Call me when it’s real, I’ll podcast the rest.
You’ve heard the calls. Now hear what we really think.
Ever wonder what it’s like on the other side of the headset?
This podcast pulls back the curtain with unfiltered stories, real talk, and more sarcasm than sense. Hosted by a seasoned dispatcher who’s heard it all… well, almost all of it. You’ll get the chaos, the misunderstandings, and the emotional toll, served with no sugarcoating.
We talk about the job, the people who call, the ones who don’t, and the mental health strain that comes with holding it all together.
If you’ve ever worked in public safety or just wondered what goes on behind the scenes, this show breaks it down without the BS.
The host discusses recent incidents involving first responders and dispatchers that erode public trust, along with the renewed debate in Congress regarding federal recognition for dispatchers, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining public confidence in emergency services.
8 Aug 2025
Episode 6: "The Headset Changes You"
Dispatchers reveal how the demanding 911 profession shapes their character, while the host emphasizes professional communication and efficient training methods.
19 Jul 2025
“A Breach of Trust: When Dispatch Gets Personal”
Mayor and former dispatcher discusses a Twinsburg, Ohio dispatcher facing criminal charges for making a personal call, examining the legal and ethical implications of such actions for first responders.
6 May 2025
Episode 4: "If Our Walls Could Talk"
What would your dispatch center say about you if its walls could talk? In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of our words, our presence, and the culture we help create. From offhand comments to missed moments of support, we explore how small things shape morale, retention, and each other. Whether you're a frontline dispatcher, a trainer, or a supervisor, this one’s for you. Because leadership isn’t a title, it’s a tone.
Plus: a shoutout to LineNineMedia.com (http://LineNineMedia.com), Quick Keys takeaways, and a reminder that sometimes, just showing up is enough.
21 Apr 2025
Episode 3: "Location, Location, Location"
Do you think that 911 automatically knows where you are when you call? Think again. This episode breaks down some of the myths about location tracking, why your phone isn't as helpful as you think and what can happen behind the scenes when you dial for help. Spoiler Alert: We still need you to tell us where you are, because we're not Google and we're definitely not psychic.
15 Apr 2025
Episode 2: "The Voices Stay With You"
Some calls don't leave your mind when the shift ends. This episode dives into the emotional weight we can carry, the mental health toll that no one talks about, and the moments that stay long after the headset comes off. If you've ever wondered what it really costs to be the calm voice on the other end of the line, this episode is for you.
Show Notes: I realized I mispronounced "Chatham" County, multiple times. It was close enough where I did not want to re-record the entire segment.
Enjoy.
3 Apr 2025
Episode 1: “This Could’ve Been a Non-Emergency Call”
In this episode, we talk about what happens when people treat 911 like a catch-all for their minor problems. From delayed responses to burnout behind the headset, non-emergency calls have real consequences. If it could’ve waited or gone to a non-emergency line, it probably should’ve.
2 Apr 2025
Pilot Episode: "Please Hold While I Figure This Out"
It's the pilot episode and yes, I am totally winging it. Meet your host, get a glimpse of what this podcast is about or at least hopes to be about and hear why 911 Dispatchers have way more to say than "911, what is your emergency?"
Let's see if this thing actually works.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.3 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
37
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
31
Contact First Responders, Second Thoughts
Guest appearances
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