This week, we've got a guest coming to us straight from the middle of a war zone.
\n\nTim Mak joins the show from Kyiv, Ukraine. He's an experienced war correspondent who has worked for leading news outlets and founded his own independent publication just over a year ago to cover the war in Ukraine on the ground. The Counteroffensive publishes original reporting from inside the country and recently profiled the man behind an effort to install gun-rights protections in the nation's law.
\n\nMak said the effort has made significant progress. Legislation to legalize civilian gun ownership has already made it through a first read in the Ukranian parliament. He said it has a lot of support within President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's party.
\n\nMuch of that support is driven by Maryan Zablotskiy, who talks a lot like American gun-rights activists and has cultivated relationships inside the American conservative movement. But Mak said he's not the only one in Ukraine whose opinion on gun ownership has been changed after facing the brutal reality of the Russian invasion. Still, he noted not everyone agrees, and there is an active debate over what regulations on civilian guns should remain.
\n\nClick this link for your free trial from our sponsor The Dispatch: https://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624
Special Guest: Tim Mak.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Tim Mak discuss efforts to install gun-rights protections in Ukranian law.","date_published":"2024-07-01T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/155819ac-e3f0-44f3-a964-06fc6083392b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":54911394,"duration_in_seconds":2273}]},{"id":"606bf5d4-4835-4f98-b571-6f8910f20aef","title":"First Presidential Debate Skips Gun Policy; More Fallout From SCOTUS Second Amendment Ruling","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/first-presidential-debate-skips-gun-policy-more-fallout-from-scotus-second-amendment-ruling","content_text":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the lack of discussion on gun policy during the first Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. We also cover the ongoing fallout from the Supreme Court's Rahimi decision, including Justice Thomas' dissent and the DOJ's request for more clarity from the Court on gun rights for felons. Finally, we discuss the NRA's improved political fundraising numbers, its tone shift on gun rights for felons, the ATF's improved approval times for suppressors, and a Georgia jury's decision to find gunmaker SIG liable for negligent discharges.\n\nFollow this link for your free trial at The Dispatch: \nhttps://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624","content_html":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the lack of discussion on gun policy during the first Presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. We also cover the ongoing fallout from the Supreme Court's Rahimi decision, including Justice Thomas' dissent and the DOJ's request for more clarity from the Court on gun rights for felons. Finally, we discuss the NRA's improved political fundraising numbers, its tone shift on gun rights for felons, the ATF's improved approval times for suppressors, and a Georgia jury's decision to find gunmaker SIG liable for negligent discharges.
\n\nFollow this link for your free trial at The Dispatch:
\nhttps://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624
The Supreme Court handed down its first Second Amendment ruling in two years on Friday. It's also the first case where The Court applied the test it developed in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. Those facts alone mean US v. Rahimi will hold a great deal of influence on gun cases across the nation.
\n\nSo, we've got one of the top pro-gun scholars in the country on the show to break down what The Court did and didn't hold. Independence Institute's David Kopel has been at the forefront of the Second Amendment fight for decades, with citations in federal court decisions coast to coast and at the Supreme Court itself. He also filed a brief in Rahimi that appears to have significantly influenced the majority's thinking.
\n\nKopel lays out the good, bad, and ugly of the ruling that upheld the domestic violence restraining order gun ban. He said he wasn't surprised The Court upheld Rahimi's conviction, given a lower court found him dangerous. He also agreed with some of the warnings about how the majority loosened the standard for the Bruen test that Justice Clarance Thomas included in his lengthy dissent.
\n\nHowever, Kopel said he was overall pleased with the Rahimi decision's outcome. He argued it gave credence to future challenges to the same law by defendants who don't have the same lengthy criminal record as Rahimi did. He also predicted how the case might impact other Second Amendment cases pending in the lower courts.
\n\nFollow this link for your free trial at The Dispatch:
\nhttps://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624
Special Guest: David Kopel.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest David Kopel examine the first major Second Amendment ruling in two years.","date_published":"2024-06-24T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/823597d0-3261-4f15-9093-4692152413ff.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":66812567,"duration_in_seconds":2772}]},{"id":"262ad3a1-2108-421d-94a6-52d4693c1ecc","title":"Supreme Court Upholds Domestic Violence Restraining Order Gun Ban; Biden Bets on Gun Control","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/supreme-court-upholds-domestic-violence-restraining-order-gun-ban-biden-bets-on-gun-control","content_text":"I detail the latest Supreme Court Second Amendment ruling on this week's episode of the News Update. Then I talk about President Biden's new gun control ad and the risk vs. reward of his strategy in centering his call for new firearms restrictions as the election nears. I also go over an on-the-ground report from The Counteroffensive out of Ukraine about a new effort to bring the war-torn country its own version of the Second Amendment.\n\nFollow this link for your free trial at The Dispatch: \nhttps://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624","content_html":"I detail the latest Supreme Court Second Amendment ruling on this week's episode of the News Update. Then I talk about President Biden's new gun control ad and the risk vs. reward of his strategy in centering his call for new firearms restrictions as the election nears. I also go over an on-the-ground report from The Counteroffensive out of Ukraine about a new effort to bring the war-torn country its own version of the Second Amendment.
\n\nFollow this link for your free trial at The Dispatch:
\nhttps://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624
This week, a jury found the President's son guilty of federal gun felonies.
\n\nWe've got one of the country's best and most prolific gun writers on the show to discuss that development. Cam Edwards is the editor of Bearing Arms and the host of Cam and Company. He said he wasn't surprised by Hunter Biden's conviction but wasn't necessarily celebrating it.
\n\nHe said the evidence against Hunter was formidable and noted the vast majority of federal charges that make it to trial end in a guilty plea or conviction. Still, he questioned the underlying law that Hunter was convicted on. He said the First Son has a real chance at a successful Second Amendment challenge.
\n\nCam also gave us insight into his recent interview with new NRA CEO Doug Mills. It was one of Mills's first long-form interviews, and Cam said the venue sent as much of a message as anything they discussed. That's because Cam has been a vocal critic of the mismanagement and corruption of the gun group's previous leadership.
\n\nStill, Cam said he was also encouraged by what Mills did say about his commitment to transparency and change. But he is also hoping to see more concrete signs of movement from the NRA before fully returning to the fold.
Special Guest: John Correia.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss a jury finding Hunter Biden guilty on federal gun charges and Cam's interview with the new head of the NRA.","date_published":"2024-06-17T05:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/224a13b2-86f2-414b-9a1d-f34d8b38adab.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":89120884,"duration_in_seconds":3701}]},{"id":"b78e773a-2920-4971-9180-19db8bcc5814","title":"Supreme Court Strikes Down Bump Stock Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/supreme-court-strikes-down-bump-stock-ban","content_text":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I walk through the Supreme Court's ruling striking down the ATF's bump stock ban as unlawful. We also discuss what the ruling might mean for President Biden's gun executive orders and what it might say about the Justices' appetite for striking down machine gun bans. Plus, we cover the interesting politics of a gun tax ballot initiative set to go before Colorado voters this fall and recap my experience at the National Journalism Center's range day. \n\nFollow this link for your free trial at The Dispatch: \nhttps://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624","content_html":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I walk through the Supreme Court's ruling striking down the ATF's bump stock ban as unlawful. We also discuss what the ruling might mean for President Biden's gun executive orders and what it might say about the Justices' appetite for striking down machine gun bans. Plus, we cover the interesting politics of a gun tax ballot initiative set to go before Colorado voters this fall and recap my experience at the National Journalism Center's range day.
\n\nFollow this link for your free trial at The Dispatch:
\nhttps://thedispatch.com/join-offer-reload/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reload0624
This week, we're discussing the new restrictions YouTube has put on gun content.
\n\nThat's why we've got the head of one of the largest gun channels on the platform. John Correia runs Active Self Protection, which has generated over 1.8 billion views on videos analyzing real-world self-defense encounters. He's also spent nearly a decade dealing with YouTube's varied and often vague moderation guidelines.
\n\nThe new rules primarily target creates who build their own firearms or use automatic fire in video. But they also affect anyone who uses "high capacity" magazines in their videos, without explaining what meets that standard.
\n\nCorreia said he's not sure how much of an impact the new rules will have on his channel, which already sees its content age-gated on a regular basis. But he argued they would probably have a significant effect on some of the largest gun channels on the platform. He also argued YouTube has a right to police its website as it pleases, but the company bowing to pressure from gun-control groups and politicians made the move more concerning.
\n\nHe explains how Active Self Protection deals with the constant problem of social media moderation, given its incredible impact on the business. Correia said the company has spent more time and effort building out its own operations to supplement the revenue it brings in from YouTube. He argued that was the only practical way forward for many creators who focus on topics social media companies tend to be squeamish about.
Special Guest: John Correia.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest John Correia discuss the impact of YouTube's latest crackdown on firearms content.","date_published":"2024-06-10T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/5bfef7bb-843d-4e15-984c-c11171ec3f7b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":79668289,"duration_in_seconds":3309}]},{"id":"57bb1032-4b39-46c4-ab2f-fec84c48cd6f","title":"The Practical Realities of Trump Becoming a Prohibited Person","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-practical-realities-of-trump-becoming-a-prohibited-person","content_text":"This week, we saw the first felony conviction of a former president.\n\nObviously, the verdict will have all sorts of complications and consequences for Donald Trump. One of them is the fact he'll now be a prohibited person. He won't be allowed to buy or even possess guns.\n\nTo discuss the details of what that will look like, we have federal litigator and legal commentator Gabriel Malor on the show. He walks through how Trump's New York convictions trigger the federal felon-in-possession ban and the same ban in his home state of Florida. He also talks about how Trump can legally transfer his guns to friends or family, but also can't be in a position where he even just has access to them.\n\nThat might cause issues with his armed Secret Service detail, but Malor said that's unlikely.\n\nHe also gave an overview of how Trump might get his gun rights back. The most likely course is to win on appeal, but he could also try to have his record expunged after serving his sentence. Or, one of the Second Amendment challenges brought by a similarly situated non-violent felon could undo the federal ban altogether.Special Guest: Gabriel Malor.","content_html":"This week, we saw the first felony conviction of a former president.
\n\nObviously, the verdict will have all sorts of complications and consequences for Donald Trump. One of them is the fact he'll now be a prohibited person. He won't be allowed to buy or even possess guns.
\n\nTo discuss the details of what that will look like, we have federal litigator and legal commentator Gabriel Malor on the show. He walks through how Trump's New York convictions trigger the federal felon-in-possession ban and the same ban in his home state of Florida. He also talks about how Trump can legally transfer his guns to friends or family, but also can't be in a position where he even just has access to them.
\n\nThat might cause issues with his armed Secret Service detail, but Malor said that's unlikely.
\n\nHe also gave an overview of how Trump might get his gun rights back. The most likely course is to win on appeal, but he could also try to have his record expunged after serving his sentence. Or, one of the Second Amendment challenges brought by a similarly situated non-violent felon could undo the federal ban altogether.
Special Guest: Gabriel Malor.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Gabriel Malor discuss what happens now that the former president is barred from possessing guns.","date_published":"2024-06-03T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/57bb1032-4b39-46c4-ab2f-fec84c48cd6f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":64646720,"duration_in_seconds":2687}]},{"id":"70aaa798-c67e-4fa1-891e-84daa4f2b97b","title":"Donald Trump Loses His Gun Rights; Supreme Court Sides with NRA","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/donald-trump-loses-his-gun-rights-supreme-court-sides-with-nra","content_text":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions and what they mean for his position as the gun rights candidate in the 2024 Presidential election race. We also talk about the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in favor of the NRA’s free speech claims against New York officials. Plus, we cover the narrow loss of a prominent guntuber who tried to unseat an incumbent Republican over a gun control vote in a Texas congressional primary.","content_html":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Donald Trump’s 34 felony convictions and what they mean for his position as the gun rights candidate in the 2024 Presidential election race. We also talk about the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling in favor of the NRA’s free speech claims against New York officials. Plus, we cover the narrow loss of a prominent guntuber who tried to unseat an incumbent Republican over a gun control vote in a Texas congressional primary.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss Donald Trump becoming a prohibited person and the NRA winning a unanimous victory at the Supreme Court.","date_published":"2024-05-31T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/70aaa798-c67e-4fa1-891e-84daa4f2b97b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":64890259,"duration_in_seconds":2697}]},{"id":"45ea0af8-1713-41f3-b265-f4058f61331a","title":"NRA Reformer Reacts to New Leadership","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nra-reformer-reacts-to-new-leadership","content_text":"This week, we're talking to one of the men who led the effort to reform the NRA from within.\n\nPhillip Journey has been an outspoken critic of the corruption that unfolded at the gun group during Wayne LaPierre's tenure, and he's been trying to fix the problems from within for nearly half a decade now. That work appears to be coming to fruition now. He and other reformers propelled alternative candidates to three of the NRA's top four leadership positions last Monday, including LaPierre's old position.\n\nJourney expressed optimism about the outcome of the leadership elections. He believes the NRA has a real chance to turn itself around and avoid a government-appointed monitor in the second half of its New York corruption trial. Although, he also admitted he doesn't have direct say over how exactly the group will move forward in a number of areas.\n\nHe also cautioned that the NRA doesn't have a ton of time to work with. The group's financials are worsening, and those woes even forced it to sell off $44 million in assets at the beginning of the year. Journey urged people to help the organization through the downturn so reformers could have a chance to enact their planned changes.Special Guest: Phillip Journey.","content_html":"This week, we're talking to one of the men who led the effort to reform the NRA from within.
\n\nPhillip Journey has been an outspoken critic of the corruption that unfolded at the gun group during Wayne LaPierre's tenure, and he's been trying to fix the problems from within for nearly half a decade now. That work appears to be coming to fruition now. He and other reformers propelled alternative candidates to three of the NRA's top four leadership positions last Monday, including LaPierre's old position.
\n\nJourney expressed optimism about the outcome of the leadership elections. He believes the NRA has a real chance to turn itself around and avoid a government-appointed monitor in the second half of its New York corruption trial. Although, he also admitted he doesn't have direct say over how exactly the group will move forward in a number of areas.
\n\nHe also cautioned that the NRA doesn't have a ton of time to work with. The group's financials are worsening, and those woes even forced it to sell off $44 million in assets at the beginning of the year. Journey urged people to help the organization through the downturn so reformers could have a chance to enact their planned changes.
Special Guest: Phillip Journey.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Phil Journey discuss NRA reformers taking control of key leadership roles.","date_published":"2024-05-27T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/45ea0af8-1713-41f3-b265-f4058f61331a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":82676215,"duration_in_seconds":3434}]},{"id":"ac52859d-369d-4ca5-887d-a0eb7e29985f","title":"NRA Elects New Reformer-Supported Leadership, Still Faces Financial Challenges","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nra-elects-new-reformer-supported-leadership-still-faces-financial-challenges","content_text":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss my time in Dallas covering the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting, where reformers had major success in getting their preferred candidates into top leadership positions. We also discuss what the leadership turnover says about the group's ability to reform itself moving forward, especially in light of its latest financial reports showing continued budget and fundraising woes. Plus, we cover the Supreme Court's decision not to take up a case on Maryland's assault weapon ban and why there's a good shot a conservative justice will issue the majority opinion on bump stocks. ","content_html":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss my time in Dallas covering the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting, where reformers had major success in getting their preferred candidates into top leadership positions. We also discuss what the leadership turnover says about the group's ability to reform itself moving forward, especially in light of its latest financial reports showing continued budget and fundraising woes. Plus, we cover the Supreme Court's decision not to take up a case on Maryland's assault weapon ban and why there's a good shot a conservative justice will issue the majority opinion on bump stocks.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss big changes at the NRA.","date_published":"2024-05-24T13:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/ac52859d-369d-4ca5-887d-a0eb7e29985f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76683203,"duration_in_seconds":3187}]},{"id":"c82fe2c9-9b87-49b8-8655-411fe9d7dbd3","title":"The Second Amendment Implications of Hawaii Legalizing Butterfly Knives (Ft. Alan Beck)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-second-amendment-implications-of-hawaii-legalizing-butterfly-knives-ft-alan-beck","content_text":"This week, we have one of the most successful Second Amendment litigators on the show to talk about the surprising outcome of his latest case.\n\nHawaii legalized the possession and open carry of most bladed weapons a few days ago. That came as a bit of a shock to Second Amendment activists in the state, including our guest Alan Beck. While he had already won a ruling against the state's butterfly knife ban and he expected lawmakers might try to undercut that case, nobody really expected a blanket reversal on how Hawaii treats bladed weapons.\n\nOf course, that doesn't necessarily mean his case is over. Beck argued it's not really possible to open carry butterfly knives. So, that leaves a potential path forward in the suit that Beck plans to pursue.\n\nStill, Beck said the repeal of the bladed weapons bans represents real progress. He's more optimistic than ever that Hawaiians will eventually have gun laws that are closer to the rest of the nation. However, he said it would take a lot more effort to get there.Special Guest: Alan Beck.","content_html":"This week, we have one of the most successful Second Amendment litigators on the show to talk about the surprising outcome of his latest case.
\n\nHawaii legalized the possession and open carry of most bladed weapons a few days ago. That came as a bit of a shock to Second Amendment activists in the state, including our guest Alan Beck. While he had already won a ruling against the state's butterfly knife ban and he expected lawmakers might try to undercut that case, nobody really expected a blanket reversal on how Hawaii treats bladed weapons.
\n\nOf course, that doesn't necessarily mean his case is over. Beck argued it's not really possible to open carry butterfly knives. So, that leaves a potential path forward in the suit that Beck plans to pursue.
\n\nStill, Beck said the repeal of the bladed weapons bans represents real progress. He's more optimistic than ever that Hawaiians will eventually have gun laws that are closer to the rest of the nation. However, he said it would take a lot more effort to get there.
Special Guest: Alan Beck.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Alan Beck discuss Hawaii's legalization of butterfly knives and how it handicaps Beck's Second Amendment lawsuits against the state.","date_published":"2024-05-20T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/c82fe2c9-9b87-49b8-8655-411fe9d7dbd3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":78574774,"duration_in_seconds":3273}]},{"id":"eecffb62-e6fb-44df-8c1d-14537c06e11c","title":"Previewing the NRA's First Meeting Since Corruption Verdict; Brooklyn Man Gets 10 Years for Gun Building","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/previewing-the-nras-first-meeting-since-corruption-verdict-brooklyn-man-gets-10-years-for-gun-building","content_text":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss my upcoming trip to Dallas to cover the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting and what signs to look for to determine if the group will make substantive reforms or stay its current course. Plus, we discuss the latest in the Dexter Taylor case after a Brooklyn judge sentenced the engineer to 10 years in prison for his hobby of self-manufacturing firearms. We also cover a new ruling out of the 9th Circuit upholding California's sharing of gun owners' personal data with university researchers. ","content_html":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss my upcoming trip to Dallas to cover the 2024 NRA Annual Meeting and what signs to look for to determine if the group will make substantive reforms or stay its current course. Plus, we discuss the latest in the Dexter Taylor case after a Brooklyn judge sentenced the engineer to 10 years in prison for his hobby of self-manufacturing firearms. We also cover a new ruling out of the 9th Circuit upholding California's sharing of gun owners' personal data with university researchers.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen gutowski discuss the upcoming NRA Annual Meeting and the sentencing of Dexter Taylor","date_published":"2024-05-17T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/eecffb62-e6fb-44df-8c1d-14537c06e11c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76785715,"duration_in_seconds":3199}]},{"id":"4dd149df-8cb5-4611-9e84-a87d0d3fbd49","title":"The State of the Gun-Rights Movement (Ft. The Dispatch's Kevin Williamson)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-state-of-the-gun-rights-movement-ft-the-dispatchs-kevin-williamson","content_text":"This week, we're doing a guest swap.\n\nI was on The Dispatch Live with Kevin Williamson a few days ago. So, he graciously agreed to join me on The Weekly Reload Podcast. We covered some ground on where the gun-rights movement stands today on his show, but there was a lot left to get at.\n\nWill Trump turn away from gun-rights activists like he did with pro-lifers? What does it say about that movement that it's so reliant on Trump and the Republican party writ large? Why aren't we seeing more of a political effect from all those new pandemic-era gun owners? Will we ever?\n\nSimilarly, we picked up where we left off on the Washington Post's Pulitzer prize for its AR-15 expose publishing graphic images of mass shooting crime scenes. Williamson argued the piece was litered with factual errors and, worse, it was intentionally misleading in what images it didn't publish.Special Guest: Kevin Williamson.","content_html":"This week, we're doing a guest swap.
\n\nI was on The Dispatch Live with Kevin Williamson a few days ago. So, he graciously agreed to join me on The Weekly Reload Podcast. We covered some ground on where the gun-rights movement stands today on his show, but there was a lot left to get at.
\n\nWill Trump turn away from gun-rights activists like he did with pro-lifers? What does it say about that movement that it's so reliant on Trump and the Republican party writ large? Why aren't we seeing more of a political effect from all those new pandemic-era gun owners? Will we ever?
\n\nSimilarly, we picked up where we left off on the Washington Post's Pulitzer prize for its AR-15 expose publishing graphic images of mass shooting crime scenes. Williamson argued the piece was litered with factual errors and, worse, it was intentionally misleading in what images it didn't publish.
Special Guest: Kevin Williamson.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Kevin Williamson discuss Donald Trump, gun activists, and the Washington Post's latest Pulitzer.","date_published":"2024-05-13T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4dd149df-8cb5-4611-9e84-a87d0d3fbd49.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":75864436,"duration_in_seconds":3151}]},{"id":"8b0c610f-f4b5-4a8a-aac8-db3384aeb20b","title":"NRA Leadership Still Flying Private; Appeals Court Sends Hunter Biden Gun Case to Trial","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nra-leadership-still-flying-private-appeals-court-sends-hunter-biden-gun-case-to-trial","content_text":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss The Reload's exclusive reporting on NRA President Charles Cotton's private jet travel. We also talk about Hunter Biden's federal gun charges being upheld by a federal appeals court. Plus, we cover the failure of an \"assault weapon\" ban in Colorado, a bill going after Glock handguns in New York, and the latest in a Texas congressional primary soaked in gun politics. ","content_html":"Contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss The Reload's exclusive reporting on NRA President Charles Cotton's private jet travel. We also talk about Hunter Biden's federal gun charges being upheld by a federal appeals court. Plus, we cover the failure of an "assault weapon" ban in Colorado, a bill going after Glock handguns in New York, and the latest in a Texas congressional primary soaked in gun politics.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss the latest NRA private flight story and Hunter Biden's continued legal troubles.","date_published":"2024-05-10T15:15:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8b0c610f-f4b5-4a8a-aac8-db3384aeb20b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":66920566,"duration_in_seconds":2788}]},{"id":"af876237-dcc3-4a78-bf47-49f5c378c71f","title":"The Shooting Champion Raising $100k to Prevent Gun Suicides","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-shooting-champion-raising-100k-to-prevent-gun-suicides","content_text":"This week, we're talking about a new effort to reduce gun suicides. \n\nThat's why we have shooting champion Chris Cheng on the show. The winner of Top Shot season four is trying to raise money for mental health screenings and treatment. He is matching up to $5,000 of small-dollar donations in an effort to raise $100,000 for Walk The Talk America (WTTA).\n\nWTTA is a grassroots effort to try and reduce suicide from within the gun-owning community. We've interviewed one of their co-founders on the show in the past. Cheng said he's a big believer in their unique approach because it understands some of the novel challenges in reaching gun owners experiencing suicidal ideation without inadvertently discouraging them from seeking help.\n\nCheng noted that seeking out mental health help can be intimidating for gun owners because mental health professionals have the power to take their guns away. He said WTTA tries to address this problem by educating those professionals about the concerns of gun owners. They have a training program and a list of professionals who've worked with the non-profit that gun owners can reach out to.\n\nBut it's not just about reaching mental health professionals, Cheng said. The group also works to open up conversations about suicide and mental health inside the gun-owning community. It offers help for firearms trainers, store operators, and range owners. It also gives people direct access to free mental health screenings.\n\nCheng said the community has come a long way in addressing the issue of suicide over the past decade, but a lot more is needed. After all, suicide has long been the largest percentage of gun deaths in America. So, Cheng said he's going to keep working to help, and this fundraiser is the next step.Special Guest: Chris Cheng.","content_html":"This week, we're talking about a new effort to reduce gun suicides.
\n\nThat's why we have shooting champion Chris Cheng on the show. The winner of Top Shot season four is trying to raise money for mental health screenings and treatment. He is matching up to $5,000 of small-dollar donations in an effort to raise $100,000 for Walk The Talk America (WTTA).
\n\nWTTA is a grassroots effort to try and reduce suicide from within the gun-owning community. We've interviewed one of their co-founders on the show in the past. Cheng said he's a big believer in their unique approach because it understands some of the novel challenges in reaching gun owners experiencing suicidal ideation without inadvertently discouraging them from seeking help.
\n\nCheng noted that seeking out mental health help can be intimidating for gun owners because mental health professionals have the power to take their guns away. He said WTTA tries to address this problem by educating those professionals about the concerns of gun owners. They have a training program and a list of professionals who've worked with the non-profit that gun owners can reach out to.
\n\nBut it's not just about reaching mental health professionals, Cheng said. The group also works to open up conversations about suicide and mental health inside the gun-owning community. It offers help for firearms trainers, store operators, and range owners. It also gives people direct access to free mental health screenings.
\n\nCheng said the community has come a long way in addressing the issue of suicide over the past decade, but a lot more is needed. After all, suicide has long been the largest percentage of gun deaths in America. So, Cheng said he's going to keep working to help, and this fundraiser is the next step.
Special Guest: Chris Cheng.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Chris Cheng discuss a new fundraiser to help decrease gun suicides.","date_published":"2024-05-06T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/af876237-dcc3-4a78-bf47-49f5c378c71f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":65056630,"duration_in_seconds":2710}]},{"id":"e1095b6b-4c89-49ca-937a-d5e1efea8502","title":"Biden Admin Finalizes Gun Export Restrictions; NRA Members Vote in Reformers","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/biden-admin-finalizes-gun-export-restrictions-nra-members-vote-in-reformers","content_text":"Host Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Biden administration's new rule to restrict firearms exports. We also talk about the Fifth Circuit's ruling upholding enhanced background checks for 18-to-20 year olds and why the results of the latest NRA board elections suggest the members are pushing for change. Plus, we cover my new piece in The Dispatch and my appearance on CNN talking about Tennessee's new armed teacher law.","content_html":"Host Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Biden administration's new rule to restrict firearms exports. We also talk about the Fifth Circuit's ruling upholding enhanced background checks for 18-to-20 year olds and why the results of the latest NRA board elections suggest the members are pushing for change. Plus, we cover my new piece in The Dispatch and my appearance on CNN talking about Tennessee's new armed teacher law.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss the Biden Administration's latest gun rule and the results of the NRA's board eleciton.","date_published":"2024-05-03T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e1095b6b-4c89-49ca-937a-d5e1efea8502.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":72009526,"duration_in_seconds":3000}]},{"id":"b5b83969-4ddc-4c5d-a402-ffa379824da5","title":"Law Professor Jonathan Adler on the Supreme Court's New \"Ghost Gun\" Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/law-professor-jonathan-adler-on-the-supreme-courts-new-ghost-gun-case","content_text":"The Supreme Court has decided to take up another gun case. Although, it's another one that doesn't touch on the Second Amendment. This time, the Court will decide if the ATF's rule restricting unfinished frames and receivers is an unlawful overreach of the agency's power. \n\nJonathan Adler, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, joins the show to give us his insight into this case and the Court's recent uptick in gun cases.\n\nHe argued that the Court's acceptance of two cases challenging ATF administrative power alongside an NRA First Amendment case and an actual Second Amendment case should be read as an increased appetite for gun cases. He noted that the Supreme Court has actually been taking fewer and fewer overall cases in recent years but more and more gun-related ones. He doesn't think that can be brushed aside, even if most of the cases don't deal with Second Amendment claims.\n\nStill, Professor Adler said he isn't confident the Court will side with the gun-rights plaintiffs in the so-called ghost gun case. He argued the way they intervened in the lower court case to issue stays on multiple rulings against the ATF should be read as tell for where the justices plan to go on the merits. He said a move like that might be more predictive of intent than most stays issued by federal courts.\n\nYou can listen to the show on your favorite podcasting app or by clicking here. Video of the episode is available on our YouTube channel. Reload Members get access on Sunday, as always. Everyone else can listen on Monday.Special Guest: Jonathan H. Alder.","content_html":"The Supreme Court has decided to take up another gun case. Although, it's another one that doesn't touch on the Second Amendment. This time, the Court will decide if the ATF's rule restricting unfinished frames and receivers is an unlawful overreach of the agency's power.
\n\nJonathan Adler, a law professor at Case Western Reserve University, joins the show to give us his insight into this case and the Court's recent uptick in gun cases.
\n\nHe argued that the Court's acceptance of two cases challenging ATF administrative power alongside an NRA First Amendment case and an actual Second Amendment case should be read as an increased appetite for gun cases. He noted that the Supreme Court has actually been taking fewer and fewer overall cases in recent years but more and more gun-related ones. He doesn't think that can be brushed aside, even if most of the cases don't deal with Second Amendment claims.
\n\nStill, Professor Adler said he isn't confident the Court will side with the gun-rights plaintiffs in the so-called ghost gun case. He argued the way they intervened in the lower court case to issue stays on multiple rulings against the ATF should be read as tell for where the justices plan to go on the merits. He said a move like that might be more predictive of intent than most stays issued by federal courts.
\n\nYou can listen to the show on your favorite podcasting app or by clicking here. Video of the episode is available on our YouTube channel. Reload Members get access on Sunday, as always. Everyone else can listen on Monday.
Special Guest: Jonathan H. Alder.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Jonathan Adler discuss the Supreme Court taking up a case against the ATF's unfinished frames and receivers rule.","date_published":"2024-04-29T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/b5b83969-4ddc-4c5d-a402-ffa379824da5.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76280248,"duration_in_seconds":3167}]},{"id":"8d9d589a-1958-4f33-83d1-886b6cb69901","title":"Trump Jr. Pitched to Lead NRA as Gun-Control Groups Outraise Gun-Rights Movement","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/trump-jr-pitched-to-lead-nra-as-gun-control-groups-outraise-gun-rights-movement","content_text":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an NRA board member pitching Donald Trump Jr. to become the group's new leader. Meanwhile, FEC records show the group continues to be outraised by gun control advocates. Plus, they cover the ongoing permitless carry push in North Carolina and the continued spread of gun store MCC bans in red states. ","content_html":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an NRA board member pitching Donald Trump Jr. to become the group's new leader. Meanwhile, FEC records show the group continues to be outraised by gun control advocates. Plus, they cover the ongoing permitless carry push in North Carolina and the continued spread of gun store MCC bans in red states.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an NRA board member pitching Donald Trump Jr. to become the group's new leader.","date_published":"2024-04-26T15:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8d9d589a-1958-4f33-83d1-886b6cb69901.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":65028395,"duration_in_seconds":2700}]},{"id":"b4b19b9f-0143-4d6d-aada-cab8405ffbfd","title":"Crime Data Analyst Jeff Asher Explains 2024's Murder and Mass Shooting Decline","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/crime-data-analyst-jeff-asher-explains-2024-s-murder-and-mass-shooting-decline","content_text":"The murder rate is falling again, and mass shootings have been absent so far this year.\n\nThis is good news, but it's also a bit confusing. Why is the murder rate dropping after several years of increasing? Is the same effect happening with mass shootings? Does the data show the two are connected?\n\nThat's why we've got data analyst Jeff Asher back on the show. He runs AH Datalytics and collects his own crime statistics. He joined us last year when his crime data suggested 2023 would see a huge downturn in murder across the country. He was right.\n\nThis year, he's seeing an even larger decline. Mass shootings are down, too. Whatever definition you use for the awful phenomenon, and we discuss the pros and cons of the different ones out there, the downtrend is interesting--especially since it now appears to track with overall murder.\n\nJeff does his best to explain why these trends are happening and look forward, though he emphasizes the future is impossible to predict.Special Guest: Jeff Asher.","content_html":"The murder rate is falling again, and mass shootings have been absent so far this year.
\n\nThis is good news, but it's also a bit confusing. Why is the murder rate dropping after several years of increasing? Is the same effect happening with mass shootings? Does the data show the two are connected?
\n\nThat's why we've got data analyst Jeff Asher back on the show. He runs AH Datalytics and collects his own crime statistics. He joined us last year when his crime data suggested 2023 would see a huge downturn in murder across the country. He was right.
\n\nThis year, he's seeing an even larger decline. Mass shootings are down, too. Whatever definition you use for the awful phenomenon, and we discuss the pros and cons of the different ones out there, the downtrend is interesting--especially since it now appears to track with overall murder.
\n\nJeff does his best to explain why these trends are happening and look forward, though he emphasizes the future is impossible to predict.
Special Guest: Jeff Asher.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Jeff Asher discuss the downturn in the murder rate and mass shootings.","date_published":"2024-04-22T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/b4b19b9f-0143-4d6d-aada-cab8405ffbfd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":66226847,"duration_in_seconds":2751}]},{"id":"4a6165cb-b7e0-4d55-baea-20dfd97ac67a","title":"Report Finds Americans Own 717 Million ‘Large Capacity’ Magazines; DC Settles NRA Lawsuit","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/report-finds-americans-own-717-million-large-capacity-magazines-dc-settles-with-nra","content_text":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss Maine's new waiting period and background check laws, a new Iowa Bill allowing armed teachers, and an update on Colorado's push to ban \"assault weapons.\" They also cover a new industry study showing the popularity of so-called large-capacity magazines, and why the government of Washington D.C. just settled its lawsuit against the NRA. ","content_html":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss Maine's new waiting period and background check laws, a new Iowa Bill allowing armed teachers, and an update on Colorado's push to ban "assault weapons." They also cover a new industry study showing the popularity of so-called large-capacity magazines, and why the government of Washington D.C. just settled its lawsuit against the NRA.
","summary":"Jake and Stephen discuss new state-level gun laws, a report on ammo magazines, and a new NRA settlement.","date_published":"2024-04-19T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4a6165cb-b7e0-4d55-baea-20dfd97ac67a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":55522478,"duration_in_seconds":2306}]},{"id":"b2fadf1f-0630-4b8a-a1a0-7a97da2bea94","title":"How the National Journalism Center and I Are Training New Reporters on Gun Politics","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/how-the-national-journalism-center-and-i-are-training-new-reporters-on-gun-politics","content_text":"This week, we're doing something a bit different.\n\nI've been working with the National Journalism Center for a long time. They have a great program to train up and coming reporters. And we've been doing a range day as part of that training in recent years.\n\nSo, the program's director T. Becket Adams joined me on the show to discuss what our gun reporting lesson looks like. He also gave his assessment of how much of the media covers firearms, the problem with the approach, and the solution to it. Part of that solution, he said, includes real-world training on key issues in gun politics as well as on how guns function.\n\nThat's exactly what we give to the young reporters who come through our class. Becket said our program is the only of its kind he's ever heard of, and hopes other groups and media outlets adopt or replicate what we're doing.Special Guest: T Becket Adams.","content_html":"This week, we're doing something a bit different.
\n\nI've been working with the National Journalism Center for a long time. They have a great program to train up and coming reporters. And we've been doing a range day as part of that training in recent years.
\n\nSo, the program's director T. Becket Adams joined me on the show to discuss what our gun reporting lesson looks like. He also gave his assessment of how much of the media covers firearms, the problem with the approach, and the solution to it. Part of that solution, he said, includes real-world training on key issues in gun politics as well as on how guns function.
\n\nThat's exactly what we give to the young reporters who come through our class. Becket said our program is the only of its kind he's ever heard of, and hopes other groups and media outlets adopt or replicate what we're doing.
Special Guest: T Becket Adams.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest T. Becket Adams discuss their firearms reporting training program at the National Journalism Center.","date_published":"2024-04-15T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/b2fadf1f-0630-4b8a-a1a0-7a97da2bea94.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":71033726,"duration_in_seconds":2952}]},{"id":"26df381b-2997-4a59-9139-dd68c67c1b8b","title":"New Biden Rule Casts Shadow Over Used Gun Sales; Tennessee Puts Gun Safety in Schools","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/new-biden-rule-casts-shadow-over-used-gun-sales-tennessee-puts-gun-safety-in-schools","content_text":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an 85-year-old woman defending herself in a harrowing burglary, the perspective of a new Israeli gun owner, and Tennessee's new school gun safety program. They also cover how Washington's magazine ban was blocked and then immediately unblocked. Plus, they dissect how Biden's latest rule casts doubt over used gun sales and Stephen gives an update on farm life.","content_html":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an 85-year-old woman defending herself in a harrowing burglary, the perspective of a new Israeli gun owner, and Tennessee's new school gun safety program. They also cover how Washington's magazine ban was blocked and then immediately unblocked. Plus, they dissect how Biden's latest rule casts doubt over used gun sales and Stephen gives an update on farm life.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski discuss an 85-year-old woman defending herself in a harrowing burglary, the perspective of a new Israeli gun owner, and Tennessee's new school gun safety program. They also cover how Washington's magazine ban was blocked and then immediately unblocked. Plus, they dissect how Biden's latest rule casts doubt over used gun sales and Stephen gives an update on farm life.","date_published":"2024-04-12T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/26df381b-2997-4a59-9139-dd68c67c1b8b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76211655,"duration_in_seconds":3166}]},{"id":"b2387bf4-801c-4606-af59-1a22384ea328","title":"A Gun-Rights Lawyer Argues Second Amendment Protects Illegal Immigrants","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/a-gun-rights-lawyer-argues-second-amendment-protects-illegal-immigrants","content_text":"This week, we're discussing a hotly debated topic: the gun rights of illegal immigrants.\n\nA federal judge's recent ruling that the law disarming a defendant who is in the country unlawfully, but who doesn't have any violent convictions, violates the Second Amendment has drawn a lot of attention. It has been one of our most trafficked stories at The Reload this year. The same is true for the dueling analysis pieces we published examining the ruling's legal theory and where the Supreme Court might come down on the issue.\n\nGiven the discussion surrounding all of this, it seemed like a good idea to take a deeper dive into the topic. That's why we asked gun-rights lawyer Matt Larosiere, who wrote one of those analysis pieces for us, to come on the show. He gave us a fuller explanation of why he believes the Second Amendment protects nearly all people in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.\n\nHe argued the modern gun prohibition based on immigration status shouldn't be able to withstand the Supreme Court's Bruen test because the Founders didn't view citizenship the way we do today and the Second Amendment's language is better read to protect nearly anyone in the country. He said reading the amendment to exclude those who aren't part of the political community doesn't work because the average American wasn't allowed to vote or participate in other key political functions during the Founding Era. Yet they did have their gun rights protected.\n\nHe also argued that denying gun rights to immigrants in the country unlawfully, which is only a misdemeanor, necessitates adopting a legal standard that would put everyone else's gun rights at risk. Still, Larosiere acknowledged the recent ruling is an outlier and the Supreme Court is unlikely to take up a similar case anytime soon. But he argued gun-rights proponents should embrace the ruling and the logic that led to it.Special Guest: Matt Larosiere.","content_html":"This week, we're discussing a hotly debated topic: the gun rights of illegal immigrants.
\n\nA federal judge's recent ruling that the law disarming a defendant who is in the country unlawfully, but who doesn't have any violent convictions, violates the Second Amendment has drawn a lot of attention. It has been one of our most trafficked stories at The Reload this year. The same is true for the dueling analysis pieces we published examining the ruling's legal theory and where the Supreme Court might come down on the issue.
\n\nGiven the discussion surrounding all of this, it seemed like a good idea to take a deeper dive into the topic. That's why we asked gun-rights lawyer Matt Larosiere, who wrote one of those analysis pieces for us, to come on the show. He gave us a fuller explanation of why he believes the Second Amendment protects nearly all people in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.
\n\nHe argued the modern gun prohibition based on immigration status shouldn't be able to withstand the Supreme Court's Bruen test because the Founders didn't view citizenship the way we do today and the Second Amendment's language is better read to protect nearly anyone in the country. He said reading the amendment to exclude those who aren't part of the political community doesn't work because the average American wasn't allowed to vote or participate in other key political functions during the Founding Era. Yet they did have their gun rights protected.
\n\nHe also argued that denying gun rights to immigrants in the country unlawfully, which is only a misdemeanor, necessitates adopting a legal standard that would put everyone else's gun rights at risk. Still, Larosiere acknowledged the recent ruling is an outlier and the Supreme Court is unlikely to take up a similar case anytime soon. But he argued gun-rights proponents should embrace the ruling and the logic that led to it.
Special Guest: Matt Larosiere.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Matt Larosiere discuss whether the Constitution guarantees gun rights to people in the country illegally.","date_published":"2024-04-08T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/b2387bf4-801c-4606-af59-1a22384ea328.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":86216319,"duration_in_seconds":3582}]},{"id":"16f16910-e513-49e5-b46d-7af68979c21f","title":"Gun Sales Continue to Decline; Study Finds 2A Sanctuaries Resist 'Red Flag' Orders","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gun-sales-continue-to-decline-study-finds-2a-sanctuaries-resist-red-flag-orders","content_text":"On this week's News Update, Jake Fogleman and Stephen Gutowski examine why gun sales have declined through the first three months of 2024. \n\nThey also highlight a California journalist's examination of the \"assault weapon\" ban, Massachusetts lawmakers taking gun discussions behind closed doors, and an AP poll showing Americans find gun rights important. Jake also details the findings of a recent study on Colorado's \"red flag\" law usage in \"Second Amendment sanctuary\" counties. Plus, Steve previews his upcoming range trip with students at the National Journalism Center.","content_html":"On this week's News Update, Jake Fogleman and Stephen Gutowski examine why gun sales have declined through the first three months of 2024.
\n\nThey also highlight a California journalist's examination of the "assault weapon" ban, Massachusetts lawmakers taking gun discussions behind closed doors, and an AP poll showing Americans find gun rights important. Jake also details the findings of a recent study on Colorado's "red flag" law usage in "Second Amendment sanctuary" counties. Plus, Steve previews his upcoming range trip with students at the National Journalism Center.
","summary":"Host Jake Fogleman and Reload founder Stephen Gutowski discuss gun sales declining through the first three months of 2024, a new study on Colorado \"red flag\" orders, and several other stories.","date_published":"2024-04-04T16:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/16f16910-e513-49e5-b46d-7af68979c21f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69000870,"duration_in_seconds":2864}]},{"id":"c83c7b0f-1189-4a62-aff8-c26a2508fdd2","title":"Youngkin Wipes Out Slate of Virginia Gun-Control Bills (ft. Cam Edwards)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/youngkin-wipes-out-slate-of-virginia-gun-control-bills-ft-cam-edwards","content_text":"This week, we're examining the implications of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R.) vetoing 30 different gun-control bills.\n\nJoining us to do that is Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms. He has long been one of the top pro-gun analysts out there. He also happens to live in Virginia, like me.\n\nSo, he has paid special attention to the fight over guns in Virginia. Not just this year either, but for the last several election cycles. He argued the dynamics at play during this year's legislative session were pretty surprising.\n\nNot only did we not know what Youngkin would do with the dozens of gun bills that made it to his desk before he formally announced his vetoes, but the way those proposals got through the legislature was surprising too. Every Democrat in the state house held together to vote for every single proposal, even the more aggressive bans and restrictions.\n\nCam said that was a fascinating development given the large grassroots backlash the party faced after its last attempt to enact sweeping gun reforms in 2020. He also argued the dynamic that has developed in the state's gun politics should be very concerning for gun-rights advocates.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss President Biden's approval on guns falling below 30 percent.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"This week, we're examining the implications of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R.) vetoing 30 different gun-control bills.
\n\nJoining us to do that is Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms. He has long been one of the top pro-gun analysts out there. He also happens to live in Virginia, like me.
\n\nSo, he has paid special attention to the fight over guns in Virginia. Not just this year either, but for the last several election cycles. He argued the dynamics at play during this year's legislative session were pretty surprising.
\n\nNot only did we not know what Youngkin would do with the dozens of gun bills that made it to his desk before he formally announced his vetoes, but the way those proposals got through the legislature was surprising too. Every Democrat in the state house held together to vote for every single proposal, even the more aggressive bans and restrictions.
\n\nCam said that was a fascinating development given the large grassroots backlash the party faced after its last attempt to enact sweeping gun reforms in 2020. He also argued the dynamic that has developed in the state's gun politics should be very concerning for gun-rights advocates.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss President Biden's approval on guns falling below 30 percent.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (R.) vetoing 30 gun bills.","date_published":"2024-04-01T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/c83c7b0f-1189-4a62-aff8-c26a2508fdd2.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":89556767,"duration_in_seconds":5567}]},{"id":"3b99fe1d-4891-4622-819e-8ecfafbf6d3b","title":"FIRE's First Amendment Scholar on the NRA's Supreme Court Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/fires-first-amendment-scholar-on-the-nras-supreme-court-case","content_text":"This week, we're looking at another Supreme Court case. This one involves the National Rifle Association, but not the Second Amendment. Instead, NRA v. Vullo is a First Amendment claim.\n\nOn Monday, the High Court held oral arguments in the case. So, we've got FIRE's Bob Corn-Revere on the show to discuss how those went. He filed a brief in support of the NRA on behalf of the group. But he also has a long history in First Amendment litigation, including at the Supreme Court.\n\nHe explained the basics of the case. Then he walked through why he believes former New York financial regulator Maria Vullo's efforts to get insurance companies to drop the NRA over its \"gun promotion\" activities ran afoul of the group's free speech rights. He also reacted to the questions each justice asked during arguments and gave some insight into what they tell us about how the Court is leaning.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a report that shows the Maine shooter could have and should have been disarmed.Special Guest: Bob Corn-Revere.","content_html":"This week, we're looking at another Supreme Court case. This one involves the National Rifle Association, but not the Second Amendment. Instead, NRA v. Vullo is a First Amendment claim.
\n\nOn Monday, the High Court held oral arguments in the case. So, we've got FIRE's Bob Corn-Revere on the show to discuss how those went. He filed a brief in support of the NRA on behalf of the group. But he also has a long history in First Amendment litigation, including at the Supreme Court.
\n\nHe explained the basics of the case. Then he walked through why he believes former New York financial regulator Maria Vullo's efforts to get insurance companies to drop the NRA over its "gun promotion" activities ran afoul of the group's free speech rights. He also reacted to the questions each justice asked during arguments and gave some insight into what they tell us about how the Court is leaning.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a report that shows the Maine shooter could have and should have been disarmed.
Special Guest: Bob Corn-Revere.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Bob Corn-Revere examine oral arguments in NRA v. Vullo.","date_published":"2024-03-25T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3b99fe1d-4891-4622-819e-8ecfafbf6d3b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":83459984,"duration_in_seconds":5190}]},{"id":"f1cf2030-cd37-4e54-b999-5ee6c8891a93","title":"The Man Behind Armed Civilian Patrols in Connecticut's Capital City Speaks Out","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-man-behind-armed-civilian-patrols-in-connecticut-s-capital-city-speaks-out","content_text":"Crime is a significant problem in Hartford, Connecticut, and some residents don't think local politicians and law enforcement are doing enough to combat it.\n\nSome of those residents have now decided to do organized armed patrols in Hartford's more dangerous neighborhoods. Cornell Lewis is one of the people doing that organizing. He runs a group called the Self-Defense Brigade, and he joined the show this week to explain his group's tactics and motivations.\n\nLewis said he and the other volunteers who've been patrolling streets are fed up with the violence that has been carried out there. He said they want to show anyone considering committing violent crime that the community is capable of and willing to push back. The group gained local attention for its patrols last year but has gotten much more attention after it decided to step up efforts in the wake of a double homicide in the city last month.\n\nNot everyone has welcomed the group's efforts, though. Some local law enforcement, politicians, and community groups have said armed civilian patrols will only cause more problems for Hartford. Lewis responded to those critiques by saying the Self-Defense Brigade has no intention of being a vigilante group and is merely trying to train the community in lawful defensive techniques.\n\nLewis said the group's methods have been effective, there have been no violent incidents associated with their marches, and none of the volunteers have been arrested or done anything illegal.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a federal appeals court upholding Rhode Island's magazine ban. And we have a Reload Member on to discuss his experience as a recent convert to gun ownership in Washington, D.C.Special Guest: Cornell Lewis.","content_html":"Crime is a significant problem in Hartford, Connecticut, and some residents don't think local politicians and law enforcement are doing enough to combat it.
\n\nSome of those residents have now decided to do organized armed patrols in Hartford's more dangerous neighborhoods. Cornell Lewis is one of the people doing that organizing. He runs a group called the Self-Defense Brigade, and he joined the show this week to explain his group's tactics and motivations.
\n\nLewis said he and the other volunteers who've been patrolling streets are fed up with the violence that has been carried out there. He said they want to show anyone considering committing violent crime that the community is capable of and willing to push back. The group gained local attention for its patrols last year but has gotten much more attention after it decided to step up efforts in the wake of a double homicide in the city last month.
\n\nNot everyone has welcomed the group's efforts, though. Some local law enforcement, politicians, and community groups have said armed civilian patrols will only cause more problems for Hartford. Lewis responded to those critiques by saying the Self-Defense Brigade has no intention of being a vigilante group and is merely trying to train the community in lawful defensive techniques.
\n\nLewis said the group's methods have been effective, there have been no violent incidents associated with their marches, and none of the volunteers have been arrested or done anything illegal.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a federal appeals court upholding Rhode Island's magazine ban. And we have a Reload Member on to discuss his experience as a recent convert to gun ownership in Washington, D.C.
Special Guest: Cornell Lewis.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski interviews guest Cornell Lewis about his efforts organizing armed civilian patrols in Hartford, Connecticut.","date_published":"2024-03-18T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/f1cf2030-cd37-4e54-b999-5ee6c8891a93.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":88112569,"duration_in_seconds":5484}]},{"id":"493e1b5b-3989-4ebe-97c6-234bf5a86ef8","title":"Answering Your Firearms Questions","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/answering-your-firearms-questions","content_text":"This week, we're answering your questions on the show!\n\nThat's right, it's time for another Q&A episode of the podcast. The questions are submitted by Reload Members, then Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman, and I do our best to answer them.\n\nAs expected, this episode features a lot of great questions that really stretch our knowledge. We tackled a wide variety of topics.\n\nMembers asked about everything from permits in permitless carry states to the number of lifetime NRA members to the Supreme Court's view of machine guns. The questions take us all over the place.\n\nPlus, I describe how speaking to a group of Columbia University students earlier this week went.","content_html":"This week, we're answering your questions on the show!
\n\nThat's right, it's time for another Q&A episode of the podcast. The questions are submitted by Reload Members, then Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman, and I do our best to answer them.
\n\nAs expected, this episode features a lot of great questions that really stretch our knowledge. We tackled a wide variety of topics.
\n\nMembers asked about everything from permits in permitless carry states to the number of lifetime NRA members to the Supreme Court's view of machine guns. The questions take us all over the place.
\n\nPlus, I describe how speaking to a group of Columbia University students earlier this week went.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman take questions from Reload Members.","date_published":"2024-03-11T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/493e1b5b-3989-4ebe-97c6-234bf5a86ef8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76110295,"duration_in_seconds":3162}]},{"id":"8a3a4ede-0132-4c70-95ed-994c134fc46b","title":"NRA Whistle-Blower on the Group's Corruption Verdict, Path Forward","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nra-whistle-blower-on-the-group-s-corruption-verdict-path-forward","content_text":"Last week, a jury found the NRA did not safeguard its charitable fund or those who raised concerns about how they were being spent on former CEO Wayne LaPierre's lavish personal expenses. This week, we have one of those whistle-blowers on the show to give his view of the verdict as well as the group's future.\n\nFormer NRA board member Judge Phillip Journey was among the eight insiders the jury said didn't receive protection when he spoke out about the group's mismanagement. He said the jury came to the correct conclusion. And he argued Judge Joel Cohen should appoint a monitor to make sure corruption is rooted out of the organization for good.\n\nJourney said he was sympathetic toward criticism of New York Attorney General Letitia James's (D.) political motivations. But he also said he had no choice in testifying at the trial, and the facts of the case were plainly against the NRA's current and former leadership.\n\nHe argued drastic change is necessary for the NRA to survive and return to form. He explained the platform he and three other board candidates are running on in the current NRA election. Journey said he hopes the verdict and LaPierre's resignation will convince many current board members to join the reform effort, but acknowledged he hasn't gotten very far to this point and it's likely to remain an uphill internal fight.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I dissect oral arguments in the Supreme Court's bump stock ban case.Special Guest: Phillip Journey.","content_html":"Last week, a jury found the NRA did not safeguard its charitable fund or those who raised concerns about how they were being spent on former CEO Wayne LaPierre's lavish personal expenses. This week, we have one of those whistle-blowers on the show to give his view of the verdict as well as the group's future.
\n\nFormer NRA board member Judge Phillip Journey was among the eight insiders the jury said didn't receive protection when he spoke out about the group's mismanagement. He said the jury came to the correct conclusion. And he argued Judge Joel Cohen should appoint a monitor to make sure corruption is rooted out of the organization for good.
\n\nJourney said he was sympathetic toward criticism of New York Attorney General Letitia James's (D.) political motivations. But he also said he had no choice in testifying at the trial, and the facts of the case were plainly against the NRA's current and former leadership.
\n\nHe argued drastic change is necessary for the NRA to survive and return to form. He explained the platform he and three other board candidates are running on in the current NRA election. Journey said he hopes the verdict and LaPierre's resignation will convince many current board members to join the reform effort, but acknowledged he hasn't gotten very far to this point and it's likely to remain an uphill internal fight.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I dissect oral arguments in the Supreme Court's bump stock ban case.
Special Guest: Phillip Journey.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Phil Journey discuss what's next for those trying to reform the NRA in the wake of its corruption verdict.","date_published":"2024-03-04T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8a3a4ede-0132-4c70-95ed-994c134fc46b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":88117374,"duration_in_seconds":5487}]},{"id":"99c8a6f6-78f2-4d2c-9db5-115e2d47ce4a","title":"NRA Loses Corruption Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nra-loses-corruption-case","content_text":"On this week's episode, we dive into the details of the verdict in the NRA's corruption case.\n\nAs Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss, the top-line takeaways are not good for the gun-rights group's current and former leadership. The jury determined the NRA failed to properly safeguard its charitable assets or protect numerous whistle-blowers. It also found Wayne LaPierre diverted millions of dollars worth of NRA funds toward his personal expenses, which he will likely be forced to pay back.\n\nThe ruling leaves the nation's largest gun group facing down the potential that Judge Joel Cohen could appoint financial and compliance overseers. That could wipe out the leadership that's taken the NRA down this road in the first place. For the former leaders, such as LaPierre and once-treasurer Woody Phillips, they face the potential of bankruptcy as the jury found they collectively owe upwards of $6 million to the members they stole from.\n\nPlus, lawyer Anna Barvir-Boone explains why a new step in the California gun case she's working on could signal a change of course for the Ninth Circuit. There's reason to think gun-rights cases could face less onerous legal fights on appeal in the future in the nation's most liberal circuit.Special Guest: Anna Barvir-Boone.","content_html":"On this week's episode, we dive into the details of the verdict in the NRA's corruption case.
