PODCAST · education
Dispatched & Dysfunctional
by Chris Stockton
Because sometimes the worst calls make the best stories. Dispatched & Dysfunctional is a raw, honest look at EMS, first response, trauma, burnout, leadership, recovery, and the dark humor that helps people survive the job. These are not polished hero stories. They are the calls that stay with you after shift change, the mistakes nobody wants to admit, the jokes that keep the room from going silent, and the weight responders carry home long after the uniform comes off. Some episodes will make you laugh. Others will hit hard. Every episode is built around real experiences, real people, and honest conversations about what the job can do to the person behind the badge, radio, or stethoscope. Guests include medics, firefighters, law-enforcement officers, nurses, physicians, veterans, leaders, authors, mental-health professionals, and people who have lived through the kind of moments that change everything. Thi
Episodes
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“Stop Calling It Brotherhood If You Won’t Act Like Family” — Jason Meinershagen
The conversation with Jason Meinershagen delves into the challenges faced by first responders, the impact of trauma on mental health, and the need for better support systems. It also explores the concept of brotherhood and the role of faith in coping with the demands of the job. The conversation...
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“I’m Fine. I’m Just Tired.” — The Lie Burnout Tells | Stephanie McAlister
Stephanie McAlister shares her experiences as a forest firefighter, counselor, and business owner, highlighting the importance of trust, support, and recognizing the impact of trauma. She emphasizes the need for strength in seeking help and the dangers of isolation and burnout. Stephanie's…
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CUT FREE: Joby Walters on Outlaw Life, Identity & Redemption
Joby Walters shares his powerful journey of transformation from a life of outlaw motorcycle clubs, prison, and struggle to finding faith and purpose. His book 'Cut Free' aims to reach veterans, prisoners, and outlaws, offering hope and a path to redemption through faith. Takeaways Redemption Hope...
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STOP EATING YOUR YOUNG The future of EMS depends on who we choose to become today.
The conversation delves into the culture of EMS and the need for change, the experience of new providers, the role of mentorship in professional growth, and the importance of passing down knowledge and experience to the next generation. It emphasizes building stronger teams and the impact of...
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The Job Was Never Supposed to Be Your Whole Life – Anna Lombardo
The conversation delves into the toll of the Delta epidemic, the impact on mental health, the hardening effect of the job, the ideal medic, apologies, and the dynamics of a dual response household. It emphasizes the importance of balance and the need for a life outside of work. The conversation...
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Silence Can Cost Everything | Darren Richardson on PTSD, Identity & Recovery
Former firefighter and paramedic Darren Richardson spent 18 years serving others while quietly carrying the weight of PTSD himself. After surviving two life-changing amputations, growing up in a dysfunctional home, and ultimately losing the career that had become his identity, Darren found a new...
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The Comedy Behind Medi-Ocre EMS — Manny Famolare & Scott Johnson
Four Views to Forty Million: Behind Medi-Ocre EMS Scott and Manny from Medi-Ocre EMS join Chris for an unfiltered conversation about EMS, comedy, viral videos, fake body parts, and how one ridiculous idea turned into one of the most recognizable comedy pages in emergency medicine. They share how...
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The Hard Things Are the Journey - Brad Wolfe
The conversation delves into the themes of pain, grief, and resilience, exploring the authentic self, the weight of pain, the journey of grief, the healing power of music, embracing pain as part of life, the practice of kindness, recognizing unacknowledged grief, anticipatory grief and…
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Burned Out Right Out the Gate - Sophie Ash
The conversation with Sophie Ash delves into the experience of burnout in the healthcare industry and the journey to finding freedom and success. Sophie shares her personal story of leaving healthcare, the challenges she faced, and the transformation she underwent. She emphasizes the importance…
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Leadership Starts in the Back of the Ambulance at 3 A.M. — Steve Cohen
After more than 43 years in EMS, Steve Cohen still thinks like a street medic—even when he’s working in leadership, education, or behind a microphone. Steve joins Chris to talk about the heart attack that unexpectedly led him into EMS, the mentors who shaped him, and why good leadership must…
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The Unexpected Power of Leadership in First Responder Mental Health — Conrad Weaver
The conversation covers the personal background of the guest Conrad Weaver, his filmmaking career, the creation of the film 'PTSD 911,' the importance of leadership in first responder organizations, stressors and wellness in first responders, isolation and camaraderie in first responders, and the...
