Within the Trenches
Join me for a special New Year’s Eve episode of Within the Trenches, where I share deeply personal and unforgettable stories from the past. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Milestones and growth of the Within the Trenches podcast, including over 2.4 million downloads and international reach Ricardo’s holiday adventures and family stories, from running the Rocky Steps to visiting Centralia, PA Behind-the-scenes tales of working New Year’s Eve shifts as a dispatcher, including humorous and challenging calls Personal experiences taking emergency calls...
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Join me for a special holiday episode of Within the Trenches, where I share deeply personal and unforgettable stories from Christmases past. Join me for a special holiday episode of Within the Trenches, where I share deeply personal and unforgettable stories from Christmases past. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | An unforgettable family break-in during the holidays and how it shaped Ricardo’s outlook on safety The emotional impact of reuniting with past events through old dispatch records Funny and touching family moments, including a classic gift reveal mishap ...
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Ep 633 features Meagan, a 911 professional out of Kansas. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | How Meagan was inspired by her family's legacy in public safety and shifted from loss prevention to dispatch. The challenges and learning curves facing new dispatchers, including handling overwhelming noise and high-stress situations. First-hand accounts of critical incidents: from supporting officers during pursuits to dangerous situations. The importance of mental health, peer support, and coping mechanisms in dispatch, including emotional support animals. The impact...
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Ep 632 features Hope, a 911 director with New Hanover County 911 out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – First-hand accounts of Hope’s early days as a young dispatcher and her baptism by fire The unique demands and life-or-death challenges of working in rural, small-town dispatch centers The critical impact of effective training, team culture, and mentorship in 911 centers Raw, emotional stories from major incidents, including the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene Lessons in leadership, mental health support, and advice for anyone...
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Ep 631 features Anthony, a 911 professional and supervisor with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – What dispatchers might say if sarcasm was allowed on 911 calls The surprising reality behind common (and not-so-emergency) 911 calls Dispatchers’ picks for their ultimate theme songs while putting on the headset Hilarious slip-ups like accidentally saying "I love you" to callers The must-have snacks and dream dispatch chair features every dispatcher deserves If you have any comments or questions or...
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Ep 630 features Nate, a 911 professional and trainer with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – The critical role of RapidSOS technology in saving lives and responding to emergencies. The emotional impact of high-stress calls, including life-saving successes and tragic outcomes. Reenactments and media attention: what it's really like to have cameras in your face after a crisis. The importance of closure, peer support, and healthy coping mechanisms in 911 dispatch work. Building strong relationships with...
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Ep 629 features Anthony, a 911 professional and supervisor with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan. Episode topics – Anthony’s path from growing up around the firehouse to working 24 years in public safety and 13 years in dispatch The unexpected challenges and misconceptions about working in 911, including memorable early calls and on-the-job lessons Raw stories that stuck with Anthony, from life-saving outcomes to heartbreaking losses How burnout, compassion, and teamwork shape dispatchers over time Rapid changes in 911 technology and how the role continues to evolve...
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Ep 628 features Janie and Nate, 911 professionals with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan. Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – The nerve-wracking experience of being filmed for a special project at Cass County Central Dispatch and Edwardsburg Fire Department How Janie and Nate each found their way into dispatch and their early training struggles Their personal accounts of memorable first calls and surprising moments on the job Detailed breakdown of a life-saving crash detection incident and rapid response teamwork The emotional reunion...
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Ep 627 features Tipi, the Chief of Staff at the Office of Unified Communications (OUC). Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Tipi’s journey from high school aspirations to Chief of Staff at the Office of Unified Communications Early experiences and powerful calls that shaped her public safety career Major differences in call types and procedures between Amtrak and Montgomery County dispatch The impact of ECC workplace culture on retention and employee wellness Actionable strategies and real examples to improve morale and build positive ECC...
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Ep 626 features Jim Schmidt, father of Gabby Petito, first responder, and secretary of the Gabby Petito Foundation. This is a special crossover episode with the Safety Gap podcast where I was a guest co-host with Karin Marquez, Chief Public Safety Brand Officer with RapidSOS. Learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation and find resources at . If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788 for help. Learn more about the Safety Gap podcast from RapidSOS at Sponsored by INdigital - | | | RapidSOS - | | | Episode topics – Jim...
info_outlineEp 606 features Desiree, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC.
Episode topics –
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Desiree’s journey from curious high school grad to experienced 911 dispatcher
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The intimidating and unique environment of a dispatch center
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Handling tough calls, including life-or-death moments and emotional aftermath
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How public safety work changes you as a person—both toughening and teaching compassion
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Desiree’s advice to her younger self about resilience and standing strong in the face of adversity
If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.