Ep 609 features Tiffany, a 911 professional and NENA Gold Line Scholarship recipient out of Utah. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How attending national conferences transformed Tiffany’s perspective on her career and renewed her passion for 911 dispatch. Her honest account of struggling with work culture, lack of support, and the challenges of not fitting in. The process and impact of winning the prestigious Gold Line Scholarship and what it meant to...
Jul 02, 2025•28 min
Ep 608 features Emily, a 911 supervisor with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily’s unique work schedule and the infamous Dupont shift explained Her journey from retail to public safety and what drew her to dispatch The importance of support systems both at home and in the workplace Memorable and bizarre calls—from pet monkeys and smart criminals to life-and-death emergencies How dispatch changes you, cop...
Jun 28, 2025•33 min
Ep 607 features Michelle, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Michelle stumbled into dispatch work during college and why it stuck with her The impact of working high-stress 911 calls and handling traumatic incidents Balancing personal wellness with the demands of public safety and learning to set boundaries The evolution of peer support and mental health resources for dispatchers o...
Jun 20, 2025•29 min
Ep 606 features Desiree, a 911 professional with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Episode topics – Desiree’s journey from curious high school grad to experienced 911 dispatcher The intimidating and unique environment of a dispatch center Handling tough calls, including life-or-death moments and emotional aftermath How public safety work changes you as a person—both toughening and teaching compassion Desiree’s advice to her younger self about resilience and standing strong in the face...
Jun 11, 2025•28 min
Ep 605 features Shanna, a 911 shift supervisor and CTO with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – What it’s really like starting out as a 911 dispatcher and walking into dispatch for the first time The unique skills and "dispatcher ear" needed to juggle intense calls and multitasking Emotional impact and coping with difficult calls, especially those involving children The importance of peer support and teamwork ...
Jun 03, 2025•27 min
Ep 604 features Emily, a 911 dispatcher and CTO with Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily's journey from a business management job during COVID to becoming a 911 dispatcher The challenges and surprises of training and taking her first emergency calls High-intensity moments, including chases and memorable calls that stick with her The emotional toll—and fulfillment—of working in emergency communications Ad...
May 28, 2025•26 min
Ep 603 features Sheriff Griffin out of Henderson County in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Sheriff Griffin’s journey from rural volunteer firefighter to county sheriff The excitement, challenge, and camaraderie that fuels a career in public safety Memorable and impactful calls that shaped his career The vital role dispatchers play on the front lines of emergency response Sheriff Griffin’s straightforward advice to those starting out i...
May 22, 2025•29 min
Ep 602 features Hunter, a 911 Professional out of South Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Hunter’s early start in public safety as a 14-year-old volunteer firefighter and how it shaped his career path The transition from field responder to 911 dispatcher, and the differences between working on scene and behind the headset Memorable and difficult calls, including the impact of traumatic incidents and how they affect mental health Insights into...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Ep 601 features Rain, an Emergency Communications Officer and CTO, out of Virginia. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – How Rain transitioned from grocery store manager to 911 dispatcher during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic What it's really like to walk into a dispatch center for the first time and train as a new hire The critical role of de-escalation and giving lifesaving instructions over the phone Challenges of work-life balance and mental heal...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Ep 600 features myself. In this episode I take you down a path of reflection from the beginning of the podcast, where it is currently, and the evolution of Within the Trenches and new projects. Episode topics – The origins of Within the Trenches and Ricardo’s dispatch career Memorable stories and calls that shaped the podcast Behind-the-scenes of launching the podcast and early challenges with audio and content The evolution of the show, including the #IAM911 movement and Imagine Listening What’...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 36 min
Ep 599 features Amy, a 911 professional out of Buncombe County Public Safety in North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Amy’s start in public safety, transitioning from a hospital translator to 911 dispatcher Handling overwhelming call volumes and life-or-death situations during Hurricane Helene The emotional impact of difficult calls and the importance of peer support and self-care Adapting to chaos, including technology breakdowns and worki...
Apr 23, 2025•53 min
Ep 598 features Stephanie, Director of 911 at Henderson County Sheriff's Office out of NC . Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Stephanie's 18 years of experience in public safety. The unprecedented challenges of Hurricane Helene in Henderson County. The difficulties faced by 911 dispatchers, including increased call volume and lack of resources. The emotional toll on public safety workers as they tried to help their community. Positive outcomes and impr...
Apr 15, 2025•35 min
Ep 597 features Stephen, a Senior Telecommunicator with Danville Fire Department Emergency Communications. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Stephen shares his journey into public safety and how he started as a junior firefighter at the age of 16. The transition from EMS to corrections and eventually into dispatch. Importance of good training and support system for new hires in dispatch. Discussions on how public safety professions can affect personal ...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Ep 596 features Chase, a 911 professional out of Ohio. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Introduction to Chase's unexpected entry into the public safety field. Challenges of being a 19-year-old working alone in a jail. Chase's transition from aspiring police officer to passionate dispatcher. The significance of having a strong support system in 911 dispatch. Reflections on how the profession impacts personal growth and emotional resilience. If you have...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Ep 595 features Daylan, a center manager at Brazoria County, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Daylan's unique path into the 911 dispatching world and her continuous drive for growth and learning. The challenges and triumphs of her early days in dispatch, including unforgettable calls that tested her resilience. Her experiences with domestic violence calls and the importance of empathy in 911 dispatching. The intersection of career growth and perso...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Ep 594 features AK Dozanti, a First Responder Wellness Specialist, Speaker, Coach, and Author. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – AK's transition from law enforcement to becoming a wellness specialist. The critical moments in law enforcement that shaped her journey. The importance of mental health resources and recognizing burnout. AK's current work in coaching, speaking, and spreading awareness about wellness. Her debut book, "Beat the Burnout," and it...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Ep 593 features Carmen, a 911 professional with New Hanover County 911, NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Carmen's journey to becoming a 911 dispatcher and her role as a bilingual interpreter The emotional challenges and support systems in place for dispatchers handling traumatic calls Insightful anecdotes from ride-alongs and unexpected 911 call situations How dispatchers decompress and manage stress with personal coping strategies If you have any...
