Episodes

  • Within the Trenches Ep 648
    Apr 2 2026

    Episode 648 features Brandi, Executive Dir. with The 911 Chaplain Initiative.

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    The 911 Chaplain Initiative - Web

    Episode topics –

    • Brandy Powell's path from growing up with a police officer father to becoming a 911 dispatcher and chaplain

    • The emotional impact of critical calls and finding closure as a dispatcher

    • How humor, empathy, and community help dispatchers handle career challenges

    • The creation and growth of the 911 Chaplain Initiative and its national academy

    • Opportunities to get involved, upcoming training academies, and how to connect with the initiative

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 647
    Mar 25 2026

    Episode 647 features Ashley, a 911 professional with Skiatook Police Department in Oklahoma.

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    Episode topics –

    • How Ashley got into public safety and her rapid onboarding experience.

    • The challenges and surprises of being a new 911 dispatcher.

    • The emotional impact of emergency calls and handling stress on the job.

    • Ashley's life-saving CPR call and recognition from the community.

    • The importance of peer support, closure, and emotional support animals in dispatch centers.

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 646
    Mar 18 2026

    Episode 646 features Autumn, a 911 professional at Indian River County Sheriff's Office out of Florida.

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    Episode topics –

    • How Autumn got started in public safety and her motivation behind the career

    • The intense first calls, including challenging suicide and CPR emergencies

    • Coping with emotional stress and the importance of mental health support in dispatch centers

    • Autumn's unforgettable baby delivery call on Valentine's Day and earning her stork pin

    • Advice for new dispatchers about training, confidence, and handling tough calls

    If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at wttpodcast@gmail.com.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 645
    Mar 13 2026

    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.

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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.

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    53 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 644
    Mar 10 2026

    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.

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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.

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    48 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 643
    Feb 25 2026

    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.

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Within the Trenches Ep 642
    Feb 18 2026

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

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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.

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    1 hr and 24 mins
  • Within the Trenches Ep 641
    Feb 11 2026

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

    Sponsored by

    RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

    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.

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    1 hr and 9 mins