Podcast appearances and mentions of stephen gutowski

This week, we're taking a close look at what's going on with the National Rifle Association (NRA). The NRA was swamped by its rivals in the gun debate during the 2025 elections just as it was announcing a major restructuring effort that featured dozens of staff furloughs. To provide insight into the group's plans, we've brought on NRA board member Amanda Suffecool. She is a member of the internal reform movement and now sits on the board's Finance Committee. Suffecool said she is confident that reformers are in full control of the NRA and have a specific plan for its future. She argued the restructuring is necessary to put the NRA on a realistic path to resurgence. Suffecool noted the NRA has spent years running deficits under the old leadership, and the cuts to staff and operations under the new plan will bring the group's budget back into the black. She said that would enable them to better compete down the line rather than face potential bankruptcy. She argued that the reforms she and other members of the new NRA leadership have implemented will bring the group up to modern standards. Suffecool said that while the NRA is reducing the frequency of its paper magazines, it's also expanding its digital offerings. She said it is shifting its fundraising and public relations approach to match what works in 2025, rather than sticking with older methods. Special Guest: Amanda Suffecool.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Connecticut Attorney General's new lawsuit threat against Ruger if the company doesn't agree to redesign its popular RXM pistol. We talk about how that demand came the same week that gun-control advocates were able to pierce the PLCAA in a separate lawsuit against the company that seeks to hold it responsible for the 2021 Boulder shooting.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a new red flag law overwhelmingly passed by the people of Maine and then we talk about the recent elections and what they portend for next years midterms as it relates to guns and the Second Amendment,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 closer look at US v. Hemani. Last week, we had Second Amendment scholar David Kopel on to discuss the big picture of the upcoming Supreme Court term. The week before that, we had gun-rights lawyer Alan Beck on the show to discuss his Supreme Court case, Wolford v. Lopez.  Now, we're looking at the other Second Amendment case with a man who has followed the issue at its center: Reason Magazine's Jacob Sullum. That issue? Marijuana users possessing firearms. Sullum explained that the federal ban on drug users owning guns potentially impacts millions of Americans. He noted it is rarely actually enforced, but he said the possibility hangs over people in nearly 40 states. He argued that's why Hemani's case could have huge implications nationwide. However, he noted Hemani's case is more complicated than a straightforward weed and guns prosecution. Even though the charge is only related to Hemani's marijuana use, Sullum said the government has accused him of much worse--including terror-related crimes. He said the crossover between drugs and guns could scramble the usual dynamics of the Court, but that's no guarantee. Special Guest: Jacob Sullum.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I recap the results of the off-year elections this past week, which saw Democratic candidates and gun-control ballot measures alike win big. We discuss what that might portend for likely changes in gun policy moving forward. We also cover Everytown's latest attempt to replicate its success in pressuring Glock to redesign its handguns, this time by going after Ruger.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the gun control group Everytown USA claiming credit for the recent announcement by Glock that they will redesign their entire line of pistols to disallow modifications that allow fully automatic fire and how the group is now setting its sights on Ruger.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 big-picture view of the Supreme Court's upcoming slate of Second Amendment cases. That's because this slate will be the biggest yet. Now, sure, that still only means they have two Second Amendment claims to consider. But that's more than ever before, and it comes just a few months after many gun-rights activists thought the Court was wavering on the deciding key cases. So, to discuss what we should make of this Supreme Court term, we've got Independence Institute research director David Kopel back on the show. He is one of the leading scholars in the gun-rights movement, and his work helped develop and legitimize the individual right theory of the Second Amendment. He has been cited in numerous Supreme Court gun opinions and is an odd-on favorite to be quoted again this year. Kopel argued it is notable that the Supreme Court is taking up more Second Amendment cases than ever before. He said there are outcomes that could dramatically alter the legal landscape for gun-carry or people who smoke marijuana and own guns. However, he also noted that narrow rulings could still alter the course of Second Amendment caselaw, given the Court's infrequent involvement in the issue to date. Kopel said every word a Supreme Court justice utters or writes in the course of deciding these two cases will be pored over by the lower courts for years to come. Special Guest: David Kopel.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the country's largest gun-control group taking a victory lap after Glock announced changes to the design of its popular pistols. We talk about the reputational risks for Glock in appearing to bow to pressure from gun-control groups and progressive lawmakers. We also cover a recent court ruling out of Florida where a state judge struck down a law setting 21 as the minimum age to legally carry a handgun.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss another unexpected 2A case taken up by the Supreme Court and why it matters. 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

