Within the Trenches

Episode 645 features an Open Mic LIVE chat with Joe Serio of the 360 Dispatcher as we look at the 911 Leadership Training event he hosts at the Mayan ranch in Bandera, TX.

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Episode topics –

  • Behind-the-scenes look at the 911 leadership and mental health training events at the Mayan Ranch

  • The importance of breaking the ice and building real connections among first responders

  • Honest talk about fear, vulnerability, and the obstacles that hold us back—plus how to move forward

  • Inspiring stories about personal and professional transformation from the ranch experience

  • Details on upcoming events, ways to get involved, and where to find more resources for dispatchers and leaders

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: wttep645.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:57pm EDT

Episode 644 features a look at the 911 Goes to Washington conference hosted by NENA through, 1st VP, Roxy Van Gundy, Congresswoman Norma Torres, and James, a 911 professional out of NJ.

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Episode topics –

  • Breakdown of the importance and impact of the 911 Goes to Washington conference.

  • Updates on the Enhancing First Response Act and the push to reclassify 911 dispatchers as first responders.

  • Inspiring words from Roxy Van Gundy emphasizing that every dispatcher’s voice matters, no matter where they come from.

  • Recognition of Congresswoman Norma Torres, a former 911 professional, and her ongoing advocacy for emergency communications.

  • Behind-the-scenes perspectives on meeting representatives, engaging in legislative efforts, and what it’s like at a national public safety gathering with James.

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: wttep644.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:03pm EDT

Episode 643 features Keely, Marketing Contractor with RapidSOS, Ben, VP of Product with RapidSOS, and myself as we cover Most Important Seconds - After the Pitt.

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Episode topics –

  • Behind-the-scenes of a special HBO Max event honoring first responders and showcasing "The Pit"

  • Real-world challenges of outages in 911 centers and hospitals, and how new tech is making a difference

  • The impact of AI and interoperability in public safety, saving precious seconds and supporting understaffed teams

  • Candid experiences from career dispatchers, EMTs, and product innovators in the emergency services field

  • How storytelling, technology, and mission-driven teams come together to improve outcomes and save 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.

Direct download: wttep643.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:45am EDT

Episode 642 features Alora, director at Unacoi 911 out Tennessee.

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Episode topics –

  • How Alora got started in public safety and her rapid shift from part-time to full-time dispatcher

  • The reality of short dispatcher training and surviving the critical early days on the job

  • Experiences handling traumatic and life-changing emergency calls

  • Leading her team through the chaos of Hurricane Helene and the unexpected impact on the community

  • The story of Stella, the dispatch center’s emotional support dog, and the positive effect on team morale

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: wttep642.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:45am EDT

Episode 641 features Gina, ECC Engagement Manager, w/RapidSOS and 911 professional

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Episode topics –

  • Gina’s journey from a law enforcement family to a career in dispatch and RapidSOS

  • Training challenges and early calls that shaped her perspective

  • Emotional toll and mental health strategies for dispatchers

  • Memorable stories—both comical and intense—that highlight the dispatch experience

  • The shift to RapidSOS, technology’s role in saving lives, and advice for new 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.

Direct download: wttep641.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:10am EDT

Ep 640 features Shannon, a 911 professional out of Virginia.

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Episode topics –

  • Dispatchers’ experiences handling severe winter weather and long shifts

  • Shannon’s unique journey into dispatch and her approach to training new recruits

  • Emotional challenges and the importance of closure after difficult emergency calls

  • The viral “trash panda” (raccoon) liquor store incident and how it unfolded from the dispatch perspective

  • Advice for staying compassionate and positive in a high-stress 911 environment

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: wttep640.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:58pm EDT

Ep 639 features Hannah, a 911 professional out of Florida.

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INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

  • Hannah's unconventional entry into public safety and her first intense sit-along experience

  • The unique stresses, training, and teamwork required in a high-volume, multi-position dispatch center

  • Memorable and unusual emergency calls—including a runaway monkey and a man-on-fire incident

  • The mental health impact of dispatch work and ways to seek support and closure

  • Small but meaningful moments where dispatchers make a difference, like teaching someone to tie a tie in a crisis

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: wttep639.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:57am EDT

Join me for a special episode highlighting a recent project experience with Business Insider for their Insider YouTube channel entitled, “How 911 Dispatchers Actually Work.”

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  • Preview of Ricardo’s appearance on Business Insider’s Insider channel

  • Real-life 911 calls and memorable dispatcher moments

  • The challenges of multitasking and triaging calls under pressure

  • The emotional impact and lasting memories from the job

  • Advocacy for 911 professionals and why their stories matter

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: wttep638.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:57pm EDT

Join me for a special episode highlighting a recent visit to Calhoun County 911 in Michigan.

Sponsored by

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

  • Shout out and transition for longtime sponsor Indigital, and introduction of RapidSOS as the new episode sponsor.

  • Visit to Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority in Michigan, including B-roll, interviews, and the vibe inside the center.

  • The importance of teamwork, communication, and positive culture within dispatch centers.

  • Emotional highlights from real emergency calls and how dispatchers support each other through critical moments.

  • Powerful story of a lifesaving dispatch call coming full circle years later.

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: wttep637.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:11pm EDT

Ep 636 features Carolyn, a 911 professional out of Texas.

Sponsored by

INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

  • Carolyn’s unexpected start in public safety and her early experiences in dispatch.

  • The significance and emotional impact of receiving the Guiding Light Award.

  • Memorable calls and moments that shaped Carolyn’s career and perspective.

  • Major shifts in technology over the last three decades, including AI and real-time crime centers.

  • Advice for new dispatchers and the importance of mental health and giving grace 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.

Direct download: wttep636.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:15pm EDT

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