Podcast appearances and mentions of stephen gutowski

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the ongoing budget legislation battle and how it might affect the taxation and registration of suppressors.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com Video Intro by Joe Russo

This week, we're talking about some good news. Some very good news, actually. The murder rate, which has been on the decline for a couple of years now, is on pace to hit a record low. That's what the early data collected by Jeff Asher's AH Datalytics indicates. Asher joins the show to break down the numbers he's seeing so far. He said the murder rate surged during the pandemic, but it has already fallen back to those levels and kept dropping further. While the FBI's murder data for 2025 won't be out for nearly a year, Asher collects crime data from many of the same sources. He said his data shows a huge early decline in the murder rate that would equate to an all-time low if sustained. He cautioned that the decline is likely to slow as the year progresses, but it should still hit a record. Special Guest: Jeff Asher.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I unpack the latest in the growing political fight between gun-rights groups and the House GOP over how much National Firearms Act reform can be included in the President's "big beautiful bill" through budget reconciliation. We also cover recent rulings out of the federal courts, including an en banc Ninth Circuit decision upholding the government's ability to permanently disarm all non-violent felons and a Fourth Circuit ruling ruling the same for those with misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. Emily Stanley, aka Princess and the Pistol, also joins the show to discuss becoming a gun meme. Special Guest: Emily Stanley.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the 9th Circuit Appeals Court's recent ruling on the rights of nonviolent felons to retain their gun rights and then we discuss Colorado's recent spike in firearm sales in the wake of their new gun sales permitting scheme being the biggest since 2020. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com Video Intro by Joe Russo

This week, we're starting to see the effects of President Trump's tariffs on the ammo market. To discuss the real-world pricing data we have Nathaniel Boos of Black Basin Outdoors on the show. Black Basin is an online ammo dealer, but it also publishes the most comprehensive pricing data on the internet. From that data Boos said we can already seen some signs of what's happening. And the results are interesting. For the most popular rounds, such as 9mm or 5.56 NATO, prices haven't moved very much overall. But under that steady stream are some fascinating undercurrents. As imports have become more expensive under the 10 percent tariff, American brands have largely chosen to reduce prices in an effort to retake marketshare--something that's evened pricing out in most sectors. However, Boos said Black Basin has already seen some overseas suppliers simply stop shipping product into the US. He said part of the reason prices haven't shot up across the board yet is that the market has a glut of supply following the 2024 election. He warned prices could increase once supply dwindles and demand picks back up, likely in the Fall. Boos argued the tariffs could end up limiting consumer options and pushing up prices over time, even eliminating supply of some less popular rounds. But in the short term, they've helped American ammo makers recapture market share while imposing little monetary pain on consumers--an outcome tariff supporters are aiming at.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss interviews that Stephen conducted with attendees of the recent NRA Annual Meeting and what they thought about the organization's recent woes and changes in leadership and direction. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com Video Intro by Joe Russo

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I unpack federal lobbying data from the first quarter of 2025, which show that gun-rights groups have been far outspending gun-control advocates on the Hill. We also cover new monthly gun sales data showing a continued slump for the industry. Finally, we discuss a new gun industry liability shield signed into law in Tennessee before wrapping up with some stories from outside The Reload.

This week, we're taking a deep dive into the National Rifle Association's latest financial report. That's why we have non-profit expert and Ohio State University accounting professor Brian Mittendorf back on the show. The NRA just had its annual meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, which I was able to attend and pick up copies of the group's latest annual report. That report shows the membership dues, legal spending, and even conflicts of interest at what remains by far the nation's largest gun group. Professor Mittendorf said the numbers showed an organization that's still in decline, and still racked by legal costs. However, he also said the NRA's slide is slowing, and there are clear opportunities for them to stabilize or even rebound. He noted that legal spending, while still sky-high compared to their pre-scandal days, is falling. In fact, the group's new CEO said legal fees had dropped dramatically from even the time the latest report covers. Mittendorf said that alone could free up tens of millions of dollars, without raising new funds, to put toward the core services the group has cut over the years--something that could pull members back in. Special Guest: Brian Mittendorf.

