Within the Trenches

01:22:27

Within the Trenches Ep 673

Within the Trenches ·

2026/10/02

Episode 673 features Christina, a peer support specialist, and 911 professional at Cary PD in NC. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Christina's career path from detention officer to long-time 911 dispatcher and part-time firefighter Differences in working at county versus city dispatch centers How serious calls and daily chaos impact mental health and the value of wellness practices Mentoring, tough calls, and the importance of peer

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01:26:41

Within the Trenches Ep 672

Within the Trenches ·

2026/09/24

Episode 672 features Chantele, an Emergency Dispatcher with Maryland State Police. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Navigating the demanding hiring process and intense background checks for dispatchers The impact of rotating shifts and missing family milestones and holidays Adapting skills from retail work to emergency dispatch situations Trauma bonding, mental health challenges, and support systems on the job Coping strategies and

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01:25:28

Within the Trenches Ep 671

Within the Trenches ·

2026/09/16

Episode 671 features Ashley, your friendly neighborhood 911 dispatcher out of Elkhart City, IN. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The progress and challenges of ride-alongs, staffing, and cross-training in modern dispatch centers How Ashley transitioned from dispatcher to supervisor and her strategies for building a positive team culture Mental health struggles, the importance of self-care, and the impact of therapy on career sustainability

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01:28:52

Within the Trenches Ep 670

Within the Trenches ·

2026/09/11

Episode 670 features four powerful stories that reflect on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Episode topics – Personal accounts from dispatchers, EMTs, firefighters, and police officers on September 11th, 2001 Behind-the-scenes realities of working in public safety during a national tragedy The emotional impact and long-term effects experienced by first responders How 9/11 led to critical changes in technology and emergency communications Lessons on resilience, community response, and the

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01:00:28

Within the Trenches Ep 669

Within the Trenches ·

2026/09/02

Ep. 669 features a LIVE broadcast from the 2026 NC PSAP Manager's Conference. Episode topics – Real-life stories from dispatchers and center managers about entering and growing in 911 careers The importance of resilience, support systems, and coping mechanisms in emergency communications Advancements in Next Generation 911 technology and statewide disaster response strategies Generational impacts, career motivation, and memorable calls in the dispatch profession Recruitment advice and

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01:42:29

Within the Trenches Ep 668

Within the Trenches ·

2026/08/28

Episode 668 features a solo episode in celebration of a Decade of Voices, the tenth anniversary of the #IAM911 movement. Episode topics – The 10-year anniversary and global reach of the #IAM911 movement The origins and impact of sharing dispatcher stories Introduction of imaginelistening.com as a living archive for stories The launch of the Gary Allen Legacy Collection preserving historical 911 audio Exclusive teasers and announcements about the future of Imagine Listening If you have

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01:29:53

Within the Trenches Ep 667

Within the Trenches ·

2026/08/19

Episode 667 features Jen, a Dispatch Coordinator with Cass County Sheriff's Department, MI. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Jen's early influences and journey into public safety dispatching Evolution of technology and the dispatch center, from dot matrix printers to gaming monitors Handling critical and emotionally challenging calls and their long-term impact The importance of mentorship, humility, and celebrating wins in the dispatch center

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01:37:41

Within the Trenches Ep 666

Within the Trenches ·

2026/08/12

Episode 666 features a solo episode where we visit an archive of past 911 calls. This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS Episode topics – The origins of Within the Trenches and how the podcast was launched Breakdown and discussion of a disturbing family homicide 911 call Analyzing a deceptive 911 call where the caller is later revealed as the suspect The tension and fear of live home invasion calls and how dispatchers guide callers through them The critical importance of dispatcher intuition

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47:25

Within the Trenches Ep 665

Within the Trenches ·

2026/08/07

Episode 665 features Jami, a 911 professional and peer support specialist at Lee Summit Fire, Missouri. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Why Jami originally planned to become a firefighter and chose to stay in dispatch The pivotal call that changed her career path and her advice on coping with tough calls How peer support has evolved in the industry and why it matters Memorable calls from the tragic to the unexpectedly funny How sharing stories helps

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01:09:54

Within the Trenches Ep 664

Within the Trenches ·

2026/07/29

Episode 664 features a discussion from round 46 of the Dispatcher's Roundtable on Zero Suicide Kits, red flags, and much more with guest, Dawn Shumway. Episode topics – Practical tips for real suicide prevention and "zero suicide proofing" your support network The true look of struggle: why "happy" coworkers may actually be drowning Taking imperfect action: why showing up beats waiting for perfect plans Building hope with simple acts—from freezer meals to eight-minute lifelines Creating

