Let's Talk Dispatch

From the creator of Let’s Talk Dispatch comes First Call Ready — the podcast empowering 911 professionals to shape the future of emergency communications. Hosts Ashley Valenzuela and Megan Wilske take on the challenges, culture, and conversations driving 911 dispatchers forward. Because the next generation isn’t waiting for change — we’re creating it. Follow on Spotify Follow on Apple Podcast Foll...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch , we sit down with Heather Williams, a licensed psychologist and founder of Premier First Responder Psychological Services. With over 25 years of experience working in law enforcement and public safety, Heather has dedicated her life to improving the mental health and wellness of first responders. From building peer support programs to providing critical inci...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch , I’m joined by AK Dozanti, a former deputy sheriff turned First Responder Burnout Specialist and founder of Life Saver Wellness. AK shares her journey from law enforcement to burnout prevention, offering actionable insights on recognizing, preventing, and recovering from burnout in emergency services. With her relatable approach and deep understanding of the...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, I’m joined by Brandi Powell, Executive Director and Founder of The 911 Chaplain Initiative Inc. With 15 years of experience as a dispatcher and trainer, Brandi shares her journey, the inspiration behind her nonprofit, and her mission to provide emotional and spiritual support to telecommunicators. We discuss the challenges of fundraising, the critical role o...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch , I sit down with Will Young, a dedicated public safety telecommunicator and passionate advocate for neurodiversity in emergency communications. Will shares his journey into public safety, his involvement with APCO and NENA, and his mission to create more inclusive emergency communication centers (ECCs). We explore how embracing neurodiversity can help addres...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch I am joined by T’airra Whitis a seasoned communications center manager and doctoral researcher exploring how supportive leadership can transform dispatch centers. We discuss the vital need for empathy in leadership, the impact of offering training and development opportunities, and how connecting more deeply with staff can improve morale and retention. Tune i...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch , we sit down with Katie Farber, a Public Safety Dispatcher II at Ventura County Fire Dispatch. Katie shares her journey in dispatch, her experience leading the Peer Support Team, and her unique partnership with Hudson, a certified therapy dog. Together, they provide comfort during critical incidents and large-scale emergencies like wildfires. Katie also disc...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch , we’re joined by Stephen Sutton, a Senior Telecommunicator with over 30 years in public safety. Stephen shares his journey through EMS, Corrections, and 911, shedding light on how these experiences shape his approach to leadership and managing change. We explore the constant evolution of 911 centers—from staffing challenges to the impact of AI—and discuss st...

Today's episode marks our first Minisode of 2025! These stand-alone episodes will keep you updated on all things happening at The Raspy Dispatcher , highlight dispatch-related news you won't want to miss, and so much more. Be sure to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an update! Interested in joining our Dispatch Dialogues ? Sign up through this link here .

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch , Maria Henry, a CAD System Administrator with 26 years of experience as a 911 dispatcher, joins us to discuss mental health and the evolving career paths for dispatchers. A living organ donor and current doctoral candidate in Information Technology, Maria reflects on the incredible support of her 911 community during a personal milestone and shares her visio...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch , Reggie Parker joins us to shed light on the often-overlooked role of dispatchers in crisis situations. As a Behavioral Health Coordinator and crisis negotiation leader, Reggie has dedicated his career to empowering dispatchers with emotional resilience and de-escalation skills. Together, we discuss the importance of recognizing dispatchers as first responde...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we’re joined by Jason Barto, a dedicated Peer Supporter and founder of The Paths of the Warriors. With a rich background in emergency services, Jason has served as a Ski Patroller, Firefighter, HAZMAT Specialist, and a member of Utah Task Force One. He shares his journey through some of his most critical incidents and how personal traumas have shaped his com...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we chat with a newly promoted Fire Communications Supervisor who has been dispatching for five years. Josh Miller shares their journey from Fire Explorer to Reserve Firefighter, discuss the challenges of burnout, and explain how humor and creativity have helped them stay grounded in high-stress situations. Discover how their viral Dispatch It videos and CalA...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jason Barbour, a 911 industry leader with over 30 years of experience, and Dave Warner, a retired law enforcement professional with 15 years at Priority Dispatch. Together, they tackle the growing challenge of police shortages, sharing how Priority Dispatch’s Police Priority Dispatch System (PPDS) and ProQA interface are helping agencies streamline call handling, i...

