Domestic violence survivor Kelly Sutliff returns to Guns & Mental Health with a major update: after years of legal battles, having her firearm confiscated, and navigating New Jersey’s firearm permitting system, she has finally been approved to own a handgun again.

But getting there was anything but simple.

Kelly shares what happened after she reapplied for her New Jersey Firearms Purchaser Identification Card, why she was asked to undergo psychological and psychiatric evaluations, how the process ultimately cost her nearly $10,000, and why she believes her experience raises serious questions about red flag laws, due process, domestic violence survivors, and the restoration of firearm rights.

Michael Sodini, Kevin Berry, and Rafael join Kelly for a wider conversation about what happens when firearm laws intersect with domestic violence, mental health evaluations, victim safety, and the realities of navigating the legal system.

Rafael also shares how Bersa stepped in to help make Kelly whole by donating the handgun she was finally able to purchase after receiving approval.

The conversation then turns to Kelly’s Canines: Tales of Courage, the nonprofit Kelly founded to provide trained protection dogs to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors at no cost. Kelly explains how her own protection dog helped restore a sense of safety after her firearm was taken and how that experience inspired her to help other survivors.

This episode explores:

• Kelly’s original red flag and firearm confiscation
• Her experience as a domestic violence survivor in New Jersey
• The process of restoring her firearm rights
• Psychological evaluations for firearm ownership
• The nearly $10,000 cost of navigating the process
• Due process and red flag laws
• Firearm ownership and mental health
• Bersa’s decision to donate Kelly a handgun
• Protection dogs as another option for survivor safety
• Kelly’s Canines: Tales of Courage
• How firearm policy can create unintended consequences for victims

Walk the Talk America works to bridge the gap between mental health and responsible firearm ownership through education, conversations, partnerships, and programs designed to reduce suicide and improve mental wellness without stigmatizing gun owners.

If Kelly’s story resonates with you, share this episode. These conversations matter, particularly when laws designed to protect people may have unintended consequences for the very individuals they are intended to help.

Linbks:

Kelly Sutliff

https://www.instagram.com/kellys_k9s_tailsofcourage/
https://www.instagram.com/real_talk_with_kelly/
https://www.kellysk9s.org
https://www.youtube.com/@KellysK9sTailsofCourage
https://www.tiktok.com/@tails_of_courage

Bersa

https://www.instagram.com/bersa_usa/
https://bersausa.com
https://www.facebook.com/BersaArms

Rafael DelValle

https://www.instagram.com/rdelvalle1/

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What really happens at the NRA Annual Meeting, and how is the firearm industry evolving its approach to mental health and suicide prevention?

In this special recap episode, Michael Sodini, J Hood, and Kevin Berry reflect on their experience at the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting, sharing what stood out from dozens of meetings with firearm manufacturers, media outlets, and industry leaders. They discuss how conversations about mental health have matured, why more companies are engaging with Walk the Talk America, and the barriers that still prevent some organizations from getting involved.

The discussion explores why supporting suicide prevention isn’t just about writing a check. From including mental health resources in product packaging to sharing educational content, donating auction items, collaborating on research, and simply amplifying lifesaving resources, the team explains how companies of every size can make a meaningful impact.

They also examine the unique role Walk the Talk America plays as a bridge between the firearm industry, healthcare, and mental health communities, and share a vision for bringing those worlds together through deeper collaboration, research partnerships, and future industry summits.

Whether you’re a firearm owner, industry professional, healthcare provider, researcher, or simply interested in finding practical, nonpartisan solutions to reduce suicide while respecting the reasons people choose to own firearms, this episode offers an inside look at where the conversation is headed—and why collaboration matters more than ever.

Topics Covered:

• Behind the scenes at the 2026 NRA Annual Meeting
• Why more firearm companies are engaging with mental health
• Common misconceptions that prevent organizations from getting involved
• Practical ways businesses can support suicide prevention
• The importance of partnerships between industry and healthcare
• Walk the Talk America’s long-term vision for collaboration and research
• Why changing culture takes consistency, trust, and patience

Learn more about Walk the Talk America at walkthetalkamerica.org.

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What happens when a licensed therapist falls in love with shooting sports?

In this episode of the Guns & Mental Health Podcast, Stanford Spurlock shares his journey from working in the music industry to becoming a mental health counselor, competitive shooter, and advocate for reducing the stigma between firearm ownership and seeking therapy.

The conversation explores why many responsible gun owners hesitate to seek mental health care, how therapists can better understand firearm culture, and why nuance—not stereotypes—is essential for improving both mental health and responsible firearm ownership.

Whether you’re a firearm owner, clinician, veteran, or simply interested in improving conversations around mental health, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on one of today’s most misunderstood topics.

In this episode:

• Why Stanford left the music industry for mental health
• Becoming a firearm owner in Montana
• The stigma surrounding gun owners seeking therapy
• Why many therapists don’t understand firearm culture
• How responsible firearm ownership and mental wellness can coexist
• The importance of secure firearm storage during times of crisis
• Why nuance matters more than labels

Subscribe for more conversations exploring the intersection of mental health and responsible firearm ownership.

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