#247 Jacquelyn Clark - Suicide Prevention
Watch the episode here
Listen to the podcast here
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States — and it continues to impact families, communities, veterans, first responders, and everyday people at an alarming rate. This is not just a statistic. It’s a call to action. In this powerful and deeply important episode of The Mountain Side Podcast, Bobby Marshall sits down with Jacquelyn Clark for a courageous, honest, and solution-focused conversation about suicide prevention awareness, depression, responsible firearm practices, and how we can better show up for the people in our lives. If you are currently going through something — or know someone who is walking through a difficult season — this episode is for you. Jacquelyn Clark is a Suicide Awareness Advocate and the Founder and Co-Owner of Bristlecone Shooting, Training, & Retail Center in Lakewood, Colorado. Her professional background includes seven years serving on the Executive Team of a $35 million company, along with extensive experience in business development and accounting for mid-size and Fortune 300 companies. She is a Certified Pistol Instructor, a Certified Defensive Firearms Coach, and an active contributor to the Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition.
Together, Bobby and Jacquelyn address:
• Recognizing warning signs of suicide and depression
• Breaking the stigma around mental health conversations
• Safe firearm storage and responsible ownership
• Practical ways to help someone who may be struggling
• Building a culture of awareness, accountability, and compassion
This conversation goes beyond awareness — it’s about responsibility, community, and courage. It’s about leaning into hard conversations instead of avoiding them. It’s about protecting life.
In true Mountain Side fashion, this episode brings faith, resilience, leadership, and real-world practicality to a topic that affects us all.
If this conversation resonates with you, share it. Conversations like this save lives.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. In the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Immediate help is available.
Subscribe, rate, and follow The Mountain Side Podcast for more meaningful conversations that matter.
-
In a powerful episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Jacquelyn Clark, a deeply committed suicide awareness advocate and member of Colorado Firearm Safety Coalition. Jacquelyn also owns and operates the Bristol Cone Shooting Training and Retail Center, combining her passion for firearms with a commitment to mental health awareness. This episode delves into crucial discussions around suicide, aiming to inform and provide resources without interruptions — ensuring that listeners engage with this important content from start to end.
Setting the Context Jacquelyn's journey into suicide prevention began with personal and professional experiences, particularly after she and her husband opened an indoor shooting range and gun store, Bristol Cone, in Lakewood, Colorado. What started as a business opportunity quickly turned into a mission when they realized the staggering rates of suicide within the firearm and military communities. Jacquelyn's passion for making a difference was sparked by the realization that with access to a lethal means, such as firearms, individuals in crisis might not have a chance to reconsider.
The Importance of Mental Health and Immediate Resources As stated in the podcast, mental health can fluctuate, with many experiencing temporary difficulties. It's crucial to reach out for professional help during such times. The episode emphasizes that anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should contact experts who can provide support — such as through the 9-8-8 hotline in the United States, which connects callers to real counselors 24/7. Creating Safe Spaces and Spreading Awareness Jacquelyn shared various ways the firearms industry and the community at large can proactively address mental health risks. From offering temporary out-of-home gun storage at facilities like Bristol Cone to encourage open discussions about mental health, the aim is to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. By emphasizing 'lethal means safety,' these efforts hope to mitigate impulsive actions during crises.
Community and Individual Actions Driving home the episode’s theme, "Someone can't do everything, but everyone can do something," Jacquelyn highlighted how individual and community initiatives play a pivotal role. By fostering environments where open conversations about vulnerability occur — whether around firearms, mental health, or everyday life stressors — we create supportive networks where people feel less isolated and more likely to reach out.
For Families and Loved Ones Educating families, especially involving youth and elderly populations, is another crucial aspect discussed. It's essential for families to have open and honest conversations about mental health, access to firearms, and support systems. Programs at Bristol Cone focus on educating youth and demystifying firearms to promote a safe environment and reduce accidental incidents. Conclusion Jacquelyn's commitment to suicide prevention within her community and beyond serves as an essential reminder that addressing mental health and reducing preventable deaths requires collective effort. By providing resources, sharing personal stories, and promoting awareness, we advocate for a culture that supports mental well-being and effectively prevents suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to professional help. Dial 9-8-8 for immediate support from a mental health counselor. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources and people ready to help you navigate through challenging times.