Introducing the first installment of Voices from the Communication Center—a powerful segment spotlighting the real stories, advice, and daily realities of 911 dispatchers who serve as the lifeline in your community. In this episode, we visit Aurora 911 in Aurora, CO; Pleasanton Police Department in Pleasanton, CA; Lincoln Police Department in Lincoln, NE; and San Jose Police Department in CA. Whil...

Have a story to share? The Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast is all about amplifying the voices of dispatchers and emergency services professionals! You can:✅ Sign up to be a guest and share your journey, insights, and lessons learned in this incredible field.✅ Submit your story to be featured on a Let's Talk Dispatch minisode – whether it's a funny call, a heartfelt moment, or a unique experience fro...

In this episode, I’m joined by Danny McAtee, the Director of Peer Support for Runestone Ranch, Danny is a seasoned EMS professional with over 20 years of experience in emergency services. We discuss the critical importance of mental health support for first responders, and how peer support can bridge the gap between fieldwork and mental health resilience. Danny shares his insight into the behind-t...

In today’s episode, we’re joined by a Fire/EMS Manager Matt Glogolich. With almost 14 years of dedication to Public Safety Communications, Matt has climbed the ranks from an entry-level dispatcher to a leadership position, overseeing Fire and EMS operations. They'll share stories from the field, discuss the challenges and triumphs of their journey, and offer insights into what it takes to thrive i...

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Snead, Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor at the Houston Community College 911 Dispatch Academy. With nearly a decade of hands-on dispatch experience, Jessica has worked across all emergency service disciplines, rising to a supervisory role and now actively training the next generation of dispatchers. Jessica shares her passion for elevating pre-agenc...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jeremy, a dedicated firefighter and the leader of Beyond the Badge Paranormal. With 18 years of experience in emergency services, Jeremy shares his personal journey through mental health challenges and his passion for raising awareness on these critical issues. As a paranormal investigator, Jeremy also brings some chilling stories from his ghost-hunting adventures. T...

In this special episode of The Let’s Talk Dispatch Podcast, we're shaking things up with a conversation that goes both ways! I’m joined by students from Seneca College’s 911 & Emergency Services Communications Program, where they’re diving into an APCO-accredited course on Communication and Center Technology. These future dispatchers have just as many questions for me as I do for them. Tune in...

In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, we welcome Matthew King, a seasoned 911 professional with over 19 years of experience. From his beginnings as an Orlando fire dispatcher to his rise to management in just 12 years, Matthew has seen it all—both the highs and the challenges of transitioning from frontline dispatcher to leadership. Tune in as we dive deep into the lessons he’s learned along the...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, we’re thrilled to welcome back Jenn Marshall for her second appearance! Jenn is a traveling dispatcher who represents getResQ911, a company founded by Diane Carroll, dedicated to serving 911 agencies and workers. GetResQ911 was born out of a deep passion for the industry. Diane, who spent 22 years in dispatch herself, understands the challenges on both sides...

On this Episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch we are joined by Regina Milkovich and Cynthia Hudson, seasoned dispatch supervisors at the Goodyear Police Department in Arizona. With a combined 45+ years of experience, these two share a deep passion for improving morale in dispatch centers. In this episode, they discuss the importance of taking baby steps to create a positive work environment, the value of...

Our guest today on the Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast brings over 26 years of experience in public safety and emergency management. Having worked as a dispatcher, trainer, and manager, Wendy recently transitioned to the private sector, and today she’s sharing her wealth of knowledge on what it takes to hire, train, and support successful dispatchers. We’ll explore the key job skills new dispatchers n...