The Supreme Court has taken a record number of Second Amendment cases this term. Sure, that number is only two. But that's still a major development for a Court that's taken fewer than ten Second Amendment cases in its entire history. One of those chosen few cases is now Wolford v. Lopez, a challenge to Hawaii requiring licensed gun carriers to get explicit permission before entering publicly accessible private property--including stores or restaurants. Alan Beck is the gun-rights lawyer behind that suit. He'll be arguing it at the Supreme Court. And he's the guest on this week's show. Beck explains how Hawaii's law swaps the default presumption from one where gun carriers are generally allowed to carry into one where they aren't. He claimed the change has made it nearly impossible to legally carry in public. He then outlined his plan for convincing the justices that the law is out of line with the historical tradition of gun regulation in America, as the Court's current Second Amendment test requires. Special Guest: Alan Beck.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Supreme Court agreeing to hear multiple Second Amendment cases in the same term for the first time in history. We cover the details of its latest case, related to the federal gun ban for marijuana users, and explain why it appears that the DOJ was able to maneuver the case to secure a favorable ruling from the justices. Additionally, we talk about Glock's decision to completely redesign its famous pistols in the face of lawsuits and a new state ban.

This week, we saw the nation's largest state effectively ban the nation's most popular handgun brand. California Governor Gavin Newsom quietly signed the "Glock ban" into law with little fanfare, but its impact could speak volumes. That's what Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms argued on the show. He explained that while the law doesn't directly name Glock, and it doesn't appear to implicate later pistol models from the company, it serves as an effective ban on the brand in the Golden State. That's because another California pistol ban, the handgun roster, already makes it impossible for most civilians to purchase new model Glocks. And the latest law targets the internal mechanism that the older generation Glocks are built around. Cam acknowledged that "Glock switches," which illegally convert the semi-auto pistols to be capable of full-auto fire, have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, he argued that isn't Glock's fault and questioned both the sincerity of California lawmakers' concerns and the idea that Glocks are especially susceptible to illegal conversion attempts. He said that blaming Glock for criminals illegally modifying their guns without their cooperation or consent is wrong and warned that tactic is likely to be replicated against other popular firearm brands or models in the near future. Special Guest: Cam Edwards.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the ways in which the federal government's ongoing shutdown is impacting key functions that gun-rights advocates care about, drawing fresh criticism of the Trump administration. We also talk about a recent ruling out of the Second Circuit where a three-judge panel of all Trump-appointed judges ruled that ammunition sales aren't protected by the Second Amendment.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent decision by the Supreme Court to take up a case regarding Hawaii's so-called "vampire law" which includes a state requirement for businesses to post signs in their locations expressly allowing CCW holders to carry on and in their properties.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

We are now more than a month out from the end of President Donald Trump's federal takeover of Washington, DC's police department and the deployment of federal troops and agents. We have some preliminary crime data to look at and try to judge the effect of the controversial move. Who better to do that than Jeff Asher of AH Datalytics? He's our go-to source for crime data analysis for good reason. He has been tracking real-time insights for years, and he just wrote a deep dive into the early crime data coming out of DC from multiple sources. Asher said the data shows some noticeable changes over the course of the takeover. Although, he also said the Metropolitan Police Department's method of using year-to-date comparisons is misleading. And many key crime areas saw little or no change. He said one of the big challenges in judging the crime stats comes from the fact that DC's crime was already declining in most notable areas before the takeover happened. Asher argued that makes it especially difficult to suss out whether the year-to-date declines some areas saw are actually the result of armed National Guard members or ATF agents roaming the streets of DC. Still, he said shootings and carjackings in particular appeared to experience a significant, though not massive, drop beyond what you'd expect from the previous rate of decline. Special Guest: Jeff Asher.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the lack of consensus among prominent Second Amendment scholars on why the Supreme Court decided to take up its latest gun carry case and how it is likely to rule on the question. We also discuss their thoughts on why the Court chose not to weigh in on the correct historical era for conducting its text, history, and tradition test.

