Shows
When The Call Hits HomeFacing a Critical Incident: A First Responder’s Experience During the 1989 Louisville Mass ShootingHost:
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 Change...2025-06-1822 min
When The Call Hits HomeFinancial Stress in First Responder Families: Real Talk on Money, Work-Life Balance, & CommunicationHosts:
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, an...2025-06-0424 min
When The Call Hits HomeThe Vagus Nerve and First Responder WellnessHosts:
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.
Key Topics:
What is...2025-05-2132 min
When The Call Hits HomeBreaking the Silence on Police Mental Health, Leadership, and Family ResilienceHosts:
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...2025-05-0748 min
When The Call Hits HomeLife After Law Enforcement: Finding Purpose and PassionHosts:
- 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
Episode Overview
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...2025-04-2343 min
When The Call Hits HomeA Year of Connection, Growth & What’s NextHosts:
- 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:
One-Year Anniversary Reflection:
Jennifer and Ashlee reflect on how the podcast began as a small idea and grew...2025-04-0937 minWhen The Call Hits HomeParenthood and First Responder Life: A Firefighter's Wife's JourneyHosts:
- 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:
- Breanna, Nurse, New Mom, and Wife of a Firefighter/Paramedic
In this heartfelt episode of "When The Call Hits Home," Ashlee and Jennifer sit down with Breanna, a dedicated nurse and new mom navigating the intricacies of life married to a firefighter/paramedic. Ashlee describes Breanna as her unofficial "little sister," showcasing the deep connection they've shared since...2025-03-2641 minWhen The Call Hits HomeNavigating the Complex Dynamics of First Responder TherapyHosts:
- 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
In this episode of "When The Call Hits Home," hosts Ashlee and Jennifer, explore the unique challenges faced by first responders seeking therapy. They discuss the importance of finding the right therapist, understanding the cultural nuances of the first responder community, and maintaining confidentiality. With humor and candid honesty, they address the stigmas and barriers to seeking mental health support in this high-stress profession.2025-03-1237 minWhen The Call Hits HomeEpisode 21: The Unseen Needs and Everyday BattlesHosts:
- 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
Key Topics Discussed:
Listener Feedback:
Many listeners reached out expressing they learned from episodes on moral injury and foundations supporting first responders.
The value of sharing stories and bringing awareness to lesser-known aspects of first responder experiences.
Supporting First Responders During Crises:
Ashlee shares about community efforts to support firefighters during wildfires, highlighting a...2025-02-2633 minWhen The Call Hits HomeEpisode 20: Honoring Legacy and Transforming Pain into PurposeHosts:
- 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:
- Hannah Knox: High school, college, and career guidance counselor, teacher, and child of a firefighter
- Michaela Terry: Firefighter, paramedic, as well as a master's level social worker, and child of a firefighter
Overview:
In this powerful episode of "When The Call Hits Home," hosts Jennifer and Ashlee are joined by guests Hannah Knox an...2025-02-1248 minWhen The Call Hits HomeEpisode 19: Exploring Moral InjuryHosts:
- 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:
- Sgt. Jeremy Davis: Police Officer with 30 years of experience
In this episode of When The Call Hits Home, hosts Ashlee and Jennifer have an insightful and heartfelt conversation with veteran police officer Jeremy Davis. With three decades of service in law enforcement, Jeremy shares his journey through his career, the impact of his upbringing in a military family...2025-01-2955 minWhen The Call Hits HomeEpisode 18: Juggling First Responder Life and FamilyHost:
- Jennifer Woosley Saylor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer
Guest:
- Jim Woosley: Retired Police Officer
In this episode, we dive into the multifaceted life of Jim Woosley, a former police officer, first responder, loving father, and international police trainer. Jim joins hosts Jennifer Woosley Sailor and Ashley Gethner to share stories from his extensive career and reflect on the personal challenges and triumphs of balancing a demanding job with family life.
