Within the Trenches

Latest Episodes:

Within the Trenches Ep 675 Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Episode 675 features a solo episode update for big news on Camp Imagine Listening, wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes stories from recent travels.

This episode is sponsored by RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

Vote for me for Top Host here - https://tophost.org/2026/ricardo-martinez-ii

Episode topics –

Recap of recent podcast episodes, travels, and speaking engagements
The story and mission behind Camp Imagine Listening wellness retreat
Partnership details with Alex Sheen and the "Because I Said I Would" foundation
Plans for funding and launching the first Camp Imagine Listening
How you can support through the Top Host competition and future fundraising efforts

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

Within the Trenches Ep 674 Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Episode 674 features Mariah, a 911 dispatcher out of the SW part of Indiana.

Episode topics –

How childhood experiences and early influences led to a career in public safety
Challenges and rewards of working in a small-town emergency services environment
The realities of 911 call-taking, from life-or-death moments to routine requests
The impact of critical incidents and the importance of mental resilience
Details about the "Listen Again" initiative focused on improving emergency communication through curiosity and compassion

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

Within the Trenches Short Story - I Just Hear Fire Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

A mother and her nine month old baby were trapped inside a burning apartment. On the other end of the phone was 911 dispatcher, Christina.

As the fire moved through the apartment, Christina stayed on the line giving instructions, keeping the caller focused, and trying to be the calm voice she needed in a horrific situation.

As the phone went silent, Christina could only hear fire. The call stayed with her long after her shift ended. Years later, she finally had the opportunity to speak with the woman whose voice she had never forgotten.

What the caller told her brought the story full circle. This story comes from Christina's conversation on Within the Trenches Episode 673, where she shares her journey in 911, training the next generation of dispatchers, peer support, and the calls that stay with us.

Within the Trenches - True stories from the 911 dispatchers who live them is a podcast based on the experience of being a 911 professional. Each episode will take you on a roller coaster of emotions.

Subscribe for more stories from 911 heroes like Christina.

#911dispatcher #firstresponders #WithinTheTrenches #IAM911 #podcast

Within the Trenches Ep 673 Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

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 support in the dispatch community
Christina's powerful personal stories, including handling a life-changing fire emergency and family health struggles, and what she's learned along the way

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

Within the Trenches Ep 672 Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

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 advice for new dispatchers entering 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.

Within the Trenches Ep 671 Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

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
Changes in training new dispatchers and the shift toward a more supportive, inclusive atmosphere
Real-life critical incidents, including officer-involved shootings, and their lasting effect on perspective and practice

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

Within the Trenches Ep 670 Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

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 ongoing importance of sharing these 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.

Within the Trenches Ep 669 Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

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 resources for those considering a career as a 911 telecommunicator in North Carolina

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

Within the Trenches Ep 668 Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

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

Within the Trenches Ep 667 Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

Episode 667 features Jen, a Dispatch Coordinator with Cass County Sheriff's Department, MI.

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