David Yamane
@davidyamane.bsky.social
Sociologist at Wake Forest U. Gun Curious. A.k.a., the Bob Ross of Guns. davidyamane.com
https://linktr.ee/lightoverheat
https://linktr.ee/lightoverheat
Pinned
How I Fell for Guns - David Yamane, 2025
David Yamane on the 'serious leisure' of shooting.
journals.sagepub.com
To fully appreciate why people own guns, we need to understand the individual & communal pleasures associated with shooting. These are the pleasures that led me to fall for guns. New essay in @contexts.org by @sagepub.com and @asanews.bsky.social.
OPEN ACCESS: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
OPEN ACCESS: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
The AR-15 continues to play an outsized role in our national shouting match about guns. A two-year old book and my review of it are sadly current.
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
Review of American Gun: The True Story of the AR-15
Post inspired by a recent Guns Unpacked podcast interview with the authors
open.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:26 PM
The AR-15 continues to play an outsized role in our national shouting match about guns. A two-year old book and my review of it are sadly current.
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
The response to my 4:00 am thoughts on Sig Sauer X TPUSA was extraordinary, so I took some time this afternoon to compose some additional thoughts on the 5 most common responses to my post.
lightoverheat.substack.com/p/further-th...
lightoverheat.substack.com/p/further-th...
Further Thoughts on Sig Sauer X TPUSA
Responses to specific points raised in the comments
lightoverheat.substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 8:29 PM
The response to my 4:00 am thoughts on Sig Sauer X TPUSA was extraordinary, so I took some time this afternoon to compose some additional thoughts on the 5 most common responses to my post.
lightoverheat.substack.com/p/further-th...
lightoverheat.substack.com/p/further-th...
I had a good 13 year run with ACLDN. Meaning, like my auto, homeowners, life, and AD&D insurance, I never had to use it.
They sold to CCW Safe. Haven't had time to explore their program, but imagine they are at least decent in their coverage.
They sold to CCW Safe. Haven't had time to explore their program, but imagine they are at least decent in their coverage.
November 8, 2025 at 3:59 PM
I had a good 13 year run with ACLDN. Meaning, like my auto, homeowners, life, and AD&D insurance, I never had to use it.
They sold to CCW Safe. Haven't had time to explore their program, but imagine they are at least decent in their coverage.
They sold to CCW Safe. Haven't had time to explore their program, but imagine they are at least decent in their coverage.
There is nothing more flattering than someone taking time to read your work, except people taking time to engage your work. Thanks @amcneely.com and @contexts.org .
New on the blog! @amcneely.com (@utdallas.bsky.social) responds to @davidyamane.bsky.social ➡️ contexts.org/blog/a-forme...
November 8, 2025 at 2:09 PM
There is nothing more flattering than someone taking time to read your work, except people taking time to engage your work. Thanks @amcneely.com and @contexts.org .
Proud of my @wakeforest.bsky.social sociology student for contributing her thoughts on Trump's education compact in this public forum:
In this Future View, students discuss the White House’s agenda for universities. www.wsj.com/opinion/the-... via @wsj.com
In this Future View, students discuss the White House’s agenda for universities. www.wsj.com/opinion/the-... via @wsj.com
Opinion | The Trump Education Compact: Threat or Salvation?
Students discuss the White House’s agenda for universities.
www.wsj.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Proud of my @wakeforest.bsky.social sociology student for contributing her thoughts on Trump's education compact in this public forum:
In this Future View, students discuss the White House’s agenda for universities. www.wsj.com/opinion/the-... via @wsj.com
In this Future View, students discuss the White House’s agenda for universities. www.wsj.com/opinion/the-... via @wsj.com
Gun Curious sales have been solid but haven’t reached the “I told you so” numbers I’d imagined sending to all of the many publishers who passed on it. Even as I move on, I believe Gun Curious remains singular. Ironically, that singularity is what makes it a hard sell.
youtu.be/nYlUcddbLcY?...
youtu.be/nYlUcddbLcY?...
An Update on Sales of My Book Gun Curious and Future Sales Plans (Light Over Heat #141)
YouTube video by Light Over Heat with Professor David Yamane
youtu.be
November 7, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Gun Curious sales have been solid but haven’t reached the “I told you so” numbers I’d imagined sending to all of the many publishers who passed on it. Even as I move on, I believe Gun Curious remains singular. Ironically, that singularity is what makes it a hard sell.
youtu.be/nYlUcddbLcY?...
youtu.be/nYlUcddbLcY?...
If you want to join us for any of our three-part conversation on the political roots of the NRA and contemporary gun culture, here's your Zoom webinar registration link: wakeforest-university.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details: davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
Details: davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
November 6, 2025 at 6:22 PM
If you want to join us for any of our three-part conversation on the political roots of the NRA and contemporary gun culture, here's your Zoom webinar registration link: wakeforest-university.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
Details: davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
Details: davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
As The Bob Ross of Guns, I can definitely get behind talking about guns in a less extreme, more nuanced way. This is NOT the way.
