Being part of a first responder family is both an honor and a challenge. Whether your loved one is a firefighter, police officer, or nurse, life at home often feels like a rollercoaster. Full of proud moments, tough days, and emotions that can be hard to handle. But you don’t have to go through it alone! Nurse coaching for first responder families is a resource that can help you and your family thrive.

First responders like police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers are known for their bravery and dedication. But behind the hero uniform, many struggle with something that can feel almost impossible to talk about: substance abuse. Hosts Jennifer and Ashlee open up an honest, caring conversation about substance abuse in first responder families. Their goal? To break the stigma, offer hope, and share real stories of resilience.

Substance abuse is a problem that can affect anyone, but it can be especially tough for first responders like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. These heroes often see terrible things in their jobs, and sometimes, they turn to alcohol or other substances to cope with the pain and stress. On the podcast “When The Call Hits Home,” army veteran and longtime law enforcement officer Marian Cosgrove shared her personal journey with substance abuse. Her story teaches us about the challenges and solutions for substance abuse in first responders.

When most people think about police officers, they often picture fast cars, solving crimes, and catching bad guys. But there is so much more to the world of law enforcement. In a recent episode of When The Call Hits Home, Dr. Charles Baker, a retired police officer and current criminal justice professor, shared wisdom from his decades of experience. He talked about what it’s really like to be in law enforcement, how teaching connects with policing, and why mental health needs to be part of the conversation for everyone in the criminal justice system – not just officers.

Growing Up in a First Responder Family: Resilience, Family Dynamics, and Career ChoicesHave you ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a first responder family? Maybe you have friends who talk about their police officer, firefighter, or paramedic parents or maybe...

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.

First responders like police officers, firefighters, and paramedics are everyday heroes. They help people during emergencies, keep our communities safe, and often put their lives at risk. But behind the badge or uniform, they carry invisible scars. On episode 31 of the “When The Call Hits Home” podcast, Gary Jarboe, a retired police sergeant and Marine veteran, opened up about his personal journey and the mental health challenges first responders face. His story shows why we have to break the First Responder Mental Health Stigma.

When we think about police officers and sheriff’s deputies, we might imagine brave men and women helping keep our communities safe every day. But what about their own safety, especially when it comes to their mental health? On the recent episode of “When The Call Hits Home,” Chief Deputy Justin Miller from the Kenosha Sheriff’s Office opened up about how law enforcement mental health and leadership culture shift are changing for the better.

Mass shootings are some of the most difficult emergencies anyone can face. For the first responders who rush to help, the effects can last a lifetime. In Episode 29 of When The Call Hits Home, Jennifer sits down with her dad, retired police sergeant Jim Woosley, as he recounts his first responder mass shooting experience during the tragic 1989 Louisville mass shooting. Their candid conversation shines a light on surviving trauma, coping after the crisis, and supporting families touched by such events.

When you think of first responders—police officers, firefighters, EMTs—you might picture them as superheroes. But behind the uniforms, there’s a whole family feeling the weight of big challenges. One of the biggest? Financial stress in first responder families. Let’s have some honest conversation about what this really looks like and why it matters.