Within The Trenches

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.

Ep 560 features Brandon, a 911 Professional from a Regional Emergency Communications Center in western Massachusetts.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Brandon recounts a severe car accident that resulted in a challenging recovery The transition from security to public safety and what drew him to 911 dispatch Unusual and disturbing 911 calls, including domestic disputes and bizarre incidents The impact of mental health on dispatchers and the importance of seeking therapy Reflections on the deep connections formed in dispatch and the fulfillment of helping others 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 559 features Julie, a Senior Level 3 Dispatcher, with St. George Communications Center, Utah.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Julie's transition from nursing school to a career in law enforcement and dispatching The unique traits and skillset required for the demanding role of a 911 professional Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the work culture The importance of effective leadership, training programs, and a positive work environment Bridging the gap between seasoned and new dispatchers to foster a supportive industry culture 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 558 features Robin, the owner of CrisisIQ.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Robin's unique journey from communications to becoming a trainer and supervisor in dispatch The innovative training techniques she developed and implemented at her agency An emotionally challenging first call and the importance of caller management Robin's advice on the significance of work-life balance and avoiding burnout Insight into Robin's company, CrisisIQ, and its tailored training programs 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 557 features Marlene, an Emergency Specialist - 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Marlene recounts the emotional impact of a call involving a mother accidentally running over her one-year-old baby The struggles of translating and dealing with medical and fire emergencies Navigating the complexities of revealing their identities while handling calls Marlene's transition to working in public safety and her initial challenges The importance of managing stress and maintaining passion for the job 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 556 features Joey, a Professional Development Specialist with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Episode topics – Joey's path to joining the public safety field and his personal connection to 911 dispatching The emotional and professional challenges faced during initial training and first emergency calls The unique structure and supportive culture at Aurora 911, including professional development roles Benefits and amenities provided to dispatchers, such as ergonomic workstations and a free coffee machine Advice for new dispatchers on trusting the process and overcoming self-doubt 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 555 features a conversation from the Dispatcher’s Roundtable - Round 41 on leadership and the transformational experience of the Leadership Training event at the Mayan Ranch hosted by the 360 Dispatcher.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Tyler's emotional performance and conversation about Kari's law Corinne's reflections on her eye-opening ranch experience Joe Serio's insights on personal growth and facing challenges Terrie's heartfelt account of overcoming skepticism and emotional breakthroughs Juliet's journey from shy dispatcher to confident public speaker and marathon runner 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 554 features Mario, an Emergency Specialist - 3 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Mario's initial interest in being an EMT and the shift to 911 dispatching Challenges and adrenaline rush of early days in dispatch The impact of working on high-stress calls Memorable and haunting calls in dispatch Tips and advice for new dispatchers from Mario's six years of 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 553 features Bess, a Management Assistant, and Pam, a Chaplain with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Bess reflects on the positive impact of kindness during a memorable Thanksgiving as a dispatcher The importance of being human and adaptable in the ever-evolving field of dispatching Transitioning careers from dispatching to management and the associated challenges Pam’s insights on the role and selection of chaplains for first responders Holistic wellness practices and the significance of spirituality in supporting dispatchers and their families 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 552 features Reyna, an Emergency Specialist 1 with Aurora 911 out of Colorado.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Reyna's journey into public safety and criminal justice The challenges of working early morning shifts Handling emotionally intense 911 calls The complexity of translating emergency calls Unexpected moments with family members calling in emergencies 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 551 features Carlynn, 911 Professional and Engagement Strategist with FirstWatch.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Learn more about FirstWatch - Web Episode topics – The importance of standardized questions and procedures in dispatching. Personal stories of challenging calls and their emotional impact. How First Watch software aids dispatch centers by automating tasks and analyzing call data. The significance of accreditation as a center of excellence in emergency dispatch. Strategies for maintaining professional boundaries and fostering trust within dispatch teams. 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 550 features Jenessa, Level 3 - 911 Professional out of St. George Communications, Utah.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Training, unexpected calls, and personal growth insights from almost 15 years in the field are explored The importance of staying calm and compassionate in high-pressure situations is highlighted Jenessa shares her journey into public safety and the overwhelming nature of starting as a dispatcher She discusses distressing 911 calls and heartwarming moments of guiding parents through delivering babies Jenessa recounts performing CPR on a collapsed man during a 5k race 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 549 features Jonathan, TC CTO, with Johnston County, NC.  Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The emotional toll of a significant 911 call that changed Jonathan's perspective The importance of supportive family and coworkers in dispatch work Navigating the transition between different dispatch roles The intensity and unpredictability of dispatch work The journey of personal growth and leaving a positive legacy in the field If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.