Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Blue Grit Radio: Improving Police and First Responders of Life through Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 233: 5 Reasons Applicants Fail Police Hiring / Testing, What to Do About It! | 03 juil. 2025 | 00:19:46 | |
The police testing and hiring process is long. It's tedious, arduous, even. This is all for a good reason - we put a huge amount of trust and responsibility in the hands of anyone who works in the criminal justice, policing, and law enforcement fields. The biggest impact for those interested, applying, and trying to enter the arena is to DO THE SIMPLE THINGS RIGHT, and beware, navigate and avoid the most common obstacles and issues. Some of these trends and issues will end your career before it begins! Listen in, share with those who are entering or navigating the process so we can fill these seats with people who are truly ready to serve with their best! (For recruiters, background investigators: this one's for you as well: to recap, build better candidates and relay to the bosses WHY we need to move some forward and others off the chart completely - so listen and share!) Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 232: Building Efficiency for Police Investigations, Case Work, Prosecution, and Records w/ Ben Walker (Ditto Transcripts) | 02 juil. 2025 | 00:36:39 | |
Over-worked, understaffed and resourced. This isn't just sworn officers, deputies, troopers, and detectives - but our invaluable support staff. Everyone has to manage review of statements, jail calls, data and records compilation. How do we streamline getting all this audio to text for quicker review and ultimately, what the prosecution will likely require? Ben Walker joins us to talk about the critical role of data transcription - how dramatic the speed and efficiency can improve by toggling resources to aid in these efforts. With a highly customizable approach, we discuss the pros and cons of human-generated transcriptions vs. AI, and how these tools can help police and civilian support staff free up their time and bandwidth for more specified, expert level work they want and need to do. — Ben Walker is the CEO and founder of Ditto Transcripts, America’s most trusted source for law enforcement transcription services since 2010. Ben’s company specializes in secure, CJIS-compliant transcription services for law enforcement agencies nationwide, including the Washington State Patrol and the National Park Service Investigations Unit. From recorded interviews and wiretaps to jail calls and body-worn camera footage, Ditto Transcripts delivers CJIS compliant, accurate, and certified courtroom ready transcripts. Get rid of transcription backlogs and safeguard your investigations, visit DittoTranscripts.com today and see why agencies across the country rely on Ditto. Mention “Blue Grit”when you reach out and receive 25% off your first order. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 231: How to Lead with Confidence AND Competence w/ Chief Dave Norris, Jeff Selleg (ret. Cmdr.), Lt. Ray Polk | 30 juin 2025 | 01:07:26 | |
Have you had a leader/boss/manager who had confidence, but nothing to back it.. or the converse- someone that had the experience and insight but struggled to show and step up to direct and share the vision? Confidence and competence are so crucial and we need to help develop them in all of our leaders- emerging and those who already hold the rank. Joining me in this discussion are three dynamic voices in our LE space: for training, development, and leadership. — Jeff Selleg worked in law enforcement from 1996 to 2022, retiring as a Commander from the Port of Seattle Police Department in Washington. He was a member of Valley Regional SWAT from 2000 to 2022, beginning on the entry team and serving as an explosive breacher, sniper, sniper team leader, entry team leader, and team commander. Jeff also held the position of patrol and administrative services commander. Jeff leads the NTOA’s cognitive development program and facilitates most of the NTOA's tactical leadership courses, along with many other specialty courses. — Chief Dave Norris joined the Menlo Park Police Department in 2021 after a distinguished 27-year tenure with the San Mateo Police Department, where he led major investigations and pioneered programs in youth engagement and digital communications. At Menlo Park, Chief Norris has guided the department through staffing recovery, community trust initiatives, and technological advancements. Dave serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Police Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committee, contributes articles and presentations industry-wide, and is a Fellow of the Future Policing Institute. — Ray L. Polk Jr. is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 19 years of experience. Currently serving as Covert Investigations Commander, he develops undercover strategies and mentors high-performing teams. His roles have included Vice/Narcotics Detective, Crime Prevention Officer, Mounted Patrol Sergeant, and SRT Commander. Dr. Polk is the founder and CEO of Command Leadership Mastery Services, LLC, providing leadership coaching and safety consulting for various organizations. He is also a nationally recognized vocalist, performing at venues like Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 230: How Police can Avoid the Biggest Dangers and Issues with the LAW: Training and Action w/ Anthony Bandiero, Blue to Gold | 26 juin 2025 | 00:50:16 | |
What gets us into the most trouble? What causes the most fear in officers? There is no doubt that safety and tactics are paramount, but how even those battles are ultimately fought in the legal arena.. Proper action and proper articulation come with proper education and proper training. Bad headlines, bad outcomes, cops getting sued and charged result from these trends. In this discussion with fmr. LEO and current law enforcement legal guru - Anthony Bandiero from Blue to Gold. This is a must-listen for everyone from new recruit to Chief and Sheriff! -- Anthony Bandiero is the Senior Legal Instructor for Blue to Gold Law Enforcement Training. He is also a Nationally Certified Instructor, and many consider him to be one of the best legal instructors in the nation. He has studied constitutional law for over twenty years and has taught search and seizure to over 70,000 officers around the country. Before teaching search and seizure full-time, Anthony was a sergeant with the Nevada Highway Patrol in Las Vegas, Nevada. His assignments included traffic enforcement, emergency driving instructor, and training supervisor. Anthony also has experience as a municipal officer with the Elko Police Department. Anthony’s education includes a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Harvard University. He graduated from Gonzaga School of Law in Spokane, Washington, and is a practicing member of the Washington and New Jersey State Bars. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 229: Police and Fire navigating recovery - shot on duty and spinal injury, Beyond the Dispatch, w/ Cary & Dom | 23 juin 2025 | 00:56:43 | |
We always go home. We never quit. We finish our fights. We do our best, we train mentally and physically. We tell ourselves mind over matter... but as we also learn, the suspect gets a vote. Danger gets a vote. Fate gets a vote. And in this life, we can plan, practice, strategize to play our best hand... but we don't hold all the cards. Our bodies can break. We can get shot in the face... Life beyond the badge is something we discuss here, and two friends Dom and Cary from Police and Fire join me to share on their own unforeseen challenges and adversities contending with career-enders. However, their journeys of growth and service to others is far from over, as they discuss their endeavors with Beyond the Dispatch - what is more than a podcast and story-telling, but what I see as a movement in more of what our first responder culture and community could use more of. — Hosted by former firefighter/paramedic Cary Rogde and retired police officer Dominic, Beyond the Dispatch is a raw and unapologetic podcast that dives deep into the real stories behind the badge and the uniform. The show amplifies voices from first responders, military veterans, and mental health professionals, tackling trauma, resilience, and life beyond the job. With gripping interviews and powerful conversations, Cary and Dom are on a mission to break the silence around mental health in service professions—and remind their community they’re not alone. http://www.beyondthedispatch.com/ Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 228: How to be the BEST candidate (testing for entry, hiring, promotion, unit selection) | 19 juin 2025 | 00:25:02 | |
Ok, I study for the test... but what ELSE do I do to prep for this dream job? This dream unit selection? This dream promotion I have been grinding my whole career for? For years before Blue Grit or my stint in hiring, people in my circles would ask about what they should be focusing on or working toward for their upcoming interviews and selection process. This this episode, I share about some of the mindset and concepts to put into play that can be used for any police (or other!) selection process - critical to success. Taken straight from my prep guides, available to everyone here! (for more, find them at bluegritwellness.com/SHOP and visit the site to subscribe to the free newsletter with ongoing tips and insights to develop your life and career!) Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 227: Must-Know Interview and Testing Tips for Police Promotions (and other selections) w/ Capt. Brian Stampfl (ret) | 17 juin 2025 | 01:03:59 | |
