Stop the Killing

S6E11 Surviving a Mass Shooting: Whitney Austin’s Story of Strength — Part 1

May 14, 2026·30 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

In this powerful first part of a two-part conversation, Katherine Schweit speaks with Whitney Austin, survivor of the 2018 Cincinnati mass shooting and founder of Whitney Strong. Whitney shares the ordinary morning that became life-changing: driving from Kentucky to Cincinnati for work, walking into her office building while on a conference call, and suddenly finding herself caught in an active shooter situation. Shot 12 times, Whitney recalls the terrifying moments inside the revolving door, the clarity that helped her survive, the first responders who reached her, and the phone call to her husband that no family should ever receive. This episode explores survival, situational awareness, trauma, and the ripple effects of violence — not only on those physically injured, but on families, workplaces, first responders, and entire communities. In Part Two, Katherine and Whitney discuss recovery, Whitney Strong, and how Whitney turned unimaginable trauma into action. Learn more about Whitney’s work:Whitney Strong In this episode: Whitney Austin’s experience during the 2018 Cincinnati shooting Why situational awareness matters The role of first responders in active shooter events The impact of gun violence beyond the immediate victims What it means to survive — and begin again Part Two is out next week. For early access, ad-free episodes, and to support the work we do, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or visit:patreon.com/stopthekilling WANT THE VIDEOS HEAD TO YOUTUBE @sarahferrismedia  And if you are wanting AD FREE | EARLY ACCESS | BONUS CONTENT  HIT THE BANNER ON APPLE PODCASTS TO SUBSCRIBE OR SUPPORT US: Patreon.com/stopthekilling  Message us on instagram :  @conmunitypodcast @stopthekillingstories And for all things Katherine Schweit including where you can purchase her book STOP THE KILLING: How to end the mass shooting crisis head to: www.katherineschweit.com RESOURCES Stop the Bleed training FBI  RUN, HIDE, FIGHT This is a CONmunity Podcast Production on the Killer Podcasts Network Check out more: CONNING THE CON KLOOGHLESS - THE LONG CON GUILTY GREENIE THE BRAVERY ACADEMY Klooghless: The Long Con  Watching Two Detectives  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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