- 16
- Episodes
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About The CCT Podcast
The CCT Podcast is the official podcast from Critical Communications Today, hosted by editor Philip Mason. Each episode brings together voices from across the critical communications, public safety and technology sectors to explore the ideas, innovations and real-world challenges shaping modern communications and emergency response. Featuring industry leaders, emergency services professionals and technology experts, The CCT Podcast covers the trends, experiences and developments influencing mission-critical communications and the wider world of connected technology, resilience and public safety. With insightful conversations and expert perspectives, The CCT Podcast provides a platform for the people driving change across the sector, whilst also offering a wider look at how technology, communication and innovation continue to shape the world around us.
- Publisher
- Critical Communications Today
- Category
- news · technology
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 5 Jun 2026
- Latest episode
- 23 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
16 episodes in the feed.
23 Oct 2026
Benoit Vivier: AI and the Future of Emergency Response
How are artificial intelligence, next-generation emergency calling systems and cross-border cooperation shaping the future of emergency response? In this episode of the Critical Communications Today Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Benoit Vivier, Public Affairs Director at the European Emergency Number Association (EENA), at Critical Communications World (CCW). Benoit discusses EENA's work to improve emergency response across Europe and beyond, highlighting the importance of connecting emergency calling systems with the critical communications networks used by first responders. The conversation explores the development of the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS), the evolution of Next Generation 112, and the need for greater interoperability between countries, including the UK's ongoing role in European emergency communications. They also examine the growing role of artificial intelligence in emergency call centres, from real-time translation and transcription to noise reduction and dispatch support, alongside the practical, ethical and regulatory challenges of implementing these technologies. 👉 CCT (https://www.criticalcomms.com) 👉 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE3651Cs6VE) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
19 Oct 2026
Jason Day: How drones are transforming public safety and securing the FIFA World Cup
Jason Day, Deputy Director of DRONERESPONDERS, joins CCT to discuss how drone technology is transforming public safety operations, from search and rescue and disaster response to securing some of the world’s largest events. Drawing on decades of experience in aviation and his work helping to build one of the largest public safety UAS programmes in the US, Jason explains how drones are now being integrated into complex, layered airspace alongside helicopters, aircraft and commercial drone operations. With the FIFA World Cup bringing huge crowds across multiple US host cities, the conversation explores the role drones and counter-UAS technology will play in protecting stadiums, fan festivals, training sites and other major gathering points. Recorded at Critical Communications World, this episode looks at how drones have moved from emerging technology to an increasingly vital part of modern public safety operations. 👉 CCT (https://www.criticalcomms.com) 👉 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NE3651Cs6VE) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
2 Oct 2026
Brad Morell & Mathew Walsh: Building the Future of Public Safety Communications
CCT speaks with Brad Morell, Director for Network Technology Operations and International Engagement at the First Responder Network Authority, and Mathew Walsh, Head of Public Safety Product at AT&T, about the evolution of FirstNet and the future of public safety communications. Brad reflects on his three decades in public safety, including his experiences around the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympics and the response to 9/11, and how communications failures helped drive the creation of a nationwide dedicated broadband network for first responders. Together, Brad and Mathew discuss the partnership behind FirstNet, the continuing challenge of interoperability, the importance of international collaboration, and how technologies including IoT and AI could help make communications increasingly seamless for emergency services. Ultimately, their ambition is simple: first responders should be able to focus on the incident in front of them, while the technology they rely on simply works. 👉 CCT (https://www.criticalcomms.com) 👉 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLp-yy84Dy0) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
2 Oct 2026
Ultan Mulligan & Ari Toivonen: Building the Future of Mission-Critical Broadband
What will the next generation of mission-critical communications look like — and how can networks work seamlessly across borders? In this episode of the CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason is joined by Ultan Mulligan, Chief Services Officer at ETSI, and Ari Toivonen, Chair of ETSI TC CCS and Chief Specialist at Erillisverkot, to discuss ETSI’s newly established Technical Committee on Critical Communications Systems. Recorded at Critical Communications World, the conversation explores the move towards mission-critical broadband and 5G-based systems, the continuing role of TETRA, and the work required to create interoperable communications between countries. They also discuss the relationship between ETSI and 3GPP, the importance of testing and certification, lessons from cross-border TETRA deployments in the Nordic countries, and why EUCCS could help create a more consistent critical communications ecosystem across Europe and beyond. For emergency services and other critical users, the ultimate ambition is straightforward: when networks and people need to work together, the technology should simply work. 👉 CCT (https://www.criticalcomms.com) 👉 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mRYAz_neSY) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
2 Oct 2026
Brooks Shannon: When Every Second Counts: Transforming Emergency Response
