Dispatched & Dysfunctional

Chris Stockton
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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. This podcast talks openly about: • Burnout, trauma, PTSD, and moral injury • Leadership failures and broken workplace culture • Identity after the uniform • Addiction, recovery, faith, resilience, and rebuilding • The calls that change responders forever • The humor, chaos, and dysfunction that come with the job ⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised Episodes may include graphic subject matter, emotional discussions, strong language, and dark humor based on real EMS and first responder experiences. Names and identifying details may be changed to protect privacy. Any medical discussion reflects personal experience and opinion. It is not medical advice, protocol, or a replacement for training, local guidelines, medical direction, or professional care. “I’d rather hear your story than read your eulogy.” If you are struggling, do not carry it alone. Talk to someone you trust, reach out to a professional, or call or text 988 for immediate support. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and other major platforms. Share your story, connect with the show, or learn more at www.critical-run.com. Dispatched & Dysfunctional — real calls, real chaos, and the people trying to make it home whole.

  1. 2d ago

    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 of support, autonomy, and staying true to oneself in the pursuit of genuine success. Takeaways Burnout in the healthcare industry can lead to feelings of exhaustion, depression, and a sense of being trapped.Leaving a career that no longer aligns with your values and well-being can lead to a sense of relief and freedom. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sophie Ash's Journey03:10 The Reality of Burnout in Healthcare06:06 The Struggle with Identity and Obligation09:04 The Isolation of Healthcare Professionals12:10 Breaking Free from Obligations15:05 The Fear of Leaving a Career17:55 Finding Freedom and Community After Healthcare23:24 The Journey to Self-Discovery27:31 The Importance of Support Systems32:50 Redefining Success39:40 Overcoming Fear and Stagnation Resources Prospology Website - https://prospology.com Sophie Ash Official Instagram - https://instagram.com/sophieashofficial Sophie Ash Email - Sophie@prospology.com Guest links Instagram - https://instagram.com/sophieashofficial Website - https://prospology.com

  2. 5d ago

    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 begin with understanding the person sitting in an ambulance at 3 a.m. They dig into the damage caused by “we’ve always done it this way,” supervisors who humiliate people publicly, leaders who ignore misconduct, and organizations that demand loyalty without protecting their crews. Steve also explains how leaders can introduce change without steamrolling the people expected to carry it out. The conversation turns toward burnout, responder suicide, difficult calls, and why “I’m fine” should never end a mental-health conversation. They also discuss Steve’s Medic2Medic Podcast, landing Randolph Mantooth as a guest, producing hundreds of episodes without a team, and why sharing people’s stories still matters more than downloads. At the center of this episode is one blunt truth: leadership does not begin behind a desk. It begins in the back of the ambulance, beside the people still answering calls while everyone else sleeps. ⚠️ This episode discusses burnout, trauma, suicide, and first-responder mental health. Need support right now? Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. You’re not alone—not in this job, not in this fight. Chapters00:00 – Who Steve Cohen Really Is 05:27 – The Person Sitting in the Truck at 3 A.M. 07:08 – The Heart Attack That Led Steve Into EMS 12:53 – Leadership Starts in the Back of the Ambulance 18:28 – Difficult Calls, Mental Health, and Speaking Up 21:30 – When Leadership Looks the Other Way 23:11 – “We’ve Always Done It This Way” 26:29 – Disagreement, Respect, and Introducing Change 30:14 – Mentorship and Building Better Partners 35:44 – Having Your Crew’s Back 38:32 – How the Medic2Medic Podcast Began 42:54 – Landing Big Guests and Taking the Chance 46:04 – Podcasting as a Mental-Health Outlet 47:14 – Why Steve Brought Medic2Medic Back 51:40 – Are We Doing Enough to Prevent Responder Suicide? 57:13 – What Quietly Disappearing Responders Need to Hear 1:00:24 – “I’m Fine” Isn’t the End of the Conversation 1:06:02 – Where to Find Steve and Medic2Medic

