When The Call Hits Home: A Podcast for First Responders' Children

"When The Call Hits Home" is a podcast created for the unique experiences of children raised in first responder families. Hosted by a pair of fellow first responder's children, the show delves into the emotional realities of navigating adolescence and adulthood while carrying the weight of a parent's demanding and often dangerous career.

Through open conversations and personal anecdotes, the podcast explores practical tools and techniques for managing emotions, processing difficult situations, and building resilience. It also aims to foster a supportive community where listeners can connect, share their stories, and find strength in shared experiences.

 

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

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 heartfelt conversation delves into the personal stories and professional missions driving Kathryn and Ashley’s dedication to first responders and their families.

Key Discussion Points:

<ol>
	<li>
	Introducing the Guests:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Kathryn Severns Avery shares her background and the genesis of Restoration Ranch Colorado.
		</li>
		<li>
		Ashley Braund describes her role as a day counselor focusing on fun and bonding activities for teens.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Kathryn’s Personal Story:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Kathryn recounts the tragic accident, that claimed her husband Chris’s life, the emotional impact it had on her, and her compassionate decision not to sue the police involved.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Restoration Ranch Colorado:

	<ul>
		<li>
		The Ranch is a retreat offering recreation and respite for first responders and their families.
		</li>
		<li>
		Hosts and guests discuss the unique relationship Kathryn has built with the Lakewood Colorado Police Department.
		</li>
		<li>
		Insights into the daily activities and amenities provided at the ranch, focusing on community building and relaxation without political or religious agendas.
		</li>
		<li>
		The teen camp initiative designed to bond teens of first responder families, addressing their unique challenges and providing a supportive environment.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Cultural and Emotional Impact:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Kathryn’s role in the justice system post-tragedy and her efforts in law enforcement support, including a special retreat for first responders' families.
		</li>
		<li>
		Discussion on humility in accepting rewards and support, the evolving nature of psychological support, and the importance of future-oriented self-coaching.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Projects and Future Plans:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Highlight of Kathryn’s retirement planning initiatives, including her life planner "Your Countdown to Retirement" specifically catered to first responders.
		</li>
		<li>
		Plans for expanding teen camp initiatives beyond Colorado and the broader mission of supporting first responder families.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Collaboration and Community Effort:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Kathryn and Ashley’s collaborative efforts to build a safe and inclusive community for first responders’ families.
		</li>
		<li>
		The importance of addressing generational trauma and the high suicide rates within the first responder community.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Final Thoughts and Contact Information:

	<ul>
		<li>
		The hosts express their deep gratitude and admiration for Kathryn’s ongoing work and advocacy.
		</li>
		<li>
		Emphasize the episode’s main lesson of kindness, trust-building, and the tangible difference it makes in chaotic times.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ol>

Contact Information and Further Involvement:

<ul>
	<li>
	To learn more about Restoration Ranch Colorado or arrange a visit,

	<ul>
		<li>
		Website: <a href="https://restorationranchcolorado.com">restorationranchcolorado.com</a>
		</li>
		<li>
		Email: <a href="mailto:visit@restorationranchcolorado.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">visit@restorationranchcolorado.com</a>
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Follow "When The Call Hits Home" on social media for updates on collaborations and future projects.
	</li>
	<li>
	Stay tuned for Kathryn's upcoming podcast and her retirement planning resources for first responders and their families.
	</li>
</ul>

 

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.

When The Call Hits Home

When The Call Hits Home | Episode 15: Honoring First Responders and Their Families

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 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.

<h3>Key Topics Discussed:</h3>

<ul>
	<li>
	Listener Feedback: Addressing the dynamics between siblings and humorous feedback about Jennifer’s tendency to speak over guests, linked to her being a big sister.
	</li>
	<li>
	Emotional Regulation: Ashlee shares a touching personal anecdote about handling emotions after a sports event, linking it to broader themes of emotional regulation discussed on the podcast.
	</li>
	<li>
	Organizational Trauma: Exploration of emotional responses to negative workplace events within first responder environments. Ashlee sheds light on the impact of complex and intertwined systems in law enforcement agencies and their connection to political environments.
	</li>
	<li>
	Personal Experiences:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Ashlee's Childhood: Reflecting on how her father’s career as a police officer impacted their family dynamics, particularly when departmental issues were involved.
		</li>
		<li>
		Jennifer's Personal Story: Her family's disappointment over an unfulfilled promotion and the subsequent effect on family morale.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Impact on Families:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Communication of Stress: Addressing how stress from first responder jobs is often communicated at home, leading to family frustration and tension.
		</li>
		<li>
		Children's Perspective: Discussing the importance of first responders remembering that their children are always listening and absorbing conversations about work.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Organizational Dysfunction: Emphasizing the grief and loss associated with realizing that organizations may not meet familial support expectations. Real-life examples, including Ashlee’s father being reprimanded for helping a homeless woman, illustrate the conflict between personal ethics and departmental policies.
	</li>
	<li>
	Interpersonal Conflicts: Highlighting the stress caused by internal organizational conflicts and the lack of training in handling these versus fieldwork training.
	</li>
	<li>
	Mental Health Conversations:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Unaddressed Issues: The need for honest mental health conversations among first responders, often referred to as the "elephant in the room."
		</li>
		<li>
		Control and Communication: Jennifer underscores the importance of recognizing controllable aspects in stressful situations and the power of active listening.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