This week, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a first-of-its-kind civil rights lawsuit against the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department over gun-carry permitting delays. So, we have a man at the center of the case on the show to discuss it. Kostas Moros is a gun-rights lawyer who works at the Second Amendment Foundation, which is involved in a private suit against the department. He has also been directly impacted by the permitting process, with his own permit having expired as he waits for the department to process his renewal. He also helped inspire the federal lawsuit. After he publicly advocated for the DOJ to pursue a pattern and practice investigation of the Sheriff's permitting process, the department reached out to him before following through. He said the DOJ's suit is largely focused on the same claims as the private one, but he thinks it is more than a duplicative effort. He noted the DOJ has more power, prestige, and potential resources than any gun-rights group. He argued DOJ can, and did in this case, require localities to hand over important statistics and documents. They can also obtain a consent decree and oversee the department's permitting process. Moros dismissed the Sheriff's Department's defenses for the delays. He argued funding or staffing issues aren't a viable excuse for years-long delays, especially when other counties don't have similar problems. Still, he said LA is not the only place the DOJ should consider filing this kind of suit, and he hopes this one is just a precursor to many others. Special Guest: Kostas Moros.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the Supreme Court announcing its decision to hear a new Second Amendment case dealing with Hawaii's so-called Vampire Rule for gun carry this upcoming term. We also talk about the practical impact its decision last term related to gunmaker liability protections is having in the lower courts thus far. Finally, we cover the Trump administration's ongoing rollback of a Biden-era restriction on gun exports, as well as the DOJ's new lawsuit against Los Angeles over concealed carry permits.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the United States Department Of Justice's lawsuit filed against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department claiming intentional delays in the processing of concealed weapons permits and further claiming that it constitutes a violation of the civil rights of the applicants. 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 potential fallout for gun owners from an unexpected area: immigration. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) issued a stay on an emergency basis in Noem v. Perdomo. Justice Brett Kavanaugh's statement in that case inspired UC Law Professor Rory Little to write a piece for SCOTUSblog on its potential implications in areas beyond immigration enforcement, including firearms law. He joins the show to elaborate on why he finds Kavanaugh's reasoning dangerous. Little said Kavanaugh's holding that immigration agents could use a person's apparent race, accent, and location as justification to detain them is troubling. He argued the idea that agents should be able to involuntarily stop and question somebody based on the idea that some percentage of similarly situated people may have broken the law could be turned on all sorts of people. He used gun shows as a prime example, arguing they primarily attract white men and can sometimes be the site of illegal sales. He argued an administration taking an aggressive approach to federal gun law enforcement could use Kavanaugh's logic to detain and question everyone at a gun show in hopes of catching the few that may be breaking the law. Little said that moving from a probable cause standard for detentions that relies on individualized suspicion to one based on demographics or probabilities would have far-reaching consequences for all sorts of Americans. He argued it's difficult to see how Kavanaugh's logic could be contained to immigration either, though he also emphasized Perdomo is still at a preliminary stage and other members of the majority haven't fully articulated their view on the matter. Special Guest: Rory Little.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a recent ruling out of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld New York's "sensitive places" restrictions for licensed gun carriers. We also cover a Ninth Circuit ruling that sided with a Montana gun owner fighting against a charge for carrying a shotgun in a school zone. Finally, we talk about a new letter campaign from a coalition of gun rights groups seeking a commitment from major banks that they will no longer discriminate against the firearms industry.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss two recent appeals court decisions (2nd circuit and 7th circuit) upholding gun-free zones in Illinois and New York as being within the tradition of the founding era.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 have another episode on our nation's recent struggles with horrendous violence. However, this time we're looking at potential solutions to that struggle. That's why we have Let's Talk to Them director Jordan Estrada back on the show. His organization attempts to adapt lessons from research into the causes of mass shootings, such as work from The Violence Project, and apply them to real-world efforts. It tries to funnel those who are experiencing a potentially violent mental health spiral toward resources that can off ramp them from the path of violence. Estrada said his group believes they can apply similar techniques to disuade potential assassins from carrying out attacks, too. He said the two violent phenomena share a number of similarities. But he also noted there are some differences as well. That's why he and Let's Talk to Them are currently working on securing funding for a scientific study to better understand how prevalent mass shooting and assassination ideation really are among Americans. Then, they also want to better understand the sorts of arguments that might convince people considering those forms of violence not to go through with it. Using the lessons learned from that research, Estrada said his group plans to further update the programs it's already using to successfully off-ramp potential shooters across the country. Special Guest: Jordan Estrada.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I provide an update in our attempt to gain clarity from the DC Metropolitan Police Department regarding the nature of its enforcement of the city's strict gun control laws during Trump's federal takeover. We also discuss the California legislature's passage of a first-in-the-nation ban on the sale of Glock handguns in a bid to crack down on illegal machine guns.