Democrats lose it when AG Barr decides not to testify, a pedestrian hit by multiple vehicles in the middle I-5, KIRO Radio’s Aaron Granillo talks about the uneventful May Day and a Kent man arrested after directing death threats toward Ben Shapiro. Stephen Gutowski writes for Free Beacon – He breaks down the NRA in-fighting. A girl who punched a law enforcement officer in the groin will not face charges. 

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a series of legal filings from the Department of Justice urging the Supreme Court not to hear a case on the federal gun ban for non-violent felons. We also look at a brief it filed on the other side of a gun rights issue, urging the Court to overturn a ruling upholding Hawaii's "sensitive places" restrictions on gun carry. Finally, I recap my time covering the NRA's annual meeting, where reformers made major gains at the highest levels of the organization.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the NRA Annual Meeting this past week and some of the changes to leadership and then we talk about the Department of Justice request that the Supreme Court not act on the ban on felons possessing firearms. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com  Opening graphics by Joe Russo.

NRA Convention, gun rights, membership decline, reform movement, Lexington and Concord, Second Amendment, gun control, activism, American history, civil rights, NRA, gun rights, firearm training, inclusivity, gun control myths, media bias, women's empowerment, community building, mental health, activism, firearms, TAL-50, NRA Show, gun technology, X9 handgun, Tommy Gun, Second Amendment, gun rights, innovative firearms, shooting sports Takeaways The NRA convention saw notable changes since 2019, reflecting post-pandemic dynamics. Attendance estimates ranged from 60,000 to 70,000, but some believe numbers may be inflated. The NRA is facing significant membership decline, dropping from nearly 6 million to about 3.5 million. Reform movements within the NRA are gaining traction, focusing on transparency and accountability. The 250th anniversary of the shot heard around the world was celebrated with significant events in Massachusetts. Activism and engagement are crucial for the future of gun rights in America. The atmosphere at the NRA convention was more relaxed compared to previous years. The presence of anti-gun politicians at historical sites raises questions about their commitment to civil rights. Community events can energize and mobilize supporters of gun rights. The fight for Second Amendment rights is ongoing and requires collective effort. The NRA convention exceeded expectations for many attendees. There is a growing focus on women's resources within the NRA. Community building is essential for engaging new gun owners, especially women. Mental health professionals often hold biases against gun ownership. Education and exposure to firearms can change perceptions among clinicians. Media representation of gun ownership is often inaccurate and biased. The NRA is attempting to reconnect with its historical roots and values. Gun control myths are perpetuated by media and political agendas. Public perception of gun ownership is influenced by misinformation. Advocacy for reasonable gun laws is necessary to counteract extreme views. The TAL-50 features revolutionary technology that eliminates recoil. Shooting the TAL-50 does not require hearing protection, making it unique. The X9 handgun offers a smooth trigger experience likened to 'butter'. The Tommy Gun remains an iconic piece of American history. New models of the Tommy Gun are lighter and more affordable. The market for firearms is evolving with innovative designs. Gun rights discussions are crucial in today's political climate. The importance of supporting firearm manufacturers and their innovations. Engaging with the community at events like the NRA Show is vital. Understanding the history of firearms enhances appreciation for modern designs. Summary The conversation delves into the recent NRA convention, highlighting changes since 2019, attendance dynamics, and the ongoing challenges the NRA faces, including significant membership decline. The discussion also touches on the reform movements within the NRA, the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the shot heard around the world, and the importance of community engagement in the fight for Second Amendment rights. The speakers emphasize the need for activism and collective effort to ensure the future of gun rights in America. In this episode, Mark Walters and co-hosts Ryan Petty and Amanda Hardin discuss their experiences at the NRA convention, reflecting on the organization's direction and inclusivity efforts. They emphasize the importance of community building, particularly for women in the firearms space, and Amanda shares her initiative to educate mental health professionals about firearms. The conversation also touches on media bias regarding gun control and the misconceptions surrounding gun ownership, highlighting the need for accurate representation and advocacy. In this engaging conversation,