On Substack today: Banning Assault Weapons AND Having Healthier Conversations about Guns?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
On Substack today: Banning Assault Weapons AND Having Healthier Conversations about Guns?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
Banning Assault Weapons AND Having Healthier Conversations about Guns?
When reading beyond the headline doesn't tell you more than the headline
open.substack.com
November 6, 2025 at 2:20 PM
As The Bob Ross of Guns, I can definitely get behind talking about guns in a less extreme, more nuanced way. This is NOT the way.
On Substack today: Banning Assault Weapons AND Having Healthier Conversations about Guns?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
On Substack today: Banning Assault Weapons AND Having Healthier Conversations about Guns?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
Still working on the registration link but if you want to get started here's a link with all the info. This book is critical of the NRA & gun culture but the author makes a very interesting argument abt the deep political roots of the NRA which merits consideration.
davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
Virtual Book Club
Last year I decided to experiment with hosting an online book club to discuss recent books about guns and gun culture. It was a great success. We read four books in 2024 (see below), and plan to re…
davidyamane.com
November 5, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Still working on the registration link but if you want to get started here's a link with all the info. This book is critical of the NRA & gun culture but the author makes a very interesting argument abt the deep political roots of the NRA which merits consideration.
davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
davidyamane.com/welcome-to-v...
Early morning reflection on the release of Sig Sauer X Turning Point USA pistols. How do you read this announcement? Does it surprise you, or does it feel inevitable? What am I missing in my initial reaction?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
Sig Sauer X Turning Point USA Pistols
Wow. Just, Wow.
open.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Early morning reflection on the release of Sig Sauer X Turning Point USA pistols. How do you read this announcement? Does it surprise you, or does it feel inevitable? What am I missing in my initial reaction?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
Excited to announce the second Fall 2025 Light Over Heat Virtual Book Club selection is "Race, Rights, and Rifles: The Origins of the NRA and Contemporary Gun Culture" by @afilindra.bsky.social (@uchicagopress.bsky.social, 2023). Stay tuned for details.
November 4, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Excited to announce the second Fall 2025 Light Over Heat Virtual Book Club selection is "Race, Rights, and Rifles: The Origins of the NRA and Contemporary Gun Culture" by @afilindra.bsky.social (@uchicagopress.bsky.social, 2023). Stay tuned for details.
Tell me you're a __________ without telling me you're a __________.
(Seen on campus yesterday.)
(Seen on campus yesterday.)
October 31, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Tell me you're a __________ without telling me you're a __________.
(Seen on campus yesterday.)
(Seen on campus yesterday.)
Tonight is the last of three discussions of GUN BARONS, so I'm seeking suggestions for my book club's next book on guns and related topics (our 8th book). New or recent titles preferred. Previous books down thread.
October 30, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Tonight is the last of three discussions of GUN BARONS, so I'm seeking suggestions for my book club's next book on guns and related topics (our 8th book). New or recent titles preferred. Previous books down thread.
Reposted by David Yamane
I’m going to push this again.
@davidyamane.bsky.social and I are in it, among others
Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
@davidyamane.bsky.social and I are in it, among others
Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns
Since Trump's election, gun groups catering to progressives and people of color report a surge in interest as they look to defend themselves in a country that, to them, feels increasingly unstable.
www.npr.org
October 30, 2025 at 4:22 AM
I’m going to push this again.
@davidyamane.bsky.social and I are in it, among others
Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
@davidyamane.bsky.social and I are in it, among others
Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns
www.npr.org/2025/10/28/n...
I always think I have accommodated myself to the fact that my take on guns is not of interest to those who just want to yell from their entrenched positions. And then people comment on my work and I realize I have not fully accommodated myself to this sad reality.
October 29, 2025 at 9:45 PM
I always think I have accommodated myself to the fact that my take on guns is not of interest to those who just want to yell from their entrenched positions. And then people comment on my work and I realize I have not fully accommodated myself to this sad reality.
Had some blowback on my use of GenAI to create a "podcast" conversation about an essay I wrote, so I am here to give the people what they (apparently) want: My sonorous and velvety voice reading the essay in question.
youtu.be/eqTLa8f616Y?...
youtu.be/eqTLa8f616Y?...
By Popular Demand: David Reads His Essay on 5 Essential Observations on Guns in America (LoH #140)
YouTube video by Light Over Heat with Professor David Yamane
youtu.be
October 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Had some blowback on my use of GenAI to create a "podcast" conversation about an essay I wrote, so I am here to give the people what they (apparently) want: My sonorous and velvety voice reading the essay in question.
youtu.be/eqTLa8f616Y?...
youtu.be/eqTLa8f616Y?...
Happy to contribute to this deeply reported piece by @franklangfitt.bsky.social on @npr.org All Things Considered. Likely to spark controversy from the left and right.
Listen to: Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns - one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5546...
Listen to: Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns - one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5546...
🔊 Listen Now: Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns
All Things Considered on NPR One | 8:17
one.npr.org
October 29, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Happy to contribute to this deeply reported piece by @franklangfitt.bsky.social on @npr.org All Things Considered. Likely to spark controversy from the left and right.
Listen to: Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns - one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5546...