The Reload's Stephen Gutowski joins Cam to talk about the implications of a Florida court's decision tossing out the state's ban on open carry, where a judge mused that it may be the only form of carrying protected by the Second Amendment.

This week, we're discussing the murder of political commentator Charlie Kirk. To do that, we have Cam Edwards from Bearing Arms on the show. While the full details and precise motivations of the killer are not completely known, the political nature of the attack--coming in the middle of one of Kirk's public debate events--is especially concerning. Cam agreed that the vast majority of people have reacted by condemning the attack. However, he was worried about the people who reacted by condoning or even celebrating the brazen act of violence. Cam recounted how a similar phenomenon played out in his own life after he lost his wife and son. He said some people reacted with vitriol because of his firearms advocacy. However, some of those who vehemently opposed Cam's views also reached out with genuine care. In the end, Cam said it would be easy to go down a hateful path--perhaps even lucrative. But he also said it would be corrosive for himself and for society. So, he chose not to respond with hate, and he believes that's the best way forward for everyone. Don't let the violence cow you into staying silent or into hating those opposed to you. Special Guest: Cam Edwards.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I unpack the latest information about the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk, including details suggesting troubling parallels with other recent acts of political violence. We also cover a pair of federal appeals court rulings upholding gun-free zone restrictions in Illinois and New Jersey.

Summary In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various topics surrounding gun rights, including the implications of the National Firearms Act, the intersection of gun rights and the trans community, and the ongoing challenges of rights restoration for individuals with felony convictions. The conversation also touches on the mental health aspects of gun control and the broader implications of legislation affecting gun ownership in America. The conversation delves into various aspects of gun rights, crime rates, and the implications of recent political actions. It discusses the influence of activist judges on gun control, the rise of juvenile crime, and the impact of Trump's policies on crime rates in cities like DC. The discussion also touches on the importance of self-defense legal protections, the controversial topic of transgender rights in relation to gun ownership, and the recent rulings on public transportation and concealed carry laws. Overall, the dialogue emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to gun rights and public safety. Takeaways Gun rights are a fundamental aspect of American freedom. The National Firearms Act has created significant barriers to gun ownership. Mental health issues are often intertwined with discussions about gun control. Rights restoration for felons is a contentious legal issue. The push for gun control often overlooks the rights of law-abiding citizens. Gun control measures do not effectively prevent crime. The Second Amendment protects individual liberties, not just collective rights. Legislation should not penalize entire groups for the actions of individuals. The firearms industry is facing financial pressures that could impact legislation. The conversation around gun rights is evolving, with new generations advocating for less compromise. Activist judges are influencing gun control policies. Many Americans support the right to own firearms. Juvenile crime is a significant issue in urban areas. Trump's policies have led to a decrease in crime rates. Self-defense legal protections are essential for gun owners. The transgender community's rights are being debated in relation to gun ownership. Public transportation bans on firearms are being challenged legally. Mental health discussions are crucial in the gun rights debate. The media often ignores stories that reveal the truth about crime. There is a growing sentiment that America is at a tipping point regarding gun rights. Keywords gun rights, Second Amendment, Armed American Radio, National Firearms Act, gun control, mental health, rights restoration, trans community, legal challenges, firearms legislation, activist judges, gun control, juvenile crime, law enforcement, Trump, crime rates, self-defense, legal protection, transgender rights, public transportation  