  3. Jul 9

    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 real story behind the film 'PTSD 911'. The conversation delves into the experiences of first responders, highlighting the challenges they face when responding to crisis calls, the impact of trauma on their mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the availability of hope and support for first responders in need. Takeaways Leadership is crucial in first responder organizationsIsolation can be toxic for first respondersThe film 'PTSD 911' portrays the struggle and journey of first responders with PTSD Impact of trauma on first respondersImportance of seeking help Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction06:01 Creating the Film 'PTSD 911'11:01 Leadership in First Responder Organizations15:47 Stressors and Wellness in First Responders26:00 The Film 'PTSD 911' and Its Real Story31:39 Responding to Crisis Calls49:13 The Importance of Seeking Help56:45 Hope and Support for First Responders PTSD911 How to watch or order the film: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ How to host a screening: https://ptsd911movie.com/screenings/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast:  www.Firstresponderwellnesspodcast.comFirst Responder Wellness Solutions: firstresponderwellness.co

  4. Jul 2

    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 address mental health struggles and work-related trauma. The conversation delves into the emotional impact of critical incidents, the struggle with emotional withdrawal, and the process of recognizing and addressing disconnection. It also explores the gradual impact of trauma, the process of rebuilding oneself, and the connection between fatherhood and personal identity. Additionally, it discusses the importance of being a better dad and finding purpose after leaving the job. Takeaways The gradual impact of the job on identity and family lifeRecognizing and addressing mental health struggles in emergency services Emotional withdrawal can lead to disconnection and impact relationships.Recognizing signs of disconnection is crucial for seeking help and support.Rebuilding oneself involves identifying positive influences and rebuilding from the ground up. Chapters 00:00 The Job's Impact on Identity and Family05:22 The Outside Eye and the Impact on Relationships11:33 The Sudden Loss and Its Aftermath23:23 Creating Longevity in Emergency Services Careers32:02 Critical Incident38:02 Recognizing Disconnection44:01 Rebuilding Oneself50:58 Being a Better Dad58:58 Life After the Job

  5. Jun 25

    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 self-acceptanceDevelop resilience and gain perspective through challenges Chapters 00:00 Embracing Authenticity

  6. Jun 18

    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 in mental health work. The conversation delves into the importance of empathy and communication in emergency response, the impact of traumatic calls on responders, the role of faith in coping with trauma, and the significance of seeking help and finding peace. Takeaways Unseen struggles of first respondersImportance of listening and understandingMisconceptions about mental health callsImpact of administration on first respondersNeed for trust and understanding in mental health work Empathy and communication are crucial in emergency responseTraumatic calls have a profound impact on respondersFaith plays a significant role in coping with traumaSeeking help and finding peace are essential for mental well-being Chapters 00:00 Need for Trust and Understanding in Mental Health Work36:10 Importance of Empathy and Communication in Emergency Response48:34 Coping with Trauma and the Role of Faith58:11 Seeking Help and Finding Peace

  7. Jun 11

    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 identityPride can hinder self-awareness and growth Chapters 00:00 The Uniform and Identity

  8. Jun 11

    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 emotional breakdowns. Chapters 00:00 The Sudden Breakdown

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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 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. This podcast talks openly about: • Burnout, trauma, PTSD, and moral injury • Leadership failures and broken workplace culture • Identity after the uniform • Addiction, recovery, faith, resilience, and rebuilding • The calls that change responders forever • The humor, chaos, and dysfunction that come with the job ⚠️ Listener Discretion Advised Episodes may include graphic subject matter, emotional discussions, strong language, and dark humor based on real EMS and first responder experiences. Names and identifying details may be changed to protect privacy. Any medical discussion reflects personal experience and opinion. It is not medical advice, protocol, or a replacement for training, local guidelines, medical direction, or professional care. “I’d rather hear your story than read your eulogy.” If you are struggling, do not carry it alone. Talk to someone you trust, reach out to a professional, or call or text 988 for immediate support. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and other major platforms. Share your story, connect with the show, or learn more at www.critical-run.com. Dispatched & Dysfunctional — real calls, real chaos, and the people trying to make it home whole.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Stockton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    74
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Chris Stockton
  • Show Website
    Dispatched & Dysfunctional