This week, we're taking a look at a new approach to gun business investing. Kareem Shaya and Chuck R. from Open Source Defense have launched a new venture capital firm focused on the gun industry. They joined the show to explain why they decided to take the traditionally tech-focused approach and apply it to self-defense companies. The pair, who've worked at major tech companies and startups over the years, said they noticed a lack of interest in firearms firms over the years. They argued the sector is underdeveloped and ripe for new technological advancements. That's why they believe there are real opportunities for investment despite the relatively small size of the gun industry and the headwinds gun businesses are currently facing going into 2025. They admitted they aren't positive if what they're doing will succeed, especially given the investment multiples they occasionally need to hit for the venture model to work. But they've already started to put their money where their mouth is with a few early investments.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Supreme Court's decision to reject Minnesota's appeal of an Eighth Circuit decision striking down its age limit for carry permits, effectively clearing the way for young adults to carry guns in the state. We also talk about a new bill signed into law in Iowa this week that accomplishes the same thing for that state's residents. We then cover a new Fox poll showing more people disapprove of President Trump's handling of gun policy than approve in his first 100 days back in office. Finally, we wrap up with an update on my upcoming trip down to Atlanta to cover the NRA's annual meeting.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the NRA's woes from plummeting membership to the presidential snub as they prepare to have their annual meeting this week in Atlanta. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com 

This week, we're taking a close look at the state of the NRA. The nation's largest gun-rights group is not nearly as large as it was half a decade ago. President Donald Trump just bailed on its conference. However, its civil corruption suit is now over, and its latest board election is in the books. To give us a detailed view of where the NRA is at today, we've got freelance reporter John Petrolino on the show. John often writes for Shooting News Weekly and Bearing Arms. He recently did a great breakdown of the NRA election for the latter. John said the reformers, who now go by NRA 2.0, won a sizeable victory and should have a significant majority headed into next weekend's NRA Annual Meeting. Other longtime board members and defenders of former CEO Wayne LaPierre, many of whom are now part of what's called Strong NRA, did not fare as well. But John noted those who didn't run under the banner of either group did the worst of all. He also said some prominent board members, like New York State Rifle and Pistol Association president Tom King, lost their bids. John said he was a bit surprised by some of the results, but he believes the board's partisanship may not last. He said both sides have made calls for unity, however hard that might end up being. Special Guest: John Petrolino.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the latest updates in the shooting at Florida State University, including the early response from President Donald Trump. We also talk about Trump's decision to skip appearing at the NRA's annual meeting for the first time since 2015 and what it says about the group's current influence. Finally, we discuss a new federal appeals court ruling upholding Massachusetts' ban on AR-15s and ammunition magazines as well as a new Montana bill cracking down on red flag laws.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss President Trump not speaking at the National Rifle Association Annual Meeting for the first time since 2015 and then we talk about recent sweeping legislation signed by Colorado Gov. Polis that includes purchase permits for firearms sales. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com 