Episode Warning: There are a few topics which may be unsuitable f...2025-01-1537 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 17: Exploring Parenthood, Blended Families, & ConnectionHosts:
- 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:
- Erin Quandt-Knapinski, LCSW, CCTP: Therapist and wife of a police officer
Episode Overview: Join hosts Ashlee and Jennifer as they welcome Erin Quandt-Knapinski to discuss the complexities of being part of a first responder family. In this enlightening episode, Erin shares her personal and professional experiences, delving into the challenges and strategies that help navigate life with a de...2024-12-1143 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 16: Navigating Life with a First ResponderHosts:
- 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
Guests:
- Brittany Nieft, Registered Nurse and child of a police officer
- Kaity Standerfer, Chemistry Laboratory Stockroom Manager and child of a police officer
Summary: In this heartfelt episode of When the Call Hits Home, Dr. Ashlee Gethner is joined by her sisters, Brittany Nieft and Kaity Standerfer, to delve into the experiences of growing up with a po...2024-11-2746 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 15: Honoring First Responders and Their FamiliesHosts:
- 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
Guests:
- Kathryn Severns Avery, Founder and Executive Director of Restoration Ranch Colorado
- Ashley Braund, Licensed Professional Counselor and Teen Day Camp Facilitator at Restoration Ranch
Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode, hosts Jennifer and Ashlee welcome Kathryn Severns Avery and Ashley Braund to discuss the incredible work being done at Restoration Ranch Colorado. The he...2024-11-1350 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 14: Opening Up About Organizational DysfunctionHosts:
- 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 Summary: In this enlightening episode, hosts Jennifer and Ashlee dive deep into the intricacies of "organizational trauma" and "organizational dysfunction" within first responder environments, such as police departments and firehouses. As licensed mental health professionals and children of police officers, they provide valuable insights and personal anecdotes that resonate deeply with their experiences and those of their listeners.
Key Topics Discussed:2024-10-3038 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 13: A Deep Dive into Community, Technology, and Life as a First Responder’s ChildHost:
- Jennifer Woosley Saylor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer
Guest:
- Mystery Guest (identity kept private for privacy reasons)
Episode Summary: In this special installment of "When The Call Hits Home," Jennifer welcomes a mystery guest, a long-time friend from her past, to explore the intricate tapestry of life within first responder families, especially during childhood. They delve into various aspects of growing up with a parent in law enforcement, the evolution of community engagement, and the impact of technology on social connections.
...2024-10-1631 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 12: Navigating Parenting, Social Media, and First Responder FamiliesHosts:
- 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 powerful episode, Jennifer and Ashlee delve deep into the challenges and emotional complexities faced by families of first responders, with a special focus on how pervasive social media impacts parenting and mental health.
Key Highlights:
The Role of Caitlin:
Jennifer credits Caitlin for inspiring deeper, more meaningful conversations based on p...2024-10-0240 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 11: Understanding the Silent BurdenHosts:
- 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:
- Caitlin Sturges: Daughter of a police officer, sister to a police commander and a firefighter paramedic, niece to a police officer, finishing her graduate studies in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis
Episode Summary: In this enlightening and deeply personal episode, Ashlee and Jennifer sit down with Caitlin Sturges, who shares the complexities and challenges of growing up...2024-09-1855 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Bonus Episode: 2024 Kenosha County EMS OlympicsWhen The Call Hits Home Bonus Episode: 2024 Kenosha County EMS Olympics
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
Guests:
- Chris Oliver: Firefighter at Pleasant Prairie Fire Department. Seven years of experience, with a background in the military and previous experience at the Bristol Fire Department.
