Hosts:

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

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

Guest:

Dr. Charles Baker - Retired Police Officer

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening episode, Jennifer and Ashlee sit down with Dr. Charles Baker, whose career path has come full circle: from Louisville Police Department officer, to high school teacher, to director of security, to criminal justice professor. Dr. Baker shares thoughtful reflections on how his diverse experiences have shaped his understanding of policing, teaching, and the intersection of criminal justice and mental health.

Key Topics Covered

Teaching Criminal Justice: Blends real-world police experience with academic theory, focuses on practical examples, and encourages critical discussion on current issues.

Misconceptions & Media: Breaks down myths from TV about policing, emphasizes the everyday realities of law enforcement, and highlights the crucial role of accurate report writing.

Mental Health & Family Impact: Discusses the growing openness about officer mental health, unique stressors of the job, and the effects on family life.

Key Skills for Officers: Stresses the importance of communication, understanding community perspectives, and balancing professionalism with compassion.

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 S – Child of a Police Officer

Episode Overview:

In this candid episode, Ashlee and Jennifer turn the mics on themselves to dive into their personal journeys, career paths, and how being raised in first responder families shapes not only your worldview but your entire emotional toolkit. The duo explores themes of resilience, family systems, vulnerability, and the ongoing impact of childhood experiences into adult life.

Key Topics Covered

The First Responder Family System: Jennifer and Ashlee reflect on the unique resilience, values, and awareness that come from growing up in a first responder household. They discuss how these environments often foster critical thinking, acute emotional intelligence, but also present real challenges especially around chaos, structure, and sometimes rigid expectations.

Career Paths: Ashlee and Jennifer share their motivating moments that led them to helping professions (social work, mental health), including behind-the-scenes stories about family, pivotal college classes, and the “aha” moments that cemented their purpose. Candid talk about how family experiences (including tough love and the need to “prove ourselves”) shape career choices and attitudes.

Family Dynamics & Resiliency: A reflection on the double-edged sword of first responder family dynamics. The strong values and community, alongside the strictness and sometimes unintentionally harsh communication styles that get carried from the field into the home. Insights into how these family systems continue to evolve as children grow into adults and re-negotiate relationships with their parents.

Vulnerability & Forgiveness: The importance of parents, especially first responders, showing vulnerability and apologizing when things go wrong. How open, honest dialogue between parent and child can build long-term resilience and deep family bonds, even (or especially) after conflict.

Parenting Reflections: Both hosts admit the learning curve of parenting, and the hope to do things differently while acknowledging that every generation makes mistakes. The value of simply saying “I’m sorry” as a parent.

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 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.

Thank you Brian for joining us! If you would like to connect with Brian you can find him @ https://financialcop.com/team/meet-brian-box/

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 S – Child of a Police Officer

Guest:

Brian Box CFS, Retired US Army & Police Sergeant

Episode Overview:

In this enlightening episode, Ashlee and Jennifer welcome Brian Box—former army officer, police sergeant, and now financial advisor—to unpack the unique financial challenges and opportunities faced by first responders. The conversation weaves Brian’s personal journey from military to law enforcement and eventually into financial planning, illustrating firsthand how these careers impact financial wellness, family life, and long-term stability.

Key Topics Covered

Brian’s Journey: Brian shares his background from Texas A&M to the U.S. Army, his years as a police officer, and ultimately the career pivots and financial planning that led him into advising other first responders.

Unique Financial Challenges for First Responders: The trio discusses overtime as a built-in option for many first responders, the trap of “lifestyle creep” with higher base pay, and the stress of balancing multiple roles at home and work.

Financial Wellness & Family Impact: How money stress contributes to marital strain and higher-than-average divorce rates among first responders, and practical tips for healthy budgeting.

Budgeting & Debt: Brian dives into why a budget is your top wealth-building tool, the debt snowball method, and how to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle common in 80% of U.S. households.

Retirement & Pensions: Explanation of first responder pension systems, their limits, and what planning for retirement really looks like—especially for those entering the field later in life.

Teaching & Resources: Details about the financial education classes Brian and his team provide to academies and departments, plus online resources like their “Legacy Go Bag” for organizing wills and vital documents.

Success Stories & Impact: Brian shares small but important victories—helping first responders pay off debt, retire with confidence, and break destructive financial cycles for good.

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.