This week, we're looking at the dueling reactions to the Annunciation school shooting. On the left, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D.) is calling for a special session of the legislature to pass a gun-control package likely to include an AR-15 ban. On the right, the Department of Justice is reportedly considering an effort to ban all trans people from owning guns. The Second Amendment Foundation is opposed to both of these ideas. So, we have Kostas Moros, a lawyer who was recently hired by the gun-rights group, back on the show to explain why he doesn't like the proposals and how they might fare legally and politically. Moros said any attempt to blanket-ban people who identify as trans or who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria from owning guns would run into serious legal and constitutional trouble. He explained that current law requires an individual finding of dangerousness for the government to strip anyone of their gun rights on the basis of mental health. He argued, even if Congress changed the law, it would run afoul of the Second Amendment, and the Supreme Court would likely strike it down. Moros argued the same is true for the potential "assault weapons" ban that could come out of Minnesota. He said four Supreme Court justices have already signaled they'd strike down a ban, and a Minnesota law could actually provide further reason for the Court to get involved. Special Guest: Kostas Moros.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I break down the ongoing political fallout from the Annunciation Catholic school shooting in Minnesota that has now prompted both Governor Tim Walz and the Trump DOJ to explore possible gun restrictions. We also analyze what the latest monthly gun sales data says about the ongoing state of the industry.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss Stephens personal history including how he came to be a reporter, how The Reload was started and what it's like to be a cable news contributor.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 look at the AR market. There has been a rash of bankruptcies and acquisitions among AR-15 makers in the past year. Some of the largest producers, like Anderson Manufacturing, have shut down their operations. To explain what's going on, we have KE Arms director Russell Phagan on the show. Phagan has been selling AR-15s and parts for over 20 years. He said the market has shifted significantly since the guns were first put on the market over 65 years ago. He said the gun's popularity was built on the back of bans, military adoption, and even pop culture prominence. However, he argued the market dynamics have shifted the past two decades. They've become more dependent on the threat of new bans in a feast-famine cycle. And the 2020 surge was so large that Phagan argued it nearly saturated the market. Combine that with a handful of other demand-depressing factors, and things are looking grim for those specializing in ARs today.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the Air Force Global Strike Command's recent decision to bring back the Sig M18 pistol for active service. We also talk about the 5th Circuit's re-decision in a case challenging the constitutionality of the NFA's restrictions on suppressors. We wrap up by discussing a new ruling upholding Connecticut's AR-15 ban, as well as the continued lack of clarity surrounding gun arrests in Washington, DC, under its federal takeover.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent 2nd Circuit three-judge panel decision upholding Connecticut's "assault weapons" and high capacity magazine bans and then we talk about the USAF reinstatement of the Sig M18 (P320) pistol to its ranges and personnel as well as details of a their investigation into the pistol.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 zooming out a bit and looking at the state of the federal judiciary. To help us understand what's going on, we've got William & Mary law professor Jonathan Adler back on the show. He recently wrote a piece that laid out just how few judicial appointments President Donald Trump has actually made since the beginning of his second term. Not only that, but just how few opportunities he has to make new appointments from here through the end of his term. Adler said there are just not as many federal judges retiring or creating openings by taking senior positions as there have been for other presidents, or even for Trump's first term. He said Trump's controversial appointment of his former personal lawyer Emil Bove to an appellate seat, and the potential shift in approach toward vetting it represents, may be giving current judges pause. But, he argued non-political factors, such as the increasing longevity of judges, may be playing an even bigger role. Adler said the slow pace of vacancies and the uncertain nature of Trump's approach to his second-term appointments cast doubt on whether he'll have as much of an impact on the ideological balance of the federal judiciary as he did the first time around. Special Guest: Jonathan H. Alder.

Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I look at the growing discontent among gun-rights groups with the deployment of the ATF and emphasis on gun possession arrests under President Donald Trump's federal takeover of Washington, DC's policing. We also cover the odd legal manuevering in the Third Circuit that may lead to a new circuit split on the constitutionality of so-called assault weapons bans. Then we discuss a Tenth Circuit ruling against New Mexico's gun sales waiting period, a new suit against a major gun-control group, and Florida's request for the Supreme Court to overturn one of its own gun laws.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent federal court injunction against New Mexico's firearms purchase waiting period and then we talk about the law enforcement and national guard deployment to Washington, DC and why some gun rights folks might be skeptical.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, President Donald Trump federalized policing in the nation's capital. He deployed the National Guard and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The move has been met with mild pushback from some gun-rights activists. Karl Kasarda from InRangeTV joins the podcast to explain why he thinks there should be more. The prominent GunTuber, who has criticized President Trump more than most other gun-rights activists, argued that sending troops and ATF agents into the streets of DC for general crime control should be a red flag for gun-rights advocates. He went so far as to say that Trump's aggressive use of masked law enforcement, including at one point the ATF, as well as military troops in American cities risks moving in an authoritarian direction. He pointed to the deportation of certain immigrants to an El Salvadorian prison without due process as an example of what concerns him most. He argued the deployment of federal police and troops in connection with those sorts of tactics is a threat to everyone's liberty. Kasarda agreed that the Trump Administration has made a number of pro-gun reforms, like rolling back the ATF's zero-tolerance policy toward gun dealers and effectively neutering the pistol brace ban. But he argued those reforms shouldn't outweigh the limit-pushing nature of Trump's military and police deployments, even if what the President has done thus far hasn't exceeded constitutional bounds in most instances. Special Guest: Karl Kasarda.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about my time as a CNN contributor coming to an end after 3 years with the network. We also discuss why 18-20 year olds still can't buy handguns in states like Texas and Louisiana despite a 5th Circuit ruling that says they have a constitutional right to purchase them. Plus, William Kirk from the Washington Gun Law Youtube channel joins me to give his thoughts on the ongoing saga surrounding Sig's P320 handgun.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent arrest in the United States Air Force case involving the gunfire death of an Airman wherein the government is alleging false statements and involuntary manslaughter against another airman leading to speculation about the role of the Sig pistol model M18 (which is similar to the P320 in design).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

After Congress slashed the National Firearms Act (NFA) tax on silencers and short-barreled firearms, nearly every gun-rights group in the country promised to sue in an effort to overturn those sections of the law outright. Now, a few weeks later, those groups have nearly all sorted into two coalitions, and they've both filed suit. One coalition, led by Gun Owners of America (GOA), filed in the Fifth Circuit. Another, led by the National Rifle Association (NRA), filed in the Eighth Circuit. To analyze the arguments of each case, we've got independent gun-rights lawyer Matt Larosiere on the show. He's brought both tax power and Second Amendment challenges against the NFA before. So, he has direct experience with the claims at issue in both cases. Larosiere said he is on board with the logic behind the GOA and NRA lawsuits, but he argued they face a difficult climb to achieve their goals. He said tax challenges are more complex than most people imagine, and it can be difficult for Second Amendment attorneys to navigate the waters of a successful pleading. He said the Second Amendment claim in the NRA case may have an easier path, but noted it wasn't a new tactic and has failed in the past. Special Guest: Matt Larosiere.

Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover new data showing monthly gun sales have dropped below one million for the first time since 2019. We discuss the headwinds facing the industry and why the sales slide is likely to continue. We also unpack a pair of dueling rulings out of Minnesota on the legality of unserialized firearms and a federal court ruling upholding "may-issue" gun permitting for open carry in Rhode Island.