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Trained for Chaos, Not for Carrying It Home - Joe Henderson
The conversation delves into the profound impact of the job on identity, family, and mental health, highlighting the gradual and unnoticed changes that lead to significant personal and professional challenges. It also emphasizes the need for support and longevity in emergency services careers to...
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Overcoming Fear: Lessons from Dr Robb Kelly
The conversation delves into the themes of embracing authenticity and resilience, highlighting the importance of overcoming fear of judgment and finding inner peace. It also emphasizes the value of resilience and gaining perspective through life's challenges. Takeaways Embrace authenticity and...
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From Trauma to Peace: How Faith and Humanity Helped a Blue Line Hero Heal - Tom Lee
Sergeant Tom Lee, a mental health deputy, shares insights on the unseen struggles of first responders, the importance of listening, and the misconceptions surrounding mental health calls. He also discusses the impact of administration on first responders and the need for trust and understanding…
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Joe Henderson on Uniforms and Identity
The conversation delves into the impact of uniforms on identity, the role of pride in shaping identity, and the mentality of viewing one's job as a daily routine. Takeaways Uniforms can strip individuals of their identity Pride can hinder self-awareness and growth Chapters 00:00 The Uniform and...
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Joe Henderson's Emotional Awakening at Work
Joe Henderson experiences a sudden emotional breakdown at work, leading to a struggle to communicate and understand his own emotions. Takeaways Emotional breakdowns can manifest as physical and emotional challenges. Self-awareness and understanding of one's emotions are crucial for managing...
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The Hidden Cost of Overwork in Healthcare — When Your Body Can No Longer Ignore It Candice Elam
The conversation with Miss Candice, a family nurse practitioner, delves into the impact of burnout in healthcare and the systemic issues that contribute to it. It highlights the personal and professional challenges faced by healthcare workers and the need for a reevaluation of the healthcare...
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Replacing Negative Neural Pathways - Dr. Robb Kelly
The conversation delves into the concept of replacing neural pathways and changing thought patterns to overcome negative experiences and depression. It emphasizes the importance of perspective and gratitude in shaping one's outlook on life. Takeaways Replacing neural pathways with positive…
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The Hidden Killer in First Responders: Why Helping Others Comes at a Cost Guest Andrew McLean
The conversation delves into the personal journey of Andrew McLean, a police officer and author, as he reflects on his life, career, and the impact of trauma and burnout. It explores the challenges faced by first responders and the toll it takes on their mental health and relationships. The...
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The Stories We Build So We Don’t Break - Justin Anderson
In this episode of Dispatched & Dysfunctional, Chris sits down with Justin Anderson, known creatively as J. Vaelorin, for a raw conversation about grief, depression, survivor’s guilt, silence, storytelling, and the invisible weight people carry when they do not have the words to explain what is...
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Finding Words for Unspoken Feelings — Justin Anderson
The conversation delves into the importance of externalizing emotions and the power of expression through writing and singing. It emphasizes the value of externalizing thoughts and feelings to avoid being stuck in an internal loop. Takeaways Externalization of thoughts Expression through writing...
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The Toxic World of Writing — Justin Anderson
The challenges of writing and creating characters have deeply impacted the author's personal life, leading to emotional struggles and the need for self-protection. The author's writing style is akin to method acting, immersing deeply into the characters' lives and emotions, which has taken a toll...
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Stories as Survival: How First Responders Find Meaning — Justin Anderson
The conversation explores the significance of stories as a means of survival and explanation, as well as the use of artistic expression to convey experiences and emotions. It delves into the impact of stories on first responders and the importance of understanding and remembering all parts of a...
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Unearthing Buried Trauma: A Journey of Healing — Justin Anderson
The conversation delves into the impact of acknowledging past trauma and dealing with unresolved emotions, leading to a lighter but challenging realization. Takeaways Acknowledging past trauma Dealing with unresolved emotions Chapters 00:00 Acknowledging Past Trauma
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Critiquing Mental Health Portrayals in Media — Justin Anderson
The conversation delves into the negative portrayal of mental health in media, highlighting the impact of such depictions on societal perceptions and attitudes. It also explores the influence of media on shaping public understanding of mental health issues. Takeaways Mental health depiction…
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Still Functioning… But Carrying Too Much Dr. Natalie Luke
The conversation explores the concept of burnout and the impact it has on first responders. Dr. Natalie Luke shares insights on recognizing burnout, the stages of burnout, and the importance of defining responsibilities. She emphasizes the need for leaders to create other leaders and the value of...
