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.

Direct download: wttep622.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:35am EDT

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.

Direct download: wttep621.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:04pm EDT

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.

Direct download: wttep620.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:57pm EDT

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.

Direct download: wttep619.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:43am EDT

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.

Direct download: wttep618.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:26pm EDT

1