\n\nAs Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss, the top-line takeaways are not good for the gun-rights group's current and former leadership. The jury determined the NRA failed to properly safeguard its charitable assets or protect numerous whistle-blowers. It also found Wayne LaPierre diverted millions of dollars worth of NRA funds toward his personal expenses, which he will likely be forced to pay back.
\n\nThe ruling leaves the nation's largest gun group facing down the potential that Judge Joel Cohen could appoint financial and compliance overseers. That could wipe out the leadership that's taken the NRA down this road in the first place. For the former leaders, such as LaPierre and once-treasurer Woody Phillips, they face the potential of bankruptcy as the jury found they collectively owe upwards of $6 million to the members they stole from.
\n\nPlus, lawyer Anna Barvir-Boone explains why a new step in the California gun case she's working on could signal a change of course for the Ninth Circuit. There's reason to think gun-rights cases could face less onerous legal fights on appeal in the future in the nation's most liberal circuit.
Special Guest: Anna Barvir-Boone.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Reload Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman discuss the unprecedented verdict in the NRA's civil trial.","date_published":"2024-02-26T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/99c8a6f6-78f2-4d2c-9db5-115e2d47ce4a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73990551,"duration_in_seconds":4609}]},{"id":"4bf6aaa3-522c-49e6-845e-7e54d2f1b6ef","title":"The View From the Courtroom as the NRA Corruption Trial Ends","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-view-from-the-courtroom-as-the-nra-corruption-trial-ends","content_text":"This week, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman interviews me about what it was like in the courtroom as New York's civil trial against the NRA and its leaders reached closing arguments.\n\nThanks to the support of Reload Members, I've been able to cover much of the case from inside the Manhattan court where it's happening. This is vital because there is no live stream of the proceedings and the transcripts aren't made available until well after the events of the day, if at all. So, spending the resources to be up there is vital to understanding what is actually happening in a case that will affect the future of the nation's largest gun-rights group, which has received only modest coverage from major media outlets.\n\nJake asked me about how the closing arguments went. I did my best to summarize what the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, the group's top lawyer, and its former treasurer put up as their defense. And how the office of Attorney General Letitia James tried to rebut those arguments.\n\nI did my best to explain, but the answer went on for a while, and I wasn't able to hit every point. I probably could have talked for another several hours on how the case unfolded over the course of six weeks or even just the closing arguments, which went on for eight hours.\n\nJake also asked me to predict the outcome of the case based on everything I saw in court. I don't think it's possible to predict exactly how the jury will rule on the many, many questions they have to resolve. But I did think significant parts of the jury instructions make an overall win for the NRA, LaPierre, and others very difficult to imagine.\n\nAfter going over my time at the NRA trial, we discussed my on-the-ground experience during Donald Trump's speech at the Great American Outdoor Show. The rally took place in Pennsylvania, a key state in what's looking like an inevitable rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden. But it wasn't as newsworthy as I'd expected it to be since the NRA didn't actually announce its endorsement of Trump.\n\nInstead, it was much more akin to a normal Trump rally. Trump made some specific promises about gun policy, but none of them were new. \n\nThe lack of an endorsement felt especially odd since the political speech was a new component of the event, and no other politician was invited, including Trump's remaining Republican opponent, Nikki Haley. And the speech was run like a rally, with the NRA repeatedly heaping praise on Trump and calling for him to be president again.\n\nThe rally also featured moments where the crowd was encouraged to yell their shared disdain at the media in the room in what has been a staple of Trump rallies for years but which also fell more ominous after the events of January 6th. The crowd was energetic at points, cheering and laughing at Trump's now-familiar routine. But they also quieted down through long stretches of his stream-of-consciousness asides and the venue that started nearly full of Trump supporters was about half empty by the time he wrapped up an hour and 15 minutes after he'd arrived.\n\nPlus, I interviewed Jake about what happened to the rebranded effort to ban AR-15s and other guns in New Mexico.","content_html":"This week, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman interviews me about what it was like in the courtroom as New York's civil trial against the NRA and its leaders reached closing arguments.
\n\nThanks to the support of Reload Members, I've been able to cover much of the case from inside the Manhattan court where it's happening. This is vital because there is no live stream of the proceedings and the transcripts aren't made available until well after the events of the day, if at all. So, spending the resources to be up there is vital to understanding what is actually happening in a case that will affect the future of the nation's largest gun-rights group, which has received only modest coverage from major media outlets.
\n\nJake asked me about how the closing arguments went. I did my best to summarize what the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, the group's top lawyer, and its former treasurer put up as their defense. And how the office of Attorney General Letitia James tried to rebut those arguments.
\n\nI did my best to explain, but the answer went on for a while, and I wasn't able to hit every point. I probably could have talked for another several hours on how the case unfolded over the course of six weeks or even just the closing arguments, which went on for eight hours.
\n\nJake also asked me to predict the outcome of the case based on everything I saw in court. I don't think it's possible to predict exactly how the jury will rule on the many, many questions they have to resolve. But I did think significant parts of the jury instructions make an overall win for the NRA, LaPierre, and others very difficult to imagine.
\n\nAfter going over my time at the NRA trial, we discussed my on-the-ground experience during Donald Trump's speech at the Great American Outdoor Show. The rally took place in Pennsylvania, a key state in what's looking like an inevitable rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden. But it wasn't as newsworthy as I'd expected it to be since the NRA didn't actually announce its endorsement of Trump.
\n\nInstead, it was much more akin to a normal Trump rally. Trump made some specific promises about gun policy, but none of them were new.
\n\nThe lack of an endorsement felt especially odd since the political speech was a new component of the event, and no other politician was invited, including Trump's remaining Republican opponent, Nikki Haley. And the speech was run like a rally, with the NRA repeatedly heaping praise on Trump and calling for him to be president again.
\n\nThe rally also featured moments where the crowd was encouraged to yell their shared disdain at the media in the room in what has been a staple of Trump rallies for years but which also fell more ominous after the events of January 6th. The crowd was energetic at points, cheering and laughing at Trump's now-familiar routine. But they also quieted down through long stretches of his stream-of-consciousness asides and the venue that started nearly full of Trump supporters was about half empty by the time he wrapped up an hour and 15 minutes after he'd arrived.
\n\nPlus, I interviewed Jake about what happened to the rebranded effort to ban AR-15s and other guns in New Mexico.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman talk about the former's on-the-ground coverage of the New York civil trial against the NRA.","date_published":"2024-02-19T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4bf6aaa3-522c-49e6-845e-7e54d2f1b6ef.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":77020332,"duration_in_seconds":4798}]},{"id":"fa1e8fac-c7b5-401e-bb01-b6f25ab6b69b","title":"Non-Profit Law Professor James Fishman on the NRA's Corruption Trial","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/non-profit-law-professor-james-fishman-on-the-nra-s-corruption-trial","content_text":"This week, we're looking ahead to the end of the NRA's corruption trial that's set to arrive on Friday.\n\nTo better understand exactly what's at stake in the case, I've brought on an expert in not just non-profit law but New York non-profit law. Pace University Law Professor James Fishman, who has written extensively on the subject, joins the show to give us some expert insight into the facts of the case and the potential outcomes. He provides an overview of what to expect once the case ends.\n\nFishman argued the admitted misappropriation of funds by current and former NRA leadership, especially former CEO Wayne LaPierre, put the group in serious legal jeopardy. He also dismissed many of the arguments the group and its leadership have used in the case thus far.\n\nHe painted a dim picture of the group's chances for success in the case.\n\nFishman did admit New York Attorney General Letitia James (D.) erred when describing the NRA as a \"terrorist organization\" during her campaign. But he explained the NRA's repeated attempts to use her comments as a defense in the case failed because the AG built her case around provable instances of corruption and misappropriation of funds that have left the NRA in dire straights. He argued those facts would weigh more on the judge and jury than the AG's rhetoric.\n\nAs for the likely outcome, Fishman said the NRA will likely end up with a court-appointed overseer in charge of vetting its financial decisions. He said the overseer could also force reform on the group's 76-member board and its opaque bylaws.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Hawaiian Supreme Court ruling putting the \"Spirit of Aloha\" above gun rights.Special Guest: James Fishman.","content_html":"This week, we're looking ahead to the end of the NRA's corruption trial that's set to arrive on Friday.
\n\nTo better understand exactly what's at stake in the case, I've brought on an expert in not just non-profit law but New York non-profit law. Pace University Law Professor James Fishman, who has written extensively on the subject, joins the show to give us some expert insight into the facts of the case and the potential outcomes. He provides an overview of what to expect once the case ends.
\n\nFishman argued the admitted misappropriation of funds by current and former NRA leadership, especially former CEO Wayne LaPierre, put the group in serious legal jeopardy. He also dismissed many of the arguments the group and its leadership have used in the case thus far.
\n\nHe painted a dim picture of the group's chances for success in the case.
\n\nFishman did admit New York Attorney General Letitia James (D.) erred when describing the NRA as a "terrorist organization" during her campaign. But he explained the NRA's repeated attempts to use her comments as a defense in the case failed because the AG built her case around provable instances of corruption and misappropriation of funds that have left the NRA in dire straights. He argued those facts would weigh more on the judge and jury than the AG's rhetoric.
\n\nAs for the likely outcome, Fishman said the NRA will likely end up with a court-appointed overseer in charge of vetting its financial decisions. He said the overseer could also force reform on the group's 76-member board and its opaque bylaws.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Hawaiian Supreme Court ruling putting the "Spirit of Aloha" above gun rights.
Special Guest: James Fishman.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski interviews James Fishman about how the NRA's civil trial in New York is going and where it will end up.","date_published":"2024-02-12T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/fa1e8fac-c7b5-401e-bb01-b6f25ab6b69b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76327446,"duration_in_seconds":4749}]},{"id":"b07b7746-398a-4f3c-9ee4-13e8ae93f484","title":"An Interview With a Gun Voter Unsatisfied With His Options","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/an-interview-with-a-gun-voter-unsatisfied-with-his-options","content_text":"This week, we're changing pace a little bit.\n\nWe tend to interview subject matter experts on whatever the biggest story of the week is. But with the election in full swing, I want to make sure we're paying attention to that. And I think it's especially important to take a look at those gun owners who don't necessarily fit into traditional partisan boxes, especially since that group appears to have grown over the past several years.\n\nThat's why when I saw a short but interesting profile of Ben Beauchemin in a New York Times report during the lead-up to the New Hampshire primary, I thought it would be good to interview him. Luckily, he agreed to come on. \n\nBen owns a gun shop and custom AR-building business in New Hampshire, which might seem like a pretty easy indicator of his politics. But his beliefs don't necessarily line up perfectly with either party. And he's grown increasingly disillusioned with the political choices they offer up.\n\nHe said it would be difficult for him to vote for President Joe Biden because of his pursuit of new gun restrictions. But he'd also have trouble voting for former president Donald Trump for a myriad of other reasons. And he isn't sold on former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley either.\n\nBen also said he's been unhappy with the gun-rights movement in recent years. And he gave his view of how the industry has handled the shift toward gun owners with different backgrounds and beliefs, like himself.\n\nPlus, I give my firsthand report of what it was like inside the NRA's corruption trial up in New York City this week.","content_html":"This week, we're changing pace a little bit.
\n\nWe tend to interview subject matter experts on whatever the biggest story of the week is. But with the election in full swing, I want to make sure we're paying attention to that. And I think it's especially important to take a look at those gun owners who don't necessarily fit into traditional partisan boxes, especially since that group appears to have grown over the past several years.
\n\nThat's why when I saw a short but interesting profile of Ben Beauchemin in a New York Times report during the lead-up to the New Hampshire primary, I thought it would be good to interview him. Luckily, he agreed to come on.
\n\nBen owns a gun shop and custom AR-building business in New Hampshire, which might seem like a pretty easy indicator of his politics. But his beliefs don't necessarily line up perfectly with either party. And he's grown increasingly disillusioned with the political choices they offer up.
\n\nHe said it would be difficult for him to vote for President Joe Biden because of his pursuit of new gun restrictions. But he'd also have trouble voting for former president Donald Trump for a myriad of other reasons. And he isn't sold on former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley either.
\n\nBen also said he's been unhappy with the gun-rights movement in recent years. And he gave his view of how the industry has handled the shift toward gun owners with different backgrounds and beliefs, like himself.
\n\nPlus, I give my firsthand report of what it was like inside the NRA's corruption trial up in New York City this week.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ben Beauchemin of Wicked Weaponry talk about the latter's view of the presidential race as somebody unhappy with both parties.","date_published":"2024-02-05T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/b07b7746-398a-4f3c-9ee4-13e8ae93f484.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":89537947,"duration_in_seconds":5576}]},{"id":"156672c4-1526-4c74-ba6a-8a818d47a98a","title":"Former NRA News Host Cam Edwards on the Gun Group's Corruption Trial","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/former-nra-news-host-cam-edwards-on-the-gun-group-s-corruption-trial","content_text":"The NRA's corruption trial carried on last week with Wayne LaPierre taking the stand for the first time. So, I invited one of the best gunwriters in the country on the show to talk about it.\n\nCam Edwards is not only the editor of Bearing Arms, but he's a former NRA News and NRATV host. That means he worked for Ackerman McQueen, which is the contractor at the center of the NRA corruption allegations. That gave him some special insight into how the relationship between the two sides.\n\nCam was willing to be very candid about what he saw during his years at the organization. He said sometimes there were signs of outrageous spending, but he said those in the lower levels of each side didn't know about the kind of mismanagement LaPierre and others had admitted to in court.\n\nHe decried the way high-level executives wasted NRA money on their own personal expenses. He pointed to former NRA CFO Woody Philips using the group's funds to commute from Texas to Virginia. He said he would often forgo reimbursement for legitimate business expenses when working on behalf of the NRA and never dreamed of using NRA funds for his commute after he moved several hours from the office he broadcast from.\n\nCam said he knew many Ackerman and NRA employees who were as reserved in their expense accounting as he was because they believed in the group's mission. He said they also understood that the bulk of the NRA's money came from regular members giving money that was often a not insignificant part of their family budgets.\n\nHe argued the corruption that ran rampant at the NRA was unacceptable and things need to change. But he also said the NRA is one of the most important institutions in the gun-rights movement and needs to be saved.\n\nPlus, I talk about my time at SHOT Show with Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and the effect of the Biden Administration's pause on gun exports.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"The NRA's corruption trial carried on last week with Wayne LaPierre taking the stand for the first time. So, I invited one of the best gunwriters in the country on the show to talk about it.
\n\nCam Edwards is not only the editor of Bearing Arms, but he's a former NRA News and NRATV host. That means he worked for Ackerman McQueen, which is the contractor at the center of the NRA corruption allegations. That gave him some special insight into how the relationship between the two sides.
\n\nCam was willing to be very candid about what he saw during his years at the organization. He said sometimes there were signs of outrageous spending, but he said those in the lower levels of each side didn't know about the kind of mismanagement LaPierre and others had admitted to in court.
\n\nHe decried the way high-level executives wasted NRA money on their own personal expenses. He pointed to former NRA CFO Woody Philips using the group's funds to commute from Texas to Virginia. He said he would often forgo reimbursement for legitimate business expenses when working on behalf of the NRA and never dreamed of using NRA funds for his commute after he moved several hours from the office he broadcast from.
\n\nCam said he knew many Ackerman and NRA employees who were as reserved in their expense accounting as he was because they believed in the group's mission. He said they also understood that the bulk of the NRA's money came from regular members giving money that was often a not insignificant part of their family budgets.
\n\nHe argued the corruption that ran rampant at the NRA was unacceptable and things need to change. But he also said the NRA is one of the most important institutions in the gun-rights movement and needs to be saved.
\n\nPlus, I talk about my time at SHOT Show with Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and the effect of the Biden Administration's pause on gun exports.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss Cam's time at the NRA's largest contractor and their corruption lawsuit.","date_published":"2024-01-29T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/156672c4-1526-4c74-ba6a-8a818d47a98a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":82740469,"duration_in_seconds":5150}]},{"id":"970ea2ee-01f0-4c77-9ce3-ed5951bc3bc3","title":"Mark W. Smith on the Game Being Played With the Maryland AR-15 Ban Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/mark-w-smith-on-the-game-being-played-with-the-maryland-ar-15-ban-case","content_text":"This week, we are discussing a number of legal developments. So, we've got one of the preeminent pro-gun legal minds on the show.\n\nMark W. Smith, host of the Four Boxes Diner and member of the Supreme Court bar, joins me to talk about some complicated but fascinating cases. First and foremost, Smith explains why the case against Maryland's \"assault weapons\" ban has been moved on to be heard before the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals without the lower court panel that already held arguments issuing any decision. Smith predicted that might happen.\n\nHe said it was done to try and delay the case further. He argued the intent was to keep the Supreme Court from getting ahold of the case and potentially overturning the ban. Smith said that tactic was becoming more common among liberal-leaning courts in the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark Bruen decision.\n\nBut he also explained the Court may take up an AR ban case sooner than later anyway. He said it doesn't even necessarily need a circuit split, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon, to weigh in on the case.\n\nSmith also weighed in on the Department of Justice's surprising brief in the NRA's First Amendment case at the Supreme Court. Plus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how a board member's letter brought the NRA's internal turmoil back out into the open.Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.","content_html":"This week, we are discussing a number of legal developments. So, we've got one of the preeminent pro-gun legal minds on the show.
\n\nMark W. Smith, host of the Four Boxes Diner and member of the Supreme Court bar, joins me to talk about some complicated but fascinating cases. First and foremost, Smith explains why the case against Maryland's "assault weapons" ban has been moved on to be heard before the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals without the lower court panel that already held arguments issuing any decision. Smith predicted that might happen.
\n\nHe said it was done to try and delay the case further. He argued the intent was to keep the Supreme Court from getting ahold of the case and potentially overturning the ban. Smith said that tactic was becoming more common among liberal-leaning courts in the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark Bruen decision.
\n\nBut he also explained the Court may take up an AR ban case sooner than later anyway. He said it doesn't even necessarily need a circuit split, which is unlikely to happen anytime soon, to weigh in on the case.
\n\nSmith also weighed in on the Department of Justice's surprising brief in the NRA's First Amendment case at the Supreme Court. Plus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how a board member's letter brought the NRA's internal turmoil back out into the open.
Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Stephen Gutowski discuss why the Maryland 'assault weapons\" ban case was moved to the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.","date_published":"2024-01-22T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/970ea2ee-01f0-4c77-9ce3-ed5951bc3bc3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73329851,"duration_in_seconds":4562}]},{"id":"b9247bb4-e807-46ca-b219-cc127dfdd45b","title":"Former NRA Board Member on His Testimony in the Corruption Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/former-nra-board-member-on-his-testimony-in-the-corruption-case","content_text":"The National Rifle Association's corruption trial in New York began this week, and we have the first witness called in the case on the show with us.\n\nRocky Marshall is a former NRA board member and the first to receive votes for executive vice president against Wayne LaPierre in decades. He has also been a vocal critic of LaPierre, other key members of leadership, and outside counsel Bill Brewer. He blames their mismanagement and misconduct for the NRA's current downward spiral.\n\nMarshall laid out the questions he was asked during his testimony. The questions were wide-ranging, and he was on the stand for over an hour. He explained his view of where the prosecution is going as well as where the NRA's defense is headed.\n\nHe also talked about his decision to run for the board again. He's qualified for the ballot alongside three other reform candidates. Marshall said people are underestimating how important the NRA is to the gun-rights movement and argued it's still possible to fix things from the inside.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the whiplash Californians must feel as gun carry was made lawful again by a federal court ruling.Special Guest: Rocky Marshall.","content_html":"The National Rifle Association's corruption trial in New York began this week, and we have the first witness called in the case on the show with us.
\n\nRocky Marshall is a former NRA board member and the first to receive votes for executive vice president against Wayne LaPierre in decades. He has also been a vocal critic of LaPierre, other key members of leadership, and outside counsel Bill Brewer. He blames their mismanagement and misconduct for the NRA's current downward spiral.
\n\nMarshall laid out the questions he was asked during his testimony. The questions were wide-ranging, and he was on the stand for over an hour. He explained his view of where the prosecution is going as well as where the NRA's defense is headed.
\n\nHe also talked about his decision to run for the board again. He's qualified for the ballot alongside three other reform candidates. Marshall said people are underestimating how important the NRA is to the gun-rights movement and argued it's still possible to fix things from the inside.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the whiplash Californians must feel as gun carry was made lawful again by a federal court ruling.
Special Guest: Rocky Marshall.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Rocky Marshall discuss the later's testimony in the New York trial against NRA leadership.","date_published":"2024-01-15T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/b9247bb4-e807-46ca-b219-cc127dfdd45b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":80665880,"duration_in_seconds":5012}]},{"id":"35286e9a-32b0-44e9-adf3-5b6acc7e6915","title":"Gun Law Professor On Why Firearms Restrictions Are Still Hard to Fight","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gun-law-professor-on-why-firearms-restrictions-are-still-hard-to-fight","content_text":"This week, we're discussing some of the incongruities that make it so difficult for gun-rights advocates to beat new gun restrictions even after the Supreme Court's Bruen ruling.\n\nTo do that, I got a leading Second Amendment scholar to join the show. Robert Leider, an associate professor at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law, explains why even broad gun restrictions continue to make it into law, and challenges have been less successful than many might have expected. He lays out the \"asymmetry of legal liability\" at the center of the dynamic.\n\nLeider argues lawmakers, like the ones behind California's expansive new \"gun-free\" zones, are engaging in what he calls \"loopholing.\" He said they are attempting to disregard the Supreme Court's purpose in Bruen by finding ways to create the same effect as the laws it declared unconstitutional by using slightly different tactics. He argued there are some ways to address this beyond normal challenges, such as removing qualified immunity protections for those enforcing the new laws.\n\nBut he also said gun-rights advocates are relying too much on court action in their push against new restrictions. Enforcement of California's new law has been barred again since we recorded the show, but Leider argued the outcome of the fight over the preliminary injunction is not nearly as important as people make it out to be.\n\nPlus, I explain the implications of Wayne LaPierre stepping down as head of the NRA.Special Guest: Robert Leider.","content_html":"This week, we're discussing some of the incongruities that make it so difficult for gun-rights advocates to beat new gun restrictions even after the Supreme Court's Bruen ruling.
\n\nTo do that, I got a leading Second Amendment scholar to join the show. Robert Leider, an associate professor at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia School of Law, explains why even broad gun restrictions continue to make it into law, and challenges have been less successful than many might have expected. He lays out the "asymmetry of legal liability" at the center of the dynamic.
\n\nLeider argues lawmakers, like the ones behind California's expansive new "gun-free" zones, are engaging in what he calls "loopholing." He said they are attempting to disregard the Supreme Court's purpose in Bruen by finding ways to create the same effect as the laws it declared unconstitutional by using slightly different tactics. He argued there are some ways to address this beyond normal challenges, such as removing qualified immunity protections for those enforcing the new laws.
\n\nBut he also said gun-rights advocates are relying too much on court action in their push against new restrictions. Enforcement of California's new law has been barred again since we recorded the show, but Leider argued the outcome of the fight over the preliminary injunction is not nearly as important as people make it out to be.
\n\nPlus, I explain the implications of Wayne LaPierre stepping down as head of the NRA.
Special Guest: Robert Leider.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Robert Leider talk about the difficulties facing gun-rights plaintiffs.","date_published":"2024-01-08T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/35286e9a-32b0-44e9-adf3-5b6acc7e6915.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":95822260,"duration_in_seconds":3984}]},{"id":"8b2d9755-ec30-4a61-8d00-9c9aedf61c5a","title":"Gun-Rights Lawyer Explains Recent Win Against California's New Carry Restrictions","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gun-rights-lawyer-explains-recent-win-against-california-s-new-carry-restrictions","content_text":"This week, we're looking at a federal judge's ruling against the Golden State's latest \"gun-free zones.\"\n\nSo, we've got one of the lawyers who won the case on to explain it. Kostas Moros, who represented the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA), joins the show to recount his arguments and the judge's decision.\n\nThe decision was a total victory for Moros and the plaintiffs. The judge enjoined all of the challenged sensitive places restrictions. He even went a bit beyond what the plaintiffs asked for and struck down the parking lot ban associated with many of those places.\n\nMoros argues the judge, in contrast with an opposing decision out of the Second Circuit on a similar New York law, used the proper analysis when approaching the question of where guns can be banned by default. He said many of the locations existed at the time of the Founding but had no such bans. Under the Supreme Court's Bruen decision, he said that means the modern regulation can't stand.\n\nThe judge didn't stay his order. However, the day after we recorded the podcast, an appeals panel did. So, California's law will go into effect on January 1st as the case against it continues to unfold. But Moros said he and CRPA will keep fighting it as long as necessary to win.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss our exclusive story on how Hawaiians are effectively barred from buying guns for the next few weeks.Special Guest: Kostas Moros.","content_html":"This week, we're looking at a federal judge's ruling against the Golden State's latest "gun-free zones."
\n\nSo, we've got one of the lawyers who won the case on to explain it. Kostas Moros, who represented the California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA), joins the show to recount his arguments and the judge's decision.
\n\nThe decision was a total victory for Moros and the plaintiffs. The judge enjoined all of the challenged sensitive places restrictions. He even went a bit beyond what the plaintiffs asked for and struck down the parking lot ban associated with many of those places.
\n\nMoros argues the judge, in contrast with an opposing decision out of the Second Circuit on a similar New York law, used the proper analysis when approaching the question of where guns can be banned by default. He said many of the locations existed at the time of the Founding but had no such bans. Under the Supreme Court's Bruen decision, he said that means the modern regulation can't stand.
\n\nThe judge didn't stay his order. However, the day after we recorded the podcast, an appeals panel did. So, California's law will go into effect on January 1st as the case against it continues to unfold. But Moros said he and CRPA will keep fighting it as long as necessary to win.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss our exclusive story on how Hawaiians are effectively barred from buying guns for the next few weeks.
Special Guest: Kostas Moros.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Kostas Moros discuss the latter's win in May v. Bonta.","date_published":"2024-01-01T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8b2d9755-ec30-4a61-8d00-9c9aedf61c5a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":68502486,"duration_in_seconds":4264}]},{"id":"de481e6a-b905-42e8-b842-ffcbf38be1e6","title":"A Candid Conversation on Gun Suicide With The Trace's Mike Spies","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/a-candid-conversation-on-gun-suicide-with-the-trace-s-mike-spies","content_text":"This week's episode is a bit different than normal.\n\nI'm speaking with Mike Spies from The Trace about his latest article. But, unlike a regular episode, this story impacts me personally. The subject of Mike's piece was Bob Owens.\n\nBob was a gun-rights writer, but, more importantly, he was also a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, like many other Americans, Bob took his life several years ago.\n\nMike agreed to come on the podcast to talk about Bob and gun suicide. It was honestly a difficult conversation to have. But I think we were able to be frank, and I believe it was constructive.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the leaked document we published showing the Biden Admin's plan to curtail gun exports.Special Guest: Mike Spies.","content_html":"This week's episode is a bit different than normal.
\n\nI'm speaking with Mike Spies from The Trace about his latest article. But, unlike a regular episode, this story impacts me personally. The subject of Mike's piece was Bob Owens.
\n\nBob was a gun-rights writer, but, more importantly, he was also a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, like many other Americans, Bob took his life several years ago.
\n\nMike agreed to come on the podcast to talk about Bob and gun suicide. It was honestly a difficult conversation to have. But I think we were able to be frank, and I believe it was constructive.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the leaked document we published showing the Biden Admin's plan to curtail gun exports.
Special Guest: Mike Spies.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Mike Spies discuss the later's recent story on gun suicide.","date_published":"2023-12-26T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/de481e6a-b905-42e8-b842-ffcbf38be1e6.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73115722,"duration_in_seconds":4553}]},{"id":"fa869a4f-0b39-4b84-b362-43bd5926b66f","title":"The Problem With Chaos Spiking Gun Sales (Ft. Discourse Magazine's David Masci)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-problem-with-chaos-spiking-gun-sales-ft-discourse-magazine-s-david-masci","content_text":"This week, we're taking a look at record gun sales from a different point of view.\n\nThe spike in new gun owners seen from 2020 through 2022 is one we've spent a lot of time examining because it's very likely to have a significant impact on American society, culture, and politics. Gun owners generally see the addition of millions more Americans to their ranks as a positive thing, even while understanding uncertainty is what likely drove many of them to the store.\n\nBut Discourse Magazine editor David Masci wrote a piece recently noting the straightforward problem of high gun sales in an era where sales have come to serve as a kind of chaos meter. He joins the show to discuss the concerning idea that more people are buying guns because more people are feeling insecure in America. He argued that even if you believe in gun rights, as he does, that trend should be worrying.\n\nWe have a discussion about this particular implication of the recent shift in gun culture from a hunting-first mindset to a self-defense one. And we talk about the overarching factors that have led American society to this point, both good and bad.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I examine the Supreme Court's recent refusal to grant emergency relief to gun-rights plaintiffs.Special Guest: David Masci.","content_html":"This week, we're taking a look at record gun sales from a different point of view.
\n\nThe spike in new gun owners seen from 2020 through 2022 is one we've spent a lot of time examining because it's very likely to have a significant impact on American society, culture, and politics. Gun owners generally see the addition of millions more Americans to their ranks as a positive thing, even while understanding uncertainty is what likely drove many of them to the store.
\n\nBut Discourse Magazine editor David Masci wrote a piece recently noting the straightforward problem of high gun sales in an era where sales have come to serve as a kind of chaos meter. He joins the show to discuss the concerning idea that more people are buying guns because more people are feeling insecure in America. He argued that even if you believe in gun rights, as he does, that trend should be worrying.
\n\nWe have a discussion about this particular implication of the recent shift in gun culture from a hunting-first mindset to a self-defense one. And we talk about the overarching factors that have led American society to this point, both good and bad.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I examine the Supreme Court's recent refusal to grant emergency relief to gun-rights plaintiffs.
Special Guest: David Masci.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest David Masci discuss the problem with gun sales spiking due to societal chaos.","date_published":"2023-12-18T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/fa869a4f-0b39-4b84-b362-43bd5926b66f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":80347882,"duration_in_seconds":5003}]},{"id":"b1b9541c-e1d6-4782-ac55-f00191ae0aa5","title":"NBC Pollster Unpacks Gun Ownership Spike, Political Implications","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nbc-pollster-unpacks-gun-ownership-spike-political-implications","content_text":"NBC News recently released one of the most impactful polls on gun ownership in America. So, it's time to take a deep dive into what it tells us.\n\nWho better to do that with than one of the analysts who actually conducted the poll? That's why we have Micah Roberts of Public Opinion Strategies on the show this week. He and his company run surveys for NBC, CNBC, and a number of political operations.\n\nHe said the biggest takeaway from the latest NBC poll on guns was the substantial spike in ownership, especially among Democrats and suburban voters. He noted gun ownership has increased ten points in just ten years, which he argued is highly unusual because gun ownership is a trait that tends not to swing much over time. He also pointed out the remarkable 17-point increase in gun ownership among Black Americans.\n\nRoberts explained how the poll found, like many others before it, that gun ownership has a significant effect on how people view gun control. Gun owners, as you might expect, are less likely to support new gun restrictions. So, the influx of new gun owners could shape the nation's gun politics.\n\nHowever, he also identified a surprising trend. Democrats have seen the greatest increase in gun ownership since the poll started. But they've also seen the greatest increase in concern the government won't do enough to restrict access to guns. He said there is still an identifiable difference in how Democrats view guns based on whether they own one, but partisanship appears to have a greater effect on those views.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the failed Senate \"assault weapons\" ban vote.Special Guest: Micah Roberts.","content_html":"NBC News recently released one of the most impactful polls on gun ownership in America. So, it's time to take a deep dive into what it tells us.
\n\nWho better to do that with than one of the analysts who actually conducted the poll? That's why we have Micah Roberts of Public Opinion Strategies on the show this week. He and his company run surveys for NBC, CNBC, and a number of political operations.
\n\nHe said the biggest takeaway from the latest NBC poll on guns was the substantial spike in ownership, especially among Democrats and suburban voters. He noted gun ownership has increased ten points in just ten years, which he argued is highly unusual because gun ownership is a trait that tends not to swing much over time. He also pointed out the remarkable 17-point increase in gun ownership among Black Americans.
\n\nRoberts explained how the poll found, like many others before it, that gun ownership has a significant effect on how people view gun control. Gun owners, as you might expect, are less likely to support new gun restrictions. So, the influx of new gun owners could shape the nation's gun politics.
\n\nHowever, he also identified a surprising trend. Democrats have seen the greatest increase in gun ownership since the poll started. But they've also seen the greatest increase in concern the government won't do enough to restrict access to guns. He said there is still an identifiable difference in how Democrats view guns based on whether they own one, but partisanship appears to have a greater effect on those views.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the failed Senate "assault weapons" ban vote.
Special Guest: Micah Roberts.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Micah Roberts examine the recent NBC poll that found a huge jump in gun ownership among American voters.","date_published":"2023-12-11T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/b1b9541c-e1d6-4782-ac55-f00191ae0aa5.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":83641326,"duration_in_seconds":5204}]},{"id":"c953a5e0-74f1-4eec-9324-40fa2fd2567e","title":"Maryland Gun-Rights Leader on Series of Recent Court Victories","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/maryland-gun-rights-leader-on-series-of-recent-court-victories","content_text":"We're back after our Thanksgiving break, and we've got some big news out of Maryland.\n\nNot only was the state's pistol purchase law ruled unconstitutional, but the gun-carry restrictions imposed by the state's largest county were blocked too. Mark Pennak was at the center of both cases, which is why we've got him on the show this week. He's the president of Maryland Shall Issue and its lead litigator as well.\n\nHe outlined the gun-rights group's arguments in both cases and how the two judges came down on them. He said the state didn't have the historical backing needed to justify their handgun restrictions, and Montgomery County effectively admitted in court they were trying to outright ban gun carry. But he said his group is ready to fight on in case either appeal the decisions.\n\nHe also responded to a question raised in the dissent in the handgun case. He unpacked the idea that pistol purchase permits should be allowed to stand if they work like gun-carry permits work. He argued that's not the right message to take away from Bruen or its concurrences.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I dissect the new attempt to rebrand AR-15 bans in the Senate.Special Guest: Mark Pennak.","content_html":"We're back after our Thanksgiving break, and we've got some big news out of Maryland.
\n\nNot only was the state's pistol purchase law ruled unconstitutional, but the gun-carry restrictions imposed by the state's largest county were blocked too. Mark Pennak was at the center of both cases, which is why we've got him on the show this week. He's the president of Maryland Shall Issue and its lead litigator as well.
\n\nHe outlined the gun-rights group's arguments in both cases and how the two judges came down on them. He said the state didn't have the historical backing needed to justify their handgun restrictions, and Montgomery County effectively admitted in court they were trying to outright ban gun carry. But he said his group is ready to fight on in case either appeal the decisions.
\n\nHe also responded to a question raised in the dissent in the handgun case. He unpacked the idea that pistol purchase permits should be allowed to stand if they work like gun-carry permits work. He argued that's not the right message to take away from Bruen or its concurrences.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I dissect the new attempt to rebrand AR-15 bans in the Senate.
Special Guest: Mark Pennak.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Mark Pennak discuss two recent court wins for Maryland Shall Issue.","date_published":"2023-12-04T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/c953a5e0-74f1-4eec-9324-40fa2fd2567e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":71230123,"duration_in_seconds":4432}]},{"id":"05f91fff-53b3-47fa-bcde-76d36779a7d7","title":"Critiquing the Washington Post's Graphic Mass Shooting Pictures (ft. Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/critiquing-the-washington-posts-graphic-mass-shooting-pictures-ft-bearing-arms-cam-edwards","content_text":"This week, we're discussing The Washington Post's controversial decision to publish graphic images from certain mass killings.\n\nThat's why I reached out to Cam Edwards, editor of Bearing Arms and longtime newsman, to give his opinion on the story and discuss mine as well. Cam recently interviewed Parkland father Ryan Petty about The Post's decision and how some families have reacted to it. He said Petty and several other families were disturbed by The Post publishing the images, especially since not everyone affected was directly contacted by the paper.\n\nCam argued that The Post's decision to selectively publish only pictures from mass shootings that featured AR-15s made the effort transparently political. We discussed how pictures from other mass killings are almost certainly equally disturbing. But The Post singled out AR-15s as part of a clear effort to get those particular guns banned, something that was underlined by an editorial published alongside the pictures.\n\nCam said he didn't view The Post's efforts as journalism. Instead, he argued the paper was engaged in direct activism.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the strange reasoning a federal judge used to uphold Colorado's gun waiting period.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"This week, we're discussing The Washington Post's controversial decision to publish graphic images from certain mass killings.
\n\nThat's why I reached out to Cam Edwards, editor of Bearing Arms and longtime newsman, to give his opinion on the story and discuss mine as well. Cam recently interviewed Parkland father Ryan Petty about The Post's decision and how some families have reacted to it. He said Petty and several other families were disturbed by The Post publishing the images, especially since not everyone affected was directly contacted by the paper.
\n\nCam argued that The Post's decision to selectively publish only pictures from mass shootings that featured AR-15s made the effort transparently political. We discussed how pictures from other mass killings are almost certainly equally disturbing. But The Post singled out AR-15s as part of a clear effort to get those particular guns banned, something that was underlined by an editorial published alongside the pictures.
\n\nCam said he didn't view The Post's efforts as journalism. Instead, he argued the paper was engaged in direct activism.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the strange reasoning a federal judge used to uphold Colorado's gun waiting period.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss The Washington Post publishing graphic photos from certain mass shootings.","date_published":"2023-11-20T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/05f91fff-53b3-47fa-bcde-76d36779a7d7.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67928507,"duration_in_seconds":4214}]},{"id":"f3294473-a428-44e5-b1fb-591e54cdf5b3","title":"Gun Scholar David Kopel Explains SCOTUS Oral Arguments in Second Amendment Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gun-scholar-david-kopel-explains-scotus-oral-arguments-in-second-amendment-case","content_text":"The Supreme Court just finished oral arguments in its latest Second Amendment case. So, this week on the show, we've got scholar David Kopel with us to give his perspective on the arguments made and the questions asked by the Justices in United States v. Rahimi.\n\nKopel was on the show about a month ago describing his brief in the case. And the issue in that brief came up in oral arguments. Kopel reacts to the discussion around the more problematic section of the federal law that bars those subject to domestic violence restraining orders from owning guns.\n\nHe also gave his view on the government retreating from the idea that anyone who isn't \"law-abiding\" or \"responsible\" can be disarmed. Kopel said that retreat was significant and could have implications for other Second Amendment cases coming down the line. At the same time, he said Rahimi's lawyer had to make his own retreats and the Justices seemed unsympathetic to his overarching argument.\n\nKopel predicted the Court would probably release its ruling before the summer and he expected it would uphold the ban. But he said the details of the ruling are harder to predict.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the massive upswing in Israeli civilian gun ownership after the October 7th attacks.Special Guest: David Kopel.","content_html":"The Supreme Court just finished oral arguments in its latest Second Amendment case. So, this week on the show, we've got scholar David Kopel with us to give his perspective on the arguments made and the questions asked by the Justices in United States v. Rahimi.
\n\nKopel was on the show about a month ago describing his brief in the case. And the issue in that brief came up in oral arguments. Kopel reacts to the discussion around the more problematic section of the federal law that bars those subject to domestic violence restraining orders from owning guns.
\n\nHe also gave his view on the government retreating from the idea that anyone who isn't "law-abiding" or "responsible" can be disarmed. Kopel said that retreat was significant and could have implications for other Second Amendment cases coming down the line. At the same time, he said Rahimi's lawyer had to make his own retreats and the Justices seemed unsympathetic to his overarching argument.
\n\nKopel predicted the Court would probably release its ruling before the summer and he expected it would uphold the ban. But he said the details of the ruling are harder to predict.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the massive upswing in Israeli civilian gun ownership after the October 7th attacks.
Special Guest: David Kopel.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest David Kopel examine oral arguments in the Supreme Court's United States v. Rahimi case.","date_published":"2023-11-13T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/f3294473-a428-44e5-b1fb-591e54cdf5b3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":70782922,"duration_in_seconds":4401}]},{"id":"3322e52f-9c91-4acb-88d4-7e2e6cebf3b4","title":"Mass Shooting Researcher on What Went Wrong in Maine","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/mass-shooting-researcher-on-what-went-wrong-in-maine","content_text":"This week, we're examining some of the failures that led to the worst mass shooting in Maine's history.\n\nDespite making multiple threats, hearing voices, and being committed to a mental institution; the shooter was about to obtain and keep his guns. Federal law bars anyone who was involuntarily committed from possessing firearms, and Maine has a version of the so-called red flag laws he should've qualified. So, why was he able to carry out the attack with guns he shouldn't have legally had?\n\nTo help answer that question and give expert insight into how these laws work in practice, we have Bates College Professor Michael Rocque on the show this week. Rocque has spent years studying mass shootings. He's also researched red flag laws and is very familiar with how Maine's law works.\n\nRocque argued the problem seems to have been both a breakdown in communication, perhaps between the multiple different layers of authority, and follow-through by law enforcement. He said multiple people tried to do the right thing in expressing their serious concerns about the shooter's mental health. However, unfortunately, not everyone did everything needed to ensure he wasn't able to pull off his attack.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Ruger's continued sales slide.Special Guest: Michael Rocque.","content_html":"This week, we're examining some of the failures that led to the worst mass shooting in Maine's history.
\n\nDespite making multiple threats, hearing voices, and being committed to a mental institution; the shooter was about to obtain and keep his guns. Federal law bars anyone who was involuntarily committed from possessing firearms, and Maine has a version of the so-called red flag laws he should've qualified. So, why was he able to carry out the attack with guns he shouldn't have legally had?
\n\nTo help answer that question and give expert insight into how these laws work in practice, we have Bates College Professor Michael Rocque on the show this week. Rocque has spent years studying mass shootings. He's also researched red flag laws and is very familiar with how Maine's law works.
\n\nRocque argued the problem seems to have been both a breakdown in communication, perhaps between the multiple different layers of authority, and follow-through by law enforcement. He said multiple people tried to do the right thing in expressing their serious concerns about the shooter's mental health. However, unfortunately, not everyone did everything needed to ensure he wasn't able to pull off his attack.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Ruger's continued sales slide.
Special Guest: Michael Rocque.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Professor Michael Rocque examine the failures that led to the mass shooting in Maine.","date_published":"2023-11-06T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3322e52f-9c91-4acb-88d4-7e2e6cebf3b4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":72080841,"duration_in_seconds":4483}]},{"id":"0123f193-be05-4ef8-a0ec-799c2b155645","title":"VCDL President Gives Outlook on How Guns Impact the 2023 Virginia Elections","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/vcdl-president-gives-outlook-on-how-guns-impact-the-2023-virginia-elections","content_text":"This week, we're looking ahead at Virginia's off-year elections. Governor Glenn Youngkin (R.) is halfway through his first term, and now the entire state legislature is up for election.\n\nRepublicans currently have a four-vote majority in the House of Delegates, while Democrats have a two-vote majority in the Senate. That's led to very little movement on gun policy since the Democrats lost their trifecta after passing universal background checks, a one-gun-a-month limit, a \"red flag\" law, local gun-free zones, and other restrictions in 2020.\n\nThe outcome of the election will either preserve the status quo or potentially lead to the repeal of at least some restrictions. That's why we have Virginia Citizen Defense League (VCDL) president Philip Van Cleave on the show to tell us how his group sees things unfolding.\n\nVan Cleave said VCDL is working to build enthusiasm among gun voters and get them out to the polls early. He admitted there was some concern about how motivated gun owners are in this election, in part because the threat of new gun-control laws is limited. Still, he believes gun-rights advocates should be able to pull out a win and pressure Republicans into repealing most or maybe even all of the 2020 restrictions.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the latest updates on the mentally ill mass shooter in Maine.Special Guest: Philip Van Cleave.","content_html":"This week, we're looking ahead at Virginia's off-year elections. Governor Glenn Youngkin (R.) is halfway through his first term, and now the entire state legislature is up for election.
\n\nRepublicans currently have a four-vote majority in the House of Delegates, while Democrats have a two-vote majority in the Senate. That's led to very little movement on gun policy since the Democrats lost their trifecta after passing universal background checks, a one-gun-a-month limit, a "red flag" law, local gun-free zones, and other restrictions in 2020.
\n\nThe outcome of the election will either preserve the status quo or potentially lead to the repeal of at least some restrictions. That's why we have Virginia Citizen Defense League (VCDL) president Philip Van Cleave on the show to tell us how his group sees things unfolding.
\n\nVan Cleave said VCDL is working to build enthusiasm among gun voters and get them out to the polls early. He admitted there was some concern about how motivated gun owners are in this election, in part because the threat of new gun-control laws is limited. Still, he believes gun-rights advocates should be able to pull out a win and pressure Republicans into repealing most or maybe even all of the 2020 restrictions.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the latest updates on the mentally ill mass shooter in Maine.
Special Guest: Philip Van Cleave.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Philip Van Cleave look at the upcoming Virginia elections.","date_published":"2023-10-30T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/0123f193-be05-4ef8-a0ec-799c2b155645.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":86660657,"duration_in_seconds":3597}]},{"id":"8903f307-cf45-4a28-a84f-7311a664704c","title":"Jewish Americans Turn to Guns After Hamas Slaughter (Ft. The Pew Pew Jew)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/jewish-americans-turn-to-guns-after-hamas-slaughter-ft-the-pew-pew-jew","content_text":"This week, we're discussing how the unprecedented terror attacks in Israel have motivated Jewish people in America to seek out firearms.\n\nOur guest is a longtime Jewish gun-rights advocate who lives in Texas. Yehuda Remer, who goes by The Pew Pew Jew, joins the show to detail the incredible increase in demand for guns and training he's seen from people in his community.\n\nHe said the influx has been unlike anything he's experienced. Remer said the number of people he's had reaching out to him and, importantly, following through on their desire to obtain guns is leaps and bounds beyond any previous high-profile anti-Semitic attack.\n\nHe said he believes the fallout from the Hamas killings could be creating a sea change in how American Jews feel about being armed.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the federal ruling striking down California's AR-15 ban.Special Guest: Yehuda Remer.","content_html":"This week, we're discussing how the unprecedented terror attacks in Israel have motivated Jewish people in America to seek out firearms.
\n\nOur guest is a longtime Jewish gun-rights advocate who lives in Texas. Yehuda Remer, who goes by The Pew Pew Jew, joins the show to detail the incredible increase in demand for guns and training he's seen from people in his community.
\n\nHe said the influx has been unlike anything he's experienced. Remer said the number of people he's had reaching out to him and, importantly, following through on their desire to obtain guns is leaps and bounds beyond any previous high-profile anti-Semitic attack.
\n\nHe said he believes the fallout from the Hamas killings could be creating a sea change in how American Jews feel about being armed.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the federal ruling striking down California's AR-15 ban.
Special Guest: Yehuda Remer.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Yehuda Remer discuss the spike in interest among American Jews for buying guns in the wake of the terror attacks in Israel","date_published":"2023-10-23T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8903f307-cf45-4a28-a84f-7311a664704c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":93055888,"duration_in_seconds":3863}]},{"id":"1bf889f3-6542-4bc8-9938-7594d602748e","title":"2A Scholar David Kopel on the Supreme Court's Latest Gun Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/2a-scholar-david-kopel-on-the-supreme-courts-latest-gun-case","content_text":"This week, we're turning our attention back to the Supreme Court. It is deciding the first gun case since its landmark decision last year. And we have one of the most influential Second Amendment scholars in the country on the show to discuss it.\n\nDavid Kopel joins the podcast to explain his amicus brief in United States v. Rahimi. He is one of the most accomplished scholars on the topic. His work has been cited in countless federal court decisions and all of the Supreme Court's major Second Amendment rulings.\n\nIn Rahimi, Kopel argued the federal law barring those under domestic violence restraining orders from owning guns is unconstitutional. He said the problem lies in a provision that doesn't require any finding that the subject of the restraining order is dangerous. But he also noted the problem could be fixed with a single word being changed.\n\nHe argued Rahimi is the kind of person who should be barred from owning guns. However, he said the law doesn't pass the Court's history and tradition test as it is currently written.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I explain how Israel is loosening its gun laws in the wake of terror attacks.Special Guest: David Kopel.","content_html":"This week, we're turning our attention back to the Supreme Court. It is deciding the first gun case since its landmark decision last year. And we have one of the most influential Second Amendment scholars in the country on the show to discuss it.
\n\nDavid Kopel joins the podcast to explain his amicus brief in United States v. Rahimi. He is one of the most accomplished scholars on the topic. His work has been cited in countless federal court decisions and all of the Supreme Court's major Second Amendment rulings.
\n\nIn Rahimi, Kopel argued the federal law barring those under domestic violence restraining orders from owning guns is unconstitutional. He said the problem lies in a provision that doesn't require any finding that the subject of the restraining order is dangerous. But he also noted the problem could be fixed with a single word being changed.
\n\nHe argued Rahimi is the kind of person who should be barred from owning guns. However, he said the law doesn't pass the Court's history and tradition test as it is currently written.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I explain how Israel is loosening its gun laws in the wake of terror attacks.
Special Guest: David Kopel.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest David Kopel talk about why the later believes the domestic violence restraining order gun ban is unconstitutional.","date_published":"2023-10-16T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/1bf889f3-6542-4bc8-9938-7594d602748e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":71177205,"duration_in_seconds":4428}]},{"id":"ee2bcd98-a649-4c8b-ba47-9111e2608090","title":"Inside a Nationwide Gun-Carry Group's New Political Efforts (Ft. USCCA's Katie Pointer Baney)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/inside-a-nationwide-gun-carry-groups-new-political-efforts-ft-uscca-s-katie-pointer-baney","content_text":"This week, we're taking an in-depth look at a new player in the gun politics space.\n\nAlthough, the main reason this group is worth paying attention to is that they aren't new to being an influential gun group. The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) has been a significant presence in concealed-carry insurance and firearms training for a decade. They created a Super PAC two years ago as their first foray into organized political activism, and now they've followed that up by forming a new 501(c)(4) non-profit.\n\nKatie Pointer Baney, the head of the new Action Fund, joins the show to give us insight into what she has planned.\n\nThe decline of the NRA has left a sizeable hole in the gun-rights movement, but Baney said calls from USCCA members to get more involved in politics were the main motivator for creating the new group. She said the plan is to focus on training activists rather than buying ads or filing lawsuits. Targeting millions of Americans of all different stripes and backgrounds who have become gun owners in the past three years is how the Action Fund will try to differentiate itself from other efforts.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a federal judge finding braced pistols are \"in common use\" and protected by the Second Amendment.Special Guest: Katie Pointer Baney.","content_html":"This week, we're taking an in-depth look at a new player in the gun politics space.
\n\nAlthough, the main reason this group is worth paying attention to is that they aren't new to being an influential gun group. The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) has been a significant presence in concealed-carry insurance and firearms training for a decade. They created a Super PAC two years ago as their first foray into organized political activism, and now they've followed that up by forming a new 501(c)(4) non-profit.
\n\nKatie Pointer Baney, the head of the new Action Fund, joins the show to give us insight into what she has planned.
\n\nThe decline of the NRA has left a sizeable hole in the gun-rights movement, but Baney said calls from USCCA members to get more involved in politics were the main motivator for creating the new group. She said the plan is to focus on training activists rather than buying ads or filing lawsuits. Targeting millions of Americans of all different stripes and backgrounds who have become gun owners in the past three years is how the Action Fund will try to differentiate itself from other efforts.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a federal judge finding braced pistols are "in common use" and protected by the Second Amendment.
Special Guest: Katie Pointer Baney.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Katie Pointer Baney talk about her role running the United States Concealed Carry Association's new political group.","date_published":"2023-10-09T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/ee2bcd98-a649-4c8b-ba47-9111e2608090.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69711662,"duration_in_seconds":4336}]},{"id":"00a74602-24c4-48c1-8ba0-7e5cd5e5f328","title":"California Rifle and Pistol Association's Chuck Michel on Blocking the Magazine Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/california-rifle-and-pistol-association-s-chuck-michel-on-blocking-the-magazine-ban","content_text":"This week, we're looking back at the Golden State.\n\nIt's once again in the news because a federal judge has found one of its strict gun-control laws unconstitutional. This time, it was the ban on magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. So, we decided to bring on the head of the group that beat the ban.\n\nCalifornia Rifle and Pistol Association President Chuck Michel gave us his insight into the case. He said the outcome was expected because this was effectively a retread. Duncan v. Bonta was initially decided in favor of the gun-rights plaintiffs only for it to be reversed by an en banc panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals only for the Supreme Court to grant, vacate, and remand that ruling.\n\nThe case is the first of those remanded by the High Court in the wake of the Bruen decision to reach a ruling. That ruling accelerates the magazine ban issue back up the chain in what will likely end with another Supreme Court showdown.\n\nOf course, as California's magazine ban was being tossed, Governor Gavin Newsom (D.) signed new restrictions on gun carry and a sin tax on firearms and ammunition. Michel explains the new laws and how his group has already filed challenges to them.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Trump Campaign backtracking on claims he bought a gun while under felony indictment after finding out it would be illegal.","content_html":"This week, we're looking back at the Golden State.
\n\nIt's once again in the news because a federal judge has found one of its strict gun-control laws unconstitutional. This time, it was the ban on magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammunition. So, we decided to bring on the head of the group that beat the ban.
\n\nCalifornia Rifle and Pistol Association President Chuck Michel gave us his insight into the case. He said the outcome was expected because this was effectively a retread. Duncan v. Bonta was initially decided in favor of the gun-rights plaintiffs only for it to be reversed by an en banc panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals only for the Supreme Court to grant, vacate, and remand that ruling.
\n\nThe case is the first of those remanded by the High Court in the wake of the Bruen decision to reach a ruling. That ruling accelerates the magazine ban issue back up the chain in what will likely end with another Supreme Court showdown.
\n\nOf course, as California's magazine ban was being tossed, Governor Gavin Newsom (D.) signed new restrictions on gun carry and a sin tax on firearms and ammunition. Michel explains the new laws and how his group has already filed challenges to them.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Trump Campaign backtracking on claims he bought a gun while under felony indictment after finding out it would be illegal.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Chuck Michel go over a new ruling striking down California's magazine ban.","date_published":"2023-10-02T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/00a74602-24c4-48c1-8ba0-7e5cd5e5f328.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":72393808,"duration_in_seconds":4502}]},{"id":"e3185385-3205-4726-8281-9d4dc6641f38","title":"A New AI Promises to Help You Build a Gun (Feat. Cody Wilson)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/a-new-ai-promises-to-help-you-build-a-gun-feat-cody-wilson","content_text":"This week, we're looking at a new AI product that promises to do what ChatGPT can't: talk to you about building guns.\n\nThe cleverly named GatGPT went into beta this week. I got an early look at it. And, now, we're having the head of the company behind it on the show to explain why they created it.\n\nDefense Distrubuted's Cody Wilson said the end goal is to build an alternative to big tech initiatives in search and advertising. He argued AI could be a consequential tool in that effort. He said the kind of censorship ChatGPT has been saddled with, which keeps it from talking about guns and other topics its parent company OpenAI views as controversial, is holding back the mainstream efforts and gives GatGPT a potential edge.\n\nHowever, it does still suffer from some of the same accuracy issues other major AIs struggle with. Wilson said they hope to continuously improve GatGPT with beta testers and high-quality data from sections of the online firearms community.\n\nWilson has garnered media attention and controversy since he first printed a gun back in 2013. He managed to retain his gun rights and take back control of Defense Distributed despite pleading guilty to a sex crime in 2018. His latest move shows he's remained as media savvy and controversial as ever, though.\n\nUnlike many other AI startups, Wilson said he isn't looking to sell hype and bring in investors at unrealistic valuations. But he is hoping to create a viable business model around the uncensored AI model. One he hopes can benefit the entire firearms industry, which he says has been \"ghettoized\" by large tech platforms for over a decade.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss USCCA's latest foray into the political realm.Special Guest: Cody Wilson.","content_html":"This week, we're looking at a new AI product that promises to do what ChatGPT can't: talk to you about building guns.
