Within the Trenches

Ep 585 features Donna, a 911 Professional at Travis County Sheriff's Office out of Austin, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Challenges and surprises of starting in public safety Donna's transformative experience at a unique leadership training event Early career stories, including memorable calls and interactions The impact and bond of working in a...

Ep 584 features Scottie, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The importance of networking in public safety The memorable transition from an EMT to a 911 dispatcher A harrowing call involving an allergic reaction and quick police response The lasting impact of the job on personal life a...

Ep 583 features Tenisha, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The initial surprises and challenges of being a fresh 911 dispatcher Transitioning from customer service to public safety Memorable and intense calls within her first weeks Advice for those considering a career in dispatch If...

Ep 582 features Desmond, a Community Relations Supervisor at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Desmond talks about his unexpected entry into 911 dispatching The challenges and changes in the hiring and training process over the past 10 years Memorable and impactful calls Desmond has handled The importance of community and peer...

Ep 581 features Emily, a CTO at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily's initial reluctance to disclose her hearing aids and how she overcame it The importance of supportive colleagues and genuine leadership Emily's emotional experience with using hearing aids for the first time Significance of addressing personal and mental h...

Ep 580 features Kathy and Jason Lott with the Thin Gold Line Foundation. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Find out more about the Thin Gold Line Foundation - Web Episode topics – Jason's traumatic first call and its long-lasting impacts Coping with critical incidents and lack of immediate support Kathy and Jason's journey through severe health challenges and misdiagnose...

Ep 579 features a panel discussion entitled "No Dispatcher Left Behind." The panelists include Roxy VanGundy, director of Lyon County 911, KS, Erin Maccabee, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, Cinnamon Reiheld, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, and myself, Ricardo. This session was part of the Dare to be Great vir...

Ep 578 features Kate, a Business Manager at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kate's emergency response experience and the evolution of technology Emotional toll of dispatch work and Kate's background with Homeland Security Importance of understanding personal strengths and finding the right role Kate's transition to Cobb Coun...

Ep 577 features Kysheem, an Emergency Communications Officer-2 at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Real-life experiences from Kysheem's first emergency calls Comparison of phone and radio roles in emergency communications Detailed overview of the extensive training process for dispatchers Importance of staying composed and un...

Ep 576 features Madison, an Emergency Communications Officer 2 and Training Officer 1, at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional impact of losing a colleague and the role of peer support The reality versus perception of emergency calls The use of dark humor in coping with job-related stress The importance of teamwork...

Ep 575 features Theresa, a CTO at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Theresa shares her innovative community outreach using reptiles to engage the public The importance of understanding personality types in communication and teamwork Unique dispatch operations using reindeer names during the holiday season Information on how yo...

Ep 574 features Lindsey, a supervisor in the Employment Relations Unit at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Lindsey's transition from EMS to fire rescue and then to police dispatch Differences in protocols and communication styles between fire, EMS, and police departments Intense relief and euphoria from successfully resolving...

Ep 573 features Jazmine, a Systems Analyst at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Episode topics – Jazmine's journey from aspiring police officer to systems analyst The importance of training and multitasking in dispatch roles Handling emotional and high-stakes 911 calls Advancements in dispatch technology, including location accuracy and video capabilities If you have any comments or questions or would l...

Ep 572 features Suzanne Carlsen-Skunca, 911 Professional, Owner of Finding Your Path Coaching out of Canada.  Episode topics – Suzanne's first robbery call and diverse experience in emergency dispatch Different shift patterns and their impacts on her well-being Personal challenges and the significance of mental health care A memorable industrial fire call leading to a PTSD diagnosis Career transit...

Ep 571 is an Open Mic session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Funny Open Mic stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com .

Ep 570 is an Imagine Listening session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #IAM911 stories If you have any co...

Ep 569 is an Open Mic session recorded in Washington DC during the NAVIGATOR conference. The stories come from all over the country. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Funny Open Mic stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com .

Ep 568 is an Imagine Listening session recorded at the 2024 NAVIGATOR conference in Washington DC. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #I...

Ep 567 is an Open Mic session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Funny Open Mic stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com .

Ep 566 is an Imagine Listening session recorded in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #IAM911 stories If you have any co...

Ep 565 is an Open Mic session recorded in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Open Mic (funny & outrageous) stories If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com .

Ep 564 is an Imagine Listening session recorded at Burke County 911 in North Carolina. The stories come from all over the state. WARNING - THIS EPISODE CONTAINS AUDIO THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL AUDIENCES. IF YOU HAVE PTSD OR SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, THIS MAY BE A TRIGGER. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – #IAM911 storie...

Ep 563 features Christa, a 911 professional and Industry Partner out of Michigan.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Struggles with the emotional toll of being a dispatcher and bringing work home The decision to step down from dispatch and feelings of guilt Her new podcast "Open Your Ears" focuses on single parenting and diverse family situations Emotion...

Ep 562 features a special look at National #IAM911 Day, the birth of the #IAM911 Movement, and much more from a LIVE Open Mic broadcast.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The powerful "Imagine Listening" sessions and their evolution into a podcast and book series The impactful #IAM911 movement and its role in peer support and public education Ricardo's...

Ep 561 features Elizabeth, an author, and a retired 911 professional.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional toll of handling traumatic calls The role of peer support and stress management in her department Challenges of working with outdated technology in the 1990s dispatch center Transitioning from work to retirement and pursuing creative pro...