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!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

If you’re a first responder on social media, you NEED to be following Erica and TacMobility.  Not only will you see simple movements to fix and aid posture, mobility, chronic pain, but statements that buck the narratives that are keeping us down mentally, socially, emotionally. 

Erica’s a straight shooter; she tells us how it is (and frankly that’s necessary at times if we are going to kill stigmas about seeking help and actually undoing years and decades of physical and mental damage this career can dole out).

We talk about how Erica with her yoga background came to start working and integrating with law enforcement culture.  We talk how mind and body are connected with stress and trauma, and give steps to start un****ing ourselves.

Erica covers a lot of the chronic, continual issues most of us will face at some point if not all of our careers, from the hindering gear to the Shiftwork and struggles with de-stressing mind AND body- and what we can do about it daily!

—
Erica Gaines is a Law Enforcement culture and wellness expert having met over 100,000 officers since 2013. 

She created the world’s largest anonymous data survey of police and cumulative stress and her training is nationally accredited through the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement. Erica is a certified yoga instructor specializing in yoga therapy to rehabilitate and prevent injuries. 

IG : @tacmobility
Tacmobility.org

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Welcome back Johanna Wender, from Bravura Counseling (and Ep. 21, where we talk about Mental Health Musts.. so also download THAT one if you haven’t listened!)

In this episode we focus on FEAR.  Fear limits our abilities- in wellness, teamwork, leadership.  As cops are grapple with what most civilians are afraid of- so let’s break down what WE are afraid of, as a means to grow. We talk about:

How the “older” generation is helping remove stigmas of mental health 

What is Fear?

What are cops afraid of?

Tombstone courage 

Power of admitting fear

Fear of using force in these days 

How can leaders reduce fear 

How to improve Command staff relations 

Peer support 

Courage in sharing struggle 

Tools for risk-seeking behavior 

Processing fear healthfully 

How overwork and overidentity can impact these factors 

Download and share to help our community KNOW and GROW!
—
Johanna Wender, MA, LMHC, LPC, is a mental health counselor and president of Bravura Counseling, a practice exclusively serving LEOs, first responders, service members and veterans. She is also part of the LE family. 

Johanna has extensive clinical experience working in a wide range of mental health service settings and specializes in evidence-based treatment of PTSD/I, trauma, depression, and anxiety. In addition to her clinical practice, Johanna provides training and consulting services to law enforcement agencies and other clients.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

I had the distinct pleasure to see ret. Deputy Chief Jim Dudley’s work through Police 1’s Policing Matters podcast.  Fast forward to being invited to be a co-panelist with Jim in a round-table seminar on the state of police recruiting and what’s working- it was a distinct honor and experience.

In our conversation, we talk about his various assignments and ascension in leadership with San Francisco PD- over the course of 32 years!

His resume is a stout one: BA in Criminal Justice, Master's Degree in Criminology from UC Irvine, Graduate of the FBI National Academy 192nd Class, & PERF Senior Management Institute for Police at Harvard.

Beyond his uniformed assignments, he is  in his 12th year teaching at San Francisco State University in Criminal Justice Studies.  Jim is a Police Practices and CPTED Consultant and host of the Policing Matters Podcast & YouTube series, in its 6th year for PoliceOne.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

As June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month and PTSD/I Awareness Month, it is my honor to bring you my conversation with  Dr. Clarence (Lance) Cutsforth- a veteran, mental health advocate and functional medicine practitioner.  

We discuss:
- lessons and insights from his deployment
- ways to look at mental health and healing
- treating trauma and Post Traumatic Stress
- risk-seeking behavior
- interacting with chaos
- routines for health and living WELL

Dr. Lance Cutsforth is a double-board certified Doctor of Functional Medicine.  He also holds an MBA from Hertfordshire University and a Bachelors Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.  Dr. Cutsforth is a US Army Veteran, having served as an enlisted Special Forces communications expert and as an Infantry Officer in assignments ranging from counterdrug operations in South America to separation of warring factions and implementation of the Dayton Peace Accord in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  

Dr. Cutsforth is highly involved with non-profits who work in the mental wellness space.  He serves on the Executive Board of The Moral Compass Federation’s Health Initiative Program, which is focused on addressing Moral Injury within the military, first responder, and veteran communities.  He serves as a senior advisor to The Wounded Healer Project, a facilitator for Sacred Hunting, and is an ambassador for Illuminating Heroes. 

Dr. Cutsforth is the Founder and Executive Director of Nova Pax Wellness, a multi-modal treatment solution that has permanent as well as mobile treatment centers.  He is the Functional Medicine Director of Agile Wellness Group in Colorado where he also serves as an Integration Coach and plant medicine expert.

Dr. Cutsforth practices from a place of Lived Experience, not only with regards to military service and sacrifice, but also from having struggled with PTSD, C-PTSD, TBI, trauma, moral injury, and suicidal ideation.  He is a ‘product of the product’ when it comes to the tools he utilizes with his clients, as they are the same tools he used (and continues to use) himself.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

When I first heard Jason speak on policing, drifting into the “gray area” and what it really means to him to connect with community, I knew I had to learn more. What I didn’t know was that I’d eventually come to meet him at an IACP conference, as well has have him on my own podcast!

In order to elevate policing and be the best we can for the community and each other, we have to go under the microscope and get uncomfortable.  Jason goes there with a critical mind and an open heart, sharing his own negative mindset and how he shifted to fix it.  We talk about police culture- how it affected us both for better and worse and what we can all do to show up and serve.  It aligns with what I’m all about- better cops and better community. 

—

Jason Lehman retired as a Long Beach Police Sergeant in 2022. He has been a committed leader in public safety since 2005. With expertise in street-level gang and violent crime
suppression, Jason places great importance on understanding diverse perspectives. 

In 2012, Jason established the Nationally
recognized non-profit organization Why'd You Stop Me?, which has successfully empowered over 300,000 public safety leaders, government officials, the general public, andmembers of the corporate sector, by enhancing their strategic communication skills through empowerment education.

 Jason’s two most recent honors have been closing the FBINAA National Academy Conference as the Keynote Speaker engaging more than 3,000 law enforcement leaders with a talk entitled “Be the Change. Take the Reins. Positively Impacting the Future of Policing” and
partnering with Jocko Willink, Leif Babin, and the Echelon Front leadership consultancy to
help create and co-train the premiere first responder training called “Extreme Ownership in 21st Century Policing.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

It is my distinct pleasure to share the knowledge and experience that is James Brack. For years, I have personally benefited from the insight he has shared with the region with regards to departmental wellness efforts.

Sergeant Brack was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from the Bothell branch of the University of Washington with a Social Science degree. He completed one year of graduate studies in Kinesiology/Human Performance at San Jose State University before accepting a position with the Spartans coaching Division I college baseball. 

After a brief stint in retail banking, he was hired as an entry level Officer in 2008 after relocating back to the Northwest. During his tenure with the Bellevue Police Department, he has worked as a Patrol Officer, FTO, Crowd Control Officer, Economic Crimes Detective, Recruiting Coordinator, Patrol Sergeant, FTO Coordinator, Training Unit Sergeantand is currently assigned full time to the recently established Wellness Unit as the Sergeant and Peer Support Team Coordinator. 

He enjoys incorporating much of his past professional and personal experiences in developing and implementing the department’s Wellness programing in service to his peers and their families.  He has had the great opportunity to present regionally and nationally on Wellness programming including the National FOP Officer Wellness Summit, IACP Officer Safety & Wellness Symposium, Transform Law Enforcement Colloquium, and the NYPD Health and Wellness Section.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Episode 100! Where has the time gone..?? With this, I bring you a very special guest, Scott Howell- multi-discipline trainer, gym owner, and advocate of not only first responders, but public safety.

Blue Grit Wellness (and Radio) started through promoting themes of health, mindset, and community.  My conversation and connection with Scott was refreshing and very much in line with those pillars.  

We talk about where healthy body and mindset intersect with public safety, public health crises, fear, ownership, and community.  We cover some controversial topics- to include where cops and leaders fail through disregarding their opportunity of choice and discretion.  

Listeners will recognize that is discomfort is the space in which we grow and elevate as individuals and as a whole.  We talk about how one can hone a mindset that truly builds team and culture. 

