Episodes

  • Within the Trenches Ep 634
    Dec 23 2025

    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 - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    • 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

    • Sharing the legendary "Santa BOL" live on the radio and its lasting effect on the community

    • How dispatchers stay resilient, create joy, and support each other during the toughest times

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

    • 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

    • Sharing the legendary "Santa BOL" live on the radio and its lasting effect on the community

    • How dispatchers stay resilient, create joy, and support each other during the toughest times

    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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    47 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 633
    Dec 20 2025

    Ep 633 features Megan, a 911 professional out of Kansas.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    • How Megan 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 of teamwork, support systems, and recognizing the wins within a tough and demanding career.

    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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    58 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 632
    Dec 14 2025

    Ep 632 features Hope, a 911 director with New Hanover County 911 out of NC.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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 entering or staying in emergency communications

    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 35 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 631
    Dec 4 2025

    Ep 631 features Anthony, a 911 professional and supervisor with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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 would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    22 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 630
    Nov 25 2025

    Ep 630 features Nate, a 911 professional and trainer with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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 field responders and the realities of teamwork in life-or-death situations.

    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 8 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 629
    Nov 20 2025

    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 amidst new tools and expectations

    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 9 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 628
    Nov 11 2025

    Ep 628 features Janie and Nate, 911 professionals with Cass County Central Dispatch in Michigan.

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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 between dispatchers and the accident survivor, and reflections on how dispatch changes lives

    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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    52 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 627
    Nov 7 2025

    Ep 627 features Tipi, the Chief of Staff at the Office of Unified Communications (OUC).

    Sponsored by

    INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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 environments

    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 14 mins