Within the Trenches

Episode 675 features a solo episode update for big news on Camp Imagine Listening, wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes stories from recent travels. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Vote for me for Top Host here - https://tophost.org/2026/ricardo-martinez-ii Episode topics – Recap of recent podcast episodes, travels, and speaking engagements The story an...

Episode 674 features Mariah, a 911 dispatcher out of the SW part of Indiana. Episode topics – How childhood experiences and early influences led to a career in public safety Challenges and rewards of working in a small-town emergency services environment The realities of 911 call-taking, from life-or-death moments to routine requests The impact of critical incidents and the importance of mental re...

A mother and her nine month old baby were trapped inside a burning apartment. On the other end of the phone was 911 dispatcher, Christina. As the fire moved through the apartment, Christina stayed on the line giving instructions, keeping the caller focused, and trying to be the calm voice she needed in a horrific situation. As the phone went silent, Christina could only hear fire. The call stayed...

Episode 673 features Christina, a peer support specialist, and 911 professional at Cary PD in NC. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Christina's career path from detention officer to long-time 911 dispatcher and part-time firefighter Differences in working at county versus city dispatch centers How serious calls and daily chaos impact mental heal...

Episode 672 features Chantele, an Emergency Dispatcher with Maryland State Police. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Navigating the demanding hiring process and intense background checks for dispatchers The impact of rotating shifts and missing family milestones and holidays Adapting skills from retail work to emergency dispatch situations Traum...

Episode 671 features Ashley, your friendly neighborhood 911 dispatcher out of Elkhart City, IN. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The progress and challenges of ride-alongs, staffing, and cross-training in modern dispatch centers How Ashley transitioned from dispatcher to supervisor and her strategies for building a positive team culture Mental...

Episode 670 features four powerful stories that reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Episode topics – Personal accounts from dispatchers, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers on September 11th, 2001 Behind-the-scenes realities of working in public safety during a national tragedy The emotional impact and long-term effects experienced by first responders How 9/11 led to critical changes in t...

Ep. 669 features a LIVE broadcast from the 2026 NC PSAP Manager's Conference. Episode topics – Real-life stories from dispatchers and center managers about entering and growing in 911 careers The importance of resilience, support systems, and coping mechanisms in emergency communications Advancements in Next Generation 911 technology and statewide disaster response strategies Generational impacts,...

Episode 668 features a solo episode in celebration of a Decade of Voices, the tenth anniversary of the #IAM911 movement. Episode topics – The 10-year anniversary and global reach of the #IAM911 movement The origins and impact of sharing dispatcher stories Introduction of imaginelistening.com as a living archive for stories The launch of the Gary Allen Legacy Collection preserving historical 911 au...

Episode 667 features Jen, a Dispatch Coordinator with Cass County Sheriff's Department, MI. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Jen's early influences and journey into public safety dispatching Evolution of technology and the dispatch center, from dot matrix printers to gaming monitors Handling critical and emotionally challenging calls and their long-term impact...

Episode 666 features a solo episode where we visit an archive of past 911 calls. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS Episode topics – The origins of Within the Trenches and how the podcast was launched Breakdown and discussion of a disturbing family homicide 911 call Analyzing a deceptive 911 call where the caller is later revealed as the suspect The tension and fear of live home invasion calls...

Episode 665 features Jami, a 911 professional and peer support specialist at Lee Summit Fire, Missouri. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Why Jami originally planned to become a firefighter and chose to stay in dispatch The pivotal call that changed her career path and her advice on coping with tough calls How peer support has evolved in the industry and why it...

Episode 664 features a discussion from round 46 of the Dispatcher's Roundtable on Zero Suicide Kits, red flags, and much more with guest, Dawn Shumway. Episode topics – Practical tips for real suicide prevention and "zero suicide proofing" your support network The true look of struggle: why "happy" coworkers may actually be drowning Taking imperfect action: why showing up beats waiting for perfect...

Episode 663 features a solo episode where I revisit and celebrate the 13 year anniversary of my last day at Allegan County Central Dispatch in Michigan. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Ricardo recounts leaving his dispatch career after 13 years and what led to that decision Highlights from early podcasting days, including memorable conferences and media appea...

Episode 662 features Erica, a peer support specialist and CTO with Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority, MI. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Erica's journey from the ER to a 13-year dispatch career Training philosophy: building trust, sharing mistakes, and modernizing the culture Public education efforts and common 9-1-1 misconceptions Burnout, boun...

Episode 661 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event entitled, "Dispatcher Suicide: Breaking the Silence." Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Why dispatcher suicide remains a taboo topic in public safety What struggle really looks like among dispatchers Why it's easier for dispatchers to help others than themselves Practical...

Episode 660 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event covering AI Tech and mental health for 911 professionals. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The real impact of AI on dispatcher cognitive load and stress management Why wellness apps often fall short for frontline public safety professionals Balancing public perception an...

Episode 659 features Donna, a 911 professional out of Texas. In this episode, we have a candid conversation on suicide in 911 dispatch. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The unseen trauma and emotional burdens shouldered by dispatchers Why dispatcher suicides remain under-recognized and rarely discussed What "struggle" actually looks like in the life of a dispa...

Episode 658 is a solo episode where I discuss the top three things that I had to explain to friends, family, and callers about 911. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The truth about tracing 911 calls and caller location technology Why dispatchers ask so many questions during emergencies The realities of putting callers on hold and response times The misconcepti...

Episode 657 features Cheyenne, a 911 professional out of Kansas. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Transitioning from firefighter to dispatcher and early career hurdles The evolution of public safety technology and dispatch procedures Navigating gender barriers and proving oneself in a male-dominated field Memorable and unusual 911 calls, including tips for eff...

Episode 656 features an Open Mic LIVE solo episode. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Highlights and behind-the-scenes from the recent Michigan Public Safety Telecommunications Conference The origin and growth of the Within the Trenches podcast and the #IAM911 Movement Using games and creative engagement in conference vendor halls The significance of peer suppo...

Episode 655 features Mel, a 911 professional out of a regional agency in Missouri. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The significance and traditions of National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Memorable moments and challenges in dispatcher training and early career experiences Handling emotionally impactful calls and the importance of support and mental hea...

Episode 654 features a candid discussion on the question, "have you ever gotten so used to the chaos that silence feels uncomfortable?" with my guest, Keely. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The struggle to find comfort in silence after years of constant noise How triggers and overstimulation from dispatch can follow you into daily life The importance of findi...

Episode 653 features Nadine, a 911 professional with Seabrook PD, in Texas. Episode topics – How Nadine accidentally started her public safety career after moving from New York to Texas Surprises and challenges faced on the first days as a dispatcher The realities of dispatcher training, including tough early calls and adapting to new environments The impact of critical incidents, coping with toug...

Episode 652 features a Series Finale of the Most Important Seconds broadcast. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Recap of the season and connection to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh The challenges and realities of technology outages in emergency departments and dispatch Bridging the gap: importance of analog skills and cross-generational teamwork Candi...