Police promotion testing can be intimidating, even for those who have been through a process. There's the different components, but the interviews can be the most tricky and daunting. In this episode, retired Seattle Police Capt. Brian Stampfl and I discuss key themes, tips, and strategies so you can own the process and your outcomes. It includes and goes far beyond: Mindset, reducing anxiety, scoring points, knowing your material, thinking like the rank and much more! (And don't forget to grab my Promotion Testing Guide on the site for tips, break-downs, examples, and leadership philosophy prompts so you can truly excel!) -- Brian Stampfl is a retired Captain from the Seattle Police Department with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. Committed to serving the next generation of law enforcement leaders, Brian specializes in helping law enforcement professionals master the promotional process. He has served as both a promotional test content expert and oral board panel member for multiple agencies, giving him unique insight from both sides of the selection process. Having worked in Seattle's politically charged, metropolitan environment, Brian brings practical experience in navigating complex challenges while building effective leadership strategies. His coaching approach emphasizes not just earning promotions, but developing the confidence and skills needed to excel in new roles. When not coaching, Brian enjoys networking and exchanging ideas with other law enforcement professionals and exploring local dog parks with his Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy. Brian can be found on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/brian-stampfl and BrianStampfl.com Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 226: Why work for Seattle Police? History, Discord, and Pride w/ Officer and Academy Instructor Britt Kelly | 12 juin 2025 | 01:01:17 | |
Many cops says they would never work for Seattle PD, or any big city because X, Y, Z. So when I asked if any active cops wanted to come on and rep their agency, I was excited for Britt’s response. I’ve known Britt Kelly for a few years, but I knew her name and story from when I was a new solo cop, when her FTO, Tim Brenton was murdered on duty in their squad car. Britt shares about her career, and we discuss the difficult “relationship” we have with our departments, and why it may be time to go, or endure for the things you hold most dearly- values, people, and leadership. - Britt became a sworn law enforcement officer for the Seattle Police Department in August 2009. On Halloween night in 2009, a mere 20 shifts into her career and still on FTO, Britt experienced the unimaginable. Britt and her training officer, Tim Brenton were ambushed. Officer Brenton was killed instantly. Britt survived being grazed twice by .223 rounds. After two months on administrative leave, Britt, not without fear, but in spite of fear, returned to FTO. Britt went on to work nights in Seattle’s Belltown bar district. In 2014 she earned a distinguished role on the department’s night bicycle squad, patrolling the downtown corridor, participating in drug operations and other undercover stings. Continuing to broaden her career, in 2017 Britt moved to detectives for the Force Investigation Team (FIT). While on FIT she responded to and was the lead investigator for officer involved shootings and other high level uses of force. In 2023 Britt became part of the training unit on the FTO side of the house. While here she worked directly with the student officers upon their graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. After only being in this role for a year, an opportunity as a TAC Officer at CJTC presented itself. Since May 2024 Britt has been teaching the recruits for all local jurisdictions as a TAC and loving all that it is. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 225: Media vs the Truth: Body Cam, Public Perception, Police Training w/ LEO Kenny Dean | 09 juin 2025 | 00:43:15 | |
Viral police video goes out.. instantly every cop is cringing at what they see OR the comments, usually from people who don't know ____ about _____. Kenny, created his page to dispel much of the noise, to give straight-talk about what we as police see, train, learn, experience, and perceive. It goes beyond this, to recognize other factors that don't get captured by one single camera angle. In this episode, Kenny and I talk about these dynamics and his career, which include informed, stressful experiences from OIS to organizational challenges our professional is all facing. -- You can find him at: Let's Talk Law Enforcement Period (podcast on Spotify) *I hopped on his show to talk Recruiting/Hiring, March 5, 2025 Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 224: How to Help Community Understand Police (On Being a Supporter & Telling Our Stories) w/ Abby Ellsworth | 05 juin 2025 | 00:40:18 | |
If only people understood what we did.. why we do this job.. what it takes.. what it tests.. If only they knew we were people, doing our best.. I connected with Abby in July 2023 and was humbled to be featured in an interview with her, (ep. 47 of On Being a Police Officer). In it, she called out my "relentless optimism." It was one of the coolest compliments I've heard and part of me wanted to deny it, since optimism is often a struggle and by no means easy. (However, I can't prove her wrong, since I'm still doing this thing called Blue Grit - and that's the whole point of it!). I've gotten to know Abby from and before that interview, and to see/hear/learn more about her. It's not just WHY she does the work, but HOW she does it, which makes me truly inspired. This is what prompted me to ask if she would be willing to flip the mics as it were, and be the guest on my show. She has a servant's heart, desire to help, and humility and care in spades. I am honored to be able to share and highlight HER story, as she shares and highlights so many of ours. -- Abby Ellsworth is a civilian interviewing law enforcement from around the country for her podcast “On Being a Police Officer”which she launched in September 2020. Her goal is to tell the real stories of police work, the ones that don’t make the news. She does it because what she sees is a noble profession that few people understand. Her goal is to change that, to help law enforcement feel supported and to educate her fellow civilians. Abby draws on more than 15 years of working with law enforcement producing awards banquets and creating training and recruiting videos for which she has interviewed more than 100 officers and done dozens of ride-alongs. She gives LEOs the opportunity to share their personal journeys and tackles issues that are rarely accurately covered in mainstream media. Instagram: @on_being_a_police_officer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abby.ellsworth.52 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-ellsworth-51b009319/ Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 223: What Police Need to Know about Toxic Media and Negative Narratives w/ Aaron Brown, National Gratitude | 03 juin 2025 | 00:55:25 | |
We turn on the news (or our socials) and see ALL THIS NEGATIVITY. It's the state of the union, it's police everything, it's videos, headlines, and a whole lotta yuck. It's red vs. blue, old vs. new, AI is taking over, and there's no escaping the end of the world as we know it. Whether it's police scrutiny or everything else, veteran Aaron Brown joins me to discuss how understanding how the media and toxic, fear-based thinking works so we can avoid or combat it in ourselves. This conversation is one that everyone is today's modern society can benefit from- to give us some pause and hopefully with that some pause-itivity. -- Aaron Brown is the founder of National Gratitude, an initiative exploring the intersection of human emotion, politics, and philosophy in today’s public life. With a background as a U.S. Naval officer, Aaron brings five years of leadership experience to his work, blending real-world perspective with thoughtful analysis. He’s currently pursuing a graduate degree in Global Security at Arizona State University and is passionate about helping people think more clearly, live more meaningfully, and engage more constructively in a polarized world. https://www.instagram.com/nationalgratitude/ Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 222: How to Rise Up & Rebalance Life and Identity after a Police Career, w/ Doug White | 29 mai 2025 | 01:03:05 | |
Sometimes you read a phrase, a sentence a story and you get hit. With an idea, with resonance. With jarring feelings - with feeling seen. I had many of all those moments reading veteran and retired law enforcement officer, Doug White's book - Hiding in Plain Sight. Although we are quite different people with quite different experiences, Doug's ability to write and share those lessons hit home. While reading his book on a flight across country for a speaking engagement (where I would also come to meet Doug in person), I sat upright in my seat on the verge of boisterous laughter and on the verge of tears (but I didn't want to be "that guy" on the plane in either form). I felt myself melting in his accounts of hard times on traumatic scenes- thinking of my own such events. I felt myself gritting my teeth and white knuckling the book pages as I read about how he was targeted and put through an administrative ringer.. which hit home in its own ways for me, too. If you are a first responder, servicemember, or truly anyone who has danced with doing too much for others and paying the consequences, this book (and interview) is for you. I am grateful to have gotten to read, meet, know, and call Doug a friend and peer in these efforts of supporting first responder resilience and culture. — Doug White is a veteran, retired law enforcement officer, author, and speaker who spent over 30 years in service—first in the U.S. Air Force, then as a sheriff’s deputy in Florida. Today, he’s the founder of Tell This Story, a platform dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and their families find purpose, healing, and growth—ensuring they, their loved ones, and their communities get the best versions possible. Doug is the author of Hiding in Plain Sight: The Truth About Trauma, Service, and the Way Forward and the host of the Tell This Story podcast. Through raw storytelling, hard-earned wisdom, and a powerful shift from a mission-first to a family-first mindset, Doug is redefining what it means to thrive after service—advocating for personal growth and the demonstration of moral courage in leadership through authentic connection with those who have stepped into the light and those still hiding in plain sight. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 221: Should You Test for Promotion (again?) Q&A for Police Career Moves | 28 mai 2025 | 00:29:12 | |