This week, we're taking a close look at the state of the gun industry and the potential impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. That's why I'm interviewing the head of the gun industry's trade group. National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) general counsel Larry Keane is back on the show to detail where the industry is at today and where it's headed. Perhaps the biggest question to answer is what tariffs will do to domestic and foreign firearms companies. Keane said tariffs, even the reduced levels of the latest "pause," are likely to drive up costs for gun and ammo makers. He said importers are likely to be hit the hardest, but domestic manufacturers aren't immune from increased raw material costs either. He said NSSF is waiting to see exactly how things shake out and it expects some of its members will face steep challenges from the tariffs while others may end up benefiting from them. He also said he's hopeful the tariffs are just a negotiating tactic on the part of President Trump and believes they could lead to something positive for the industry. Keane noted NSSF's latest report shows strong long-term growth among gun businesses. Although, he did admit sales have been down recently and demand could remain relatively soft in the short term. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: Larry Keane.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Colorado Governor Jared Polis signing the most sweeping and restrictive gun bill in the state's history into law and what that says about gun politics in the Democratic Party. We also talk about major new developments at the ATF, both in terms of potential gun policy changes, as well as the announced shakeup in the top two leadership positions of the agency. We also share new insights from members of the gun industry about what President Trump's tariff plans will mean for gun and ammunition prices going forward. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss how the Trump tariffs might affect prices for guns and gun-related items and then discuss the anticipated report from AG Pam Bondi about Biden-era gun rules and regulations. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're doing a deep dive into the history surrounding Americans under 21 buying guns. That's why we've got gun-rights lawyer Alan Beck on the show. He's currently representing a client who is fighting Hawaii's age restrictions. In the wake of the Eleventh Circuit upholding Florida's gun sales ban for those under 21 by pointing to how contract law limited the same age group's ability to buy guns, he researched the question. He argues the evidence contradicts the Eleventh Circuit's holding. He said rulings from the Founding Era suggest those under 21 couldn't enter into contracts for things that weren't necessities, but that was actually a pretty broad exception. He said most guns would have been considered necessities because they were needed to hunt, perform mandated militia service, and provide for general security. Beck also gave a working-lawyers view of the Supreme Court's Second Amendment jurisprudence and where it's headed. He described the details of his latest case at the High Court and what the cert application process is like. Special Guest: Alan Beck.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the potential fallout from President Trump's sweeping tariff announcement on the gun and ammunition market. We talk about why the potential cost increases come at a precarious time for an industry already facing some headwinds, including another month of declining gun sales based on newly released figures. Plus, we discuss a pair of opposite rulings in state courts in Pennsylvania and Illinois dealing with the question of whether major gun companies can be sued for crimes committed by third parties with their products. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court Decision in a case involving a negligent homicide and subsequent lawsuit filed by family members against a firearms manufacturer. kidssafefoundation.orgActive Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're taking a close look at the Supreme Court's ruling in Bondi v. VanDerStok. To do that, we have the Independence Institute's David Kopel on the show. Kopel has written extensively on gun policy and been cited repeatedly at the Supreme Court. So, there are few people better qualified to dissect what the VanDerStok ruling means. Kopel argued the decision upholding the ATF's "ghost gun" kit ban is relatively narrow, but still likely applies to more than just the Polymer80 "buy build shoot" kits discussed at length by the majority. He also explained why the majority decided the case as a facial challenge and why he, along with Justices Thomas and Alito, disagrees with the use of that standard. He said the Trump Administration could have tried to intervene in this case, but didn't move fast enough. However, he argued that it can still try to undo the rule despite the decision. Kopel also gave his view on where the balance of the court lies on gun issues and whether there's a reliable way to read what they might do with other pending gun cases. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: David Kopel.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Supreme Court's 7-2 decision to uphold the ATF's ability to treat unfinished firearms parts kits as completed guns and what that means moving forward. We also talk about the new financial troubles hitting the gun-control group March for Our Lives. Finally, we cover an outlier federal ruling on New York City's stun gun ban before highlighting DOJ's plans for the ATF and investigation into California's gun-carry permitting. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss today's Supreme Court decision in the Vanderstock case regarding the legality of privately manufactured or "Ghost Gun' kits. https://thereload.com/supreme-court-upholds-ghost-gun-kit-ban/Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