- Ben Kessel: Associate Medical Director for Kenosha County EMS with 24 years in EMS, including roles as EMT, firefighter paramedic...2024-09-1432 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 9: Childhoods Shaped by ServiceHosts:
- 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:
- Dr. Samantha Reeser: Licensed Psychologist and former first responder
Episode Overview:
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, hosts Jennifer Woosley and Ashlee Gethner sit down with Dr. Samantha Reeser, a licensed psychologist and former first responder. Together, they delve into the unique challenges and experiences of growing up as the children of first responders, the impact on...2024-09-0437 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 8: The Unsung HeroesHosts:
- 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:
Brittany Collins, Former 911 Dispatcher, Daughter of a Firefighter, Wife of a Firefighter, Mother of Five
Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of "When The Call Hits Home," Ashlee and Jennifer sit down with Brittany Collins, a dedicated former 911 dispatcher and a devoted mother of five, to discuss the unique challenges and rewards of growing up in a first...2024-08-2143 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 7: Turning Weaknesses into StrengthsHosts:
- 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:
- Erich, Paramedic and Firefighter
In this insightful episode, Ashlee and Jennifer sit down with Erich, a dedicated paramedic and former firefighter, to discuss his remarkable journey in the EMS field and beyond. Erich shares his experiences in proposing and implementing protocol changes at a statewide level, along with his passion for making a positive impact on a larger sc...2024-08-071h 02When The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 6 : When ADHD and First Responders Collide - Navigating the Complexities TogetherHosts:
- Jennifer Woosley Saylor LPCC S: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer
- Dr. Ashlee Gethner DSW, LCSW: Licensed Clinical Professional, child of a police officer
Guest:
- Andrew Robinson MSW, LCSW : Licensed Clinical Professional specializing in ADHD
- Find Andrew on social media @neurospicycounseling on Instagram, Tik Tok, & Threads
Episode Summary:
In this episode of "When The Call Hits Home," hosts Jennifer and Ashlee, along with special guest Andrew, delve deep into the intricacies of ADHD, especially a...2024-07-2451 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 5: Brain Insights For High-Stress LivesIn Episode 5 of "When The Call Hits Home," Jennifer Woosley Saylor, Dr. Ashlee Gethner, and special guest Dr. Hannah Coyt delve into the intricate workings of the brain and its profound impact on mental health, particularly for first responders and their families. They explore how trauma and high-stress environments can dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to perpetual states of perceived threat and challenges in connecting with others.
Dr. Coyt, with her unique perspective rooted in personal experience and professional expertise, sheds light on the brain's development, highlighting the role of the amygdala and hippocampus and how...2024-07-1036 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWhen The Call Hits Home | Episode 4: A Lifetime of Lessons with Craig NieftIn this heartfelt episode of "When The Call Hits Home," Ashlee Gethner dives deep with a very special guest—her father, Craig Nieft, a retired police officer with 29 years of experience. Together, they share personal stories of challenges, triumphs, and the unique dynamics of being in a family deeply affected by the profession of law enforcement.
Warning: This episode contains some tougher topics.
Highlights from this episode include:
Craig’s Impactful Advice: Hear the touching story of a troubled teenager Craig mentored who later became a police officer, grateful for the tough love he recei...2024-06-2631 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWTCHH - Episode 3Hosts Ashlee & Jennifer talk with Josh, son of a retired paramedic firefighter and navy veteran.
Key Topics:
- Josh’s Background: Grew up with a firefighter father and experienced the challenges and fears associated with his father's dangerous job.
- Family Life: The impact of his dad’s 24-hour shifts on family life, sporadic dinners, and basketball as a bonding activity.
- Influence on Career: Josh’s transition to the navy influenced by his father’s values of hard work, safety consciousness, and organizational skills.
- Firehouse Memories: Fond recollections of time spent at the fi...2024-06-1235 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWTCHH - Episode 21. Introduction
- Hosts introduce themselves and the episode's focus
- Mention the aim of creating a community for children of first responders
2. Challenging Negative Thoughts and Practicing Gratitude for Mental Health
- Importance of mental health for children of first responders
- Ways to challenge negative thoughts
- Role of gratitude in mental health
3. Holiday Challenges and Support within the First Responder Community
- Balancing work schedules and family time during holidays
- Jennifer’s experience of her father’s colleagues cove...2024-05-2930 minWhen The Call Hits HomeWTCHH - Episode 1Welcome to "When The Call Hits Home," where hosts Jennifer and Ashlee, both raised by first responders and seasoned mental health professionals, delve into the unique challenges faced by the children of first responders. In this inaugural episode, they share their personal backgrounds and professional insights, aiming to support and build a community for those who grew up in similar environments. From discussing the impact of civil unrest on law enforcement families to exploring strategies for resilience and mental health, Jennifer and Ashlee set the stage for a series dedicated to those who find their home life intertwined with...2024-05-0720 min
Beyond the 1st ResponseEP 24: Ashlee Guthner - My Dad Is A First Responder #BT1RIn this episode of Beyond the 1st Response, Christy and Robyn talk with Ashlee Gethner LCSW and first responder daughter who has her own private practice, Calming Waves Therapy. First, I am a First Responder DaughterAshlee is currently working on her doctrine, focusing on first responders and their families. As a child of a now-retired police officer, she can see both sides of the badge and the struggles that occur. She carries pride and honor with her knowing the difference first responders ma...2022-08-2958 min