Christy Perez recently retired after an incredible career as a 911 dispatcher in Tennessee, and she didn’t just do the job — she changed it for the better. Known for her leadership, heart, and relentless commitment to doing things the right way, Christy left her center as a true legend.

In this episode, Christy pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to be a dispatcher. She shares unforgettable stories from behind the headset, the pressure of being the calm voice in chaos, and how dispatchers quietly shape outcomes every single day. We also talk about the transition into retirement — the emotions, the identity shift, and what life feels like after years of serving on the front lines without ever being seen.

This is a must-listen for dispatchers, first responders, and anyone who wants to understand the unseen heroes who answer the call before anyone else.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jorge Castro, a paramedic with over 30 years of service who has spent his career showing up for people on the worst days of their lives. From his early years with AMR to his current role with San Bernardino County Fire, Jorge has built a reputation that’s rare in emergency services: unwavering kindness, humility, and genuine compassion for every patient and coworker he encounters.

After three decades of trauma, heartbreak, and relentless calls, the question becomes unavoidable. How does someone stay this good for this long? Jorge opens up about how he has managed to protect his heart without hardening it, the mindset that has sustained him, and why choosing kindness is a daily, intentional act in a profession that often rewards emotional armor.

One of the most moving moments of this conversation is the story of Jorge being fired from AMR and what happened next. Coworkers, firefighters, hospital staff, and agencies across the region united to sign a petition demanding his return. It wasn’t about politics or procedure. It was about character. That collective response says more about who Jorge is than any résumé ever could.

This episode is a reminder that how you treat people matters, that legacy is built in small moments, and that even in the darkest environments, light can still lead the way.

🎧 Listen in for a conversation about service, resilience, humility, and what it truly means to be respected by an entire community.

This week, we sit down with local firefighter-turned-paramedic Josh Grandinetti, who opens up about the injury that ended his fire career, the transition that followed, and the deep work he’s done to stay grounded through it all. Josh gets candid about trauma, coping, and what real mindfulness looks like in the life of a first responder.

He’s so dialed in on helping others rise above their struggles that he launched Foundation Fortified—a powerful resource for building resilience and mental strength.

Give this episode a listen, reach out to Foundation Fortified, and tell them After Watch sent you.

On this episode of After the Call, we sit down with two of the coolest women in the game—Guided Journeys.
They’re changing the lives of first responders every day through ketamine therapy, helping break cycles of trauma, depression, and burnout in ways traditional treatment often can’t.

If you’ve ever wondered how ketamine therapy actually works, why it’s helping so many responders heal, or how to get connected with a team that truly gets it, this episode is for you.

Tune in, learn something new, and if you’re ready to see the impact for yourself, reach out to Guided Journeys.
Your healing deserves a starting point.

On today’s episode, we sit down with Jena Toscano. A horsewoman, healer, and the heart behind Toscano Farms’ partnership with After Watch Foundation. Jena shares the story of how she first connected with horses, the lessons they’ve taught her, and why these animals are uniquely powerful in helping first responders process trauma and recover from PTSD.

From emotional regulation to rebuilding trust, Jena breaks down how horses mirror our inner world and guide us toward growth. She also recaps the equine programs currently offered to support first responder families through Bailey’s Overwatch.

If you’ve ever wondered why horses change lives… this conversation will show you.

Chris and Autumn Timmins are on a mission to change how first responders view, understand, and interact with autistic individuals. Through their nonprofit, Preston’s Pursuit, they train first responders to recognize the signs of autism, approach calls with compassion, and protect some of our most vulnerable community members.

In this episode, they share the powerful story behind Preston’s Pursuit, the moments that opened their eyes to the urgent need for this training, and how simple awareness can be the difference between safety and misunderstanding in the field. Their work is changing lives, shaping departments, and rewriting what it means to truly serve.

This episode is a reminder that when we learn more, we can do better. And Chris and Autumn are leading that change.

On this episode, Kate from Bishops Mission opens up about her journey and it is a tear jerker in all the best ways. She shares how her dogs saved her life and helped her find her purpose. Bishops Mission is dedicated to showing agencies that care does not end once a service dog is placed. It continues throughout the dog’s entire career.

Kate explains with so much heart that dogs carry a heavy load for us and the least we can do is make sure they receive the appreciation, support, and care they deserve. This conversation is powerful, honest, and a reminder of how much our four legged partners give. Tune in.

On this episode of After the Call, Patrick sits down with first responder wives to talk about what life is really like behind the badge, the uniform, and the chaos. They share the unfiltered truth about stress and why marrying a first responder should probably come with a manual.

Patrick also opens up about something deeply personal… his alarming love for rice pudding.

Which, honestly, might be the biggest red flag in the entire episode.

Tune in for honesty, humor, and the side of first responder life that rarely gets airtime.