Second Amendment, gun rights, legal battles, privacy concerns, youth engagement, constitutional carry, ATF, FBI, gun control, derangement syndrome, Second Amendment, ATF, FBI, gun rights, Supreme Court, judicial decisions, Wisconsin Supreme Court, gun laws, regulatory changes, firearms enforcement, Armed American Radio, Second Amendment, ATF, Democratic Party, gun rights, political commentary, Mark Walters, AOC, Bernie Sanders, gun control In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various topics surrounding gun rights, legal battles, and the implications of recent court decisions. The conversation includes insights from guests like Alan Gottlieb and AWR Hawkins, focusing on the Second Amendment, privacy concerns for gun owners, and the shifting dynamics within law enforcement agencies. The episode emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in the conversation about gun rights and the ongoing fight against gun control measures. In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various pressing issues surrounding the Second Amendment, including recent developments in the Ninth Circuit, the implications of shifting ATF agents to the FBI, and the ongoing battle for gun rights in state courts. The conversation features insights from experts like Dr. John Lott and Stephen Gutowski, who provide analysis on judicial decisions, regulatory changes, and the political landscape affecting gun ownership rights. In this episode of Armed American Radio, Mark Walters discusses the current state of the Democratic Party, the implications of recent changes within the ATF, and the ongoing challenges surrounding the Second Amendment. The conversation features insights from various guests, highlighting the dynamics of political leadership, the impact of social media on public perception, and the future of gun rights in America. takeaways Mark Walters emphasizes the importance of fighting for gun rights. The legal battles surrounding the Second Amendment are ongoing and complex. Privacy concerns for gun owners are becoming increasingly significant. The concept of 'Second Amendment derangement syndrome' is discussed. Youth engagement in discussions about gun rights is crucial for the future. The Ninth Circuit Court's decisions are pivotal in shaping gun laws. Shifting ATF agents to the FBI raises concerns about enforcement of gun laws. North Carolina is moving towards constitutional carry legislation. Reversing restrictions on gun rights for nonviolent felons is a significant step forward. The left's approach to gun control often leads to unintended consequences for law-abiding citizens. They want to take my guns, they're going to have to bring a station wagon. The Ninth Circuit has been called the most overturned circuit court by SCOTUS. The ATF's zero tolerance policy is likely history now. The FBI has far more resources than the ATF. The appointment of Robert Leiter signals potential regulatory changes. Gun rights restoration is a slow process but moving in the right direction. Everytown is pouring money into state races to influence gun laws. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is a tipping point for gun rights. Permitting laws can be abusive even if they are technically objective. The political landscape is shifting towards state-level battles for gun rights. The Democratic Party is struggling with leadership and public perception. AOC and Bernie Sanders represent a faction that may not resonate with mainstream voters. The ATF is undergoing significant changes that could affect gun rights enforcement. Public sentiment is shifting against extreme gun control measures. The importance of social media in shaping political narratives cannot be underestimated. There is a growing frustration with the Democratic Party's disconnect from average Americans. The Second Amendment remains a contentious issue in American politics.

Second Amendment, gun rights, legal battles, privacy concerns, youth engagement, constitutional carry, ATF, FBI, gun control, derangement syndrome, Second Amendment, ATF, FBI, gun rights, Supreme Court, judicial decisions, Wisconsin Supreme Court, gun laws, regulatory changes, firearms enforcement, Armed American Radio, Second Amendment, ATF, Democratic Party, gun rights, political commentary, Mark Walters, AOC, Bernie Sanders, gun control In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various topics surrounding gun rights, legal battles, and the implications of recent court decisions. The conversation includes insights from guests like Alan Gottlieb and AWR Hawkins, focusing on the Second Amendment, privacy concerns for gun owners, and the shifting dynamics within law enforcement agencies. The episode emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in the conversation about gun rights and the ongoing fight against gun control measures. In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various pressing issues surrounding the Second Amendment, including recent developments in the Ninth Circuit, the implications of shifting ATF agents to the FBI, and the ongoing battle for gun rights in state courts. The conversation features insights from experts like Dr. John Lott and Stephen Gutowski, who provide analysis on judicial decisions, regulatory changes, and the political landscape affecting gun ownership rights. In this episode of Armed American Radio, Mark Walters discusses the current state of the Democratic Party, the implications of recent changes within the ATF, and the ongoing challenges surrounding the Second Amendment. The conversation features insights from various guests, highlighting the dynamics of political leadership, the impact of social media on public perception, and the future of gun rights in America. takeaways Mark Walters emphasizes the importance of fighting for gun rights. The legal battles surrounding the Second Amendment are ongoing and complex. Privacy concerns for gun owners are becoming increasingly significant. The concept of 'Second Amendment derangement syndrome' is discussed. Youth engagement in discussions about gun rights is crucial for the future. The Ninth Circuit Court's decisions are pivotal in shaping gun laws. Shifting ATF agents to the FBI raises concerns about enforcement of gun laws. North Carolina is moving towards constitutional carry legislation. Reversing restrictions on gun rights for nonviolent felons is a significant step forward. The left's approach to gun control often leads to unintended consequences for law-abiding citizens. They want to take my guns, they're going to have to bring a station wagon. The Ninth Circuit has been called the most overturned circuit court by SCOTUS. The ATF's zero tolerance policy is likely history now. The FBI has far more resources than the ATF. The appointment of Robert Leiter signals potential regulatory changes. Gun rights restoration is a slow process but moving in the right direction. Everytown is pouring money into state races to influence gun laws. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is a tipping point for gun rights. Permitting laws can be abusive even if they are technically objective. The political landscape is shifting towards state-level battles for gun rights. The Democratic Party is struggling with leadership and public perception. AOC and Bernie Sanders represent a faction that may not resonate with mainstream voters. The ATF is undergoing significant changes that could affect gun rights enforcement. Public sentiment is shifting against extreme gun control measures. The importance of social media in shaping political narratives cannot be underestimated. There is a growing frustration with the Democratic Party's disconnect from average Americans. The Second Amendment remains a contentious issue in American politics.