—
Founder of Red Dot Fitness, Scott Howell is a dedicated certified health and fitness professional with over 2 decades of real world, practical, hands-on experience. Following his passion for helping people and living a healthy lifestyle, Scott began his professional career in 1996 as a personal trainer while pursuing a degree in business at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, California. He began working in small intimate fitness and training facilities then later took the plunge into the world of commercial & corporate fitness.

As a National Director of Personal Training, he was a senior director/operator and personal training educator for one of the world’s largest fitness corporations nearly 400 clubs strong. After more than 10 years of commercial & corporate fitness, Scott made the life altering decision to stop traveling the country in 2010 and focus his skills locally to those clients who truly want to improve their health & fitness, performance, body image, and lifestyle. In April 2010 he launched Red Dot Fitness.

Scott's dynamic and innovative approach to training incorporates both an art and science. He's achieved certifications through several industry organizations and authorites including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and USA Weightlifting (USAW). He has created and authored several training programs and manuals, and serves as a mentor to select health and fitness professionals. He

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Internal Affairs.. IAs.. there are many unsavory nicknames for such roles and units..

Many of us know WHY they are important, but it can be hard to separate the caution, emotions, and stress associated with the title.  Marlon Marrache worked for years in I.A., and helps us discuss not only why a strong I.A. process is critical for police accountability, but also in fair, objective process to exonerate false claims and support officer rights. 

We dive into his career start and journey in law enforcement to his retirement- what keeps him well and active in his training and consulting.

—
Sergeant Marlon Marrache recently retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 24 years of service. He now is focused full time on helping agencies and individual officers understand the internal affair process. 

In 2023, Marlon launched a podcast called Internal Affairs: A Police Podcast. Marlon interviews officers who have been on all sides of an I.A., from investigators to the subject officers themselves. This podcast is the only place you can get a behind the scenes look into what really happened in some well known cases.

You can find Marlon at:

Savagetraininggroup.com 
@marlon_marrache
@internal_affairs_podcast 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

A critical theme in discussion of first responder wellness is resilience.  When I look around at folks I work with in my department, it’s hard to find a better example of someone who embodies a resilient spirit than my teammate, Tessa Melville.  

Tessa endured a host of critical incidents in the first few years of her policing career, both on and off duty. She was there when we lost Diego, helped care for one of our critically wounded officers, and on a different shift, walked away from an arguably near-fatal collision herself.

Tessa is a proud mother of a ten year old, and worked six years as a patrol officer, which included her role as an FTO, before promoting to the detective unit where she now works Special Assault cases. Prior to LE, Tessa spent five years  in the Navy as a Greenside Hospital Corpsman where she received specialized training in traumatic field care.  

We talk about her police career and dynamics with finding success as a female in the male-dominated field.  Tessa opens up about going through many traumatic events, to include being the victim of sexual assault herself.  She proudly praises therapy, EMDR, and spirituality as means to address her struggles with depression and anxiety and continue forward as an example of service to others with GRIT.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

I’m pleased to bring you more conversations about family dynamics as they relate to first responder life.  Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. Balance is hard. These are all common adages and topics OUTSIDE of first responder life. 

We dive into this with Hailey, a therapist and advocate for first responders.  As a relatively new first responder spouse herself, she shares what transition was like for her, her husband as he was a new recruit, and balancing their brand new family. 

 We cover what brought her into her profession, talking about bridging communication and trust with our own spouses, and how just like how first responders have things we gotta work through- mental health professionals are no different! (Smash the stigmas!)

From Hailey:

I am a first responder family and mom to an adorable toddler and angel baby with lived experience in the unique aspects of first responders, first responder family dynamics, postpartum struggles, loss, parenting, trauma (including birth trauma) and professional stressors. 

I always knew my goal was to become a therapist because my own trauma, and ultimately healing, led me to therapy. Finding someone who held a great balance of their own personality while also being a neutral and insightful third party was a challenge. So this is my goal today; to hold that balance and de-stigmatize the idea of how a therapist “should” be.

@palospractice
Palospractice.com

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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/

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Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

"Be as you are- as loud as you can- because you are enough." Such words are powerful, and they shaped young Earl toward a mindset that supported abundance, positive attitude and trajectory. In our conversation, I wonder where many of us would be with those types of relentlessly encouraging words, support and guidance at a young age.

Earl Fields has devoted his life toward teaching others about his own learnings on "self care" and what it means to him.  There are obvious tangible translations for everyone- from first responders to anyone functioning in the sometimes chaotic environments of today's society.

