Ashley Valenzuela
Let's Talk Dispatch
Let's Talk Dispatch with Ashley Valenzuela is a series dedicated to educating, empowering, and supporting the heroes behind the headset. Ashley is a 911 dispatcher in California and the creator of The Raspy Dispatcher LLC. Listen as she partners with industry leaders to add tools to every first responder's toolbelt. No topic is off-limits. Remember to subscribe, rate, and tell a friend, and find us on social media by searching The Raspy Dispatcher.
Author
Ashley Valenzuela
Category
Podcast website
Latest episode
Mar 16, 2026
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Cruising Down Disaster Ave | Jane Plympton 28.02.2024 1:10:53
Join us as we sit down with Jane Plympton, a dedicated dispatcher and trainer with over 12 years of experience in Police, Fire, and EMS services in Southeastern Montana. We chat about handling emergencies in a rural setting and fostering a positive workplace culture. Jane shares invaluable insights gained from her extensive background, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of the professio...
Never Feel Helpless Again | Renee Monestero- Dispatcher 21.02.2024 1:01:45
In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned dispatcher and dedicated EMT with over three decades of combined experience. With 17 years in dispatch, 22 years in EMS, and 14 years of teaching, our guest brings a unique perspective to emergency services. Join us as we explore their journey, from handling high-pressure situations to educating future dispatchers and fire personnel in Wisconsin—another...
One Last Call | Guest Patricia Aaron - Retired Dispatch Supervisor 14.02.2024 33:13
Today, my guest has been dispatching for 28 years, currently holding the position of communications supervisor. When you tune in for this episode, they will be officially retired! Congratulations on your retirement, Patricia, and thank you for 28 years of service to your community. We appreciate you sharing your journey with us on Let's Talk Dispatch. Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Pr...
Central Square Technologies | |Kevin Wattenbarger Director of Sales for 911 Call Handling 07.02.2024 55:02
Join us in this episode as we sit down with Kevin Wattenbarger, the Director of Sales for 911 call handling at CentralSquare Technologies. With over 25 years of experience in public safety and communications software, Kevin shares insights from his diverse background, including serving as a Deputy Sheriff of Wake County, NC, and his time in the U.S. Air Force in Combat Communications. In this epis...
Our Conference Experience | Be The Difference 2024 01.02.2024 16:17
Conferences hold a unique charm, particularly those focused on emergency dispatchers. Our profession remains largely unfamiliar to many, yet a few times a year, hundreds of individuals eagerly travel by car or plane, driven by the sole purpose of connecting and learning from those who have faced challenging calls, gained valuable insights, discovered innovative approaches to age-old tasks, and are...
Combat Complacency | Kim Fuller Dispatcher 24.01.2024 53:21
Join me in welcoming our guest, Kim, who brings 19 years of invaluable experience in law enforcement dispatch to our episode today. Formerly holding the esteemed position of Chief Communications Officer, Kim humbly describes herself as a 'knower of much and master of none.'In this engaging episode, we explore Kim's rich journey through the realms of dispatch, tapping into her extensive experience...
Just Being Awesome | Cammie Haney Dispatch Director 17.01.2024 59:01
Joining us today is an exceptional guest Cammie Haney with over 17.5 years of hands-on experience in dispatching within a small rural center. Beyond her extensive dispatch tenure, she's spent 14 years as a training officer, nurturing the next generation of dispatch professionals. Notably, she's also served as the coordinator of a local multi-agency peer support team and a member of Oregon's APCO w...
Never Stop Learning | Nikki McGuire Dispatcher 10.01.2024 40:37
My guest today has been dispatching for longer than she has not been. Starting this career at 19 years old, this seasoned professional, Nikki McGuire, has a wonderful perspective on the changes she has witnessed in this field over the years. Time sure does fly when you're having a good time, and we talk all about it in this episode. Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Prepard911.comand Xyb...
Not Everyone is Horrible | Rochelle Esparza Dispatcher 03.01.2024 58:03
Today's guest, Rochelle Esparza, brings over a decade of experience in dispatch. Her roles as department training coordinator, supervisor, and union president showcase her dedication. Rochelle's drive to equip dispatchers for active shooter situations is deeply rooted in her grandfather's involvement during the Columbine shooting. Join us for an insightful conversation as we learn from Rochelle's...
Where to Connect and Happy Holidays! 27.12.2023 6:59
This week we are taking a break! But we did just want to thank you for your hard work during the holiday season and remind you of all the places you can connect with The Raspy Dispatcher. Make sure to check us out on all the socials and check out theraspydispatcher.comInstagram | The Raspy DispatcherFacebook | The Raspy Dispatcher Private Facebook Group | Let's Talk Dispatch Youtube | The Raspy Di...
Dispatch Cousins | Deborah Green 20.12.2023 50:48
In this episode, we sit down with a retired public safety dispatcher Deborah Green whose journey spans military service and nearly three decades in law enforcement communications. Deborah and I started at the same agency, though some years apart, which makes us dispatch cousins, Ha. Join us as she shares her story, offering insights into the challenges, triumphs, and emotional weight of being the...
Respect Everyone BUT love your dispatchers - Cody Irby Motorola Solutions 13.12.2023 54:19
Meet Cody Irby, a 4th generation police officer who has dedicated 13 impactful years to public safety. Starting as a police officer and evolving through various roles including corporal, communications supervisor, K9 unit member, detective, and records manager, Cody's journey spans a diverse array of experiences in the field. But Cody's story goes beyond the traditional path. Today, they're on a v...
