Guns are the leading cause of death for those who die by suicide. Yet guns are so interwoven into our culture, thinking about reducing guns is a near impossible conversation to have - and it certainly does not allow for us to actually make an impact on reducing the number of people who die by suicide. But is it possible to dream about other solutions? Can we use technological advancements to make a difference? These are the conversations that Scott guides us through today.

Remember also that September is suicide awareness month, and we want to encourage you to take a couple moments and check out suicidepreventionlifeline.org and learn how we can all make a difference. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, and to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.

*******

Scott Smith, MSW, has worked in the field of behavioral health and human services for over a decade. He began his social work career in k-12 education by implementing trauma informed strategies, restorative practices and substance use prevention frameworks both in the US and abroad. He has served on numerous boards and committees at the local and state levels and previously served as the President of the Southwest Colorado chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). Currently, Scott works as the Executive Director of the Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County. He attended Fort Lewis College where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and later attended the University of Denver where he received his Masters in Social Work. Scott is a life-long advocate for social justice and when he isn’t working you can find him skiing, biking, gardening or cooking food for family and friends.

imaginezerosuicide.org

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Suicide Hotline:

1-800-273-8255

*******

The Third Place Podcast is a weekly podcast that invites listeners into the hard conversations that we have a tendency to avoid.

We “go there” on things such as…

• How anger is beautiful
• How to find presence amidst chaos
• How to have difficult conversations
• How to be an ally
• How to live with grief

The Third Place is a safe place where curiosity is encouraged, differences are welcomed, and empathy is embraced through healthy dialogue.

We've forgotten how to talk to each other… Life has become polarized and dualistic - you’re either with me or against me. To embrace the complex human experience is to see the world through other’s eyes. The Third Place podcast helps with the disconnect. This looks like less conflict and tension and more like a peaceful existence with others. The Third Place podcast restores the art of dialogue.

For additional resources and if you're interested in supporting the work of The Third Place Podcast, check out our Patreon page.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-third-place/donations