I often get questions and requests for feedback asking if they should test to promote (sergeant, command, etc). Usually this involves giving the landscape of what they do now, what pros/cons may be, and whether it is "worth it." In this episode, I share a listener question and explore some of the considerations to test again, what things I would ask, things he should think about, and how we can all ensure prime career development- whether we go for that rank or not. I pull some concepts from my guide on police and first responder promotional processes for all to examine their own careers, reputations, and resumes. (Find it at bluegritwellness.com/shop !) Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 220: Must-Dos for Self-Care and Wellness for Police and First Responders, w/ Tami Sharp and Chris Zamora, Law Enforcement Coaching | 26 mai 2025 | 00:51:25 | |
Wellness. Those into it "get it" but those who aren't into it roll their eyes and think they "get it" too. However, those folks are often the one who need it most of all. I'm joined by my guests with Law Enforcement Coaching, where we discuss the NEED on what our first responder community needs to recognize, share and use to nudge and uplift one another. We talk about the necessity of self-care for operational ability, the classes LEC provides, and an upcoming retreat that I will be helping as a guest instructor! -- Tami Sharp is the Founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Coaching, dedicated to the mental and emotional wellness of first responders and their families. With over 20 years in the wellness and personal development fields, and a lifelong connection to law enforcement through her father and her partner, Tami offers a deeply informed perspective. Her work combines advanced training in NLP, clinical hypnotherapy, and transformational psychology. Tami delivers real-world solutions for those navigating the complexities of the law enforcement lifestyle. Chris Zamora is a retired Detective with 23 years of service with the Gilbert Police Department in Arizona. His diverse assignments included Patrol, DARE, Undercover Narcotics, Internal Affairs, Robbery, Homicide, and SWAT, where he also served as a Crisis and Hostage Negotiator. Chris is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Transformational Life Coach, Shamanic Reiki Practitioner, and Yoga Instructor. As Co-Founder and CEO of Law Enforcement Coaching, Chris delivers practical tools to build resilience, maintain operational readiness, and promotes holistic well-being in the First Responder community. ______________________________________________________________ As mentioned in this episode, our next Wellness Retreat for First Responders is happening June 2–3 in Washington State at YMCA Camp Casey. This is your chance to step away, reset, and reconnect—with practical tools, expert support, and a community that gets it. Space is limited, and scholarship spots are available. Exclusive for Blue Grit Radio Podcast listeners: Use promo code BLUEGRIT at checkout to receive 50% off your registration. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 219: Real Talk on Real Police Leadership, w/ Chief Booker Hodges | 22 mai 2025 | 00:40:26 | |
A buddy I used to work with sent me a news interview of his chief, commenting on a pursuit of a suspect vehicle, with an arrest. The chief spoke plainly, unapologetically on the necessary actions of the officers to stop and control this suspect, who was a danger to the community. These are things that are not lost on us in the first responder (and support) communities, but it's something we often see police leaders have to dance around and dress-up the brass tacks. As he says in our interview, "Ain't nobody trying to hear that man.. just tell people what the truth is." Chief Booker Hodges shares his impressive story of how he came up in the projects, built an extensive professional and academic achievements, his take on sense of self, trust and transparency, and leading (not managing) with conviction. When a chief of a BIG agency is known to be a cop's cop, along with the resume, that is a TRUE compliment. - Police Chief Booker Hodges has worked as a school resource officer, patrol Chief Hodges earned a doctorate degree in public administration. An Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 218: 7 Bruce Lee Concepts to Up-level Mindset for Police and more! | 21 mai 2025 | 00:19:27 | |
Bruce Lee… the Dragon! I grew up loving. Bruce Lee, and one of the few things my dad and I were able to bond over in my younger years was learning about him and watching his films. Much of it had to do with a shared heritage.. while my buddies were watching Arnold, Sly, Jean Claude.. Bruce was MY guy that I could see myself like and really resonate with! Lee was so much more than a martial artist or movie star.. he was a game-changer.. innovator.. thought leader and philosopher (who actually studied it at the University of Washington!) Lately, I’ve been taking a deep dive into philosophy- as I have at different times in my life. (Maybe it’s my approaching midlife to be examining it closer..!) In this episode, I share 7 Bruce Lee quotes and concepts and expand upon them as they can support how we navigate a first responder career, life and more! Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 217: End Checkbox Police Training with True Critical Thinking, Scott Savage | 19 mai 2025 | 00:51:38 | |
Training Day. Sigh. (The movie was great, but the state-mandated, checkbox curriculums, death-by-Power Point, and so on.. is not). Too many trainers, leaders, bosses knowing teaching "the why" because they may not know "the why." In our discussion, fmr paramedic turned police officer, sergeant, trainer, teacher, student (always!) Scott Savage and I explore how to TRULY use critical thinking so we don't rest on our laurels of yester-year and get into trouble (real talk, legal, and criminal trouble). Our talk includes how to apply real adaptive thinking to police situations, case law analysis, and forming better and best practices. We talk use of force, physical engagements, and growth mindset as a few of these topics- which are relevant to any instructors, line-level, bosses, and students alike! -- Scott Savage is the founder and CEO of Savage Training Group. In 2023 he retired with 24 years of experience as an officer and sergeant in Northern California. His previous assignments include SWAT, Team Scott and his instructors at the Savage Training Group are on a mission to raise the bar of law enforcement training. They teach courses such as how to control the You can check out all the courses at savagetraininggroup.com. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 216: How to Get out of a Rut / Funk / Low Point (feat. Chris Littrell) | 15 mai 2025 | 00:30:36 | |
Several weeks ago I found myself in a funk. There were many logical reasons: normal work stress, abnormal work stress, busy schedule, travel, mounting projects, and other angsty things floating in my head space. I didn’t feel like doing anything. That’s not normal for me, despite how stressed or tanked I feel. That’s what feeling like crud can do. However, I attacked my funk with tangible strategies. In a collaborative conversation with my friend, Chris Littrell, I shared about it. He asked if he could talk on it on his show, Gravity Podcast, to which I gladly agreed. And- as I had wanted to share this anecdote and how he said it much better than I can even imagine talking about it myself- I share it with you. I hope this account gives you some hope, some awareness, some self-grace for the times you’ve felt low and find yourself in that place and space in the future. (And check out Chris’ show if you haven’t!) Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 215: How to Prep for Your Next Career and Chapter, BEYOND the Badge w/ Shaun Nestor | 12 mai 2025 | 00:44:45 | |
We talk about work/life balance (which is an illusion) and the frequent over-identity of our police careers. Things that help this are recognizing our legit skillsets and that even if we intend for this to be our 20-30+ year career, it doesnt have to be. Whether you are fully engaged with a smile on your face or burned out (to a crisp), the more you recognize your potential in other endeavors careers, the better cop you will be. To explore these ideas, Sgt. Shaun Nestor joins me- tune in to learn how to flex your mindset on this powerful topic! -- Shaun Nestor is a police sergeant with nearly two decades of experience in law enforcement, a leadership coach, and the founder of Beyond the Badge—a program that helps officers transition into life after policing by turning their real-world expertise into meaningful, profitable ventures. Drawing on his experience both in uniform and in the private sector, Shaun teaches law enforcement professionals how to leverage their skills to build consulting, training, and coaching businesses without losing their sense of purpose or identity. His mission is to foster happy, healthy, and wealthy cops. He helps experienced law enforcement professionals find profit and passion beyond the badge. Website: www.shaunnestor.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shaunnestor Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 214: Q&A - How do I gain (good) weight and build muscle? (for the "Hard-Gainers") | 08 mai 2025 | 00:25:21 | |
The answer isn’t just more protein or eating garbage snacks and fast food… This is a throwback to where much of Blue Grit started- simply sharing some health/fitness/nutrition advice for a first responder (and general) community that needed it! It usually isn't an issue of not knowing where to look- but how to sift through the noise to simple, practical advice. Those who feel like they are eating well, working out and still super duper lean/thin are often called "hard gainers." No, this isn't common- most people that can't gain weight aren't eating that much, aren't lifting that hard, or are actually "skinny-fat." (I fell more into that camp, never really that lean outside of a ton of effort in the nutrition/diet vein). For the truly lean ones- who have a hard time getting those calories in- this one's for you! I've worked with many through the years and share tangible tips (beyond just eating more protein) that works for the busiest, patrol car pushing, self-diagnoses ADHD, busybody shift workers there are. Listen in and share with your fellow night-stick team representative! Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 213: First Responders- Own Worst Enemies? Build Understanding and Grace w/ Robyn Sonnier | 05 mai 2025 | 00:42:03 | |
The longer I am involved in the policing industry and first responder communities, the more I believe our biggest threat isn’t what’s “out there…” it’s in HERE. It’s negative attitudes, toxic departments and leadership, corrosive gossiping, a culture that eats its own, and that starts with us individually. The negative self-talk can get out of control for many of us. I’ve heard it from some of the most high performing, compassionately driven cops. So how is that? Robyn Sonnier, who works frequently with first responders, joins me to discuss the foundations of this through Internal Family Systems, so we can move forward constructively to be our best- for ourselves and everyone else. — Robyn Sonnier, LPC-S, LCHMC, NCC, CCTP-II, CMCC, CFRC is a licensed clinical therapist based in Lafayette, LA & licensed in Louisiana, Arizona, & North Carolina. She owns a private practice where she specializes in trauma, OCD, and military/first responder issues with 10 years of experience. She primarily approaches therapy from an EMDR & IFS Integrated Model as a EMDR Trained & Level 2 IFS therapist. She also works in collaboration with various local police departments and provides free therapy to United States service members & financial assistance to first responders as a contracted therapist with The Overwatch Collective. She has mostly recently been awarded the 2024 Humane & Caring Person award at the Louisiana Counseling Association conference for her work with the military & first responder population. https://www.instagram.com/robynsonnierlpcllc/ Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 212: Sheriff Derek Sanders Returns, State of the County/Community/State/ Policing | 01 mai 2025 | 00:59:24 | |
After connecting with Sheriff Derek Sanders in episode 44, we have seen a LOT of proactive police work, video content, press releases, solid recruiting/staffing reports... it made sense to have the energetic/boots on the ground/lead from the front/pursuit engaging/public interfacing Sheriff back on the show to catch up and tell us how office has been! True to form, we talk the good, bad, and in-between and legitimate in police-work today, with the real talk on what cops need to be focused on: mindset, teamwork, and how they do their jobs. -- Sheriff Derek Sanders served the citizens of Thurston County as a Deputy for six years before securing an election win to become Thurston County’s 24th Sheriff. Sheriff Sanders ran on a platform of improving employee morale, greater office transparency, and introducing technology-based solutions for problems facing our community. During his tenure as a Deputy, he engaged in community service events, was awarded the Medal of Valor and two Lifesaving awards, and was routinely commended by both victim’s and those suspected of committing crimes for his relentless effort to solve crime while respecting the rights of both parties. Sheriff Sanders prides himself on being known regionally as a “crime magnet”, regularly finding himself in the middle of active police work both as a Deputy and the Sheriff. Pulling from childhood experiences, Sheriff Sanders maintains high expectations of both state and county improvement in the areas of domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty. Sheriff Sanders enjoys working on cars, boating, and engaging with community members. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 211: 5 Ways to Build Organizational Culture and Wellness | 28 avr. 2025 | 00:17:26 | |
Wellness. Leadership. Culture. How do you build it? In this episode, I nod to 5 concepts we can all take on, regardless of our ranks. (Lead at all levels!) With popular demand, I’m rolling out more solo eps based on your questions, prompts and suggestions. Shoutout to prior guest, LT. Ray Polk for the episode question/prompt! Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 210: Wellness Panel- How to build as individuals AND community: first responders and beyond! | 24 avr. 2025 | 00:47:31 | |
We talk about building wellness, but how do we do it at scale? It starts with us, but it quickly becomes about others- and how we contribute to a COMMUNITY of wellness. In this episode, I am joined by James, a medivac paramedic and MHP, Ashley a federal LEO and physical trainer, and Tom an entrepreneur who comes from a policing family, creating an app to build wellness communities. We dive into truly all things wellness: fitness, diet, sleep, mental, emotional, spiritual- getting into different modalities, ideas, concepts, and ways to develop our awareness and curiosity to these huge challenges facing our society, but also many constructive frameworks so we can start taking action! - James Boomhower, MS, FP-C, NR-P, C- NPT, CCISM has been involved in EMS for over 20 years in a variety of health systems. He currently functions in the role of Critical Care Transport Specialist-Paramedic/ Lead Peer Support Director with Boston Medflight of Bedford, Massachusetts His desire to bring mental health awareness to the EMS arena has spurred him to create the Stay Fit 4 Duty platform as well as work to implement a peer support program in his workplace. stayfit4duty.org @stay_fit4duty - Hey, I'm Ashley! I was a cop for several years before transitioning into federal law enforcement. I’ve shifted my focus to helping other first responders prioritize their health—both physically and mentally. I work with first responders/military across the world to build sustainable habits that support long-term fitness, mental resilience, and overall wellness —in and out of uniform. Follow me on IG @first_responder_fitness_coach for tips, motivation, and real talk about the highs and lows of the job. - Inspired by his lineage, his father being a city manager and grandfather being one of the longest serving police chiefs in Chicagoland history, Tom has dedicated his life to public service and the exploration of how to build technological and social systems that are supporting a greater sense of belonging, connection, and wellbeing. Tom weaves a practical application of how technology can serve individuals, our local communities, and eventually Earth. This is where the app, Actualize, was birthed from. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 209: Financial Health and Rediscovering how to Serve, w/ fmr. LEO Bryan Pitman | 22 avr. 2025 | 00:45:10 | |
Blue Grit Wellness (and Radio) was created to promote health in all facets.. but one topic where I've been admittedly light has been financial health (likely due to my lack of expertise compared to the others!) In this episode, I am joined by fmr. local LEO, Bryan Pitman who now works as a financial advisor. I first heard Bryan speak at a local police wellness event, (shoutout to Issaquah!), which was one of many appearances he makes to help our first responder community with these crucial topic. Beyond giving listeners things to think about with money and planning, he shares his story about getting into law enforcement, what prompted his unanticipated exit, and how he strives to serve others in a new way today. -- Bio from Bryan: After September 11th, 2001, I graduated from Seattle University, studying criminal justice and economics. I spent over a decade as a police officer and collision investigator in Pierce County. Finding a financial advisor and allowing someone into your world of finances can be deeply personal. My client support team and I show up to work to help people and their families achieve what is financially most important to them. With my wife, and our young daughter, I enjoy skiing, outdoor activities and staying involved in local community events. https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/bryan-pitman Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 207: First Responder Career Myths, Challenges and Solutions, w/ Doc Jena Casas | 15 avr. 2025 | 00:27:23 | |
High divorce rates. Failed communication. Vices. In this episode, Dr. Jena Casas returns to BGR to help us iron out these notions and help us challenge their validity. Beyond that, we discuss what we need to DO about them and the dynamics that may help us drift toward them. This is a listen that hits on all the wellness intersections- a must listen and share for all first responders and family members alike! - Dr. Jena Casas is a Licensed Clinical and Police and Public Safety Psychologist who specializes in consultation and treatment for first responders, their families, and their organizations. She owns a private practice in Nevada and serves residents across Nevada and in PSYPact participating states. She also contracts with organizations to provide consultation, education, training, and crisis services. You can learn more at the ridges.com or @doc.jena. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 208: 10 Tips for Police Academy, Prep, Dial in and Succeed! | 15 avr. 2025 | 00:15:56 | |
For the newly hired rookies (and frankly all future prospects and candidates!) I am sharing and breaking down ten tips from a PoliceMag.com article by Ronnie Wendt. I share the tips, expand and explain my take and spin on the tips. Listen in, share with your new folks, and you'll see themes that have strong carry over for veteran officers (and other industry professionals) as well! Article: "How to Survive the Academy" Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 206: Building Your Gifts for GOOD w/ Clee Tilman (Detective, Author, Host, Animator) | 10 avr. 2025 | 00:37:57 | |
Clee and I connect over his career of service- from military years to policing which includes school resource officer and his current role in special assault investigations. He shares about serving the need of victims and the vulnerable and how he has embraced his gifts of creating, writing, speaking and animating to expand positivity and connecting between cops and community. -- Clee Tilman: Paratrooper to Peacekeeper, Author to Animator From the skies to the streets, Clee Tilman embodies a unique blend of discipline and creativity. A former Army Paratrooper and Parachute Rigger, Clee's journey began with rigorous training that forged a steadfast sense of responsibility. After mastering law enforcement at the Police Academy, he dedicated himself to serving his hometown, where he wears two badges—one for his full-time role and another part-time. But Clee’s story doesn’t stop at law enforcement. As an author of five insightful books and a charismatic host of a weekly live broadcast, he inspires with motivational tales that resonate deeply. His creative spirit shines through in animated cartoons featuring Sgt B. Safe, where safety meets entertainment, making valuable lessons accessible and fun. With a mission to uplift and educate, Clee Tilman transforms his diverse experiences into a positive force for change in the community. YouTube: https://youtube.com/@cleetilman9165?si=4Z6l8BbWKWWT0IZJ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6sG8hSEyp2X59nr86Ubn4Y Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 205: "The Backup Career": Professional Police Skill Development with Officers Vince and Devonta from Welcome to the Street | 08 avr. 2025 | 00:52:12 | |
We talk about back up weapons, back up lights.. back up and contingency plans for each and every call- to include the 800 pound gorilla popping out of a trunk on a traffic stop- to train our brains and prep for the best AND worst. (Wait, your FTOs didn't pitch you those scenarios??) And yet... when we talk about our own career paths and livelihoods, we often shy away from thinking what we would do if not this job. I am a fervent believer that embracing the eventuality of leaving this career- whether after 3 or 30 years will only make us better cops and first responders - and more engaged for all the days we ELECT to continue in this role and path. I am joined by Devonta (returning from ep. 174) and Vince from Welcome to the Street. We dive into skill development for the job, roles, and beyond. We talk starting new businesses and projects so that we can serve BEST with peace of mind and PASSION. -- Devonta is a 7-year police veteran, active SWAT operator, and school resource officer. He spent six years on patrol in both Georgia and Ohio before transitioning into specialized roles. Vince is a 13-year police veteran with experience in patrol, criminal investigations, narcotics enforcement, and fire investigations. Outside of law enforcement, Vince is also a franchise owner of an ice cream shop. Together, they combine their diverse experiences to help officers save time and easily stay updated on critical legal developments, ensuring they can focus on what matters most—serving and protecting their communities. Devonta Richardson and Vince are the founders of Welcome to The Street, where they’ve developed a unique way of delivering police news, case law, and legal updates directly to officers. Through their weekly newsletter, they make complex legal information easily digestible by cutting through the legal jargon. Their innovative approach uses scenarios and micro-learning to ensure officers truly understand and retain the material, helping them stay sharp and informed on the go. Website: www.welcometothestreet.com Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 204: Parking Unit Game Changer, How to Improve Revenue and Reduce Violence w/ Tire Tag | 04 avr. 2025 | 00:24:38 | |
Parking tickets.. logistically a challenge. Most people don't pay them, and no action is pursued since it's unfruitful. In addition, parking officers and attendants often are faced with conflict- even threat of violence- especially when using clunky devices like a "boot." I am joined by Myra Bennett of Tire Tag- which provides a cost-effective solution that has dramatically improved citation collection for optimal revenue, light-weight compact devices, and significantly reduces confrontation with drivers and employees. Also, in the spirit of off duty side hustles and income generation in retirement, Myra shares what many officers are doing to build a simple, easy business using Tire Tag and partnering with property owners in their area. To learn more, visit tiretag.com , where you can see a video on how it works and fill out a contact to connect with their team! Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 203: Combatting First Responder and Veteran S-icide: ACTION over Awareness w/ veteran Mark Messina, QRF UP | 03 avr. 2025 | 00:44:03 | |
We often talk on the alarming and devastating rates of depression, crisis and su-cide in first responder and veteran communities. Bringing awareness is one thing, but as combat veteran Mark Messina discusses- we don't need more awareness- we are all keenly aware. We need ACTION that actually addresses the issue and provides immediate help to those suffering. We talk about Mark's military career, raising his hand to get help, which was one step of his continuation of serving the greater good in building Grey Group Tactical and now serving as the VP for QRFUP to combat su-cidality taking far too many of our people. - Mark Messina is a combat-tested leader, security expert, and entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing tactical training, crisis response, and mission-readiness solutions. After retiring from the military, he founded Grey Group Tactical Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Corporation, to bring his extensive operational experience to the private sector—educating, training, and outfitting clients with mission-critical gear and knowledge. In addition to his leadership at Grey Group Tactical, Mark serves as the Vice President of QRFUP, an organization committed to providing rapid crisis response solutions for service members, veterans, and first responders. Through QRFUP, he helps develop life-saving crisis intervention programs, ensuring that those who serve receive the support they need when they need it most. Throughout his service, he played a crucial role in combat operations, security cooperation, and training foreign allied forces. His expertise in counterterrorism, unconventional warfare, and force protection continues to shape his approach to leadership, training, and security consulting. Mark’s mission is clear: to challenge the status quo in the tactical industry by bridging the gap between training, technology, and real-world application. Through Grey Group Tactical and QRFUP, he continues to drive innovation in security, crisis intervention, and tactical preparedness, ensuring that those on the front lines—whether in combat, law enforcement, or emergency response—have the training and resources they need to excel and survive. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 202: Leading with Conviction, NCIS to Corporate and Beyond, w/ Rebecca Fitzsimmons, Tactical Harmony | 01 avr. 2025 | 00:43:48 | |
First responder careers are no joke- I have seen it be a forge for development in personal, professional arenas- in skills for leadership, problem solving, confidence and mindset. In this episode, we discuss all that- with former NCIS turned corporate leader turned leadership coach Rebecca Fitzsimmons. We expand on topics of development and elevating to optimize ourselves- regardless of what career field, team and community we are working in and with! -- Rebecca Fitzsimmons is a Leadership Coach, Podcast Host, Keynote Speaker and Author, dedicated to helping driven professionals and leaders awaken their inner leader, defy the ordinary and excel in both their careers and beyond. Following 20 years of global experience — from her time as an Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Special Agent leading teams in high-risk, fast-paced environments, to serving as a senior leader at a tech company, Rebecca saw first-hand how effective leadership and mindset answered every challenge. Rebecca launched her business, Tactical Harmony, to help high performers and businesses redefine success on their own terms so they can achieve extraordinary breakthroughs and step into greater power. Website: https://tacticalharmony.com/ New Book: "Unleashed: Holistic Leadership Insights from Our Canine Companions" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DP1PPT9M Leadership + Mindset Coaching: https://tacticalharmonyllc.hbportal.co/schedule/6526cd737ad37800bedeae7e Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 201: Highlighting Resources for First Responders, w/Shawn Thomas 1st Responder Conferences | 28 mars 2025 | 00:43:57 | |
