This week on Whiskey & Windage, we sit down with Derek LeBlanc, founder of the Kids SAFE Foundation, to talk about his mission to educate kids and families about real firearm safety - not fear, not politics - just responsibility. Derek’s program has reached tens of thousands of young shooters and parents across the country, helping them understand the fundamentals of safe handling, proper unloading, range discipline, and respect for firearms.

We dive into why teaching firearm safety early matters, how to approach the topic with your kids, and what parents can do to make sure curiosity never turns into a tragedy. Derek shares stories from his hands-on training events, the lessons he’s learned working with families, and why education—not legislation—is the real solution for long-term safety.

This is one of those conversations that every gun owner, parent, or instructor should hear. Whether you’re new to the range or you’ve been around guns your whole life, Derek’s approach to teaching responsibility and respect hits home.