Hosts:

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, LCSW – Child of a Police Officer

Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC S – Child of a Police Officer

Episode Overview

In this episode of When the Call Hits Home, Jennifer and Ashlee are back after some time away and dive into a real, honest conversation about burnout in first responders. From conference insights to personal experiences, this episode highlights how stress builds and how our bodies often send warning signs before we’re ready to listen.

Ashlee shares her experience attending a international conference and what stood out most, including the science behind decision-making in high-pressure situations and the reality of how quickly first responders are forced to act. The conversation also explores decision fatigue, impatience, and how the job impacts life at home.

The episode takes a personal turn as Ashlee opens up about being forced to slow down after getting sick, missing an important trip, and realizing just how much she had been pushing herself. This leads into an important discussion about how burnout often starts with physical symptoms and why so many first responders ignore those early signs.

Together, Jennifer and Ashlee break down what burnout actually looks like, how it shows up in the body and behavior, and why rest isn’t optional.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• • How quickly first responders must make life-changing decisions

• • What decision fatigue looks like at work and at home

• • The connection between stress, the brain, and the body

• • Early physical signs of burnout (before emotional symptoms appear)

• • Why first responders often ignore or push through burnout

• • The importance of boundaries, rest, and listening to your body

Key Takeaways:

• • Burnout doesn’t start with a breakdown—it starts with subtle warning signs

• • Physical symptoms (fatigue, illness, headaches) are often the first red flags

• • High-performing individuals are more likely to ignore burnout

• • Rest is not a luxury—it’s necessary for long-term health and performance

• • You can’t pour from an empty cup

Resources & Support:

If you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to a trusted peer, supervisor, or mental health professional who understands first responder culture.

Thank you for being part of our community. From hard-hitting topics to laugh-out-loud moments, we’re here with you because when the call hits home, you’re never alone.

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

---

This podcast does not contain medical / health advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.

The information contained in this podcast is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Training Velocity LLC and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the Podcast or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE, COURSE OF TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN THROUGH THIS PODCAST.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.