Second Amendment, gun rights, legal battles, privacy concerns, youth engagement, constitutional carry, ATF, FBI, gun control, derangement syndrome, Second Amendment, ATF, FBI, gun rights, Supreme Court, judicial decisions, Wisconsin Supreme Court, gun laws, regulatory changes, firearms enforcement, Armed American Radio, Second Amendment, ATF, Democratic Party, gun rights, political commentary, Mark Walters, AOC, Bernie Sanders, gun control In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various topics surrounding gun rights, legal battles, and the implications of recent court decisions. The conversation includes insights from guests like Alan Gottlieb and AWR Hawkins, focusing on the Second Amendment, privacy concerns for gun owners, and the shifting dynamics within law enforcement agencies. The episode emphasizes the importance of youth engagement in the conversation about gun rights and the ongoing fight against gun control measures. In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various pressing issues surrounding the Second Amendment, including recent developments in the Ninth Circuit, the implications of shifting ATF agents to the FBI, and the ongoing battle for gun rights in state courts. The conversation features insights from experts like Dr. John Lott and Stephen Gutowski, who provide analysis on judicial decisions, regulatory changes, and the political landscape affecting gun ownership rights. In this episode of Armed American Radio, Mark Walters discusses the current state of the Democratic Party, the implications of recent changes within the ATF, and the ongoing challenges surrounding the Second Amendment. The conversation features insights from various guests, highlighting the dynamics of political leadership, the impact of social media on public perception, and the future of gun rights in America. takeaways Mark Walters emphasizes the importance of fighting for gun rights. The legal battles surrounding the Second Amendment are ongoing and complex. Privacy concerns for gun owners are becoming increasingly significant. The concept of 'Second Amendment derangement syndrome' is discussed. Youth engagement in discussions about gun rights is crucial for the future. The Ninth Circuit Court's decisions are pivotal in shaping gun laws. Shifting ATF agents to the FBI raises concerns about enforcement of gun laws. North Carolina is moving towards constitutional carry legislation. Reversing restrictions on gun rights for nonviolent felons is a significant step forward. The left's approach to gun control often leads to unintended consequences for law-abiding citizens. They want to take my guns, they're going to have to bring a station wagon. The Ninth Circuit has been called the most overturned circuit court by SCOTUS. The ATF's zero tolerance policy is likely history now. The FBI has far more resources than the ATF. The appointment of Robert Leiter signals potential regulatory changes. Gun rights restoration is a slow process but moving in the right direction. Everytown is pouring money into state races to influence gun laws. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race is a tipping point for gun rights. Permitting laws can be abusive even if they are technically objective. The political landscape is shifting towards state-level battles for gun rights. The Democratic Party is struggling with leadership and public perception. AOC and Bernie Sanders represent a faction that may not resonate with mainstream voters. The ATF is undergoing significant changes that could affect gun rights enforcement. Public sentiment is shifting against extreme gun control measures. The importance of social media in shaping political narratives cannot be underestimated. There is a growing frustration with the Democratic Party's disconnect from average Americans. The Second Amendment remains a contentious issue in American politics...