We can talk a lot about wellness resources, but when someone is hurting, how does one access them? We can think about these elusive, intangible words and ideas like "reaching out, EAP, Peer Support, and resources" but what are the different modalities, organizations, and strategies? Shawn Thomas, retired LEO, founded 1st Responder Conferences to address this. She shares about her career, what prompted this recognition and need, and what her conferences (which I have attended) are all about. We also hit on other LE topics like working a dog, selection processes and the necessity to be your advocate - whether for health or your training and development! -- Shawn is the founder of 1st Responder Conferences and a retired deputy from the King County Sheriff's Office in Seattle, WA. Shawn retired in 2022 after 25 years of service as a Wellness and Resiliency Detective and a therapy K9 handler. During her career, Shawn worked patrol, served as an undercover detective, a detective in the warrant unit, transit patrol, and as an explosive K9 handler. She was also a dedicated member of the peer support team for 16 years, serving as a team lead for several of those years. Shawn is married to Jeff, who is also a retired King County Sheriff’s Office Deputy. Together, they have two young men: Andrew, who is a volunteer resident firefighter, and Cooper, who is actively involved in the Army ROTC program and the Washington National Guard. Outside of her professional work, Shawn is passionate about supporting first responders, promoting mental health awareness, and fostering community resilience. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and continuing to find ways to give back to those who serve. Website: www.1strc.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stresponderconferences LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/1st-responder-conferences Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1st_responder_conferences Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 200: Lessons and Reflections on Growth, Purpose, Gratitude, and Dealing with the Haters (for cops, civilians, rookies, and vets alike!) | 26 mars 2025 | 00:24:04 | |
Here we are.. Episode 200! It's crazy how far we've come (we certainly being you and I, those following along, joining in and sharing out). I'm grateful for how this whole Blue Grit project, podcast and all, have grown and how they have helped me and others grow as well. It's about elevating our community through learning and developing - whether it's our first responder community or THE Community! Naturally, milestones are impactful times to reflect and take inventory. Where are we, where did we come from, where are we going. It's timely as these past couple months I have been faced with exciting new opportunities- at the SAME time being faced with frustrating, corrosive scrutiny and negativity. Regardless, there are lessons to be learned (that I am leaning into learning!) through it all, which is in part what I share with you. Last but not least, I summarize some reflections and challenges to you- my peeps- whether you are brand new coming into the game or seasoned like me(!) as you continue navigating and growing yourself, your teams in career and LIFE! Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 199: How to Model Wellness in Police Leaders- the Deputy Chief Duo Julie Beard and Andy McCurdy | 24 mars 2025 | 00:55:05 | |
I have often been complimented for being a police leader and sharing about vulnerability in the vein of first responder and police wellness and resilience. It's evokes a strange feeling, as I don't see why it matters more that I'm a "boss" and sharing it- as I feel much just "a guy" trying to support and invite others through this sharing of insight. However, when I step outside of myself, although it is not more significant when leaders demonstrate an openness, it does SIGNAL and MODEL that it's ok. In a culture where stigmas, judgements, and traditional shame/blame fear responses are still so prevalent, it matters. It is one thing when a police leader says to get help, but is struggling in silence. It is one thing when a leader says to use the gym on duty, yet can't peel themselves from the desk due to external pressures and internal workaholism. If we want to see it, we have to BE it. Which is why I'm honored to share two local police leaders who are being about it, sharing in some of their past struggles and how they are continually challenging themselves, which in my eyes is demonstrative leadership in the forge of a true culture of wellness. Deputy Chiefs (AKA DC Duo) Julie Beard and (returning guest) Andy McCurdy join me in this powerful conversation! Julie Beard grew up in Washington State in a police and veteran family. She is married, and she and her husband's lives are built around being outside as much as possible, volunteering with and playing sports, and spending family time with their two children. Julie is a graduate of the Washington and Alaska Police Corps, and started her career at the Redmond Police Department. She served there for 20 years and rose to lieutenant before being selected to serve as the Deputy Chief of the Bothell Police Department in 2024. Becoming a police officer was a childhood dream and she feels blessed to wear a badge and serve. Andy McCurdy has been working in law enforcement since 1991 and is currently the Deputy Chief of Sumner PD. Andy also has an extensive coaching background, Executive Director for the Police Activities League of Sumner, Director of Badges and Barbells, and Camp Director for Camp Possible where he and his wife run summer camps for blind and visually impaired children. Andy advocates for first respond Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 198: What I Wish Police Couples and Families Knew- w/ Rebecca, "Proud Police Wife" | 21 mars 2025 | 00:49:16 | |
Marriage is hard. Police marriage is harder. Ok, the dynamics can be challenging.. but is it helpful to dwell on that- or do we lean into the facts and build awareness, connection, framework, communication, trust, and structures to SUPPORT those dynamics? (Hint: yes, that's what we aim to do!) Enter Rebecca Lynn, of Proud Police Wife. As the name and title describes, Rebecca shares, connects, speaks, and teaches from her lived perspective as a police spouse. We talk about not just challenges but REAL tips, solutions and takeaways to help first responders be much more successful in their relationships and families. -- Rebecca Lynn is the founder of Proud Police Wife (.com), a nationally recognized blog, where she provides support, encouragement, education, and resources to law enforcement families. She is also the founder and host of the Annual Police Wife Conference, a virtual conference featuring highly sought after speakers and resources to law enforcement spouses internationally. Rebecca Lynn is the author of The Peacemaker’s Wife, A Journal for Reflection and Encouragement for Police Wives and Girlfriends and Proud Police Wife: 90 Devotions for Women Behind the Badge. She holds a degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Education. Her husband has been in law enforcement for 18 years and they have three children. Check out my newest Devotional for Police Spouses Here Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 197: The Need-to-Know on Pre-Hire Police Psychological Evals for Applicants w/ Doc Jena Casas | 19 mars 2025 | 00:45:25 | |
The policing testing and hiring process is daunting enough.. and then you have to be evaluated by a psychologist? Intimidating to say the least! In this episode, I am joined by "Doc" Jena Casas. She breaks down what the psych eval and component are all about for applicants and agencies. We cover takeaways from the hiring perspective and how candidates' awareness in this can help them show up their best. (Don't forget my hiring guide on all that!) — Dr. Jena Casas is a Licensed Clinical and Police and Public Safety Psychologist who specializes in consultation and treatment for first responders, their families, and their organizations. She owns a private practice in Nevada and serves residents across Nevada and in PSYPact participating states. She also contracts with organizations to provide consultation, education, training, and crisis services. You can learn more at the ridges.com or @doc.jena. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 196: Learning from Past and Present Mistakes: NYPD Scandal w/ Bill Fraass (Capt. ret.) | 17 mars 2025 | 00:58:18 | |
