When the Alarm Feels Real: Teens, School Shootings, and the Weight of “What If”

Dan Zukowski, Marcos Montessino, and Gavin Lynch lead a frank conversation about growing up with active shooter drills, the lockdown false alarm that shook Columbus, and the steady stream of headlines that make danger feel closer than ever. They speak with Miami-Dade officers Sergeant Jose Ramirez and Manny Malgor about situational awareness and real-world preparedness, then share their own moments of fear, quick decisions, and messages to family. The hosts focus on how students carry these experiences and what it means for their mental health in a place that’s supposed to feel safe.