
Hosted by Iowa Firearms Coalition · EN

JOIN IFC! Michael Sodini is the founder and CEO of Walk the Talk America, a nonprofit that brings the firearms community and mental health professionals together in pursuit of solutions that save lives. Since creating WTTA in 2018, Michael has become a sought after speaker, consultant, and advocate for reducing negative outcomes with firearms through education, compassion, and cultural change. Before devoting himself full time to WTTA, Michael spent 27 years in the firearm industry as the president of Eagle Imports and co founder of Avidity Arms. His experience gave him a deep understanding of firearms culture and positioned him to create meaningful partnerships between manufacturers, retailers, clinicians, and community leaders. Michael has been invited to share WTTA's mission at the Aspen Ideas Festival, the White House, and numerous research conferences. He has appeared in documentaries that highlight the intersection of mental health and firearms, and continues to engage audiences at both gun industry events and mental health symposiums. His approachable style and passion for dialogue have made him a trusted voice for change. Through WTTA, Michael has led the development of free and anonymous mental health screenings, clinician training programs to help providers better understand gun culture, and outreach that reduces stigma around seeking help. At the heart of his leadership is the belief that progress begins with listening. By creating spaces for open conversation and mutual respect, he continues to guide WTTA in advancing solutions that bring people together and strengthen communities.

JOIN IFC! Chris Tymeson serves as SCI's Vice-President of Government Affairs, where he works on governmental relations matters involving federal and state laws and regulations related to hunting and conservation within the U.S and abroad. Chris joined SCI after over two decades of service as Chief Legal Counsel for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. He was also the Vice-Chair of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies legal committee from approximately 2006 to 2021. Prior to that, Chris served his country as U.S Army airborne infantryman in Panama and in Iraq as part of the 101st Airborne Division, but now serves the outdoor sporting community with the same dedication as an active recruiter of youths and novices to hunting and fishing. When not imparting the importance of America's outdoor heritage on younger generations, Chris is an avid hunter and angler himself, having hunted and fished in most of the western United States, some eastern states, some Canadian provinces, Africa, Asia and Europe. A graduate of Missouri Southern State College and the Washburn University School of Law, Chris and his wife Kelley live in Overland Park, Kansas with their three sons and daughter, Gage, August, Alex and Taylor, who are also accomplished hunters and anglers.

JOIN IFC Whether you are looking to make a hands-on difference in your local community or simply want to hear inspiring stories of faith-driven action, the IFC blog and podcast—hosted in this episode by Micah Cope and Michael Ware—is your go-to space for purposeful connection. Every week, IFC dives into the heart of our mission, sharing the real-world impact of our programs and highlighting the incredible power of neighboring. But this isn't just a show to listen to; it is an active invitation to step off the sidelines and put your passion into motion. By volunteering with IFC, you become the vital hands and feet needed to support local families, build lasting relationships, and foster true community transformation across Iowa. Tune in to get inspired, find your unique lane of service, and visit iowafc.org today to sign up for a volunteer role that fits your schedule and passions—because a stronger community starts with your "yes."

JOIN IFC! Brandon Talsma is a lifelong resident of Jasper County, Iowa where his family has farmed for four generations. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2005 and served for 6.5 years in the First Infantry Division, deploying twice to Iraq. He has been married to his wife Holly for 18 years, and they have 7 children ranging from 15 years to 1 year old. They live in rural Jasper County and homeschool their children. Brandon was first elected to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors in 2018. He was re-elected in 2022 and is currently seeking his third term on the Board of Supervisors. He has served for 5 years as Board Chairman and is currently serving as Vice Chair. His priorities have been infrastructure, law enforcement, and economic development, while fighting for government transparency, advocating for agricultural issues, managing the budget, and upholding fiscal responsibility. Talsma and his family, avid outdoorsmen, are often out hunting, fishing, gardening, or working with 4-H animals.

JOIN IFC. John Fahrner, Deputy Director of Corporate Relations and Co-Host of GOA's State of the Second Podcast joins IFC today and discusses GOALS coming to Des Moines, Aug 1 & 2! Stay up to date on Instagram @goals_con John Fahrner is a seasoned professional with 14 years of experience in the firearms industry, focusing on marketing and sales. His career spans roles in both manufacturing and ammunition sales, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field. Currently, he serves as the Senior Development and Marketing Officer at Gun Owners of America. GOA's landmark convention — a celebration of 50 years defending your Second Amendment rights, in Des Moines and bigger than ever.

JOIN IFC! On this Warrior Wednesday episode, we talk with MidwayUSA Foundation Executive Director, Pete Eisentrager. Founded in 2007 by Larry and Brenda Potterfield, MidwayUSA Foundation supports and grows youth shooting sports by providing long-term endowment funding to youth shooting teams and organizations through annual cash grants. Additionally, the public charity offers competitive grants to assist with coach training opportunities and range development projects. MidwayUSA Foundation helps fund approximately 2,600 youth shooting teams of all disciplines and 90+ national, regional, and state organizations that support competitive youth shooting sports. Participating programs are offered a suite of fundraising options to grow their endowments, and every donation to a youth shooting team is matched, enhancing the impact of community support. MidwayUSA Foundation is changing the future of youth shooting sports.

JOIN IFC. On November 8, 2022, Iowans elected Brenna Bird to be their next Attorney General – the first Republican to hold the office since 1979. Brenna Bird understands the importance of preserving the freedoms that we as Iowans expect. As the elected County Attorney for Guthrie County since 2018, Brenna has helped keep Iowa families safe by getting criminals off the street, advocating for victims of crime, and standing up for law enforcement. Brenna has been a prosecutor since 2016 and her leadership has been recognized by county attorneys throughout Iowa who have chosen her as President of the Iowa County Attorney Association. Brenna Bird is a fierce Second Amendment advocate and has been alongside IFC since the beginning.

JOIN IFC! Kyle Hunter is the Director of Sales at Clear Armor. Kyle is responsible for developing a high-quality sales development process that aligns with the company's passion for saving lives. He takes pride in creating tailored solutions that work for each client and values building lasting business relationships. Kyle owns Don't Mean Nothin' – Uncensored Stories of War, a video platform dedicated to sharing the stories of our nation's combat veterans. Kyle dedicates his free time to sharing their voices and experiences.

JOIN IFC! Lucretia Hughes Klucken is the host of Real News with Lucretia Hughes — a powerhouse live show defending God, Family, and Country, reaching millions of viewers every month on Facebook, Rumble, and Gettr. Based in Loganville, Georgia, Lucretia is the Co-founder of Fallback Productions Studio LLC and a prominent voice in conservative media. She has testified before Congress, served on the NRA outreach team, and was a coalition member of the Gun Owners for Trump campaign.

JOIN IFC! Prepared 2 Protect was developed with the interest in empowering people with the confidence to protect themselves, their families and possessions with a less-lethal option. Being Prepared 2 Protect offers peace of mind when children are present and firearms are unwanted, unnecessary or not allowed. For additional information, visit Prepared2Protect.com