Episodes

  • Within the Trenches Ep 616
    Aug 20 2025

    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.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 615
    Aug 15 2025

    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.

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    34 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 614
    Aug 7 2025

    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.

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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 613
    Jul 30 2025

    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.

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    59 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 612
    Jul 23 2025

    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.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 611
    Jul 15 2025

    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.

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    31 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 610
    Jul 9 2025

    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.

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    29 mins