Within the Trenches Ep 663
Within the Trenches
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 - | | | 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 appearances The significance of sharing dispatch stories for support, inspiration, and therapy A detailed recap of his last 16-hour shift, final radio transmission, and emotional goodbyes Reflections on the...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 662
Within the Trenches
Episode 662 features Erica, a peer support specialist and CTO with Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority, MI. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | 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, boundaries, and the decision to reclaim personal well-being The shift toward hope, teamwork, and why this profession is still worth saving If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 661
Within the Trenches
Episode 661 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event entitled, “Dispatcher Suicide: Breaking the Silence.” Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | 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 mental health resources and what truly helps How agencies and coworkers navigate the aftermath and support survivors If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show,...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 660
Within the Trenches
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 - | | | 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 and internal stigma about AI use in 911 centers The critical role of vendor-agency collaboration in effective tech adoption Big-picture ideas for the future of AI-driven wellness and support in emergency...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 659
Within the Trenches
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 - | | | 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 dispatcher The barriers and stigma around seeking help in this field Practical tools, peer support, and what really works to cope and heal If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 658
Within the Trenches
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 - | | | 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 misconception that dispatchers “just sit and answer phones” Staffing shortages, burnout, and what really goes on behind the scenes If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show,...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 657
Within the Trenches
Episode 657 features Cheyenne, a 911 professional out of Kansas. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | 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 effective communication Launching a book series based on true stories from the front lines If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at .
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 656
Within the Trenches
Episode 656 features an Open Mic LIVE solo episode. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | 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 support, mental health, and communication in the dispatch community The ongoing fight for recognition, reclassification, and positive culture change in 911 centers If you have any comments or questions or would...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 655
Within the Trenches
Episode 655 features Mel, a 911 professional out of a regional agency in Missouri. Sponsored by RapidSOS - | | | 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 health Evolution of 911 technology over the past 23 years and its real-world impacts Insights on work-life balance, boundaries, and advice for new and seasoned dispatchers If you have any comments or questions...
info_outline
Within the Trenches Ep 654
Within the Trenches
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 - | | | 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 finding new coping mechanisms and routines post-dispatch Managing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and secondary trauma The ongoing need for conversation, support, and mental health awareness in public safety If...
info_outlineEpisode 651 features a Most Important Seconds broadcast.
Sponsored by
RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web
Episode topics –
-
Behind-the-scenes look at National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and its significance
-
Firsthand stories and humor from emergency response professionals on high-intensity nights like the 4th of July
-
The impact of technology (and tech failures) in dispatch and the ER, and how critical information flows in emergencies
-
Insights on teamwork, burnout, and the importance of supporting each other in high-stress professions
-
Real talk about mental health, sharing experiences, and finding balance in the world of 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.