Solving Gun Violence

Joseph Blocher, distinguished professor of law at Duke University and Second Amendment scholar, joins student-host Andrew Chand to trace the legal evolution of the Second Amendment, from Heller to Bruen, and explore what the Court's new history-based standard means for the future of gun regulation in America.Duke Center for Firearms Law: firearmslaw.duke.eduGun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.virginia.edu

In this episode, host Molly Schnellenberger speaks with Annette Anthony, Director of Outreach for the Central Virginia Violence Interrupters (CVVI), about their community-based approach to preventing gun violence in Charlottesville, VA. Anthony shares how her team of formerly incarcerated individuals uses their lived experience and deep community ties to interrupt conflicts before they escalate and respond to shooting scenes to prevent retaliation. Listen to learn more!Learn more about their work at centralvaviolenceinterrupters.org and more about the Gun Violence Solutions Project at gvsp.virginia.edu.

Editors note: This conversation makes briefreference to Venezuela and was recorded before the recent events in the country.This episode takes a deep dive into the illicit firearms trade between the United States and Mexico. We interview Professor Topher McDougal of San Diego's Kroc School of Peace Studies who studies the economics of gun violence through an international lens. In the conversation Dr. McDougal and student-host Andrew Chand explore the impact these markets have on public safety, what dynamics are driving the problem, and how you even measure a black market. Listen to learn more!For more on Dr. McDougal: tophermcdougal.comFor more on the Gun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.virginia.edu

Nina Vinik joins student-host Andrew Chand to discuss her organization Project Unloaded, which is shifting perspectives on gun ownership for teens. Project Unloaded is taking a different approach than many other violence prevention organizations by focusing on culture and narratives. Listen to hear about Project Unloaded's bold mission, the way they incorporate the perspectives of young people in their work, and how they use social media to disrupt traditional narratives.More info about Project Unloaded: projectunloaded.orgMore info about the Gun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.virginia.edu

George Rivera founded Wartime Fitness Warriors to give at-risk youth in Charlottesville more than just boxing lessons. He created a space where they could build mental resilience and life skills that prevent violence before it starts. In this episode, the three-time Golden Glove Champion joins student-host Molly Schnellenberger to discuss what drives his work, how the program intervenes in the cycle of gun violence, and what other communities can learn from his approach.More info about Wartime Fitness Warriors: wartimefitnesswarriors.orgMore info about the Gun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.virginia.edu

Chief Scott Booth of the Roanoke Police Department has squarely taken on the challenge of gun violence, and seen remarkable success not just once, but twice. After decades in law enforcement, he became Chief in Danville, Virginia, where he oversaw a dramatic 52% drop in violent crime, taking homicide rates from the highest in Virginia to a 35-year low. Now, in Roanoke, he's reduced fatal shootings by 55% and non-fatal shootings by 44%. Listen to learn what drove these dramatic drops and discover how your community could do the same.More info about Chief Booth: roanokeva.govMore info about the Gun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.virginia.edu

Kyle Barrentine, a sixth-year social psychology PhD student at the University of Virginia, explores how peer attitudes shape views on firearms. His research reveals unexpected patterns in support for firearm regulation and suggests that Americans may be less divided on the issue than often assumed.You can find Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-barrentine-84462b168To learn more about the UVA's Gun Violence Solutions Project, visit gvsp.virginia.edu

Howard Henderson, founding director of the Center for Justice Research at Texas Southern University, breakdowns why many data-driven gun violence solutions fall short and possible ways to prevent that. Dr. Henderson shares surprising findings his from conversations with young men who carry guns. These findings challenging assumptions often seen in gun policy and media coverage. For more information about Howard Henderson's work pleas visit centerforjusticeresearch.org.To learn more about UVA's Gun Violence Solutions Project, visit gvsp.virginia.edu.

This episode features Yale Law School's Tracey Meares reframes gun violence as a symptom of broader "safety deprivation" in communities. She explains why armed emergency response isn't enough and how the state's broader powers can address underlying safety issues. The conversation covers everything from suicide prevention to building community trust.For more information about Tracey Meares please visit www.justicehappenshere.yale.edu.To learn more about UVA's Gun Violence Solutions Project visit gvsp.virginia.edu.

Dr. Maya Haasz, a pediatric emergency physician and expert in firearm injury prevention, shares how treating gun violence as a public health issue can lead to real, actionable solutions. She discusses safe storage practices, hospital-based interventions, and how clinicians and communities can work together to protect children. Grounded in research and personal experience, Dr. Haasz offers a compelling path forward to prevent tragedy and save lives.You can read more about the paper Maya mentioned here: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2025-071373For more information about Dr. Haasz please visit som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/28501For more information about the Gun Violence Solutions Project please visit gvsp.virginia.edu

As a youth advocate turned city leader, Newark Commissioner A'Dorian Murray-Thomas is helping redefine what community safety looks like. Tune in to hear her journey and insights on the most effective strategies for building safer, more resilient communities!For more information about A'Dorian:Instagram: adorianfornewarkTiktok: adorianfornewarkSHE Wins: shewins.orgYou can learn more about the Gun Violence Solutions Project at gvsp.virginia.edu.

Antong Lucky shares insights from his decades of experience disrupting the trends of violence in urban communities. Listen to learn more!For more information about Antong Lucky and his work:Personal WebsiteA Redemptive Path Forward: From Incarceration to a Life of Activism (Book)Urban SpecialistsYou can learn more about the Gun Violence Solutions Project here.

Katie Duda, Senior Director of Local Government Affairs and Special Advisor to the President at Everytown for Gun Safety, shares insights on local gun violence solutions and how the issue is evolving. From policy shifts to community-driven efforts, we cover it all. Listen in!Links Mentioned in Episode:everytown.orgareyougoodwiththat.comMore info about UVA's Gun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.provost.virginia.edu

Join us for a conversation with Andrew Papachristos, a Sociologist at Northwestern University. We discuss his research on gun violence, social networks, and urban crime. More info about Andrew Papachristos work: cornersresearch.orgMore info about UVA's Gun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.provost.virginia.edu

Listen as we talk with Mark Culliton & Michelle Caldeira of Uncornered, an organization that transforms some of the most neglected individuals into leaders for violence prevention.More info about UVA's Gun Violence Solutions Project: gvsp.provost.virginia.edu More info about Uncornered: uncornered.org

Join us for a conversation with UVA alumnus Greg Jackson, B.A.’07, former Deputy Director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.More info about UVA's Gun Violence Solutions Project:gvsp.provost.virginia.eduYou can find Greg Jackson at -->Insta: @theactionjacksonLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gregoryjacksonjr/X: TheGregoryJackson