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a suit brought by Sig Sauer attempting to force a Washington state law enforcement body to un-ban their P320 pistols from it's ranges and then we talk about a recent ruling by a federal judge in Rhode Island upholding that state's ban on openly carrying 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

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss the DOJ's stance on silencers and what it might mean for the current ban on them in New Jersey.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 a recent federal court decision regarding a suit brought by gun rights groups against the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department by gun rights groups stating that the LASD has been slow-walking concealed weapons permit applications. 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

Summary The conversation on Armed American Radio covers a range of topics related to gun rights, including Gavin Newsom's controversial statements on gun control, the ongoing gun violence crisis in Chicago, and the grassroots activism efforts in New Jersey. The show highlights the importance of impact litigation in challenging restrictive gun laws and celebrates the milestones achieved by the program over its 17-year history. The discussion also emphasizes the role of the NRA and other organizations in supporting Second Amendment rights and the need for legal support in self-defense cases. In this episode of Armed American Radio, Mark Walters discusses a variety of topics including culinary delights, the importance of legal representation for self-defense, and the political maneuvering of Gavin Newsom regarding gun rights. The conversation also delves into legal insights on firearm lawsuits and the implications of the Epstein files in politics. The episode emphasizes the need for awareness and preparedness in the context of self-defense and gun rights advocacy. Takeaways Armed American Radio is a platform for discussing gun rights and Second Amendment issues. Gavin Newsom's statements on gun control are controversial and often criticized. Chicago continues to struggle with high rates of gun violence despite strict gun laws. The importance of grassroots activism in states like New Jersey is highlighted. Impact litigation is a strategy used to challenge restrictive gun laws. The NRA plays a significant role in supporting gun rights advocacy. Milestones in the show's history reflect its growth and influence in conservative talk radio. The conversation emphasizes the need for legal support in self-defense cases. Statistics on gun violence in Chicago illustrate the ongoing crisis. The New Jersey Firearms Owners Syndicate is actively working to protect Second Amendment rights. Culinary experiences can be a delightful topic of conversation. Legal representation is crucial for gun owners in self-defense situations. Gavin Newsom's political stance on gun rights is complex and often contradictory. The importance of staying informed about firearm laws and legal challenges. Self-defense incidents can happen unexpectedly, highlighting the need for preparedness. The role of media in shaping public perception of political figures. Understanding the implications of legal cases related to firearms is essential for advocates. The Epstein files continue to spark controversy and speculation in political discourse. Engaging in discussions about gun rights can reveal differing perspectives. The need for ongoing support for organizations advocating for Second Amendment rights. Keywords Armed American Radio, gun rights, Second Amendment, Gavin Newsom, Chicago gun violence, New Jersey firearms, impact litigation, self-defense, NRA, grassroots activism, Armed American Radio, gun rights, self-defense, legal representation, Gavin Newsom, firearm laws, Epstein files, political commentary  

On this  installment of the Gutowski Files we sit down with investigative reporter Stephen Gutowski of thereload.com and discuss a recent federal court ruling about red flag laws and then we talk about how the Canadian government is baffled as to why it's citizens won't turn in their rifles. 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

After the signing of the OBBB and the announcement of lawsuits challenging the National Firearms Act, what's likely to be the next big story for Second Amendment advocates? The Reload's Stephen Gutowski joins Cam to discuss several possibilities on the horizon.

Mark talks with Stephen Gutowski, founder of the Reload who provides a deep dive into the latest 2A news and the efforts of the DOJ in a couple of 2A cases including the recent 5th and 4th circuit rulings on 18020 year-olds and gun purchases. The NFA and procedural Senate rules are explained and expanded upon.

The Supreme Court has been busy releasing opinions. Last week, it ruled against a ten billion dollar lawsuit from Mexico against American gun manufacturers. The Mexican government had alleged that US gun companies were fueling cartel violence south of the border. But in a unanimous opinion, liberal Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the lawsuit didn't reach the burden required by a 2005 law. The court declined to take up two other gun cases: one challenging Maryland's ban on semi-automatic weapons and the other challenging Rhode Island's ban on high-capacity magazines. To talk more about the Supreme Court's decisions (and lack of decisions) and what this means for gun policy, we spoke to Stephen Gutowski. He runs The Reload, a news outlet dedicated to firearms and the gun debate.And in headlines: The US and China (kinda) reach a trade agreement, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard warns of a nuclear holocaust, and the White House Rose Garden gets a makeover.Show Notes:Check out The Reload – https://thereload.com/Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday