Within the Trenches

Ep 622 features Jennifer, a 911 professional and Coordinator out of Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Jennifer’s first ever experience at a national public safety conference and her takeaways The value of networking, vendor halls, and unexpected wellness moments (like puppy therapy!) Transitioning from the military to dispatch, and what it’s like jumping into the field during COVID Developing the crucial “dispatch ear” and navigating high-pressure calls—including those she’ll never forget Advice for new dispatchers and the importance of staying resilient and open-minded in a tough profession 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 621 features Brianna, a 911 professional out of Pennsylvania. Episode topics – Brianna’s unconventional start in public safety and how an EMT background led to a dispatch career Behind-the-scenes of dispatcher training, early challenges, and handling life-or-death calls Discussion of high-stress incidents, including a hostage situation that blurred the line between hoax and reality The evolving culture around wellness and mental health in 911 dispatch Brianna’s powerful personal “why” for serving in emergency communications and what she wishes she’d known at the start 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 620 features Heidi, a 911 professional with Anoka County ECC out of Minnesota. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The realities and challenges of starting a career in 911 dispatch decades ago How conference networking and volunteering can impact your career and growth The drastic changes in technology from paper logs to AI-assisted call management The importance of mental health support and culture change in emergency communications Memorable, high-impact calls and advice for those entering or working in the dispatch profession 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 619 features Charles, a 911 professional and CTO at NVRDD, Massachusetts. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Charles' path from chef and EMT to emergency dispatcher Translating soft skills and multitasking from the kitchen to the comms center The intensity and training required to handle life-and-death calls Handling emotional impact, tough calls, and support systems in dispatch Key advice for new dispatchers and lessons learned from five years in the trenches 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 618 features Morgan, an Education Manager for Pafford Emergency Medical Services out of Mississippi. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Morgan’s early experiences shaped her passion for EMS and dispatch The realities of dispatcher training, including unforgettable first calls The importance of mentorship and building a supportive team culture Dealing with trauma, burnout, and staying resilient in public safety Advice for future dispatchers and changing the culture for the next generation 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 617 features Hayleigh, a 911 professional with NWECC out of Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Transitioning from the car business to emergency dispatch after a personal tragedy Navigating the overwhelm and training process as a complete newcomer First experiences on the dispatch floor, from multi-screen chaos to working holidays The realities of call volume, multitasking, and unexpected emotional calls Support systems and honest discussions about mental health and closure for dispatchers 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 616 features Sydney, a 911 professional with NWECC out of Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Why Texas heat makes summer calls to 911 so unpredictable What it’s really like starting a dispatch career with zero experience How intense calls, like suicide attempts and high-speed pursuits, shape dispatchers on the job The mental and emotional hurdles that come with helping people on their worst days Advice every new dispatcher should hear about surviving—and thriving—in the profession 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 615 features Chief Manoushagian of NWECC in Texas. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Chief Manoushagian’s start in public safety as a dispatcher and his early struggles The transition from dispatch to police officer and the impact of military service Learning from failure and the importance of resilience in emergency communications Building stronger relationships and understanding between dispatchers and field officers Advice on leadership, authenticity, and staying true to yourself in law enforcement 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 614 features Karla, a Center Manager with Chagrin Valley 911 Dispatch out of Ohio. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The history and eerie reputation of the Chagrin Valley Dispatch complex Karla’s accidental entry into public safety and how her hairstylist background helps on the job True stories from Karla’s early days at a single-seat dispatch center, including high-pressure calls and department challenges Navigating career growth, overcoming fears, and the shift to regional dispatching Building positive center culture, the story of the famous bedazzled headsets, and the personal support found in the 911 community 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 613 features Jen, a Quality Assurance and Training Manager with Chagrin Valley 911 Dispatch out of Ohio. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Jen’s path from criminal justice student to finding a lasting career in dispatch. The highs and lows of dispatcher training, including tough trainers and the importance of mentorship. Real stories about adapting to regionalized dispatch operations and handling high-stress situations. Calls that stick with dispatchers–from tragic emergencies to unexpectedly emotional moments. Lessons learned, advice for new dispatchers, and how the profession shapes the people behind the headset. 