in the world. Give yourself hope and affirmation. – Shannon Watts Fighting for your safety and your rights is a form of self-care and a form of protection for other people. – Shannon Watts Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Camino Made (B.T. Harman's Camino de Santiago pilgrimage company) - https://caminomade.com/ Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age by Shannon Watts - https://amzn.to/4hEYE8K Fight Like a Mother: How a Grassroots Movement Took on the Gun Lobby and Why Women Will Change the World by Shannon Watts - https://amzn.to/4hFP31t 5 Calls App - https://5calls.org/ Firestarter University - https://shannonwatts.org/firestarter-university/ Guest's Links: Website - https://momsdemandaction.org/shannon-watts/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shannonrwatts/ Twitter - https://x.com/shannonrwatts Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fightlikeamother.org Substack - https://shannonwatts.substack.com/ Moms Demand Action website - https://momsdemandaction.org/ Moms Demand Action Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/momsdemand Moms Demand Action Twitter - https://x.com/momsdemand Moms Demand Action Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction Moms Demand Action YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/MomsDemandAction Connect with Jen! Jen's Website - https://jenhatmaker.com/ Jen's Instagram - https://instagram.com/jenhatmaker Jen's Twitter - https://twitter.com/jenHatmaker/ Jen's Facebook - https://facebook.com/jenhatmaker Jen's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/JenHatmaker The For the Love Podcast is presented by Audacy.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Marc & Kim cover a packed Tuesday's show with discussions on Missouri's legislative battles, including key bills protecting women's sports and bathroom policies. The activism of Moms Demand Action pushing for anti-gun policies in Jefferson City is also explored, alongside the resumption of abortions at Planned Parenthood in the Central West End. Marc also questions the delay in Amendment 3 modifications, allowing opposition to rally. They delve into the controversy surrounding Tesla vandalism, where activists targeted Elon Musk's brand, and emphasize the importance of voter participation with live voter guides. The show continues with a discussion on President Trump's playful remarks about a third term, which Kim dismisses as a media distraction. They also dive into the absurdity of a UK case where a toddler was suspended for allegedly being transphobic, before moving into a deeper conversation about radical ideologies in schools and the importance of parental involvement in school board elections. The final segment covers the gripping testimony of a hostage survivor, who was starved and tortured for over 350 days, and criticizes the mainstream media, particularly 60 Minutes, for downplaying the real horrors of hostage situations and terrorists' brutal actions.

This week, we're re-airing our fantastic conversation with Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, where we discuss her inspiring new book Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Tune in for a powerful discussion on activism, passion, and the power of stepping into your purpose!Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, a six-million-member organization she describes as “maybe the world's largest real-life field experiment for what happens when you show women how their abilities and their burning desires and their values align, and how they come alive and can achieve things they never imagined possible.” We are thrilled to have her on the show today to talk about her upcoming book, Fired Up.We talk about how both misogyny and motherhood shape women's journey to, and through, advocacy. We discuss how to withstand blowback and the discomfort that comes with growth, including celebrating small wins and “finding your people.” We also touch on how social media has allowed women to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. Our conversation with Shannon about the intersection of motherhood, feminism, and activism is one that will keep us fueled for a long time. We hope you enjoy it.Resources:Pre-order a copy of Fired Up and sign up for Shannon's free Firestarter University courseCheck out Shannon's book and other books we've recommended on the podcast in the Brave Writer Bookshop. Get involved at MomsDemandAction.org. Sign up for Shannon's SubstackFollow Shannon's on Instagram: @ShannonWattsCheck out Julie's new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!Subscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off TopicTry out our Brave Writer Practice PagesLearn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programsRead all Brave Writer class descriptionsStart a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that's sure to grab and keep your child's attentionSign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684Connect with Julie:Instagram:

It's been 10 days since the inauguration—10 days full of executive orders, immigration crackdowns, dismantled DEI initiatives and general panic. This shock and overwhelm is intentional, but if we're going to make it through the next four years…we can't traffic in hopelessness. This week, Brittany speaks with activist Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, to talk about collective action, whether we'll ever get gun reform, and how to build the “womansphere.” Plus: Brittany brings you this week's UNtrending news.For timely analysis, updates, and resources on actions from Trump-Vance administration, visit: https://www.democracy2025.org/response-centerStay UNDISTRACTED and subscribe to The Meteor newsletter by visiting WeAreTheMeteor.com/newsletters. Follow Brittany on Instagram, Threads & Tik Tok @MsPackyettiFollow The Meteor on Instagram @themeteor and X @themeteor. Follow Wonder Media Network on Instagram @wmn.media, X @wmnmedia, and Facebook.