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49:00

Within the Trenches Ep 663

Within the Trenches ·

2026/07/24

Episode 663 features a solo episode where I revisit and celebrate the 13 year anniversary of my last day at Allegan County Central Dispatch in Michigan. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Ricardo recounts leaving his dispatch career after 13 years and what led to that decision Highlights from early podcasting days, including memorable conferences and media appearances The significance of sharing dispatch stories for support, inspiration, and therapy A

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01:31:29

Within the Trenches Ep 662

Within the Trenches ·

2026/07/23

Episode 662 features Erica, a peer support specialist and CTO with Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Authority, MI. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Erica's journey from the ER to a 13-year dispatch career Training philosophy: building trust, sharing mistakes, and modernizing the culture Public education efforts and common 9-1-1 misconceptions Burnout, boundaries, and the decision to reclaim personal well-being The shift toward hope, teamwork, and

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01:17:23

Within the Trenches Ep 661

Within the Trenches ·

2026/07/15

Episode 661 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event entitled, "Dispatcher Suicide: Breaking the Silence." Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Why dispatcher suicide remains a taboo topic in public safety What struggle really looks like among dispatchers Why it's easier for dispatchers to help others than themselves Practical mental health resources and what truly helps How agencies and coworkers navigate the

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01:17:22

Within the Trenches Ep 660

Within the Trenches ·

2026/06/27

Episode 660 features a panel discussion from a recent Public Safety Showcase virtual event covering AI Tech and mental health for 911 professionals. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The real impact of AI on dispatcher cognitive load and stress management Why wellness apps often fall short for frontline public safety professionals Balancing public perception and internal stigma about AI use in 911 centers The critical role of vendor-agency collaboration

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01:13:17

Within the Trenches Ep 659

Within the Trenches ·

2026/06/16

Episode 659 features Donna, a 911 professional out of Texas. In this episode, we have a candid conversation on suicide in 911 dispatch. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The unseen trauma and emotional burdens shouldered by dispatchers Why dispatcher suicides remain under-recognized and rarely discussed What "struggle" actually looks like in the life of a dispatcher The barriers and stigma around seeking help in this field Practical tools, peer support,

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47:01

Within the Trenches Ep 658

Within the Trenches ·

2026/06/10

Episode 658 is a solo episode where I discuss the top three things that I had to explain to friends, family, and callers about 911. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The truth about tracing 911 calls and caller location technology Why dispatchers ask so many questions during emergencies The realities of putting callers on hold and response times The misconception that dispatchers "just sit and answer phones" Staffing shortages, burnout, and what really

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45:27

Within the Trenches Ep 657

Within the Trenches ·

2026/06/05

Episode 657 features Cheyenne, a 911 professional out of Kansas. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Transitioning from firefighter to dispatcher and early career hurdles The evolution of public safety technology and dispatch procedures Navigating gender barriers and proving oneself in a male-dominated field Memorable and unusual 911 calls, including tips for effective communication Launching a book series based on true stories from the front lines If

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01:26:56

Within the Trenches Ep 656

Within the Trenches ·

2026/05/27

Episode 656 features an Open Mic LIVE solo episode. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – Highlights and behind-the-scenes from the recent Michigan Public Safety Telecommunications Conference The origin and growth of the Within the Trenches podcast and the #IAM911 Movement Using games and creative engagement in conference vendor halls The significance of peer support, mental health, and communication in the dispatch community The ongoing fight for

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01:01:23

Within the Trenches Ep 655

Within the Trenches ·

2026/05/24

Episode 655 features Mel, a 911 professional out of a regional agency in Missouri. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The significance and traditions of National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week Memorable moments and challenges in dispatcher training and early career experiences Handling emotionally impactful calls and the importance of support and mental health Evolution of 911 technology over the past 23 years and its real-world impacts Insights on

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01:19:00

Within the Trenches Ep 654

Within the Trenches ·

2026/05/12

Episode 654 features a candid discussion on the question, "have you ever gotten so used to the chaos that silence feels uncomfortable?" with my guest, Keely. Sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web Episode topics – The struggle to find comfort in silence after years of constant noise How triggers and overstimulation from dispatch can follow you into daily life The importance of finding new coping mechanisms and routines post-dispatch Managing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and

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