When we (as an industry) fail we must not look away, but examine so we can learn from "our" collective mistakes. This stings at best and disgraces at worst. When so many of us are shedding our literal blood, sweat, and tears in the service of others and to elevate the badge, others would sully it. In this episode, ret. Capt. Bill Fraass (from Ep. 186 where he teaches us about principle-based leadership and the blunderous Sheriff of San Mateo County) details the developing investigations surrounding NYPD Chief Jeff Maddrey. It's not just the headlines, but a concerning history documented in investigations and findings. Listen in and share out, so we can take ownership of fixing our industry through focused work, demanding accountability, and truly learning from mistakes. As, if we don't learn from history, we are surely doomed to repeat it. - Bill Fraass retired as a captain from the Sausalito Police Dept. in CA. He is the owner/operator of Code 33 Consulting; you can find him, his book, and services at https://code33consulting.com . Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 195: How to Heal Cops and Family Systems to Heal Community, w/ Dr. Jody Carrington | 14 mars 2025 | 00:56:12 | |
Some time ago I asked who I needed to have on the show. One of you emphatically said DR. JODY! I’m pretty sure that’s how it was written with much other reflection! I wasn’t familiar, and started looking and finding how much work Dr. Jody has done to share and advocate for the first responder and police communities and how to ACTUALLY support not only the industry but how to help us help others and our own families systems. — Dr. Jody Carrington is a powerhouse speaker and fearless champion for authentic human connection. She is highly sought after for her expertise, energy and genuine approach to helping people solve the most complex human-centred problems. This rapidly disconnected world is leaving so many of us overwhelmed, lonely, and burned out. Dr. Jody boldly believes that all humans have the capacity for good; however, so many of us these days, because of isolation and burnout, have lost access to that good. https://www.drjodycarrington.com/ Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 194: True Leadership, Mentoring, & Development for Police, w/ Sgt. Eric Gordon | 12 mars 2025 | 00:59:28 | |
There have been a lot of Valley SWAT officers on this show, and it’s for good reason. When you have high cohesion and performance in team, it’s worth looking at the individuals that make it up. When local cops consider credible leadership in or out of SWAT, Eric Gordon’s name tops the list. Gordon shares on his background, getting into the military and “why policing.” We dive into mentorship, critical leadership development and how we need to push our profession forward with conviction. — Eric Gordon is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battalion / 75thRanger Regiment and currently works as a full time police officer in the Pacific Northwest, where he a SWAT Team Leader for a large multi-jurisdictional team and a SGT for a Violent Crimes Unit. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 193: Hiring Q&A for Police Applicants: Process, Bad Questions, College Majors, Difficulty, Timeline and More!! | 10 mars 2025 | 00:32:28 | |
Ask and you shall receive! I am grateful to be able to contribute to bringing in new, bright and committed future cops! From my time in hiring and recruiting, as a trainer and supervisor- and being on both sides of the interview tables countless times, I answer your questions about the process and how to show up BEST! It's about showing up right, saving time, money, and angst. When you test a bunch, you start creating a negative aura as well. For the comprehensive GUIDE, visit bluegritwellness.com/SHOP . Some of the topics in this ep: Process, Bad Questions, College Majors, Difficulty, Timeline and More! Of course there are takeaways riddled in for agencies: recruiters and bosses as well! Send your questions via email or social below and don't forget to subscribe to the free newsletter! Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 192: FTO Panel: What Police Trainers want (and don't want) to see in Recruits and Rookies | 06 mars 2025 | 00:55:04 | |
With all the new police applicants, candidates, recruits, and student officers aka ROOKIES (endearing tone) tuning it, I’m excited to showcase this panel of widespread and ranged experience. Each active officer is or has been an FTO: coming to us from both sides of WA State and the Midwest. Listeners will gain tons of valuable insight hearing about pet peeves of trainers, common issues with students and tools and outlook to ensure success in field training. Active cops : whether future or current trainers and supervisors.. listen up this one’s for you, too! — Ariana Stone works as a police officer at a large agency in Illinois. Ariana is currently in her ninth year of policing and has been a patrol officer, Field Training Officer and is currently assigned as an Investigator in her department’s Crisis Intervention Unit. Outside of work, Ariana runs her own clothing brand, Limitless Momentum, that creates meaningful clothing designed to spark conversations about mental health, inspiring resilience, motivation and helping make life suck a little less every day. 10% of each month’s proceeds are donated to a mental health or wellness organization. limitlessmomentumcontact@gmail.com — Davin has been with the Kirkland Police Department for almost seven years and is currently a Patrol Officer, PTO, Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Peer Support Team member. Davin and his wife, Diane, are the founders of the Blue Hero Project. — Rheid Cline was hired by Wenatchee PD in July of 2018. He is currently one of the recruiters, a member of regional SWAT team, firearms instructor, FTO, and bike instructor. After becoming an FTO and gaining some more experience training officers, Rheid was selected to be a firearm instructor as well. Training new officers is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things he has been able to do in this career. The future of the agency depends on FTOs and instructors to teach, shape, and mold new employees. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 191: Finding Good after Hardship and Military Service w/ veteran Eddie Lowery | 05 mars 2025 | 00:33:37 | |
When we think about how far we can go, it can be empowering to see how far we have come. Eddie initially reached out to have me on his podcast, and it has been my pleasure to get to know him better. In this episode, he shares his story of hardship coming up, military service, issues re-integrating and finding purpose, health, and resilience through it all. — Eddie Lowery enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2012. Assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt he spent the next 4 years advancing from E-1 to E-5 in 2.5 years, earning 3 warfare specialist pine and receiving multiple Naval Achievement Medals. After returning to his home in the PNW he became involved in volunteering in the Veteran community to help military members with the fight back home. He focuses on his training with firearms, improving fitness and strengthening his family. Also focusing on helping connect other veterans with resources and mental health care through the Eddie Lowery Off The Deep End Podcast. How to connect: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A4HjbuNES/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisiseddielowery?igsh=MW9jM2UyampxajRwOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1KrMBaEOaoFOx2XrZaGRw3?si=2_oawj8FRpKFz_DwBfSs0Q Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 190: Everything Police need to know about Crisis / Co-Responder Units: the what, why, and how to start w/ Sgt. Jamie Ford and Susie Kroll (MHP) | 03 mars 2025 | 00:56:29 | |
Crisis and Co-Responder units began popping up much more in recent years, as mental health and substance epidemics became some of the biggest discussed issues across the nation and beyond. In this episode, I’m joined by former partners: cop and mental health professional that worked in this exact capacity, and who speak and teach on these topics. We cover everything a new cop, co-responder officer, police leader, or MHP needs to know to evaluate “the why” and how to implement such a program or unit- and takeaways from their lessons in crisis response in the community. — Jamie is a patrol sergeant with the Redmond Police Department (WA), a seasoned field training officer, an implicit bias and procedural justice instructor, a negotiator with the North Sound Metro SWAT Hostage Negotiation Team, and a member of the King County CIT Coordinators Committee. Jamie has been a part of Redmond's THRIVE initiative as a co-responding officer since the program's implementation and has been involved in crisis intervention at the local, state, and national level. Before coming to Redmond Jamie began his law enforcement career with the University of Texas Police Department in Austin, Texas and is a Coast Guard veteran. LinkedIn: Email: jford@redmond.gov — Susie earned her Masters of Arts in Counseling Psychology from City University of Seattle and an alum of the University of Washington. Susie started as a Clinician with a local community behavioral health agency upon earning her Masters. Susie was the founding Mental Health Professional for the Law Enforcement and Mental Health Professional Co-Response Programs in Shoreline, Kenmore, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Redmond, and Duvall PDs. She is a national educator and speaker on Crisis & De-Escalation, Mental Health, Behavioral Threat Assessment Management, and Crisis Negotiation. She instructed at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and is the Mental Health Advisor for Crisis Systems Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 189: Police Leadership through Care, Wellness, & Listening w/ Chief Marcia Harnden | 28 févr. 2025 | 00:57:50 | |