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.

When The Call Hits Home | Episode 14: Opening Up About Organizational Dysfunction

Host:

- 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.

Key Topics Discussed:

<ul>
	<li>Importance of Community</li>
	<li>Camaraderie within the Military</li>
	<li>Humorous and Reflective Childhood Memories</li>
	<li>Influence of a First Responder Parent</li>
	<li>Public Service and Career Reflections</li>
	<li>Unique Experiences and Challenges of Off-Duty Policing</li>
	<li>Personal Anecdotes and Reflections on Safety:</li>
</ul>

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.

When The Call Hits Home | Episode 13: A Deep Dive into Community, Technology, and Life as a First Responder’s Child

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 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:

<ol>
	<li>
	The Role of Caitlin:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Jennifer credits Caitlin for inspiring deeper, more meaningful conversations based on personal experiences.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Parenting in the Social Media Era:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Tips for setting healthy boundaries, such as avoiding cell phones during family dinners.
		</li>
		<li>
		Importance of parents modeling appropriate behavior on social media.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Honest Discussions About Parenting:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Jennifer admits the struggles of parenting and emphasizes that it’s okay not to have all the answers.
		</li>
		<li>
		Ashlee affirms the value of sharing strategies and communication techniques.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	The Need for Dialogue:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Crucial discussions with children about discerning factual information amidst misinformation on social media.
		</li>
		<li>
		Encouraging understanding and empathy by seeing multiple perspectives.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Civic Participation:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Personal anecdotes highlighting the importance of voting and civic engagement to effect positive community change.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Emotional Impact on Families:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Detailed insights into the significant emotional and stress-related impacts on first responder families.
		</li>
		<li>
		Ashlee’s dissertation findings reveal that families of police officers often suffer more than the officers themselves.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Protecting Children of First Responders:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Strategies officers use to obscure their profession to safeguard their families, leading to internal conflicts.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Health Impacts Due to Stress:

	<ul>
		<li>
		First responder families face issues like anxiety and medical problems due to the high-stress environment.
		</li>
		<li>
		Real-life example of a child hospitalized for seizure induced by social media-related stress.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Need for Open Conversations About Mental Health:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Stressed the importance of having honest conversations about mental health with children, including topics like suicide.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Professional Conflicts and Bias:

	<ul>
		<li>
		First responders face moral conflicts between their passion for work and the need to protect their families.
		</li>
		<li>
		Issues such as bias against police officers within social work and the lack of therapists willing to work with first responders.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Personal Reflections:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Differences in Jennifer and Ashlee’s experiences based on generational and geographical factors.
		</li>
		<li>
		Jennifer’s father’s international policing initiatives and the emotional toll of false accusations against him.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>
	Listener Engagement and Future Content:

	<ul>
		<li>
		Encouragement to contact the hosts via social media or their website.
		</li>
		<li>
		Sneak peek into upcoming episodes featuring Thomas Rizzo, discussing organizational dysfunctions in policing.
		</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ol>

Listener Gratitude:

<ul>
	<li>
	Jennifer and Ashlee express heartfelt thanks to their over 7,000 followers and appreciate the supportive messages from listeners.
	</li>
</ul>

Sports Team Rivalry:

<ul>
	<li>
	Ashlee cheers for Notre Dame and the Chicago Bears, while Jennifer supports the Louisville Cardinals.
	</li>
</ul>

 

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.

Dr. Ashlee Gethner, DSW, LCSW & Jennifer Woosley, LPCC S

When The Call Hits Home by Dr. Ashlee Gethner, DSW, LCSW & Jennifer Woosley, LPCC S

Episodes