This week, we're looking at a few actions the Trump Administration just took on gun policy. To wade through those moves and navigate where the signs point, we've got Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms back on the show. We look at different stories from Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). As Cam noted, some were bigger deals than others. First, HHS deleted a Biden-era report calling for new gun restrictions--like an "assault weapons" ban--from its website. Cam said that move was one well within the President's authority. He said that while the action arrived at a comparatively slow pace to some of the other things the Trump Administration is doing, it mirrored what it did in shutting down the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention and could signal more is coming in the short term. Then there is the first rule related to guns from the new administration. The DOJ published a plan to restart the gun rights restoration process. Cam said it was more of a plan to make a plan, but he argued it was another strong sign the administration plans to follow through on promised gun rulemaking. The final development points in the same direction and may be the strongest indicator of what's to come, according to Cam. That's the appointment of Robert Leider as the new ATF Chief Counsel. Cam argued that Leider, a Second Amendment scholar and gun-rights advocate, will likely put his expertise to use to help enact numerous pro-gun reforms. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: Cam Edwards.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap the en banc Ninth Circuit's newest decision upholding California's ban on magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds and its much-discussed video dissent from Judge Lawrence VanDyke. We also talk about a separate Ninth Circuit panel's ruling striking down Hawaii's unique restrictions on handgun sales. Finally, we cover a long awaited en banc Eleventh Circuit decision dealing with Florida's post-Parkland ban on gun sales to adults under the age of 21. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: Mike Willever.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the Trump administrations discussions around reinstating the rights of certain non-violent felons to possess a firearm. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

Second Amendment groups are cheering the appointment of George Mason law professor Robert Leider as the ATF's new general counsel and assistant director, and The Reload's Stephen Gutowski joins Cam to detail why they're so pleased with the pick.

We've been highlighting the fact that The New York Times, the largest paper in the country, has finally hired a gun-beat reporter. So, this week, we invited him on the show to talk about his approach and goals. Reporter Thomas Gibbons-Neff has started consistently doing gun stories for The Grey Lady, as The Times has long been known. It's not his first assignment. I also wouldn't call it his most challenging since he went from active-duty service in Afghanistan to covering it and, later, the war in Ukraine. Still, as Gibbons-Neff readily admits, covering guns in America for a paper like The Times is not without its own challenges. One of the things he has to navigate in order to find sources is The Times' reputation, especially given its aggressive editorial stance in favor of new gun restrictions and bans. But he agreed his background and continual focus on firearms should help him produce better stories than many in the gun world might expect. And he said he's going to work to earn the gun-owning community's trust that he'll be fair, mainly by demonstrating it in the pieces he publishes. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: Thomas Gibbons-Neff.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a ruling out of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals that found short-barreled rifles aren't "arms" as considered by the Second Amendment. We also talk about a pair of state court rulings, one out of Oregon upholding the state's purchase permit requirements and magazine ban, and another out Massachusetts that upheld the state's requirement that out-of-state visitors get a special permit before bringing their guns into the state. Plus, I talk with Idaho Senator Mike Crapo (R.) about the Hearing Protection Act and his views on the GOP's plans for gun policy in Congress. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss two Massachusetts Supreme Court cases involving carriage of firearms wherein New Hampshire residents (who live in a permitless carry state) were arrested for carrying in Massachusetts without a guest permit and what it might mean for interstate CCW reciprocity. Then Stephen discusses the arduous process of obtaining a permit in D.C. and the rather confusing landscape for gun carriers in the Nation's Capital. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal andemotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

The Reload founder Stephen Gutowski joins Cam to talk about the decline in gun sales reported last month and the factors behind the slump.

This week, we've got a longer episode than usual. That's because we're doing a deep dive into oral arguments for the Supreme Court's latest gun case, Smith & Wesson v. Mexico. Most observers, including me, thought Mexico faired poorly in its attempt to move forward with liability claims against American gunmakers over cartel violence south of the border. However, Professor Dru Stevenson, who studies gun policy at Southern Texas College of Law, had a bit of a different take. So, I wanted to have him on the show to go through why he thought the justices may be more sympathetic toward Mexico's claims than most other people thought. While he still believes Mexico's suit is unlikely to make it through the Supreme Court unscathed, Stevenson argued the justices might allow part of it to proceed. And, even if not, he said The Court may end up laying out what amounts to a framework for how to successfully pierce gun industry liability protections in future suits. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: Dru Stevenson.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the latest national gun sales data for February and discuss why they suggest trouble ahead for the gun industry. We also talk about Trump's latest omission of his gun policy priorities in a major public address, this time in his first joint address to Congress. Finally, we briefly recap this week's Supreme Court oral arguments in Mexico's lawsuit against Smith and Wesson that seeks to hold the company financially responsible for cartel violence across the southern border. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss recent developments in the Supreme Court case involving a suit brought by the Government of Mexico against U.S. gun manufacturers and how the initial arguments might hint at the direction the court might be headed. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