Engaging the Industry | Trae Maeder 06.12.2023 48:34
Trae Maeder joins us on this week's episode of Let's Talk Dispatch. With eight years of invaluable experience at the Florida Highway Patrol and currently serving at the Lee County Port Authority, Trae brings a wealth of knowledge and insight into the critical role of a dispatcher. Not just limited to the field, Trae's involvement with the Florida APCO as a board member and committee chair showcase...
Thin Blue Line Memorial Crafts | Jennifer Johnson 29.11.2023 58:36
Our guest is a seasoned dispatcher, clocking in 17 years in the field. We're diving deep into their expertise, covering topics like reclassification and the evolution of 911 over the years. But that's not all—get ready to be inspired by the incredible support they're providing to families of fallen officers and those affected by first responder suicides. This episode is all about their journey and...
Quality Data Over Quantity Data | Julie Keleher - Rapid SOS 22.11.2023 55:00
On this episode, we are joined by Julie Keleher, who boasts an extensive background in public safety, having served as both a 911 dispatcher and sworn reserve officer from 2008 to 2016. Transitioning to the private sector at Rapid SOS, Julie is now deeply involved in improving emergency response systems, particularly in CAD/RMS systems and 911 location technology. Join us for a comprehensive discu...
Trumping Imposter Phenomenon | Madison Sebastian 15.11.2023 45:00
I have often said in dispatch years that I am a toddler. Well, my guest today is a baby, Madison Sebastian, who has been dispatching since February of 2023. They have come onto the show today to share their journey and discuss something we can relate to imposter syndrome. Join us as we talk about the reality of the imposter phenomenon in dispatch, how we can do better with trophying our trauma as...
Chase the Curiosity | Ryan Dedmon & Cassie Sexton 08.11.2023 1:11:56
Guess who's back for this week's episode? We've got Ryan Dedmon and Cassie Sexton, two fantastic supporters of our platform at the Raspy Dispatcher. These dispatch pros discuss why conferences are a big deal and why you should attend them virtually or in person. Plus, they've got some excellent advice for anyone considering sharing their ideas at these events. Because, hey, everyone's got somethin...
Revamping The System | Jennifer Dwyer 01.11.2023 1:01:06
In this week's episode of Let’s Talk Dispatch, we're joined by an incredible guest who has made a remarkable transition from a 16-year career as a dispatcher to an exciting role as California P.O.S.T.'s Public Safety Dispatch Program Manager. For those of you unfamiliar with P.O.S.T., it stands for Peace Officer Standards and Training, a vital institution established in 1959 by the California Legi...
Brooklyn Hellfire Releases Nov 1st | Francis X. Holt 25.10.2023 42:42
Step into the world of 1970s FDNY dispatchers in Brooklyn, the busiest fire alarm station globally, with our incredible guest. From heart-pounding calls to teamwork, they share their real-life stories. Discover how they turned their experiences into captivating novels and short stories. Their newest book, Brooklyn Hellfire, releases November 1st! Check out the links below to grab your copy today!...
In this silo, we ask why | Dan Wright 18.10.2023 1:01:07
On this week's Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast episode, I am joined by Dan Wright, Deputy Director from Baldwin County, Alabama 911. Dan is entering his 23rd year in this career and has a wide range of experience, including a previous career in the fire service before transitioning to dispatch. We discuss how working in dispatch is akin to a silo, and I also ask my favorite question about fire staging...
Trained for the Possibility | Sheila Mynatt 11.10.2023 59:27
On this week's episode of the "Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast," I am joined by Sheila Mynatt, Lieutenant of Training and NCIC Terminal Agency Coordinator for her department. Sheila has been in the field since 1991 and, similar to myself, has a passion for making the world of dispatch a better place. Join Sheila and me as we dive into all things dispatch, from cellphones to a tornado that took off the...
A Career, Not a Consolation Prize | Tina Buneta 04.10.2023 56:02
Let's Talk Dispatch is delighted to have the Director of Aurora 911 in Aurora, CO, Tina Buneta, as our guest. With 25 years of dedicated service in various dispatch environments, including urban centers, rural areas, and everything in between, Tina has been a witness to the evolution of 911. Join us for an engaging conversation as we discuss topics such as women in leadership, reshaping the percep...
Be nice, period. | Roxy VanGundy 27.09.2023 41:09
In today's episode of "Let's Talk Dispatch," we have the incredible Roxy Van Gundy as our special guest. Roxy brings a wealth of experience, having dedicated 18 years of their life to the critical field of dispatch. We'll delve into Roxy's remarkable career, a pivotal lesson they've learned along the way, and their passionate commitment to making the 911 emergency response system more equitable. M...
The Love of Dispatching | Kathleen Martin 20.09.2023 58:00
On today's Let's Talk Dispatch Podcast, we're joined by Dispatcher Kathleen Martin, who is bringing 29+ years of expertise to the mic. Kathleen shares her insights from private companies to homeland security, stress management, and more. Don't miss this episode filled with laughter and stories from a seasoned pro! Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Prepard911.comand Xybix Media xybix.com/...
Smart Response Technologies | Roger Mann 13.09.2023 1:10:07
In this episode of Let's Talk Dispatch, I am joined by Roger Mann, CEO of Smart Response Technologies Inc., to talk about their company, Assistive AI, and how this technology is being used in our 911 centers. Learn more about Roger and Smart Response Technologies by visiting the website. https://smartresponsetech.com/Make Sure to Visit our Partners Prepared at Prepard911.comand Xybix Media xybix.c...
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