\n\nThe cleverly named GatGPT went into beta this week. I got an early look at it. And, now, we're having the head of the company behind it on the show to explain why they created it.
\n\nDefense Distrubuted's Cody Wilson said the end goal is to build an alternative to big tech initiatives in search and advertising. He argued AI could be a consequential tool in that effort. He said the kind of censorship ChatGPT has been saddled with, which keeps it from talking about guns and other topics its parent company OpenAI views as controversial, is holding back the mainstream efforts and gives GatGPT a potential edge.
\n\nHowever, it does still suffer from some of the same accuracy issues other major AIs struggle with. Wilson said they hope to continuously improve GatGPT with beta testers and high-quality data from sections of the online firearms community.
\n\nWilson has garnered media attention and controversy since he first printed a gun back in 2013. He managed to retain his gun rights and take back control of Defense Distributed despite pleading guilty to a sex crime in 2018. His latest move shows he's remained as media savvy and controversial as ever, though.
\n\nUnlike many other AI startups, Wilson said he isn't looking to sell hype and bring in investors at unrealistic valuations. But he is hoping to create a viable business model around the uncensored AI model. One he hopes can benefit the entire firearms industry, which he says has been "ghettoized" by large tech platforms for over a decade.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss USCCA's latest foray into the political realm.
Special Guest: Cody Wilson.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cody Wilson discuss Defense Distrubuted's new AI product that promises to help you build guns.","date_published":"2023-09-25T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e3185385-3205-4726-8281-9d4dc6641f38.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":94435063,"duration_in_seconds":3919}]},{"id":"d70949ef-4e11-440b-9040-8ca576497390","title":"The Second Amendment Foundation's Adam Kraut on Blocking New Mexico's Gun-Carry Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-second-amendment-foundations-adam-kraut-on-blocking-new-mexicos-gun-carry-ban","content_text":"The emergency gun-carry ban implemented by New Mexico's governor has been blocked by a federal judge. This week on the show, we have one of the men responsible for securing that order.\n\nAdam Kraut is the Second Amendment Foundation's Executive Director. They were one of at least five groups to successfully challenge Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's (D.) order.\n\nHe said the case is simple. The order was clearly an unconstitutional violation of the Second Amendment, especially given the Supreme Court recently ruled that gun carry is specifically protected just last year. Governor Lujan Grisham pulled back on the total ban late this week in a potential attempt to short-circuit the case against her, but Kraut explained the legal strategy his group is using to keep the case alive.\n\nPlus, I describe being stuck in the middle of a manhunt for an escaped murderer. And Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman discusses the political fallout from Lujan Grisham's failed order.Special Guest: Adam Kraut.","content_html":"The emergency gun-carry ban implemented by New Mexico's governor has been blocked by a federal judge. This week on the show, we have one of the men responsible for securing that order.
\n\nAdam Kraut is the Second Amendment Foundation's Executive Director. They were one of at least five groups to successfully challenge Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's (D.) order.
\n\nHe said the case is simple. The order was clearly an unconstitutional violation of the Second Amendment, especially given the Supreme Court recently ruled that gun carry is specifically protected just last year. Governor Lujan Grisham pulled back on the total ban late this week in a potential attempt to short-circuit the case against her, but Kraut explained the legal strategy his group is using to keep the case alive.
\n\nPlus, I describe being stuck in the middle of a manhunt for an escaped murderer. And Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman discusses the political fallout from Lujan Grisham's failed order.
Special Guest: Adam Kraut.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Adam Kraut talk about the legal fight against the New Mexico Governor's emergency suspension of gun-carry rights.","date_published":"2023-09-18T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/d70949ef-4e11-440b-9040-8ca576497390.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":91583687,"duration_in_seconds":3797}]},{"id":"152359fb-6e97-43cf-a950-0de9742b3200","title":"The Atlantic's Andrew Exum in Defense of Hunting","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-atlantics-andrew-exum-in-defense-of-hunting","content_text":"This week, we're talking about the importance of hunting.\n\nIn a bit of a surprise move, The Atlantic published a superb article explaining why America needs hunting more than many might imagine. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have the author of the piece on. That's why Andrew Exum is joining the show.\n\nHe describes the role that hunting plays in conserving American wildlife. He notes that it's not just important for wildlife population control either. Taxes on guns, ammunition, and hunting license fees are also a primary contributor to conservation funding.\n\nAndrew describes his background as a veteran and former Department of Defense official from the South who now lives in Washington, D.C. but still hunts regularly. We also discuss why he views guns like the AR-15 very differently from hunting rifles, and he responds to some common critiques of that worldview.\n\nHe then describes his view that hunting is also an important component of sustainable living. And he gave me some advice as me and my girlfriend prepare to take our first hunter safety course later this month.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about Boston doubling down on delaying gun-carry permits.Special Guest: Andrew Exum.","content_html":"This week, we're talking about the importance of hunting.
\n\nIn a bit of a surprise move, The Atlantic published a superb article explaining why America needs hunting more than many might imagine. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have the author of the piece on. That's why Andrew Exum is joining the show.
\n\nHe describes the role that hunting plays in conserving American wildlife. He notes that it's not just important for wildlife population control either. Taxes on guns, ammunition, and hunting license fees are also a primary contributor to conservation funding.
\n\nAndrew describes his background as a veteran and former Department of Defense official from the South who now lives in Washington, D.C. but still hunts regularly. We also discuss why he views guns like the AR-15 very differently from hunting rifles, and he responds to some common critiques of that worldview.
\n\nHe then describes his view that hunting is also an important component of sustainable living. And he gave me some advice as me and my girlfriend prepare to take our first hunter safety course later this month.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about Boston doubling down on delaying gun-carry permits.
Special Guest: Andrew Exum.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Andrew Exum discuss why hunting is vital to conservation efforts in America.","date_published":"2023-09-11T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/152359fb-6e97-43cf-a950-0de9742b3200.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":99926183,"duration_in_seconds":4150}]},{"id":"21a8b505-1802-4d21-8299-aad6154437d4","title":"Biden Moves to Expand Who Needs a Gun Dealing License (Featuring Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/biden-moves-to-expand-who-needs-a-gun-dealing-license-featuring-cam-edwards-of-bearing-arms","content_text":"This week, President Joe Biden announced new executive action aimed at tightening gun laws.\n\nThis time, he wants to expand who must get a license to legally sell used guns. So, I brought back Bearing Arms editor Cam Edwards to review the ATF's proposed rule.\n\nWe go over the new details of what the agency says will trigger the license requirement. Much of the rule codifies what the ATF has claimed for years about who might be prosecuted for selling guns without a license. But Cam notes the agency is seeking to expand its authority, perhaps beyond what's allowed under the law, even if it's claiming it will only use that power sparingly.\n\nHe said the recent increase in \"zero-tolerance\" enforcement against licensed dealers could signal bad news for regular people the ATF decides need one too.\n\nThe Biden Administration has pointed to changes made to the licensing law in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as justification for the new rule. Cam said he's skeptical that will hold up in court where the other recent Biden executive gun actions have had trouble. But we talk about why things might go differently this time.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how Tennessee shows \"red flag\" laws have hit a political ceiling.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"This week, President Joe Biden announced new executive action aimed at tightening gun laws.
\n\nThis time, he wants to expand who must get a license to legally sell used guns. So, I brought back Bearing Arms editor Cam Edwards to review the ATF's proposed rule.
\n\nWe go over the new details of what the agency says will trigger the license requirement. Much of the rule codifies what the ATF has claimed for years about who might be prosecuted for selling guns without a license. But Cam notes the agency is seeking to expand its authority, perhaps beyond what's allowed under the law, even if it's claiming it will only use that power sparingly.
\n\nHe said the recent increase in "zero-tolerance" enforcement against licensed dealers could signal bad news for regular people the ATF decides need one too.
\n\nThe Biden Administration has pointed to changes made to the licensing law in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as justification for the new rule. Cam said he's skeptical that will hold up in court where the other recent Biden executive gun actions have had trouble. But we talk about why things might go differently this time.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how Tennessee shows "red flag" laws have hit a political ceiling.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards talk about the new ATF rule proposal to require more people to get a license before selling used guns.","date_published":"2023-09-04T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/21a8b505-1802-4d21-8299-aad6154437d4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":88823509,"duration_in_seconds":3686}]},{"id":"0a292866-cf36-4d97-b96b-b0c6aa96b28c","title":"Law Professor Who Wants Heller Overturned Explains His View of New SCOTUS Gun Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/law-professor-who-wants-heller-overturned-explains-his-view-of-new-scotus-gun-case","content_text":"This week, we have Professor Dru Stevenson of the South Texas College of Law on the show to give his analysis of the Supreme Court's latest Second Amendment case.\n\nA few weeks back, we had pro-gun author and lawyer Mark Smith on to give his view of United States v. Rahimi. But I want to make sure we offer you all a wide variety of perspectives on where the case is headed. Stevenson certainly comes from a very different point of view, and he has an intimate knowledge of the case.\n\nHe joined a brief in the case alongside other professors and a gun-control group. They argued the domestic violence restraining order gun ban should be upheld. However, they went much further and argued both Bruen AND Heller should be overturned as well.\n\nStevenson and I discuss the reasons why he thinks the Court's view of the Second Amendment as guaranteeing an individual right to keep and bear arms is wrong. We go through the common arguments and discuss their validity.\n\nBut Stevenson also acknowledged the Court is very, very unlikely to adopt his point of view. He said the brief was part of a long-term effort to build the foundation for completely undoing the Court's gun jurisprudence at some point down the line. In the meantime, he gave his thoughts on where a majority of justices might actually come down in this case.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the lack of gun policy mentions during the first Republican primary debate.Special Guest: Dru Stevenson.","content_html":"This week, we have Professor Dru Stevenson of the South Texas College of Law on the show to give his analysis of the Supreme Court's latest Second Amendment case.
\n\nA few weeks back, we had pro-gun author and lawyer Mark Smith on to give his view of United States v. Rahimi. But I want to make sure we offer you all a wide variety of perspectives on where the case is headed. Stevenson certainly comes from a very different point of view, and he has an intimate knowledge of the case.
\n\nHe joined a brief in the case alongside other professors and a gun-control group. They argued the domestic violence restraining order gun ban should be upheld. However, they went much further and argued both Bruen AND Heller should be overturned as well.
\n\nStevenson and I discuss the reasons why he thinks the Court's view of the Second Amendment as guaranteeing an individual right to keep and bear arms is wrong. We go through the common arguments and discuss their validity.
\n\nBut Stevenson also acknowledged the Court is very, very unlikely to adopt his point of view. He said the brief was part of a long-term effort to build the foundation for completely undoing the Court's gun jurisprudence at some point down the line. In the meantime, he gave his thoughts on where a majority of justices might actually come down in this case.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the lack of gun policy mentions during the first Republican primary debate.
Special Guest: Dru Stevenson.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Dru Stevenson discuss the latest Supreme Court Second Amendment case.","date_published":"2023-08-28T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/0a292866-cf36-4d97-b96b-b0c6aa96b28c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":95730982,"duration_in_seconds":3975}]},{"id":"280e58cc-32a4-4dc0-b8de-95ac996297b8","title":"We Answer All Your Gun Questions","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/we-answer-all-your-gun-questions","content_text":"It has been a little while since we've done a Q&A podcast. So, we decided to take some questions from Reload Members for this week's episode.\n\nAnd we got a lot of great questions. I'm not sure if buying a Reload Membership makes somebody smarter or if only smart people buy Reload Memberships, but, either way, we always seem to get really great questions during these Q&As. This time was no different.\n\nWe received shrewd questions on a variety of topics. Lots of members wanted to know about the timing of many of the gun cases that have made their way up the federal court system since Bruen was handed down last year. They also wanted to know what cases the Supreme Court is likely to take up. Will SCOTUS accept one of the \"assault weapons\" ban cases? What about the pistol brace ban?\n\nAlso, what's going on with weed and guns? Where is that combination from a legal standpoint?\n\nAnd what are we seeing from all those new gun owners that have come into the fold over the last few years? Are the predictions of their huge impact panning out? How can we even tell?\n\nThere were lots of other great questions too. So, make sure you listen to the full show.","content_html":"It has been a little while since we've done a Q&A podcast. So, we decided to take some questions from Reload Members for this week's episode.
\n\nAnd we got a lot of great questions. I'm not sure if buying a Reload Membership makes somebody smarter or if only smart people buy Reload Memberships, but, either way, we always seem to get really great questions during these Q&As. This time was no different.
\n\nWe received shrewd questions on a variety of topics. Lots of members wanted to know about the timing of many of the gun cases that have made their way up the federal court system since Bruen was handed down last year. They also wanted to know what cases the Supreme Court is likely to take up. Will SCOTUS accept one of the "assault weapons" ban cases? What about the pistol brace ban?
\n\nAlso, what's going on with weed and guns? Where is that combination from a legal standpoint?
\n\nAnd what are we seeing from all those new gun owners that have come into the fold over the last few years? Are the predictions of their huge impact panning out? How can we even tell?
\n\nThere were lots of other great questions too. So, make sure you listen to the full show.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman answer questions about gun policy and politics from Reload Members.","date_published":"2023-08-21T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/280e58cc-32a4-4dc0-b8de-95ac996297b8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":99869253,"duration_in_seconds":4144}]},{"id":"47d35189-2a4a-4a32-8474-63fc1c3ecdce","title":"An Interview With the Lawyer Dismantling Hawaii's Strict Gun Laws","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/an-interview-with-the-lawyer-dismantling-hawaii-s-strict-gun-laws","content_text":"This week, we're talking with one of the most prolific independent gun litigators in the country.\n\nAlan Beck set about successfully undoing the country's stun gun bans in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2016 Caetano ruling. He also challenged Hawaii's effective ban on gun carry in Young. Now, he's back taking on the Aloha State's strict gun laws in the wake of 2022's Bruen.\n\nAnd he's winning.\n\nThis week alone he notched victories in two different cases against Hawaii. First, a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled the state's total ban on butterfly knives violates the Second Amendment. Then a federal judge appointed by Barack Obama found Hawaii's post-Bruen \"sensitive places\" gun-carry restrictions, including in restaurants, also run afoul of the Second Amendment.\n\nBeck explains the ins and outs of those rulings as well as their significant implications for future cases in Hawaii and beyond. Then he describes a new suit he just filed against a Hawaii county trying to force concealed-carry permit applicants to waive nearly all of their privacy rights, including what they've told their lawyers or even priests.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Supreme Court's intervention into the \"ghost gun\" case.Special Guest: Alan Beck.","content_html":"This week, we're talking with one of the most prolific independent gun litigators in the country.
\n\nAlan Beck set about successfully undoing the country's stun gun bans in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2016 Caetano ruling. He also challenged Hawaii's effective ban on gun carry in Young. Now, he's back taking on the Aloha State's strict gun laws in the wake of 2022's Bruen.
\n\nAnd he's winning.
\n\nThis week alone he notched victories in two different cases against Hawaii. First, a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled the state's total ban on butterfly knives violates the Second Amendment. Then a federal judge appointed by Barack Obama found Hawaii's post-Bruen "sensitive places" gun-carry restrictions, including in restaurants, also run afoul of the Second Amendment.
\n\nBeck explains the ins and outs of those rulings as well as their significant implications for future cases in Hawaii and beyond. Then he describes a new suit he just filed against a Hawaii county trying to force concealed-carry permit applicants to waive nearly all of their privacy rights, including what they've told their lawyers or even priests.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Supreme Court's intervention into the "ghost gun" case.
Special Guest: Alan Beck.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Alan Beck discuss his latest court victories against Hawaii's gun-control efforts.","date_published":"2023-08-14T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/47d35189-2a4a-4a32-8474-63fc1c3ecdce.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":97437334,"duration_in_seconds":4043}]},{"id":"29d7b1bf-d133-466c-b87f-3159948d9dd0","title":"National Review's Charles Cooke on the Courts Dismantling President Biden's Gun Agenda","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/national-review-s-charles-cooke-on-the-courts-dismantling-president-biden-s-gun-agenda","content_text":"The last domino to fall in President Joe Biden's gun agenda was toppled by a Fifth Circuit panel.\n\nSo, we're bringing one of the best political writers in the country. Nationals Review's Charles Cooke is one of the top conservative analysts on both the legal and political side of guns in America. He joins the show to talk about why Biden's pistol-brace ban was tossed.\n\nHint: It wasn't because of the Second Amendment.\n\nInstead, Cooke noted the courts have objected to the ATF overstepping its bounds when creating Biden's gun policies. He said that fact makes it very likely the Supreme Court would object on the same grounds. That's because, as presidents from across the political spectrum have taken to expanding the power of executive agencies, the Court has begun to pair back agency overreach.\n\nCooke argued the losing streak is bad for President Biden's reelection. Despite what's shaping up to be an unprecedented 2024 election, which seems likely to include bump stock ban originator Donald Trump, Cooke said the constitutionally-deficient policies will drag Biden down. Especially because the majority of people who've heard about them are the ones they negatively affect.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how a Memphis school's security procedures stopped a mass shooting.Special Guest: Charles Cooke.","content_html":"The last domino to fall in President Joe Biden's gun agenda was toppled by a Fifth Circuit panel.
\n\nSo, we're bringing one of the best political writers in the country. Nationals Review's Charles Cooke is one of the top conservative analysts on both the legal and political side of guns in America. He joins the show to talk about why Biden's pistol-brace ban was tossed.
\n\nHint: It wasn't because of the Second Amendment.
\n\nInstead, Cooke noted the courts have objected to the ATF overstepping its bounds when creating Biden's gun policies. He said that fact makes it very likely the Supreme Court would object on the same grounds. That's because, as presidents from across the political spectrum have taken to expanding the power of executive agencies, the Court has begun to pair back agency overreach.
\n\nCooke argued the losing streak is bad for President Biden's reelection. Despite what's shaping up to be an unprecedented 2024 election, which seems likely to include bump stock ban originator Donald Trump, Cooke said the constitutionally-deficient policies will drag Biden down. Especially because the majority of people who've heard about them are the ones they negatively affect.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how a Memphis school's security procedures stopped a mass shooting.
Special Guest: Charles Cooke.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Charles Cooke discuss the pistol-brace ban being found unlawful in federal court.","date_published":"2023-08-07T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/29d7b1bf-d133-466c-b87f-3159948d9dd0.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":97500969,"duration_in_seconds":4048}]},{"id":"6bc93ed4-7385-4a49-ab34-ece4241ea10c","title":"Reason Magazine's JD Tuccille on Study Showing Some Americans Don't Tell Pollsters They Own Guns","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/reason-magazines-jd-tuccille-on-study-showing-some-americans-dont-tell-pollsters-they-own-guns","content_text":"This week, we're looking at a recent study that found a substantial number of gun owners may be unwilling to tell pollsters they own guns.\n\nTo help illuminate some of the significant implications of the research, we have Reason Magazine's JD Tuccille joining us. He did a great piece on the study over at Reason and had several important insights.\n\nFor one, he said the study may undercut almost everything we think we know about guns in America. After all, it raised the possibility that as many as half of the people who told the researchers they didn't own a firearm really did. If that's the case, our view of gun ownership has been far too limited.\n\nTuccille also explained some major reasons gun owners may not want to tell researchers about their firearms. And there are several. Everything from concerns over the government getting ahold of the information to distrusting the motivations of academics at liberal universities.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the NYPD withholding gun permits even after the Supreme Court's latest Second Amendment ruling. And I talk about how the National Journalism Center's range day went (hint: pretty great).Special Guest: JD Tuccille.","content_html":"This week, we're looking at a recent study that found a substantial number of gun owners may be unwilling to tell pollsters they own guns.
\n\nTo help illuminate some of the significant implications of the research, we have Reason Magazine's JD Tuccille joining us. He did a great piece on the study over at Reason and had several important insights.
\n\nFor one, he said the study may undercut almost everything we think we know about guns in America. After all, it raised the possibility that as many as half of the people who told the researchers they didn't own a firearm really did. If that's the case, our view of gun ownership has been far too limited.
\n\nTuccille also explained some major reasons gun owners may not want to tell researchers about their firearms. And there are several. Everything from concerns over the government getting ahold of the information to distrusting the motivations of academics at liberal universities.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the NYPD withholding gun permits even after the Supreme Court's latest Second Amendment ruling. And I talk about how the National Journalism Center's range day went (hint: pretty great).
Special Guest: JD Tuccille.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest JD Tuccille discuss research showing a huge number of Americans may not be willing to talk to pollsters about their firearms.","date_published":"2023-07-31T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/6bc93ed4-7385-4a49-ab34-ece4241ea10c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":97372721,"duration_in_seconds":4043}]},{"id":"e406ce6d-b0eb-4c79-ae63-60d4b12c9523","title":"Can a Short Video Stop Accidental Shootings Among Kids? (With OSU's Sophie Kjaervik)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/can-a-short-video-stop-accidental-shootings-among-kids-with-osus-sophie-kjaervik","content_text":"This week, we're taking a close look at a new study that suggests showing kids a minute-long video stops them from handling a gun while unsupervised.\n\nWe are lucky enough to have Ohio State University PHD student, and lead author of the study, Sophie Kjaervik with us for this episode. She explained that kids in her experiment that watched a short gun safety video featuring a uniformed police officer were far less likely to pick up a real, but disabled, gun in a controlled setting than kids shown a car safety video with the same cop. And the difference was significant.\n\nKjaervik explained in depth how the researchers recruited the kids in the study, how they decided who watched which video, how they staged the guns, how they monitored the children, and collected data.\n\nShe also noted there were a few additional factors that signaled a kid would be less likely to handle the guns they found. Those included a dislike for guns, but also parents who owned guns and experience with some other form of gun safety training beforehand.\n\nOverall, Kjaervik said the experiment showed that gun-safety videos are a viable way to prevent accidental shootings. But it also showed how efforts like the NRA's Eddie Eagle program could be improved.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I examine the ruling upholding San Jose's gun ownership tax and insurance mandate.Special Guest: Sophie Kjaervik.","content_html":"This week, we're taking a close look at a new study that suggests showing kids a minute-long video stops them from handling a gun while unsupervised.
\n\nWe are lucky enough to have Ohio State University PHD student, and lead author of the study, Sophie Kjaervik with us for this episode. She explained that kids in her experiment that watched a short gun safety video featuring a uniformed police officer were far less likely to pick up a real, but disabled, gun in a controlled setting than kids shown a car safety video with the same cop. And the difference was significant.
\n\nKjaervik explained in depth how the researchers recruited the kids in the study, how they decided who watched which video, how they staged the guns, how they monitored the children, and collected data.
\n\nShe also noted there were a few additional factors that signaled a kid would be less likely to handle the guns they found. Those included a dislike for guns, but also parents who owned guns and experience with some other form of gun safety training beforehand.
\n\nOverall, Kjaervik said the experiment showed that gun-safety videos are a viable way to prevent accidental shootings. But it also showed how efforts like the NRA's Eddie Eagle program could be improved.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I examine the ruling upholding San Jose's gun ownership tax and insurance mandate.
Special Guest: Sophie Kjaervik.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Sophie Kjaervik discuss her new study showing a potential simple tactic for preventing accidental shootings among children.","date_published":"2023-07-24T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e406ce6d-b0eb-4c79-ae63-60d4b12c9523.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73030978,"duration_in_seconds":4546}]},{"id":"e616ef72-5dac-40cd-b66b-6414f1b8c2a9","title":"Is the Murder Rate Finally Falling? (Featuring Crime Analyst Jeff Asher)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/is-the-murder-rate-finally-falling-featuring-crime-analyst-jeff-asher","content_text":"This week, we're taking a closer look at the data that indicates the murder rate is finally on a downward slope. And there's no better guest to have than the man who has documented the decline.\n\nCrime analyst Jeff Asher joins the show to give us insight into his methodology for tracking murder across the country. His numbers show what could be a historic reversal of the recent murder spike. The data from over 100 city police departments indicate murder may be down as much as 10 percent.\n\nBut Asher also explains the limitations of real-time data as well as the continuing problems with the FBI's data collection. Still, he says trends in even a few cities can be broadly predictive nationwide. And what he's seeing is backed up by other measures as well.\n\nOf course, not every city is improving, and Asher highlights standout cities going in either direction.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the downturn in gun sales. And we have another member segment!","content_html":"This week, we're taking a closer look at the data that indicates the murder rate is finally on a downward slope. And there's no better guest to have than the man who has documented the decline.
\n\nCrime analyst Jeff Asher joins the show to give us insight into his methodology for tracking murder across the country. His numbers show what could be a historic reversal of the recent murder spike. The data from over 100 city police departments indicate murder may be down as much as 10 percent.
\n\nBut Asher also explains the limitations of real-time data as well as the continuing problems with the FBI's data collection. Still, he says trends in even a few cities can be broadly predictive nationwide. And what he's seeing is backed up by other measures as well.
\n\nOf course, not every city is improving, and Asher highlights standout cities going in either direction.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the downturn in gun sales. And we have another member segment!
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Jeff Asher examine what the data says about where America's murder rate is headed.","date_published":"2023-07-17T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e616ef72-5dac-40cd-b66b-6414f1b8c2a9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76666434,"duration_in_seconds":4766}]},{"id":"ff37282a-7fa5-43b4-a68b-957d0b5bfe63","title":"Author Mark W. Smith Explains the New Supreme Court Gun Case","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/author-mark-w-smith-explains-the-new-supreme-court-gun-case","content_text":"The Supreme Court just agreed to take up a brand new Second Amendment case. So, we've got author and member of the Supreme Court bar Mark W. Smith on the show this week.\n\nSmith, who also hosts the Four Boxes Diner YouTube channel, joins to talk about the ins and outs of United States v. Rahimi. The Supreme Court will have to decide whether the Second Amendment protects the right of those subject to a domestic violence restraining order to own guns. And, as Smith notes, it will be doing so for one of the least sympathetic defendants imaginable because Rahimi is the suspect in a long list of violent crimes.\n\nThat means the Court could rule to uphold the restriction, according to Smith. And that's why, he argues, the case was appealed straight up to the Supreme Court by Attorney General Merrick Garland even though there was another level of appeal he could have gone to first.\n\nStill, Smith isn't convinced the case is that cut and dry. He argued the Court may well find the lower bar of evidence required to issue a restraining order compared to obtaining a criminal conviction could cause enough justices to turn against the restriction. And he said the Court has shown it is not as sensitive to public criticism as in previous years.\n\nHe said the decision to take this case to SCOTUS may backfire on Garland, but also admitted it's not clear where the Court will come down.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about President Biden's \"ghost gun\" ban being vacated. And I discuss my continued frustrations with trying to renew my concealed carry permit.Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.","content_html":"The Supreme Court just agreed to take up a brand new Second Amendment case. So, we've got author and member of the Supreme Court bar Mark W. Smith on the show this week.
\n\nSmith, who also hosts the Four Boxes Diner YouTube channel, joins to talk about the ins and outs of United States v. Rahimi. The Supreme Court will have to decide whether the Second Amendment protects the right of those subject to a domestic violence restraining order to own guns. And, as Smith notes, it will be doing so for one of the least sympathetic defendants imaginable because Rahimi is the suspect in a long list of violent crimes.
\n\nThat means the Court could rule to uphold the restriction, according to Smith. And that's why, he argues, the case was appealed straight up to the Supreme Court by Attorney General Merrick Garland even though there was another level of appeal he could have gone to first.
\n\nStill, Smith isn't convinced the case is that cut and dry. He argued the Court may well find the lower bar of evidence required to issue a restraining order compared to obtaining a criminal conviction could cause enough justices to turn against the restriction. And he said the Court has shown it is not as sensitive to public criticism as in previous years.
\n\nHe said the decision to take this case to SCOTUS may backfire on Garland, but also admitted it's not clear where the Court will come down.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about President Biden's "ghost gun" ban being vacated. And I discuss my continued frustrations with trying to renew my concealed carry permit.
Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Mark W. Smith discuss the Second Amendment case the Supreme Court just agreed to hear.","date_published":"2023-07-10T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/ff37282a-7fa5-43b4-a68b-957d0b5bfe63.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":68398620,"duration_in_seconds":4252}]},{"id":"f47b39fe-27bc-4300-81ac-aa812fdda971","title":"Examining the Ruling Upholding NYC's Synagogue Gun Ban With a Jewish Gun Club Rabbi","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/examining-the-ruling-upholding-nyc-s-synagogue-gun-ban-with-a-jewish-gun-club-rabbi","content_text":"This week, we're examining a new ruling in favor of New York's ban on carrying a concealed gun in places of worship. It's a somewhat surprising decision that comes after the state already abandoned the total ban and several other judges have struck it down. So, the whole situation is a bit confusing.\n\nThat's why we have New York State Jewish Gun Club member Rabbi Tzvi Hershel Goldstein on the show. He is directly affected by the new ruling, and his group helped fund the case against it.\n\nHe argues the ban on worshipers carrying at synagogue violates not just his Second Amendment rights but his First Amendment rights too. He said the group plans to appeal the decision and expects to win at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, though the slower pace of this case may result in the issue being decided before they get there. Still, Goldstein said the club is willing to take the case all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.\n\nBut that court will have to decide another gun case first.\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the breaking news that the Supreme Court has agreed to take a new Second Amendment case. We go over the details of the case and try to read some tea leaves on where the Court may come down.","content_html":"This week, we're examining a new ruling in favor of New York's ban on carrying a concealed gun in places of worship. It's a somewhat surprising decision that comes after the state already abandoned the total ban and several other judges have struck it down. So, the whole situation is a bit confusing.
\n\nThat's why we have New York State Jewish Gun Club member Rabbi Tzvi Hershel Goldstein on the show. He is directly affected by the new ruling, and his group helped fund the case against it.
\n\nHe argues the ban on worshipers carrying at synagogue violates not just his Second Amendment rights but his First Amendment rights too. He said the group plans to appeal the decision and expects to win at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, though the slower pace of this case may result in the issue being decided before they get there. Still, Goldstein said the club is willing to take the case all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.
\n\nBut that court will have to decide another gun case first.
\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the breaking news that the Supreme Court has agreed to take a new Second Amendment case. We go over the details of the case and try to read some tea leaves on where the Court may come down.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Tzvi Hershel Goldstein discuss a federal judge finding New York's synagogue gun ban constitutional.","date_published":"2023-07-03T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/f47b39fe-27bc-4300-81ac-aa812fdda971.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":79040573,"duration_in_seconds":4913}]},{"id":"bf3b8022-9a3e-4dae-ac0a-b5a428ddbc78","title":"Examining Hunter Biden's Gun Deal With Popehat's Ken White","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/examining-hunter-bidens-gun-deal-with-popehats-ken-white","content_text":"This week, we're looking closely at the deal Hunter Biden struck with federal prosecutors over his 2018 gun purchase while he was using illicit drugs.\n\nThat's why I brought on a former federal prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney Ken White. He's also a podcast host and writes under the name Popehat. So, he's able to explain the ins and outs of the indictment and give some analysis of the politics of it all too.\n\nWhite noted that the felony charge Hunter struck a deal on is rarely pursued as a standalone charge. It's also almost never punished with the maximum possible sentence. He said the pretrial diversion program Hunter and prosecutors agreed to, which includes a lifetime ban on gun ownership, is not an unheard-of consequence for somebody without previous convictions on their record.\n\nHe said the charge may not have been brought against other defendants under similar circumstances. But he agreed Hunter may have forced the prosecutors' hands by publicizing his drug use through a book and media tour.\n\nWhite also noted the deal does reflect poorly on Hunter's father because the senior Biden has pursued stricter gun laws in office while his son got himself in this mess. And all of the other controversies surrounding Hunter may leave people feeling he's received special treatment even if the deal he received was reasonable for the specific charges in the case.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the surprising failure of the pistol-brace ban repeal resolution in the Senate. And Jake tells us about a collectible gun he bought from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.Special Guest: Ken White.","content_html":"This week, we're looking closely at the deal Hunter Biden struck with federal prosecutors over his 2018 gun purchase while he was using illicit drugs.
\n\nThat's why I brought on a former federal prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney Ken White. He's also a podcast host and writes under the name Popehat. So, he's able to explain the ins and outs of the indictment and give some analysis of the politics of it all too.
\n\nWhite noted that the felony charge Hunter struck a deal on is rarely pursued as a standalone charge. It's also almost never punished with the maximum possible sentence. He said the pretrial diversion program Hunter and prosecutors agreed to, which includes a lifetime ban on gun ownership, is not an unheard-of consequence for somebody without previous convictions on their record.
\n\nHe said the charge may not have been brought against other defendants under similar circumstances. But he agreed Hunter may have forced the prosecutors' hands by publicizing his drug use through a book and media tour.
\n\nWhite also noted the deal does reflect poorly on Hunter's father because the senior Biden has pursued stricter gun laws in office while his son got himself in this mess. And all of the other controversies surrounding Hunter may leave people feeling he's received special treatment even if the deal he received was reasonable for the specific charges in the case.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the surprising failure of the pistol-brace ban repeal resolution in the Senate. And Jake tells us about a collectible gun he bought from the Civilian Marksmanship Program.
Special Guest: Ken White.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ken White discuss whether the deal Hunter Biden got in lieu of a felony charge is fair or not.","date_published":"2023-06-26T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/bf3b8022-9a3e-4dae-ac0a-b5a428ddbc78.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":77973100,"duration_in_seconds":4855}]},{"id":"38116312-719b-4d32-887d-fc06fb29ddcf","title":"Biofire Founder Kai Kloepfer Answers Questions About His New 'Smart Gun'","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/biofire-founder-kai-kloepfer-answers-questions-about-his-new-smart-gun","content_text":"This week, we're joined by the man behind the first \"smart gun\" that's going to come to market.\n\nKai Kloepfer is the founder of Biofire, a company that has been getting a lot of attention since announcing it will ship a 9mm pistol with integrated biometric locks this year. He answered a wide array of different questions on smart guns and the Biofire model in particular.\n\nHe explained how Biofire intertwines the operation of the firing mechanism with biometrics. Instead of using an electronic device to block a traditional trigger setup, they have eliminated the traditional system to substitute it with a fire-by-wire system. He said that was the only way they found to make the gun lock and unlock quickly enough to be useful for home defense.\n\nHe also talked at length about how the company has worked to make the gun reliable--a key consideration for most gun owners that will likely determine if the company sinks or swims.\n\nHe also addressed key political questions. Kloepfer said he believes his gun should be an option for consumers but never mandated. That's why he's filed an amicus letter in the case against California's handgun roster.\n\nWe also talk about the unique possibilities that a fire-by-wire system opens up for things like adjustable trigger weights, shooting statistics, and even maintenance notifications.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Congress taking on the pistol-brace ban. And I talk about the setback I just had in obtaining my DC concealed carry license.Special Guest: Kai Kloepfer.","content_html":"This week, we're joined by the man behind the first "smart gun" that's going to come to market.
\n\nKai Kloepfer is the founder of Biofire, a company that has been getting a lot of attention since announcing it will ship a 9mm pistol with integrated biometric locks this year. He answered a wide array of different questions on smart guns and the Biofire model in particular.
\n\nHe explained how Biofire intertwines the operation of the firing mechanism with biometrics. Instead of using an electronic device to block a traditional trigger setup, they have eliminated the traditional system to substitute it with a fire-by-wire system. He said that was the only way they found to make the gun lock and unlock quickly enough to be useful for home defense.
\n\nHe also talked at length about how the company has worked to make the gun reliable--a key consideration for most gun owners that will likely determine if the company sinks or swims.
\n\nHe also addressed key political questions. Kloepfer said he believes his gun should be an option for consumers but never mandated. That's why he's filed an amicus letter in the case against California's handgun roster.
\n\nWe also talk about the unique possibilities that a fire-by-wire system opens up for things like adjustable trigger weights, shooting statistics, and even maintenance notifications.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Congress taking on the pistol-brace ban. And I talk about the setback I just had in obtaining my DC concealed carry license.
Special Guest: Kai Kloepfer.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Kai Kloepfer discuss Biofire's first biometrically-locked gun that's set to come to market this year.","date_published":"2023-06-19T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/38116312-719b-4d32-887d-fc06fb29ddcf.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":88296712,"duration_in_seconds":5494}]},{"id":"6bc81926-d884-4260-92e2-808e1d8d9f31","title":"NRO's Jim Geraghty on Biden's Brace Ban Bust","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nros-jim-geraghty-on-bidens-brace-ban-bust","content_text":"This week, National Review's Jim Geraghty comes back to the show to give us his reaction to President Joe Biden's pistol-brace ban.\n\nAs we reported first at The Reload, only a tiny fraction of the guns required to be registered actually were. Geraghty said he thinks Americans are distrustful of the government and unwilling to tell them what guns they have. He argued that effect is especially strong with Joe Biden in office given how aggressively he is trying to expand gun restrictions.\n\nThat's part of the reason his gun policy approval numbers have tanked, Geraghty said. And it could affect him in a general election matchup with a pro-gun Republican. Of course, that could also drive disaffected Democrats back to his side.\n\nThat is, if California Governor Gavin Newsom (D.) doesn't try to swoop in first. We discuss the possibility his new push to partially repeal the Second Amendment is actually a kind of shadow presidential campaign.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a federal appeals court casting down on the non-violent felon gun ban.Special Guest: Jim Geraghty.","content_html":"This week, National Review's Jim Geraghty comes back to the show to give us his reaction to President Joe Biden's pistol-brace ban.
\n\nAs we reported first at The Reload, only a tiny fraction of the guns required to be registered actually were. Geraghty said he thinks Americans are distrustful of the government and unwilling to tell them what guns they have. He argued that effect is especially strong with Joe Biden in office given how aggressively he is trying to expand gun restrictions.
\n\nThat's part of the reason his gun policy approval numbers have tanked, Geraghty said. And it could affect him in a general election matchup with a pro-gun Republican. Of course, that could also drive disaffected Democrats back to his side.
\n\nThat is, if California Governor Gavin Newsom (D.) doesn't try to swoop in first. We discuss the possibility his new push to partially repeal the Second Amendment is actually a kind of shadow presidential campaign.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a federal appeals court casting down on the non-violent felon gun ban.
Special Guest: Jim Geraghty.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Jim Geraghty discuss why so few people complied with the pistol-brace ban.","date_published":"2023-06-12T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/6bc81926-d884-4260-92e2-808e1d8d9f31.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":71178145,"duration_in_seconds":4426}]},{"id":"1fd68120-2b3d-4d9b-925b-df11a76c1486","title":"Author Radley Balko Explains Why Courts Are Starting to Reject Firearms Ballistic Analysis","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/author-radley-balko-explains-why-courts-are-starting-to-reject-firearms-balistic-analysis","content_text":"On this week's episode, The Watch's Radley Balko details the landmark decision of a Chicago judge not to allow firearm forensic experts to testify in a criminal case.\n\nBalko said the court's decision comes after years of criticism aimed at the field of forensic pattern matching. He argues many of the techniques made famous on shows like CSI have little scientific basis. Many, he said, are based on little more than the best guesses of examiners who are mainly just eyeballing evidence.\n\nHe explained the idea that matching a mass-produced bullet to the mass-produced gun it was fired from, to the exclusion of all other guns, may well be impossible. Or, at the very least, we don't have advanced enough techniques to pull it off with the level of certainty you'd want for evidence that could put somebody in jail for years or even decades. Indeed, Balko noted, most examiners cited as experts in court are unwilling to even submit to outside tests of their methods.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how far the injunctions against President Biden's pistol-brace ban extend. Jake also tells us about his latest rifle purchase, which is a bit of a throwback. And I give an update on how I'm liking the Phlster Enigma and appendix carry.Special Guest: Radley Balko.","content_html":"On this week's episode, The Watch's Radley Balko details the landmark decision of a Chicago judge not to allow firearm forensic experts to testify in a criminal case.
\n\nBalko said the court's decision comes after years of criticism aimed at the field of forensic pattern matching. He argues many of the techniques made famous on shows like CSI have little scientific basis. Many, he said, are based on little more than the best guesses of examiners who are mainly just eyeballing evidence.
\n\nHe explained the idea that matching a mass-produced bullet to the mass-produced gun it was fired from, to the exclusion of all other guns, may well be impossible. Or, at the very least, we don't have advanced enough techniques to pull it off with the level of certainty you'd want for evidence that could put somebody in jail for years or even decades. Indeed, Balko noted, most examiners cited as experts in court are unwilling to even submit to outside tests of their methods.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how far the injunctions against President Biden's pistol-brace ban extend. Jake also tells us about his latest rifle purchase, which is a bit of a throwback. And I give an update on how I'm liking the Phlster Enigma and appendix carry.
Special Guest: Radley Balko.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Radley Balko discuss the big problems with ballistic matching techniques, especially as evidence in court trials.","date_published":"2023-06-05T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/1fd68120-2b3d-4d9b-925b-df11a76c1486.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":77103473,"duration_in_seconds":4796}]},{"id":"78fee26a-36e6-464b-b04d-7adfe946e9eb","title":"Will DeSantis Attacks on Trump Gun Record Work? (Featuring Hot Air's Ed Morrissey)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/will-desantis-attacks-on-trump-gun-record-work-featuring-hot-airs-ed-morrissey","content_text":"This week, we have one of the people who inspired me to get into political writing all the way back in college.\n\nEd Morrissey, the managing editor of Hot Air, has long been one of the most insightful conservative political analysts out there. He joins the show to break down the early days of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, especially his latest attacks on frontrunner Donald Trump's gun record. In one of his first interviews after launching his campaign, DeSantis said Trump's 2018 call to ‘take the guns first, go through due process second’ was \"wrong\" and \"unconstitutional.\"\n\nDeSantis has spent months bolstering his pro-gun legislative accomplishments, and now he and his supporters are going after Trump's weak spots on guns and other policy positions. Ed said the strategy is a sound one and could pay dividends in the long run despite Trump's huge early polling lead. But he also said DeSantis would have to match that rhetorical attack with a robust ground game to have any hope of beating the former president.\n\nWe also looked even further ahead at the potential general election matchup against President Joe Biden. His approval ratings have been tanking for a long while now, and Americans are particularly unhappy with how he's handled gun policy. Ed said Biden had nobody to blame but himself, especially overpromising Democrats on what kinds of gun control policies he could actually get done. Still, Ed noted those unhappy Democrats may ultimately come back and vote for him in a general election.\n\nI also give an update on how my new carry setup is evolving. I'm trying out the Phlster Enigma and modding it to try and get it as comfortable as possible, which may convince me to switch to appendix carry full-time. However, I ran into some new issues with my Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro and the red dot it came with.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I do our best to explain the latest developments with the injunctions against Biden's pistol-brace ban. (The Fifth Circuit issued a clarification that it does cover FPC members and Maxim Defense customers after we recorded the episode)Special Guest: Ed Morrissey.","content_html":"This week, we have one of the people who inspired me to get into political writing all the way back in college.
\n\nEd Morrissey, the managing editor of Hot Air, has long been one of the most insightful conservative political analysts out there. He joins the show to break down the early days of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, especially his latest attacks on frontrunner Donald Trump's gun record. In one of his first interviews after launching his campaign, DeSantis said Trump's 2018 call to ‘take the guns first, go through due process second’ was "wrong" and "unconstitutional."
\n\nDeSantis has spent months bolstering his pro-gun legislative accomplishments, and now he and his supporters are going after Trump's weak spots on guns and other policy positions. Ed said the strategy is a sound one and could pay dividends in the long run despite Trump's huge early polling lead. But he also said DeSantis would have to match that rhetorical attack with a robust ground game to have any hope of beating the former president.
\n\nWe also looked even further ahead at the potential general election matchup against President Joe Biden. His approval ratings have been tanking for a long while now, and Americans are particularly unhappy with how he's handled gun policy. Ed said Biden had nobody to blame but himself, especially overpromising Democrats on what kinds of gun control policies he could actually get done. Still, Ed noted those unhappy Democrats may ultimately come back and vote for him in a general election.
\n\nI also give an update on how my new carry setup is evolving. I'm trying out the Phlster Enigma and modding it to try and get it as comfortable as possible, which may convince me to switch to appendix carry full-time. However, I ran into some new issues with my Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro and the red dot it came with.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I do our best to explain the latest developments with the injunctions against Biden's pistol-brace ban. (The Fifth Circuit issued a clarification that it does cover FPC members and Maxim Defense customers after we recorded the episode)
Special Guest: Ed Morrissey.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ed Morrissey analyze whether DeSantis's attacks on Trump over his handling of guns will help him close the gap in the primary.","date_published":"2023-05-29T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/78fee26a-36e6-464b-b04d-7adfe946e9eb.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":74849361,"duration_in_seconds":4652}]},{"id":"f00a991d-3009-4830-babf-1b4a6f5f991a","title":"Second Amendment Foundation's Alan Gottlieb Responds to Financial Questions","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/second-amendment-foundations-alan-gottlieb-responds-to-financial-questions","content_text":"This week, Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) joined the show to respond to questions about the group's finances.\n\nAs I promised on the previous podcast, I asked Gottlieb about the ins and out of how the two non-profits he's a director of interact with the private entities he operates and what safeguards are in place to ensure the groups aren't being overcharged. He said SAF and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) have boards that approve the contracts with the private companies he owns, and he has no say over those decisions. He noted the relationships have been disclosed on the group's financial filings for decades, as required by law.\n\nHe also attacked Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D.) for a year-long investigation into the group that has yet to produce any charges or legal action. He accused Ferguson of targeting the gun-rights groups because they have started several lawsuits against the state's gun laws in recent years. He compared the investigation to harassment and said they filed a civil rights suit against the state over the cost of compiling the documents they requested and the lost man-hours involved in complying with the AG's various demands.\n\nHe said The Wall Street Journal, which broke the news of the investigation and raised questions about the gun group's finances, was negligent in repeating some of the accusations the AG has reportedly pursued without proper context. Gottlieb said one of the groups the paper implied he was profiting off of is actually a co-op that operates at cost. He said the other company he owns that does business with SAF and CCRKBA offers services at below-market rates.\n\nGottlieb answered several other questions about how the groups have operated under his leadership over the years. And he gave an update on SAF's latest lawsuits against New Jersey and Maryland's latest gun-carry restrictions.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Supreme Court's decision not to issue an emergency injunction against an Illinois city's AR-15 ban.Special Guest: Alan Gottlieb.","content_html":"This week, Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) joined the show to respond to questions about the group's finances.
\n\nAs I promised on the previous podcast, I asked Gottlieb about the ins and out of how the two non-profits he's a director of interact with the private entities he operates and what safeguards are in place to ensure the groups aren't being overcharged. He said SAF and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA) have boards that approve the contracts with the private companies he owns, and he has no say over those decisions. He noted the relationships have been disclosed on the group's financial filings for decades, as required by law.
\n\nHe also attacked Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson (D.) for a year-long investigation into the group that has yet to produce any charges or legal action. He accused Ferguson of targeting the gun-rights groups because they have started several lawsuits against the state's gun laws in recent years. He compared the investigation to harassment and said they filed a civil rights suit against the state over the cost of compiling the documents they requested and the lost man-hours involved in complying with the AG's various demands.
\n\nHe said The Wall Street Journal, which broke the news of the investigation and raised questions about the gun group's finances, was negligent in repeating some of the accusations the AG has reportedly pursued without proper context. Gottlieb said one of the groups the paper implied he was profiting off of is actually a co-op that operates at cost. He said the other company he owns that does business with SAF and CCRKBA offers services at below-market rates.
\n\nGottlieb answered several other questions about how the groups have operated under his leadership over the years. And he gave an update on SAF's latest lawsuits against New Jersey and Maryland's latest gun-carry restrictions.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the Supreme Court's decision not to issue an emergency injunction against an Illinois city's AR-15 ban.
Special Guest: Alan Gottlieb.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Alan Gottlieb discuss the questions about the Second Amendment Foundation's finances raised by a recent Wall Street Journal article.","date_published":"2023-05-22T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/f00a991d-3009-4830-babf-1b4a6f5f991a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":80475376,"duration_in_seconds":5007}]},{"id":"4d0d74a9-cb58-4133-badd-dd0d4bc49484","title":"Examining Tennessee's 'Red Flag' Proposal & Trump's Bump Stock Defense with Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/examining-tennessees-red-flag-proposal-trumps-bump-stock-defense-with-bearing-arms-cam-edwards","content_text":"We're bringing back a fan-favorite guest this week: Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms.\n\nHe joins the show to discuss Tennessee's new \"red flag\" proposal. We talked about the major differences between Governor Bill Lee's (R.) proposal and other laws already on the books. The Tennessee proposal is one of the first to try and address many of the due process concerns raised by the other laws.\n\nBut Cam argued the changes aren't enough to satisfy gun-rights advocates. He said the problem stems from the basic approach of trying to reform red flag laws, which center on temporarily confiscating firearms from those who are a danger to themselves or others, in the first place. He said that flips priorities on their head because somebody who is a threat to themselves or others needs serious mental health intervention instead of just having their guns taken away. Cam argued involuntary commitment is a better solution, and lawmakers should start from that point if they want to address the issue.\n\nWe also looked at former President Donald Trump's recent comments backing his bump stock ban. Cam said Trump's doubling down on the ban leaves him vulnerable to his right on gun policy. He said it makes sense for opponents to try and exploit that opening, as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R.) seems to be positioning himself to do. But he also noted Trump has seen pretty resilient support from gun voters to this point and may be able to keep that advantage despite his continued support for the bump stock ban.\n\nReload Member Frank Phillips also joined the show this week in a member segment where we discussed his hobby of collecting guns and suppressors.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss federal court rulings upholding the gun ban for those involuntarily committed and striking down the sales ban for adults under 21.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"We're bringing back a fan-favorite guest this week: Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms.
\n\nHe joins the show to discuss Tennessee's new "red flag" proposal. We talked about the major differences between Governor Bill Lee's (R.) proposal and other laws already on the books. The Tennessee proposal is one of the first to try and address many of the due process concerns raised by the other laws.
\n\nBut Cam argued the changes aren't enough to satisfy gun-rights advocates. He said the problem stems from the basic approach of trying to reform red flag laws, which center on temporarily confiscating firearms from those who are a danger to themselves or others, in the first place. He said that flips priorities on their head because somebody who is a threat to themselves or others needs serious mental health intervention instead of just having their guns taken away. Cam argued involuntary commitment is a better solution, and lawmakers should start from that point if they want to address the issue.
\n\nWe also looked at former President Donald Trump's recent comments backing his bump stock ban. Cam said Trump's doubling down on the ban leaves him vulnerable to his right on gun policy. He said it makes sense for opponents to try and exploit that opening, as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R.) seems to be positioning himself to do. But he also noted Trump has seen pretty resilient support from gun voters to this point and may be able to keep that advantage despite his continued support for the bump stock ban.
\n\nReload Member Frank Phillips also joined the show this week in a member segment where we discussed his hobby of collecting guns and suppressors.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss federal court rulings upholding the gun ban for those involuntarily committed and striking down the sales ban for adults under 21.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss the politics of Tennessee's red flag proposal and Donald Trump's doubling down on support of the bump stock ban.","date_published":"2023-05-15T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4d0d74a9-cb58-4133-badd-dd0d4bc49484.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":91477661,"duration_in_seconds":5688}]},{"id":"856fb4fb-2cef-457e-9ba3-46ff1234d0d2","title":"Examining the Supreme Court's Renewed Interest in AR-15 Bans With Author Mark W. Smith","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/examining-the-supreme-court-s-renewed-interest-in-ar-15-bans-with-author-mark-w-smith","content_text":"The Supreme Court is back in the spotlight because it showed a sign it might soon act on so-called assault weapons bans.\n\nBut the sign comes in the form of a complex legal maneuver that needs some explaining. That's why we have author and pro-gun lawyer Mark W. Smith on the show to suss out exactly what's going on and what it means.\n\nJustice Amy Coney Barrett, who oversees the Seventh Circuit, asked Naperville, Illinois, to defend its ban on AR-15s and similar firearms against an emergency request to block the law. Smith said that means she, and probably other members of the Court, may take the rare step of entering an emergency injunction. However, he said that likely depends on what happens with a sister case against Illinois' statewide ban.\n\nSmith argued the common defenses of the bans are lacking. He said the Heller standard that guns in \"common use for lawful purposes\" can't be banned is the proper way to judge these cases. And he said it is clear AR-15s and the other firearms targetted by assault weapons bans are popular enough to be considered in \"common use.\"\n\nWe also talk about Smith's new book Disarmed: What the Ukraine War Teaches Americans About the Right to Bear Arms. He explains why he thinks Ukraine made significant missteps in the lead-up to the Russian invasion by not arming civilians at large until just before hostilities broke out. But he argues Ukraine's newly-armed populous has helped repel the invaders, just as America's did several centuries ago.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the effects of Colorado's decade-long push to tighten its gun laws.Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.","content_html":"The Supreme Court is back in the spotlight because it showed a sign it might soon act on so-called assault weapons bans.
\n\nBut the sign comes in the form of a complex legal maneuver that needs some explaining. That's why we have author and pro-gun lawyer Mark W. Smith on the show to suss out exactly what's going on and what it means.
\n\nJustice Amy Coney Barrett, who oversees the Seventh Circuit, asked Naperville, Illinois, to defend its ban on AR-15s and similar firearms against an emergency request to block the law. Smith said that means she, and probably other members of the Court, may take the rare step of entering an emergency injunction. However, he said that likely depends on what happens with a sister case against Illinois' statewide ban.
\n\nSmith argued the common defenses of the bans are lacking. He said the Heller standard that guns in "common use for lawful purposes" can't be banned is the proper way to judge these cases. And he said it is clear AR-15s and the other firearms targetted by assault weapons bans are popular enough to be considered in "common use."
\n\nWe also talk about Smith's new book Disarmed: What the Ukraine War Teaches Americans About the Right to Bear Arms. He explains why he thinks Ukraine made significant missteps in the lead-up to the Russian invasion by not arming civilians at large until just before hostilities broke out. But he argues Ukraine's newly-armed populous has helped repel the invaders, just as America's did several centuries ago.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the effects of Colorado's decade-long push to tighten its gun laws.
Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Mark W. Smith talk about the Supreme Court asking an Illinois city to defend its 'assault weapons' ban.","date_published":"2023-05-08T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/856fb4fb-2cef-457e-9ba3-46ff1234d0d2.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67212805,"duration_in_seconds":4179}]},{"id":"e9d0f351-ad7f-4e7b-b569-b9b44b64a688","title":"The Fate of 'Assault Weapons' Bans According to Gun-Rights Scholar David Kopel","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-fate-of-assault-weapons-bans-according-to-gun-rights-scholar-david-kopel","content_text":"Another federal judge ruled on Friday that so-called assault weapons bans likely violate the Second Amendment.\n\nSo, the Illinois ban is blocked for now. But Washington's was just signed. And Delaware's 2022 ban is still standing. Elsewhere, bans on the popular guns, including the AR-15, have been forestalled by political reality.\n\nIndependence Institute's David Kopel understands the fight well having just gone through it in his home state of Colorado, where Democrats who control the government weren't able to push a ban over the finish line. But he has also filed many court briefs and written even more books or academic papers on the topic from a pro-gun point of view. He joins the show to discuss the political and legal landscape in the fight over assault weapons bans.\n\nWhat stopped Colorado's ban from going forward? Why has there been a sudden resurgence in blue states pushing for the bans? What is the legal argument against them? What is the state of the numerous lawsuits against AR-15 bans across the country?\n\nAnd, most importantly, will the Supreme Court take up an assault weapons ban case soon? If so, what are they likely to decide?\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the wide-reaching implications of the bump stock ban being stuck down by another federal appeals court.Special Guest: David Kopel.","content_html":"Another federal judge ruled on Friday that so-called assault weapons bans likely violate the Second Amendment.
\n\nSo, the Illinois ban is blocked for now. But Washington's was just signed. And Delaware's 2022 ban is still standing. Elsewhere, bans on the popular guns, including the AR-15, have been forestalled by political reality.
\n\nIndependence Institute's David Kopel understands the fight well having just gone through it in his home state of Colorado, where Democrats who control the government weren't able to push a ban over the finish line. But he has also filed many court briefs and written even more books or academic papers on the topic from a pro-gun point of view. He joins the show to discuss the political and legal landscape in the fight over assault weapons bans.
\n\nWhat stopped Colorado's ban from going forward? Why has there been a sudden resurgence in blue states pushing for the bans? What is the legal argument against them? What is the state of the numerous lawsuits against AR-15 bans across the country?
\n\nAnd, most importantly, will the Supreme Court take up an assault weapons ban case soon? If so, what are they likely to decide?
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the wide-reaching implications of the bump stock ban being stuck down by another federal appeals court.
Special Guest: David Kopel.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest David Kopel discuss the state of 'assault weapons' bans across the country.","date_published":"2023-05-01T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e9d0f351-ad7f-4e7b-b569-b9b44b64a688.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":83523629,"duration_in_seconds":5194}]},{"id":"a3d62605-8fc5-4eeb-bcfe-0261ca8676a2","title":"Former NRA Board Member Frank Tait on Reform Efforts","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/former-nra-board-member-frank-tait-on-reform-efforts","content_text":"The NRA's 2023 Annual Meeting was last week. The group was resurgent, and leadership got a mostly warm welcome.\n\nThat doesn't mean the NRA's problems are solved. To the contrary, it still seems to be bleeding membership revenue at the same time it racks up increasing legal bills from dealing with multiple corruption suits over allegations of financial impropriety. That's why we have Frank Tait, who just finished his term on the NRA board, on the show this week.\n\nTait, who joined the board as a vocal critic of Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, admitted attempts to reform the group from within have failed. He responded to several of the most common defenses of LaPierre, often employed by other members of the board, and explained why he believes the organization is in dire trouble.\n\nHe also talked about his time on the board. He said NRA staff made it very difficult for board members to access key documents. He also described how the 76-member board functions in practice, saying a small fraction of the board holds the majority of the decision-making power.\n\nTait also said he doesn't plan to run for re-election in large part because he no longer sees a viable path to changing leadership from the inside.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss what Colorado's failure to pass an \"assault weapons\" ban means for the policy's recent momentum.Special Guest: Frank Tait.","content_html":"The NRA's 2023 Annual Meeting was last week. The group was resurgent, and leadership got a mostly warm welcome.
\n\nThat doesn't mean the NRA's problems are solved. To the contrary, it still seems to be bleeding membership revenue at the same time it racks up increasing legal bills from dealing with multiple corruption suits over allegations of financial impropriety. That's why we have Frank Tait, who just finished his term on the NRA board, on the show this week.
\n\nTait, who joined the board as a vocal critic of Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, admitted attempts to reform the group from within have failed. He responded to several of the most common defenses of LaPierre, often employed by other members of the board, and explained why he believes the organization is in dire trouble.
\n\nHe also talked about his time on the board. He said NRA staff made it very difficult for board members to access key documents. He also described how the 76-member board functions in practice, saying a small fraction of the board holds the majority of the decision-making power.
\n\nTait also said he doesn't plan to run for re-election in large part because he no longer sees a viable path to changing leadership from the inside.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss what Colorado's failure to pass an "assault weapons" ban means for the policy's recent momentum.
Special Guest: Frank Tait.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Frank Tait discuss the internal workings of the NRA board.","date_published":"2023-04-24T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/a3d62605-8fc5-4eeb-bcfe-0261ca8676a2.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":82852715,"duration_in_seconds":5149}]},{"id":"86defa51-3d95-48d9-8fd2-b31cf35e43ca","title":"Mass Shooting Patterns and Potential Solutions With The Violence Project's James Densley","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/mass-shooting-patterns-and-potential-solutions-with-the-violence-project-s-james-densley","content_text":"The beginning of the week featured another horrible mass shooting in America. This time at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky.\n\nThat's why I wanted to bring on one of the leading experts currently studying mass shootings. Metro State University Professor James Densley is one of the co-founders of The Violence Project, which has the most detailed and comprehensive database of mass shootings dating back to 1966. He is also the co-author of the book by the same name that outlines potential real-world solutions to the phenomenon.\n\nProfessor Densley explained why he believes the count they use, which only includes public attacks where four or more people are killed for reasons unrelated to other criminal conduct, gives the most accurate understanding of mass shootings. He said it's important to properly define terms when you're attempting to seriously study a problem and identify trends so you can craft solutions.\n\nHe laid out some of the common patterns seen in the lives of mass shooters before they carry out their attacks. For instance, he said most shooters have a long history of abuse and trauma before they decide to do the unthinkable. And the shootings almost always follow an inciting incident that sends the shooter into a crisis state.\n\nDensley argued that a potential attacker could be \"off-ramped\" at any point along that path, whether it's after they first experience abuse or after they begin experiencing an inciting crisis. What's necessary is for those who recognize the warning signs to step in and do something to help. And that resources to help are made available and known to those looking to carry out that kind of intervention.\n\nBut those aren't the only interventions Densley believes are necessary. He said firearms restrictions of some kind should be part of the equation as well, especially for those showing warning signs they may be a threat to themselves or others. We go back and forth on why gun-rights advocates and gun owners are not as open to those ideas as Densley would like them to be.\n\nUltimately, Densley said he believes mass shootings are not an inevitability and can be prevented through action on the individual and societal level--even if not everyone agrees on every aspect of the solutions he proposes.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a new win in court for marijuana users who want to own guns.Special Guest: James Densley.","content_html":"The beginning of the week featured another horrible mass shooting in America. This time at a bank in Louisville, Kentucky.
\n\nThat's why I wanted to bring on one of the leading experts currently studying mass shootings. Metro State University Professor James Densley is one of the co-founders of The Violence Project, which has the most detailed and comprehensive database of mass shootings dating back to 1966. He is also the co-author of the book by the same name that outlines potential real-world solutions to the phenomenon.
\n\nProfessor Densley explained why he believes the count they use, which only includes public attacks where four or more people are killed for reasons unrelated to other criminal conduct, gives the most accurate understanding of mass shootings. He said it's important to properly define terms when you're attempting to seriously study a problem and identify trends so you can craft solutions.
\n\nHe laid out some of the common patterns seen in the lives of mass shooters before they carry out their attacks. For instance, he said most shooters have a long history of abuse and trauma before they decide to do the unthinkable. And the shootings almost always follow an inciting incident that sends the shooter into a crisis state.
\n\nDensley argued that a potential attacker could be "off-ramped" at any point along that path, whether it's after they first experience abuse or after they begin experiencing an inciting crisis. What's necessary is for those who recognize the warning signs to step in and do something to help. And that resources to help are made available and known to those looking to carry out that kind of intervention.
\n\nBut those aren't the only interventions Densley believes are necessary. He said firearms restrictions of some kind should be part of the equation as well, especially for those showing warning signs they may be a threat to themselves or others. We go back and forth on why gun-rights advocates and gun owners are not as open to those ideas as Densley would like them to be.
\n\nUltimately, Densley said he believes mass shootings are not an inevitability and can be prevented through action on the individual and societal level--even if not everyone agrees on every aspect of the solutions he proposes.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a new win in court for marijuana users who want to own guns.
Special Guest: James Densley.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest James Densley discuss the best way to track mass shootings and the best methods to try and prevent them.","date_published":"2023-04-17T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/86defa51-3d95-48d9-8fd2-b31cf35e43ca.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":77017152,"duration_in_seconds":4778}]},{"id":"88504d27-c338-45b7-9fe4-4cd125a54d09","title":"We Answer Your Gun Questions","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/we-answer-your-gun-questions-2","content_text":"It's time for another Q&A podcast episode!\n\nThis week, we're taking some of the best questions from Reload Members. Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman joins me to offer up our best answers to those questions.\n\nAnd those questions covered all sorts of topics. One member asked how realistic confiscation of at least some firearms, such as AR-15s, is and what protections against the federal government implementing such a policy exists. Another asked about the long-term prospects for the gun-rights movement, especially in blue states.\n\nWe also explain how circuit splits work and discuss the weakness of the \"common use\" standard at the center of Heller and Bruen. I also give my point of view on some of the language often employed in media coverage of the AR-15.","content_html":"It's time for another Q&A podcast episode!
\n\nThis week, we're taking some of the best questions from Reload Members. Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman joins me to offer up our best answers to those questions.
\n\nAnd those questions covered all sorts of topics. One member asked how realistic confiscation of at least some firearms, such as AR-15s, is and what protections against the federal government implementing such a policy exists. Another asked about the long-term prospects for the gun-rights movement, especially in blue states.
\n\nWe also explain how circuit splits work and discuss the weakness of the "common use" standard at the center of Heller and Bruen. I also give my point of view on some of the language often employed in media coverage of the AR-15.
","summary":"Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman answer member questions on gun policy and politics.","date_published":"2023-04-10T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/88504d27-c338-45b7-9fe4-4cd125a54d09.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73194799,"duration_in_seconds":4557}]},{"id":"3863a191-eeff-4449-afbb-a074774576e0","title":"Bruen is Outpacing the Effects of Heller (Feat. Pepperdine University's Jake Charles)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/bruen-is-outpacing-the-effects-of-heller-feat-pepperdine-universitys-jake-charles","content_text":"This week, we're discussing the tremendous effect the Supreme Court's Bruen decision has had on the lower courts in a few short months.\n\nJake Charles, an associate professor at Pepperdine University, joins the show to give us an overview of his latest paper. In it, he comprehensively breaks down how many Second Amendment claims have been successful thus far and which ones have performed best. With 31 successful claims, the post-Bruen era has seen far more decisions against gun laws than the immediate aftermath of 2008's Heller decision.\n\nCharles said he wasn't surprised by how much of an effect Bruen has had, given the nature of the test it lays down. But he was surprised by the success rates of different challenges, though. While many carry restrictions have been struck down on a consistent basis, cases against unlawful uses of firearms or prohibited person prohibitions have seen little success.\n\nWe also discuss some of the critiques Charles has of the Bruen standard generally. He explains his view that the Court forstalling the use of anything but historical laws is too restrictive. And he argues the historical test is so far underbaked, which he claims has led to confusion among lower courts.\n\nCharles responds to common pro-gun arguments that critics of Bruen are mostly upset with the standard because there simply weren't many gun regulations at the founding, which limits what can be considered Constitutional today. And he explains why he believes the Court's approach to analysis by analogue is not flexible enough to deal with modern problems the founders didn't face.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Charles and I talk about a federal judge upholding Delaware's \"assault weapons\" ban despite finding the guns are in \"common use\" for self-defense.Special Guest: Jake Charles.","content_html":"This week, we're discussing the tremendous effect the Supreme Court's Bruen decision has had on the lower courts in a few short months.
\n\nJake Charles, an associate professor at Pepperdine University, joins the show to give us an overview of his latest paper. In it, he comprehensively breaks down how many Second Amendment claims have been successful thus far and which ones have performed best. With 31 successful claims, the post-Bruen era has seen far more decisions against gun laws than the immediate aftermath of 2008's Heller decision.
\n\nCharles said he wasn't surprised by how much of an effect Bruen has had, given the nature of the test it lays down. But he was surprised by the success rates of different challenges, though. While many carry restrictions have been struck down on a consistent basis, cases against unlawful uses of firearms or prohibited person prohibitions have seen little success.
\n\nWe also discuss some of the critiques Charles has of the Bruen standard generally. He explains his view that the Court forstalling the use of anything but historical laws is too restrictive. And he argues the historical test is so far underbaked, which he claims has led to confusion among lower courts.
\n\nCharles responds to common pro-gun arguments that critics of Bruen are mostly upset with the standard because there simply weren't many gun regulations at the founding, which limits what can be considered Constitutional today. And he explains why he believes the Court's approach to analysis by analogue is not flexible enough to deal with modern problems the founders didn't face.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Charles and I talk about a federal judge upholding Delaware's "assault weapons" ban despite finding the guns are in "common use" for self-defense.
Special Guest: Jake Charles.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Jake Charles discuss the practical fallout from the Supreme Court's Bruen ruling.","date_published":"2023-04-03T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3863a191-eeff-4449-afbb-a074774576e0.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69700619,"duration_in_seconds":4331}]},{"id":"aa9213f1-3af0-490e-957b-905543469b57","title":"YouTuber Reno May on His Win Over California's Handgun Roster","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/youtuber-reno-may-on-his-win-over-californias-handgun-roster","content_text":"This week, California gun owners received positive news when a federal judge ruled the state's handgun restrictions are unconstitutional.\n\nSo, we decided to reach out to one of the most prominent plaintiffs in the case: YouTuber Reno May. He said he is happy with the outcome of the case. He even expressed optimism that the ruling might go into effect without an appeal.\n\nFederal District Judge Judge Cormac J. Carney agreed with May and the other plaintiffs' argument that the state's \"Unsafe Handgun Law\" violates the Second Amendment. He found the requirement that all new models of handguns include loaded chamber indicators, magazine disconnect safeties, and microstamping were unlike anything in the historical record. Judge Carney said that the law can't stand under the Bruen standard.\n\nWhile the problem with California banning handguns that don't feature a theoretical technology, like Microstamping, May explained why the other two requirements were actually more challenging for gun makers to meet than they first seem. For instance, many modern guns have some kind of loaded chamber indicator, but California requires one that has a specific phrase written on it to qualify.\n\nMay said the law has prevented him from buying any modern handgun from a dealer since he started buying them after 2013. He noted he and other Californians may still have to wait to buy new handguns, though, because the ruling doesn't go into effect for several more days. And he noted California is likely to appeal the verdict while asking for a stay that would delay the effect of this ruling.\n\nBut he noted the odd silence from the state and gun-control supporters about the case. That gives him hope that an appeal may not be coming. May also gave us some insight into the modern pistols he plans to buy if no appeal comes.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about why a federal judge added Polymer80 to the list of companies the ATF can't go after under President Biden's \"ghost gun\" ban.Special Guest: Reno May.","content_html":"This week, California gun owners received positive news when a federal judge ruled the state's handgun restrictions are unconstitutional.
\n\nSo, we decided to reach out to one of the most prominent plaintiffs in the case: YouTuber Reno May. He said he is happy with the outcome of the case. He even expressed optimism that the ruling might go into effect without an appeal.
\n\nFederal District Judge Judge Cormac J. Carney agreed with May and the other plaintiffs' argument that the state's "Unsafe Handgun Law" violates the Second Amendment. He found the requirement that all new models of handguns include loaded chamber indicators, magazine disconnect safeties, and microstamping were unlike anything in the historical record. Judge Carney said that the law can't stand under the Bruen standard.
\n\nWhile the problem with California banning handguns that don't feature a theoretical technology, like Microstamping, May explained why the other two requirements were actually more challenging for gun makers to meet than they first seem. For instance, many modern guns have some kind of loaded chamber indicator, but California requires one that has a specific phrase written on it to qualify.
\n\nMay said the law has prevented him from buying any modern handgun from a dealer since he started buying them after 2013. He noted he and other Californians may still have to wait to buy new handguns, though, because the ruling doesn't go into effect for several more days. And he noted California is likely to appeal the verdict while asking for a stay that would delay the effect of this ruling.
\n\nBut he noted the odd silence from the state and gun-control supporters about the case. That gives him hope that an appeal may not be coming. May also gave us some insight into the modern pistols he plans to buy if no appeal comes.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about why a federal judge added Polymer80 to the list of companies the ATF can't go after under President Biden's "ghost gun" ban.
Special Guest: Reno May.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Reno May discuss the recent ruling against California's handgun restrictions.","date_published":"2023-03-27T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/aa9213f1-3af0-490e-957b-905543469b57.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69679572,"duration_in_seconds":4329}]},{"id":"8e316e48-77ab-42e5-adee-22f4f34df909","title":"What Does President Biden's New Executive Order on Guns Do? (Feat. Heritage's Amy Swearer)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/what-does-president-biden-s-new-executive-order-on-guns-do-feat-heritages-amy-swearer","content_text":"President Joe Biden announced a set of new executive orders this week that could have wide-ranging effects.\n\nBut what does his order actually do? Well, that's what we brought Amy Swearer on to explain. She's the conservative Heritage Foundation's gun policy expert who regularly testifies on Capitol Hill.\n\nShe said three of the initiatives have the potential to have a severe impact on gun owners across America. The effort to broaden the requirement for those selling guns to obtain a federal license, the directive that federal agencies and the military try to add gun-control requirements to their gun acquisition contracts, and the request for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate gun company advertising could have the most significant effect. Swearer said those policies could make it much more difficult for private individuals and companies to sell guns.\n\nHowever, we don't yet know precisely how the administration will put President Biden's order into practice. And there are real hurdles to implementing them in the most aggressive possible approach.\n\nWhen it comes to changing the standard for who qualifies as being \"engaged in the business\" of dealing guns, the President will have to work within the legal definition set by Congress. The Department of Defense is unlikely to compromise the effectiveness of its weapons to push a backdoor gun-control regime. And the FTC doesn't have to listen to Biden's request at all. \n\nStill, Swearer argued he might push the boundaries of what's possible on all three.\n\nBut this order is undoubtedly less substantial than President Biden's previous executive actions on guns. His 'ghost gun\" and pistol-brace bans affect millions of Americans, potentially subjecting them to federal felon charges if they don't give up or register their affected firearms and parts.\n\nOf course, those orders are also under intense legal scrutiny. The \"ghost gun\" rule has already been mostly blocked, and it's very likely the pistol-brace ban will soon face the same fate. But Swearer said gun owners should remain concerned about where this new order could end up.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss North Carolina's gun advocates' latest effort to repeal the state's pistol-purchase-permit law.Special Guest: Amy Swearer.","content_html":"President Joe Biden announced a set of new executive orders this week that could have wide-ranging effects.
\n\nBut what does his order actually do? Well, that's what we brought Amy Swearer on to explain. She's the conservative Heritage Foundation's gun policy expert who regularly testifies on Capitol Hill.
\n\nShe said three of the initiatives have the potential to have a severe impact on gun owners across America. The effort to broaden the requirement for those selling guns to obtain a federal license, the directive that federal agencies and the military try to add gun-control requirements to their gun acquisition contracts, and the request for the Federal Trade Commission to investigate gun company advertising could have the most significant effect. Swearer said those policies could make it much more difficult for private individuals and companies to sell guns.
\n\nHowever, we don't yet know precisely how the administration will put President Biden's order into practice. And there are real hurdles to implementing them in the most aggressive possible approach.
\n\nWhen it comes to changing the standard for who qualifies as being "engaged in the business" of dealing guns, the President will have to work within the legal definition set by Congress. The Department of Defense is unlikely to compromise the effectiveness of its weapons to push a backdoor gun-control regime. And the FTC doesn't have to listen to Biden's request at all.
\n\nStill, Swearer argued he might push the boundaries of what's possible on all three.
\n\nBut this order is undoubtedly less substantial than President Biden's previous executive actions on guns. His 'ghost gun" and pistol-brace bans affect millions of Americans, potentially subjecting them to federal felon charges if they don't give up or register their affected firearms and parts.
\n\nOf course, those orders are also under intense legal scrutiny. The "ghost gun" rule has already been mostly blocked, and it's very likely the pistol-brace ban will soon face the same fate. But Swearer said gun owners should remain concerned about where this new order could end up.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss North Carolina's gun advocates' latest effort to repeal the state's pistol-purchase-permit law.
Special Guest: Amy Swearer.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Amy Swearer discuss the implications of President Joe Biden's new executive gun order.","date_published":"2023-03-20T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8e316e48-77ab-42e5-adee-22f4f34df909.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":68747518,"duration_in_seconds":4263}]},{"id":"9b92b7e7-9213-4dbb-a4eb-886c55354ae3","title":"Ashley Hlebinsky on the University of Wyoming's New Firearms Research Center","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/ashley-hlebinsky-on-the-university-of-wyoming-s-new-firearms-research-center","content_text":"On this week's episode, we're exploring a new effort to make firearms law and history a specific academic pursuit.\n\nAshley Hlebinsky joins the show to tell us about the University of Wyoming's Firearms Research Center. She is the former curator of the Cody Firearms Museum who helped found the new center. She explains what she and a top law professor at the school hope to accomplish with the effort.\n\nHlebinsky said the goal is to develop gun research as a unified topic of study. She said the center is hoping to bring scholars from around higher education to work together at events and on different projects. That includes working with other institutions, including Duke University's Center for Firearms Law.\n\nHowever, she said the UW center also plans to work with people, like herself, who don't have advanced degrees but have tremendous experience working with historic firearms. Hlebinsky argued museum curators, researchers, and show hosts have often amassed as much or more knowledge, often from working directly with primary sources, than those with graduate degrees. She wants to identify the best way to harness that knowledge while avoiding the common pitfalls of amateur historical work.\n\nShe also addressed critics who have questioned the center accepting funding from some gun company executives. Hlebinsky said the funding wouldn't dictate what conclusions the center's work comes to. She said she had fought to keep the center's work independent, even threatening to resign when some lawmakers sought to control what the center could do.\n\nHlebinsky also shared some of her favorite guns from her time as the curator at Cody Firearms Museum. She pointed to several guns that developed features years or even decades before they received mainstream adoption. And she talked about how video games and movies impacted attendance at the museum in interesting and unexpected ways.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about why the major credit card companies have backed away from a plan to add a merchant code for gun stores.Special Guest: Ashley Hlebinsky.","content_html":"On this week's episode, we're exploring a new effort to make firearms law and history a specific academic pursuit.
\n\nAshley Hlebinsky joins the show to tell us about the University of Wyoming's Firearms Research Center. She is the former curator of the Cody Firearms Museum who helped found the new center. She explains what she and a top law professor at the school hope to accomplish with the effort.
\n\nHlebinsky said the goal is to develop gun research as a unified topic of study. She said the center is hoping to bring scholars from around higher education to work together at events and on different projects. That includes working with other institutions, including Duke University's Center for Firearms Law.
\n\nHowever, she said the UW center also plans to work with people, like herself, who don't have advanced degrees but have tremendous experience working with historic firearms. Hlebinsky argued museum curators, researchers, and show hosts have often amassed as much or more knowledge, often from working directly with primary sources, than those with graduate degrees. She wants to identify the best way to harness that knowledge while avoiding the common pitfalls of amateur historical work.
\n\nShe also addressed critics who have questioned the center accepting funding from some gun company executives. Hlebinsky said the funding wouldn't dictate what conclusions the center's work comes to. She said she had fought to keep the center's work independent, even threatening to resign when some lawmakers sought to control what the center could do.
\n\nHlebinsky also shared some of her favorite guns from her time as the curator at Cody Firearms Museum. She pointed to several guns that developed features years or even decades before they received mainstream adoption. And she talked about how video games and movies impacted attendance at the museum in interesting and unexpected ways.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about why the major credit card companies have backed away from a plan to add a merchant code for gun stores.
Special Guest: Ashley Hlebinsky.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ashley Hlebinsky discuss her role in the University of Wyomin's Firearms Research Center.","date_published":"2023-03-13T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/9b92b7e7-9213-4dbb-a4eb-886c55354ae3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":66996510,"duration_in_seconds":4155}]},{"id":"93404ae0-b4eb-4cd8-ae59-82b31ed6e736","title":"National Review's Charles Cooke on Florida's Desantis Pushing Gun Reforms","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/national-review-s-charles-cooke-on-florida-s-desantis-pushing-gun-reforms","content_text":"Charles Cooke is back on the show this week.\n\nThe National Review senior writer is an expert on gun policy and politics. He is also a Florida Man. So, he's the perfect person to come on and talk about Governor Ron Desantis's (R.) latest push to institute new gun reforms.\n\nCooke said Desantis's push to implement permitless gun carry and banking reforms designed to pressure financial institutions into continuing to work with gun businesses is likely to succeed. Republicans have supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature and Desantis has worked more closely with lawmakers than previous governors. So, Cooke said the bills are almost certainly going to become law by the end of the session.\n\nHe argued both reforms are good policies. But, beyond the merits of the proposals, he also said the move will help Desantis in the upcoming Republican presidential primary. He said Desantis needs those pro-gun accomplishments to fend off attacks from his right on the issue. He pointed to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Texas Governor Greg Abbott as contenders who could credibly go after him if he doesn't get these bills through.\n\nOf course, Cooke also stacked up the potential legislative accomplishments for Desantis against former president Donald Trump's record on guns. Permitless carry and pro-gun banking reforms would give Desantis a stronger legislative record than Trump. And Trump's infamous comments expressing a desire to take troubled people's guns and have due process afterward only helps Desantis. But Trump also appointed three Supreme Court justices who were in the Bruen majority, which is clearly a major trump card.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the California city trying to charge people $1,000 for a gun-carry permit. And Reload Member Liz Mair tells us about how guns have played a role in her life and why she comes to The Reload for gun news.Special Guest: Charles Cooke.","content_html":"Charles Cooke is back on the show this week.
\n\nThe National Review senior writer is an expert on gun policy and politics. He is also a Florida Man. So, he's the perfect person to come on and talk about Governor Ron Desantis's (R.) latest push to institute new gun reforms.
\n\nCooke said Desantis's push to implement permitless gun carry and banking reforms designed to pressure financial institutions into continuing to work with gun businesses is likely to succeed. Republicans have supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature and Desantis has worked more closely with lawmakers than previous governors. So, Cooke said the bills are almost certainly going to become law by the end of the session.
\n\nHe argued both reforms are good policies. But, beyond the merits of the proposals, he also said the move will help Desantis in the upcoming Republican presidential primary. He said Desantis needs those pro-gun accomplishments to fend off attacks from his right on the issue. He pointed to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Texas Governor Greg Abbott as contenders who could credibly go after him if he doesn't get these bills through.
\n\nOf course, Cooke also stacked up the potential legislative accomplishments for Desantis against former president Donald Trump's record on guns. Permitless carry and pro-gun banking reforms would give Desantis a stronger legislative record than Trump. And Trump's infamous comments expressing a desire to take troubled people's guns and have due process afterward only helps Desantis. But Trump also appointed three Supreme Court justices who were in the Bruen majority, which is clearly a major trump card.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the California city trying to charge people $1,000 for a gun-carry permit. And Reload Member Liz Mair tells us about how guns have played a role in her life and why she comes to The Reload for gun news.
Special Guest: Charles Cooke.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Charles Cooke talk about the implications of Ron Deanstis pursuing pro-gun legislation.","date_published":"2023-03-06T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/93404ae0-b4eb-4cd8-ae59-82b31ed6e736.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":78138466,"duration_in_seconds":4850}]},{"id":"16b56a90-8002-4a55-af50-5a8e1d08a509","title":"Should Gun Suicides be Counted as Gun Violence? (Feat. Gun Lawyer Kostas Moros)","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/should-gun-suicides-be-counted-as-gun-violence-feat-gun-lawyer-kostas-moros","content_text":"This week, we're examining the way that most gun-control groups count \"gun violence.\"\n\nKostas Moros, a gun-rights lawyer, joins the show to discuss the piece he wrote for The Reload about why the decision to include gun-related suicides in those counts is misleading. He explained that the majority of gun deaths, and usually up to two-thirds of them, are suicides. He said gun-control activists' claims about the correlation between strict gun laws and lower levels of \"gun violence\" don't hold water without including suicides.\n\nMoros argued states with strict gun laws often don't have lower gun murder rates or overall murder rates than their pro-gun neighbors. He cited his home state of California as a prime example of this phenomenon. Its murder rate is higher than its less restrictive neighbors to the north and only marginally better than Arizona, which has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the country.\n\nAdditionally, Moros says treating gun suicides as a type of criminal violence is illogical. He argued no other forms of suicide are referred to as a kind of violence or included in violence counts for knives, rope, or anything else. \n\nHe noted that guns are among the most deadly suicide techniques, and gun owners should do everything possible to mitigate the problem. He also noted that the absence or presence of guns at a societal level doesn't correlate to a country's suicide rate. The United States has by far the most civilian-owned firearms in the world, but our suicide rate is comparable to most other developed nations and much lower than countries like South Korea.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I look at the unethical way Brady United used an Aurora theater victim's family in a stunt lawsuit that left them bankrupt.Special Guest: Kostas Moros.","content_html":"This week, we're examining the way that most gun-control groups count "gun violence."
\n\nKostas Moros, a gun-rights lawyer, joins the show to discuss the piece he wrote for The Reload about why the decision to include gun-related suicides in those counts is misleading. He explained that the majority of gun deaths, and usually up to two-thirds of them, are suicides. He said gun-control activists' claims about the correlation between strict gun laws and lower levels of "gun violence" don't hold water without including suicides.
\n\nMoros argued states with strict gun laws often don't have lower gun murder rates or overall murder rates than their pro-gun neighbors. He cited his home state of California as a prime example of this phenomenon. Its murder rate is higher than its less restrictive neighbors to the north and only marginally better than Arizona, which has some of the least restrictive gun laws in the country.
\n\nAdditionally, Moros says treating gun suicides as a type of criminal violence is illogical. He argued no other forms of suicide are referred to as a kind of violence or included in violence counts for knives, rope, or anything else.
\n\nHe noted that guns are among the most deadly suicide techniques, and gun owners should do everything possible to mitigate the problem. He also noted that the absence or presence of guns at a societal level doesn't correlate to a country's suicide rate. The United States has by far the most civilian-owned firearms in the world, but our suicide rate is comparable to most other developed nations and much lower than countries like South Korea.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I look at the unethical way Brady United used an Aurora theater victim's family in a stunt lawsuit that left them bankrupt.
Special Guest: Kostas Moros.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Kostas Moros discuss why it's misleading to include suicides in gun violence stats.","date_published":"2023-02-27T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/16b56a90-8002-4a55-af50-5a8e1d08a509.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":91052399,"duration_in_seconds":3776}]},{"id":"1cdf3e38-32c9-4325-961b-9fcdfb22ee4b","title":"Author Mark W. Smith on the Post-Bruen Legal Landscape","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/author-mark-smith-on-the-post-bruen-legal-landscape","content_text":"We're doing another unique episode this week.\n\nInstead of exploring a specific story from the week, we're taking a step back and looking at the state of the legal fight over guns. That's why I reached out to one of the best legal commentators out there: Mark W. Smith. He is an author, lawyer, and host of The Four Boxes Diner on YouTube.\n\nSmith gives us the state of play around gun restrictions in federal courts. He said there has been more significant movement from the courts in the seven months since SCOTUS handed down a decision in Bruen than there had been in the decade-plus between it and the landmark Heller decision. And he thinks things are just getting started.\n\nHe believes the Supreme Court will likely take up multiple Second Amendment cases over its next term. Smith said they are likely to settle some questions around prohibited person restrictions. But he noted the Court usually takes up cases as a means to lay out best practices for deciding future cases as well. So, the justices are likely to look for cases where they can hand down a decision that applies well beyond the merits of the case.\n\nSmith also goes over some emerging arguments for how certain modern gun restrictions, such as magazine bans, can survive Bruen scrutiny and explains why he believes they don't hold water.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Florida Governor Ron Desantis's effort to keep big banks from dropping gun companies.Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.","content_html":"We're doing another unique episode this week.
\n\nInstead of exploring a specific story from the week, we're taking a step back and looking at the state of the legal fight over guns. That's why I reached out to one of the best legal commentators out there: Mark W. Smith. He is an author, lawyer, and host of The Four Boxes Diner on YouTube.
\n\nSmith gives us the state of play around gun restrictions in federal courts. He said there has been more significant movement from the courts in the seven months since SCOTUS handed down a decision in Bruen than there had been in the decade-plus between it and the landmark Heller decision. And he thinks things are just getting started.
\n\nHe believes the Supreme Court will likely take up multiple Second Amendment cases over its next term. Smith said they are likely to settle some questions around prohibited person restrictions. But he noted the Court usually takes up cases as a means to lay out best practices for deciding future cases as well. So, the justices are likely to look for cases where they can hand down a decision that applies well beyond the merits of the case.
\n\nSmith also goes over some emerging arguments for how certain modern gun restrictions, such as magazine bans, can survive Bruen scrutiny and explains why he believes they don't hold water.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Florida Governor Ron Desantis's effort to keep big banks from dropping gun companies.
Special Guest: Mark W. Smith.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Mark W. Smith provide a broad overview of where the legal fight over guns stands just over six months after the Supreme Court's landmark Bruen decision.","date_published":"2023-02-20T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/1cdf3e38-32c9-4325-961b-9fcdfb22ee4b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":72360408,"duration_in_seconds":4494}]},{"id":"ca12fb4d-a954-4a83-98e7-32238da401c9","title":"Forgotten Weapons' Ian McCollum on YouTube's Silencer Video Takedowns","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/forgotten-weapons-ian-mccollum-on-youtube-s-silencer-video-takedowns","content_text":"This week we're focused on YouTube's erratic moderation of silencers.\n\nThe social media giant began deleting videos and even whole channels that featured silencers, often called suppressors, from their site a few weeks back. Then, after public outcry and an inquiry from The Reload, the company reversed course. But the damage to trust many gun creators had in the platform was already done by then.\n\nIan McCollum, who had one of his suppressor videos from Forgotten Weapons deleted, joins the podcast to talk about the ordeal. He explains how this is not the first time YouTube has targeted gun channels with unclear policies. In fact, he said he's been dealing with these problems nearly the entire time he's been on the platform.\n\nThat's why he's attempted to diversify where his content is hosted over the years. He's also taken to using alternative means for growing a sustainable income outside of YouTube in order to mitigate against the video company's impact on his ability to make the content he and his audience love. At the same time, he said he remains on YouTube because it's by far the largest platform out there and it's important to go where the audience is.\n\nHe also shares some insight into what he has planned for the future of Forgotten Weapons. Both the long-term vision for the company and some hints at upcoming videos.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how the NRA managed to lose over a million members in just 4 years.Special Guest: Ian McCollum.","content_html":"This week we're focused on YouTube's erratic moderation of silencers.
\n\nThe social media giant began deleting videos and even whole channels that featured silencers, often called suppressors, from their site a few weeks back. Then, after public outcry and an inquiry from The Reload, the company reversed course. But the damage to trust many gun creators had in the platform was already done by then.
\n\nIan McCollum, who had one of his suppressor videos from Forgotten Weapons deleted, joins the podcast to talk about the ordeal. He explains how this is not the first time YouTube has targeted gun channels with unclear policies. In fact, he said he's been dealing with these problems nearly the entire time he's been on the platform.
\n\nThat's why he's attempted to diversify where his content is hosted over the years. He's also taken to using alternative means for growing a sustainable income outside of YouTube in order to mitigate against the video company's impact on his ability to make the content he and his audience love. At the same time, he said he remains on YouTube because it's by far the largest platform out there and it's important to go where the audience is.
\n\nHe also shares some insight into what he has planned for the future of Forgotten Weapons. Both the long-term vision for the company and some hints at upcoming videos.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about how the NRA managed to lose over a million members in just 4 years.
Special Guest: Ian McCollum.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ian McCollum talk about YouTube's recent takedown of videos and channels that feature silencers as well as their decision to reverse those takedowns.","date_published":"2023-02-13T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/ca12fb4d-a954-4a83-98e7-32238da401c9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67720737,"duration_in_seconds":4203}]},{"id":"729f0daa-a5bb-4def-8ee3-53db9b8879ec","title":"Monster Hunter Author Larry Correia on Defending the Second Amendment","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/monster-hunter-author-larry-correia-on-defending-the-second-amendment","content_text":"This week we're trying something a little bit different.\n\nUsually, we have a guest on to talk about a recent gun story we've been reporting on. I thought it would be a good time to shake things up a little bit. When New York Times best-selling fantasy author Larry Correia's agent reached out about his new non-fiction book on the Second Amendment, it seemed like a good idea.\n\nCorreia was amenable. So, I read his classic book Monster Hunter International and his new book In Defense of the Second Amendment to prepare for the conversation. I think they're both very good.\n\nCorreia's background as a gun dealer, firearms safety instructor, and competitive shooter really comes through in both works. His breadth of knowledge about guns and real-world experience shooting them elevates the fights in Monster Hunter International with a grounding sense of realism. His up-to-date awareness of gun policy and politics puts In Defense of the Second Amendment head and shoulders above most political gun books, especially those written by someone who doesn't work full-time in the political world.\n\nWe spend some time discussing his background and how it informs his prolific non-fiction writing. But most of our conversation focused on his new non-fiction work. In Defense of the Second Amendment, as you might imagine from the name, is a book gun owners looking to learn more about the political debate will enjoy most. But it's also one that provides a solid and readable guide to many of the best pro-gun arguments and responses to gun-control arguments.\n\nThose who disagree with Correia's outlook on guns may not like how he talks about gun-control activists or their ideas, but they can still get a good idea of how gun-rights activists think. The book provides a good picture of how most pro-gun people think about the fight over guns in America.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a Fifth Circuit panel's decision to strike down the domestic violence restraining order gun ban.Special Guest: Larry Correia.","content_html":"This week we're trying something a little bit different.
\n\nUsually, we have a guest on to talk about a recent gun story we've been reporting on. I thought it would be a good time to shake things up a little bit. When New York Times best-selling fantasy author Larry Correia's agent reached out about his new non-fiction book on the Second Amendment, it seemed like a good idea.
\n\nCorreia was amenable. So, I read his classic book Monster Hunter International and his new book In Defense of the Second Amendment to prepare for the conversation. I think they're both very good.
\n\nCorreia's background as a gun dealer, firearms safety instructor, and competitive shooter really comes through in both works. His breadth of knowledge about guns and real-world experience shooting them elevates the fights in Monster Hunter International with a grounding sense of realism. His up-to-date awareness of gun policy and politics puts In Defense of the Second Amendment head and shoulders above most political gun books, especially those written by someone who doesn't work full-time in the political world.
\n\nWe spend some time discussing his background and how it informs his prolific non-fiction writing. But most of our conversation focused on his new non-fiction work. In Defense of the Second Amendment, as you might imagine from the name, is a book gun owners looking to learn more about the political debate will enjoy most. But it's also one that provides a solid and readable guide to many of the best pro-gun arguments and responses to gun-control arguments.
\n\nThose who disagree with Correia's outlook on guns may not like how he talks about gun-control activists or their ideas, but they can still get a good idea of how gun-rights activists think. The book provides a good picture of how most pro-gun people think about the fight over guns in America.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a Fifth Circuit panel's decision to strike down the domestic violence restraining order gun ban.
Special Guest: Larry Correia.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Larry Correia talk about the New York Times best-selling fantasy author's new book on gun rights.","date_published":"2023-02-06T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/729f0daa-a5bb-4def-8ee3-53db9b8879ec.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67141009,"duration_in_seconds":4171}]},{"id":"74ca2779-126d-4145-9bf8-71f6ac152f9e","title":"Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards on Pistol Brace Ban Updates and ATF Inconsistency","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/bearing-arms-cam-edwards-on-pistol-brace-ban-updates-and-atf-inconsistency","content_text":"This week we have one of my favorite guests back on the show: Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms.\n\nThere are few people who follow gun politics as closely as Cam. And even fewer are capable of the intelligent analysis he commonly offers. So, I'm glad he's back to talk about the complicated ins and outs of the ATF's recent rule proposals and public statements.\n\nThe ATF clarified several points regarding its upcoming pistol brace ban this week. It said foreign-made braced guns can be either dismantled or registered as short-barrel rifles to comply with the new ban instead of being destroyed or turned in. They also announced plans to officially publish the rule on January 31st, giving Americans until May to comply before it becomes a crime not to do so.\n\nCam said much of the 293-page rule is still confusing, even for somebody who follows gun news for a living. Are there any braced guns that the ATF won't consider SBRs? Do braces have to be destroyed after being removed to comply with the dismantling requirements? Can the ATF's current determinations even be trusted, given how often they reverse themselves?\n\nSpeaking of the ATF reversing itself, Cam also gives an update on a recent Q&A posted on the agency's website claimed NFA items, such as suppressors or machineguns, could no longer be possessed by anyone other than the owner. That supposedly included times when the owner was there in person and allowing somebody else to try out or rent their gun. Cam said the ATF admitted this isn't true and, apparently, some kind of mistake.\n\nHe said all these inconsistencies hurt the agency's credibility and make it very difficult for gun owners to navigate thorny legal questions that could produce serious consequences.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a new Secret Service report detailing strategies to prevent mass killings.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"This week we have one of my favorite guests back on the show: Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms.
\n\nThere are few people who follow gun politics as closely as Cam. And even fewer are capable of the intelligent analysis he commonly offers. So, I'm glad he's back to talk about the complicated ins and outs of the ATF's recent rule proposals and public statements.
\n\nThe ATF clarified several points regarding its upcoming pistol brace ban this week. It said foreign-made braced guns can be either dismantled or registered as short-barrel rifles to comply with the new ban instead of being destroyed or turned in. They also announced plans to officially publish the rule on January 31st, giving Americans until May to comply before it becomes a crime not to do so.
\n\nCam said much of the 293-page rule is still confusing, even for somebody who follows gun news for a living. Are there any braced guns that the ATF won't consider SBRs? Do braces have to be destroyed after being removed to comply with the dismantling requirements? Can the ATF's current determinations even be trusted, given how often they reverse themselves?
\n\nSpeaking of the ATF reversing itself, Cam also gives an update on a recent Q&A posted on the agency's website claimed NFA items, such as suppressors or machineguns, could no longer be possessed by anyone other than the owner. That supposedly included times when the owner was there in person and allowing somebody else to try out or rent their gun. Cam said the ATF admitted this isn't true and, apparently, some kind of mistake.
\n\nHe said all these inconsistencies hurt the agency's credibility and make it very difficult for gun owners to navigate thorny legal questions that could produce serious consequences.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a new Secret Service report detailing strategies to prevent mass killings.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards talk about the ways the ATF has contradicted itself with recent regulations and public statements.","date_published":"2023-01-30T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/74ca2779-126d-4145-9bf8-71f6ac152f9e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":91197464,"duration_in_seconds":3785}]},{"id":"356d74b9-d7bd-4df1-ae67-a1a29cf3c8cb","title":"Pistol Brace Inventor Alex Bosco on the ATF's New Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/pistol-brace-inventor-alex-bosco-on-the-atfs-new-ban","content_text":"This week, we're diving into the details of the ATF's pistol brace ban.\n\nThat's why we have pistol brace inventor and SB Tactical owner Alex Bosco on the show. He gave his view on how many guns will be affected by the ban, whether any braced guns avoid the prohibition, and the legal case he's building against it.\n\nBosco said he believes there are at least 10 million braces in circulation despite the ATF's claim the number is closer to 3 million. He said the new rule appears to effectively reclassify all braced guns with rifled barrels shorter than 16 inches long as short-barrel rifles that require registration under the National Firearms Act. That means millions of Americans will have to either dismantle, turn in, or register their braced guns to avoid potential federal felony charges.\n\nBut he said the problem goes deeper than that because some braced guns won't be eligible for registration or dismantling. Bosco noted the ATF said many imported braced guns sold as pistols could not legally be converted to rifles under federal law. That means they must be destroyed or turned in to the ATF.\n\nBosco argued this was one of several legal weaknesses in the ban that he plans to sue over with the backing of the National Rifle Association, which has committed to helping fund a challenge. The Fifth Circuit's recent ruling against the Trump-era bumpstock ban provides a good template for how to beat the ATF's latest regulation, and nearly every major gun-rights group is filing suit against the pistol brace ban. Bosco said he is hopeful they will prevail.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about local law enforcement resisting the Illinois \"assault weapons\" ban, as well as my trip to SHOT Show in Las Vegas, which featured a speech from ATF Director Steve Dettelbach.Special Guest: Alex Bosco.","content_html":"This week, we're diving into the details of the ATF's pistol brace ban.
\n\nThat's why we have pistol brace inventor and SB Tactical owner Alex Bosco on the show. He gave his view on how many guns will be affected by the ban, whether any braced guns avoid the prohibition, and the legal case he's building against it.
\n\nBosco said he believes there are at least 10 million braces in circulation despite the ATF's claim the number is closer to 3 million. He said the new rule appears to effectively reclassify all braced guns with rifled barrels shorter than 16 inches long as short-barrel rifles that require registration under the National Firearms Act. That means millions of Americans will have to either dismantle, turn in, or register their braced guns to avoid potential federal felony charges.
\n\nBut he said the problem goes deeper than that because some braced guns won't be eligible for registration or dismantling. Bosco noted the ATF said many imported braced guns sold as pistols could not legally be converted to rifles under federal law. That means they must be destroyed or turned in to the ATF.
\n\nBosco argued this was one of several legal weaknesses in the ban that he plans to sue over with the backing of the National Rifle Association, which has committed to helping fund a challenge. The Fifth Circuit's recent ruling against the Trump-era bumpstock ban provides a good template for how to beat the ATF's latest regulation, and nearly every major gun-rights group is filing suit against the pistol brace ban. Bosco said he is hopeful they will prevail.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about local law enforcement resisting the Illinois "assault weapons" ban, as well as my trip to SHOT Show in Las Vegas, which featured a speech from ATF Director Steve Dettelbach.
Special Guest: Alex Bosco.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Alex Bosco talk about the new ATF rule banning millions of brace-equipped firearms.","date_published":"2023-01-23T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/356d74b9-d7bd-4df1-ae67-a1a29cf3c8cb.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":90202475,"duration_in_seconds":5604}]},{"id":"18e3c37c-911f-4c90-9c2a-812bad7816ee","title":"The Problems With Gun Insurance Mandates According to Expert RJ Lehmann","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-problems-with-gun-insurance-mandates-according-to-expert-rj-lehmann","content_text":"The podcast is back after a holiday and illness break. This week, we're covering the pair of gun insurance mandates that have recently gone into effect.\n\nR.J. Lehmann, a senior fellow at the International Center for Law and Economics, joins us to discuss the details of New Jersey's gun-carry insurance mandate and San Jose, California's gun ownership insurance requirement.\n\nHe said the requirements, which are the first of their kind, won't accomplish the goal lawmakers have claimed. Namely, insurance companies can't provide coverage for criminal acts. That basically leaves damage caused by accidental shootings as the only real option for coverage.\n\nAnd even accidental coverage is more limited than most people realize. For instance, homeowners' insurance--which San Jose now claims qualifies under its mandate--will cover accidental shootings, but only for damages done to third parties. That means any harm caused to the homeowner or family members living in the home wouldn't be covered.\n\nLehmann said New Jersey's requirement is even more problematic because it appears to be trying to require insurance against deliberate, and potentially criminal, acts. He said that's not something any company offers nor is it a policy lawmakers could realistically force companies to offer. It also goes directly against the state's complaints about \"concealed carry insurance,\" which are often not actual insurance policies but lawyer co-ops or group retainer plans.\n\nBeyond the practical problems with the mandates, Lehmann said they also face an uphill battle in the courts. He explains why founding-era surity laws are a bad analogue for these modern requirements and why they are unlikely to survive the Bruen test in the long run.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I examine the new Illinois \"assault weapons\" ban. And Reload Member David Rice tells us about he went from buying his first gun in 2020 to getting involved in gun-rights activism.Special Guest: RJ Lehmann.","content_html":"The podcast is back after a holiday and illness break. This week, we're covering the pair of gun insurance mandates that have recently gone into effect.
\n\nR.J. Lehmann, a senior fellow at the International Center for Law and Economics, joins us to discuss the details of New Jersey's gun-carry insurance mandate and San Jose, California's gun ownership insurance requirement.
\n\nHe said the requirements, which are the first of their kind, won't accomplish the goal lawmakers have claimed. Namely, insurance companies can't provide coverage for criminal acts. That basically leaves damage caused by accidental shootings as the only real option for coverage.
\n\nAnd even accidental coverage is more limited than most people realize. For instance, homeowners' insurance--which San Jose now claims qualifies under its mandate--will cover accidental shootings, but only for damages done to third parties. That means any harm caused to the homeowner or family members living in the home wouldn't be covered.
\n\nLehmann said New Jersey's requirement is even more problematic because it appears to be trying to require insurance against deliberate, and potentially criminal, acts. He said that's not something any company offers nor is it a policy lawmakers could realistically force companies to offer. It also goes directly against the state's complaints about "concealed carry insurance," which are often not actual insurance policies but lawyer co-ops or group retainer plans.
\n\nBeyond the practical problems with the mandates, Lehmann said they also face an uphill battle in the courts. He explains why founding-era surity laws are a bad analogue for these modern requirements and why they are unlikely to survive the Bruen test in the long run.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I examine the new Illinois "assault weapons" ban. And Reload Member David Rice tells us about he went from buying his first gun in 2020 to getting involved in gun-rights activism.
Special Guest: RJ Lehmann.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest RJ Lehmann discuss the gun insurance mandates in New Jersey and San Jose, California.","date_published":"2023-01-16T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/18e3c37c-911f-4c90-9c2a-812bad7816ee.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":71839223,"duration_in_seconds":4460}]},{"id":"45dca6df-3448-4472-b85c-25768568771e","title":"Gun Violence Archive's Mark Bryant on His Role in the CDC Gun Defense Drama","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gun-violence-archives-mark-bryant-on-his-role-in-the-cdc-gun-defense-drama","content_text":"Last week, we broke news of the CDC removing gun defense use estimates and a review paper it commissioned from its website after meeting privately with a group of advocates.\n\nThis week, we have one of those advocates on the show. Mark Bryant, executive director of the Gun Violence Archive, was involved in the private meeting with CDC officials. He attacked Florida State University criminologist Gary Kleck's estimate of 2.5 million defensive gun uses per year as misleading. And he said it was preventing new gun restrictions from making progress.\n\nThe CDC initially rebuffed the request from Bryant, GVPedia's Devin Hughes, and Newtown Action Alliance's Po Murray. However, they eventually changed course and deleted the defensive use estimates from their website without getting input from other points of view or making a public announcement of the edit.\n\nMark joins the show to explain and defend his role in the conversation, which he says he was added to late in the process. He argued his only concern in the conversation was with the accuracy of the data.\n\nThings got a bit heated when I challenged him on a number of points and vice versa. However, it stayed civil overall, and I think the conversation was fruitful and exciting. Beyond the politics of the situation, we also discussed the controversy over how best to measure defensive gun uses as well as things like mass shootings.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I give updates on New Jersey's gun-carry restrictions and California's fee-shifting law.Special Guest: Mark Bryant.","content_html":"Last week, we broke news of the CDC removing gun defense use estimates and a review paper it commissioned from its website after meeting privately with a group of advocates.
\n\nThis week, we have one of those advocates on the show. Mark Bryant, executive director of the Gun Violence Archive, was involved in the private meeting with CDC officials. He attacked Florida State University criminologist Gary Kleck's estimate of 2.5 million defensive gun uses per year as misleading. And he said it was preventing new gun restrictions from making progress.
\n\nThe CDC initially rebuffed the request from Bryant, GVPedia's Devin Hughes, and Newtown Action Alliance's Po Murray. However, they eventually changed course and deleted the defensive use estimates from their website without getting input from other points of view or making a public announcement of the edit.
\n\nMark joins the show to explain and defend his role in the conversation, which he says he was added to late in the process. He argued his only concern in the conversation was with the accuracy of the data.
\n\nThings got a bit heated when I challenged him on a number of points and vice versa. However, it stayed civil overall, and I think the conversation was fruitful and exciting. Beyond the politics of the situation, we also discussed the controversy over how best to measure defensive gun uses as well as things like mass shootings.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I give updates on New Jersey's gun-carry restrictions and California's fee-shifting law.
Special Guest: Mark Bryant.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Mark Bryant discuss the latter's role in the CDC's recent controversial decision to wipe gun defense use estimates from its website.","date_published":"2022-12-23T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/45dca6df-3448-4472-b85c-25768568771e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73216469,"duration_in_seconds":4555}]},{"id":"1884903d-c706-45ee-b49a-57f68c5e2e7d","title":"Manhattan Institute's Robert VerBruggen on the CDC Caving to Gun-Control Advocates","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/manhattan-institutes-robert-verbruggen-on-the-cdc-caving-to-gun-control-advocates","content_text":"The CDC came under fire this week after we broke news they had deleted defensive gun use (DGU) stats from their website under pressure from gun-control advocates. It's an extremely important story, but one that involves some complicated science.\n\nSo, I wanted to bring on somebody who has extensive knowledge of the topic to help us get a better understanding of the controversy. That's why I asked Manhatten Institute fellow Robert VerBruggen to join me. He has written about the strengths and weaknesses of different methods for estimating DGUs, including the Gary Kleck surveys at the center of the fight.\n\nHe said the real problem with the CDC ordeal is that it raises ethical questions which cast a shadow over the agency's reputation. He said officials should not have consulted with gun-control advocates in secret and to the exclusion of other outside perspectives. VerBruggen noted there was no new information shared during the conversations with the advocates, and the initial language the CDC scrubbed from their website was not inaccurate.\n\nVerBruggen said there are legitimate critiques of using surveys to calculate DGUs. The media-report-based estimate that gun-control advocates prefer is even more problematic, according to VerBruggen. He explained the ins and outs of the different approaches and why they produce such divergent results.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the political fallout from the CDC's actions.Special Guest: Robert VerBruggen.","content_html":"The CDC came under fire this week after we broke news they had deleted defensive gun use (DGU) stats from their website under pressure from gun-control advocates. It's an extremely important story, but one that involves some complicated science.
\n\nSo, I wanted to bring on somebody who has extensive knowledge of the topic to help us get a better understanding of the controversy. That's why I asked Manhatten Institute fellow Robert VerBruggen to join me. He has written about the strengths and weaknesses of different methods for estimating DGUs, including the Gary Kleck surveys at the center of the fight.
\n\nHe said the real problem with the CDC ordeal is that it raises ethical questions which cast a shadow over the agency's reputation. He said officials should not have consulted with gun-control advocates in secret and to the exclusion of other outside perspectives. VerBruggen noted there was no new information shared during the conversations with the advocates, and the initial language the CDC scrubbed from their website was not inaccurate.
\n\nVerBruggen said there are legitimate critiques of using surveys to calculate DGUs. The media-report-based estimate that gun-control advocates prefer is even more problematic, according to VerBruggen. He explained the ins and outs of the different approaches and why they produce such divergent results.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the political fallout from the CDC's actions.
