Podcast Summary: Blood Origins – Episode 545: Glen Thurston || Pain, Suicide, And Guns

Host: Mike Axelrod
Guest: Glen Thurston
Release Date: March 18, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 545 of Blood Origins, host Mike Axelrod engages in a profound and heartfelt conversation with Glen Thurston. The episode delves deep into the intertwining issues of mental health, firearms ownership, and the hunting community's perception of emotional vulnerability. Glen shares his personal journey, the challenges he faced with mental health, and the impact of firearms legislation in New Zealand.

Glen's Personal Journey

Early Struggles with Mental Health

Glen begins by recounting his lifelong battle with depression. From an early age, Glen grappled with mental health issues, which were exacerbated by heavy alcohol consumption. At 18, while living in Australia, Glen made a "serious attempt at taking his life" and sought help, though he resisted medication due to past negative experiences with his father's treatment.

Quote:
"[02:49] Glen Thurston: It brings awareness to non hunters that it's more than just killing Animals..."

Burnout and Seeking Help

Fast forward to 2016, Glen found himself burnt out from managing a business in New Zealand. His alcohol consumption worsened, leading him to a point where he recognized the need for change. With the support of his wife, Glen sought medical assistance, resulting in him becoming "eight years sober."

Quote:
"[16:17] Mike Axelrod: None of your mates in your circles in 2016 knew this was happening with you?"
"[16:22] Glen Thurston: No, I didn't talk..."

Firearms License Revocation

In 2019, amidst his ongoing mental health journey, Glen faced an unexpected challenge. During a counseling session, he was questioned about his firearms license—a protocol introduced following the Christchurch massacre. Despite Glen's stability and clearances from his GP and psychiatrist, his firearms license was abruptly revoked, stripping him of his ability to hunt and use firearms, which were integral to his mental well-being.

Quote:
"[25:29] Mike Axelrod: So you took every bullet and every gun you had."
"[25:32] Glen Thurston: Everything, everything I had in my safe was taken..."

Impact of Losing Firearms License

Emotional and Social Effects

Losing his firearms license had a devastating impact on Glen's life. Hunting was not just a hobby but a crucial outlet for his mental health. The revocation severed his primary coping mechanism, leading him into deeper emotional turmoil.

Quote:
"[26:55] Mike Axelrod: So what did they say? Like, what was the..."
"[27:02] Glen Thurston: They said to me, what's going to happen is I'm going to hear from an inspector..."

Stigma and Mental Health in the Hunting Community

Glen highlights a pervasive stigma within the hunting community that discourages emotional expression. The macho culture often prevents hunters from seeking help, fearing repercussions like license revocation.

Quote:
"[37:05] Glenn Thurston: Seeking help and especially in hunting, like it's a very stoic sport and talking feelings is not really part of your hunting trip."

Firearms Legislation in New Zealand

Changes Post-Christchurch

Following the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings, New Zealand implemented stricter firearms regulations. Glen critiques the inconsistent and often invasive processes that have left many responsible firearm owners unjustly penalized.

Quote:
"[22:17] Mike Axelrod: So in 2019, when you're doing this, has Christchurch happened already?"
"[22:21] Glenn Thurston: Yes. There was a fella... he went and shot up two mosques..."

Firearm Safety Authority

Glen suggests that the Firearm Safety Authority (FSA) should operate independently from the police to rebuild trust among firearm owners. He emphasizes the need for fair and transparent processes that differentiate between genuine threats and responsible owners facing mental health challenges.

Quote:
"[48:16] Glenn Thurston: If no one says anything and no one says there's a Problem, they don't think there's a problem."
"[48:16] Glenn Thurston: [...] they need to be aside. A bit like our road transport."

Mental Hunts Organization

Purpose and Goals

Glen founded Mental Hunts in New Zealand to address the mental health crisis within the hunting community. The organization aims to destigmatize seeking help and provide support systems for firearm owners struggling with mental health issues.

Quote:
"[13:35] Glenn Thurston: That's correct, yeah."
"[38:23] Mike Axelrod: What do you say to that person? [...]"
"[38:52] Glenn Thurston: [...] if you have a friend that's not doing well, suggest storing their guns for them while they get the help."

Initiatives and Outreach

Mental Hunts conducts various initiatives, including training programs for firearms license holders, hunting trips integrated with mental health discussions, and collaborative efforts with organizations like Bushnell to support conservation and mental well-being.

Quote:
"[50:51] Glenn Thurston: [...] we've got a hunting show with people that have had stories and we're just telling their stories out on the hill..."

Recommendations and Solutions

Self Surrender Option

Glen advocates for the self-surrender of firearms licenses as a proactive measure for those experiencing mental health challenges. This approach allows individuals to retain some access to firearms under supervision while seeking help, reducing the fear of punitive actions.

Quote:
"[42:15] Mike Axelrod: Oh, that's the new law."
"[42:17] Glenn Thurston: Yeah, but with the self surrender you just surrender it and you reapply at any Time..."

Mental Health Training for License Holders

To prevent such crises, Glen proposes implementing mental health training programs tailored for firearm owners. These programs would educate license holders on recognizing mental health issues and encourage seeking help without fear of losing their licenses.

Quote:
"[42:15] Mike Axelrod: [...] that's the biggest, that's the biggest thing here is that people are afraid..."
"[43:42] Glenn Thurston: [...] we need to have the ability to not have anyone fearing getting help for any reason. It's borderline discrimination."

Support Systems within Hunting Community

Creating strong support networks within the hunting community is essential. Glen emphasizes the importance of open conversations and peer support to foster an environment where hunters feel safe to express vulnerability.

Quote:
"[37:01] Mike Axelrod: [...] there's a stigma tied to males..."
"[38:52] Glenn Thurston: [...] if you have a friend that's not doing well, suggest storing their guns for them while they get the help."

Conclusion and Resources

Glen Thurston's story sheds light on the intricate relationship between mental health and firearms ownership. His advocacy through Mental Hunts seeks to create a balanced approach that supports individuals without compromising community safety.

For those seeking more information or wishing to reach out to Glen, the following resources are available:

• Website: MentalHunts.co.nz
• YouTube Channel: Hunting show featuring real-life stories
• Social Media: Instagram and Facebook pages for updates and support
• Contact Email: Available on the Mental Hunts website

Final Quote:
"[50:51] Glenn Thurston: [...] check out the YouTube channel. And we've also got a frequently asked questions that we're going to constantly keep updated with the facts."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Glen Thurston at [09:05]:
   "Yeah, 100%. And, you know, I think the other thing is I'm one story of many people that have been through this situation..."

2. Mike Axelrod at [16:17]:
   "None of your mates in your circles in 2016 knew this was happening with you?"

3. Glen Thurston at [22:22]:
   "No, no, no. And I don't really. Yeah. I've got no fear of revocations..."

4. Glen Thurston at [26:55]:
   "Everything, everything I had in my safe was taken and was Noted on a document."

5. Glen Thurston at [34:24]:
   "Exactly. I'm jumping the gun here. But I had a meeting with the Ministerial Arms Advisory Group..."

Episode Takeaway:
Glen Thurston's candid discussion highlights the critical need for compassionate mental health support within the firearms-owning community. By addressing stigma and advocating for balanced legislation, Mental Hunts strives to ensure that individuals receive the help they need without undue fear of losing their livelihoods or passions.

For more episodes and detailed discussions, visit BloodOriginsInc.com.