Episode 649 features a solo episode with me, Ricardo, and we answer the following questions, "what has dispatch taught me about humanity?"

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Episode topics –

• The impact of the #IAM911 movement and upcoming 10-year anniversary challenge coin

• Dark realities dispatchers face, including high-stress incidents like officer-involved shootings and domestic calls

• Stories illustrating the fragility and unpredictability of life as heard through 911 calls

• Uplifting and rewarding outcomes, from lives saved during crises to heartfelt caller gratitude

• Why sharing these powerful stories benefits dispatchers and the public, with resources for ongoing support and education

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

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

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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 [email protected].

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

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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 [email protected].

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

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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 [email protected].

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.

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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 [email protected].

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.

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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 [email protected].

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.

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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 [email protected].

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

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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 [email protected].

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

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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 [email protected].

Ep 640 features Shannon, a 911 professional out of Virginia.

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Episode topics –

• Dispatchers' experiences handling severe winter weather and long shifts

• Shannon's unique journey into dispatch and her approach to training new recruits

• Emotional challenges and the importance of closure after difficult emergency calls

• The viral "trash panda" (raccoon) liquor store incident and how it unfolded from the dispatch perspective

• Advice for staying compassionate and positive in a high-stress 911 environment

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].

Ep 639 features Hannah, a 911 professional out of Florida.

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INdigital - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

RapidSOS - Facebook | LinkedIn | X | Web

• Hannah's unconventional entry into public safety and her first intense sit-along experience

• The unique stresses, training, and teamwork required in a high-volume, multi-position dispatch center

• Memorable and unusual emergency calls—including a runaway monkey and a man-on-fire incident

• The mental health impact of dispatch work and ways to seek support and closure

• Small but meaningful moments where dispatchers make a difference, like teaching someone to tie a tie in a crisis

If you have any comments or questions or would like to be a guest on the show, please email me at [email protected].