Special Guest: Robert VerBruggen.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Robert VerBruggen discuss the CDC's decision to scrub defensive gun use stats from its website after pressure from gun-control advocates.","date_published":"2022-12-19T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/1884903d-c706-45ee-b49a-57f68c5e2e7d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":70850403,"duration_in_seconds":4397}]},{"id":"0f68b6a4-ec29-46ad-b6c3-7610150b193c","title":"GOA's Sam Paredes on Blocking Oregon's New Gun-Control Law","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/goas-sam-paredes-on-blocking-oregons-new-gun-control-law","content_text":"Oregon's gun-control ballot initiative has put it at the center of the fight over guns in America. As the political battle ended with victory for Measure 114 and the deadline to implement a non-existent permit-to-purchase system closed in, a new front opened in the courts.\n\nSam Paredes, a Gun Owners of America (GOA) board member and treasurer of the Gun Owners Foundation, was on the frontline of that legal battle. While multiple federal suits were unable to secure a Temporary Restraining Order against the law, GOA was able to convince a state judge the measure violated the Oregon Constitution's protections for the right to keep and bear arms. That decision has held thus far, despite an attempt by the state to get the Oregon Supreme Court to throw it out.\n\nParedes joined the show this week to talk about where things stand now, and what's coming down the line. He said gun sales in Oregon will go on as usual for the time being, and the ban on magazines that hold more than ten rounds won't go into effect. But the fight isn't over as the state scrambles to create the permitting process and take the biggest practical issues with Measure 114 off the table.\n\nHowever, Paredes said GOA is encouraged by the Oregon Supreme Court's decision not to immediately intervene in the case. He said they may be hesitant to overturn the lower court's pro-gun ruling in the wake of the United States Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. He argued they may not want to run afoul of Bruen and be overturned themselves.\n\nBut the federal judge overseeing challenges to Measure 114 disagreed. She ruled the permit-to-purchase requirement and magazine ban likely don't violate the Second Amendment even under Bruen's text and tradition standard. Paredes said that judge did the analysis wrong. He argued the targeted magazines are in common use and protected, given SCOTUS's rulings in Heller and Caetano, and the permit-to-purchase law has no historical analogue.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the surprising shift in the U.S. Senate's balance of power this week.Special Guest: Sam Paredes.","content_html":"Oregon's gun-control ballot initiative has put it at the center of the fight over guns in America. As the political battle ended with victory for Measure 114 and the deadline to implement a non-existent permit-to-purchase system closed in, a new front opened in the courts.
\n\nSam Paredes, a Gun Owners of America (GOA) board member and treasurer of the Gun Owners Foundation, was on the frontline of that legal battle. While multiple federal suits were unable to secure a Temporary Restraining Order against the law, GOA was able to convince a state judge the measure violated the Oregon Constitution's protections for the right to keep and bear arms. That decision has held thus far, despite an attempt by the state to get the Oregon Supreme Court to throw it out.
\n\nParedes joined the show this week to talk about where things stand now, and what's coming down the line. He said gun sales in Oregon will go on as usual for the time being, and the ban on magazines that hold more than ten rounds won't go into effect. But the fight isn't over as the state scrambles to create the permitting process and take the biggest practical issues with Measure 114 off the table.
\n\nHowever, Paredes said GOA is encouraged by the Oregon Supreme Court's decision not to immediately intervene in the case. He said they may be hesitant to overturn the lower court's pro-gun ruling in the wake of the United States Supreme Court's ruling in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. He argued they may not want to run afoul of Bruen and be overturned themselves.
\n\nBut the federal judge overseeing challenges to Measure 114 disagreed. She ruled the permit-to-purchase requirement and magazine ban likely don't violate the Second Amendment even under Bruen's text and tradition standard. Paredes said that judge did the analysis wrong. He argued the targeted magazines are in common use and protected, given SCOTUS's rulings in Heller and Caetano, and the permit-to-purchase law has no historical analogue.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the surprising shift in the U.S. Senate's balance of power this week.
Special Guest: Sam Paredes.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Sam Paredes of GOA discuss the group's successful suit to block Oregon's new gun law.","date_published":"2022-12-12T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/0f68b6a4-ec29-46ad-b6c3-7610150b193c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":93691979,"duration_in_seconds":3888}]},{"id":"4a501fab-ff64-44e9-add6-2ae3d7cb860d","title":"Georgia State University's Timothy Lytton on How Guns Will Impact the Senate Runoff","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/george-state-universitys-timothy-lytton-on-how-guns-will-impact-the-senate-runoff","content_text":"The race that will decide the final balance of power in the Senate will be decided in a matter of days.\n\nThe contest in Georgia between incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Hershel Walker won't determine who controls the Senate since Democrats have already accomplished that, but it will determine how easily they can move forward with President Joe Biden's executive and judicial appointments. That will significantly impact gun policy for the next two years. So, we've got Georgia State University professor Timothy Lytton on the show to talk about where the race is headed.\n\nProfessor Lytton gives expert on-the-ground insight into how gun politics are affecting the race. He argues that gun policy is continually a major issue in the increasingly-purple state. And he says that while guns are unlikely to be a top issue in the campaign, they may be a decisive one for turning out votes.\n\nThat's why it makes sense that the NRA is dumping millions of dollars into the race. It's also why the relative absence of the major gun-control groups is so surprising. But Lytton says they may still be contributing in other ways that aren't captured by Federal Elections Committee filings.\n\nWe also go over Governor Brian Kemp's (R.) win over Democrat Stacey Abrams. Lytton said gun policy featured even more heavily in that race due to Kemp's successful push for permitless gun-carry earlier this year. But he's not so sure another big push to loosen the state's gun laws will be coming in the wake of Kemp's win.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss new polling that shows the Supreme Court's latest Second Amendment decision is popular.Special Guest: Timothy Lytton.","content_html":"The race that will decide the final balance of power in the Senate will be decided in a matter of days.
\n\nThe contest in Georgia between incumbent Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Hershel Walker won't determine who controls the Senate since Democrats have already accomplished that, but it will determine how easily they can move forward with President Joe Biden's executive and judicial appointments. That will significantly impact gun policy for the next two years. So, we've got Georgia State University professor Timothy Lytton on the show to talk about where the race is headed.
\n\nProfessor Lytton gives expert on-the-ground insight into how gun politics are affecting the race. He argues that gun policy is continually a major issue in the increasingly-purple state. And he says that while guns are unlikely to be a top issue in the campaign, they may be a decisive one for turning out votes.
\n\nThat's why it makes sense that the NRA is dumping millions of dollars into the race. It's also why the relative absence of the major gun-control groups is so surprising. But Lytton says they may still be contributing in other ways that aren't captured by Federal Elections Committee filings.
\n\nWe also go over Governor Brian Kemp's (R.) win over Democrat Stacey Abrams. Lytton said gun policy featured even more heavily in that race due to Kemp's successful push for permitless gun-carry earlier this year. But he's not so sure another big push to loosen the state's gun laws will be coming in the wake of Kemp's win.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss new polling that shows the Supreme Court's latest Second Amendment decision is popular.
Special Guest: Timothy Lytton.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Timothy Lytton examine what role gun politics will play in the upcoming Georgia Senate runoff.","date_published":"2022-12-05T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4a501fab-ff64-44e9-add6-2ae3d7cb860d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":79394874,"duration_in_seconds":3291}]},{"id":"6e7328bd-4631-4fec-9742-4aad0c82d617","title":"New York State Jewish Gun Club Founder Explains Their Suit Against the State's Synagogue Gun Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/new-york-state-jewish-gun-club-founder-explains-their-suit-against-the-states-synagogue-gun-ban","content_text":"This week on the podcast, we're discussing one of the many lawsuits currently trying to take down New York's latest gun-carry restrictions.\n\nJoining us on the show is Tzvi Waldman to discuss the New York State Jewish Gun Club's challenge to the ban on guns in places of worship. He argued the law, which keeps even those who are licensed by the state and authorized by their faith leader to carry from doing so, is unconstitutional. And he said it puts worshipers at greater risk of attack.\n\nWaldman said the law forces Jewish worshipers to choose between their First Amendment and Second Amendment rights. He noted the new restriction, which wasn't part of the state's previously-struck-down law, comes as antisemitism is on the rise. He said both threats and acts of violence against Jews have increased in recent months.\n\nUltimately, he said the group plans to fight this case all the way up to the Supreme Court if necessary.\n\nHe also talked at length about how the club has tried to destigmatize gun ownership for a lot of Jews. He said the Holocaust has served as both a catalyst for Jews to arm themselves and a reason many fear firearms. But Waldman's group is trying to normalize gun ownership and provide a community for Jews who do decide to buy guns.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I explain the Third Circuit's decision to uphold the non-violent felon gun ban.Special Guest: Tzvi Waldman.","content_html":"This week on the podcast, we're discussing one of the many lawsuits currently trying to take down New York's latest gun-carry restrictions.
\n\nJoining us on the show is Tzvi Waldman to discuss the New York State Jewish Gun Club's challenge to the ban on guns in places of worship. He argued the law, which keeps even those who are licensed by the state and authorized by their faith leader to carry from doing so, is unconstitutional. And he said it puts worshipers at greater risk of attack.
\n\nWaldman said the law forces Jewish worshipers to choose between their First Amendment and Second Amendment rights. He noted the new restriction, which wasn't part of the state's previously-struck-down law, comes as antisemitism is on the rise. He said both threats and acts of violence against Jews have increased in recent months.
\n\nUltimately, he said the group plans to fight this case all the way up to the Supreme Court if necessary.
\n\nHe also talked at length about how the club has tried to destigmatize gun ownership for a lot of Jews. He said the Holocaust has served as both a catalyst for Jews to arm themselves and a reason many fear firearms. But Waldman's group is trying to normalize gun ownership and provide a community for Jews who do decide to buy guns.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I explain the Third Circuit's decision to uphold the non-violent felon gun ban.
Special Guest: Tzvi Waldman.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Guest Tzvi Waldman discuss the New York State Jewish Gun Club's fight to legally carry guns in their places of worship for self-protection.","date_published":"2022-11-21T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/6e7328bd-4631-4fec-9742-4aad0c82d617.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":83712305,"duration_in_seconds":3470}]},{"id":"c3200149-ee57-40cf-b64c-0611efa5215b","title":"Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards on the Election's Impact on Gun Politics","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/bearing-arms-cam-edwards-on-the-election-s-impact-on-gun-politics","content_text":"The election is over, and it's time to read the tea leaves.\n\nThat's why I'm bringing Cam Edward from Bearing Arms back on the show to interpret the results. How did the races we were watching turn out? How much impact did guns have on them? How much impact will the election have on guns?\n\nCam says gun-rights advocates fared better than Republicans.\n\nWhile Republicans couldn't regain control of the Senate and appear to only have barely recaptured the House, gun-rights positions in ballot initiatives outperformed even popular Republican candidates on the same ballot. Additionally, key gubernatorial elections showed gun-rights candidates outperformed expectations.\n\nStill, it wasn't all good news for gun-rights advocates. The NRA lost much of its spending battle against the gun-control groups. And some officials who have made guns a major part of their public image, such as Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R.), faced surprise upsets or extremely close races.\n\nCam also sheds light on how the results might translate to real-world policy changes at the state and federal levels. Where are we likely to get new gun laws? Where is it unlikely?\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a federal judge's decision blocking New York's gun-carry restrictions.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"The election is over, and it's time to read the tea leaves.
\n\nThat's why I'm bringing Cam Edward from Bearing Arms back on the show to interpret the results. How did the races we were watching turn out? How much impact did guns have on them? How much impact will the election have on guns?
\n\nCam says gun-rights advocates fared better than Republicans.
\n\nWhile Republicans couldn't regain control of the Senate and appear to only have barely recaptured the House, gun-rights positions in ballot initiatives outperformed even popular Republican candidates on the same ballot. Additionally, key gubernatorial elections showed gun-rights candidates outperformed expectations.
\n\nStill, it wasn't all good news for gun-rights advocates. The NRA lost much of its spending battle against the gun-control groups. And some officials who have made guns a major part of their public image, such as Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R.), faced surprise upsets or extremely close races.
\n\nCam also sheds light on how the results might translate to real-world policy changes at the state and federal levels. Where are we likely to get new gun laws? Where is it unlikely?
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a federal judge's decision blocking New York's gun-carry restrictions.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards interpret what the midterm elections will have on gun politics.","date_published":"2022-11-14T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/c3200149-ee57-40cf-b64c-0611efa5215b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":90508410,"duration_in_seconds":3752}]},{"id":"d4572ff6-4f6d-48a5-96c4-82d8fb96e2f1","title":"Axios's Josh Kraushaar on Guns and the Midterms","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/axios-josh-kraushaar-on-guns-and-the-midterms","content_text":"The midterm elections are upon us.\n\nAs we've discussed previously, Americans are far less interested in gun policy than they were this summer. So, how will we be able to tell the effects of guns on the election? Axios Senior Political Correspondent Josh Kraushaar joins the show to talk about where we should focus our attention.\n\nThere are a few races where guns are playing a more prominent role. The ballot initiatives in Iowa and Oregon that deal directly with gun policy are obvious examples. The gubernatorial races in Texas, Georgia, and New York are other races where guns are having a significant impact.\n\nBut Kraushaar said overall control of Congress will be a really important tell because of how polarized gun politics have become. If Republicans win, it'll be a good sign for gun-rights proponents. If Democrats win, it'll be a good sign for gun-control advocates. It's that simple.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about Beto O'Rourke's struggle in Texas and Brady's new spending in two House races.Special Guest: Josh Kraushaar.","content_html":"The midterm elections are upon us.
\n\nAs we've discussed previously, Americans are far less interested in gun policy than they were this summer. So, how will we be able to tell the effects of guns on the election? Axios Senior Political Correspondent Josh Kraushaar joins the show to talk about where we should focus our attention.
\n\nThere are a few races where guns are playing a more prominent role. The ballot initiatives in Iowa and Oregon that deal directly with gun policy are obvious examples. The gubernatorial races in Texas, Georgia, and New York are other races where guns are having a significant impact.
\n\nBut Kraushaar said overall control of Congress will be a really important tell because of how polarized gun politics have become. If Republicans win, it'll be a good sign for gun-rights proponents. If Democrats win, it'll be a good sign for gun-control advocates. It's that simple.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about Beto O'Rourke's struggle in Texas and Brady's new spending in two House races.
Special Guest: Josh Kraushaar.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Josh Kraushaar preview guns and the 2022 midterm elections.","date_published":"2022-11-07T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/d4572ff6-4f6d-48a5-96c4-82d8fb96e2f1.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":78312953,"duration_in_seconds":3244}]},{"id":"8aaf40f2-f768-423a-8370-f0d21a6ec8e3","title":"Open Secrets' Anna Massoglia on How the Gun Groups are Spending in 2022","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/open-secrets-anna-massoglia-on-how-the-gun-groups-are-spending-in-2022","content_text":"The midterms are just over a week away, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the likely hood of new federal gun restrictions.\n\nIf Democrats hold control of the House and gain seats in the Senate, the possibility they blow up the filibuster and pass new gun laws rises. If Republicans gain control of either house of Congress, the likelihood of new gun laws falls to near zero.\n\nThe gun groups know this, and they're spending as much as they can to push the outcome in either direction. So, this week, I've got Anna Massoglia of Open Secrets on to examine how much those groups have raised, how much they've spent, and where they've spent it.\n\nMassoglia gave the latest numbers from the NRA, Everytown, Giffords, and Brady. She explained how the NRA is still outpacing its gun-control opponents, but not to the same degree it used to overwhelm them. In 2022, the money fight is closer to parity.\n\nHowever, the gun-control groups have taken a much broader approach to how they spend their money. They've even started to move into races that have nothing to do with gun policy.\n\nMassoglia also gives insight into how groups on each side of the aisle are funded. While the NRA relies on a combination of big-dollar donations and small-dollar donor fees, the gun-control groups are more likely to rely on just the latter. She breaks down what we know about how the groups raise money, and what we can't know.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a new federal ruling upholding California's \"ghost gun\" ban.Special Guest: Anna Massoglia.","content_html":"The midterms are just over a week away, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the likely hood of new federal gun restrictions.
\n\nIf Democrats hold control of the House and gain seats in the Senate, the possibility they blow up the filibuster and pass new gun laws rises. If Republicans gain control of either house of Congress, the likelihood of new gun laws falls to near zero.
\n\nThe gun groups know this, and they're spending as much as they can to push the outcome in either direction. So, this week, I've got Anna Massoglia of Open Secrets on to examine how much those groups have raised, how much they've spent, and where they've spent it.
\n\nMassoglia gave the latest numbers from the NRA, Everytown, Giffords, and Brady. She explained how the NRA is still outpacing its gun-control opponents, but not to the same degree it used to overwhelm them. In 2022, the money fight is closer to parity.
\n\nHowever, the gun-control groups have taken a much broader approach to how they spend their money. They've even started to move into races that have nothing to do with gun policy.
\n\nMassoglia also gives insight into how groups on each side of the aisle are funded. While the NRA relies on a combination of big-dollar donations and small-dollar donor fees, the gun-control groups are more likely to rely on just the latter. She breaks down what we know about how the groups raise money, and what we can't know.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I cover a new federal ruling upholding California's "ghost gun" ban.
Special Guest: Anna Massoglia.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Anna Massoglia discuss how the big gun groups spend their money in election years.","date_published":"2022-10-31T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8aaf40f2-f768-423a-8370-f0d21a6ec8e3.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":95118054,"duration_in_seconds":3944}]},{"id":"40e05ec8-5c28-4f2e-941e-c9435d0553a9","title":"Looking Ahead at the Midterms With Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/looking-ahead-at-the-midterms-with-bearing-arms-cam-edwards","content_text":"The election is fast approaching, and they will determine control of Congress as well as the future of federal gun legislation.\n\nSo, this week, we've got Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms on the show to talk about the impact of guns on the midterms. Or, really, whether they will have much of an impact. After all, the most recent polling shows Americans have lost interest in the issue as the election draws nearer.\n\nThe gun groups have still raised and spent tens of millions thus far, with more to come. But they've all hedged their bets as well by incorporating other issues into their messaging.\n\nCam noted that very few candidates have focused exclusively on guns either. And those who have, such as Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke, are struggling to get close to their opponents.\n\nStill, Cam argued the issue is not a non-factor. As he noted, guns are rarely the top issue in a campaign season. Instead, gun policy can help push a close election a few points in either direction. That can be decisive in the very races likely to decide control of Congress.\n\nHe also pointed to two gun-related ballot measures that are likely to serve as a real-world test of the issue's ability to drive votes.\n\nPlus, I explain why I decided to become a CNN analyst and what my role is going to look like.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"The election is fast approaching, and they will determine control of Congress as well as the future of federal gun legislation.
\n\nSo, this week, we've got Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms on the show to talk about the impact of guns on the midterms. Or, really, whether they will have much of an impact. After all, the most recent polling shows Americans have lost interest in the issue as the election draws nearer.
\n\nThe gun groups have still raised and spent tens of millions thus far, with more to come. But they've all hedged their bets as well by incorporating other issues into their messaging.
\n\nCam noted that very few candidates have focused exclusively on guns either. And those who have, such as Texas Democrat Beto O'Rourke, are struggling to get close to their opponents.
\n\nStill, Cam argued the issue is not a non-factor. As he noted, guns are rarely the top issue in a campaign season. Instead, gun policy can help push a close election a few points in either direction. That can be decisive in the very races likely to decide control of Congress.
\n\nHe also pointed to two gun-related ballot measures that are likely to serve as a real-world test of the issue's ability to drive votes.
\n\nPlus, I explain why I decided to become a CNN analyst and what my role is going to look like.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss how guns will impact the midterm elections.","date_published":"2022-10-24T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/40e05ec8-5c28-4f2e-941e-c9435d0553a9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":95106041,"duration_in_seconds":3942}]},{"id":"446f3418-138f-4daf-bb03-f806f3d84b8b","title":"The History of Individual Gun Rights With Lawyer Kostas Moros","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-history-of-individual-gun-rights-with-lawyer-kostas-moros","content_text":"On this week's episode, we're doing something a little bit different.\n\nInstead of interviewing somebody about something they wrote, I'm talking about a piece I wrote with my co-author. Gun-rights lawyer Kostas Moros joins me to talk about our look at what second-generation Americans thought of the Second Amendment.\n\nWe set out to answer a pretty simple question: did gun-rights advocates recently invent the idea that the Second Amendment protects an individual right?\n\nThe answer is no.\n\nMoros explains how he used digitized 19th-century writings to show Americans have long viewed gun rights as guaranteed to everyone. Writers famous and forgotten held the same view on that point.\n\nThat doesn't mean they agreed on everything, though. Moros outlines how the 19th-century scholars clashed over whether the Second Amendment restrains the states or just the federal government, especially after a seminal post-civil war Supreme Court decision.\n\nHe also delves into the divide over whether weapons useful in military combat are protected and how the modern gun-control debate turns that divide on its head. Instead of arguing \"weapons of war\" are unprotected by the Second Amendment, 19th-century Americans generally agreed those arms were protected while disagreeing over guns they associated with criminal activity.\n\nMoros, who commonly works on cases for the California Rifle and Pistol Association, also gives us an update on two of the group's most important cases. One against the state's magazine capacity limit and the other against a city's \"sensitive places\" gun ban.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman explains Mexico's new suit against American gun dealers.Special Guest: Kostas Moros.","content_html":"On this week's episode, we're doing something a little bit different.
\n\nInstead of interviewing somebody about something they wrote, I'm talking about a piece I wrote with my co-author. Gun-rights lawyer Kostas Moros joins me to talk about our look at what second-generation Americans thought of the Second Amendment.
\n\nWe set out to answer a pretty simple question: did gun-rights advocates recently invent the idea that the Second Amendment protects an individual right?
\n\nThe answer is no.
\n\nMoros explains how he used digitized 19th-century writings to show Americans have long viewed gun rights as guaranteed to everyone. Writers famous and forgotten held the same view on that point.
\n\nThat doesn't mean they agreed on everything, though. Moros outlines how the 19th-century scholars clashed over whether the Second Amendment restrains the states or just the federal government, especially after a seminal post-civil war Supreme Court decision.
\n\nHe also delves into the divide over whether weapons useful in military combat are protected and how the modern gun-control debate turns that divide on its head. Instead of arguing "weapons of war" are unprotected by the Second Amendment, 19th-century Americans generally agreed those arms were protected while disagreeing over guns they associated with criminal activity.
\n\nMoros, who commonly works on cases for the California Rifle and Pistol Association, also gives us an update on two of the group's most important cases. One against the state's magazine capacity limit and the other against a city's "sensitive places" gun ban.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman explains Mexico's new suit against American gun dealers.
Special Guest: Kostas Moros.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Kostas Moros discuss what people in the 19th century thought of the Second Amendment.","date_published":"2022-10-17T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/446f3418-138f-4daf-bb03-f806f3d84b8b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":79375240,"duration_in_seconds":4924}]},{"id":"91e7096a-aa60-4a11-aff4-d30d0f974856","title":"Manhattan Institute's Robert VerBruggen on the Murder Spike and Bad FBI Crime Data","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/national-reviews-robert-verbruggen-on-the-murder-spike-and-bad-fbi-crime-data","content_text":"The FBI just released its full 2021 crime report. So, this week on the podcast, we're talking about the spike in nationwide homicides.\n\nThat's why Robert VerBruggen from National Review and the Manhattan Institute is joining us. He's been writing about the ins and outs of crime data for years and has produced some of the most insightful commentary I've seen.\n\nWith data from the FBI, CDC, and elsewhere indicating a significant increase in murder over the past two years, VerBruggen walks us through the trend and its implications. He also explains why the FBI's data is less reliable than its ever been before and what impact that has on everything. He said that as we've seen a historic change in the murder rate, the FBI's reporting capabilities have become historically bad.\n\nHowever, VerBruggen said there is still a lot we can figure out from what we do know. For instance, he said it's unlikely that the gun sales spike fueled the murder spike. Instead, he argues police pullback in the wake of the 2020 riots is largely to blame. However, even that conclusion comes with significant nuance due to how widespread the spike has been. \n\nWe also hear from Reload Member Allen, who is a new gun owner living in New York City. He explains why he decided to buy his first gun just over a year ago and what the onerous process for actually obtaining a shotgun has been like.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a federal ruling blocking enforcement of the most controversial portions of New York's latest gun-carry law.Special Guest: Robert VerBruggen.","content_html":"The FBI just released its full 2021 crime report. So, this week on the podcast, we're talking about the spike in nationwide homicides.
\n\nThat's why Robert VerBruggen from National Review and the Manhattan Institute is joining us. He's been writing about the ins and outs of crime data for years and has produced some of the most insightful commentary I've seen.
\n\nWith data from the FBI, CDC, and elsewhere indicating a significant increase in murder over the past two years, VerBruggen walks us through the trend and its implications. He also explains why the FBI's data is less reliable than its ever been before and what impact that has on everything. He said that as we've seen a historic change in the murder rate, the FBI's reporting capabilities have become historically bad.
\n\nHowever, VerBruggen said there is still a lot we can figure out from what we do know. For instance, he said it's unlikely that the gun sales spike fueled the murder spike. Instead, he argues police pullback in the wake of the 2020 riots is largely to blame. However, even that conclusion comes with significant nuance due to how widespread the spike has been.
\n\nWe also hear from Reload Member Allen, who is a new gun owner living in New York City. He explains why he decided to buy his first gun just over a year ago and what the onerous process for actually obtaining a shotgun has been like.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a federal ruling blocking enforcement of the most controversial portions of New York's latest gun-carry law.
Special Guest: Robert VerBruggen.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Robert VerBruggen discuss the murder spike and whether it's connected to the gun sales spike.","date_published":"2022-10-10T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/91e7096a-aa60-4a11-aff4-d30d0f974856.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":75465540,"duration_in_seconds":4691}]},{"id":"4be8e496-cbe4-4015-99d8-1f67c7539f01","title":"We Answer Your Gun Questions","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/we-answer-your-gun-questions","content_text":"A lot has happened since the last time we took questions on the podcast.\n\nWe're living through a time of great change with guns in America. Sales moved to historic levels in recent years, and millions of people from demographics that have been traditionally less likely to own guns have decided to arm themselves. Mass shootings have shocked the nation and led to the first new federal gun restrictions in generations. At the same time, the Supreme Court has handed down a seminal ruling protecting the individual right to carry firearms in public while articulating a specific new test for deciding gun cases moving forward.\n\nAdd the upcoming midterm elections on top of all of that, and you can imagine Reload Members had a lot of questions.\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I did our best to provide some keen insight into the biggest gun stories of the day. We talked about the status of challenges to 'assault weapon' bans in the wake of Bruen, the latest with the ATF's rulemaking, how to properly assess public polling, the status of the NRA, and the fight over gun financing.\n\nWe get into all of that and more.","content_html":"A lot has happened since the last time we took questions on the podcast.
\n\nWe're living through a time of great change with guns in America. Sales moved to historic levels in recent years, and millions of people from demographics that have been traditionally less likely to own guns have decided to arm themselves. Mass shootings have shocked the nation and led to the first new federal gun restrictions in generations. At the same time, the Supreme Court has handed down a seminal ruling protecting the individual right to carry firearms in public while articulating a specific new test for deciding gun cases moving forward.
\n\nAdd the upcoming midterm elections on top of all of that, and you can imagine Reload Members had a lot of questions.
\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I did our best to provide some keen insight into the biggest gun stories of the day. We talked about the status of challenges to 'assault weapon' bans in the wake of Bruen, the latest with the ATF's rulemaking, how to properly assess public polling, the status of the NRA, and the fight over gun financing.
\n\nWe get into all of that and more.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman answer questions on gun policy and policts from Reload Members.","date_published":"2022-10-03T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4be8e496-cbe4-4015-99d8-1f67c7539f01.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":70191196,"duration_in_seconds":4362}]},{"id":"be9cd47f-31e2-4f60-bea2-8f2fa69aea5b","title":"GMU Professor Robert Leider on a Federal Judge Striking Down the Felony Indictment Gun Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gmu-professor-robert-leider-on-a-federal-judge-striking-down-the-felony-indictment-gun-ban","content_text":"We're focusing on a new federal court ruling calling the federal felony gun ban into question this week.\n\nThat's why we've got George Mason University's Robert Leider on the podcast. He is an assistant professor at the Antonin Scalia Law School who has clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas. He has also written extensively about Second Amendment law.\n\nHe said District Court Judge David Counts was correct in his conclusion that the ban on those under felony inducement receiving firearms does not have a historical analogue. He said the same is true for the ban on convicted felons possessing guns. Leider argued the text-and-tradition standard imposed by the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen calls both those federal provisions into question alongside a myriad of other gun laws.\n\nStill, he said it's unlikely the felony prohibition will end up in the dustbin. Leider said Counts's solution to the issue, which relies on the historical practice of excluding felons from protections for \"the people,\" may not be the right answer. But he said the federal courts are likely to settle on a justification due in part to the popularity of the restrictions. He argued judicial realism will play a role in how the question plays out even if that's not what the Supreme Court requires.\n\nLeider also talked about what he views as the biggest threat to legal gun carry: New York's novel attempt to prohibit carry in public businesses by default. He said the decision to flip the presumption on its head could be difficult to contend with in court. It forces a faceoff between the right to carry and private property rights that has yet to be litigated.\n\nHe said it's not clear how things will turn out and worries the policy could quickly spread to other states. Although, he also lays out a possible Achilles' Heel in New York's implementation.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about new polls that show how Beto O'Rourke's gun-control push in Texas is playing out. And Reload Member Bobby Mercer joins the show to talk about how he got into guns as well as what The Liberal Gun Club is and why he joined it.Special Guest: Robert Leider.","content_html":"We're focusing on a new federal court ruling calling the federal felony gun ban into question this week.
\n\nThat's why we've got George Mason University's Robert Leider on the podcast. He is an assistant professor at the Antonin Scalia Law School who has clerked for Justice Clarence Thomas. He has also written extensively about Second Amendment law.
\n\nHe said District Court Judge David Counts was correct in his conclusion that the ban on those under felony inducement receiving firearms does not have a historical analogue. He said the same is true for the ban on convicted felons possessing guns. Leider argued the text-and-tradition standard imposed by the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen calls both those federal provisions into question alongside a myriad of other gun laws.
\n\nStill, he said it's unlikely the felony prohibition will end up in the dustbin. Leider said Counts's solution to the issue, which relies on the historical practice of excluding felons from protections for "the people," may not be the right answer. But he said the federal courts are likely to settle on a justification due in part to the popularity of the restrictions. He argued judicial realism will play a role in how the question plays out even if that's not what the Supreme Court requires.
\n\nLeider also talked about what he views as the biggest threat to legal gun carry: New York's novel attempt to prohibit carry in public businesses by default. He said the decision to flip the presumption on its head could be difficult to contend with in court. It forces a faceoff between the right to carry and private property rights that has yet to be litigated.
\n\nHe said it's not clear how things will turn out and worries the policy could quickly spread to other states. Although, he also lays out a possible Achilles' Heel in New York's implementation.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about new polls that show how Beto O'Rourke's gun-control push in Texas is playing out. And Reload Member Bobby Mercer joins the show to talk about how he got into guns as well as what The Liberal Gun Club is and why he joined it.
Special Guest: Robert Leider.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Robert Leider talk about whether the federal felon gun ban will survive the Supreme Court's Bruen ruling.","date_published":"2022-09-26T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/be9cd47f-31e2-4f60-bea2-8f2fa69aea5b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":75438514,"duration_in_seconds":4686}]},{"id":"44c753d4-dc9e-4a08-b81f-1cbb3c4f40d1","title":"NSSF's Larry Keane on the Industry Reaction to New Credit Card Codes for Gun Stores","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/nssfs-larry-keane-on-the-industry-reaction-to-new-credit-card-codes-for-gun-stores","content_text":"The gun industry is facing a new fight over financing for firearms.\n\nGun companies have long struggled to obtain and keep banking services in place despite government pressure in the form of Operation Chokepoint and private pressure from big banks refusing to work with them. But now, gun buyers are facing pressure too. Gun-control advocates convinced the organization that oversees credit card merchant codes to create one for gun stores in hopes of flagging \"suspicious\" transactions for law enforcement.\n\nSo, we have Larry Keane on to tell us how the industry is handling the change. He is the Senior Vice President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), which represents gun makers and dealers. They are the literal gun lobby.\n\nKeane said the change is part of a larger plan to try and surveil gun owners. He said the goal is to restrict the ability of Americans to buy guns.\n\nHe said the code change alone is unlikely to significantly change how things work because the credit card companies are resisting flagging sales based on it. However, he said the goal is to not only track sales by merchant code but to reform the system to allow credit card companies to see every individual product somebody buys. That would effectively allow them to track, report, and block any gun sale to anyone in the country.\n\nAdvocates for the code change argue it could be used to identify patterns that indicate they may be planning a mass shooting. Keane said that's not realistic. He argued nobody has identified any discernable buying actions that reliably set them apart from the millions of Americans who buy guns every year.\n\nHe also talked about the industry slowdown that's started to show up in major companies' earnings reports. The two publicly-traded gun makers, Smith & Wesson and Ruger, saw huge dropoffs in revenue and profit. Keane said the downturn was to be expected after two years of record sales, and he isn't terribly concerned about it.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman explains Dick Heller's latest win over DC's gun restrictions.Special Guest: Larry Keane.","content_html":"The gun industry is facing a new fight over financing for firearms.
\n\nGun companies have long struggled to obtain and keep banking services in place despite government pressure in the form of Operation Chokepoint and private pressure from big banks refusing to work with them. But now, gun buyers are facing pressure too. Gun-control advocates convinced the organization that oversees credit card merchant codes to create one for gun stores in hopes of flagging "suspicious" transactions for law enforcement.
\n\nSo, we have Larry Keane on to tell us how the industry is handling the change. He is the Senior Vice President of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), which represents gun makers and dealers. They are the literal gun lobby.
\n\nKeane said the change is part of a larger plan to try and surveil gun owners. He said the goal is to restrict the ability of Americans to buy guns.
\n\nHe said the code change alone is unlikely to significantly change how things work because the credit card companies are resisting flagging sales based on it. However, he said the goal is to not only track sales by merchant code but to reform the system to allow credit card companies to see every individual product somebody buys. That would effectively allow them to track, report, and block any gun sale to anyone in the country.
\n\nAdvocates for the code change argue it could be used to identify patterns that indicate they may be planning a mass shooting. Keane said that's not realistic. He argued nobody has identified any discernable buying actions that reliably set them apart from the millions of Americans who buy guns every year.
\n\nHe also talked about the industry slowdown that's started to show up in major companies' earnings reports. The two publicly-traded gun makers, Smith & Wesson and Ruger, saw huge dropoffs in revenue and profit. Keane said the downturn was to be expected after two years of record sales, and he isn't terribly concerned about it.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman explains Dick Heller's latest win over DC's gun restrictions.
Special Guest: Larry Keane.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Larry Keane discuss how the gun industry plans to respond to the financial industry's decision to create a new credit card code against their wishes.","date_published":"2022-09-19T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/44c753d4-dc9e-4a08-b81f-1cbb3c4f40d1.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":91884467,"duration_in_seconds":3813}]},{"id":"35053df3-5490-4b71-a3db-f59e57ee2a2a","title":"Georgetown Professor on His Groundbreaking Survey of Gun Owners","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/georgetown-professor-on-his-groundbreaking-survey-of-gun-owners","content_text":"We took a look at the largest-ever survey of gun owners this week. I covered the topline results, and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman wrote an analysis for members on what the survey showed about AR-15s in American society. We plan to write quite a bit more on the study because of how much high-quality data is in it.\n\nThat brings us to this week's podcast. Georgetown Professor William English, who conducted the survey, joins us to discuss the details.\n\nEnglish said he wanted to update the evidence and address some common critiques of well-known gun owner surveys from a few decades ago. With new methods of carrying out scientific surveys, he was able to actually exceed those previous surveys by growing the number of respondents to the point where there were enough in every state to be representative. The massive sample size helped English deliver new insights on the diversity of gun ownership and how common gun carrying has become throughout the country.\n\nIt also backed up other evidence on how frequent defensive gun uses are and how many Americans own magazines that hold more than ten rounds. English said the gun owners he surveyed reported using a gun for self-defense about 50 million times, a number that works out to about 1.6 million per year. He also found that most gun owners have bought the kind of magazines targeted by bans in some blue states.\n\nEnglish also explained why he decided to use a survey to measure gun use and responded to some of the criticism self-reported self-defense incidents have faced over the years. He said his research on guns in America is only just getting started. He plans to publish several more papers on the study in addition to writing a book tackling the benefits and drawbacks of America's culture of civilian gun ownership.\n\nPlus, Jake and I talk about Smith & Wesson's sales falling off a cliff last quarter and what it means for the company moving forward.Special Guest: William English.","content_html":"We took a look at the largest-ever survey of gun owners this week. I covered the topline results, and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman wrote an analysis for members on what the survey showed about AR-15s in American society. We plan to write quite a bit more on the study because of how much high-quality data is in it.
\n\nThat brings us to this week's podcast. Georgetown Professor William English, who conducted the survey, joins us to discuss the details.
\n\nEnglish said he wanted to update the evidence and address some common critiques of well-known gun owner surveys from a few decades ago. With new methods of carrying out scientific surveys, he was able to actually exceed those previous surveys by growing the number of respondents to the point where there were enough in every state to be representative. The massive sample size helped English deliver new insights on the diversity of gun ownership and how common gun carrying has become throughout the country.
\n\nIt also backed up other evidence on how frequent defensive gun uses are and how many Americans own magazines that hold more than ten rounds. English said the gun owners he surveyed reported using a gun for self-defense about 50 million times, a number that works out to about 1.6 million per year. He also found that most gun owners have bought the kind of magazines targeted by bans in some blue states.
\n\nEnglish also explained why he decided to use a survey to measure gun use and responded to some of the criticism self-reported self-defense incidents have faced over the years. He said his research on guns in America is only just getting started. He plans to publish several more papers on the study in addition to writing a book tackling the benefits and drawbacks of America's culture of civilian gun ownership.
\n\nPlus, Jake and I talk about Smith & Wesson's sales falling off a cliff last quarter and what it means for the company moving forward.
Special Guest: William English.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Professor William English talk about the largest-ever survey of gun owners and its finding that there are 1.6 million defensive gun uses per year.","date_published":"2022-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/35053df3-5490-4b71-a3db-f59e57ee2a2a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":93269753,"duration_in_seconds":3870}]},{"id":"10b6aaec-1574-4083-98a2-a9fda179d295","title":"Gun Makers Match Organizer Rob Pincus Updates Us on the 'Ghost Gun' Kit Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gun-makers-match-organizer-rob-pincus-updates-us-on-the-ghost-gun-kit-ban","content_text":"This week we're looking at the practical impact of President Joe Biden's \"ghost gun\" kit ban. The ban went into effect just a few days ago. So, it's a good time to check in and assess the fallout.\n\nThat's why we've brought Rob Picus on the show. Rob is one of the key organizers behind the gunmakers match, a shooting competition for people who build their own firearms. He has become engrained in the homebuilding community.\n\nHe said companies that make 80 percent frames or receivers have begun to test the new legal landscape. At least one company has made the unserialized and unfinished parts available for sale apart from the jigs and drill bits needed to finish them. Since the ATF rule considers the parts being sold alongside what's required to build them into a working gun the same as selling a working gun, the strategy to remain compliant appears to just be selling everything separately.\n\nRob said Polymer80, one of the market's biggest companies, is also moving towards selling unfinished receivers on their own. Still, there are a lot of unanswered questions with potentially disastrous consequences for anyone who answers wrong. Rob explains the potential pitfalls.\n\nHe also gives his view of the state of the effort to reform the NRA from the inside. Rob is a board member of Save the Second, which was formed to try and oust current NRA leadership and impose new internal controls after accusations of financial impropriety began hounding the gun-rights group. However, he admitted the reform movement has been much less successful than he'd initially hoped as this week's news that dissident board member Philip Journey is not being renominated for this year's ballot by his fellow board members.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss how California and New York are pushing back against the Supreme Court's gun-carry ruling.Special Guest: Rob Pincus.","content_html":"This week we're looking at the practical impact of President Joe Biden's "ghost gun" kit ban. The ban went into effect just a few days ago. So, it's a good time to check in and assess the fallout.
\n\nThat's why we've brought Rob Picus on the show. Rob is one of the key organizers behind the gunmakers match, a shooting competition for people who build their own firearms. He has become engrained in the homebuilding community.
\n\nHe said companies that make 80 percent frames or receivers have begun to test the new legal landscape. At least one company has made the unserialized and unfinished parts available for sale apart from the jigs and drill bits needed to finish them. Since the ATF rule considers the parts being sold alongside what's required to build them into a working gun the same as selling a working gun, the strategy to remain compliant appears to just be selling everything separately.
\n\nRob said Polymer80, one of the market's biggest companies, is also moving towards selling unfinished receivers on their own. Still, there are a lot of unanswered questions with potentially disastrous consequences for anyone who answers wrong. Rob explains the potential pitfalls.
\n\nHe also gives his view of the state of the effort to reform the NRA from the inside. Rob is a board member of Save the Second, which was formed to try and oust current NRA leadership and impose new internal controls after accusations of financial impropriety began hounding the gun-rights group. However, he admitted the reform movement has been much less successful than he'd initially hoped as this week's news that dissident board member Philip Journey is not being renominated for this year's ballot by his fellow board members.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss how California and New York are pushing back against the Supreme Court's gun-carry ruling.
Special Guest: Rob Pincus.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Rob Pincus talk about the fallout from the \"ghost gun\" kit ban and the NRA's internal turmoil.","date_published":"2022-09-05T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/10b6aaec-1574-4083-98a2-a9fda179d295.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":70716549,"duration_in_seconds":4390}]},{"id":"79e93cee-2e74-4f04-ab23-9fc06a4a6349","title":"Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards on the Upward Swing in Support for Gun Control","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/bearing-arms-cam-edwards-on-the-upward-swing-in-support-for-gun-control","content_text":"This week we're talking about the implications of a polling trend and new political developments that should worry gun-rights advocates.\n\nSo, I asked Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms to join the show. He is one of the most insightful gun writers on the planet and one of the few who has a solid understanding of national politics.\n\nWe talked at length about a recent AP poll that found support for stricter gun laws was at an all-time high and, more importantly, an upward trend. Since 2013, support has climbed 19 points. That's something that I argued ought to worry gun-rights advocates.\n\nCam agreed but cautioned against putting too much stock in any one poll. Still, he said gun-rights advocates need to focus on persuading the public that further gun restrictions aren't the answer to rising crime or mass shootings. He argued it is vital to convince people to support Second Amendment protections to ensure the long-term security of gun ownership in America.\n\nThen we turned to the midterm elections, where there was more bad news. The odds of Democrats holding the Senate and House increased in recent weeks thanks to some bellwether elections making the end of the filibuster and a flood of new federal gun restrictions more likely. Cam explained why those concerns are valid and why the nightmare scenario still isn't the probable outcome.\n\nWe also have member Cody Claxton on the show this week. He tells us how he learned to shoot in the military, got back into it because of a threat to his life, and stayed in it because of competitive shooting.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a federal judge ruling 18-to-20-year-olds have a right to carry a gun in Texas.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"This week we're talking about the implications of a polling trend and new political developments that should worry gun-rights advocates.
\n\nSo, I asked Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms to join the show. He is one of the most insightful gun writers on the planet and one of the few who has a solid understanding of national politics.
\n\nWe talked at length about a recent AP poll that found support for stricter gun laws was at an all-time high and, more importantly, an upward trend. Since 2013, support has climbed 19 points. That's something that I argued ought to worry gun-rights advocates.
\n\nCam agreed but cautioned against putting too much stock in any one poll. Still, he said gun-rights advocates need to focus on persuading the public that further gun restrictions aren't the answer to rising crime or mass shootings. He argued it is vital to convince people to support Second Amendment protections to ensure the long-term security of gun ownership in America.
\n\nThen we turned to the midterm elections, where there was more bad news. The odds of Democrats holding the Senate and House increased in recent weeks thanks to some bellwether elections making the end of the filibuster and a flood of new federal gun restrictions more likely. Cam explained why those concerns are valid and why the nightmare scenario still isn't the probable outcome.
\n\nWe also have member Cody Claxton on the show this week. He tells us how he learned to shoot in the military, got back into it because of a threat to his life, and stayed in it because of competitive shooting.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about a federal judge ruling 18-to-20-year-olds have a right to carry a gun in Texas.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards talk about recent trends that should worry gun-rights activists.","date_published":"2022-08-29T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/79e93cee-2e74-4f04-ab23-9fc06a4a6349.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69467867,"duration_in_seconds":4312}]},{"id":"d5693931-48f2-4eff-8f57-054c382a86d8","title":"The Second Amendment Foundation's Alan Gottlieb on Filing Gun Cases After Bruen","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-second-amendment-foundations-alan-gottlieb-on-filing-gun-cases-after-bruen","content_text":"The Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen is going to have a monumental impact on the nation's gun laws. So, we've spent quite a lot of time talking about it on the podcast. We've talked to analysts and experts, including National Review's Charles Cooke and Duke's Andrew Willinger.\n\nBut we haven't talked to anybody who is directly involved in the legal fight. That's why Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is joining the show this week.\n\nHis group is involved in dozens of cases across the country. That includes a number of the most high-profile post-Bruen cases, such as the one against the California youth gun advertising ban.\n\nGottlieb said Bruen has completely upended the legal landscape. He said gun-rights advocates have a tremendous opportunity to win many more cases. He explained SAF's strategy for approaching the newly-unsettled landscape.\n\nHe said SAF has come up with a tier system with the ones it thinks it's most likely to win in the first tier and the rest moving down tiers from there. Gottlieb said there are a lot of cases in that top tier, especially with the new laws California and New York have passed as a seemingly purposeful affront to the Court's ruling. He said he isn't much concerned about governments coming up with coherent defenses of their strict laws in light of Bruen, but he does think a form of legal minimization may become more common.\n\nWe also have a new members segment this week featuring Douglas Jefferson!\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I talk about New York's shocking court filing where they compared their gun laws to bigoted historical gun bans.Special Guest: Alan Gottlieb.","content_html":"The Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen is going to have a monumental impact on the nation's gun laws. So, we've spent quite a lot of time talking about it on the podcast. We've talked to analysts and experts, including National Review's Charles Cooke and Duke's Andrew Willinger.
\n\nBut we haven't talked to anybody who is directly involved in the legal fight. That's why Alan Gottlieb of the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is joining the show this week.
\n\nHis group is involved in dozens of cases across the country. That includes a number of the most high-profile post-Bruen cases, such as the one against the California youth gun advertising ban.
\n\nGottlieb said Bruen has completely upended the legal landscape. He said gun-rights advocates have a tremendous opportunity to win many more cases. He explained SAF's strategy for approaching the newly-unsettled landscape.
\n\nHe said SAF has come up with a tier system with the ones it thinks it's most likely to win in the first tier and the rest moving down tiers from there. Gottlieb said there are a lot of cases in that top tier, especially with the new laws California and New York have passed as a seemingly purposeful affront to the Court's ruling. He said he isn't much concerned about governments coming up with coherent defenses of their strict laws in light of Bruen, but he does think a form of legal minimization may become more common.
\n\nWe also have a new members segment this week featuring Douglas Jefferson!
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I talk about New York's shocking court filing where they compared their gun laws to bigoted historical gun bans.
Special Guest: Alan Gottlieb.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Alan Gottlieb talk about how the Second Amendment Foundation is approaching the new legal landscape after the Supreme Court's big gun-carry case.","date_published":"2022-08-22T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/d5693931-48f2-4eff-8f57-054c382a86d8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69607875,"duration_in_seconds":4320}]},{"id":"f2d78579-e540-4346-b44e-76755970a5c4","title":"How to Prevent Gun Suicides with Walk The Talk America","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/how-to-prevent-gun-suicides-with-walk-the-talk-america","content_text":"About two-thirds of gun deaths each year are suicides. It's an incredible challenge facing the gun-owning community. It's also one they've begun organizing to address.\n\nOne person leading that effort is Michael Sodini of Walk The Talk America. He joins the show this week to discuss how the industry and gun owners alike have partnered with mental health professionals to try and reduce the number of gun suicides each year.\n\nSodini said explained the way the program came about and how it fills an important gap. When he first attempted to use the resources of his gun distribution company to fund a mental health intervention program for gun owners, he found there was nothing in place. So, he helped form Walk The Talk America to develop a program by gun owners and for gun owners.\n\nHe said destigmatizing seeking mental health resources is an important way to help gun owners struggling with suicidal ideation. One key part of doing that is ensuring people that they can reach out for help without having to worry about losing their firearms. Often that's one key reason gun owners are hesitant.\n\nThat's why Walk The Talk America works directly with mental health professionals to help them better understand how to reach out to gun owners without alienating them. They have also started a network of approved providers who have experience working with gun owners. They've begun connecting those in crisis with those trained and able to help.\n\nSodini said the issue is one that the community needs to take seriously and do more to address. He lost a friend to gun suicide and knows exactly how devastating it can be. I, unfortunately, can say the same.\n\nThe more gun owners can do to look out for each other, the fewer we will lose to suicide. That's the key takeaway, according to Sodini.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss how a new California gun law is dashing the dreams of a young female Olympic hopeful. And we talk a bit about my girlfriend's search for a concealed carry gun and Jake's own carry gun update.Special Guest: Michael Sodini.","content_html":"About two-thirds of gun deaths each year are suicides. It's an incredible challenge facing the gun-owning community. It's also one they've begun organizing to address.
\n\nOne person leading that effort is Michael Sodini of Walk The Talk America. He joins the show this week to discuss how the industry and gun owners alike have partnered with mental health professionals to try and reduce the number of gun suicides each year.
\n\nSodini said explained the way the program came about and how it fills an important gap. When he first attempted to use the resources of his gun distribution company to fund a mental health intervention program for gun owners, he found there was nothing in place. So, he helped form Walk The Talk America to develop a program by gun owners and for gun owners.
\n\nHe said destigmatizing seeking mental health resources is an important way to help gun owners struggling with suicidal ideation. One key part of doing that is ensuring people that they can reach out for help without having to worry about losing their firearms. Often that's one key reason gun owners are hesitant.
\n\nThat's why Walk The Talk America works directly with mental health professionals to help them better understand how to reach out to gun owners without alienating them. They have also started a network of approved providers who have experience working with gun owners. They've begun connecting those in crisis with those trained and able to help.
\n\nSodini said the issue is one that the community needs to take seriously and do more to address. He lost a friend to gun suicide and knows exactly how devastating it can be. I, unfortunately, can say the same.
\n\nThe more gun owners can do to look out for each other, the fewer we will lose to suicide. That's the key takeaway, according to Sodini.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss how a new California gun law is dashing the dreams of a young female Olympic hopeful. And we talk a bit about my girlfriend's search for a concealed carry gun and Jake's own carry gun update.
Special Guest: Michael Sodini.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Michael Sodini talk about how gun owners can help reduce the number of gun suicides each year.","date_published":"2022-08-15T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/f2d78579-e540-4346-b44e-76755970a5c4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":71171121,"duration_in_seconds":4419}]},{"id":"6abc0e99-1f17-4d86-8aa5-a5f894eab383","title":"YouTuber Reno May on His Fight Against California's Handgun Roster","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/youtuber-reno-may-on-his-fight-against-california-s-handgun-roster","content_text":"This week we're taking a closer look at the latest lawsuit against California's unique handgun restrictions.\n\nSo, who better to talk to than one of the plaintiffs in the case? That's why I reached out to Reno May. He has joined the suit claiming California's ban on \"unsafe\" handguns violates the Second Amendment.\n\nMay's case comes after two previous challenges to the law have failed. Plaintiffs in the new case, which include the California Rifle and Pistol Association, argue the Supreme Court's New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision calls for renewed scrutiny of the regulations. They contend the state's modern first-of-their-kind restrictions can't clear the text and tradition test set in Bruen because there is no historical analogue for the roster.\n\nThe \"microstamping\" provision, which requires all new pistol models to include technology that does not exist in any production firearm on the planet, is at the core of the plaintiffs' problems with the law. May said it shows the goal is to restrict handgun ownership rather than keep unsafe firearms out of the safe. He said the same was true of the requirement that three approved guns be removed for every one gun added to the roster.\n\nMay said the law has a number of contradictions that undermine it as well. He noted that law enforcement is allowed to own and carry pistols the state deems \"unsafe,\" and the majority of the guns on the roster don't include the safety features required in the act.\n\nJoining the suit puts May in the company of others who operate popular YouTube channels focused on gun ownership. He explained why he decided to get more involved in activism and why he thinks other \"GunTubers\" are doing the same.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I talk about the new ATF inspection controversy and how it gives insight into the new relationship between the agency and the industry.Special Guest: Reno May.","content_html":"This week we're taking a closer look at the latest lawsuit against California's unique handgun restrictions.
\n\nSo, who better to talk to than one of the plaintiffs in the case? That's why I reached out to Reno May. He has joined the suit claiming California's ban on "unsafe" handguns violates the Second Amendment.
\n\nMay's case comes after two previous challenges to the law have failed. Plaintiffs in the new case, which include the California Rifle and Pistol Association, argue the Supreme Court's New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen decision calls for renewed scrutiny of the regulations. They contend the state's modern first-of-their-kind restrictions can't clear the text and tradition test set in Bruen because there is no historical analogue for the roster.
\n\nThe "microstamping" provision, which requires all new pistol models to include technology that does not exist in any production firearm on the planet, is at the core of the plaintiffs' problems with the law. May said it shows the goal is to restrict handgun ownership rather than keep unsafe firearms out of the safe. He said the same was true of the requirement that three approved guns be removed for every one gun added to the roster.
\n\nMay said the law has a number of contradictions that undermine it as well. He noted that law enforcement is allowed to own and carry pistols the state deems "unsafe," and the majority of the guns on the roster don't include the safety features required in the act.
\n\nJoining the suit puts May in the company of others who operate popular YouTube channels focused on gun ownership. He explained why he decided to get more involved in activism and why he thinks other "GunTubers" are doing the same.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I talk about the new ATF inspection controversy and how it gives insight into the new relationship between the agency and the industry.
Special Guest: Reno May.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Reno May talk about the latter's lawsuit seeking to strike down California's restrictive \"unsafe\" handgun law.","date_published":"2022-08-08T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/6abc0e99-1f17-4d86-8aa5-a5f894eab383.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69275956,"duration_in_seconds":4296}]},{"id":"3db1017a-279b-451c-a60a-3c1e4155326f","title":"Duke Law's Andrew Willinger on Bruen's Fallout","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/duke-law-s-andrew-willinger-on-bruen-s-fallout","content_text":"This week we're bringing in a fresh perspective on the Supreme Court's landmark decisions in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.\n\nI've talked with National Review's Charles Cooke and Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms about the case and its likely fallout on previous episodes of the podcast. It's only sensible to try and get another credible voice who looks at the situation from a different point of view. \n\nAndrew Willinger, the new executive director of Duke University's Center for Firearms Law, was gracious enough to fill that role. He gave his interpretation of what the court ruled in Bruen as well as its likely impact on Second Amendment cases moving forward.\n\nHe argued the new text and tradition test leaves a lot of room for interpretation. He predicted there would be a lot of growing pains as the lower courts try to feel out how exactly to proceed with gun cases. Still, he said many modern gun regulations are at greater risk of being found unconstitutional under the Bruen standard.\n\nPlus, Contributing Editor Paul Crookston and I talk about the \"assault weapons\" ban just passed by the House.Special Guest: Andrew Willinger.","content_html":"This week we're bringing in a fresh perspective on the Supreme Court's landmark decisions in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.