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Preventing Burnout: Key Insights from Dr. Natalie Luke
The conversation explores the burden carried by dependable first responders and the impact it has on their well-being. Dr. Natalie Luke discusses the misconception of capability and the weight of responsibility. The stages of burnout and its effects are also highlighted. Takeaways Dependable…
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Overcoming Insecurity in Leadership — Dr. Natalie Luke
Leadership and Insecurity: Embracing Growth Takeaways Embracing team members' strengths Overcoming personal insecurities Chapters 00:00 Embracing Team Strengths
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Leaders: Ask, Don’t Assume — Dr. Natalie Luke
The conversation explores the importance of leadership communication and the need to recognize the emotional needs of individuals in high-stress roles. It emphasizes the value of asking the right questions and acknowledging the worth of individuals beyond their responsibilities. Takeaways Empathy...
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The Hidden Toll: How Suppressing Emotions Destroys First Responders from Inside Out T. Stevenson
The conversation delves into the themes of authenticity vs. acceptance, the impact of trauma and emotional suppression, the struggle of first responders with acceptance vs. authenticity, and the importance of building trust and overcoming emotional suppression in the workplace. The conversation...
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Still Functioning… But It’s Costing More. Guest: George Haymaker
In this episode of "Dispatch is Functional," host Chris Stockton welcomes George Haymaker III, a former entrepreneur who shares his journey through addiction and recovery. George discusses the mental challenges he faced while building businesses and how he overcame them by understanding the…
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Trapped at 2 A.M. — The Way Out Starts with You Dr. Greg Obert
The conversation delves into the challenges faced by first responders, the signs of burnout, and the impact of bad therapy on mental health. It explores the role of leadership in addressing burnout, the recognition of burnout and coping mechanisms, and the consequences of ineffective therapy. The...
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Overcoming Trauma: A Path to Healing — Dr. Gregory Obert
The conversation delves into the transformative nature of trauma treatment, highlighting the ability to change how individuals relate to their memories. It also addresses the common occurrence of suicidal ideation as a reaction to trauma and the importance of providing hope and support to those...
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Trauma-Informed Care: More Than a Buzzword — Dr. Gregory Obert
The term 'trauma-informed care' is criticized as a meaningless buzzword, leading to ineffective treatment. Dr. Greg emphasizes evidence-based trauma treatment as an alternative. Takeaways Criticism of 'trauma-informed care' as a buzzword Importance of evidence-based trauma treatment Chapters…
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The Hidden Toll of EMS: How This Job Changes Who You Are Over Time - Sammi Kingry
The conversation delves into the impact of EMS on personal identity, the challenges of EMS culture, and the importance of leadership in EMS. It explores the transition to an EMS career, the realization of change in identity, the impact on personal relationships, and the challenges in EMS culture....
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"End of the Call” Guest Chris Cooper
Emergency Responders' Insights: Mental Health, Leadership, and Life LessonsExplore the candid conversation between two seasoned first responders discussing the mental and emotional challenges of emergency service careers, leadership principles, and the importance of support systems. This episode...
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EMS Culture: Old vs. New — Sammi Kingry
The conversation delves into the broken culture within EMS, highlighting the resistance to change, generation gap, and lack of progress as key issues. Takeaways EMS culture faces challenges in embracing change and progress. The generational gap contributes to the cultural divide within EMS....
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Time to Innovate EMS Culture — Sammi Kingry
This episode of Dispatched & Dysfunctional delves into the emotional and psychological impact of working in emergency medical services (EMS) and the challenges faced by paramedics. It explores the broken culture within EMS and the struggle between old and new practices. Takeaways EMS culture...
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The Four Rules of Nursing That Could Save Your Career—and Your Sanity Guest Derek Hadinger
The conversation delves into the transition from art to nursing, impactful patient experiences, challenges and burnout in healthcare, the role of humor in patient care, and the collaboration between nursing and EMS. It highlights the power of humor in healthcare and the profound impact of patient...
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It’s Okay to Hate Your Job — Sammi Kingry
The conversation delves into the acceptance of bad days and the idea that it's okay to quit a job that doesn't bring satisfaction. Sammi shares insights on navigating tough days and finding fulfillment in one's career. Takeaways Accepting bad days It's okay to quit Chapters 00:00 Navigating Tough...
