Episode 26

full
Published on:

4th Feb 2025

911 Dispatcher (Beth)

In this episode, Ryan Frank and Eric Shaw engage with Beth, a 911 dispatcher from Colorado, to explore the often-overlooked role of dispatchers in emergency services. Beth shares her nearly 20 years of experience, discussing the challenges of multitasking in high-pressure situations, the emotional toll of handling distressing calls, and the unique dynamics of dealing with children in crisis. The conversation also touches on the impact of natural disasters, such as wildfires, and the importance of peer support in the dispatch community with some humorous anecdotes along the way.

Music provided by Quincy Ledbetter (https://www.qledbetter.com/).

Artwork provided by Megan Weaver (https://meganweaverart.com/).

Special thank you to our premium members. If you’d like to support the show and listen ad free, you can become a premium member by clicking subscribe in your Apple podcast app or visit https://thebaggagepodcast.com/support to sign up or to gift a membership to someone. A percentage of all proceeds go to charity.

If you have questions, comments, or a good story, email us at thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

5 Random Questions (Sponsor)

5 Random Questions is a podcast where every question is an adventure. Join host, Danny Brown, where each week, he sits down with his special guest and uses a random question generator to come up with five unpredictable, thought-provoking, and sometimes downright hilarious questions. No topic is off-limits as Danny and his guests dive into their answers, sparking lively discussions filled with laughter, surprises, and occasional deep insights. As a special twist, every guest gets to turn the tables and ask Danny any random question they like, putting him on the spot and keeping things fresh and fun. Whether you're looking for a good laugh, some unexpected wisdom, or just an entertaining chat, 5 Random Questions is the podcast for you. Tune in for a mix of humour and heart, and discover something new with every episode!

5 Random Questions

Mondo Freako (Sponsor)

Mondo Freako is a comedic exploration of the weird and wonderful world of cryptids, paranormal phenomena, and all things bizarre. Join Bob LeMent & Rob Howell as they delve into the unknown with laughter, curiosity, and a healthy dose of skepticism. Search for Mondo Freako wherever you get your podcasts.

Mondo Freako

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Baggage

About the Podcast

Baggage
Everyone has a story.
Baggage is a collection of compelling, unique, and sometimes traumatic stories from people of all walks of life. These stories typically only get heard by the storyteller’s friends, family, or co-workers. Now there is a platform for everyday individuals to share their experiences with a larger audience as well as how they cope with the emotional and mental baggage that sometimes follows those events. Once a month, the show’s hosts—Eric Shaw (doctor), Ryan Frank (prosecutor), Adrian Bonenberger (journalist/author), and Ryan Conner (comedian)—hear a different set of stories bringing their own distinct perspectives. Sometimes serious and sometimes humorous, it’s sure to always be interesting.

To share your story or ask a question, email us at thebaggagepodcast@gmail.com.
Support This Show

About your hosts

Eric Shaw

Profile picture for Eric Shaw
Eric is a pediatrician in Denver, Colorado. He started his medical career as a volunteer EMT in Blacksburg, Virginia. He practiced professionally as a Cardiac Tech for Richmond Ambulance Authority. He attended VCU Medical School and completed his pediatrics training at The Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter's in Norfolk. He currently is a partner at Pediatrics West, and an associate professor at Rocky Vista University.

Ryan Frank

Profile picture for Ryan Frank
Ryan Frank has prosecuted criminal cases since graduating law school in 2012. He's handled everything from petit theft to homicides with a focus on child-victim crimes. Before going to law school, he served in the Marine Corps with two combat tours in Iraq.

Adrian Bonenberger

Profile picture for Adrian Bonenberger
Adrian Bonenberger is an essayist, writer, and poet. In addition to publishing his war memoirs and co-editing an anthology of veteran fiction, his writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Commonweal Magazine, The New Republic, Forbes, and other outlets. He co-founded and edits fiction for The Wrath-Bearing Tree. Several of his books can been found here.

Ryan Conner

Profile picture for Ryan Conner
Ryan Conner is a writer/comedian who has been on the Late Late Show with James Corden and was a Top-10 finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing. View his website, https://ryanconnercomedy.com/, for his latest tour dates. His debut novel, The Party, is available for purchase on Amazon.