I Was Almost a School Shooter: Aaron Stark's Story

In this powerful two-hour episode of the Walk the Talk America Podcast, Jake Wiskerchen sits down with Aaron Stark—a man who once nearly became a school shooter—to explore the roots of despair, the systemic failures that allow trauma to fester, and the moments of compassion that can save a life.

Aaron shares his deeply personal story of abuse, neglect, and hopelessness—and how two friends changed everything. From the dangerous effects of untreated shame to the failure of our systems to identify and intervene with at-risk youth, this conversation is a raw, honest, and emotional dive into what truly drives people to the edge—and what pulls them back.

Jake and Aaron also explore the flaws in our current mental health and school-based support systems, the cultural stigma surrounding getting help, and the real solutions that can prevent violence before it starts.

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