Stop the Killing

This episode is a reprised listener question from Season 3—and honestly, it’s one that feels just as urgent today as it did then. Originally sparked by a question about “leakage” (those warning signs before violence), this conversation dives into something we all recognise… but often struggle with: 👉 The hesitation to act. Why do we see something… feel something… and still say nothing? In this episode, we explore: The real reason people hesitate to report concerns Why your gut instinct matters more than you think How “leakage” shows up before acts of violence The critical role everyday people play in prevention Because here’s the truth:Most people don’t miss the signs…They just don’t act on them. And as you’ll hear in this episode, that hesitation can be the difference between prevention and tragedy. One of the biggest barriers isn’t awareness—it’s action. People see things. They feel things. But they don’t always say something. This is one of those conversations that might just change how you respond the next time something doesn’t feel right. 🎧 Listen now and ask yourself:Would you act… or would you hesitate? Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: [email protected] Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if preventing school shootings has far less to do with reacting… and everything to do with what happens long before? In this powerful episode of Stop the Killing, Katherine Schweit is joined by leading researchers from the University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention and the National Center for School Safety to unpack what the data actually tells us about stopping violence before it starts. This isn’t about headlines.This is about evidence, prevention, and what really works. Dr. Brianna Scott — Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan Dr. Elyse Thulin — Research Assistant Professor, University of Michigan Dr. Sarah M. Stilwell — Researcher in Educational Psychology, University of Michigan Why school shootings are the end of a long chain of missed warning signs The role of anonymous reporting systems in preventing harm How school culture, belonging, and connection reduce violence risk The three critical environments: physical, social, and attentive Why most youth access to firearms comes from familiar homes And how early intervention can stop escalation before it becomes tragedy School shootings don’t begin with a weapon.They begin with missed opportunities to intervene earlier. Here are the resources mentioned in this episode — all worth exploring: Youth Empowerment Solutions (YES) Program (free curriculum download):👉 https://yes.sph.umich.edu/ ERPO Toolkit (Extreme Risk Protection Orders):👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/erpo-toolkit/ Secure Firearm Storage Toolkit:👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/safe-firearm-storage-toolkit-home/ National Center for School Safety:👉 https://www.nc2s.org/ Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention:👉 https://firearminjury.umich.edu/ Comprehensive School Safety Model:👉 https://www.nc2s.org/resource/a-positive-youth-development-approach-to-school-safety/ You don’t need to be an expert to prevent violence. 👉 Notice the signs👉 Speak up👉 Stay connected Because one action — one conversation — can change everything. National Center for School Safetyhttps://www.nc2s.org University of Michigan Institute for Firearm Injury Preventionhttps://firearminjury.umich.edu Relevant Resources and Links: Support us on Patreon for exclusive content and early access to episodes. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. More insights from Katherine Schweit: Katherine Schweit.. Website: Sarah Ferris Media Email: [email protected] Share: If you found this episode insightful, share it with someone who might benefit from it and join the conversation on social media. RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a Sarah Ferris Media production on the Killer Podcasts Network.Check out more Sarah Ferris Media productions: CONmunity podcast KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY WATCHING TWO DETECTIVES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

⚠️ How many lives can Red Flag Laws actually save? A six-state study looked at how Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are used to prevent violence and suicide. The finding was striking. For roughly every 13–18 ERPOs issued… one life was saved. Most often by preventing firearm suicide during a crisis moment. It’s still early research, but the evidence is increasingly clear:temporarily removing access to a gun during a crisis can reduce deaths. 🎙 We break down the research and how these laws work in the latest episode of Stop the Killing. Supporters can listen right now on Patreon👉 Patreon.com/stopthekilling Or listen on Apple Podcasts — simply click the link in the app. Because understanding the warning signs — and the tools that exist — could save lives. #StopTheKilling #RedFlagLaws #GunViolencePrevention #SchoolSafety #MassShootingPrevention #TrueCrimePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices