Within the Trenches

Latest Episodes:

Within the Trenches Ep 626 Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Ep 626 features Jim Schmidt, father of Gabby Petito, first responder, and secretary of the Gabby Petito Foundation. This is a special crossover episode with the Safety Gap podcast where I was a guest co-host with Karin Marquez, Chief Public Safety Brand Officer with RapidSOS.

Learn more about the Gabby Petito Foundation and find resources at https://gabbypetitofoundation.org. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call 1-800-799-SAFE or text START to 88788 for help.

Learn more about the Safety Gap podcast from RapidSOS at rapidsos.com

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Episode topics –

Jim Schmidt's 25-year journey in public safety, including his experience as a dispatcher, EMT, firefighter, and instructor.
The Petito family's decision to turn tragedy into advocacy by founding the Gabby Petito Foundation.
Gaps in first responder and dispatcher training when it comes to recognizing subtle signs of domestic violence.
How technology and cross-agency collaboration can improve outcomes for survivors.
Actionable advice for both first responders and the public to identify, intervene, and support those affected by domestic violence.

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 625 Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Ep 625 features Phillip Daniels, a 911 Administrator, and Deputy Chief of Desoto Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana.

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Episode topics –

How Philip transitioned from working in an alligator farm to a lasting career in public safety
The challenges and surprises faced when moving from patrol to dispatch
Stories of real-life trauma, resilience, and the importance of mental wellness for first responders
The pivotal impact of dispatcher support and peer connections during difficult calls
Insights into the ongoing battle for 911 dispatcher reclassification and recognition in public safety

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 624 Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Ep 624 features Victoria, a 911 professional out of Texas.

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Episode topics –

Navigating the massive APCO conference and its unique vendor hall experiences, including the mobile dispatch center "Thor" and wellness puppies
Victoria's journey from loss prevention to 9-1-1 dispatch and her first intense calls, including a tornado emergency and a deadly accident
The challenges and mental toll of being a new dispatcher and the expectations of perfection in the role
Learning about ACE accreditation, protocol-based dispatching, and the importance of quality assurance
The impact of peer support and mental health resources, how Victoria overcame trauma with EMDR therapy, and her path to becoming an academy instructor after a life-changing leadership retreat

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 623 Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

Ep 623 features Mandi, a 911 professional out of Texas.

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Episode topics –

Mandi's journey from a small Texas town to nearly 25 years in public safety, including jumping into dispatch right out of high school
The challenges of moving from a tiny agency to a much larger city call center
Honest discussion about early on-the-job "training" and the growth that comes from hard calls
Memorable and unusual calls from the field—like the elderly lady who took care of business with her shovel
Why professional growth, stepping out of your comfort zone, and connecting with others in the industry really matter

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 622 Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

Ep 622 features Jennifer, a 911 professional and Coordinator out of Texas.

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Episode topics –

Jennifer's first ever experience at a national public safety conference and her takeaways
The value of networking, vendor halls, and unexpected wellness moments (like puppy therapy!)
Transitioning from the military to dispatch, and what it's like jumping into the field during COVID
Developing the crucial "dispatch ear" and navigating high-pressure calls—including those she'll never forget
Advice for new dispatchers and the importance of staying resilient and open-minded in a tough 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.

Within the Trenches Ep 621 Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Ep 621 features Brianna, a 911 professional out of Pennsylvania.

Episode topics –

Brianna's unconventional start in public safety and how an EMT background led to a dispatch career
Behind-the-scenes of dispatcher training, early challenges, and handling life-or-death calls
Discussion of high-stress incidents, including a hostage situation that blurred the line between hoax and reality
The evolving culture around wellness and mental health in 911 dispatch
Brianna's powerful personal "why" for serving in emergency communications and what she wishes she'd known at the start

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 620 Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

Ep 620 features Heidi, a 911 professional with Anoka County ECC out of Minnesota.

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Episode topics –

The realities and challenges of starting a career in 911 dispatch decades ago
How conference networking and volunteering can impact your career and growth
The drastic changes in technology from paper logs to AI-assisted call management
The importance of mental health support and culture change in emergency communications
Memorable, high-impact calls and advice for those entering or working in the dispatch 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.

Within the Trenches Ep 619 Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

Ep 619 features Charles, a 911 professional and CTO at NVRDD, Massachusetts.

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Episode topics –

Charles' path from chef and EMT to emergency dispatcher
Translating soft skills and multitasking from the kitchen to the comms center
The intensity and training required to handle life-and-death calls
Handling emotional impact, tough calls, and support systems in dispatch
Key advice for new dispatchers and lessons learned from five years in the trenches

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 618 Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Ep 618 features Morgan, an Education Manager for Pafford Emergency Medical Services out of Mississippi.

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Episode topics –

How Morgan's early experiences shaped her passion for EMS and dispatch
The realities of dispatcher training, including unforgettable first calls
The importance of mentorship and building a supportive team culture
Dealing with trauma, burnout, and staying resilient in public safety
Advice for future dispatchers and changing the culture for the next generation

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 617 Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Ep 617 features Hayleigh, a 911 professional with NWECC out of Texas.

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Episode topics –

Transitioning from the car business to emergency dispatch after a personal tragedy
Navigating the overwhelm and training process as a complete newcomer
First experiences on the dispatch floor, from multi-screen chaos to working holidays
The realities of call volume, multitasking, and unexpected emotional calls
Support systems and honest discussions about mental health and closure for 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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