Viewpoints by Equature

In this episode, host Cherie Bartram sits down with Dr. Andre Jones to explore leadership in public safety and emergency communications. The conversation centers on a core idea: leadership is a mindset, not just a title. Dr. Jones covers the distinction between managing tasks and shaping culture, the value of strong followership, and how emotional intelligence helps leaders stay resilient. He also...

What if the reason you stayed in this career… wasn’t you? In this episode of Viewpoints, Kris Inman joins Cherie Bartram to reflect on the unseen moments that shape a dispatcher’s journey—the people who step in when doubt is at its highest and quietly change everything. From early career struggles to lasting impact, this conversation explores the “unsung heroes” of 911—the ones who see potential b...

What started as a hope for 100 women has exploded into a 15,000-strong movement—and it's changing how women lead in 911. Host Cherie Bartram sits down with Sara Weston, founder of 911der Women, for a candid conversation about building community, breaking barriers, and redefining leadership in emergency communications. Sara shares her unexpected journey into the 911 world, the personal loss tha...

Your brain works against you during high-stress calls—but understanding the neuroscience can change everything. Join our host, Cherie Bartram as she sits with Drew Moldenhauer, a leading expert on situational awareness, to explore what happens in your brain when chaos erupts. Learn the three core components of situational awareness and why task fixation, time distortion, and fear derail even exper...

You've done the research, prepared yourself, and landed the promotion—but what happens when theory meets reality? In this final episode of our three-part series, hosts Cherie Bartram and Kerry O'Connell sit down with four experienced leaders who share the truths about their first days, weeks, and months in supervision. From unexpected challenges to the relationships that shift overnight, t...

In this episode, hosts Cherie Bartram and Kerry O'Connell guide telecommunicators through the journey toward leadership roles in emergency communications. The hosts outline practical preparation strategies centering on the REEPS framework. They discuss a variety of topics within this framework, such as taking relevant classes, interviewing current and former leaders, and reading leadership boo...

The transition from line-level employee to supervisor brings a mix of emotions—excitement, uncertainty, and sometimes fear. Most new supervisors discover they weren't fully prepared for at least one aspect of the journey. Were you caught off guard by something unexpected? Are you considering making the move? Recently promoted and wondering what comes next? Or, like co-hosts Kerry and Cherie, a...

Fear can paralyze us or motivate us. In this episode, our host Cherie Bartram, along with her teenage daughter Riannah, discuss how fear interferes with our personal and professional lives. They also explore how fear has protected them and lifted them to higher elevations. This is a deeply personal episode that combines personal insights with career wisdom - you won't want to miss it!

Resource sharing has been a cornerstone of public safety for years, but successful implementation requires dedication and persistence. Behind-the-scenes work on shared resource projects rarely gets attention—especially when these collaborative efforts involve both large municipal 911 centers and university campus 911 centers. Join us as we talk with Chief Randy Repola and Communications Manager Am...

Join our guest Christanna Carrell as we explore the evolving landscape of neonatal care amidst changing marijuana legislation. The podcast explores how different substances affect infants, what the testing and treatment processes are, and how 911 dispatchers might encounter these situations during deliveries or post delivery 911 calls. Share with us as our guest highlights the delicate balance bet...

Join our host Cherie Bartram as she shares essential insights on preparing and interviewing for a career as an Emergency 911 dispatcher. Drawing from her experience both as a candidate and interviewer, Cherie explores everything from understanding your core motivation to advancing once you've secured the position. She offers personal stories and practical advice that illuminate the unique challeng...

Ever wonder why we sometimes miss the obvious? Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of stupidity – not the lack of intelligence, but the dangerous tendency to overlook crucial information staring us right in the face. In this episode, join Kris Kaull and host Cherie Bartram as we explore the seven sneaky risk factors that sabotage decision-making: rushing, unfamiliar environments, group i...

In this episode, we dive deep into the often-overlooked impact of critical incident stress on public safety professionals and first responders. Our guest speaker, Carol Staben-Burroughs, LCPC, a seasoned counselor with decades of experience in trauma and stress management, breaks down the complexities of critical incident stress, from the difference between cumulative and non-cumulative traumatic...

In this episode of Viewpoints, host Cherie Bartram sits down with Kris Inman from The Healthy Dispatcher to explore the profound impact of workplace culture and interpersonal interactions within a Communications Center. Kris and Cherie delve into the critical importance of fostering a respectful and supportive environment where every team member feels valued and heard. They discuss how positive co...

Get ready for a wild ride through Equature's 2024 podcast! Join Kerry and Cherie as they dive into a hilariously nostalgic review that's anything but boring. Our dynamic duo isn't just recapping – they're reliving every memorable moment, and inviting listeners to join their infectious celebration. Expect the unexpected as they bounce between serious reflections and pure comedy gold. Whether they'r...

Ever wondered how the children of firefighters, police officers, and paramedics perceive their parents' high-stakes careers? In this eye-opening episode, we delve into the minds of kids aged 5 to 12 (Kasen Kalef, Jackson and Henry Howland, Lauren and Olivia Rushlo, Nathan Bartram) whose parents serve on the front lines of public safety. Join us as we explore: • The pride and fears these young ones...

In this action-packed episode, leaders from Police, Fire, EMS, and 911 come together to break down the power of the Unified Command system in tackling large-scale, multi-agency incidents. We dive into real-world examples and practical insights, showing why this system is crucial for seamless coordination during complex emergencies. While it doesn’t replace formal NIMS ICS training, this episode gi...

Staffing shortages are a familiar challenge that often leave managers and hiring supervisors frustrated and searching for answers. In this enlightening podcast, Tina Chaffin offers hope and practical solutions. She encourages listeners to consider whether they might be part of the problem or the solution. You may recognize some of the traits Tina describes in your team, peers, coworkers, and even...

In our newest podcast episode, we are joined by Tony Harrison, a true veteran in the public safety communications industry. With over 25 years of experience working in PSAPs, serving as a reserve deputy sheriff, and founding his own training company, The Public Safety Group, Tony offers invaluable insights on the paramount role of training for public safety professionals - new and veteran alike. T...

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Betcher shares his journey growing up in a public safety family and how it influenced his career with the U.S. Marines as an Air Traffic Controller. He draws parallels between his role and his mother's as a 911 dispatcher, recounting fond memories of family weekends shaped by his father's law enforcement career. The easygoing rapport between Matthew and the host...

Doug Showalter is a renowned public speaker who has spent years enlightening and entertaining public safety professionals. In this podcast episode, Doug delves into the profound impact individuals can make through their work. He elucidates the essence of true leadership, emphasizing that it transcends mere titles and encompasses one's words and actions. Join Doug as he shares insights on leade...

Get ready for an insightful and entertaining ride as Traci Brown, world-renowned expert on body language and fraud detection, pulls back the curtain on her globetrotting career. For over 20 years, Traci has traveled to every corner of the world, studying the telling quirks and subtle cues that can reveal when someone isn't playing it straight. This podcast is your backstage pass, where she&#39...

Jim Marshall, CEO of the 911 Training Institute, joins us for an enlightening conversation honoring 911 Emergency Telecommunicators. With a deep reverence for these unsung heroes, Jim shares his personal experiences interacting with PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) personnel from across the nation. His captivating stories and visionary leadership will fill you with immense pride in the noble c...

Mississippi Highway Patrol Captain Reed Harrington shares insights on officer safety and training for public safety professionals. Drawing from his experience across various roles, Captain Harrington emphasizes the vital need for robust and ongoing training for 911 dispatchers and officers, starting from the moment they are hired and continuing throughout their careers. He provides perspective on...

Jimmy Perdue brings years of experience with public safety construction projects to the discussion. He joins our host Cherie Bartram to share insights on consolidating PSAPs. Drawing from proven techniques to avoid common pitfalls, they will talk about critical strategies like effectively communicating with all stakeholders throughout the consolidation process in order to ensure successful outcome...