Within The Trenches

Ep 580 features Kathy and Jason Lott with the Thin Gold Line Foundation. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Find out more about the Thin Gold Line Foundation - Web Episode topics – Jason’s traumatic first call and its long-lasting impacts Coping with critical incidents and lack of immediate support Kathy and Jason’s journey through severe health challenges and misdiagnoses The founding of the Thin Gold Line Foundation to aid dispatchers Advocacy for recognizing dispatchers as first responders and improving mental health resources 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 579 features a panel discussion entitled "No Dispatcher Left Behind." The panelists include Roxy VanGundy, director of Lyon County 911, KS, Erin Maccabee, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, Cinnamon Reiheld, a First Responder Clinician and Co-host of the After the Tones Drop Podcast, and myself, Ricardo. This session was part of the Dare to be Great virtual event that took place from December 9 through 13th, 2024. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Strategies for maintaining identity and support post-dispatch service Emotional and psychological impacts of transitioning out of dispatch roles Rethinking traditional practices and fostering inclusivity in social gatherings Importance of community and connectivity among current and former 911 workers 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 578 features Kate, a Business Manager at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Kate's emergency response experience and the evolution of technology Emotional toll of dispatch work and Kate's background with Homeland Security Importance of understanding personal strengths and finding the right role Kate's transition to Cobb County 911 and her motivation driven by past tragedies 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 577 features Kysheem, an Emergency Communications Officer-2 at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Real-life experiences from Kysheem’s first emergency calls Comparison of phone and radio roles in emergency communications Detailed overview of the extensive training process for dispatchers Importance of staying composed and understanding subtle communication cues in 911 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 576 features Madison, an Emergency Communications Officer 2 and Training Officer 1, at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional impact of losing a colleague and the role of peer support The reality versus perception of emergency calls The use of dark humor in coping with job-related stress The importance of teamwork and shared understanding among colleagues 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 575 features Theresa, a CTO at Cobb County 911 out of GA.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Theresa shares her innovative community outreach using reptiles to engage the public The importance of understanding personality types in communication and teamwork Unique dispatch operations using reindeer names during the holiday season Information on how you can participate in educational and humorous emergency service presentations 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 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.