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When The Badge Becomes Who You Are With Eric Robinson
The conversation delves into the transition into law enforcement, the reality of FBI SWAT work, professionalism and empathy in law enforcement, the impact of law enforcement work on personal life, and coping with trauma and stress. It explores the challenges and experiences of a retired FBI…
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You Made It Home… But You Didn’t Come Back - Nicole Johnson
Title: Overcoming Burnout: Insights from a Former Corporate Executive Turned Burnout CoachBurnout is more than just fatigue; it deeply affects mental, emotional, and physical health. In this episode, Nicole Johnson shares her journey from corporate leadership to coaching, offering strategies to...
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Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential in EMS - Russell Van Brocklen
The conversation covers the challenges and experiences of individuals with dyslexia and ADHD, as well as the unique approach to education and career development for neurodiverse individuals. It also delves into the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of neurodiverse individuals…
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Stop the Threat. Stop the Stigma. A. Meyers - Police Capt, Survival, & the Cost of Carrying It Alone
A routine call to Walmart turned into a deadly force encounter — and nothing in Adam Meyers’ career prepared him for what came next. Adam is a police captain with over two decades in law enforcement. In this episode, he walks us through the critical incident that changed his life, the…
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The System Is Broken Not the People Graham Judd
A routine shift in EMS becomes a lifetime of watching the system fail — and Graham Judd stopped waiting for it to change. Graham is a veteran paramedic and EMS leader with over two decades in emergency medicine. In this episode, he breaks down why EMS isn't just struggling — it's broken by…
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Behind The Screen Name Jimmy Apple EMS Avenger
In this episode of Dispatched & Dysfunctional, I’m joined by Jimmy Apple — better known online as the EMS Avenger. If you’ve ever watched his content and thought, “Finally… someone bringing receipts,” you already get why this conversation matters. Jimmy isn’t here to perform or sell a brand. He’s…
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Tunnel Vision With Dr. Andre Walton
Stress doesn’t just make you tired — it narrows you. In this episode of Dispatched & Dysfunctional, Chris sits down with Dr. Andre Walton to talk about tunnel vision, burnout, and what happens when smart, trained people lock onto the wrong thing and miss the real danger. From a near-miss…
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Burnout Isn’t Your Fault — But It Is Your Problem | David Shar
Burnout doesn’t come from being weak. And it doesn’t come from caring too much. It comes from broken systems that reward overextension, punish honesty, and slowly disconnect people from the work they signed up to do. In this episode of Dispatched & Dysfunctional, I sit down with David Shar —...
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Beyond the Photo: The Weight Chris Fields Carried
A single photo made him famous overnight. But fame doesn’t treat trauma. It just puts it on display. Chris Fields was a captain with the Oklahoma City Fire Department when the Murrah Building was bombed. He spent that day doing what we all do — working the problem, moving forward, not stopping to...
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Rising Wildly Free — Gabriela Popescu on Burnout, Boundaries & Reclaiming Your Power
Burnout is common. Healing is messy. And sometimes the strongest people are the ones silently falling apart. In this episode, transformational coach and spiritual mentor Gabriela Popescu breaks down the real cost of people-pleasing, survival mode, and living life as the “strong one” for too long....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Because sometimes the worst calls make the best stories.
Dispatched & Dysfunctional is a raw, honest look at EMS, first response, trauma, burnout, leadership, recovery, and the dark humor that helps people survive the job.
These are not polished hero stories. They are the calls that stay with you after shift change, the mistakes nobody wants to admit, the jokes that keep the room from going silent, and the weight responders carry home long after the uniform comes off.
Some episodes will make you laugh. Others will hit hard. Every episode is built around real experiences, real people, and honest conversations about what the job can do to the person behind the badge, radio, or stethoscope.
Guests include medics, firefighters, law-enforcement officers, nurses, physicians, veterans, leaders, authors, mental-health professionals, and people who have lived through the kind of moments that change everything.
Thi
HOSTED BY
Chris Stockton
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Dispatched & Dysfunctional have?
Dispatched & Dysfunctional currently has 81 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Dispatched & Dysfunctional about?
Because sometimes the worst calls make the best stories. Dispatched & Dysfunctional is a raw, honest look at EMS, first response, trauma, burnout, leadership, recovery, and the dark humor that helps people survive the job. These are not polished hero stories. They are the calls that stay with you...
How often does Dispatched & Dysfunctional release new episodes?
Dispatched & Dysfunctional has 81 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Dispatched & Dysfunctional?
You can listen to Dispatched & Dysfunctional on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Dispatched & Dysfunctional?
Dispatched & Dysfunctional is created and hosted by Chris Stockton.
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