Listen to: Why liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns - one.npr.org/i/nx-s1-5546...
I'm excited to speak to public policy students at the U. of Virginia today about "The Paradox of Guns: Normality and Violence." I will try to bring together many of the lessons I've learned over the past 15 years I've been a gun owner hanging around other gun owners and roaming around gun culture.
October 28, 2025 at 5:39 PM
I'm excited to speak to public policy students at the U. of Virginia today about "The Paradox of Guns: Normality and Violence." I will try to bring together many of the lessons I've learned over the past 15 years I've been a gun owner hanging around other gun owners and roaming around gun culture.
A five minute AI generated podcast conversation summarizing my work on gun culture. I thought it did pretty well for a machine. What do you think?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
"Deep Dive" Conversation About Guns in America
Based on my essay in The Conversation
open.substack.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:57 PM
A five minute AI generated podcast conversation summarizing my work on gun culture. I thought it did pretty well for a machine. What do you think?
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
open.substack.com/pub/lightove...
ICYMI: I posted a video explanation of my short essay on "How I fell for Guns" (published by @asanews.bsky.social in @contexts.org and open access until 11/17).
youtu.be/A1OG-hVdKM0
youtu.be/A1OG-hVdKM0
How I Fell for Guns (Hint: Shooting is Fun) and Free Download Opportunity (Light Over Heat #139)
YouTube video by Light Over Heat with Professor David Yamane
youtu.be
October 24, 2025 at 11:43 AM
ICYMI: I posted a video explanation of my short essay on "How I fell for Guns" (published by @asanews.bsky.social in @contexts.org and open access until 11/17).
youtu.be/A1OG-hVdKM0
youtu.be/A1OG-hVdKM0
Grateful for interest in my essay, "How I Fell for Guns." It's already in the top 5 of trending articles on the @contexts.org website. Please continue to download and share the article on your social media while the article is open access (until November 17th).
doi.org/10.1177/1536...
doi.org/10.1177/1536...
October 23, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Grateful for interest in my essay, "How I Fell for Guns." It's already in the top 5 of trending articles on the @contexts.org website. Please continue to download and share the article on your social media while the article is open access (until November 17th).
doi.org/10.1177/1536...
doi.org/10.1177/1536...
Congrats to the 5 folks who won free copies of the new 8th ed of Religion in Sociological Perspective (@sagepub.com, 2025) w/new co-author @jh1791.bsky.social.
4 were here on BlueSky. Find your names downthread and please send me a PM here or an email w/your mailing address!
4 were here on BlueSky. Find your names downthread and please send me a PM here or an email w/your mailing address!
October 21, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Congrats to the 5 folks who won free copies of the new 8th ed of Religion in Sociological Perspective (@sagepub.com, 2025) w/new co-author @jh1791.bsky.social.
4 were here on BlueSky. Find your names downthread and please send me a PM here or an email w/your mailing address!
4 were here on BlueSky. Find your names downthread and please send me a PM here or an email w/your mailing address!
To fully appreciate why people own guns, we need to understand the individual & communal pleasures associated with shooting. These are the pleasures that led me to fall for guns. New essay in @contexts.org by @sagepub.com and @asanews.bsky.social.
OPEN ACCESS: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
OPEN ACCESS: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
How I Fell for Guns - David Yamane, 2025
David Yamane on the 'serious leisure' of shooting.
journals.sagepub.com
October 20, 2025 at 12:55 PM
To fully appreciate why people own guns, we need to understand the individual & communal pleasures associated with shooting. These are the pleasures that led me to fall for guns. New essay in @contexts.org by @sagepub.com and @asanews.bsky.social.
OPEN ACCESS: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
OPEN ACCESS: journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10....
Today is the last day to re-Sky (re-Blue?) this post to have a chance to win one of five free copies of my Sociology of Religion textbook. Drawing is tomorrow (10/17).
RETWEET TO ENTER a drawing for 1 of 5 copies. Esp looking for grad student entries by 10/17.
Trying to get the word out about the 8th edition of Religion in Sociological Perspective with new co-author @jh1791.bsky.social, published by @sagepub.com
Trying to get the word out about the 8th edition of Religion in Sociological Perspective with new co-author @jh1791.bsky.social, published by @sagepub.com
October 16, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Today is the last day to re-Sky (re-Blue?) this post to have a chance to win one of five free copies of my Sociology of Religion textbook. Drawing is tomorrow (10/17).
Trying something new on Light Over Heat this week: A narrated version of one of the essays I published recently on my Substack. What do y'all think? Should I continue to make audio versions of some of my writing?
youtu.be/b6GvwR1kDpI?...
youtu.be/b6GvwR1kDpI?...
I Went Hunting for the First Time! Reflecting on My Experience Going After Gambel's Quail (LoH #138)
YouTube video by Light Over Heat with Professor David Yamane
youtu.be
October 16, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Trying something new on Light Over Heat this week: A narrated version of one of the essays I published recently on my Substack. What do y'all think? Should I continue to make audio versions of some of my writing?
youtu.be/b6GvwR1kDpI?...
youtu.be/b6GvwR1kDpI?...