\n\nI've talked with National Review's Charles Cooke and Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms about the case and its likely fallout on previous episodes of the podcast. It's only sensible to try and get another credible voice who looks at the situation from a different point of view.
\n\nAndrew Willinger, the new executive director of Duke University's Center for Firearms Law, was gracious enough to fill that role. He gave his interpretation of what the court ruled in Bruen as well as its likely impact on Second Amendment cases moving forward.
\n\nHe argued the new text and tradition test leaves a lot of room for interpretation. He predicted there would be a lot of growing pains as the lower courts try to feel out how exactly to proceed with gun cases. Still, he said many modern gun regulations are at greater risk of being found unconstitutional under the Bruen standard.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Editor Paul Crookston and I talk about the "assault weapons" ban just passed by the House.
Special Guest: Andrew Willinger.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Andrew Willinger dissect the Supreme Court's landmark gun ruling.","date_published":"2022-08-01T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3db1017a-279b-451c-a60a-3c1e4155326f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":70111055,"duration_in_seconds":4357}]},{"id":"d84e186f-8ec2-463b-9b06-e12feb98738e","title":"Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms on the House 'Assault Weapons' Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/cam-edwards-of-bearing-arms-on-the-house-assault-weapons-ban","content_text":"Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee voted to move an \"assault weapons\" ban for the first time in decades this week.\n\nThe move came as a bit of a surprise. Democrats haven't passed an assault weapons ban at the federal level since the original one expired in 2004. They didn't include one alongside the other measures in the gun-control package they passed in the wake of the Uvalde shooting.\n\nSo, I brought Cam Edwards from Bearing Arms on to discuss the changing tides. Cam is one of the most insightful pro-gun writers out there and has been for a long time. He follows gun developments in Congress as close as anyone.\n\nHe said the move is perplexing in light of the latest polling. Assault weapons bans have actually lost support since Uvalde. Quinnipiac University found support for a ban at an all-time low this week. And that drop in support has coincided with their increased popularity. The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported more than 24.4 million ARs and AKs in circulation this week.\n\nCam said Democrats are trying to use the ban as a wedge issue for their base. However, he doesn't see how the politics of passing the ban could help Democrats overcome the uphill battle they're facing in the midterm elections. He argued a show vote, which is what this will end up being if it does pass, is not going to satisfy most gun-control activists anyway.\n\nHe also laid out how much of an \"if\" this vote really is. Democrats still don't have all the votes nailed down. They might not ever get there.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the armed bystander who ended an Indiana mall shooting.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee voted to move an "assault weapons" ban for the first time in decades this week.
\n\nThe move came as a bit of a surprise. Democrats haven't passed an assault weapons ban at the federal level since the original one expired in 2004. They didn't include one alongside the other measures in the gun-control package they passed in the wake of the Uvalde shooting.
\n\nSo, I brought Cam Edwards from Bearing Arms on to discuss the changing tides. Cam is one of the most insightful pro-gun writers out there and has been for a long time. He follows gun developments in Congress as close as anyone.
\n\nHe said the move is perplexing in light of the latest polling. Assault weapons bans have actually lost support since Uvalde. Quinnipiac University found support for a ban at an all-time low this week. And that drop in support has coincided with their increased popularity. The National Shooting Sports Foundation reported more than 24.4 million ARs and AKs in circulation this week.
\n\nCam said Democrats are trying to use the ban as a wedge issue for their base. However, he doesn't see how the politics of passing the ban could help Democrats overcome the uphill battle they're facing in the midterm elections. He argued a show vote, which is what this will end up being if it does pass, is not going to satisfy most gun-control activists anyway.
\n\nHe also laid out how much of an "if" this vote really is. Democrats still don't have all the votes nailed down. They might not ever get there.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the armed bystander who ended an Indiana mall shooting.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss the assault weapons ban moving through the House.","date_published":"2022-07-25T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/d84e186f-8ec2-463b-9b06-e12feb98738e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":85403602,"duration_in_seconds":3542}]},{"id":"09539517-2c13-4e87-b677-ed49776ab8ae","title":"The Agent Behind the FBI's Active Shooter Report Discusses Potential Solutions to the Problem","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-agent-behind-the-fbis-active-shooter-report-discusses-potential-solutions-to-the-problem","content_text":"We've seen some of the worst acts of mass violence in American history this summer.\n\nThat's why I wanted to bring on an expert in active shooter situations to give some insight into what causes these events and how they might be prevented. There are few people with a better understanding of the situation than the person who created the FBI's research program on active shooters: Katherine Schweit.\n\nShe literally wrote the book on how to stop the killing.\n\nSchweit created the FBI's definition of \"active shooter.\" While most media or activist counts for \"mass shooting\" focus on how many people are shot or killed, the FBI doesn't have an official definition for the term. Instead, it focuses on identifying people who attempt to carry out random public shootings regardless of whether they are successful.\n\nThat makes it narrower than most definitions used by major media outlets, which incorporated many gang or crime-related shootings, but broader than definitions from the Associated Press or Mother Jones that focus on mass shootings where the attacker is able to kill many people. Schweit said that was the goal of her approach since it gives an opportunity to study trends that appear among those who attempt these attacks.\n\nShe said nearly all of the active shooters the FBI has profiled over the past decade are young men. Most use handguns. And most are triggered by a combination of different stressors such as financial distress or social ostracization.\n\nShcweit said the FBI's research has identified ways that shootings can be prevented. She said a big part of the solution is for people to speak up when they notice the warning signs somebody may be spiraling toward violence. She even explained a recent example where a co-worker successfully stopped a likely attacker after he threatened to carry out an attack.\n\nPlus, Contributing Editor Paul Crookston joins the show to talk about the flood of post-Bruen lawsuits.Special Guest: Katherine Schweit.","content_html":"We've seen some of the worst acts of mass violence in American history this summer.
\n\nThat's why I wanted to bring on an expert in active shooter situations to give some insight into what causes these events and how they might be prevented. There are few people with a better understanding of the situation than the person who created the FBI's research program on active shooters: Katherine Schweit.
\n\nShe literally wrote the book on how to stop the killing.
\n\nSchweit created the FBI's definition of "active shooter." While most media or activist counts for "mass shooting" focus on how many people are shot or killed, the FBI doesn't have an official definition for the term. Instead, it focuses on identifying people who attempt to carry out random public shootings regardless of whether they are successful.
\n\nThat makes it narrower than most definitions used by major media outlets, which incorporated many gang or crime-related shootings, but broader than definitions from the Associated Press or Mother Jones that focus on mass shootings where the attacker is able to kill many people. Schweit said that was the goal of her approach since it gives an opportunity to study trends that appear among those who attempt these attacks.
\n\nShe said nearly all of the active shooters the FBI has profiled over the past decade are young men. Most use handguns. And most are triggered by a combination of different stressors such as financial distress or social ostracization.
\n\nShcweit said the FBI's research has identified ways that shootings can be prevented. She said a big part of the solution is for people to speak up when they notice the warning signs somebody may be spiraling toward violence. She even explained a recent example where a co-worker successfully stopped a likely attacker after he threatened to carry out an attack.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Editor Paul Crookston joins the show to talk about the flood of post-Bruen lawsuits.
Special Guest: Katherine Schweit.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Katherine Schweit talk about active shootings and how to prevent them.","date_published":"2022-07-18T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/09539517-2c13-4e87-b677-ed49776ab8ae.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":73753458,"duration_in_seconds":4581}]},{"id":"11a04d04-ff56-406b-822f-5fbd465ecead","title":"A Liberal New Yorker Explains Why She Wants a Gun","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/a-liberal-new-yorker-explains-why-she-wants-a-gun","content_text":"This week we're starting to examine the real-world effects of the Supreme Court's Bruen decision.\n\nWith New York's restrictive gun-carry law being struck down, more people will actually be able to carry in the state. So, it's essential to understand who some of those people are and why they want to carry in the first place. That's why we have Laura E. Adkins on the show.\n\nAdkins recently wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times on her desire to arm herself.\n\nAs a single woman living in New York City, she doesn't always feel totally secure. She described a fatal shooting of another woman nearby her home as one reason why. Police response times are another.\n\nBeyond basic safety concerns, though, Adkins said a recent relationship ended poorly, and she now feels increasingly threatened by her former partner. She obtained a restraining order but was told she likely wouldn't qualify for a carry permit under the now-defunct law.\n\nAdkins said she is hopeful the Supreme Court's ruling will mean she can obtain one soon. But she also recognized the new restrictions New York officials implemented in response to the decision will limit her options even if she does get a permit.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss the Congressional reaction to the July 4th mass shooting.Special Guest: Laura E. Adkins.","content_html":"This week we're starting to examine the real-world effects of the Supreme Court's Bruen decision.
\n\nWith New York's restrictive gun-carry law being struck down, more people will actually be able to carry in the state. So, it's essential to understand who some of those people are and why they want to carry in the first place. That's why we have Laura E. Adkins on the show.
\n\nAdkins recently wrote an opinion piece for The New York Times on her desire to arm herself.
\n\nAs a single woman living in New York City, she doesn't always feel totally secure. She described a fatal shooting of another woman nearby her home as one reason why. Police response times are another.
\n\nBeyond basic safety concerns, though, Adkins said a recent relationship ended poorly, and she now feels increasingly threatened by her former partner. She obtained a restraining order but was told she likely wouldn't qualify for a carry permit under the now-defunct law.
\n\nAdkins said she is hopeful the Supreme Court's ruling will mean she can obtain one soon. But she also recognized the new restrictions New York officials implemented in response to the decision will limit her options even if she does get a permit.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss the Congressional reaction to the July 4th mass shooting.
Special Guest: Laura E. Adkins.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Laura E. Adkins talk about her quest to become a New York City gun owner.","date_published":"2022-07-11T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/11a04d04-ff56-406b-822f-5fbd465ecead.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":86379898,"duration_in_seconds":3583}]},{"id":"af9bdc2a-64c4-421f-91c2-b87ee7433d29","title":"A Q&A On the Supreme Court Gun Decision, New Federal Gun Law, and ATF Regulations","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/a-q-a-on-the-supreme-court-gun-decision-new-federal-gun-law-and-atf-regulations","content_text":"Thanks to the first major Second Amendment ruling from the Supreme Court in over a decade and the first new federal gun restrictions in a generation there's a lot of uncertainty about America's gun laws. So, we thought it was a good time to answer some of your questions.\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I took submissions from Reload Members on their most pressing concerns. We got questions on everything from how the ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen affects the other pending gun cases before the Court to how stable the new standard set in the case really is. We talked about whether Bruen presents a risk to the new federal gun law and the details of the new law's gun provisions.\n\nWe also covered the impact of not just Bruen but also the Court's ruling in a recent EPA case on a variety of ATF regulations.","content_html":"Thanks to the first major Second Amendment ruling from the Supreme Court in over a decade and the first new federal gun restrictions in a generation there's a lot of uncertainty about America's gun laws. So, we thought it was a good time to answer some of your questions.
\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I took submissions from Reload Members on their most pressing concerns. We got questions on everything from how the ruling in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen affects the other pending gun cases before the Court to how stable the new standard set in the case really is. We talked about whether Bruen presents a risk to the new federal gun law and the details of the new law's gun provisions.
\n\nWe also covered the impact of not just Bruen but also the Court's ruling in a recent EPA case on a variety of ATF regulations.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Jake Fogleman answer a ton of questions on all the big gun developments from the past few weeks.","date_published":"2022-07-04T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/af9bdc2a-64c4-421f-91c2-b87ee7433d29.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67057231,"duration_in_seconds":4164}]},{"id":"efc69326-e9d2-4f07-a871-273e25165da8","title":"National Review's Charles Cooke Reacts to Supreme Court and Senate Gun News","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/national-reviews-charles-cooke-reacts-to-supreme-court-and-senate-gun-news","content_text":"Two of the biggest gun stories in decades came to a head this week. The Supreme Court's anticipated Bruen decision invalidate \"may issue\" gun carry permit laws nationwide just before the federal government passed its first new gun restrictions in a generation. These shifts are monumental.\n\nThat's why this week we're joined by one of the top pro-gun thinkers out there: National Review's Charles Cooke.\n\nCooke has already written extensively on the ruling and the legislation. He said both would have far-reaching consequences.\n\nHe argued the ruling puts the Second Amendment back on par with the First Amendment. It will not only eliminate restrictive \"may-issue\" gun-carry permitting, but it will cast a shadow over all kinds of other modern gun laws. Any regulation without a clear place in the founding-era tradition of gun laws will have a difficult time in court.\n\nAs for the new federal gun law, Cooke argues the bill was poorly drafted with multiple confusing provisions and apparent drafting errors. He questioned why domestic violence records for \"dating partners\" are expunged after five years but no other records are. He noted how expansive it will be to make it illegal to sell guns to anyone with a juvenile felony conviction or involuntary commitment or how precarious the new gun dealing license requirements could make selling even a single firearm.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman explains a new lawsuit against Colorado police who killed a concealed carrier after he stopped an active shooter.Special Guest: Charles Cooke.","content_html":"Two of the biggest gun stories in decades came to a head this week. The Supreme Court's anticipated Bruen decision invalidate "may issue" gun carry permit laws nationwide just before the federal government passed its first new gun restrictions in a generation. These shifts are monumental.
\n\nThat's why this week we're joined by one of the top pro-gun thinkers out there: National Review's Charles Cooke.
\n\nCooke has already written extensively on the ruling and the legislation. He said both would have far-reaching consequences.
\n\nHe argued the ruling puts the Second Amendment back on par with the First Amendment. It will not only eliminate restrictive "may-issue" gun-carry permitting, but it will cast a shadow over all kinds of other modern gun laws. Any regulation without a clear place in the founding-era tradition of gun laws will have a difficult time in court.
\n\nAs for the new federal gun law, Cooke argues the bill was poorly drafted with multiple confusing provisions and apparent drafting errors. He questioned why domestic violence records for "dating partners" are expunged after five years but no other records are. He noted how expansive it will be to make it illegal to sell guns to anyone with a juvenile felony conviction or involuntary commitment or how precarious the new gun dealing license requirements could make selling even a single firearm.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman explains a new lawsuit against Colorado police who killed a concealed carrier after he stopped an active shooter.
Special Guest: Charles Cooke.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Charles Cooke examine the Supreme Court's gun ruling and the new federal gun law.","date_published":"2022-06-27T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/efc69326-e9d2-4f07-a871-273e25165da8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":87560076,"duration_in_seconds":3630}]},{"id":"3ae251a6-686b-4d85-a3da-01bd123f9aa5","title":"Politico's Burgess Everett Gives Insight into How Senate Gun Talks are Unfolding","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/politico-s-burgess-everett-gives-insight-into-how-senate-gun-talks-are-unfolding","content_text":"Senate gun negotiations carried on this week after encountering a few speed bumps.\n\nThat's why I had another top Capitol Hill reporter on the show. This week, I'm joined by Burgess Everett of Politico. He has spent decades reporting on and talking to the key senators at the center of the gun deal.\n\nEverett said that while the deal has a lot of momentum, he's seen many so-called must-pass bills fail. He said that red flag grants being expanded to non-red-flag laws and how gun prohibitions should be extended to those that commit violence against their girlfriends are creating the most consternation. How those details get ironed out could determine whether a deal gets through at all.\n\nBut Everett said the way senators are planning to change the background check system to get at juvenile criminal records is likely to be much more consequential than those two provisions. It appears the plan is to create a special new process for those 18 to 20 years old, one that includes a pseudo waiting period to ensure the FBI can access the often-sealed records.\n\nDespite the complexity and impact of the background check change, Everett said it has yet to generate any noticeable controversy among the senators.\n\nMary Katharine Ham joins the show for a members' segment too. She explains her background with guns and what it's like to do shows on CNN or ABC while being a pro-gun commentator.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Texas Governor Gregg Abbott's (R.) policy response to the Uvalde shooting.Special Guest: Burgess Everett .","content_html":"Senate gun negotiations carried on this week after encountering a few speed bumps.
\n\nThat's why I had another top Capitol Hill reporter on the show. This week, I'm joined by Burgess Everett of Politico. He has spent decades reporting on and talking to the key senators at the center of the gun deal.
\n\nEverett said that while the deal has a lot of momentum, he's seen many so-called must-pass bills fail. He said that red flag grants being expanded to non-red-flag laws and how gun prohibitions should be extended to those that commit violence against their girlfriends are creating the most consternation. How those details get ironed out could determine whether a deal gets through at all.
\n\nBut Everett said the way senators are planning to change the background check system to get at juvenile criminal records is likely to be much more consequential than those two provisions. It appears the plan is to create a special new process for those 18 to 20 years old, one that includes a pseudo waiting period to ensure the FBI can access the often-sealed records.
\n\nDespite the complexity and impact of the background check change, Everett said it has yet to generate any noticeable controversy among the senators.
\n\nMary Katharine Ham joins the show for a members' segment too. She explains her background with guns and what it's like to do shows on CNN or ABC while being a pro-gun commentator.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Texas Governor Gregg Abbott's (R.) policy response to the Uvalde shooting.
Special Guest: Burgess Everett .
","summary":"","date_published":"2022-06-20T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3ae251a6-686b-4d85-a3da-01bd123f9aa5.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":97749326,"duration_in_seconds":4049}]},{"id":"de39716a-19ba-4bdf-8f70-a58a8c4d6883","title":"Punchbowl's John Bresnahan on Senate Gun Talks","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/punchbowls-john-bresnahan-on-senate-gun-talks","content_text":"This week we have one of the top Capitol Hill reporters on the podcast.\n\nThe House passed a package of gun-control bills and bipartisan discussions in the Senate have been making progress towards a deal. So, I wanted to bring on Punchbowl Co-Founder John Bresnahan to give us a breakdown of where this is all really headed. Bresnahan has been reporting on the Hill for as long as anybody, and nobody else has a better view of what's going on.\n\nHe said Senators John Cornyn (R., Texas) and Chris Murphy (D., Conn.) are the key players. He said the two are genuinely trying to come to a deal, and the odds of a gun bill package passing the Senate are higher than they've been in years.\n\nBresnahan said the policies that have passed the House are non-starters in the Senate. Instead, Senators are looking at other solutions. The top ideas so far are including some juvenile criminal records in the FBI background check system, \"red flag\" model legislation coupled with a state grant program, and expanding a mental health funding program to all states.\n\nHowever, Bresnahan cautioned that the real threshold for a successful bill is whether it can attract not just 60 votes but also a majority of Republican support. He said he remains skeptical something can actually get across the finish line. He's still watching to see if and when an actual written bill comes together.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss New York's new gun laws and the foiled plot by a gun-control advocate to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh.","content_html":"This week we have one of the top Capitol Hill reporters on the podcast.
\n\nThe House passed a package of gun-control bills and bipartisan discussions in the Senate have been making progress towards a deal. So, I wanted to bring on Punchbowl Co-Founder John Bresnahan to give us a breakdown of where this is all really headed. Bresnahan has been reporting on the Hill for as long as anybody, and nobody else has a better view of what's going on.
\n\nHe said Senators John Cornyn (R., Texas) and Chris Murphy (D., Conn.) are the key players. He said the two are genuinely trying to come to a deal, and the odds of a gun bill package passing the Senate are higher than they've been in years.
\n\nBresnahan said the policies that have passed the House are non-starters in the Senate. Instead, Senators are looking at other solutions. The top ideas so far are including some juvenile criminal records in the FBI background check system, "red flag" model legislation coupled with a state grant program, and expanding a mental health funding program to all states.
\n\nHowever, Bresnahan cautioned that the real threshold for a successful bill is whether it can attract not just 60 votes but also a majority of Republican support. He said he remains skeptical something can actually get across the finish line. He's still watching to see if and when an actual written bill comes together.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss New York's new gun laws and the foiled plot by a gun-control advocate to kill Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest John Bresnahan discuss where bipartisan gun policy discussions are at in the Senate and where they're headed.","date_published":"2022-06-13T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/de39716a-19ba-4bdf-8f70-a58a8c4d6883.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":74088066,"duration_in_seconds":4599}]},{"id":"0812d4b7-6280-4872-93df-f717d586d233","title":"Active Shooting Response Trainer Mike Willever on Mistakes in Uvalde","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/active-shooting-response-trainer-mike-willever-on-mistakes-in-uvalde","content_text":"The more we learn about the law enforcement response to the Uvalde, Texas school shooting, the worse it looks.\n\nAfter an initial exchange of fire with the shooter, police waited upwards of an hour to storm the room he was in and neutralize him. I've taken multiple active shooter training courses, and this response appears to go against everything people have been taught for decades. It also seems to have given the attacker the opportunity to kill more children.\n\nBut I wanted to bring on somebody even better versed in both active shooter response training and what it's like to respond to a shooting in reality. That's why Active Self Protection's Mike Willever joined the show this week. He is a former federal agent who taught active shooter response training. He also once responded to a shooting as it was happening.\n\nHe was as exasperated by the response to Robb Elementary School as I was. Active shooter response training is not complicated, he said. You go to the threat as fast as you can and neutralize it before doing anything else.\n\nWillever said, from what we know now, it does not make sense that leadership on the scene decided to treat the shooter as a barricaded suspect. When shots are still being fired, as they were in this case, there is no reason to wait. When there are injured victims trapped inside with the shooter, as they were in this case, there is no reason to wait.\n\nThere just isn't an excuse for how law enforcement handled this. And there never will be.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss the latest dismal financial release from the NRA.Special Guest: Mike Willever.","content_html":"The more we learn about the law enforcement response to the Uvalde, Texas school shooting, the worse it looks.
\n\nAfter an initial exchange of fire with the shooter, police waited upwards of an hour to storm the room he was in and neutralize him. I've taken multiple active shooter training courses, and this response appears to go against everything people have been taught for decades. It also seems to have given the attacker the opportunity to kill more children.
\n\nBut I wanted to bring on somebody even better versed in both active shooter response training and what it's like to respond to a shooting in reality. That's why Active Self Protection's Mike Willever joined the show this week. He is a former federal agent who taught active shooter response training. He also once responded to a shooting as it was happening.
\n\nHe was as exasperated by the response to Robb Elementary School as I was. Active shooter response training is not complicated, he said. You go to the threat as fast as you can and neutralize it before doing anything else.
\n\nWillever said, from what we know now, it does not make sense that leadership on the scene decided to treat the shooter as a barricaded suspect. When shots are still being fired, as they were in this case, there is no reason to wait. When there are injured victims trapped inside with the shooter, as they were in this case, there is no reason to wait.
\n\nThere just isn't an excuse for how law enforcement handled this. And there never will be.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss the latest dismal financial release from the NRA.
Special Guest: Mike Willever.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Mike Willever discuss the failures in how police responded to the Uvalde shooting.","date_published":"2022-06-06T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/0812d4b7-6280-4872-93df-f717d586d233.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":98466862,"duration_in_seconds":4085}]},{"id":"ef88fae5-16e6-4e46-831f-96371eaea012","title":"Q&A on the NRA and Fallout From the Uvalde Shooting","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/q-a-on-the-nra-and-fallout-from-the-uvalde-shooting","content_text":"With so much going on this week it felt like the appropriate time to do another Q&A episode.\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogelman joined me to answer some of the most pressing questions from Reload members. With the NRA Annual Meeting taking place in Houston, Texas just a few days after a horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, there is a lot to discuss.\n\nMembers wanted to know how gun owners can best respond to attacks like this. What are some policy solutions? What's the best way to avoid bad-faith fights without completely ceding the conversation to the loudest voices? Could the Uvalde or Buffalo attacks have been prevented under our current laws?\n\nThere were also several questions about the state of the NRA and the gun-rights movement at large. How bad have things gotten at the NRA? Are other gun-rights groups able to fill whatever gaps the NRA's struggles have created? What lies ahead?\n\nWe answer those questions and more.","content_html":"With so much going on this week it felt like the appropriate time to do another Q&A episode.
\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogelman joined me to answer some of the most pressing questions from Reload members. With the NRA Annual Meeting taking place in Houston, Texas just a few days after a horrific school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, there is a lot to discuss.
\n\nMembers wanted to know how gun owners can best respond to attacks like this. What are some policy solutions? What's the best way to avoid bad-faith fights without completely ceding the conversation to the loudest voices? Could the Uvalde or Buffalo attacks have been prevented under our current laws?
\n\nThere were also several questions about the state of the NRA and the gun-rights movement at large. How bad have things gotten at the NRA? Are other gun-rights groups able to fill whatever gaps the NRA's struggles have created? What lies ahead?
\n\nWe answer those questions and more.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Jake Fogelman answer questions from Reload members.","date_published":"2022-05-30T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/ef88fae5-16e6-4e46-831f-96371eaea012.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":66943273,"duration_in_seconds":4162}]},{"id":"0e73f6a8-1515-4799-8934-e6ff1d0f9250","title":"David French on Red Flag Laws in the Wake of the Buffalo Massacre","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/david-french-on-red-flag-laws-in-the-wake-of-the-buffalo-massacre","content_text":"David French has long advocated for the adoption of red flag laws to prevent mass shootings. In the wake of the Buffalo shooting, where an unused red flag law may have stopped that massacre, he seemed like a good person to discuss the policy's advantages and drawbacks.\n\nFrench argued red flag laws, otherwise known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), provide a kind of stopgap between releasing somebody who is troubled and going through the more complex process of involuntarily committing them. He said they provide a way to intervene with somebody who has demonstrated they are a risk to themselves or others. The Buffalo shooter would have met that standard and been barred from buying the gun he used to carry out his attack had anybody filed for an ERPO against him, French said.\n\nHe argued lack of knowledge about how the laws work was likely the reason why it wasn't used in this case and said the governor's call for mandatory police training on New York's red flag law. However, he opposes her plan to require all police file for ERPOs on the basis of probable cause.\n\nFrench said he wants to see a higher level of scrutiny, like clear and convincing evidence, and a faster turnaround for a hearing with the person subject to the order than the 10 days New York current uses as its standard. But he said the due process concerns many gun-rights advocates have raised around ERPOs are ones that can be addressed and the core of the policy makes sense.\n\nHowever, he said President Joe Biden's call for a national \"assault weapons\" ban in response to Buffalo does not make sense. French argued that not only was the previous federal ban ineffective but the guns they target, such as the AR-15, are far more popular today than they were at the time. He further said AR-15s are not the most common guns used in mass shootings and are very uncommonly used in crime overall.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I look at the gun industry's latest effort in Ukraine as well as an ATF report on the industry's huge growth in recent years.Special Guest: David French.","content_html":"David French has long advocated for the adoption of red flag laws to prevent mass shootings. In the wake of the Buffalo shooting, where an unused red flag law may have stopped that massacre, he seemed like a good person to discuss the policy's advantages and drawbacks.
\n\nFrench argued red flag laws, otherwise known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO), provide a kind of stopgap between releasing somebody who is troubled and going through the more complex process of involuntarily committing them. He said they provide a way to intervene with somebody who has demonstrated they are a risk to themselves or others. The Buffalo shooter would have met that standard and been barred from buying the gun he used to carry out his attack had anybody filed for an ERPO against him, French said.
\n\nHe argued lack of knowledge about how the laws work was likely the reason why it wasn't used in this case and said the governor's call for mandatory police training on New York's red flag law. However, he opposes her plan to require all police file for ERPOs on the basis of probable cause.
\n\nFrench said he wants to see a higher level of scrutiny, like clear and convincing evidence, and a faster turnaround for a hearing with the person subject to the order than the 10 days New York current uses as its standard. But he said the due process concerns many gun-rights advocates have raised around ERPOs are ones that can be addressed and the core of the policy makes sense.
\n\nHowever, he said President Joe Biden's call for a national "assault weapons" ban in response to Buffalo does not make sense. French argued that not only was the previous federal ban ineffective but the guns they target, such as the AR-15, are far more popular today than they were at the time. He further said AR-15s are not the most common guns used in mass shootings and are very uncommonly used in crime overall.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I look at the gun industry's latest effort in Ukraine as well as an ATF report on the industry's huge growth in recent years.
Special Guest: David French.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest David French discuss what the Buffalo mass shooting means for red flag laws in America.","date_published":"2022-05-23T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/0e73f6a8-1515-4799-8934-e6ff1d0f9250.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":93635590,"duration_in_seconds":3884}]},{"id":"e2a8e31f-3799-45fc-bef3-7189f8d616b4","title":"Allen West Explains Why He's Running Against Wayne LaPierre","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/allen-west-explains-why-he-s-running-against-wayne-lapierre","content_text":"We have an exclusive interview with Allen West for you this week.\n\nHe announced on Monday he would accept the call of current and former board members to challenge Wayne LaPierre for the control of the NRA. He will be pitted against the long-time head of the organization in a fight for the group's future. The results will determine how the NRA moves forward after years of controversy coupled with financial and legal struggles.\n\nWest says the gun-rights group is in desperate need of reform. He pledged to bring transparency to how the group handles its finances. He accused a \"cabal\" of top NRA leaders of blocking reform efforts and putting the group in legal limbo.\n\nHe said the recent downturn in membership even as gun ownership has grown is a symptom of LaPierre's mismanagement. He argued leadership had lost the trust of members and that was the core of their problem. He said restoring trust is his top priority. West attacked New York Attorney General Letitia James (D.) for being biased against the NRA, but said LaPierre had given her the ammunition she is now using to try and capture control of the group.\n\nWest responded to several critiques of his run from NRA board member David Keene. He also rejected the idea his heated rhetoric repels more potential NRA members than it attracts, a common criticism of the group's current approach.\n\nHe said refocusing the NRA on core priorities such as safety training and marksmanship were key pillars of his plan to start growing the organization again. West said his reputation, service in the military, and previous time as a board member will also help him convince the board to choose him over LaPierre. That decision will be made by the board at this month's Annual Meeting which West says he will attend.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss California's age-based rifle ban being struck down as the state removes another popular pistol from its handgun roster.Special Guest: Allen West.","content_html":"We have an exclusive interview with Allen West for you this week.
\n\nHe announced on Monday he would accept the call of current and former board members to challenge Wayne LaPierre for the control of the NRA. He will be pitted against the long-time head of the organization in a fight for the group's future. The results will determine how the NRA moves forward after years of controversy coupled with financial and legal struggles.
\n\nWest says the gun-rights group is in desperate need of reform. He pledged to bring transparency to how the group handles its finances. He accused a "cabal" of top NRA leaders of blocking reform efforts and putting the group in legal limbo.
\n\nHe said the recent downturn in membership even as gun ownership has grown is a symptom of LaPierre's mismanagement. He argued leadership had lost the trust of members and that was the core of their problem. He said restoring trust is his top priority. West attacked New York Attorney General Letitia James (D.) for being biased against the NRA, but said LaPierre had given her the ammunition she is now using to try and capture control of the group.
\n\nWest responded to several critiques of his run from NRA board member David Keene. He also rejected the idea his heated rhetoric repels more potential NRA members than it attracts, a common criticism of the group's current approach.
\n\nHe said refocusing the NRA on core priorities such as safety training and marksmanship were key pillars of his plan to start growing the organization again. West said his reputation, service in the military, and previous time as a board member will also help him convince the board to choose him over LaPierre. That decision will be made by the board at this month's Annual Meeting which West says he will attend.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss California's age-based rifle ban being struck down as the state removes another popular pistol from its handgun roster.
Special Guest: Allen West.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski interviews guest Allen West about his run for executive vice president of the NRA.","date_published":"2022-05-16T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e2a8e31f-3799-45fc-bef3-7189f8d616b4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":79156964,"duration_in_seconds":3282}]},{"id":"726b0120-c2d4-460f-a271-07b1f9108fe9","title":"Lara Smith On the Liberal Gun Club's Mission","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/lara-smith-on-the-liberal-gun-clubs-mission","content_text":"Lara Smith joins the show this week. She's the national spokesperson for a stereotype-defying group: The Liberal Gun Club.\n\nSmith talks at length about the group's philosophy. Rather than focusing on gun bans or restrictions, they believe in addressing the root causes of violence. They lobby against strict new gun-control laws and for alternative approaches to solving gun violence.\n\nShe said the group has grown substantially over the past two years as the number of new gun owners has increased, especially those from demographics that skew more liberal. Smith argued that trend will impact not just her group but American politics at large. As the group grows, they expect their unique identity and approach will make them particularly influential with Democrats other gun-rights groups have little sway over.\n\nSmith said The Liberal Gun Club is not just about lobbying, but also community building. She said members fall all along the left side of the political spectrum. However, they all share one thing in common: an appreciation for guns and the shooting sports.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman gives an update on the latest NRA drama that's developing just a few weeks before the group's first Annual Meeting in three years.Special Guest: Lara Smith.","content_html":"Lara Smith joins the show this week. She's the national spokesperson for a stereotype-defying group: The Liberal Gun Club.
\n\nSmith talks at length about the group's philosophy. Rather than focusing on gun bans or restrictions, they believe in addressing the root causes of violence. They lobby against strict new gun-control laws and for alternative approaches to solving gun violence.
\n\nShe said the group has grown substantially over the past two years as the number of new gun owners has increased, especially those from demographics that skew more liberal. Smith argued that trend will impact not just her group but American politics at large. As the group grows, they expect their unique identity and approach will make them particularly influential with Democrats other gun-rights groups have little sway over.
\n\nSmith said The Liberal Gun Club is not just about lobbying, but also community building. She said members fall all along the left side of the political spectrum. However, they all share one thing in common: an appreciation for guns and the shooting sports.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman gives an update on the latest NRA drama that's developing just a few weeks before the group's first Annual Meeting in three years.
Special Guest: Lara Smith.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Lara Smith talk about The Liberal Gun Club and their unique place in the gun-owning community.","date_published":"2022-05-09T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/726b0120-c2d4-460f-a271-07b1f9108fe9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":91632095,"duration_in_seconds":3800}]},{"id":"4b4dee98-7591-4c68-ab0f-69cf7f02004a","title":"NAAGA President Philip Smith Criticizes Biden's ATF Shakeup","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/naaga-president-philip-smith-criticizes-biden-s-atf-shakeup","content_text":"Philip Smith of the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) joins the podcast to discuss President Joe Biden's recent moves to change ATF leadership.\n\nBiden recently picked a second nominee to head the agency. Then he demoted the acting director and replaced him with a third candidate. Smith said NAAGA is unhappy that Marvin Richardson, a Black agent with 33 years of experience, has now been passed over three times for White candidates who are less qualified for the permanent director position.\n\nSmith said Richardson is well-liked by ATF agents and the industry alike. He argued Richardson is a non-partisan with the proper skill set to run the agency in the long term. Smith's comments were backed up by the Black Agents and Professionals Law Enforcement Association which spoke out in support of Richardson. \n\nHe said the President is wrong to push aside Richardson in favor of other candidates. He said NAAGA was concerned with the racial dynamics of the pick but also the political implications of it. Both of the permanent director nominees Biden has chosen over Richardson have established track records as gun-control advocates. He said the President should not only reinstate Richardson to acting director but put him up as the permanent director nominee.\n\nSmith also explained NAAGA's view on permitless gun-carry and whether the group plans to become more politically involved as it continues to grow.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about what the newest video from the set of Rust tells us about Alec Baldwin's shooting.Special Guest: Philip Smith.","content_html":"Philip Smith of the National African American Gun Association (NAAGA) joins the podcast to discuss President Joe Biden's recent moves to change ATF leadership.
\n\nBiden recently picked a second nominee to head the agency. Then he demoted the acting director and replaced him with a third candidate. Smith said NAAGA is unhappy that Marvin Richardson, a Black agent with 33 years of experience, has now been passed over three times for White candidates who are less qualified for the permanent director position.
\n\nSmith said Richardson is well-liked by ATF agents and the industry alike. He argued Richardson is a non-partisan with the proper skill set to run the agency in the long term. Smith's comments were backed up by the Black Agents and Professionals Law Enforcement Association which spoke out in support of Richardson.
\n\nHe said the President is wrong to push aside Richardson in favor of other candidates. He said NAAGA was concerned with the racial dynamics of the pick but also the political implications of it. Both of the permanent director nominees Biden has chosen over Richardson have established track records as gun-control advocates. He said the President should not only reinstate Richardson to acting director but put him up as the permanent director nominee.
\n\nSmith also explained NAAGA's view on permitless gun-carry and whether the group plans to become more politically involved as it continues to grow.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about what the newest video from the set of Rust tells us about Alec Baldwin's shooting.
Special Guest: Philip Smith.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Philip Smith talk about President Biden's decision to pass over and then demote the acting director of the ATF, who has spent a career at the agency, in favor of gun-control advocates.","date_published":"2022-05-02T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4b4dee98-7591-4c68-ab0f-69cf7f02004a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76691250,"duration_in_seconds":3180}]},{"id":"3ea866da-2355-44bd-991b-d169ead1820d","title":"Cam Edwards on President Biden's Controversial ATF Moves","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/cam-edwards-on-president-biden-s-controversial-atf-moves","content_text":"Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms joins the show this week after the ATF saw a significant shakeup.\n\nAfter President Biden announced he would nominate a new permanent director last week, he took to punishing the acting director. Marvin Richardson, a 30-year career agent, was moved down to acting deputy director for the last few months of his time at the agency. The move comes just a month after gun-control advocates and The New York Times attacked Richardson as too friendly towards the gun industry.\n\nCam argues those complaints were weak. He says the gun-control groups want an ideologue in charge of the ATF which is why they backed David Chipman's failed nomination and are backing the nominations of Steve Dettelbach. He said Richardson fell short in their eyes, and ultimately the President's, by not approaching the gun industry as an adversary.\n\nBut Cam sees the move to demote Richardson as one that will ultimately harm the President's latest ATF nominee's chances of getting through confirmation. He noted complaints from the National African American Gun Association about Richardson, who is Black, being passed over twice for White candidates whose most recent experience was in the political realm rather than law enforcement. Given how difficult it is to confirm an ATF director in an evenly divided Senate, and the fact Biden already failed to do so once before, any additional controversy could sink Dettebach's bid.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a top Florida Democrat's new gun-rights lawsuit against the Biden Administration.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms joins the show this week after the ATF saw a significant shakeup.
\n\nAfter President Biden announced he would nominate a new permanent director last week, he took to punishing the acting director. Marvin Richardson, a 30-year career agent, was moved down to acting deputy director for the last few months of his time at the agency. The move comes just a month after gun-control advocates and The New York Times attacked Richardson as too friendly towards the gun industry.
\n\nCam argues those complaints were weak. He says the gun-control groups want an ideologue in charge of the ATF which is why they backed David Chipman's failed nomination and are backing the nominations of Steve Dettelbach. He said Richardson fell short in their eyes, and ultimately the President's, by not approaching the gun industry as an adversary.
\n\nBut Cam sees the move to demote Richardson as one that will ultimately harm the President's latest ATF nominee's chances of getting through confirmation. He noted complaints from the National African American Gun Association about Richardson, who is Black, being passed over twice for White candidates whose most recent experience was in the political realm rather than law enforcement. Given how difficult it is to confirm an ATF director in an evenly divided Senate, and the fact Biden already failed to do so once before, any additional controversy could sink Dettebach's bid.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss a top Florida Democrat's new gun-rights lawsuit against the Biden Administration.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards discuss the demotion of ATF acting director in what seems like a slight on his way out of the door.","date_published":"2022-04-25T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3ea866da-2355-44bd-991b-d169ead1820d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":84223321,"duration_in_seconds":3493}]},{"id":"1000f9df-53f0-417a-9032-f52f3c947bd8","title":"Ghost Gunner's Cody Wilson Responds to Biden's 'Ghost Gun' Kit Ban","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/ghost-gunner-s-cody-wilson-responds-to-biden-s-ghost-gun-kit-ban","content_text":"President Biden went hard after \"ghost guns\" and the companies that make them this week. So, on this episode, we've got one of the most prominent men who is squarely in his sights: Defense Distributed's Cody Wilson.\n\nWilson is a pioneer in 3D-printed guns having developed the first prototype called The Liberator. His Ghost Gunner mini-CNC machine is among the popular ways to finish the unfinished gun receivers commonly available on the market.\n\nAs such, he read through the entire 364-page final guidance on the new ban from the ATF. We discuss the ins and out of what exactly is illegal now, how that will impact the firearms industry, and some of the surprises in the final regulation.\n\nWilson says he feels the regulations are unjust and unconstitutional. He said he plans to file suit against the administration over the changes. \n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about what we've found out about President Biden's new ATF director nominee Steve Dettelbach.Special Guest: Cody Wilson.","content_html":"President Biden went hard after "ghost guns" and the companies that make them this week. So, on this episode, we've got one of the most prominent men who is squarely in his sights: Defense Distributed's Cody Wilson.
\n\nWilson is a pioneer in 3D-printed guns having developed the first prototype called The Liberator. His Ghost Gunner mini-CNC machine is among the popular ways to finish the unfinished gun receivers commonly available on the market.
\n\nAs such, he read through the entire 364-page final guidance on the new ban from the ATF. We discuss the ins and out of what exactly is illegal now, how that will impact the firearms industry, and some of the surprises in the final regulation.
\n\nWilson says he feels the regulations are unjust and unconstitutional. He said he plans to file suit against the administration over the changes.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about what we've found out about President Biden's new ATF director nominee Steve Dettelbach.
Special Guest: Cody Wilson.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cody Wilson discuss the Biden Administration's new executive action on guns.","date_published":"2022-04-18T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/1000f9df-53f0-417a-9032-f52f3c947bd8.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":96792022,"duration_in_seconds":4017}]},{"id":"4f7ecd21-d0a3-4500-81f9-6f28a7652733","title":"The Washington Post's Radley Balko on the Killing of Amir Locke","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-washington-posts-radley-balko-on-the-killing-of-amir-locke","content_text":"Author and Washington Post Columnist Radley Balko joins the show this week to talk about how police militarization impacts gun rights.\n\nBalko has spent a career documenting questionable police tactics, and he provides some unique insight into the Amir Locke case. Minneapolis Police killed Locke during a no-knock raid in February because he reached for a gun during the confusion caused by his apartment door being kicked in without warning. Locke wasn't the subject of the warrant and had no record, but he ended up dead.\n\nNow, the police officer who shot him has been cleared of any wrongdoing.\n\nHe is far from the only person who has had their life or freedom taken without recourse as the result of drawing a gun during a no-knock raid. Balko gives background on a vast collection of people who have found themselves in the same situation.\n\nWe also discuss the delicate balance between respecting police, attempting to make their jobs safer, and upholding Americans' civil liberties. Balko explains his view on how gun-rights proponents should react when those priorities come into conflict. And he shares real-world examples of it happening, including the use of dubious ballistic matching evidence against criminal defendants.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss California Senator Diane Feinstein's (D.) solution to last week's deadly shootout in Sacramento. And we have another member segment too!Special Guest: Radley Balko.","content_html":"Author and Washington Post Columnist Radley Balko joins the show this week to talk about how police militarization impacts gun rights.
\n\nBalko has spent a career documenting questionable police tactics, and he provides some unique insight into the Amir Locke case. Minneapolis Police killed Locke during a no-knock raid in February because he reached for a gun during the confusion caused by his apartment door being kicked in without warning. Locke wasn't the subject of the warrant and had no record, but he ended up dead.
\n\nNow, the police officer who shot him has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
\n\nHe is far from the only person who has had their life or freedom taken without recourse as the result of drawing a gun during a no-knock raid. Balko gives background on a vast collection of people who have found themselves in the same situation.
\n\nWe also discuss the delicate balance between respecting police, attempting to make their jobs safer, and upholding Americans' civil liberties. Balko explains his view on how gun-rights proponents should react when those priorities come into conflict. And he shares real-world examples of it happening, including the use of dubious ballistic matching evidence against criminal defendants.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss California Senator Diane Feinstein's (D.) solution to last week's deadly shootout in Sacramento. And we have another member segment too!
Special Guest: Radley Balko.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Guest Radley Balko discuss the fallout from the killing of Amir Locke and the decision not to charge the officer who shot him.","date_published":"2022-04-11T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/4f7ecd21-d0a3-4500-81f9-6f28a7652733.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76288947,"duration_in_seconds":4740}]},{"id":"8f3fb116-c5b7-4099-a43f-2c3293b414e2","title":"National Review's Charles Cooke on Florida Permitless Carry and Biden's Supreme Court Nominee","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/national-reviews-charles-cooke-on-florida-permitless-carry-and-bidens-supreme-court-nominee","content_text":"Florida is going to have a special session where Governor Ron DeSantis (R.) says he hopes permitless gun-carry is added to the agenda. So, who better to bring on the show to discuss this news than Florida Man Charles Cooke?\n\nThe National Review senior writer joined the podcast to give some insight into the state of the proposal. He said it will likely be an uphill battle to get the policy through the legislature even with the backing of DeSantis. He also explained the unique nature of Florida's gun laws which lag behind those of other red states despite the Sunshine State's reputation as the \"Gunshine State.\"\n\nCooke also weighed in on the success of the permitless carry movement thus far. He said the momentum generated by the incredible sweep gun-rights advocates have been able to pull of in such a short period of time will generate enough pressure to get the policy passed in Florida. But, he said, it might not be until next year.\n\nWe also look at what Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearings revealed about her views on the Second Amendment. She has a sparse record on guns, but she was nominated by a staunch gun-control proponent and the gun-control groups all support her. However, there is some reason to believe she may take a more expansive view of the Second Amendment than previous Democratic nominees.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman looks at new data on first-time gun owners and we have another member segment!Special Guest: Charles Cooke.","content_html":"Florida is going to have a special session where Governor Ron DeSantis (R.) says he hopes permitless gun-carry is added to the agenda. So, who better to bring on the show to discuss this news than Florida Man Charles Cooke?
\n\nThe National Review senior writer joined the podcast to give some insight into the state of the proposal. He said it will likely be an uphill battle to get the policy through the legislature even with the backing of DeSantis. He also explained the unique nature of Florida's gun laws which lag behind those of other red states despite the Sunshine State's reputation as the "Gunshine State."
\n\nCooke also weighed in on the success of the permitless carry movement thus far. He said the momentum generated by the incredible sweep gun-rights advocates have been able to pull of in such a short period of time will generate enough pressure to get the policy passed in Florida. But, he said, it might not be until next year.
\n\nWe also look at what Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation hearings revealed about her views on the Second Amendment. She has a sparse record on guns, but she was nominated by a staunch gun-control proponent and the gun-control groups all support her. However, there is some reason to believe she may take a more expansive view of the Second Amendment than previous Democratic nominees.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman looks at new data on first-time gun owners and we have another member segment!
Special Guest: Charles Cooke.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Charles Cooke talk about the prospects for \"Constitutional carry\" in Florida and Ketanji Brown Jackson's view of the Second Amendment.","date_published":"2022-04-04T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8f3fb116-c5b7-4099-a43f-2c3293b414e2.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":99503004,"duration_in_seconds":4129}]},{"id":"04e4a825-aa9c-44fd-b7af-8b5a99f53121","title":"Erick Erickson on how Guns Might Decide the Georgia Governor's Race","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/erick-erickson-on-how-guns-might-decide-the-georgia-governors-race","content_text":"Nationally-syndicated radio host and author Erick Erickson joins the show this week to talk about the Georgia election, NRA, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.\n\nErickson, who lives in Georgia, has closely followed the gubernatorial election. The Republican primary has been particularly heated this year with former-president Donald Trump enticing former-senator David Purdue to run against incumbent Brian Kemp as a form of payback over rebuffed attempts to flip the 2020 election results. With Kemp facing stiff opposition he's turned back to a policy he first ran on in 2018: permitless gun-carry.\n\nWhether Kemp can get the bill over the finish line before the election comes will have a big impact on the race, according to Erickson. He also weighs in on the claim by Perdue and likely Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams that Kemp sat on the proposal until it was politically advantageous. He said even if those claims are true, it may not matter if Kemp ultimately delivers which he seems to be on the cusp of doing.\n\nErickson also talked about the idea the gun-rights movement has been so successful it's started to lead to problems. He cites the corruption allegations weighing down the NRA as one example, but also pointed to some more questionable gun bills making it into law in deep-red states.\n\nHe said the gun-rights movement should refocus its efforts on fighting strict gun laws in deep-blue states rather than passing symbolic or even counter-productive laws in places they've already enacted a myriad of pro-gun policies.\n\nErickson also weighed in on why he isn't convinced by President Biden's Supreme Court nominee saying she believes in the Heller precedent. He said he doesn't trust her not to overturn the landmark gun case given the chance.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman joins the show to talk about how armed Ukrainian civilians helped fend off a mechanized Russian assault on a key farm town.\n\nAnd we speak to another Reload Member this week. Dennis Chapman, a lawyer and author living in Virginia, joins the show to talk about how he became interested in guns to the point of writing a book about the AR-15.Special Guest: Erick Erickson.","content_html":"Nationally-syndicated radio host and author Erick Erickson joins the show this week to talk about the Georgia election, NRA, and Ketanji Brown Jackson.
\n\nErickson, who lives in Georgia, has closely followed the gubernatorial election. The Republican primary has been particularly heated this year with former-president Donald Trump enticing former-senator David Purdue to run against incumbent Brian Kemp as a form of payback over rebuffed attempts to flip the 2020 election results. With Kemp facing stiff opposition he's turned back to a policy he first ran on in 2018: permitless gun-carry.
\n\nWhether Kemp can get the bill over the finish line before the election comes will have a big impact on the race, according to Erickson. He also weighs in on the claim by Perdue and likely Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams that Kemp sat on the proposal until it was politically advantageous. He said even if those claims are true, it may not matter if Kemp ultimately delivers which he seems to be on the cusp of doing.
\n\nErickson also talked about the idea the gun-rights movement has been so successful it's started to lead to problems. He cites the corruption allegations weighing down the NRA as one example, but also pointed to some more questionable gun bills making it into law in deep-red states.
\n\nHe said the gun-rights movement should refocus its efforts on fighting strict gun laws in deep-blue states rather than passing symbolic or even counter-productive laws in places they've already enacted a myriad of pro-gun policies.
\n\nErickson also weighed in on why he isn't convinced by President Biden's Supreme Court nominee saying she believes in the Heller precedent. He said he doesn't trust her not to overturn the landmark gun case given the chance.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman joins the show to talk about how armed Ukrainian civilians helped fend off a mechanized Russian assault on a key farm town.
\n\nAnd we speak to another Reload Member this week. Dennis Chapman, a lawyer and author living in Virginia, joins the show to talk about how he became interested in guns to the point of writing a book about the AR-15.
Special Guest: Erick Erickson.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Erick Erickson discuss how gun politics will play a major role in the upcoming Georgia gubernatorial election.","date_published":"2022-03-28T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/04e4a825-aa9c-44fd-b7af-8b5a99f53121.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":95964443,"duration_in_seconds":3982}]},{"id":"44115b4e-272b-4cb1-a2ba-89c3c03eb66c","title":"Interviewing the Lawyer Who Dismantled America's Stun-Gun Bans","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/interviewing-the-lawyer-who-dismantled-america-s-stun-gun-bans","content_text":"Rhode Island's statewide stun-gun ban was overturned by a federal court this week. It was the last of its kind, and the latest to fall in what's becoming a systemic dismantling of the prohibitions across the country.\n\nThe effort to liberalize stun gun and taser laws wasn't undertaken by any of the major gun-rights groups or civil-rights organizations. It hasn't been backed by anyone with deep pockets. Instead, it's been something of a passion project for a lawyer who started off with a $10,000 budget.\n\nThat lawyer is Alan Beck, and he's our guest on this week's episode of the podcast.\n\nBeck describes what motivated him to get involved in stun-gun litigation. He also explains how a key 2016 Supreme Court decision added fuel to the fire which swept through multiple state and local bans.\n\nHe explained his strategy for tearing down the prohibitions and how that same strategy could foreshadow what's possible for other areas of Second Amendment litigation. He also details how places like Hawaii have tried to push back against the courts striking down their stun-gun bans by imposing restrictions just short of prohibitions. And he says that's exactly how states forced to give up their restrictive gun-carry laws could react.\n\nSpeaking of Hawaii, Beck has also filed a number of suits against that state's outlier gun laws. The most famous of which is Young v. Hawaii where he was able to convince a lower court to toss the state's total ban on open carry before being reversed at the Ninth Circuit. That case is now pending appeal at the Supreme Court. We talk about why Hawaii has similarly been neglected by most gun-rights groups despite having some of the strictest gun laws in the country.\n\nReload member Nathan Gorenstein also joins the show for a member segment. The former Philadelphia Inquirer editor shares how he became interested in guns, and how legendary gun designer John Moses Browning piqued his interest enough to write an entire book about him.\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the latest state to adopt permitless gun-carry.Special Guest: Alan Beck.","content_html":"Rhode Island's statewide stun-gun ban was overturned by a federal court this week. It was the last of its kind, and the latest to fall in what's becoming a systemic dismantling of the prohibitions across the country.
\n\nThe effort to liberalize stun gun and taser laws wasn't undertaken by any of the major gun-rights groups or civil-rights organizations. It hasn't been backed by anyone with deep pockets. Instead, it's been something of a passion project for a lawyer who started off with a $10,000 budget.
\n\nThat lawyer is Alan Beck, and he's our guest on this week's episode of the podcast.
\n\nBeck describes what motivated him to get involved in stun-gun litigation. He also explains how a key 2016 Supreme Court decision added fuel to the fire which swept through multiple state and local bans.
\n\nHe explained his strategy for tearing down the prohibitions and how that same strategy could foreshadow what's possible for other areas of Second Amendment litigation. He also details how places like Hawaii have tried to push back against the courts striking down their stun-gun bans by imposing restrictions just short of prohibitions. And he says that's exactly how states forced to give up their restrictive gun-carry laws could react.
\n\nSpeaking of Hawaii, Beck has also filed a number of suits against that state's outlier gun laws. The most famous of which is Young v. Hawaii where he was able to convince a lower court to toss the state's total ban on open carry before being reversed at the Ninth Circuit. That case is now pending appeal at the Supreme Court. We talk about why Hawaii has similarly been neglected by most gun-rights groups despite having some of the strictest gun laws in the country.
\n\nReload member Nathan Gorenstein also joins the show for a member segment. The former Philadelphia Inquirer editor shares how he became interested in guns, and how legendary gun designer John Moses Browning piqued his interest enough to write an entire book about him.
\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss the latest state to adopt permitless gun-carry.
Special Guest: Alan Beck.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Alan Beck talk about how the landmark Heller decision led to the end of stun-gun bans.","date_published":"2022-03-22T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/44115b4e-272b-4cb1-a2ba-89c3c03eb66c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":71059760,"duration_in_seconds":4415}]},{"id":"e30c4635-27eb-40af-9e82-cb75cef7615d","title":"Reload Members Q&A","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/reload-members-q-a","content_text":"We're doing something different this week.\n\nInstead of interviewing an expert on a single topic, we're letting Reload members interview us on a bunch of different topics. It's our first Q&A episode!\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I answer questions on a wide range of stories. What is going on with gun laws and armed civilians in Ukraine? How could it affect American gun politics?\n\nHow much control does Wayne LaPierre have over the NRA board?\n\nWhat's happening with President Biden's pistol brace ban proposal? How does grandfathering play into his plan?\n\nWhat would it take to get a national reciprocity bill? When could gun owners see carry bans or AR-15 bans come to an end? What effect could the Supreme Court's gun-carry case have on that timeline? How might that same Supreme Court ruling affect demand for guns in deep blue states?\n\nPlus, what's the best way to improve media coverage of gun issues throughout the country?","content_html":"We're doing something different this week.