Recorded at Critical Communications World 2026, host Philip Mason speaks with Brooks Shannon about how mapping, location data and spatial intelligence can support faster and safer emergency response. The conversation explores the potential of indoor mapping to locate people inside large or complex buildings, guide responders directly to an incident and help protect firefighters working in smoke-filled or unfamiliar environments. Brooks also discusses the importance of accurate, specialist mapping data for control rooms, emergency call handling and frontline teams. From locating callers who cannot describe where they are to improving shared situational awareness across multiple agencies, the episode considers how better location intelligence could help emergency services make quicker, more informed decisions when every second counts. 👉 CCT (https://www.criticalcomms.com) 👉 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXlniny6Xxg) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
2 Oct 2026
Stanley Song: AI in the Control Room
In this episode of The CCT Podcast, Philip Mason speaks with Stanley Song, Vice President of Hytera, about how AI could shape the next stage of critical communications. The conversation explores how AI-powered tools could support emergency response, from helping control rooms manage repeated calls during major incidents to live translation for call takers and frontline teams. Stanley also discusses Hytera’s wider approach to critical communications, including the continued role of TETRA, the shift towards broadband and MCX, and how technology providers are moving beyond devices to support more complete operational solutions. 👉 CCT (https://www.criticalcomms.com) 👉 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdsmTrQD1fc) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
2 Oct 2026
Mladen Vratonjic: Reflecting on a Decade of Change and the Future of Critical Communications
In this episode of The CCT Podcast, CCT Editor Philip Mason speaks with Mladen Vratonjic, former Chair of the TCCA Board, during his final Critical Communications World as chair. Reflecting on 11 years leading TCCA, Mladen discusses how the critical communications sector has evolved from fragmented radio ecosystems towards more global, standardised and interoperable communications. He explores TCCA’s role in bringing critical communications into the 3GPP standardisation process, the growing importance of public safety, and why cross-border cooperation is becoming increasingly vital across Europe. The conversation also looks at the development of Critical Communications World, the progress of initiatives such as EUCCS, and the challenges facing the sector as it moves towards broadband critical communications. Mladen shares why resilience, trust and realistic expectations will be essential as the industry continues to develop technologies that people rely on when lives are at stake. 🎧 Listen now on your preferred podcast platform or watch the full episode on 👉 CCT (https://www.criticalcomms.com) 👉 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD1wCjvWLwQ) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
6 Aug 2026
Saving Lives Across Borders | The Future of International Emergency Response
What happens when someone needs emergency help in another country, and you’re the only person who can raise the alarm? In this episode of The CCT Podcast recorded at BAPCO, Louis Fraser-Wilson from the London Ambulance Service discusses international emergency call coordination, life inside ambulance control rooms, and the growing importance of global interoperability between emergency services. The episode also explores a remarkable real-world case where a call to 999 in London helped save the life of a man in Canada. 👉 https://www.criticalcomms.com/ (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists (https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
6 Aug 2026
BAPCO 2026 Wrap-Up: Key Insights from the Public Safety Communications Sector
Phil Mason is joined by Darryl Keen and Matt Leat to reflect on BAPCO 2026 In this episode of the Critical Communications Today podcast, BAPCO Journal Editor Phil Mason sits down with Darryl Keen (Vice-Chair & Trustee, BAPCO) and Matt Leat (Trustee, BAPCO) for a wrap-up discussion at the close of BAPCO 2026. Recorded live at the event, this conversation reflects on two busy days of networking, innovation, and insight across the public safety communications sector. The discussion explores key themes from the exhibition, including the growing momentum behind ESN, the importance of collaboration, and the increasing focus on wellbeing and people within a technology-driven environment. The episode also highlights the value of global partnerships, emerging technologies, and the role of BAPCO in supporting and developing professionals across the sector. This is the first episode in a new live podcast series recorded at BAPCO 2026, with more conversations and insights to come. 👉 https://www.criticalcomms.com/ (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists (https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
6 Aug 2026
Leading Through Crisis: Inside Washington DC’s Emergency Communications Response
Heather McGaffin, Director of the Office of Unified Communications in Washington, D.C. joins the CCT Podcast live from BAPCO to discuss one of the most demanding periods her team has faced. From a presidential inauguration and state funeral to extreme weather and a major aviation tragedy, Heather shares how her team managed continuous high-pressure events and the leadership lessons that followed. The conversation explores emergency communications, staff wellbeing, crisis leadership, and why people must remain at the heart of public safety technology. 👉 https://www.criticalcomms.com/ (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists (https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
4 Aug 2026
Hearing Through Chaos: AI Audio, Emergency Response & The Future of Public Safety | Mette Carstensen
How can AI help emergency operators hear through chaos when every second matters? In this episode of The CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Mette Carstensen, CEO & Co-founder of Augmented Hearing, about the real-world impact of AI-powered audio technology in emergency communications. Mette shares powerful stories from emergency call handlers, including a rescue in Iceland where clearer audio helped dispatch a helicopter significantly sooner, alongside wider discussions around operator stress, hearing protection, situational awareness, and the future of AI within public safety environments. The conversation also explores how technologies like Sharpi are helping emergency services improve clarity during high-pressure calls involving wind, traffic, crowds, distress, and other challenging background noise, while still preserving the critical sounds operators need to hear. 👉 https://www.criticalcomms.com/ (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists (https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists) See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