Mar 11, 2025•37 min
Ep 592 features Maddie and Casey, 911 professionals with New Hanover County 911, NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The impact of different shift hours on dispatchers' personal lives. The importance of community programs like the CARE team in supporting frequent callers. How previous careers in public service prepared Maddie and Casey for dispatch work. Navigating the lack of closure and dealing with emergency calls. The humor and humaneness behind ...
Mar 06, 2025•48 min
Ep 591 features Courtnie, a 911 Quality and Training Manager with New Hanover County 911, NC. Episode topics – Discover the challenges and strategies of bridging the gap between seasoned dispatchers and new recruits. Understand the evolving culture in 911 centers and the importance of a supportive work environment. Hear about Courtnie's journey into public safety and the experiences that have shaped her career. Learn about impactful calls and how they influence dispatchers' growth and resilience...
Feb 27, 2025•34 min
Ep 590 features Kasey Young, ENP, Executive Director at Stanislaus Regional 911 out of California. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Support Stanislaus Regional 911 by purchasing a Rocket Scientist’s shirt. Proceeds go to their wellness team. Purchase here - SR911 Rocket Scientist’s T-shirt Episode topics – Kasey Young's journey and 17 years of public safety experience Transitioning a crisis-laden center into a thriving 911 dispatch system The cultural shifts and chang...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Ep 589 features Ryan, a 911 Professional, and Industry Partner with Mindbase with special guests, his parents Ronnie and Carla out of North Carolina. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Early influences on Ryan and his brother Tyler's interest in public safety The role of family support when facing the challenges of a first responder career Ryans' moving recount of his experiences with his late wife, Kayla The overwhelming support from the community duri...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Ep 588 features Angela, a 911 Professional out of New Hanover County 911, NC. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Angela's introduction to the dispatch field and the unexpected surprises along the way The importance of mental health and wellness for dispatchers Angela's experiences with medical calls and their emotional impact Advice to new hires on maintaining mental health and seeking support If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a ...
Feb 11, 2025•33 min
Ep 587 features Shana, a 911 Professional out of Massachusetts. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Transitioning from a towing company dispatcher to 911 dispatcher Facing the emotional challenges and responsibilities of the job Handling a traumatic personal experience while on duty The significance of mental health and self-care in high-stress professions The role of community and support in overcoming personal and professional hurdles If you have any c...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr
Ep 586 features Jenny, an Operations Manager, Nashoba Valley Regional Dispatch, Massachusetts . Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Jenny’s journey from being an EMT to a 911 dispatcher Navigating the challenges of training and early calls The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on her dispatch work Dealing with intense and emotional 911 calls Her transformative experience at a professional development ranch If you have any comments or questions or would lik...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 6 min
Ep 585 features Donna, a 911 Professional at Travis County Sheriff's Office out of Austin, TX. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Challenges and surprises of starting in public safety Donna's transformative experience at a unique leadership training event Early career stories, including memorable calls and interactions The impact and bond of working in a small county sheriff's office Reflections and advice for those starting their journey in public safe...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Ep 584 features Scottie, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The importance of networking in public safety The memorable transition from an EMT to a 911 dispatcher A harrowing call involving an allergic reaction and quick police response The lasting impact of the job on personal life and mental health If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, plea...
Jan 14, 2025•22 min
Ep 583 features Tenisha, a 911 Professional at Cumberland County Regional Communications, Maine. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – The initial surprises and challenges of being a fresh 911 dispatcher Transitioning from customer service to public safety Memorable and intense calls within her first weeks Advice for those considering a career in dispatch If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttp...
Jan 07, 2025•22 min
Ep 582 features Desmond, a Community Relations Supervisor at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Desmond talks about his unexpected entry into 911 dispatching The challenges and changes in the hiring and training process over the past 10 years Memorable and impactful calls Desmond has handled The importance of community and peer support in 911 services Desmond reflects on what he's learned and how the profession has shaped him ...
Dec 30, 2024•28 min
Ep 581 features Emily, a CTO at Cobb County 911 out of GA. Sponsored by INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Web Episode topics – Emily's initial reluctance to disclose her hearing aids and how she overcame it The importance of supportive colleagues and genuine leadership Emily's emotional experience with using hearing aids for the first time Significance of addressing personal and mental health challenges in the workplace Strategies for better self-care and maintaining a healthy work-lif...
Dec 30, 2024•33 min
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 dispatch...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 35 min