\n\nInstead of interviewing an expert on a single topic, we're letting Reload members interview us on a bunch of different topics. It's our first Q&A episode!
\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I answer questions on a wide range of stories. What is going on with gun laws and armed civilians in Ukraine? How could it affect American gun politics?
\n\nHow much control does Wayne LaPierre have over the NRA board?
\n\nWhat's happening with President Biden's pistol brace ban proposal? How does grandfathering play into his plan?
\n\nWhat would it take to get a national reciprocity bill? When could gun owners see carry bans or AR-15 bans come to an end? What effect could the Supreme Court's gun-carry case have on that timeline? How might that same Supreme Court ruling affect demand for guns in deep blue states?
\n\nPlus, what's the best way to improve media coverage of gun issues throughout the country?
","summary":"Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski and Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman answer questions from Reload members on a wide range of gun topics.","date_published":"2022-03-14T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e30c4635-27eb-40af-9e82-cb75cef7615d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":95892737,"duration_in_seconds":3983}]},{"id":"20822726-99cf-4885-b445-7348a4e1dc17","title":"Former NRA Board Member Rocky Marshall on the Group's Legal Struggles","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/former-nra-board-member-rocky-marshall-on-the-group-s-legal-struggles","content_text":"The NRA will not be forced to close down due to the New York Attorney General's corruption suit.\n\nHowever, the case remains active. So, former NRA board member Rocky Marshall joined the show this week to discuss the internal fight over the corruption allegations against NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and other members of leadership.\n\nMarshall is one of the few board members to publicly oppose LaPierre and make efforts to remove him from leadership. Last year, he became the first person to run against LaPierre for Executive Vice President.\n\nHe said he is glad the Attorney General won't be able to shutter the organization. He also said he believes the evidence shows LaPierre did divert large sums of NRA money to his own personal expenses. Marshall argued the group has been seriously harmed by that corruption and must be reformed if it hopes to survive.\n\nBut the board remains almost entirely behind LaPierre. Marshall lost the election to LaPierre in a landslide, and he wasn't renominated to run for the board again this year. Plus, NRA lawyers have accused him of trying to take over control of the NRA for himself.\n\nMarshall said the board is effectively controlled by a small number of board members who are on many of the most important board committees. He argued that group of LaPierre loyalists controls the board nomination process, which goes through the board's nominating committee, and forces internal critics off their committee positions and the board as a whole.\n\nHe said the only hope for the NRA is a member-led reform movement and said that's what he is focusing his efforts on now.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss where President Biden's Supreme Court nominee may end up on gun law.Special Guest: Rocky Marshall.","content_html":"The NRA will not be forced to close down due to the New York Attorney General's corruption suit.
\n\nHowever, the case remains active. So, former NRA board member Rocky Marshall joined the show this week to discuss the internal fight over the corruption allegations against NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and other members of leadership.
\n\nMarshall is one of the few board members to publicly oppose LaPierre and make efforts to remove him from leadership. Last year, he became the first person to run against LaPierre for Executive Vice President.
\n\nHe said he is glad the Attorney General won't be able to shutter the organization. He also said he believes the evidence shows LaPierre did divert large sums of NRA money to his own personal expenses. Marshall argued the group has been seriously harmed by that corruption and must be reformed if it hopes to survive.
\n\nBut the board remains almost entirely behind LaPierre. Marshall lost the election to LaPierre in a landslide, and he wasn't renominated to run for the board again this year. Plus, NRA lawyers have accused him of trying to take over control of the NRA for himself.
\n\nMarshall said the board is effectively controlled by a small number of board members who are on many of the most important board committees. He argued that group of LaPierre loyalists controls the board nomination process, which goes through the board's nominating committee, and forces internal critics off their committee positions and the board as a whole.
\n\nHe said the only hope for the NRA is a member-led reform movement and said that's what he is focusing his efforts on now.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss where President Biden's Supreme Court nominee may end up on gun law.
Special Guest: Rocky Marshall.
","summary":"Rocky Marshall joins host Stephen Gutowski to discuss his time on the NRA board and his efforts to unseat Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre over allegations of corruption.","date_published":"2022-03-05T17:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/20822726-99cf-4885-b445-7348a4e1dc17.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":81647841,"duration_in_seconds":3385}]},{"id":"73e093f1-e2bc-4b57-af33-3ae4121e1508","title":"Anthony Constantini On Ukraine Recognizing Civilian Gun Rights as Russia Invades","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/anthony-constantini-on-ukraine-recognizing-civilian-gun-rights-as-russia-invades","content_text":"War continues to rage in Ukraine as Russia attempts to capture cities across the nation despite fierce resistance.\n\nPart of that resistance has been made up of civilian volunteers who've gained new protections for their right to armed defense and been given guns by the military. Anthony Constantini, who received a master's degree in arms control and strategic studies from St. Petersburg State University, joined me on the show to discuss how this strategy of arming civilians represents a departure from traditional European views. And we talk about how it may play out.\n\nAnthony wrote an analysis piece for The Reload on how this shift towards civilian gun rights may impact the entire region's attitudes. The situation strikes at the heart of what many gun-rights advocates have long believed: an armed populace is harder to oppress.\n\nBut the reality is the fight will be brutal and could last for a long time. Arming the public, especially when done as an invasion begins, is not a magic silver bullet that guarantees an easy win. There is no reason to envy the position Ukrainians are in right now, but they've given us many reasons to admire them.\n\nUkraine is unique and better positioned to employ volunteer civilian fighters than many in the west may realize, though. Anthony pointed out the country has been fighting a war with Russian-backed separatists for the past 8 years and volunteers have played a major role. Plus, the government has been actively training those volunteer groups and incorporating them into the military for a good while now.\n\nThe situation is moving quickly and there is no way to know how things will turn out. However, it appears the Russian invasion has not met its main goal of capturing the country's major cities and deposing its government. We don't know for sure how much the armed population is bolstering the country's military operations, but everything we've heard from the Ukrainian people thus far indicates they have the kind of resolve that will make it extremely difficult to keep them under Putin's heel.Special Guest: Anthony Constantini.","content_html":"War continues to rage in Ukraine as Russia attempts to capture cities across the nation despite fierce resistance.
\n\nPart of that resistance has been made up of civilian volunteers who've gained new protections for their right to armed defense and been given guns by the military. Anthony Constantini, who received a master's degree in arms control and strategic studies from St. Petersburg State University, joined me on the show to discuss how this strategy of arming civilians represents a departure from traditional European views. And we talk about how it may play out.
\n\nAnthony wrote an analysis piece for The Reload on how this shift towards civilian gun rights may impact the entire region's attitudes. The situation strikes at the heart of what many gun-rights advocates have long believed: an armed populace is harder to oppress.
\n\nBut the reality is the fight will be brutal and could last for a long time. Arming the public, especially when done as an invasion begins, is not a magic silver bullet that guarantees an easy win. There is no reason to envy the position Ukrainians are in right now, but they've given us many reasons to admire them.
\n\nUkraine is unique and better positioned to employ volunteer civilian fighters than many in the west may realize, though. Anthony pointed out the country has been fighting a war with Russian-backed separatists for the past 8 years and volunteers have played a major role. Plus, the government has been actively training those volunteer groups and incorporating them into the military for a good while now.
\n\nThe situation is moving quickly and there is no way to know how things will turn out. However, it appears the Russian invasion has not met its main goal of capturing the country's major cities and deposing its government. We don't know for sure how much the armed population is bolstering the country's military operations, but everything we've heard from the Ukrainian people thus far indicates they have the kind of resolve that will make it extremely difficult to keep them under Putin's heel.
Special Guest: Anthony Constantini.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Anthony Constantini discuss Ukraine's effort to arm civilians as part of their strategy to defeat the Russian invasion.","date_published":"2022-02-28T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/73e093f1-e2bc-4b57-af33-3ae4121e1508.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":67876665,"duration_in_seconds":2818}]},{"id":"016b1d73-22a2-4a8e-b5cd-aa83c265d206","title":"Cam Edwards on How Bad the Sandy Hook Settlement is for the Gun Industry","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/cam-edwards-on-how-bad-the-sandy-hook-settlement-is-for-the-gun-industry","content_text":"Insurers for the defunct Remington Outdoor Company paid out a $73 million settlement to families of the Sandy Hook victims. It was the first time any gun company, even a bankrupt and dismantled one, has ever paid money to plaintiffs who claimed they were at least partially responsible for the criminal acts of a third party. It's an unprecedented situation that raises a ton of questions.\n\nThat's why I brought on one of the best gun writers out there: Bearing Arms editor Cam Edwards.\n\nCam and I go through the 6-year timeline of the case and talk about how we got to this settlement. The case was filed in 2015 with three different claims for how Remington was liable for the actions of the shooter. Two of those arguments dealt with how selling the AR-15, the most popular rifle in America, to civilians was unacceptable because the plaintiffs view them as \"weapons of war.\" Those claims were tossed by the Connecticut Supreme Court.\n\nHowever, the same court allowed the third claim that Remington's advertising violated Connecticut law and contributed to the lethality of the attack to move forward. The United States Supreme Court declined to intervene after that and Remington Outdoor Company filed for bankruptcy a few months later. That put the defunct company's insurers in charge of the case and they moved to settle almost immediately after that.\n\nThe nature of the plaintiffs' argument combined with a lack of evidence the shooter or his mother (who actually bought the gun) ever saw the advertising makes it difficult to understand the insurers' decision. I've offered up some explanation for it, but Cam had some additional insights I'd never thought of before.\n\nHe noted that the recent payouts to the Parkland and Sutherland Springs shooting victims may have played into the insurers' calculous. Those cases saw totals over the $100 million mark. Plus, a jury could be sympathetic to the victims and try to hold Remington accountable for what happened since it's difficult to find anyone else to hold responsible.\n\nAt the same time, Cam said the merits of the case seemed weak and people aren't inclined to blame a company when somebody uses their product to commit a crime. \n\nWe also predicted how the settlement might impact the industry as a whole. Cam said insurance rates may go up and the success of the plaintiffs could inspire similar suits. However, he noted these kinds of suits have been going for decades already and the settlement did not set any kind of binding legal precedent.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Beto O'Rourke's latest zig-zag on gun confiscation.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"Insurers for the defunct Remington Outdoor Company paid out a $73 million settlement to families of the Sandy Hook victims. It was the first time any gun company, even a bankrupt and dismantled one, has ever paid money to plaintiffs who claimed they were at least partially responsible for the criminal acts of a third party. It's an unprecedented situation that raises a ton of questions.
\n\nThat's why I brought on one of the best gun writers out there: Bearing Arms editor Cam Edwards.
\n\nCam and I go through the 6-year timeline of the case and talk about how we got to this settlement. The case was filed in 2015 with three different claims for how Remington was liable for the actions of the shooter. Two of those arguments dealt with how selling the AR-15, the most popular rifle in America, to civilians was unacceptable because the plaintiffs view them as "weapons of war." Those claims were tossed by the Connecticut Supreme Court.
\n\nHowever, the same court allowed the third claim that Remington's advertising violated Connecticut law and contributed to the lethality of the attack to move forward. The United States Supreme Court declined to intervene after that and Remington Outdoor Company filed for bankruptcy a few months later. That put the defunct company's insurers in charge of the case and they moved to settle almost immediately after that.
\n\nThe nature of the plaintiffs' argument combined with a lack of evidence the shooter or his mother (who actually bought the gun) ever saw the advertising makes it difficult to understand the insurers' decision. I've offered up some explanation for it, but Cam had some additional insights I'd never thought of before.
\n\nHe noted that the recent payouts to the Parkland and Sutherland Springs shooting victims may have played into the insurers' calculous. Those cases saw totals over the $100 million mark. Plus, a jury could be sympathetic to the victims and try to hold Remington accountable for what happened since it's difficult to find anyone else to hold responsible.
\n\nAt the same time, Cam said the merits of the case seemed weak and people aren't inclined to blame a company when somebody uses their product to commit a crime.
\n\nWe also predicted how the settlement might impact the industry as a whole. Cam said insurance rates may go up and the success of the plaintiffs could inspire similar suits. However, he noted these kinds of suits have been going for decades already and the settlement did not set any kind of binding legal precedent.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Beto O'Rourke's latest zig-zag on gun confiscation.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Bearing Arms editor Cam Edwards discuss the fallout of the settlement between Remington and the Sandy Hook families.","date_published":"2022-02-21T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/016b1d73-22a2-4a8e-b5cd-aa83c265d206.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":86682891,"duration_in_seconds":3597}]},{"id":"737a0138-43e7-4afb-884e-f26298045138","title":"Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on Why Gun Owners Should Re-Elect Him","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/georgia-governor-brian-kemp-on-why-gun-owners-should-re-elect-him","content_text":"Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R.) joined the podcast this week to discuss his approach to gun policy and why he thinks gun owners should vote for him.\n\nWe started off by discussing his background with guns. He talked about how he got into hunting and how members of his family have become concealed carriers themselves.\n\nKemp also explained getting permitless gun-carry passed this year is his top priority. He said he was confident the policy would pass this year because lawmakers will be more motivated after the rioting of 2020. He said voters would prefer his record to promises made by his primary opponent former Senator David Perdue (R.).\n\n“I think that’s what people want,” Kemp said. “They want a governor that’s got a record of not only saying what they’re going to do but actually doing it when they’re in office, which is what I’ve done. Versus somebody like my opponent who promises everything, goes and does something differently or is a johnny-come-lately to the policy side of this.”\n\nHe accused Perdue of supporting permitless carry out of political convenience.\n\n“Anybody who gets into the governor’s race is now supportive of Constitutional carry,” Kempt said. “I would remind you that I was for it back when I campaigned back in 2017 and 18. I’ve got a strong Second Amendment record.”\n\nKemp also went after Abrams during our interview. He attacked her as somebody who wants to confiscate firearms.\n\n“Well, I think if you really translate what she’s saying is she doesn’t want law-abiding people to have firearms and to be able to carry,” Kemp said.\n\nHe also said her objections to permitless carry were unfounded and said it was vital for gun owners that she not win the race.\n\n“Obviously, those individuals shouldn’t be allowed to carry,” Kemp said. “The legislation would prevent that. But when you have people that break the law, they don’t really care about this. This is about letting lawful people be able to carry their weapon and protect themselves.”\n\nHe said he was the only candidate on the Republican side who could defeat her.\n\nOddly, both Perdue and likely Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams (D.) told The Reload they question Kemp's commitment to permitless carry since he was unable to pass it during his time in office. Each campaign fired back at Perdue's comments on the show. You can read more about the Perdue and Abrams exchanges in our reporting from Friday.\n\nKemp also talked at length about how he is bringing gun companies to Georgia, whether the state is turning purple, and how he believes Georgia Democrats have moved too far to the left on guns.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman joins me to talk about the Air Force being forced to compensate victims of the Sutherland Spring shooting and Beto O'Rourke backtracking on his pledge to take away people's AR-15s.Special Guest: Brian Kemp.","content_html":"Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R.) joined the podcast this week to discuss his approach to gun policy and why he thinks gun owners should vote for him.
\n\nWe started off by discussing his background with guns. He talked about how he got into hunting and how members of his family have become concealed carriers themselves.
\n\nKemp also explained getting permitless gun-carry passed this year is his top priority. He said he was confident the policy would pass this year because lawmakers will be more motivated after the rioting of 2020. He said voters would prefer his record to promises made by his primary opponent former Senator David Perdue (R.).
\n\n“I think that’s what people want,” Kemp said. “They want a governor that’s got a record of not only saying what they’re going to do but actually doing it when they’re in office, which is what I’ve done. Versus somebody like my opponent who promises everything, goes and does something differently or is a johnny-come-lately to the policy side of this.”
\n\nHe accused Perdue of supporting permitless carry out of political convenience.
\n\n“Anybody who gets into the governor’s race is now supportive of Constitutional carry,” Kempt said. “I would remind you that I was for it back when I campaigned back in 2017 and 18. I’ve got a strong Second Amendment record.”
\n\nKemp also went after Abrams during our interview. He attacked her as somebody who wants to confiscate firearms.
\n\n“Well, I think if you really translate what she’s saying is she doesn’t want law-abiding people to have firearms and to be able to carry,” Kemp said.
\n\nHe also said her objections to permitless carry were unfounded and said it was vital for gun owners that she not win the race.
\n\n“Obviously, those individuals shouldn’t be allowed to carry,” Kemp said. “The legislation would prevent that. But when you have people that break the law, they don’t really care about this. This is about letting lawful people be able to carry their weapon and protect themselves.”
\n\nHe said he was the only candidate on the Republican side who could defeat her.
\n\nOddly, both Perdue and likely Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams (D.) told The Reload they question Kemp's commitment to permitless carry since he was unable to pass it during his time in office. Each campaign fired back at Perdue's comments on the show. You can read more about the Perdue and Abrams exchanges in our reporting from Friday.
\n\nKemp also talked at length about how he is bringing gun companies to Georgia, whether the state is turning purple, and how he believes Georgia Democrats have moved too far to the left on guns.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman joins me to talk about the Air Force being forced to compensate victims of the Sutherland Spring shooting and Beto O'Rourke backtracking on his pledge to take away people's AR-15s.
Special Guest: Brian Kemp.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Brian Kemp discuss his record on guns and his race for re-election in Georgia.","date_published":"2022-02-14T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/737a0138-43e7-4afb-884e-f26298045138.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":77844610,"duration_in_seconds":3207}]},{"id":"5e67b5c9-a8c3-4daa-bb6e-0e68c668c758","title":"OSU Accounting Professor on NRA Revenues Falling by Half Since 2018, Legal Fees Ballooning in 2021","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/osu-accounting-professor-on-nra-revenues-falling-by-half-since-2018-legal-fees-ballooning-in-2021","content_text":"On this week's episode, we drill down into the details of the internal financial document The Reload obtained from an NRA source.\n\nOhio State University Accounting Professor Brian Mittendorf joins the show to give insight into what the document says and what the massive drops in revenue and membership reveal about the future of the country's most influential gun group. He says the NRA has actually improved its financial position, but only by drastically cutting back on its core services. That puts it in danger of entering a kind of \"death spiral\" with fewer members leading to fewer revenue and services, leading to fewer members, he said.\n\nAllegations of corruption against NRA leadership, including CEO Wayne LaPierre, and the effects of the pandemic have combined for a serious blow to the organization. With membership shrinking, revenues have dwindled. That's forced the gun-rights behemoth to make difficult choices about cutting its training, community outreach, competitive shooting, and many more programs.\n\nProfessor Mittendorf has followed the NRA's finances for years and said the internal document obtained by The Reload is one of the most in-depth accountings ever made public. He talked about the complex makeup of the group, its bankruptcy, its legal spending, and its fascinating debt payments. Plus, he talks at length about how new planned gifts have cratered despite being a major source of long-term revenue.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman provides a deeper look at the NRA's membership situation. Dues have fallen by half since 2018. Membership has continually declined since then. The NRA's internal accounting contradicts its public claim it reached 6 million members in that year. Instead, it was below 5.5 million at its peak and is now closer to 4.75 million.\n\nI also explain why the NRA's financial situation continues to matter so much. Not just for NRA members and staff, but for everyone who cares about guns. The group continues to loom large over the gun-rights fight in America by dwarfing most other groups combined.Special Guest: Brian Mittendorf.","content_html":"On this week's episode, we drill down into the details of the internal financial document The Reload obtained from an NRA source.
\n\nOhio State University Accounting Professor Brian Mittendorf joins the show to give insight into what the document says and what the massive drops in revenue and membership reveal about the future of the country's most influential gun group. He says the NRA has actually improved its financial position, but only by drastically cutting back on its core services. That puts it in danger of entering a kind of "death spiral" with fewer members leading to fewer revenue and services, leading to fewer members, he said.
\n\nAllegations of corruption against NRA leadership, including CEO Wayne LaPierre, and the effects of the pandemic have combined for a serious blow to the organization. With membership shrinking, revenues have dwindled. That's forced the gun-rights behemoth to make difficult choices about cutting its training, community outreach, competitive shooting, and many more programs.
\n\nProfessor Mittendorf has followed the NRA's finances for years and said the internal document obtained by The Reload is one of the most in-depth accountings ever made public. He talked about the complex makeup of the group, its bankruptcy, its legal spending, and its fascinating debt payments. Plus, he talks at length about how new planned gifts have cratered despite being a major source of long-term revenue.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman provides a deeper look at the NRA's membership situation. Dues have fallen by half since 2018. Membership has continually declined since then. The NRA's internal accounting contradicts its public claim it reached 6 million members in that year. Instead, it was below 5.5 million at its peak and is now closer to 4.75 million.
\n\nI also explain why the NRA's financial situation continues to matter so much. Not just for NRA members and staff, but for everyone who cares about guns. The group continues to loom large over the gun-rights fight in America by dwarfing most other groups combined.
Special Guest: Brian Mittendorf.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Professor Brian Mittendorf discuss a detailed financial document from the NRA exclusively obtained by The Reload.","date_published":"2022-02-07T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/5e67b5c9-a8c3-4daa-bb6e-0e68c668c758.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69023657,"duration_in_seconds":4249}]},{"id":"44361076-155a-4e65-8c46-5626b664ee22","title":"'Ghost Gun' Pioneer Cody Wilson on How He Makes AR-15s From Blocks of Raw Metal","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/ghost-gun-pioneer-cody-wilson-on-how-he-makes-ar-15s-from-blocks-of-raw-metal","content_text":"Cody Wilson joins the show this week. He is the founder of Defense Distributed and one of the main innovators in homemade guns. His Liberator 3D-printed gun brought him to prominence years ago and he's continued to push the boundaries of what's possible in simplified gun-making with increasingly-common technology.\n\nIn fact, he and his company have even focused on making some of that technology more common. Defense Distributed is now selling the third iteration of its \"ghost gunner\" mill. The miniaturized CNC machine can finish AR-15 receivers from blocks that are about 80 percent finished.\n\nAnd, now, it can do even more. It can actually take a raw brick of metal and turn it into a part necessary to make a receiver. They call it a zero percent lower.\n\nI saw the mill in action at SHOT Show 2022 and Cody describes the inspiration behind the latest project. The ATF has proposed a federal rule change that would expand its authority to determine what constitutes a firearm receiver and, therefore, who would have to obtain a license to make and sell them alongside serializing the guns and keeping records on who buys them. The new rule would allow the agency to determine a wide scoop of unfinished gun parts are \"readily convertible\" to finished receivers, but the agency said it does not plan to try and regulate raw metal blocks.\n\nThat's the point where Wilson said he saw an opportunity to get ahead of the regulation even before its finalized. And the zero percent project was born from that idea. Now, the company has successfully created and rolled out a design to consumers.\n\nStill, Wilson faces significant legal battles across the country over state and federal attempts to block either the manufacture of personal firearms or even block sharing plans for how to make them. He provides an update on the state of the multiple lawsuits Defense Distributed is still embroiled in.\n\nHe also addresses why he decided to retake such a public-facing role at the company after he pled guilty to a crime resulting from him paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl, especially given the concerns unserialized guns are often used by criminals. Wilson said being the public face of the company is dangerous and he wasn't willing to have others take his place in that role.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss San Jose's first-of-its-kind attempt to force gun owners to pay an annual tax and acquire liability insurance.Special Guest: Cody Wilson.","content_html":"Cody Wilson joins the show this week. He is the founder of Defense Distributed and one of the main innovators in homemade guns. His Liberator 3D-printed gun brought him to prominence years ago and he's continued to push the boundaries of what's possible in simplified gun-making with increasingly-common technology.
\n\nIn fact, he and his company have even focused on making some of that technology more common. Defense Distributed is now selling the third iteration of its "ghost gunner" mill. The miniaturized CNC machine can finish AR-15 receivers from blocks that are about 80 percent finished.
\n\nAnd, now, it can do even more. It can actually take a raw brick of metal and turn it into a part necessary to make a receiver. They call it a zero percent lower.
\n\nI saw the mill in action at SHOT Show 2022 and Cody describes the inspiration behind the latest project. The ATF has proposed a federal rule change that would expand its authority to determine what constitutes a firearm receiver and, therefore, who would have to obtain a license to make and sell them alongside serializing the guns and keeping records on who buys them. The new rule would allow the agency to determine a wide scoop of unfinished gun parts are "readily convertible" to finished receivers, but the agency said it does not plan to try and regulate raw metal blocks.
\n\nThat's the point where Wilson said he saw an opportunity to get ahead of the regulation even before its finalized. And the zero percent project was born from that idea. Now, the company has successfully created and rolled out a design to consumers.
\n\nStill, Wilson faces significant legal battles across the country over state and federal attempts to block either the manufacture of personal firearms or even block sharing plans for how to make them. He provides an update on the state of the multiple lawsuits Defense Distributed is still embroiled in.
\n\nHe also addresses why he decided to retake such a public-facing role at the company after he pled guilty to a crime resulting from him paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl, especially given the concerns unserialized guns are often used by criminals. Wilson said being the public face of the company is dangerous and he wasn't willing to have others take his place in that role.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss San Jose's first-of-its-kind attempt to force gun owners to pay an annual tax and acquire liability insurance.
Special Guest: Cody Wilson.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cody Wilson discuss his company's latest innovation: the zero percent lower project.","date_published":"2022-01-31T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/44361076-155a-4e65-8c46-5626b664ee22.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":88368124,"duration_in_seconds":3626}]},{"id":"e28f4fbe-58e9-4602-9816-74675e7729b9","title":"Recapping the World's Largest Gun Show With Outdoor Writer Gabby Hoffman","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/recapping-the-world-s-largest-gun-show-with-outdoor-writer-gabby-hoffman","content_text":"SHOT Show is back after being canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.\n\nI was able to attend the show and so was this week's guest Gabby Hoffman. Gabby has been one of the top outdoor writers in the country for quite some time. She also hosts the District of Conservation Podcast where I've been a guest several times.\n\nGabby and I compare how attendance at this year's show stacks up to years past, some of the covid mitigation efforts, and how a number of large companies dropping out affected everything. It was certainly a different experience than in years past, but it seemed fairly successful overall. The crowds weren't back to the level they used to be, but they weren't small either.\n\nThe understandable absence of some larger gun companies may have provided more of an opportunity for smaller companies to entice buyers. This is especially likely since there weren't many noticeable trends in the industry beyond the introduction of the new .30 super carry caliber. So, buyers looking to find stock two years into the pandemic may be willing to entertain offers from anybody with product. Companies like Sig, Springfield, and Berretta who decided not to attend, probably don't need the show to make sales while their smaller competitors may be more reliant on the exposure the show offers to grow their sales.\n\nBut, industry dynamics weren't the only thing on display at SHOT. Politics also made their way in. Gabby describes what she saw at the Governor's Forum where a collection of six Republican governors gathered to describe their approach to bringing in new gun companies. She said they each made their case to the industry that their state would do the most to incentivize and protect gun makers who relocated to their respective states, a big recent trend fueled by increasing hostility to the industry in the northeastern states many were founded in.\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the return of \"smart gun\" prototypes with one even ending up at the show. And, he explains new details that emerged this week showing Dominion Energy was more connected to the shadowy PAC that tried to suppress gun voters in last year's Virginia election.Special Guest: Gabby Hoffman.","content_html":"SHOT Show is back after being canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
\n\nI was able to attend the show and so was this week's guest Gabby Hoffman. Gabby has been one of the top outdoor writers in the country for quite some time. She also hosts the District of Conservation Podcast where I've been a guest several times.
\n\nGabby and I compare how attendance at this year's show stacks up to years past, some of the covid mitigation efforts, and how a number of large companies dropping out affected everything. It was certainly a different experience than in years past, but it seemed fairly successful overall. The crowds weren't back to the level they used to be, but they weren't small either.
\n\nThe understandable absence of some larger gun companies may have provided more of an opportunity for smaller companies to entice buyers. This is especially likely since there weren't many noticeable trends in the industry beyond the introduction of the new .30 super carry caliber. So, buyers looking to find stock two years into the pandemic may be willing to entertain offers from anybody with product. Companies like Sig, Springfield, and Berretta who decided not to attend, probably don't need the show to make sales while their smaller competitors may be more reliant on the exposure the show offers to grow their sales.
\n\nBut, industry dynamics weren't the only thing on display at SHOT. Politics also made their way in. Gabby describes what she saw at the Governor's Forum where a collection of six Republican governors gathered to describe their approach to bringing in new gun companies. She said they each made their case to the industry that their state would do the most to incentivize and protect gun makers who relocated to their respective states, a big recent trend fueled by increasing hostility to the industry in the northeastern states many were founded in.
\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I talk about the return of "smart gun" prototypes with one even ending up at the show. And, he explains new details that emerged this week showing Dominion Energy was more connected to the shadowy PAC that tried to suppress gun voters in last year's Virginia election.
Special Guest: Gabby Hoffman.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Gabby Hoffman talk about what it was like at SHOT Show 2022.","date_published":"2022-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/e28f4fbe-58e9-4602-9816-74675e7729b9.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":92653266,"duration_in_seconds":3825}]},{"id":"da8ff999-0b48-4a21-a32b-ca7fb78cb552","title":"Matt Stoller Argues Industry Consolidation Contributes to the Ammo Price Surge","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/matt-stoller-argues-industry-consolidation-contributes-to-the-ammo-price-surge","content_text":"On this episode, Director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project Matt Stoller joins the show to talk about the ongoing ammo shortage and the resulting price hikes we've all been experiencing lately.\n\nStoller recently wrote a widely-circulated piece on his Substack arguing the market dominance of Vista Outdoors and Olin Corporation contribute to the supply problems and price hikes. Those companies own many of the most popular ammo brands including Federal, American Eagle, CCI, Winchester, and Remington. Stoller says the companies use consolidation, such as Vista's recent purchase of Remington's ammo business, to better control market supply and pricing.\n\nWe discuss how much of an impact tactics like that can have in the ammo market in particular--especially since Vista and Olin have major competitors such as Sig Saur and Hornady. This is especially true given that ammo is distributed through many small stores rather than large chain retailers which means it is more difficult for major ammo makers to try and manipulate distribution channels.\n\nAnd, of course, the price of nearly everything has increased over the past few years. Clearly that is also driving up the material costs for ammo makers too. The pandemic has led to increased demand, strained supply chains, and surging prices in many industries across the board.\n\nBut, Stoller argues consolidation is just one piece of the puzzle and the ammo business is just one example of how it blunts market forces. He describes how the ammo market's high barrier of entry compounds the effects of consolidation and adds to supply constraints. Ultimately, he argues a few small companies dominating the market keep rising prices from quickly resulting in a rising number of suppliers.\n\nIn the end, that means record profits for Vista and Olin at the expense of the consumer.\n\nI reached out to Vista and Olin for their side of the story but never received a response. I'd be happy to have somebody from either company on the show in the future, though.\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I also cover the state agendas released by Everytown for Gun Safety. The leading gun-control group's top priorities in each state give a guide for the battles over gun policy coming in the new year and what they leave out may be just as interesting as what they included.\n\nPlus, Reload Member Dr. Jackson Crawford shares his background and what first got him interested in firearms. As an authority on a specific, and sometimes controversial, topic himself, he talks about what The Reload does that made him want to join.Special Guests: Jackson Crawford and Matt Stoller.","content_html":"On this episode, Director of Research at the American Economic Liberties Project Matt Stoller joins the show to talk about the ongoing ammo shortage and the resulting price hikes we've all been experiencing lately.
\n\nStoller recently wrote a widely-circulated piece on his Substack arguing the market dominance of Vista Outdoors and Olin Corporation contribute to the supply problems and price hikes. Those companies own many of the most popular ammo brands including Federal, American Eagle, CCI, Winchester, and Remington. Stoller says the companies use consolidation, such as Vista's recent purchase of Remington's ammo business, to better control market supply and pricing.
\n\nWe discuss how much of an impact tactics like that can have in the ammo market in particular--especially since Vista and Olin have major competitors such as Sig Saur and Hornady. This is especially true given that ammo is distributed through many small stores rather than large chain retailers which means it is more difficult for major ammo makers to try and manipulate distribution channels.
\n\nAnd, of course, the price of nearly everything has increased over the past few years. Clearly that is also driving up the material costs for ammo makers too. The pandemic has led to increased demand, strained supply chains, and surging prices in many industries across the board.
\n\nBut, Stoller argues consolidation is just one piece of the puzzle and the ammo business is just one example of how it blunts market forces. He describes how the ammo market's high barrier of entry compounds the effects of consolidation and adds to supply constraints. Ultimately, he argues a few small companies dominating the market keep rising prices from quickly resulting in a rising number of suppliers.
\n\nIn the end, that means record profits for Vista and Olin at the expense of the consumer.
\n\nI reached out to Vista and Olin for their side of the story but never received a response. I'd be happy to have somebody from either company on the show in the future, though.
\n\nContributing Writer Jake Fogleman and I also cover the state agendas released by Everytown for Gun Safety. The leading gun-control group's top priorities in each state give a guide for the battles over gun policy coming in the new year and what they leave out may be just as interesting as what they included.
\n\nPlus, Reload Member Dr. Jackson Crawford shares his background and what first got him interested in firearms. As an authority on a specific, and sometimes controversial, topic himself, he talks about what The Reload does that made him want to join.
Special Guests: Jackson Crawford and Matt Stoller.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Matt Stoller discuss how market consolidation is making the ammo shortage worse.","date_published":"2022-01-17T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/da8ff999-0b48-4a21-a32b-ca7fb78cb552.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":99322363,"duration_in_seconds":4126}]},{"id":"16c88583-356b-4270-ac3c-8ea963b17eaa","title":"Canadian Gun-Rights Lawyer Ian Runkle on AR-15 Confiscation Effort","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/canadian-gun-rights-lawyer-ian-runkle-on-ar-15-confiscation-effort","content_text":"One of the persistent debates in American gun politics is over AR-15s and other \"assault weapons.\" Policy around ARs has stagnated since the federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004. However, gun-control advocates have begun to expand proposals into outright confiscation, with Beto O'Rourke being among the most prominent.\n\nNow, our neighbors to the north are testing out these expanded proposals in practice. It isn't going well so far. Program costs have already run over budget for the buyback portion of the mandatory buyback and details for it haven't even been announced yet despite a looming April deadline to turn in the affected guns.\n\nAs a result, very few Canadian gun owners have actually turned in their ARs a year and a half after the ban was announced.\n\nTo get a better idea of what's at play with the confiscation effort and how it's likely to play out going forward, I had Ian Runkle on the podcast to give us his perspective as both somebody affected by the ban and an expert on Canadian gun law. Ian is a Candian gun-rights lawyer who has litigated many cases involving the country's complex gun laws. He also owns AR-15s.\n\nWe talk at length about how the government has effectively incentivized people not to turn in their guns to this point and how he expects they may go about enforcing the confiscation order once it does go into effect. We also discuss the differences between gun culture in the United States and former commonwealth countries such as New Zealand and Australia. Ian weighs in on whether Canadians are more likely to resist the confiscation effort than their commonwealth cousins due to their proximity to their more rebellious American neighbors.\n\nIan explains how the national registry of AR-15s and other targeted guns in Canada will make resistance difficult for many. But, he says he expects the guns on the ban list which aren't registered will see a far lower compliance rate. He said that's especially true for a number of guns that people may not even realize are banned under the order given its vague wording.\n\nWe also discuss the impact the policy is likely to have on Native Canadians and how it mirrors the disparate impact of gun law enforcement in the United States.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman details how permitless carry just got a big boost in Georgia thanks to the impending gubernatorial election. And we look at how many millions of guns were sold in the United States during 2021.Special Guest: Ian Runkle.","content_html":"One of the persistent debates in American gun politics is over AR-15s and other "assault weapons." Policy around ARs has stagnated since the federal assault weapons ban expired in 2004. However, gun-control advocates have begun to expand proposals into outright confiscation, with Beto O'Rourke being among the most prominent.
\n\nNow, our neighbors to the north are testing out these expanded proposals in practice. It isn't going well so far. Program costs have already run over budget for the buyback portion of the mandatory buyback and details for it haven't even been announced yet despite a looming April deadline to turn in the affected guns.
\n\nAs a result, very few Canadian gun owners have actually turned in their ARs a year and a half after the ban was announced.
\n\nTo get a better idea of what's at play with the confiscation effort and how it's likely to play out going forward, I had Ian Runkle on the podcast to give us his perspective as both somebody affected by the ban and an expert on Canadian gun law. Ian is a Candian gun-rights lawyer who has litigated many cases involving the country's complex gun laws. He also owns AR-15s.
\n\nWe talk at length about how the government has effectively incentivized people not to turn in their guns to this point and how he expects they may go about enforcing the confiscation order once it does go into effect. We also discuss the differences between gun culture in the United States and former commonwealth countries such as New Zealand and Australia. Ian weighs in on whether Canadians are more likely to resist the confiscation effort than their commonwealth cousins due to their proximity to their more rebellious American neighbors.
\n\nIan explains how the national registry of AR-15s and other targeted guns in Canada will make resistance difficult for many. But, he says he expects the guns on the ban list which aren't registered will see a far lower compliance rate. He said that's especially true for a number of guns that people may not even realize are banned under the order given its vague wording.
\n\nWe also discuss the impact the policy is likely to have on Native Canadians and how it mirrors the disparate impact of gun law enforcement in the United States.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogleman details how permitless carry just got a big boost in Georgia thanks to the impending gubernatorial election. And we look at how many millions of guns were sold in the United States during 2021.
Special Guest: Ian Runkle.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ian Runkle discuss the Canadian government's effort to confiscate \"assault weapons.\"","date_published":"2022-01-09T01:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/16c88583-356b-4270-ac3c-8ea963b17eaa.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":87551947,"duration_in_seconds":3634}]},{"id":"a4675b1d-79c6-44bc-9cbe-7ddb9d6e2927","title":"Forgotten Weapons' Ian McCollum on the Appeal of Collecting Firearms","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/forgotten-weapons-ian-mccollum-on-the-appeal-of-firearms-collecting","content_text":"One of my favorite YouTubers joins me on this week's episode of the podcast. Ian McCollum has built Forgotten Weapons into the premier firearms history publication.\n\nHis videos documenting some of the world's rarest and most interesting firearms have been viewed nearly a billion times. His depth of knowledge on guns dating to the early 19th century is unrivaled and his ability to explain the unique, and often complex, mechanisms unique to hundreds of different guns from across the globe is impressive. And the way he is able to connect the development of the gun with the historical context to create a compelling story sits at the core of what makes his channel so successful.\n\nWe talk about what motivated Ian to get into making gun videos and how he chooses which guns to make videos about. What is it that makes a gun a Forgotten Weapon? What is it about a gun's history that makes it interesting enough to grab hold of millions of eyeballs?\n\nWe also get into what it's like to run a successful gun channel while YouTube is continually cracking down on gun content. How does Forgotten Weapons deal with not being able to rely on YouTube for ad revenue?\n\nPlus, Ian discusses whether there were guns throughout history that should've been more popular than they were. He also talks about where gun design is headed and whether something like the Laugo Alien is going to lead to new innovation through the rest of the industry. Special Guest: Ian McCollum.","content_html":"One of my favorite YouTubers joins me on this week's episode of the podcast. Ian McCollum has built Forgotten Weapons into the premier firearms history publication.
\n\nHis videos documenting some of the world's rarest and most interesting firearms have been viewed nearly a billion times. His depth of knowledge on guns dating to the early 19th century is unrivaled and his ability to explain the unique, and often complex, mechanisms unique to hundreds of different guns from across the globe is impressive. And the way he is able to connect the development of the gun with the historical context to create a compelling story sits at the core of what makes his channel so successful.
\n\nWe talk about what motivated Ian to get into making gun videos and how he chooses which guns to make videos about. What is it that makes a gun a Forgotten Weapon? What is it about a gun's history that makes it interesting enough to grab hold of millions of eyeballs?
\n\nWe also get into what it's like to run a successful gun channel while YouTube is continually cracking down on gun content. How does Forgotten Weapons deal with not being able to rely on YouTube for ad revenue?
\n\nPlus, Ian discusses whether there were guns throughout history that should've been more popular than they were. He also talks about where gun design is headed and whether something like the Laugo Alien is going to lead to new innovation through the rest of the industry.
Special Guest: Ian McCollum.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ian McCollum talk about gun history and the appeal of firearms collecting.","date_published":"2022-01-03T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/a4675b1d-79c6-44bc-9cbe-7ddb9d6e2927.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":95745856,"duration_in_seconds":3971}]},{"id":"33ca2187-6475-4b17-a6ef-e0b5c0873d15","title":"Guns Out TV's Shermichael Singleton on the Changing Face of Gun Culture","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/guns-out-tv-s-shermichael-singleton-on-the-changing-face-of-gun-culture","content_text":"On this special Christmas edition of the podcast, Guns Out TV co-host Shermichael Singleton joins me to talk about how his show exemplifies how the gun world is changing.\n\nHe and his co-host John Keyes are black gun owners and Shermichael explains how they consciously work to represent the proud tradition of black gun ownership in America. He talks about how icons from previous generations, including the Deacons of Defense, have inspired the show and what the pair are trying to accomplish with it. We also discuss how gun owners have been becoming younger and more diverse over the past several years. We talk about how that impacts the industry and what kinds of offerings and experiences are being offered out there these days.\n\nGoing through those experiences and reviewing the new guns being put out there is a big part of Guns Out. The show captures how fun the shooting sports can be. That's the main thrust of what Shermichael and John do in the show.\n\nBut, they don't disregard the political side of guns either. They are enthusiastic backers of Gun Owners of America and they've made videos that explore how proposed legislation could affect the guns they enjoy most. Plus, Shermichael has an accomplished background in Republican politics having served on campaigns for Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, and Ben Carson.\n\nHe also regularly appears on MSNBC. We get into what it's like to go on a channel that features a lot of people who strongly disagree with him on guns. And he explains why he believes it's important to be in spaces like that.\n\nPlus, we talk about my appearance on one of the first episodes they ever filmed and the new season they're premiering on the Warrior Poet Society Network early next year.Special Guest: Shermichael Singleton.","content_html":"On this special Christmas edition of the podcast, Guns Out TV co-host Shermichael Singleton joins me to talk about how his show exemplifies how the gun world is changing.
\n\nHe and his co-host John Keyes are black gun owners and Shermichael explains how they consciously work to represent the proud tradition of black gun ownership in America. He talks about how icons from previous generations, including the Deacons of Defense, have inspired the show and what the pair are trying to accomplish with it. We also discuss how gun owners have been becoming younger and more diverse over the past several years. We talk about how that impacts the industry and what kinds of offerings and experiences are being offered out there these days.
\n\nGoing through those experiences and reviewing the new guns being put out there is a big part of Guns Out. The show captures how fun the shooting sports can be. That's the main thrust of what Shermichael and John do in the show.
\n\nBut, they don't disregard the political side of guns either. They are enthusiastic backers of Gun Owners of America and they've made videos that explore how proposed legislation could affect the guns they enjoy most. Plus, Shermichael has an accomplished background in Republican politics having served on campaigns for Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romney, and Ben Carson.
\n\nHe also regularly appears on MSNBC. We get into what it's like to go on a channel that features a lot of people who strongly disagree with him on guns. And he explains why he believes it's important to be in spaces like that.
\n\nPlus, we talk about my appearance on one of the first episodes they ever filmed and the new season they're premiering on the Warrior Poet Society Network early next year.
Special Guest: Shermichael Singleton.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Shermichael Singleton talk about Guns Out TV and the increase in black gun owners.","date_published":"2021-12-27T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/33ca2187-6475-4b17-a6ef-e0b5c0873d15.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":59504613,"duration_in_seconds":2456}]},{"id":"837982cd-aaec-473e-ab35-639bce8aa21a","title":"Debating Gun Salesman Turned Gun-Control Activist Ryan Busse","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/debating-gun-salesman-turned-gun-control-activist-ryan-busse","content_text":"Ryan Busse joins the show this week to talk about his transformation from Kimber sales executive to Giffords senior advisor.\n\nBusse spent decades in the firearms industry but left last year and has now published a tell-all book slamming his former employer, Kimber, and many former colleagues. Kimber has since denounced him, and many I've spoken to in the gun-rights movement have questioned how important he was to the company and the industry as a whole. Still, his book has received a great deal of attention throughout the media.\n\nAfter reading the entire book, I feel it has many flaws common to the tell-all genre. It decries the excesses of the gun industry while extolling Busse's rise inside of it. Additionally, the book condemns how some in the gun-rights movement demonize those on the other side, but it often does the same thing in the other direction.\n\nTo his credit, Busse was willing to come on the show knowing he would face difficult questions. He responded to each of my critiques with his thoughts. And, he challenged me on several points as well.\n\nI strongly believe in having conversations with those from all sides who are willing to have them. And Busse's critiques aren't all without merit.\n\nI did my best to avoid a cable-news-style shouting match. Instead, I think we did a good job of not talking over one another. I much prefer having an exchange of ideas where each person can actually present their thoughts in their own words rather than being interrupted.\n\nOf course, even an hour isn't nearly enough time to discuss everything in Busse's book. I know there were points where I wish I'd made one point or another. I'm sure Busse feels the same way too.\n\nBut, I think the conversation was worthwhile, and people ought to read the book so they can judge for themselves.\n\nPlus, Jake Fogleman and I discuss how Democrats have begun to endorse the model set by the Texas abortion law. Except, they want to apply it to gun-control laws. We talk about how that could end up.Special Guest: Ryan Busse.","content_html":"Ryan Busse joins the show this week to talk about his transformation from Kimber sales executive to Giffords senior advisor.
\n\nBusse spent decades in the firearms industry but left last year and has now published a tell-all book slamming his former employer, Kimber, and many former colleagues. Kimber has since denounced him, and many I've spoken to in the gun-rights movement have questioned how important he was to the company and the industry as a whole. Still, his book has received a great deal of attention throughout the media.
\n\nAfter reading the entire book, I feel it has many flaws common to the tell-all genre. It decries the excesses of the gun industry while extolling Busse's rise inside of it. Additionally, the book condemns how some in the gun-rights movement demonize those on the other side, but it often does the same thing in the other direction.
\n\nTo his credit, Busse was willing to come on the show knowing he would face difficult questions. He responded to each of my critiques with his thoughts. And, he challenged me on several points as well.
\n\nI strongly believe in having conversations with those from all sides who are willing to have them. And Busse's critiques aren't all without merit.
\n\nI did my best to avoid a cable-news-style shouting match. Instead, I think we did a good job of not talking over one another. I much prefer having an exchange of ideas where each person can actually present their thoughts in their own words rather than being interrupted.
\n\nOf course, even an hour isn't nearly enough time to discuss everything in Busse's book. I know there were points where I wish I'd made one point or another. I'm sure Busse feels the same way too.
\n\nBut, I think the conversation was worthwhile, and people ought to read the book so they can judge for themselves.
\n\nPlus, Jake Fogleman and I discuss how Democrats have begun to endorse the model set by the Texas abortion law. Except, they want to apply it to gun-control laws. We talk about how that could end up.
Special Guest: Ryan Busse.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Ryan Busse discuss his new tell-all book that details his journey from gun-company executive to gun-control activist.","date_published":"2021-12-20T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/837982cd-aaec-473e-ab35-639bce8aa21a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":92435205,"duration_in_seconds":3835}]},{"id":"2435e680-dec1-4536-8247-e29c40512a46","title":"Professor Evan Bernick on Charges Against the Michigan School Shooter's Parents","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/professor-evan-bernick-on-charges-against-the-michigan-school-shooter-s-parents","content_text":"On this episode, I talk to Northern Illinois University College of Law professor Evan Bernick about the unprecedented charges against the parents of the 15-year-old who allegedly murdered 4 of his classmates in Michigan late last month.\n\nWe discuss his recent piece in The Washington Post warning of the dangers of the case. Bernick is skeptical of the logic being employed by prosecutors to charge the parents with negligent manslaughter in an attempt to hold them responsible for their son's criminal acts. He argues the prosecution could set a troubling new precedent that will be used against vulnerable populations once this high-profile case fades from the headlines.\n\nHe said expansions of how broadly serious criminal offenses are interpreted tend to lead to an increase in prosecutions of minorities. We discuss how that principle often applies to gun laws but is rarely given the same level of discussion. We also look at how the same question is being considered in the Supreme Court's gun-carry case.\n\nAt the same time, we debate the culpability of the parents involved in the Michigan school shooting and what kind of consequences they should face. Prosecutors allege the pair were informed about their son's notes and drawings indicating he was about to carry out his attack on the very day it happened but did nothing to intervene. If the parents shouldn't be charged for the killings themselves despite allegedly providing access to the firearm and doing nothing to respond to the warning signs, what should be done instead? Are safe storage laws a good alternative as Bernick suggests?\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the latest developments on permitless carry in Florida as well as Beto O'Rourke's faltering poll numbers in the Texas gubernatorial race.Special Guest: Evan Bernick.","content_html":"On this episode, I talk to Northern Illinois University College of Law professor Evan Bernick about the unprecedented charges against the parents of the 15-year-old who allegedly murdered 4 of his classmates in Michigan late last month.
\n\nWe discuss his recent piece in The Washington Post warning of the dangers of the case. Bernick is skeptical of the logic being employed by prosecutors to charge the parents with negligent manslaughter in an attempt to hold them responsible for their son's criminal acts. He argues the prosecution could set a troubling new precedent that will be used against vulnerable populations once this high-profile case fades from the headlines.
\n\nHe said expansions of how broadly serious criminal offenses are interpreted tend to lead to an increase in prosecutions of minorities. We discuss how that principle often applies to gun laws but is rarely given the same level of discussion. We also look at how the same question is being considered in the Supreme Court's gun-carry case.
\n\nAt the same time, we debate the culpability of the parents involved in the Michigan school shooting and what kind of consequences they should face. Prosecutors allege the pair were informed about their son's notes and drawings indicating he was about to carry out his attack on the very day it happened but did nothing to intervene. If the parents shouldn't be charged for the killings themselves despite allegedly providing access to the firearm and doing nothing to respond to the warning signs, what should be done instead? Are safe storage laws a good alternative as Bernick suggests?
\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I cover the latest developments on permitless carry in Florida as well as Beto O'Rourke's faltering poll numbers in the Texas gubernatorial race.
Special Guest: Evan Bernick.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and Northern Illinois University College of Law professor Evan Bernick talk about the unprecedented charges against the parents of the 15-year-old who allegedly murdered 4 of his classmates in Michigan late last month.","date_published":"2021-12-13T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/2435e680-dec1-4536-8247-e29c40512a46.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":91685702,"duration_in_seconds":3808}]},{"id":"c3786142-a0fa-453d-8053-8e77e2a4ae88","title":"The Heritage Foundation's Amy Swearer On California's Magazine Confiscation Law Being Upheld","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-heritage-foundation-s-amy-swearer-on-california-s-magazine-confiscation-law-being-upheld","content_text":"The Heritage Foundation's Amy Swearer joins us this week on the podcast. As a Second Amendment policy wonk at one of the top conservative think tanks in D.C., she provides some salient critiques of the logic behind many of the most prominent gun-control policies.\n\nWe talked about the reasoning in the Ninth Circuit's majority opinion upholding California's magazine confiscation law as an example of that logic. Amy explains why she believes arguments for restricted \"assault weapons\" or magazines that hold more than ten rounds based on the idea they are \"designed for the battlefield\" don't hold water. She points to the common ownership of both in civilian circles and the arbitrary nature of the laws banning them as prime evidence the policies aren't fitting. And she notes the fact that the laws almost always exempt police, even off-duty and retired officers, from the restrictions is further evidence the main concern is not about the military usefulness of the guns and magazines.\n\nWe also took some time to discuss a new initiative from the Biden Administration that should actually be encouraging for gun owners. Unlike previous efforts from the president, this one focuses on voluntary measures and awareness campaigns to try and curb suicides among gun owners and veterans alike. Amy said the plan is something the administration has done little to publicize but is actually a step in the right direction.\n\nPlus, Jake Fogleman and I discuss the latest developments in the Alec Baldwin shooting. I go over why it's possible his gun fired without the trigger being pulled, but extremely unlikely. And, Jake gives a more detailed look at the specifics of the Ninth Circuit ruling as well as the likely fallout from it.Special Guest: Amy Swearer.","content_html":"The Heritage Foundation's Amy Swearer joins us this week on the podcast. As a Second Amendment policy wonk at one of the top conservative think tanks in D.C., she provides some salient critiques of the logic behind many of the most prominent gun-control policies.
\n\nWe talked about the reasoning in the Ninth Circuit's majority opinion upholding California's magazine confiscation law as an example of that logic. Amy explains why she believes arguments for restricted "assault weapons" or magazines that hold more than ten rounds based on the idea they are "designed for the battlefield" don't hold water. She points to the common ownership of both in civilian circles and the arbitrary nature of the laws banning them as prime evidence the policies aren't fitting. And she notes the fact that the laws almost always exempt police, even off-duty and retired officers, from the restrictions is further evidence the main concern is not about the military usefulness of the guns and magazines.
\n\nWe also took some time to discuss a new initiative from the Biden Administration that should actually be encouraging for gun owners. Unlike previous efforts from the president, this one focuses on voluntary measures and awareness campaigns to try and curb suicides among gun owners and veterans alike. Amy said the plan is something the administration has done little to publicize but is actually a step in the right direction.
\n\nPlus, Jake Fogleman and I discuss the latest developments in the Alec Baldwin shooting. I go over why it's possible his gun fired without the trigger being pulled, but extremely unlikely. And, Jake gives a more detailed look at the specifics of the Ninth Circuit ruling as well as the likely fallout from it.
Special Guest: Amy Swearer.
","summary":"The Heritage Foundation's Amy Swearer joins Stephen Gutowski to discuss her work as a Second Amendment policy wonk at one of the top conservative think tanks in D.C.. They discuss the Ninth Circuit upholding California's magazine ban and the Biden Administration's new suicide prevention plan.","date_published":"2021-12-06T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/c3786142-a0fa-453d-8053-8e77e2a4ae88.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":88763495,"duration_in_seconds":3683}]},{"id":"0ed92ee8-8c0d-4856-a988-abd32668f90b","title":"Debating David French About Rittenhouse and Open Carry","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/debating-david-french-about-rittenhouse-and-open-carry","content_text":"This week we're doing a special early episode of the podcast. The Dispatch's David French joins the show to discuss his reaction to the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict.\n\nDavid has been at the center of controversy for the past several years for his staunch criticism of former President Donald Trump. Now, he's generated more criticism for his opinion on the Rittenhouse case.\n\nWe discuss the details of the case and why David believes the not guilty verdict was the correct one. He argues Rittenhouse did not commit murder as a matter of law. However, he argues Rittenhouse was no hero either.\n\nWe also debate where the line is for appropriate use of force during a riot. When is it appropriate to use a gun to defend property? Is it ever?\n\nPlus, David believes the open carry of rifles is inherently a problem and could be legally restricted. We debate the merits of open carry and of banning it.Special Guest: David French.","content_html":"This week we're doing a special early episode of the podcast. The Dispatch's David French joins the show to discuss his reaction to the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict.