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 612 features Lani, a CTO and 911 professional with Round Rock PD, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Lani’s unique journey from caring for police K9s to answering life-changing emergency calls The biggest challenges and lessons of 911 call taker training How previous customer service experience prepped Lani for high-stress calls Personal stories from the front lines, including handling officer emergencies and emotional calls The importance of support, mentorship, and mental health resources for dispatchers 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 611 features Emma, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emma’s deep-rooted family history in law enforcement and public safety Honest reflections on the challenges and unique support of being raised in a first responder household Transitioning from a paramedic dream to a career in dispatch due to unexpected health issues Navigating the hiring, orientation, and training process at the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Advice for newcomers and personal takeaways after ten months behind the headset 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 610 features Ginny, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Ginny was inspired from a young age to serve her community and what led her to a career in dispatch. The intense learning curve and initial shocks of her early days on the job. The importance of empathy, intuition, and the “human connection” in crisis situations. Changes in training culture, mental health support, and why peer support matters more than ever. Ginny’s best advice for new dispatchers and her reflections on what she wishes she’d known at the start. 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 609 features Tiffany, a 911 professional and NENA Gold Line Scholarship recipient out of Utah. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How attending national conferences transformed Tiffany’s perspective on her career and renewed her passion for 911 dispatch. Her honest account of struggling with work culture, lack of support, and the challenges of not fitting in. The process and impact of winning the prestigious Gold Line Scholarship and what it meant to her professionally and personally. Powerful stories from Tiffany’s first year as a dispatcher, including calls that left a lasting emotional mark. The importance of seeking support, building healthy work environments, and not waiting for permission to put yourself first. 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 608 features Emily, a 911 supervisor with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily’s unique work schedule and the infamous Dupont shift explained Her journey from retail to public safety and what drew her to dispatch The importance of support systems both at home and in the workplace Memorable and bizarre calls—from pet monkeys and smart criminals to life-and-death emergencies How dispatch changes you, coping mechanisms, and advice for newcomers in the field 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 607 features Michelle, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Michelle stumbled into dispatch work during college and why it stuck with her The impact of working high-stress 911 calls and handling traumatic incidents Balancing personal wellness with the demands of public safety and learning to set boundaries The evolution of peer support and mental health resources for dispatchers over the years What Michelle wishes she could tell her younger self about identity, self-worth, and life outside the headset 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 606 features Desiree, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Episode topics – Desiree’s journey from curious high school grad to experienced 911 dispatcher The intimidating and unique environment of a dispatch center Handling tough calls, including life-or-death moments and emotional aftermath How public safety work changes you as a person—both toughening and teaching compassion 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.

Ep 605 features Shanna, a 911 shift supervisor and CTO with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – What it’s really like starting out as a 911 dispatcher and walking into dispatch for the first time The unique skills and "dispatcher ear" needed to juggle intense calls and multitasking Emotional impact and coping with difficult calls, especially those involving children The importance of peer support and teamwork within dispatch centers Advice for new dispatchers and Shanna’s inspiration for becoming a Certified Training Officer 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 604 features Emily, a 911 dispatcher and CTO with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily's journey from a business management job during COVID to becoming a 911 dispatcher The challenges and surprises of training and taking her first emergency calls High-intensity moments, including chases and memorable calls that stick with her The emotional toll—and fulfillment—of working in emergency communications Advice Emily would give to her past self and why she can’t imagine doing anything else 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 603 features Sheriff Griffin out of Henderson County in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Sheriff Griffin’s journey from rural volunteer firefighter to county sheriff The excitement, challenge, and camaraderie that fuels a career in public safety Memorable and impactful calls that shaped his career The vital role dispatchers play on the front lines of emergency response Sheriff Griffin’s straightforward advice to those starting out 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.