In this episode of “When The Call Hits Home,” hosts Jennifer Woosley Saylor and Dr. Ashlee Gethner embark on a rich, unscripted conversation about the hidden needs of first responders. Despite the absence of a guest in this episode, the hosts successfully tackle complex and insightful topics, focusing on mental health and practical realities faced by individuals in demanding first responder roles.

The episode kicks off with Jennifer and Ashlee reflecting on the surprising feedback they’ve received from their previous episodes. Listeners are increasingly intrigued by the concept of moral injury and the untapped resources available to first responders. Discussions pivot around recent wildfires in Los Angeles and the toll such disasters take on firefighters. Ashlee nudges Jennifer to share an enlightening story about the needs of firefighting crews—specifically, their unexpected appreciation for energy drinks over water. As illustrated, the firefighters’ faces light up upon receiving Monster Energy drinks, a candid reminder of the practical needs of those continuously fighting wildfires.

The conversation seamlessly explores the broader theme of how first responders sustain their energy levels during long, unpredictable shifts. While there’s a clinical emphasis on the potential drawbacks of relying on stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, the hosts recognize the necessity for these in certain high-stress situations. Such substances, although controversial, sometimes meet immediate needs, especially when the mission doesn’t end when the shift does.

Ashlee articulates an often-discussed point in counseling circles: the detrimental effects of unchecked stress hormones on the human body. She discusses how regular exposure to high-stress events, compounded with caffeine and energy drinks, contributes to long-term health impacts, sometimes resulting in more severe outcomes, such as heart attacks. In recounting an anecdote about her father, also a former first responder, Ashlee illustrates the real toll of prolonged stress and stimulant dependency.

The discussion then transitions into actionable insights, encouraging first responders to practice mindfulness in ways that are genuine and feasible for them. Jennifer and Ashlee debunk misconceptions about mindfulness, emphasizing its potential simplicity and effectiveness. The hosts advocate for integrating mindfulness into everyday tasks and interactions, stressing the importance of brief, intentional breaks to alleviate stress.

As the episode winds down, Ashlee shifts the focus to the importance of role modeling mindful practices for children of first responders. These actions, although small, can profoundly impact their development and stress management skills. The hosts touch upon the sobering reality of how quickly life moves, urging listeners to cherish time with family and loved ones, a sentiment reinforced by Jennifer recounting insights from a hospice nurse’s experiences.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer and Ashlee often circle back to a central message: being present and accepting oneself in the moment can significantly contribute to mental health and well-being. They advocate for recognizing strengths alongside challenges, fostering an honest dialogue about struggles and triumphs, without inducing shame or guilt.

As the episode concludes, Jennifer and Ashlee extend an open invitation to their audience. They encourage first responders and their families to engage and share their stories, reinforcing that the podcast exists to represent the voices of those navigating the complicated landscape of first responder life.

In this episode, “When The Call Hits Home” candidly unfolds the everyday realities faced by first responders, offering a blend of evidence-based insights and heartfelt camaraderie. As always, the hosts remind their listeners that they’re not alone in these challenges. Jennifer and Ashlee are committed to listening, supporting, and championing the mental health of first responders everywhere.