Often, we see police wellness as a checkbox. So what does it take to build a legitimate wellness approach- that goes beyond programs and policies but into actual culture? Chief Marcia Harnden appears to be walking the walk- in an iconic and positive way. I first learned about her work through an article by Chris Littrell in Police1- and her professional reputation from western WA became apparent the more I talked with people who worked with and around her. Listen in to hear what Chief has learned in her experiences, that she shares humbly with us in this conversation. — Chief Harnden has been with the Albany Police Department since December 2019. Prior to her tenure at APD, she provided 25 years of public service to the Bellevue Police Department in Washington State. She served in many different specialty units at Bellevue Police and has extensive management and labor experience. Her command experience has been in Patrol, Traffic, Investigations, Narcotics, Human Trafficking, SWAT and Crisis Response. Her focus in on strengthening community partnerships and building trusted relationships to not only reduce crime but reduce the fear of crime. Chief Harnden holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington and Master’s Degree in Organizational and Applied Leadership from City University of Seattle. She is honored to serve the people of Albany and the men and women who work at the Albany Police Department. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 188: 7 Signs of Burnout- What First Responders and Police need to know w/ Cassidi Dye | 26 févr. 2025 | 00:52:32 | |
Always looking for new health information, I came across a post by about signs of burnout. Some weren’t surprising, some perked my interest, and some were things that caught me off guard- and that I could see and feel in my own life! The post was by Cassidi Dye, who joins me in this episode, sharing why she came into working as a psychologist with first responders. She teaches us the 7 signs outlined, how they may materialize and what we all need to recognize we can do to curb them. — Cassidi Dye is a licensed master-level psychologist, licensed professional counselor, and trauma-informed coach based in Kansas City. She specializes in working with first responders, providing both therapy and coaching to help them navigate the unique challenges of their profession. With a strong background in psychological testing, crisis intervention, and mental health advocacy, Cassidi is passionate about supporting those who serve their communities. @cassididye.lmlp (IG) Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 187: Building a Strong Police Career, Community and Stronger Families w/ Shawn Barnes | 24 févr. 2025 | 00:50:52 | |
In this episode, I am joined by former LEO (corrections, sheriff's deputy, police) Shawn Barnes. We cover his career progress, lessons in empathy and caring for people- from inmates to those in crisis. Shawn now serves as the director for Stronger Families- promoting first responders' health and wellness through supporting the family. We cover why family can so often take the backseat in priorities, but why and how we can bring them back into the foreground. -- Shawn brings over 15 years of extensive law enforcement experience to Stronger Families. He specializes in mental health and substance use disorder intervention and wellness. Shawn has managed critical programs and has expertise across training, tactical operations, stakeholder engagement, and program expansion. Shawn is a gift public speaker and leader. He has served as a presenter, panelist, and training instructor. Shawn is the only police officer to receive the Frank M. Adams Award for volunteer service to mental health systems. As an Advanced Peace Officer, his credentials include over 3,700 hours of accredited training from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, alongside numerous additional certifications. Shawn lives in Corpus Christi, TX, with his wife Amy and their three children: Katia (9), Odin (5), and Nikolai (3). Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 186: Police Leadership Concepts, Failures, and Scandals w/ Capt. William Fraass (ret.) | 21 févr. 2025 | 01:07:09 | |
Bad cops in the news. It stings every time. So many men and women put their blood, sweat, and tears out on the line to rep the profession and serve the public. That is in a literal sense. And so, when our police leaders hit the front page with scandal, corruption, nepotism and cronyism, it feels like that much bigger of a gut punch. In this episode, I'm joined by veteran police leader, retired Capt. William "Bill" Fraass. He has done not only the deep dive in experience, but studying and capturing police leadership history and iconic contemporary examples. We discuss blemishes in leadership- to include one growing worse apparently by the week- and what responsible leaders can and should do to elevate themselves and their people. — William started his career with the Sausalito (CA) Police Department on May 21, 1996 as 19 year old Reserve Officer. During the following 27 years, William rose through the ranks to Captain with his last active duty assignment being Acting Chief of Police before suffering an injury that led to his medical retirement in 2023. A progressive law enforcement leader with extensive administrative, patrol, and investigative experience, William served in many diverse assignments. He is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy and has a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice specializing in Law Enforcement Management and Terrorism/Homeland Security. William is the author of the book Leadership in Law Enforcement: 10 Key Traits and What Law Enforcement Agencies Can Do To Develop These In Future Leaders. William is now the Managing Consultant/Owner of Code 33 Consulting LLC, a consulting group that focuses on providing consulting, training, administrative investigation, and expert witness services to public safety agencies, private businesses, and public/community groups. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 185: Key Lessons, Demons & Angels in First Responder Work w/ Dennis Pishock | 18 févr. 2025 | 00:47:02 | |
We often talk about the grind and impacts of a first responder career- on our minds, bodies, families, and general outlook. Active cop/firefighter/trainer Dennis Pishock joins me for a raw, real talk dive into the importance of health routines- from high-intensity workouts to restorative meditation practices. His "why" and belief structures came from enduring hard, dismal outlook as the trauma became so prevailing and significant, which he details in his book. It doesn't pull the punches, and parts were certainly hard to read. I am glad to have him join me on the show, offering aligned perspectives of continually pursuing personal excellence in order to build resilience and GRIT. -- Dennis Pishock is the author of “Demons and Angels”, a book about Trauma, Peer Support and how to care for yourself while in a career in public safety. He is a 24 year veteran in Law Enforcement, Firefighting, Swift Water Rescue, EMT-I, and Peer Support. He hold's rank in multiple martial arts, defensive tactics & combatives. He holds certifications in all aspects of public safety, including SPEAR Instructor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Peer Support Counselor, Hostage Negotiator, EMT-I, and Swift Water Technician. Dennis ran his own martial arts school for 17 years and has always demonstrated an uncanny ability to motivate employees and to lead teams through high stress situations. IG: pishocks_patriots LinkedIn-Dennis Pishock Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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| 184: Career Advancement through Self-Work, Humility and Determination in Police w/ Chief Neil Dubord (ret.) | 13 févr. 2025 | 00:52:13 | |
Soon after I entered into the police wellness space, I learned about Chief Neil Dubord's leadership philosophy and style- which incorporated wellness concepts foundationally. I learned about his Bend, Don't Break podcast, which highlights these crucial health topics for officers to endure, maintain and build resilience. It was my sincere pleasure and honor to meet and join him on the show, as it was to be able to pick his brain on leadership. He shares his outlook, and how he embraced humility and putting himself back in the forge from the beginning of his law enforcement career- and continually. Some people get impatient and don't want to do the work.. listen and learn from an extremely accomplished leader (beyond rank, but with reputation). -- Neil Dubord is an accomplished law enforcement professional and leader with over thirty-five years of experience in policing and public safety. Career highlights include executive leadership roles as the Chief of the Delta Police Department, the Chief of the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, and the Deputy Chief of the Edmonton Police Service. A respected thought leader, he has contributed to national and international discussions on incident command, crisis management, and public trust. He has delivered keynotes at major conferences, participated in international committees, and published in prominent journals on topics related to policing, leadership, and organizational change. -- It is every police leader's responsibility to not only continually develop their own skills and abilities but to prepare the next generation of leaders. Retired Capt. William Fraass helps you meet this task by providing a clear blueprint to follow in his book, Leadership in Law Enforcement. To learn more about his book and other consulting and training he provides, go to www.code33consulting.com Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!
Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com ! ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT -----------——————————-
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