Bang for Bucks: Celebrating the guns, podcasts, and heroes defending your Second Amendment rights in 2025
2A Champions must be revered. From podcasts to campus crusaders, the firearms industry has its own “Oscars” — the Gundie Awards — and 2025 is shaping up to spotlight the boldest voices defending the Second Amendment. Stephen Willeford, the 2017 “hero with a gun” who stopped Texas’ deadliest mass shooting, joins us to break down this year’s nominees and why their work matters more than ever as the fight for gun rights heats up nationwide.
Every year, the Gundie Awards highlight the most influential of creators, educators and advocates within the firearms industry. And this year is no exception, with many podcasts and defenders of the Second Amendment earning nominations.
2A Gundies
With that, the Gun Owners of America have called upon their own, with three key nominations across these categories:
State of the Second Podcast—Podcast of the Year: GOA’s weekly program that connects the goals of the firearms industry with everyday gun owners, spotlighting the stories and individuals advancing Second Amendment freedoms. State of the Second can be found on all major podcast platforms including Apple and Spotify.
Ben Sanderson—Most Influential Male: GOA’s Deputy Director of Federal Affairs and host of Minuteman Moment,recognized for his leadership on Capitol Hill and his ability to turn complex policy fights into clear, motivating calls to action.
2A Defenders—Top Voice of the 2A: Gun Owners Foundation’s youth-centered initiative that reaches the next generation through educational materials, web shows, and campus speaking tours. 2A Defenders is known for boldly challenging anti-gun echo chambers on college campuses and equipping students to stand confidently for their rights. Check out 2A Defenders on Instagram and TikTok.
Voting is officially underway for users over the age of 18, and can be done here.
Erich Pratt, who serves as Senior Vice President of Gun Owners of America, noted, “GOA is honored to be recognized alongside so many passionate defenders of the Second Amendment. These nominations reflect the dedication of our team and the strength of the grassroots movement behind us. Whether through impactful podcasts, federal advocacy, or on-campus outreach to the next generation, GOA and GOF remain committed to defending freedom without compromise.”
Stephen Willeford, the 2017 “hero with a gun” who serves as spokesman for the group, joins us now to discuss the significance of these nominees. We welcome him to the show!
Q&A:
- For those unfamiliar with the Gundie awards, tell us more about them.
- Why are these awards so important in this day and age, especially with everything that’s happening with gun rights right now?
- Tell us more about the State of the Second podcast, and what makes them stand out amongst its competition.
- Tell us more about Ben Sanderson. How significant has he been when it comes to fighting for gun rights?
- Then we have the youth-centered initiative that is the 2A Defenders. Why is it so important for students to have their gun rights? Safety? Or is there another factor to consider?
- Where do you see the argument surrounding gun rights going as 2026 approaches?
- You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- Where can people find your book?
- You can purchase the book here on Amazon, both in paperback and Kindle format.
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
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