We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Heidi Yewman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Heidi below.
Heidi, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose on April 20, 1999—the day of the Columbine High School massacre. Watching the horrifying scenes unfold at my former high school changed everything. Seeing students flee the same hallways I had walked years earlier and learning that my former basketball coach, Dave Sanders, had died saving others made me realize I couldn’t stand by and do nothing. That day, I committed myself to fighting for a safer world, free from gun violence.
Since then, I’ve channeled my purpose into creating tangible change. My book, Beyond the Bullet, shares stories of people whose lives have been forever altered by gun violence, offering a deeply personal lens on the ripple effects of these tragedies. My documentary, Behind the Bullet, delves into the lives of those who have killed in self-defense, asking hard questions about the emotional and psychological toll of pulling the trigger. Through these projects, I’ve given voice to stories often left untold and inspired conversations that foster empathy and understanding.
Additionally, I’ve written numerous articles, including My Month with a Gun, to challenge perceptions, provoke thought, and advocate for sensible gun control measures. Each piece of work is rooted in my belief that storytelling has the power to change hearts and minds—and save lives.
My purpose is to save lives by sharing stories that create awareness, foster empathy, and inspire action. It’s about standing up for victims, supporting survivors, and working toward a future where no one has to endure the pain caused by gun violence. Every book, film, and article is a step toward that goal, and it all began with the moment I realized I had to do something after Columbine.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an author, filmmaker, and advocate who believes in the power of storytelling to create change. My work is deeply personal—it comes from my own experiences of surviving childhood abuse and witnessing the devastating effects of gun violence. Through storytelling, I aim to humanize these difficult issues and help others find empathy, connection, and hope.
What makes my work special to me is that it’s rooted in truth—raw, unfiltered, and sometimes painful truth. My book Beyond the Bullet shares the stories of people forever changed by gun violence, while my documentary Behind the Bullet explores the emotional weight carried by those who have taken a life after buying a gun for self-defense. These projects aren’t just about raising awareness; they’re about asking tough questions, inspiring conversations, and finding humanity in even the hardest of stories.
Right now, I’m especially excited about my upcoming memoir, Dumb Girl, which will be published by She Writes Press this August. It’s the most vulnerable thing I’ve ever written—a look at how I turned the pain of my abusive childhood into resilience and purpose. This book is my way of shedding shame and owning my story, and I hope it will inspire others to do the same. Alongside the book launch, I’m planning events and speaking engagements to connect directly with readers and continue advocating for change. For more information go to my website www.heidiyewman.com
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, three things have had the biggest impact on my journey: resilience, empathy, and the courage to tell my truth—even when it’s hard.
Resilience came from surviving things I didn’t think I could. Growing up in an abusive home, I learned to adapt and keep going, even when it felt impossible. I think of the time my dad kicked me out of the car on a snowy highway to teach me a lesson. I was six. I stood there, terrified he wouldn’t come back. But when he did, I climbed back in, held my tears, and resolved to do whatever it took to stay safe, including not making him angry.
My advice? Don’t expect resilience to come easily or all at once. It’s something you build, piece by piece, moment by moment. And don’t be afraid to lean on others when you need to—resilience doesn’t mean doing it all alone.
Empathy became my guide. Writing Beyond the Bullet and directing Behind the Bullet, I sat with people who’d lost loved ones to gun violence or carried the weight of having pulled the trigger themselves. Their stories broke me open and showed me the power of truly listening.
To develop empathy, start by being curious. Listen—really listen—to people’s stories, even when they make you uncomfortable. Especially then. Empathy doesn’t just connect us; it makes us stronger.
Courage to tell my truth was the hardest thing to find. For years, I stayed silent about my experiences because shame held me back. Writing Dumb Girl was terrifying because it meant putting my story out there for the world to see.
I still remember sitting in the audience of The Vagina Monologues and hearing Jane Fonda ask survivors of sexual abuse to stand. I stood, but not in power—I stood in shame. That moment stayed with me and eventually became the push I needed to share my story.
My advice? Start small. Share your story with one person you trust. Write it down for yourself. The more you practice stepping into your truth, the lighter it feels—and the more powerful you become.
Resilience, empathy, and courage didn’t come naturally to me. They were born from pain and shaped over time. If you’re early in your journey, be patient with yourself. Growth isn’t linear, and it’s okay to struggle. What matters is that you keep showing up—for yourself and for the people who need you.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The person who has been most helpful in my journey is my husband, Dave. His unwavering support has been a cornerstone of my healing and my ability to step into advocacy and storytelling. I write about this in my memoir, Dumb Girl, where I share some of the hardest and most vulnerable moments of my life—moments that Dave has been there to help me through, both literally and figuratively.
There were nights when I’d wake up screaming from nightmares about the abuse I endured as a child, and Dave would sit with me, holding me until I felt safe again. He never tried to fix it or dismiss it; he just listened and stayed present. His steady love gave me the foundation I needed to confront my past and eventually share it with the world.
Dave has also been instrumental in helping me find my voice as an advocate. I remember the night before my NRA debate on live TV—one of the most intimidating things I’ve ever done. I was overwhelmed with self-doubt, terrified of facing an opponent who was ready to dismiss me. Dave worked with me for days helping me come up with talking points and reminding me of why my voice mattered. When I practiced my arguments, he played devil’s advocate to make sure I was prepared for anything they might throw at me. He never let me back down or give up, even when I wanted to. I walked into that TV studio knowing I wasn’t alone—and that made all the difference.
What I’ve learned from Dave is the power of showing up—for yourself and for the people you love. His presence taught me to trust again, to believe in myself, and to find the courage to face the things I’d long avoided. My advice to anyone starting their journey is to surround yourself with people who uplift you. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a community, having someone who believes in you can make all the difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heidiyewman.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-yewman-aa52ba71/
Image Credits
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