Within the Trenches

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.

Ep 568 is an Imagine Listening session recorded at the 2024 NAVIGATOR conference in Washington DC. 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 567 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 566 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 565 is an Open Mic session recorded in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Open Mic (funny & outrageous) 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 564 is an Imagine Listening session recorded at Burke County 911 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 563 features Christa, a 911 professional and Industry Partner out of Michigan.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Struggles with the emotional toll of being a dispatcher and bringing work home The decision to step down from dispatch and feelings of guilt Her new podcast "Open Your Ears" focuses on single parenting and diverse family situations Emotional experiences handling extreme calls, including shootings and a house explosion Advice for current and former dispatchers on managing emotions and transitioning out of 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 562 features a special look at National #IAM911 Day, the birth of the #IAM911 Movement, and much more from a LIVE Open Mic broadcast.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The powerful "Imagine Listening" sessions and their evolution into a podcast and book series The impactful #IAM911 movement and its role in peer support and public education Ricardo's personal journey and inspiration behind his work Special performance by Bailey Johnson and insights on the 911 dispatch experience 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 561 features Elizabeth, an author, and a retired 911 professional.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional toll of handling traumatic calls The role of peer support and stress management in her department Challenges of working with outdated technology in the 1990s dispatch center Transitioning from work to retirement and pursuing creative projects The importance of seeking culturally competent mental health 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 560 features Brandon, a 911 Professional from a Regional Emergency Communications Center in western Massachusetts.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Brandon recounts a severe car accident that resulted in a challenging recovery The transition from security to public safety and what drew him to 911 dispatch Unusual and disturbing 911 calls, including domestic disputes and bizarre incidents The impact of mental health on dispatchers and the importance of seeking therapy Reflections on the deep connections formed in dispatch and the fulfillment of helping others 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 559 features Julie, a Senior Level 3 Dispatcher, with St. George Communications Center, Utah.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Julie's transition from nursing school to a career in law enforcement and dispatching The unique traits and skillset required for the demanding role of a 911 professional Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the work culture The importance of effective leadership, training programs, and a positive work environment Bridging the gap between seasoned and new dispatchers to foster a supportive industry culture 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 558 features Robin, the owner of CrisisIQ.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Robin's unique journey from communications to becoming a trainer and supervisor in dispatch The innovative training techniques she developed and implemented at her agency An emotionally challenging first call and the importance of caller management Robin's advice on the significance of work-life balance and avoiding burnout Insight into Robin's company, CrisisIQ, and its tailored training programs 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 557 features Marlene, an Emergency Specialist - 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Marlene recounts the emotional impact of a call involving a mother accidentally running over her one-year-old baby The struggles of translating and dealing with medical and fire emergencies Navigating the complexities of revealing their identities while handling calls Marlene's transition to working in public safety and her initial challenges The importance of managing stress and maintaining passion for the job 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 556 features Joey, a Professional Development Specialist with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Episode topics – Joey's path to joining the public safety field and his personal connection to 911 dispatching The emotional and professional challenges faced during initial training and first emergency calls The unique structure and supportive culture at Aurora 911, including professional development roles Benefits and amenities provided to dispatchers, such as ergonomic workstations and a free coffee machine Advice for new dispatchers on trusting the process and overcoming self-doubt 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 555 features a conversation from the Dispatcher’s Roundtable - Round 41 on leadership and the transformational experience of the Leadership Training event at the Mayan Ranch hosted by the 360 Dispatcher.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Tyler's emotional performance and conversation about Kari's law Corinne's reflections on her eye-opening ranch experience Joe Serio's insights on personal growth and facing challenges Terrie's heartfelt account of overcoming skepticism and emotional breakthroughs Juliet's journey from shy dispatcher to confident public speaker and marathon runner If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.