\n\nDavid has been at the center of controversy for the past several years for his staunch criticism of former President Donald Trump. Now, he's generated more criticism for his opinion on the Rittenhouse case.
\n\nWe discuss the details of the case and why David believes the not guilty verdict was the correct one. He argues Rittenhouse did not commit murder as a matter of law. However, he argues Rittenhouse was no hero either.
\n\nWe also debate where the line is for appropriate use of force during a riot. When is it appropriate to use a gun to defend property? Is it ever?
\n\nPlus, David believes the open carry of rifles is inherently a problem and could be legally restricted. We debate the merits of open carry and of banning it.
Special Guest: David French.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest David French debate the merits of open carry and the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse.","date_published":"2021-11-29T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/0ed92ee8-8c0d-4856-a988-abd32668f90b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":78791375,"duration_in_seconds":4898}]},{"id":"1f01f198-1d17-4f01-884f-523324b9af4e","title":"Legal Expert John Monroe Explains Why Kyle Rittenhouse Was Acquitted ","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/legal-expert-john-monroe-explains-why-kyle-rittenhouse-was-acquitted","content_text":"This week, I'm joined by gun lawyer John Monroe to discuss Kyle Rittenhouse successfully claiming self-defense during his murder trial.\n\nMonroe practices gun law in Wisconsin. He has argued similar cases in the past and is even appearing before the state's supreme court soon. His experience gives him specialized insight into the case against Rittenhouse and why the jury came down on his side.\n\nWe discuss the details of Wisconsin's self-defense laws. Monroe says the case hinged on reasonableness. Specifically, whether Rittenhouse reasonably feared for his life and whether the force he used in response was reasonable.\n\nMonroe gives an in-depth explanation for how the video evidence in the case helped Rittenhouse convince the jury his actions were reasonable in the moment. And he discusses some of the erroneous claims made by the prosecution. He details why Rittenhouse carrying a gun did not mean he forfeited his right to claim self-defense and why he wasn't required to use a lower level of force in the altercations.\n\nWe also talk about the parallels and key differences between the Rittenhouse case in Wisconsin and the Ahmaud Arbery case in Georgia where Monroe also practices. While both cases involved a struggle over a gun, Rittenhouse only shot after being pursued and attacked while Arbery was shot after he was pursued and attacked. Monroe said Travis McMichael, who shot Arbery, is less likely to be successful in his self-defense claim.Special Guest: John Monroe.","content_html":"This week, I'm joined by gun lawyer John Monroe to discuss Kyle Rittenhouse successfully claiming self-defense during his murder trial.
\n\nMonroe practices gun law in Wisconsin. He has argued similar cases in the past and is even appearing before the state's supreme court soon. His experience gives him specialized insight into the case against Rittenhouse and why the jury came down on his side.
\n\nWe discuss the details of Wisconsin's self-defense laws. Monroe says the case hinged on reasonableness. Specifically, whether Rittenhouse reasonably feared for his life and whether the force he used in response was reasonable.
\n\nMonroe gives an in-depth explanation for how the video evidence in the case helped Rittenhouse convince the jury his actions were reasonable in the moment. And he discusses some of the erroneous claims made by the prosecution. He details why Rittenhouse carrying a gun did not mean he forfeited his right to claim self-defense and why he wasn't required to use a lower level of force in the altercations.
\n\nWe also talk about the parallels and key differences between the Rittenhouse case in Wisconsin and the Ahmaud Arbery case in Georgia where Monroe also practices. While both cases involved a struggle over a gun, Rittenhouse only shot after being pursued and attacked while Arbery was shot after he was pursued and attacked. Monroe said Travis McMichael, who shot Arbery, is less likely to be successful in his self-defense claim.
Special Guest: John Monroe.
","summary":"Gun lawyer John Monroe joins host Stephen Gutowski to discuss Kyle Rittenhouse being found not guilty in his murder trial.","date_published":"2021-11-22T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/1f01f198-1d17-4f01-884f-523324b9af4e.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":87624852,"duration_in_seconds":3635}]},{"id":"d66a4238-8e41-4930-8e3f-9007473e7018","title":"Meet the Former Green Beret Training Concealed Carriers in Emergency Medicine","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-former-green-beret-training-civilians-in-emergency-medicine","content_text":"Kenny Robertson of Wex Training Group joins me this week to talk about a new emergency medical training program aimed at concealed carriers.\n\nRobertson spent 22 years in the Army Green Berets as part of the 5th Special Forces Group. He served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syrian, and Lebanon as a medic. After that, he spent years training others to do the same thing as director of the Tactical Casualty Combat Care and Prolonged Field Care programs at the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center in Fort Bragg, NC.\n\nNow, he's teamed up with Brandon Wexler and Charrie Derosa of Wex Gunworks in Delray Beach, Florida to bring that same level of training to the civilian world. The high-profile gun shop, which has been featured everywhere from NBC News to The Washington Post to The Washington Free Beacon, hopes to bring that same caliber of training to those who carry guns.\n\nRobertson was nice enough to give me a demo of the class recently. I was lucky enough to go through a Stop the Bleed course when I trained with FASTER Colorado a few years ago. The principles in the Wex class are much the same, but the experience is elevated.\n\nFor one, it's much more visceral. More realistic. Ultimately, more impactful.\n\nLots of training courses have training tourniquets and CPR dummies. Wex takes that to the next level by adding detailed training dummies, including ones that actually bleed.\n\nIt's far more memorable to try and apply a tourniquet high and tight when blood is literally spurting out onto your hands. When the skin feels natural and the flesh compresses like the real thing, it hits differently in your mind. The added feedback of actually witnessing the bleeding stop instead of just imagining it is game-changing.\n\nOn top of that, Robertson's real-life stories of how he has applied these techniques to save lives in the field make it all that much more memorable.\n\nIt's the kind of training I'm convinced people who concealed carry should invest in. After all, we spend thousands to carry a gun in the unlikely case we'll be in a deadly force incident. Well, if you're preparing for what might happen in a shootout, you should probably prepare for what you'll do if you or somebody else actually gets shot.\n\nAll the same principles apply here. You can't count on a medic getting to you before you bleed out. So, you better learn to help yourself.\n\nBesides, you're more likely to run into some sort of medical emergency in your daily life than you are to run into a deadly force attack. Better to be prepared than sorry.Special Guest: Kenny Robertson.","content_html":"Kenny Robertson of Wex Training Group joins me this week to talk about a new emergency medical training program aimed at concealed carriers.
\n\nRobertson spent 22 years in the Army Green Berets as part of the 5th Special Forces Group. He served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syrian, and Lebanon as a medic. After that, he spent years training others to do the same thing as director of the Tactical Casualty Combat Care and Prolonged Field Care programs at the Joint Special Operations Medical Training Center in Fort Bragg, NC.
\n\nNow, he's teamed up with Brandon Wexler and Charrie Derosa of Wex Gunworks in Delray Beach, Florida to bring that same level of training to the civilian world. The high-profile gun shop, which has been featured everywhere from NBC News to The Washington Post to The Washington Free Beacon, hopes to bring that same caliber of training to those who carry guns.
\n\nRobertson was nice enough to give me a demo of the class recently. I was lucky enough to go through a Stop the Bleed course when I trained with FASTER Colorado a few years ago. The principles in the Wex class are much the same, but the experience is elevated.
\n\nFor one, it's much more visceral. More realistic. Ultimately, more impactful.
\n\nLots of training courses have training tourniquets and CPR dummies. Wex takes that to the next level by adding detailed training dummies, including ones that actually bleed.
\n\nIt's far more memorable to try and apply a tourniquet high and tight when blood is literally spurting out onto your hands. When the skin feels natural and the flesh compresses like the real thing, it hits differently in your mind. The added feedback of actually witnessing the bleeding stop instead of just imagining it is game-changing.
\n\nOn top of that, Robertson's real-life stories of how he has applied these techniques to save lives in the field make it all that much more memorable.
\n\nIt's the kind of training I'm convinced people who concealed carry should invest in. After all, we spend thousands to carry a gun in the unlikely case we'll be in a deadly force incident. Well, if you're preparing for what might happen in a shootout, you should probably prepare for what you'll do if you or somebody else actually gets shot.
\n\nAll the same principles apply here. You can't count on a medic getting to you before you bleed out. So, you better learn to help yourself.
\n\nBesides, you're more likely to run into some sort of medical emergency in your daily life than you are to run into a deadly force attack. Better to be prepared than sorry.
Special Guest: Kenny Robertson.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski talks with Kenny Robertson of Wex Training Group about his new emergency medical training program for concealed carriers","date_published":"2021-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/d66a4238-8e41-4930-8e3f-9007473e7018.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":68324919,"duration_in_seconds":4249}]},{"id":"3c3f602e-e27c-474e-974c-9a030a9a20ac","title":"Investigative Reporter Tim Mak Explains How the NRA Ended Up at the Edge of Disaster","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/investigative-reporter-tim-mak-explains-how-the-nra-ended-up-at-the-edge-of-disaster","content_text":"On this episode, investigative reporter Tim Mak joins me to talk about his new book Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA.\n\nI first met Tim at the 2019 NRA annual meeting where he was one of the only other reporters in the room when dissident members tried to oust CEO Wayne LaPierre over allegations of corruption. He has been at the forefront of covering the NRA for the last several years and produced some of the most impactful stories about the gun-rights group. That includes breaking the news that a Russian spy had infiltrated the group as part of an influence campaign run by a top Kremlin official.\n\nHis new book is the first I've seen to thoroughly chronicle how it is the NRA has ended up at disaster's doorstep and who the key players along the way were. He takes one of the first real looks at the people behind the powerhouse from Wayne LaPierre to his wife Susan to former president Oliver North. He explains not just what decisions they made but how their characters led them to make those decisions.\n\nHis book matches much of what I've heard for years from inside the organization as well as the testimony given in court I've witnessed over the past several years. It is a detailed and well-sourced book that also brings a host of new information to the fold. From now on, when somebody asks me what happened to the NRA, I'll tell them to read this book.\n\nPlus, Jake Fogleman and I discuss Republicans flipping Virginia red and SCOTUS hearing oral arguments in its big gun-carry case.Special Guest: Tim Mak.","content_html":"On this episode, investigative reporter Tim Mak joins me to talk about his new book Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA.
\n\nI first met Tim at the 2019 NRA annual meeting where he was one of the only other reporters in the room when dissident members tried to oust CEO Wayne LaPierre over allegations of corruption. He has been at the forefront of covering the NRA for the last several years and produced some of the most impactful stories about the gun-rights group. That includes breaking the news that a Russian spy had infiltrated the group as part of an influence campaign run by a top Kremlin official.
\n\nHis new book is the first I've seen to thoroughly chronicle how it is the NRA has ended up at disaster's doorstep and who the key players along the way were. He takes one of the first real looks at the people behind the powerhouse from Wayne LaPierre to his wife Susan to former president Oliver North. He explains not just what decisions they made but how their characters led them to make those decisions.
\n\nHis book matches much of what I've heard for years from inside the organization as well as the testimony given in court I've witnessed over the past several years. It is a detailed and well-sourced book that also brings a host of new information to the fold. From now on, when somebody asks me what happened to the NRA, I'll tell them to read this book.
\n\nPlus, Jake Fogleman and I discuss Republicans flipping Virginia red and SCOTUS hearing oral arguments in its big gun-carry case.
Special Guest: Tim Mak.
","summary":"On this episode, investigative reporter Tim Mak joins Stephen Gutowski to talk about his new book Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA.","date_published":"2021-11-08T05:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3c3f602e-e27c-474e-974c-9a030a9a20ac.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":97576082,"duration_in_seconds":4043}]},{"id":"ce0dbe4c-8ab4-4118-825c-4e9a22e5dda4","title":"Movie Armorer Steve Wolf on Alec Baldwin's On-Set Shooting","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/movie-armorer-steve-wolf-on-alec-baldwins-on-set-shooting","content_text":"On this episode of the podcast, I interview movie armorer and stunt coordinator Steve Wolf about the disastrous shooting on the set of Alec Baldwin's latest film.\n\nWolf has worked on a number of major tv and movie sets with some of the top actors and directors in the business. He knows exactly what the proper safety protocols on set are when handling firearms. And he explains the many ways a properly-run production is set up to avoid firearms accidents.\n\nHe said he always tries to minimize the use of real firearms and blank-firing props in order to reduce the potential for any life-threatening mistakes to occur. But, he emphasized that Alec Baldwin, the assistant director, and the armorer all had to be negligent in how they handled the firearm in question in order for something this tragic to occur. The armorer should have been able to keep live ammunition off set and never should have allowed a live round to find its way into the gun. The assistant director should have checked the gun to ensure it was not loaded with live ammunition before he handed it to Baldwin and told him it was \"cold.\" Baldwin should have verified himself the gun was not loaded with live ammunition and should not have pointed it in the direction of the crew.\n\nWolf brings his own prop gun and real revolver to show the clear differences between the two. He also shows the clear differences between live ammunition, dummy ammunition, and blanks. They're all differences he said can and should be taught to everyone on a set, especially those who are actually handling the guns.\n\nWe discuss whether real guns should be used in movies going forward. These kinds of tragic accidents are rare. Do they justify a sweeping change to the way the industry works or was this purely a case of gross negligence that can't be adapted to the industry at large?\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Firearms Policy Coalition filing a Supreme Court brief against Texas's abortion law as well as David Chipman's claim that support for gun violence is what ultimately doomed his nomination to lead the ATF.Special Guest: Steve Wolf.","content_html":"On this episode of the podcast, I interview movie armorer and stunt coordinator Steve Wolf about the disastrous shooting on the set of Alec Baldwin's latest film.
\n\nWolf has worked on a number of major tv and movie sets with some of the top actors and directors in the business. He knows exactly what the proper safety protocols on set are when handling firearms. And he explains the many ways a properly-run production is set up to avoid firearms accidents.
\n\nHe said he always tries to minimize the use of real firearms and blank-firing props in order to reduce the potential for any life-threatening mistakes to occur. But, he emphasized that Alec Baldwin, the assistant director, and the armorer all had to be negligent in how they handled the firearm in question in order for something this tragic to occur. The armorer should have been able to keep live ammunition off set and never should have allowed a live round to find its way into the gun. The assistant director should have checked the gun to ensure it was not loaded with live ammunition before he handed it to Baldwin and told him it was "cold." Baldwin should have verified himself the gun was not loaded with live ammunition and should not have pointed it in the direction of the crew.
\n\nWolf brings his own prop gun and real revolver to show the clear differences between the two. He also shows the clear differences between live ammunition, dummy ammunition, and blanks. They're all differences he said can and should be taught to everyone on a set, especially those who are actually handling the guns.
\n\nWe discuss whether real guns should be used in movies going forward. These kinds of tragic accidents are rare. Do they justify a sweeping change to the way the industry works or was this purely a case of gross negligence that can't be adapted to the industry at large?
\n\nPlus, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I discuss Firearms Policy Coalition filing a Supreme Court brief against Texas's abortion law as well as David Chipman's claim that support for gun violence is what ultimately doomed his nomination to lead the ATF.
Special Guest: Steve Wolf.
","summary":"Guest Steve Wold explains the proper safety protocols on TV and movie sets for handling firearms in a wide-ranging discussion with host Stephen Gutowski about the Alec Baldwin shooting.","date_published":"2021-10-31T10:30:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/ce0dbe4c-8ab4-4118-825c-4e9a22e5dda4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":93743438,"duration_in_seconds":3880}]},{"id":"da41b187-1593-48d5-940e-0a91724f9f8c","title":"Cam Edwards on Virginia's Election Tightening as Guns Become Flashpoint","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/cam-edwards-on-virginia-s-election-tightening-as-guns-become-flashpoint","content_text":"Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms joins the show this week as the Virginia elections enter their homestretch. He argues Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin has actually surged into the lead over Democrat Terry McAuliffe.\n\nWe talk about how Dominion Energy's underhanded attempt to discourage gun owners has backfired and helped Youngkin close the gap. Cam and I both live in Virginia, though very different parts of the state, and have been targeted by the disingenuous ads that attack the Republican from the right on guns despite being created by a liberal consulting group.\n\nBut, the shadowy effort to keep gun owners from voting also shows Youngkin may have miscalculated by keeping the gun-rights groups at arm's length. Should he have pursued the gun vote harder than he did? With the election so close, even though the issue hasn't been a top priority until late, the turnout of gun voters could well turn the election.\n\nEvery little bit matters when you're in a race that comes down to just a few points. Dominion's meddling backfired on them, but will Youngkin's tightrope act backfire on him too? Or, will he motivate enough downstate gun owners to vote while bringing out Northern Virginia voters who an NRA endorsement may have turned off?\n\nPlus, we talk about how the 2019 McAuliffe comments I unearthed earlier this month could hurt his fellow Democrat Attorney General Mark Herring as he runs for re-election. And, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I detail the big ruling from Pennsylvania's Supreme Court that could have a big impact on illegal local gun restrictions.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms joins the show this week as the Virginia elections enter their homestretch. He argues Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin has actually surged into the lead over Democrat Terry McAuliffe.
\n\nWe talk about how Dominion Energy's underhanded attempt to discourage gun owners has backfired and helped Youngkin close the gap. Cam and I both live in Virginia, though very different parts of the state, and have been targeted by the disingenuous ads that attack the Republican from the right on guns despite being created by a liberal consulting group.
\n\nBut, the shadowy effort to keep gun owners from voting also shows Youngkin may have miscalculated by keeping the gun-rights groups at arm's length. Should he have pursued the gun vote harder than he did? With the election so close, even though the issue hasn't been a top priority until late, the turnout of gun voters could well turn the election.
\n\nEvery little bit matters when you're in a race that comes down to just a few points. Dominion's meddling backfired on them, but will Youngkin's tightrope act backfire on him too? Or, will he motivate enough downstate gun owners to vote while bringing out Northern Virginia voters who an NRA endorsement may have turned off?
\n\nPlus, we talk about how the 2019 McAuliffe comments I unearthed earlier this month could hurt his fellow Democrat Attorney General Mark Herring as he runs for re-election. And, contributing writer Jake Fogleman and I detail the big ruling from Pennsylvania's Supreme Court that could have a big impact on illegal local gun restrictions.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest Cam Edwards talk about how Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin has closed the gap with Democrat Terry McAuliffe and how backlash to a power company's meddling on guns helped him do it.","date_published":"2021-10-25T06:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/da41b187-1593-48d5-940e-0a91724f9f8c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":85255336,"duration_in_seconds":3540}]},{"id":"15681a98-88fc-4908-9e02-0905b8f4d7dd","title":"A Deep Dive Into the NRA's 2020 Finances","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/a-deep-dive-into-the-nra-s-2020-finances","content_text":"On this episode, contributing writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss the financial situation of the country's largest gun group.\n\nWe recently obtained the NRA's 2020 annual report and compared it to previous ones to get a broad view of what the group's books look like. Despite years of operating in the red, recent internal turmoil over corruption allegations, and the pandemic, the group is back to running a surplus. A rather large one of about $54 million, in fact.\n\nBut that came about as a result of massive spending cuts. As revenues fell by more than $78 million from 2018 to 2020, the NRA cut more than $124 million in spending over that time to keep pace. Political spending took a $50 million hit. Gun safety training was slashed in half.\n\nThen Mike Willever from the Active Self Protection podcast joined me to talk about the most incredible self-defense stories he's chronicled so far. He also provides insight from his 25-year-long law enforcement career and how those skills translate to the podcasting world. He also talks about the overheated and misleading nature of political and gun news.Special Guest: Mike Willever.","content_html":"On this episode, contributing writer Jake Fogelman and I discuss the financial situation of the country's largest gun group.
\n\nWe recently obtained the NRA's 2020 annual report and compared it to previous ones to get a broad view of what the group's books look like. Despite years of operating in the red, recent internal turmoil over corruption allegations, and the pandemic, the group is back to running a surplus. A rather large one of about $54 million, in fact.
\n\nBut that came about as a result of massive spending cuts. As revenues fell by more than $78 million from 2018 to 2020, the NRA cut more than $124 million in spending over that time to keep pace. Political spending took a $50 million hit. Gun safety training was slashed in half.
\n\nThen Mike Willever from the Active Self Protection podcast joined me to talk about the most incredible self-defense stories he's chronicled so far. He also provides insight from his 25-year-long law enforcement career and how those skills translate to the podcasting world. He also talks about the overheated and misleading nature of political and gun news.
Special Guest: Mike Willever.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and contributing writer Jake Fogelman discuss the spending cuts the NRA made to stay in the black while revenues fell and legal costs exploded. Plus, Active Self Protection's Mike Willever explains the most incredible self-defense stories his new podcast has explored so far.","date_published":"2021-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/15681a98-88fc-4908-9e02-0905b8f4d7dd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":72112350,"duration_in_seconds":4483}]},{"id":"23552f0e-f181-477d-8654-44f2620db7dd","title":"The Atlantic's Adam Serwer on Guns and Race in America","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/the-atlantics-adam-serwer-on-guns-and-race-in-america","content_text":"This week, I talk to The Atlantic's Adam Sewer about how guns and race interact in America both historically and in the modern-day.\n\nHe talked about his recent back and forth with Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito over Texas's new abortion law. We disagreed over whether the same tactic of deferring enforcement to civil suits brought by regular citizens rather than government actors will be tried out by gun-control advocates in some parts of the country. He thinks it won't because activists fear review by the court, but I'm not so sure.\n\nFrom there, we discuss the court's upcoming gun-carry case and the racist history of various gun-permitting laws in America. He explains why a majority of Black Americans support gun-control measures despite a widespread acknowledgment those laws will be disproportionately used against members of their community.\n\nThen we talked about Beto O'Rourke's plans to run for governor in Adam's adopted home of Texas. We discuss the political practicality of Beto's famous pledge to take everyone's AR-15s and AK-47s. \n\nWe also discuss the rise in minority gun ownership and what it means for the future of gun politics in America.\n\nPlus, I give on-the-ground insight into the re-election of Wayne LaPierre to run the NRA. I was the only reporter sitting outside the board meeting where LaPierre faced his first challenge in years, and I give the details of what went down. And I share the latest gun sales numbers for 2021 now that they've passed 2019's full-year total.Special Guest: Adam Serwer.","content_html":"This week, I talk to The Atlantic's Adam Sewer about how guns and race interact in America both historically and in the modern-day.
\n\nHe talked about his recent back and forth with Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito over Texas's new abortion law. We disagreed over whether the same tactic of deferring enforcement to civil suits brought by regular citizens rather than government actors will be tried out by gun-control advocates in some parts of the country. He thinks it won't because activists fear review by the court, but I'm not so sure.
\n\nFrom there, we discuss the court's upcoming gun-carry case and the racist history of various gun-permitting laws in America. He explains why a majority of Black Americans support gun-control measures despite a widespread acknowledgment those laws will be disproportionately used against members of their community.
\n\nThen we talked about Beto O'Rourke's plans to run for governor in Adam's adopted home of Texas. We discuss the political practicality of Beto's famous pledge to take everyone's AR-15s and AK-47s.
\n\nWe also discuss the rise in minority gun ownership and what it means for the future of gun politics in America.
\n\nPlus, I give on-the-ground insight into the re-election of Wayne LaPierre to run the NRA. I was the only reporter sitting outside the board meeting where LaPierre faced his first challenge in years, and I give the details of what went down. And I share the latest gun sales numbers for 2021 now that they've passed 2019's full-year total.
Special Guest: Adam Serwer.
","summary":"Guest Adam Serwer and host Stephen Gutowski discuss how race and guns have interacted in American politics both historically and in the modern era. ","date_published":"2021-10-11T09:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/23552f0e-f181-477d-8654-44f2620db7dd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":86173316,"duration_in_seconds":3577}]},{"id":"bc6bc2e6-39f1-4a40-9ae3-b60eb6e09ffd","title":"Top Shot Champion Chris Cheng on Gun-Rights Activism and NFT Firearms","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/top-shot-champion-chris-cheng-on-gun-rights-activism-and-nft-firearms","content_text":"This week, Chris Cheng of Top Shot fame joins me on the show.\n\nAfter winning the title back in 2012, Chris told me his life changed forever. He used to spend most of his time doing work for leading tech companies, including Google. He still works in the tech space, but much of his time is now dedicated to the gun space--especially gun activism.\n\nHe's worked with some of the most prominent gun-rights groups, and he's even testified on Capitol Hill. Now he's an advisor to the Asian Pacific American Gun Owners Association (APAGOA). His work as an Asian-American gun-rights advocate has made him the target of gun-control groups.\n\nWe talk about how the Violence Policy Center singled him out in its newest report decrying the growth in Asian-American gun ownership. We also talk about APAGOA helping train new gun owners in the Asian-American community, and it filed its first brief at the Supreme Court.\n\nThen we talk about Chris's foray into the intersection between NFTs and firearms. He explains what an NFT (non-fungible token) is and how it could impact the future of the gun industry. Pretty fascinating stuff.\n\nPlus, I give an update on the latest in the David Chipman saga. And I talk to a Reload member, who just became a gun owner for the first time recently, living in New Jersey.\n\nIt's a great episode. Give it a listen!","content_html":"This week, Chris Cheng of Top Shot fame joins me on the show.
\n\nAfter winning the title back in 2012, Chris told me his life changed forever. He used to spend most of his time doing work for leading tech companies, including Google. He still works in the tech space, but much of his time is now dedicated to the gun space--especially gun activism.
\n\nHe's worked with some of the most prominent gun-rights groups, and he's even testified on Capitol Hill. Now he's an advisor to the Asian Pacific American Gun Owners Association (APAGOA). His work as an Asian-American gun-rights advocate has made him the target of gun-control groups.
\n\nWe talk about how the Violence Policy Center singled him out in its newest report decrying the growth in Asian-American gun ownership. We also talk about APAGOA helping train new gun owners in the Asian-American community, and it filed its first brief at the Supreme Court.
\n\nThen we talk about Chris's foray into the intersection between NFTs and firearms. He explains what an NFT (non-fungible token) is and how it could impact the future of the gun industry. Pretty fascinating stuff.
\n\nPlus, I give an update on the latest in the David Chipman saga. And I talk to a Reload member, who just became a gun owner for the first time recently, living in New Jersey.
\n\nIt's a great episode. Give it a listen!
","summary":"Guest Chris Cheng and host Stephen Gutowski talk about Asian-American gun ownership, his new gun-rights group, and how NFTs will impact the gun industry.","date_published":"2021-10-04T00:15:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/bc6bc2e6-39f1-4a40-9ae3-b60eb6e09ffd.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":69572233,"duration_in_seconds":4317}]},{"id":"dfc07148-cb10-4dcb-97c5-09b8e8235a61","title":"Gun Activism on the Local Level With the CEO of San Diego County Gun Owners","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/gun-activism-on-the-local-level-with-the-head-of-san-diego-county-gun-owners","content_text":"On this episode, I talk with Wendy Hauffen of San Diego County Gun Owners. She provides insight into what it's like to run an effective gun-rights organization at the local level.\n\nShe described how her group was able to persuade the sheriff to issue more concealed-carry permits. They were able to get him to change the policy even though a court challenge was unable to change the state's law.\n\nWe also talked about how the group has been able to bring women into the gun-owning community. She said the #NotMe program they run has already helped train 500 women and Hauffen said it is continuing to grow.\n\nI also talk with contributing writer Jake Fogelman about the NRA's upcoming oversight meetings, and why it distanced itself from CEO Wayne LaPierre in court filings this week. Plus, Jake tells us about how California is now set to share the personal information of gun owners with researchers across the country.Special Guest: Wendy Hauffen.","content_html":"On this episode, I talk with Wendy Hauffen of San Diego County Gun Owners. She provides insight into what it's like to run an effective gun-rights organization at the local level.
\n\nShe described how her group was able to persuade the sheriff to issue more concealed-carry permits. They were able to get him to change the policy even though a court challenge was unable to change the state's law.
\n\nWe also talked about how the group has been able to bring women into the gun-owning community. She said the #NotMe program they run has already helped train 500 women and Hauffen said it is continuing to grow.
\n\nI also talk with contributing writer Jake Fogelman about the NRA's upcoming oversight meetings, and why it distanced itself from CEO Wayne LaPierre in court filings this week. Plus, Jake tells us about how California is now set to share the personal information of gun owners with researchers across the country.
Special Guest: Wendy Hauffen.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and San Diego County Gun Owners head Wendy Hauffen talk about the group's outreach to women and how it is able to be effective even deep in hostile territory.","date_published":"2021-09-27T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/dfc07148-cb10-4dcb-97c5-09b8e8235a61.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":99583480,"duration_in_seconds":4149}]},{"id":"35b0266c-096e-4357-a305-8ccef264d0a1","title":"National Review's Jim Geraghty on NRA Turmoil and Fallout From Biden's Failed ATF Nomination","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/national-reviews-jim-geraghty-on-nra-turmoil-and-fallout-from-bidens-failed-atf-nomination","content_text":"This week, I spoke with National Review's Senior Political Correspondent Jim Geraghty. As you might gather from his title, Jim has a lot of experience in covering and analyzing politics. He's also spent a good amount of time covering gun politics and, in particular, the National Rifle Association.\n\nThat's why I wanted to have him on to discuss the failure of President Joe Biden's ATF Director nomination. Jim also provides some key insight into what will likely come next in President Biden's efforts to install a director as well as his pursuit of new gun-control measures.\n\nJim also gave us his take on what's going on with the NRA and where the corruption charges levied against it in New York are headed.\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I talk about the latest estimates on how many new gun owners have been created this year and what that means for the long-term future of guns in America. And we discuss the last two installments of my exclusive, in-depth interview with gun activist Rob Pincus.Special Guest: Jim Geraghty.","content_html":"This week, I spoke with National Review's Senior Political Correspondent Jim Geraghty. As you might gather from his title, Jim has a lot of experience in covering and analyzing politics. He's also spent a good amount of time covering gun politics and, in particular, the National Rifle Association.
\n\nThat's why I wanted to have him on to discuss the failure of President Joe Biden's ATF Director nomination. Jim also provides some key insight into what will likely come next in President Biden's efforts to install a director as well as his pursuit of new gun-control measures.
\n\nJim also gave us his take on what's going on with the NRA and where the corruption charges levied against it in New York are headed.
\n\nPlus, Contributing Writer Jake Fogelman and I talk about the latest estimates on how many new gun owners have been created this year and what that means for the long-term future of guns in America. And we discuss the last two installments of my exclusive, in-depth interview with gun activist Rob Pincus.
Special Guest: Jim Geraghty.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski interviews National Review Senior Political Correspondent Jim Geraghty about President Biden's ATF nomination failing and the crisis at the NRA.","date_published":"2021-09-20T00:15:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/35b0266c-096e-4357-a305-8ccef264d0a1.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":98209941,"duration_in_seconds":4086}]},{"id":"3bdb9653-f2f2-4e9b-a93c-76410388c9bf","title":"VCDL's Philip Van Cleave on the Upcoming Virginia Elections","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/philip-van-cleave-9-11-2021","content_text":"On this episode, Virginia Citizen Defense League's (VCDL) president Philip Van Cleave joins the show to discuss his group's defamation suit against the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV).\n\nHe talks about why the group feels CSGV falsely labeling them a \"domestic terror organization\" is actionable and why VCDL believes it can reach the high bar to win a defamation case. He also discusses the upcoming elections in Virginia, what VCDL is doing to elect pro-gun candidates, and why they haven't endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Younkin.\n\nI also talk to contributing writer Jake Fogelman about President Biden's decision to withdraw his ATF nominee after a series of exclusive reports from The Reload uncovered his questionable background.\n\nPlus, I interview Reload Member John Mcadams about what got him into big game hunting and how the pandemic has driven new people to hunting.Special Guest: Philip Van Cleave.","content_html":"On this episode, Virginia Citizen Defense League's (VCDL) president Philip Van Cleave joins the show to discuss his group's defamation suit against the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV).
\n\nHe talks about why the group feels CSGV falsely labeling them a "domestic terror organization" is actionable and why VCDL believes it can reach the high bar to win a defamation case. He also discusses the upcoming elections in Virginia, what VCDL is doing to elect pro-gun candidates, and why they haven't endorsed Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Younkin.
\n\nI also talk to contributing writer Jake Fogelman about President Biden's decision to withdraw his ATF nominee after a series of exclusive reports from The Reload uncovered his questionable background.
\n\nPlus, I interview Reload Member John Mcadams about what got him into big game hunting and how the pandemic has driven new people to hunting.
Special Guest: Philip Van Cleave.
","summary":"VCDL President Philip Van Cleave talks with host Stephen Gutowski about the upcoming Virginia elections and the group's defamation suit against a gun-control group. Plus, the latest on how The Reload's reporting sunk President Biden's ATF nominee.","date_published":"2021-09-13T00:15:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/3bdb9653-f2f2-4e9b-a93c-76410388c9bf.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":89829945,"duration_in_seconds":3737}]},{"id":"7182c28c-4b80-4fa1-9203-e404f7887a61","title":"Active Self Protection's John Correia on Evidence-Based Armed Defense Training","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/john-correia-9-3-2021","content_text":"This week's guest is John Correia of Active Self Protection. He gives us a deep dive into what it's like to run a YouTube business with millions of followers. He also talks about why he takes a different, less-polarizing approach to making gun content for the internet.\n\nJohn has been studying and breaking down deadly-force encounters caught on video for years now. His channel has become the premier place for evidence-based advice on how best to survive an attack. And he shares some of the biggest insights he's gained doing the endless research required to build his channel and Active Self Protection's unique training courses.\n\nContributing writer Jake Fogelman and I also give an update on the CDC\"s new push to fund gun research and just how many guns were sold in August. Plus, I talk to Reload member Cal Davis about his background with guns and why he decided to subscribe!Special Guest: John Correia.","content_html":"This week's guest is John Correia of Active Self Protection. He gives us a deep dive into what it's like to run a YouTube business with millions of followers. He also talks about why he takes a different, less-polarizing approach to making gun content for the internet.
\n\nJohn has been studying and breaking down deadly-force encounters caught on video for years now. His channel has become the premier place for evidence-based advice on how best to survive an attack. And he shares some of the biggest insights he's gained doing the endless research required to build his channel and Active Self Protection's unique training courses.
\n\nContributing writer Jake Fogelman and I also give an update on the CDC"s new push to fund gun research and just how many guns were sold in August. Plus, I talk to Reload member Cal Davis about his background with guns and why he decided to subscribe!
Special Guest: John Correia.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski and guest John Correia of Active Self Protection discuss how videos of real deadly-force encounters have shaped his understanding of armed defense training.","date_published":"2021-09-03T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/7182c28c-4b80-4fa1-9203-e404f7887a61.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":94083571,"duration_in_seconds":3914}]},{"id":"393fc77c-fb3c-454e-9fe5-69da2b8899a7","title":"Members of Asian American and Pacific Islander Gun Owners (AAPIGO) Discuss Minority Gun Rights","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/aapigo-8-27-2021","content_text":"On this week's episode, I talked to three members of Asian American and Pacific Islander Gun Owners leadership team.\n\nScott Kane, Bobby Yang, and Raphael Platte joined me to discuss the new group's recent range day as well as their concealed-carry permit protest event. The three are relative new comers to the world of gun-right activism but they've identified a need in the gun owning community and are trying to fill it. They talked about their efforts to engage with Asian-Americans interested in owning guns and what they plan to do moving forward to grow the group.\n\nWe also talked a bit about why a group specifically designed to appeal to Asian-Americans is necessary and how it can offer services and a form of community other groups can't or won't.\n\nScott talked about his family's run in with racist intimidation that inspired him to buy a gun at the begining of the pandemic. Bobby also gave insight into how this activism plays into the greater political awakening of Asian-Americans in the wake of rising hate crimes. Plus, the three talk about their shared background in the tech world and how that informs their activism.\n\nGive it a listen. I think you'll really enjoy it!Special Guests: Bobby Yang, Raphael Platte, and Scott Kane.","content_html":"On this week's episode, I talked to three members of Asian American and Pacific Islander Gun Owners leadership team.
\n\nScott Kane, Bobby Yang, and Raphael Platte joined me to discuss the new group's recent range day as well as their concealed-carry permit protest event. The three are relative new comers to the world of gun-right activism but they've identified a need in the gun owning community and are trying to fill it. They talked about their efforts to engage with Asian-Americans interested in owning guns and what they plan to do moving forward to grow the group.
\n\nWe also talked a bit about why a group specifically designed to appeal to Asian-Americans is necessary and how it can offer services and a form of community other groups can't or won't.
\n\nScott talked about his family's run in with racist intimidation that inspired him to buy a gun at the begining of the pandemic. Bobby also gave insight into how this activism plays into the greater political awakening of Asian-Americans in the wake of rising hate crimes. Plus, the three talk about their shared background in the tech world and how that informs their activism.
\n\nGive it a listen. I think you'll really enjoy it!
Special Guests: Bobby Yang, Raphael Platte, and Scott Kane.
","summary":"This week Stephen Gutowski talks with leaders of Asian American and Pacific Islander Gun Owners (AAPIGO) about the unique challenges facing gun owners of Asian descent in America.","date_published":"2021-08-27T17:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/393fc77c-fb3c-454e-9fe5-69da2b8899a7.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":77550971,"duration_in_seconds":3231}]},{"id":"8c3c36a4-28e5-424e-b7d0-1da805b417a4","title":"National African American Gun Association President Philip Smith on Biden's ATF Nominee David Chipman","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/philip-smith-8-18-2021","content_text":"This week, I'm joined by Philip Smith who is the head of the National African American Gun Association.\n\nHe talks about President Joe Biden's (D.) nominee to head the ATF, David Chipman, and the allegations of racism levied against him by former agents. Smith says Chipman is the wrong man for the job and talks about why the acting director is a better pick.\n\nSmith also responds to recent assertions that the Second Amendment itself is the result of racism. He also discusses the group's Supreme Court brief calling for the end of New York's restrictive \"may-issue\" concealed carry law due to the historically racist use of such laws. And he gives an update on the group's growth as well as the growth in black gun ownership over the past year.\n\nPlus, I give an update on the horrific situation in Afghanistan including new gun confiscation efforts by the Taliban. And The Reload's newest contributing writer Jake Fogleman stops by to introduce himself!Special Guest: Philip Smith.","content_html":"This week, I'm joined by Philip Smith who is the head of the National African American Gun Association.
\n\nHe talks about President Joe Biden's (D.) nominee to head the ATF, David Chipman, and the allegations of racism levied against him by former agents. Smith says Chipman is the wrong man for the job and talks about why the acting director is a better pick.
\n\nSmith also responds to recent assertions that the Second Amendment itself is the result of racism. He also discusses the group's Supreme Court brief calling for the end of New York's restrictive "may-issue" concealed carry law due to the historically racist use of such laws. And he gives an update on the group's growth as well as the growth in black gun ownership over the past year.
\n\nPlus, I give an update on the horrific situation in Afghanistan including new gun confiscation efforts by the Taliban. And The Reload's newest contributing writer Jake Fogleman stops by to introduce himself!
Special Guest: Philip Smith.
","summary":"Philip Smith and Stephen Gutowski discuss accusations of racism against President Biden's ATF director nominee, the Supreme Court's gun-carry case, and the growth of black gun ownership in the past year.","date_published":"2021-08-21T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/8c3c36a4-28e5-424e-b7d0-1da805b417a4.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":76340877,"duration_in_seconds":3175}]},{"id":"ce204d41-5c53-48a2-a967-a2769b04d107","title":"Wake Forest Professor David Yamane on the Spread of Gun Carry in America","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/david-yamane-8-15-2021","content_text":"This week, Wake Forest Professor David Yamane joined me to talk about the fascinating history of gun carry laws in America.\n\nProfessor Yamane has turned his attention to an under-researched area: the normal use of guns. While most academics focus their time studying the criminal use of firearms, David has focused on far more common uses of firearms in America. And one area he's focused on in particular is gun carry.\n\nGun-carry laws have evolved tremendously since the founding of the United States. And the changes have only accelerated in recent decades. But not many books have been written on the trend. David is the only one I'm aware of who has authored a deeply knowledgable but concise guide to American gun carry laws throughout history.\n\nWe discussed how Tombstone, Arizona's gun-carry laws have changed dramatically from the days of the shootout at the OK Corral to today. And we get into where gun-carry laws are now headed.\n\nPlus, I give an update on the new allegations of racism levied by a black former agent against President Joe Biden's ATF director nominee. And major media's perplexing silence on the matter.Special Guest: David Yamane.","content_html":"This week, Wake Forest Professor David Yamane joined me to talk about the fascinating history of gun carry laws in America.
\n\nProfessor Yamane has turned his attention to an under-researched area: the normal use of guns. While most academics focus their time studying the criminal use of firearms, David has focused on far more common uses of firearms in America. And one area he's focused on in particular is gun carry.
\n\nGun-carry laws have evolved tremendously since the founding of the United States. And the changes have only accelerated in recent decades. But not many books have been written on the trend. David is the only one I'm aware of who has authored a deeply knowledgable but concise guide to American gun carry laws throughout history.
\n\nWe discussed how Tombstone, Arizona's gun-carry laws have changed dramatically from the days of the shootout at the OK Corral to today. And we get into where gun-carry laws are now headed.
\n\nPlus, I give an update on the new allegations of racism levied by a black former agent against President Joe Biden's ATF director nominee. And major media's perplexing silence on the matter.
Special Guest: David Yamane.
","summary":"Professor Yamane talks about the history of gun-carry laws from the days of the OK Corral to today. Plus, an update on accusations of racism against President Biden's ATF nominee.","date_published":"2021-08-13T19:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/ce204d41-5c53-48a2-a967-a2769b04d107.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":84241034,"duration_in_seconds":3509}]},{"id":"7bca2cfe-7349-449f-bbe9-6def249b8b76","title":"National Review's David Harsanyi on Biden's ATF Nominee David Chipman","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/david-harsanyi-8-8-2021","content_text":"On this episode, I talk to David Harsanyi of National Review about the many recent developments in David Chipman's nomination to lead the ATF.\n\nA firestorm has decended on D.C. and The Reload's reporting on Chipman has been at the center of it. Things have moved quickly over the past week. So, I wanted to bring on Harsanyi to analyze what's going on because he is one of the top gun columnists out there. And he knows how D.C. politics actually work in real life.\n\nHe gave some talked about how reactions from Democrats, the White House, and the media give insight into what direction Chipman's nomination is headed. And it doesn't look good for him.\n\nI also give an update on where gun sales are at in 2021 versus the all-time highs of 2020. Are we reaching a new normal? If so, what does that look like?Special Guest: David Harsanyi.","content_html":"On this episode, I talk to David Harsanyi of National Review about the many recent developments in David Chipman's nomination to lead the ATF.
\n\nA firestorm has decended on D.C. and The Reload's reporting on Chipman has been at the center of it. Things have moved quickly over the past week. So, I wanted to bring on Harsanyi to analyze what's going on because he is one of the top gun columnists out there. And he knows how D.C. politics actually work in real life.
\n\nHe gave some talked about how reactions from Democrats, the White House, and the media give insight into what direction Chipman's nomination is headed. And it doesn't look good for him.
\n\nI also give an update on where gun sales are at in 2021 versus the all-time highs of 2020. Are we reaching a new normal? If so, what does that look like?
Special Guest: David Harsanyi.
","summary":"Stephen Gutowski is joined by National Review's David Harsanyi to discuss the faltering nomination of David Chipman to head the ATF.","date_published":"2021-08-07T17:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/7bca2cfe-7349-449f-bbe9-6def249b8b76.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":48776362,"duration_in_seconds":4064}]},{"id":"fc9ec085-490d-4712-b86b-079999ef216d","title":"Cam Edwards of Bearing Arms on Allegations of Racism Against Biden's ATF Nominee","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/cam-edwards-8-1-2021","content_text":"I talked with Cam Edwards from Bearing Arms on this week's episode of the podcast. We discussed my recent report about ATF agents corroborating the existence of a complaint that President Joe Biden's director nominee made racist comments.\n\nCam has been one of the best pro-gun writers and show hosts out there for years and years at this point. So, I was very interested in his take on the fallout from the story. We talked about Republicans calling for a new confirmation hearing on the nominee, David Chipman, in the wake of the agents' comments. And we discussed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) calling for Chipman's withdraw.\n\nPlus, we went over how the president of one of the country's leading gun-control groups and a prominent activist attacked The Reload for publishing the story. And I talk about why those attacks were so outlandish.\n\nCam is somebody I've long admired for the calm and reasonable way he approaches gun news and advocacy. I've also been on his show a bunch of times over the years. So, I was thrilled to be able to have him on my own new show! Give it a listen, I think you'll really enjoy it.Special Guest: Cam Edwards.","content_html":"I talked with Cam Edwards from Bearing Arms on this week's episode of the podcast. We discussed my recent report about ATF agents corroborating the existence of a complaint that President Joe Biden's director nominee made racist comments.
\n\nCam has been one of the best pro-gun writers and show hosts out there for years and years at this point. So, I was very interested in his take on the fallout from the story. We talked about Republicans calling for a new confirmation hearing on the nominee, David Chipman, in the wake of the agents' comments. And we discussed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) calling for Chipman's withdraw.
\n\nPlus, we went over how the president of one of the country's leading gun-control groups and a prominent activist attacked The Reload for publishing the story. And I talk about why those attacks were so outlandish.
\n\nCam is somebody I've long admired for the calm and reasonable way he approaches gun news and advocacy. I've also been on his show a bunch of times over the years. So, I was thrilled to be able to have him on my own new show! Give it a listen, I think you'll really enjoy it.
Special Guest: Cam Edwards.
","summary":"Cam Edwards and host Stephen Gutowski discuss the impact of racist allegations against ATF director nominee David Chipman, and an update on a big name leaving the NRA's board.","date_published":"2021-07-31T17:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/fc9ec085-490d-4712-b86b-079999ef216d.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":41304894,"duration_in_seconds":3431}]},{"id":"00401581-4e42-40ba-ad86-8854d8794f93","title":"Northeastern University's James Alan Fox on Mass Shootings","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/james-alan-fox-7-25-2021","content_text":"Northeastern University's James Alan Fox joined the show this week to talk about his decades-long research on mass shootings. Working with USA Today and the Associated Press, he has spent years documenting shootings where four or more people are killed. He's also researched the killings to better understand how and why they happen.\n\nHe talked about how many members of the media have greatly expanded the definition of mass shooting and why it's causing confusion among the public. We also discuss some of the misnomers about what leads to mass shootings. Then we go over the real causes and some of the potential solutions.\n\nPlus, I talk about my recent in-depth report on the first-ever Gun Makers Match. And I give an update on the fight over permitless carry in Louisiana.Special Guest: James Alan Fox.","content_html":"Northeastern University's James Alan Fox joined the show this week to talk about his decades-long research on mass shootings. Working with USA Today and the Associated Press, he has spent years documenting shootings where four or more people are killed. He's also researched the killings to better understand how and why they happen.
\n\nHe talked about how many members of the media have greatly expanded the definition of mass shooting and why it's causing confusion among the public. We also discuss some of the misnomers about what leads to mass shootings. Then we go over the real causes and some of the potential solutions.
\n\nPlus, I talk about my recent in-depth report on the first-ever Gun Makers Match. And I give an update on the fight over permitless carry in Louisiana.
Special Guest: James Alan Fox.
","summary":"Northeastern University professor and USA Today contributor James Alan Fox joins host Stephen Gutowski to discuss the misleading way media count mass shootings and the solutions for them.","date_published":"2021-07-25T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/00401581-4e42-40ba-ad86-8854d8794f93.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":38726055,"duration_in_seconds":3216}]},{"id":"73f35530-f87c-4f59-81ce-26c8e04e6113","title":"Duke's Jake Charles on the California Assault Weapons Ban Ruling and Exclusives on Republican Efforts to Block Biden's Gun Actions","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/jake-charles-7-18-2021","content_text":"This week I cover the stories I broke about Republicans' efforts to stop President Joe Biden's gun agenda and ATF nominee. Then I talk with one of the top gun law researchers in the academic world.\n\nJake Charles, executive director of the Center for Firearms Law at Duke University, joins me to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the recent California \"assault weapons\" ban ruling. While he agrees the opinion was written in a way that makes it accessible to ordinary people, he argues it doesn't do much to convince anyone who isn't already on the gun-rights side of the fence.\n\nWe go back and forth on the metaphors used by Judge Roger Benitez as well as the backlash to them. And we talk about how influential his ruling might end up being in the long run. Plus, we dive into the different legal standards Benitez employs in his ruling, especially his \"Heller test.\"\n\nJake brings his years of experience studying Second Amendment litigation and historical gun laws to the conversation, which helps him provide a level of insight you just can't find elsewhere. That's why I often quote him in my stories and why I wanted to have him on when I saw his take on the California ruling was different from much of what I'd seen in the gun community.\n\nI think the conversation was fruitful and something you simply won't find anywhere else. When I say I want to bring on people who are both knowledgeable and have a different point of view, Jake is exactly the kind of person I'm talking about.Special Guest: Jake Charles.","content_html":"This week I cover the stories I broke about Republicans' efforts to stop President Joe Biden's gun agenda and ATF nominee. Then I talk with one of the top gun law researchers in the academic world.
\n\nJake Charles, executive director of the Center for Firearms Law at Duke University, joins me to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the recent California "assault weapons" ban ruling. While he agrees the opinion was written in a way that makes it accessible to ordinary people, he argues it doesn't do much to convince anyone who isn't already on the gun-rights side of the fence.
\n\nWe go back and forth on the metaphors used by Judge Roger Benitez as well as the backlash to them. And we talk about how influential his ruling might end up being in the long run. Plus, we dive into the different legal standards Benitez employs in his ruling, especially his "Heller test."
\n\nJake brings his years of experience studying Second Amendment litigation and historical gun laws to the conversation, which helps him provide a level of insight you just can't find elsewhere. That's why I often quote him in my stories and why I wanted to have him on when I saw his take on the California ruling was different from much of what I'd seen in the gun community.
\n\nI think the conversation was fruitful and something you simply won't find anywhere else. When I say I want to bring on people who are both knowledgeable and have a different point of view, Jake is exactly the kind of person I'm talking about.
Special Guest: Jake Charles.
","summary":"Host Stephen Gutowski interviews Duke University Center for Firearms Law Executive Director Jake Charles about the ruling that struck down California's \"assault weapons\" ban.","date_published":"2021-07-18T05:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/73f35530-f87c-4f59-81ce-26c8e04e6113.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":53247320,"duration_in_seconds":4426}]},{"id":"edfbc64a-6a23-46e2-93c3-1e3b0b3379dc","title":"Tiffany Johnson on Reaching Black Gun Owners, and a New Gun Sales Trend Emerges","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/tiffany-johnson-7-12-2021","content_text":"This episode I talk to Rangemaster's Tiffany Johnson about her new effort to train instructors in being more approachable for minority customers. And we get into how the gun industry has adjusted to the influx of black gun owners over the past year as well as what more can be done. Tiffany provides a unique point of view that left me better informed.\n\nI also cover the first-of-its-kind ruling holding the government liable for the Air Force's failure to share the Sutherland Springs shooter with the FBI which allowed him to buy his guns. And I dive into the emerging trend that gives us insight into how gun sales are likely to go for the rest of 2021.\n\nEnjoy!Special Guest: Tiffany Johnson.","content_html":"This episode I talk to Rangemaster's Tiffany Johnson about her new effort to train instructors in being more approachable for minority customers. And we get into how the gun industry has adjusted to the influx of black gun owners over the past year as well as what more can be done. Tiffany provides a unique point of view that left me better informed.
\n\nI also cover the first-of-its-kind ruling holding the government liable for the Air Force's failure to share the Sutherland Springs shooter with the FBI which allowed him to buy his guns. And I dive into the emerging trend that gives us insight into how gun sales are likely to go for the rest of 2021.
\n\nEnjoy!
Special Guest: Tiffany Johnson.
","summary":"In this episode, I talk to Rangemaster's Tiffany Johnson about her new effort to train instructors in being more approachable for minority customers.","date_published":"2021-07-12T10:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/edfbc64a-6a23-46e2-93c3-1e3b0b3379dc.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":43055222,"duration_in_seconds":3577}]},{"id":"17b3eed6-9d1f-4059-b53b-a3ad046caa3a","title":"David French on the Supreme Court Gun Carry Case and an Update on the NRA","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/david-french-7-4-2021","content_text":"In this episode, I go in-depth with legal expert and The Dispatch writer David French on the Supreme Court's upcoming gun-carry case. We get into the possible outcomes and what's most realistic. Will The Court punt? Will it declare all forms of gun-carry permitting unconstitutional? Or will it mandate shall issue gun-carry laws?\n\nPlus, how will the High Court's ruling impact the lower courts and all of the other gun litigation moving through the federal system?\n\nI also ask David how he feels about the way red flag laws have actually been implemented since he began advocating for the concept a few years ago. Is he happy with how states are approaching red flag laws? Are they being too loose with the concept of due process? What state has the best model for red flag laws in practice?\n\nI thought it was a very enlightening conversation. You can't beat the perspective of a litigator of David's experience level when it comes to discussing the federal courts. I plan to have him back on again once the Supreme Court case starts to heat up this fall.Special Guest: David French.","content_html":"In this episode, I go in-depth with legal expert and The Dispatch writer David French on the Supreme Court's upcoming gun-carry case. We get into the possible outcomes and what's most realistic. Will The Court punt? Will it declare all forms of gun-carry permitting unconstitutional? Or will it mandate shall issue gun-carry laws?
\n\nPlus, how will the High Court's ruling impact the lower courts and all of the other gun litigation moving through the federal system?
\n\nI also ask David how he feels about the way red flag laws have actually been implemented since he began advocating for the concept a few years ago. Is he happy with how states are approaching red flag laws? Are they being too loose with the concept of due process? What state has the best model for red flag laws in practice?
\n\nI thought it was a very enlightening conversation. You can't beat the perspective of a litigator of David's experience level when it comes to discussing the federal courts. I plan to have him back on again once the Supreme Court case starts to heat up this fall.
Special Guest: David French.
","summary":"A deep dive on the state of gun litigation in the federal courts with The Dispatch's David French. Plus, an update on the NRA and red-flag laws in practice.","date_published":"2021-07-04T19:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/17b3eed6-9d1f-4059-b53b-a3ad046caa3a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":56420171,"duration_in_seconds":4691}]},{"id":"98589bae-a267-44c6-9d02-11601c7ae263","title":"Charles Cooke on 2nd Amendment History and an Update on the Gun Sales Surge","url":"https://thereload.fireside.fm/charles-cooke-7-2-2021","content_text":"Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski covers the latest gun business news as the June sales numbers come in and a major gun company breaks records. Plus guest Charles Cooke from National Review discusses President Joe Biden's recent claims about the history of the Second Amendment.Special Guest: Charles Cooke.","content_html":"Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski covers the latest gun business news as the June sales numbers come in and a major gun company breaks records. Plus guest Charles Cooke from National Review discusses President Joe Biden's recent claims about the history of the Second Amendment.
Special Guest: Charles Cooke.
","summary":"Reload Founder Stephen Gutowski interviews National Review's Charles Cooke about President Joe Biden's recent comments on the history of the Second Amendment","date_published":"2021-07-01T21:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://chrt.fm/track/418E8A/aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/006abb54-2cee-4879-907f-1104e1df2e3f/98589bae-a267-44c6-9d02-11601c7ae263.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":42532072,"duration_in_seconds":3531}]}]}