Within The Trenches

Ep 588 features Angela, a 911 Professional out of New Hanover County 911, NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Angela's introduction to the dispatch field and the unexpected surprises along the way The importance of mental health and wellness for dispatchers Angela's experiences with medical calls and their emotional impact Advice to new hires on maintaining mental health and seeking support 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 587 features Shana, a 911 Professional out of Massachusetts. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Transitioning from a towing company dispatcher to 911 dispatcher Facing the emotional challenges and responsibilities of the job Handling a traumatic personal experience while on duty The significance of mental health and self-care in high-stress professions The role of community and support in overcoming personal and professional hurdles 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 586 features Jenny, an Operations Manager, Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch, Massachusetts . Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Jenny’s journey from being an EMT to a 911 dispatcher Navigating the challenges of training and early calls The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her dispatch work Dealing with intense and emotional 911 calls Her transformative experience at a professional development ranch 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 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 small county sheriff's office Reflections and advice for those starting their journey in public safety 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 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 and mental health 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 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 you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 support in 911 services Desmond reflects on what he's learned and how the profession has shaped him 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 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 health challenges in the workplace Strategies for better self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance 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 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 misdiagnoses The founding of the Thin Gold Line Foundation to aid dispatchers Advocacy for recognizing dispatchers as first responders and improving mental health resources 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 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 virtual event that took place from December 9 through 13th, 2024. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Strategies for maintaining identity and support post-dispatch service Emotional and psychological impacts of transitioning out of dispatch roles Rethinking traditional practices and fostering inclusivity in social gatherings Importance of community and connectivity among current and former 911 workers 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 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 County 911 and her motivation driven by past tragedies 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 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 understanding subtle communication cues in 911 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 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 and shared understanding among colleagues 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 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 you can participate in educational and humorous emergency service presentations 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 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 challenging calls Memorable and unusual call scenarios, including 'Florida man' incidents and a call involving an emu 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 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 like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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 transitions, coaching work, and resilience in first responders 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 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 comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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.