Hosts:

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

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

Guest:

Gary Jarboe, Retired Marine & Police Sergeant

Episode Overview:

In this powerful episode, Jennifer and Ashlee sit down with Gary Jarboe, a retired police sergeant and Marine Corps veteran, to discuss mental health in first responder careers and beyond. Gary shares openly about his military background, long law enforcement career, personal challenges, and the journey toward seeking mental health support, even long after retirement.

The conversation dives deep into breaking the stigma surrounding mental health for first responders, the impact of career stress on family life, and the power of vulnerability. Gary also provides heartfelt advice to younger generations entering public service, emphasizing the importance of not holding back when it comes to getting help.

Key Topics Covered

Challenges of Seeking Help: Stigma around mental health for police and veterans; how the culture of “sucking it up” impacted both work and home.

Impact on Family: The difficulty of sharing traumatic experiences with loved ones; how avoiding vulnerability affected relationships, especially with his wife and children.

Turning Point: Discovering a first responder-focused mental health program (PCIS) after retirement—Gary’s reflections on finally opening up and how it strengthened his marriage and communication with his family.

Advice for New First Responders: Don’t wait to get help; keep your “bucket” from overflowing; acknowledge and address mental health needs early.

Destigmatizing Mental Health: The importance of finding the right provider who understands first responder culture, and why programs tailored for police and veterans are so crucial.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

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.

Host:

• Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC – Child of a Cop

Guest:

• Jim Woosley: Retired Police Officer

Episode Overview:

In this powerful episode, Jennifer sits down with her father, Jim Woosley—her hero and retired police sergeant—to recount and reflect on one of the most significant critical incidents of his career: the 1989 mass shooting at the Louisville Courier Journal building. Through raw storytelling and honest conversation, they explore the emotional realities of first responders, family impact, and how support systems have evolved.

Key Topics Covered

• A Day That Changed Everything: Jim recounts the morning when a routine shift quickly escalated into chaos after hearing of a shooting at 6th and Broadway. He shares, in vivid detail, what it was like to be one of the first responders at the scene, managing panic, uncertainty, and the urgent need to save lives.

• Frontline Decisions & Human Impact: The conversation covers the split-second decisions—like whether to carry a shotgun into close quarters, putting on a bulletproof vest, and ultimately choosing to help transport victims to the hospital using police cars when ambulances were scarce. Jim also shares his emotional connection to one of the survivors, a new mother returning from maternity leave.

• Aftermath & Community Response: Jennifer and Jim talk about how the Louisville community came together in mourning, the intense media coverage, and the urgent need for better EMS resources in the wake of tragedy.

• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing: They discuss the rare-for-the-time group debrief for first responders, how it helped change attitudes toward mental health in law enforcement, and the relief felt in not being alone with difficult emotions.

• Legacy for Families: Jennifer shares her experience as a first grader during the incident, highlighting the unnoticed but profound ways such events affect children. They reflect on the importance of open communication, resilience, and age-appropriate transparency for first responder families.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

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.

Hosts:

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

• Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC – Child of a Cop

Episode Overview:

In this heartfelt episode, Jennifer and Ashlee take a break from interviews to have a raw, honest conversation—just the two of them—about a theme that impacts every first responder family: money. They open up about how financial stress shaped their own childhoods as police officers’ kids, explore the pressures that come with trying to provide, and dig into the hidden costs of working extra: time away from family, emotional stress, and tough financial conversations at home.

Together, they tackle common misconceptions (spoiler: not all first responder families are rolling in dough), share some hilarious stories (RIP Jennifer’s egg demonstration activity), and get real about why financial stress can make or break families.

Key Topics Covered

• The personal impact of financial stress growing up in first responder households

• How societal expectations and job identity can make it hard to balance work and family

• The “work as escape” dynamic, and how overtime can sometimes be about avoiding conflict at home

• Why communication about money is so hard—and so important—for couples and families

• The myths around first responder salaries and the reality of living paycheck to paycheck

• How early childhood experiences with money shape adult anxieties, defensiveness, and relationship patterns

• Upcoming plans to bring on financial experts to offer tips and tools for listeners

Why Listen? If you’ve ever worried about money, argued about overtime, or felt pressure as a provider (or partner/kid of one), this episode is for you. Jennifer and Ashlee share their own vulnerabilities and clinical insights, reminding every listener that you are not alone—and that honest conversations are the first step to healing.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

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.

Hosts:

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

• Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC – Child of a Cop

Special Guest:

• Jamilyn DeSanti, Licensed Social Worker

In this episode, Jennifer and Ashlee are joined by special guest and long-time friend, Jamilyn, a social worker who specializes in working with children and adolescents. The conversation centers on the critical connection between our minds and bodies—specifically, the often-overlooked role of the vagus nerve in managing stress responses, especially for first responders and their families.

