Stories From The Cold Dead Hands
For as long as American media has reported on mass shooting events, their reports focus on the perpetrators of these events – their lives, families, motivations, even what foods they’ve dined on after apprehension. In sharp contrast, The Cold Dead Hands is changing the way we talk about these tragic and horrifying stories. Every Monday from 9-11pm EST, your hosts Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Activist Brett Cross bring you stories from the families and survivors of these tragic events, finally shining a light on those lost to gun violence and sharing their lives, surviving family member stories, passions, dreams, and more. (If you’d like to help Ben and Brett, along with the other American families affected by these tragedies, to convince our politicians to put an end to gun violence, please visit TheShotline.org for more information on how to take action.) About the hosts: Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow: Dr. Dowd-Arrow is a passionate advocate for widespread gun reform in America. A sociologist and researcher with a focus on gun ownership and gun violence, Dr. Dowd-Arrow has appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, ABC, NBC, and more. Currently a professor of Public Health at Florida State University, Dr. Dowd-Arrow focuses on gun-related topics, health inequalities, and how those inequalities show up when thinking about race, religion, and ethnicity. A dedicated friend and advocate, Ben is proud and passionate to bring you The Cold Dead Hands with his co-host, Brett Cross. When The Cold Dead Hands isn’t airing, you can find Ben anywhere on the internet at twxtter, tiktok, instagram, threads, twitch, and cameo. His handles are @dowdarrow on all social media (except twitch where he is @bendowdarrow). Brett Cross: Brett Cross is a father and a firebrand. A deeply committed husband, Brett and his family lived the colloquial regular life in Texas until May 24th, 2022 when their lovely son, Uziyah Garcia (who Brett sometimes calls Uzi), was murdered during the Robb Elementary shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Brett’s passion to save other children and families was activated in that moment, and since then, he has been a vocal and visible activist. Cross is unafraid to speak truth to power, confronting gun lobbyists and even American politicians who, in his words, “show the world that guns mean more to them than children.” Brett Cross is proud to make waves, having organized protests, sit-ins, and facing arrests done in an attempt to silence him. He will not stop and is proud to bring you a desperately needed view of the other side of this hot-button issue on The Cold Dead Hands with his co-host, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow. When The Cold Dead Hands isn’t airing, you can find Brett on tiktok, twxtter, instagram, threads, and twitch.
Listen on:
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Brett Cross talk with Garnell Walls about the loss of his friend, Sheldon. Sheldon’s death at a local community event remains an unsolved murder. They also discuss politics and ways that the Harris administration could end gun violence in this country.
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
Tuesday Sep 17, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Brett Cross talk to Congressional hopeful, Victoria Broderick, about the role of guns in American society, the impact of money in politics, and the reasons that our government refuses to address gun violence in the United States. Victoria’s stances can be found at https://www.victoria4tennessee.org.
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow sits down with former political aspirant, Khary Penebaker, to discuss gun suicide in America, lobbying efforts, and the importance of discussing all forms of gun mortality as well as a need to dispel myths and half-truths about guns. Listener discretion is advised.
Friday Aug 16, 2024
Friday Aug 16, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Brett Cross discuss the releasing of body cam footage and phone calls from Uvalde, Uziyah’s birthday, and the fictions people tell themselves about good guys and guns.
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
In this week’s episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Brett Cross talk to Shaundelle Brooks, who lost her son, Akilah DaSilva, on April 22, 2018 at a mass shooting in a Waffle House in Tennessee. Akilah was a computer engineer and musician. He rapped under the pseudonym Natrix Dream, and his music can be found on many platforms. Since, that tragic event, Brooks has risen up to challenge the gun lobby and career politicians and currently is running for a State House seat in District 60. She can be found on social media, including Instagram and TikTok, as @natrixdreammom.
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Brett Cross talk with lawyer, activist, and comedian, Elizabeth Booker Houston, about the murder of her brother John. They discuss police failings, powerful connections, and other barriers to justice in the now cold case. They end the episode discussing social media activism, the Supreme Court’s latest decisions, and the sudden shift in the Democratic Party’s leadership.
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
Thursday Jul 18, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Brett Cross talk with Amber Starr about the murder of her father, Stephen Starr, by a man who stalked her. With special guest host Steve (Facts Still Matter on TikTok). Trigger Warning: some of the discussion may be disturbing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised.
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
Thursday Jul 11, 2024
In this episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow and Brett Cross talk about the death of Garrett Foster with his mother, Sheila Foster, and widow, Whitney Mitchell. Garrett was murdered while attending a Black Lives Matter event in Austin by a racist extremist. Despite being found guilty of premeditated murder, the murderer was ultimately pardoned by Governor Greg Abbott because the Governor of Texas sympathized with the murderer’s racist ideologies.
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
Thursday Jul 04, 2024
On the inaugural episode, Dr. Benjamin Dowd-Arrow talks to his co-host Brett Cross about Uvalde. With special guest Phillip Kennedy Johnson.