4 Aug 2026
A Prevention-First Approach to Wildfires with Fire Chief Dan Munsey
Philip Mason speaks with Fire Chief Dan Munsey on prevention-first thinking, wildfire risk, and the cultural shift needed across public safety. In this episode of the CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason, Editor of Critical Communications Today, sits down with Fire Chief Dan Munsey of San Bernardino County Fire to explore one of the biggest challenges facing public safety today: how we rethink our approach to wildfires. Drawing on his experience and testimony before Congress, Munsey challenges some of the most widely accepted assumptions around wildfire risk, what he calls the “lies we tell ourselves as truth.” From mislabelling wildfire crises to misunderstanding the role of technology, he outlines why the real issue is not response, but prevention. Munsey also shares insights into how leadership, policy, and public perception must evolve, shifting focus from reacting to emergencies to preventing them in the first place. For the latest critical communications news, features and analysis, visit Critical Communications Today at www.criticalcomms.com (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 🎥 Visit our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday) channel for expert interviews, conference presentations and event coverage See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
29 Jul 2026
Trauma, Recovery & Emergency Response
In this episode of The CCT Podcast, host Philip Mason speaks with Anne Campbell-Gunn, Founding CEO of Three Nines, the charity supporting children and families affected by trauma, crisis and major incidents. Anne shares how the organisation works alongside emergency services to provide early trauma-informed support for children impacted by incidents involving the “blue lights”, from crime and major emergencies to deeply life-changing events. The conversation explores the emotional realities faced by families, the importance of early intervention, and how emergency services can better support children during traumatic situations. The episode also looks at threenines’ new Calm & Care Kits, designed to help reassure and distract children during incidents, alongside the wider collaboration taking place across the emergency services community. A powerful and thoughtful discussion on trauma, resilience, emergency response, and the human impact behind critical incidents. Find out more about Three Nines Children's Charity at 👉 https://threenines.org.uk (https://threenines.org.uk) 🎧 Listen now on your preferred podcast platform or watch the full episode on CCT. 📡 https://www.criticalcomms.com/ (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 🎙️ https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday/playlists See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
29 Jul 2026
The AI Paradox in Emergency Services | CCT Podcast Live at BAPCO 2026
Filmed live at BAPCO 2026, Philip Mason speaks with Aaron Page about the balance between innovation and control in AI adoption. This episode covers: • The risks of moving too quickly, or too slowly • AI in control rooms (transcription, translation, triaging) • Data quality, governance, and ethical considerations • The role of humans in AI-supported decision making • Lessons from global public safety organisations See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
5 Jun 2026
The Future of Digital Policing: Interoperability, AI and the National Police Service
How can technology help police forces work more effectively together, reduce administrative burdens and improve frontline operations? In this episode of The CCT Podcast, we speak with Edward Preece, Chief Operating Officer at the Police Digital Service, about the role digital transformation is playing across UK policing. Recorded at BAPCO 2026, Edward explains how Police Digital Service supports forces across the UK through national standards, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and interoperability initiatives. He discusses the benefits of shared digital platforms, the growing role of AI, and how technology can help officers spend more time policing and less time navigating administrative processes. The conversation also explores the future of policing, including plans for a proposed National Police Service, the importance of user-centred technology design, and why collaboration between policing, government and industry is essential to delivering modern public safety services. For the latest critical communications news, features and analysis, visit Critical Communications Today at www.criticalcomms.com (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 🎥 Visit our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday) channel for expert interviews, conference presentations and event coverage See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
5 Jun 2026
AI, Communications & the Future of Public Safety
In this episode of The CCT Podcast, we speak with David Shorland, UK & Ireland Country Manager and Sales Director at Motorola Solutions, recorded live at BAPCO. The conversation explores how technology is helping emergency services communicate more effectively, respond faster, and ultimately keep both frontline personnel and the public safer. David discusses Motorola Solutions' evolution from a communications company into a broader public safety technology provider, integrating radio networks, software platforms, video systems, and artificial intelligence into a connected ecosystem. They also examine the growing role of AI in critical communications, from removing background noise in emergency calls and radio transmissions to helping operators quickly identify important information within vast amounts of video footage. The discussion highlights how these technologies can support decision-making in high-pressure situations while maintaining the vital role of human oversight. David shares insights into the challenges facing public safety organisations today, including the need for integrated solutions, ethical use of AI, and the future of communications technology as the sector continues to evolve. Recorded at BAPCO, this episode offers a fascinating look at how innovation is shaping the future of emergency response and public safety communications. For the latest critical communications news, features and analysis, visit Critical Communications Today at www.criticalcomms.com (https://www.criticalcomms.com/) 🎥 Visit our YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@CriticalCommunicationsToday) channel for expert interviews, conference presentations and event coverage See omnystudio.com/listener (https://omnystudio.com/listener) for privacy information.
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