• What is the Vagus Nerve—and Why Should You Care? Jamie Lynn breaks down how this “superhighway” nerve links your brain to almost every organ, controlling your heart rate, digestion, and more. Learn why your body feels stress the way it does—plus, how your early experiences shape this response.
• Recognizing YOUR Stress Signals Gain practical tips on building awareness of your unique stress reactions—because you can’t change what you don’t notice! (Spoiler: This is the same stuff we’re teaching your kids, too.)
• Hacks to “Reset” When Stress Hits Are deep breaths really all that? How about cold water, sour candy, singing out loud, laughter… even hot sauce?! The team shares tried-and-true ways you can quickly signal safety to your body in those high-stress moments.
• For Families: Helping Kids Tune In Parents, this episode has something for you! Jamie Lynn offers up playful and practical ways to help your kids notice their own body’s cues—and why, as parents, we have to check in with ourselves before we try to support our kids.
• Can You Sleep? If stress is tanking your sleep, you’re not alone. Jennifer and Ashlee touch on how vagal regulation and body-based strategies could help you (and your household!) get the rest you need. (Yep, we hear you—a full sleep episode is coming soon.)

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

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.

Hosts:

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

• Jennifer Woosley Saylor, LPCC – Child of a Cop

Special Guest:

• Tom Rizzo – Law Enforcement Leader, Author, College Professor, Cohost of On Patrol Live

In this powerful episode, Ashlee and Jennifer sit down with Tom Rizzo—law enforcement veteran, motivational speaker, author, and father of four—to explore the realities of mental health in policing, the challenges around authentic leadership, and the impacts of the profession on officers’ families. Drawing on over two decades of experience, Tom delves into organizational culture, the importance of compassion within departments, and the journey toward personal and collective wellness.

• Guest Introduction: Tom Rizzo shares his background: 24 years in law enforcement, motivational speaking, hosting On Patrol Live, and teaching as a college professor. Above all, his proudest role is being a dedicated father.

• The Four Walls vs. Four Corners: Tom introduces his perspective on the dangers of organizations obsessing over their public image ("four corners") while neglecting the internal health and relationships ("four walls"—including officers’ mental states).

• Mental Health in Policing: Tom emphasizes the need for honesty about what truly causes stress: not always the danger on the streets, but the toxic organizational environments and lack of genuine support from leadership.

• Leadership & Accountability: A candid discussion about how mission statements have been hijacked by politics and bureaucracy, and why transparency, humility, and resourcefulness make for better leaders.

• Peer Support & Trust: Ashlee explores the challenges of building trust between peer support teams and leadership. Tom spotlights the importance of administrative honesty in supporting mental health initiatives.

• The Ripple Effect on Families: Tom, Ashlee, and Jennifer reflect on the ways the job impacts officers’ families and the generational ripple, stressing clear communication and including loved ones in major professional decisions.

• A Call to Action: Tom urges listeners—especially those supporting law enforcement—to push for common sense, empathy, and advocacy, both in the workplace and in the community.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

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.

Hosts:

- Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

- Jennifer Woosley Saylor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

Guest:

- Mark Mueller, Retired Police Lieutenant / Owner of I Smell Bacon BBQ

In this inspiring episode, Jennifer and Ashley welcome Mark Mueller, a retired police lieutenant from Hoffman Estates, as he shares his journey from a decades-long law enforcement career to opening a community-centered barbecue restaurant, “I Smell Bacon BBQ.” Mark is also a father and husband, with a family dedicated to public service.

1. Navigating Retirement as a First Responder

2. Taking the Leap — Starting a Business After Service

3. Law Enforcement Skills in Civilian Life

4. Supporting the Family and Creating Community

5. Practical Advice for Retiring Officers

6. Finding Joy and Purpose Beyond the Badge

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

#WhenTheCallHitsHome #Podcast #FirstResponderFamilies #MentalHealth

---

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.

Hosts:

- Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

- Jennifer Woosley Saylor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer

Episode Overview: In this episode, Jennifer and Ashlee reflect on the their first year of the "When The Call Hits Home" podcast, discuss potential future topics, and reflect on their own personal experiences as children of police officers.

Key Topics:

1. One-Year Anniversary Reflection:

   • Jennifer and Ashlee reflect on how the podcast began as a small idea and grew into a platform providing support and insights for those related to first responders.

   • They emphasize that the podcast aims to address what listeners want to hear.

2. Potential Future Topics:

   • Listener suggestions for future episodes include peer support, welcoming new family members, financial wellness, and retirement of first responders.

3. Peer Support Discussion:

   • The hosts discuss the important role of peer support programs in departments and the challenges they face, including trust issues within departments.

   • They highlight the value of combining mental health professionals with peer support teams.

4. Financial Concerns for First Responders:

   • Financial struggles faced by first responders are highlighted, including the balance between supplemental off-duty work and family time.

   • Jennifer and Ashlee share personal anecdotes related to financial management in a first responder family.

5. Approaching the Topic of Retirement:

   • Acknowledgment of the need to discuss retirement concerns and future plans for retired first responders.

   • Exciting news about an upcoming episode featuring a retired officer and his new endeavors.

6. Personal Reflections and Anecdotes:

   • Jennifer and Ashlee open up about their own childhood experiences related to having parents in law enforcement.

   • Ashlee shares a humorous memory about using her dad's work shirts as part of a Halloween costume.

If this episode resonated with you or if you have stories to share about living with a first responder, reach out to Ashlee and Jennifer on their social media platforms. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast!

Thank you for tuning in! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review "When The Call Hits Home" on your favorite podcast platforms!

Follow Us:

- Facebook: When The Call Hits Home Podcast

- Instagram: @whenthecallhitshome

- Whenthecallhitshome.com

#WhenTheCallHitsHome #Podcast #FirstResponderFamilies #MentalHealth

---

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.