This week, we're looking at the first-of-its-kind move to make the FBI Director the Acting Director of the ATF. To do that, we've got Reason Magazine's J.D. Tuccille back on the show. He recently wrote about what Kash Patel's appointment might mean for the gun agency. He argued it could send a signal the administration plans to merge the two law enforcement arms, if not officially, at least effectively. Tuccille said the move has the potential to reign in some of the worst excesses of the ATF by eliminating its singular focus on gun law enforcement. But, he noted, it could also backfire on gun owners given the FBI's reputation for aggressive enforcement, even over-aggressive at times. Then there's Kash Patel himself. He has received strong backing from gun-rights groups, who hope he'll wipe out the gun restrictions and zero-tolerance approach, as well as the officials who implemented them. However, Tuccille said his history of comments promising retribution against his and President Trump's opponents in government and media raise concerns about how he might wield his expansive new power over federal law enforcement. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: JD Tuccille.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss President Trump naming FBI Director Kash Patel as acting ATF Director and what it really means when ATF, FBI or DEA agents are cross-designated to enforce immigration law. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the Supreme Court's latest remand of a case concerning whether convicted felons have any Second Amendment rights. We also discuss major gun manufacturer Daniel Defense's decision to wade into the ongoing efforts to reform the NRA through board elections. We then briefly touch on the Trump administration's decision to tap Kash Patel as acting ATF director before wrapping up with a round up of stories from outside the Reload. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125

This week, we're taking a closer look at how the Trump DOJ might change its approach to gun litigation. We've got Andrew Willinger of Duke University's Firearms Law Center on the show to give us a different perspective from the one we got last week. He argued the administration is likely to move to reverse a lot of the Biden-era ATF rules currently tied up in court. Although, he said it might not do anything on the "ghost gun" rule currently waiting on a Supreme Court decision. He argued areas where President Trump's other commitments conflict with gun-rights priorities, the latter may take a back seat. He said Trump may prioritize going after gang members who use homemade guns over protecting collectors who like to build their own firearms. Similarly, while his own non-violent felony convictions may inform the DOJ's approach to Second Amendment challenges against the lifetime ban for those offenses, his hardline rhetorical approach to drug crimes may lead the DOJ to argue in favor of that gun prohibition. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125 Special Guest: Andrew Willinger.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the Trump administration's current freeze on processing new export licenses and how it is hitting the firearms industry particularly hard. We also talk about a federal judge issuing a preliminary injunction against Maine's 72-hour waiting period for gun sales, an Arizona state judge tossing a local gun control ordinance under preemption, and we wrap up with some headlines from outside The Reload. Get a 30-day free trial for a subscription to The Dispatch here: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utmsource=thereload&utmmedium=partnerships-podcast&utm_campaign=0125

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a bill that recently passed the Colorado State House which would severely curtail gun sales and CCW issuance. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss an executive order issued by President Trump asking Attorney General Pam Bondi to conduct a review of various federal rules and regulations regarding firearms and gave her 30 days to come back with recommendations.Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com 

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the election of prominent anti-gunner David Hogg as the vice-chair of the Democratic National Committee and what that signals as far as their future direction on gun control. Then we discuss a case out of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding age limits on gun purchases before moving on to Stephens recent travel and Sports Talk. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com 

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss newly inaugurated President Trump's flurry of executive orders and the fact that none of them involved gun policy and then we discuss the January 6 pardons. Active Self Protection exists to help good, sane, sober, moral, prudent people in all walks of life to more effectively protect themselves and their loved ones from criminal violence. On the ASP Podcast you will hear the true stories of life or death self defense encounters from the men and women that lived them. If you are interested in the Second Amendment, self defense and defensive firearms use, martial arts or the use of less lethal tools used in the real world to defend life and family, you will find this show riveting.  Join host and career federal agent Mike Willever as he talks to real life survivors and hear their stories in depth. You'll hear about these incidents and the self defenders from well before the encounter occurred on through the legal and emotional aftermath. Music: bensound.com