Critical in our conversations are discussions of work/life balance, celebrating, distractions, and managing time and focus and IDENTITY. 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Vance first found yoga after a number of back injuries in 2008 and 2009. Vance quickly discovered that yoga practice is a powerful community of connection and challenges. Through his regular practice, Vance has found an incredible amount of physical and mental benefits including making him a far calmer person. 

At the time, Vance was struggling with his own mental health issues which included a toxic work environment, career-ending injury, and poor coping mechanisms like abusing alcohol. 

Prior to becoming a Yoga Teacher, Vance was a Police Officer for more than twenty years and worked for both Ocean City, MD Police and Salisbury, MD Police during his Law Enforcement career. After seeing the physical and mental benefits yoga provided for Vance, he decided that he wanted to teach yoga to other First Responders/ Public Safety Professionals.

 Ultimately, his story shows the power of yoga in resilience and why Vance wants to use yoga to combat First Responder/ Military Suicide. Vance founded “Yoga Rescue” as a way to do so.

yogarescueinfo@gmail.com

www.yoga-rescue.com

 Facebook: Vance Row/ Yoga Rescue

Instagram: @vancerow/ @yoga.rescue

LinkedIn: Vance Row

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

B.C. Sanders is a recently retired homicide lieutenant, gang expert, and presenter. During his career, he served on various proactive units, to include Gang Suppression Unit, homicide unit as a detective and later as a sergeant, intel sergeant, and other units. 

He is  known for developing sources, actionable gang intelligence, motivating others to learn and work gangs, and pushing disruption initiatives to reduce violence.

We talk a gamut of topics- with BC being the gang guru, (my words) or gang whisperer as coined by others.  He shares about how he was able to connect with people on the street from TALKING, in a meaningful way to combat crime AND build relationships.

BC details lessons in learning through experience from his own upbringing as it shapes his purpose and outlook in law enforcement  (and truly life).  This is a conversation of value for rookies and veteran officers alike- with investigative notes to examples of proactive policing and community engagement with real intel.

BC currently hosts “The Disruptors Podcast with BC & Ski” in which he interviews bands, undercover investigators, gang members, skinheads, recovering addicts, mercenaries, and more. He is also the co-host of “NIGHTSHIFT with Andrea Up Late.” Both shows are on all listening platforms and Youtube.

Recently, he was featured in James Patterson’s national best seller, WALK THE BLUE LINE, a nonfiction book sharing experiences of cops across the country.
 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Diane is a law enforcement wife and the Founder of Blue Hero Project, a nonprofit passionate about serving the law enforcement community in the NW. 

The organization started as a one-time community project with her husband and has since grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They now serve alongside an incredible team showing appreciation and support to law enforcement officers across the region.

I’ve had the pleasure to meet Diane, and my department has had the privilege of receiving goodies dropped off numerous times from her and BHP.  We discuss what drives her purpose, BHP’s origin and dynamics of being a law enforcement spouse and family.

Diane and her husband have been married for 9 years and have two young kids. Diane is also passionate about homeschooling their kids and involving their in their nonprofit work.

Find her and BHP at:

@theblueheroproject 

www.BlueHeroProject.org

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Mac Rollins began his law enforcement career in 2010 in Northern California. He is currently assigned to his agency’s detective bureau working sex crimes and child abuse. 

After some personal experiences involving his own mental health, he became an advocate for mental health awareness within policing as well other issues currently facing law enforcement nationwide. 

In this episode we talk about what prompted his blog, social media and podcast. We connect on these necessary conversations with regard to first responder pressures, traumas, wellness and resilience.  We also dive into policing  topics like patrol dynamics, assignments, optics and morale.

Mac is the host of the Zen Cop Podcast and also operates a blog at www.thezencop.com. He is currently working on his Master’s Degree in psychology with aspirations to become a clinical therapist focusing specifically on the law enforcement community.

Contact him at @thezencop 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Agencies are still struggling with recruitment.  I know an area agency that spent upwards of $200K with a marketing agency to boost their efforts.

Thing is- that might get you a video and some social media content. But it doesn’t get a SINGLE person hired.

My experiences, mistakes, and successes in the recruiting game prompted me to record a down and dirty crash course for agency reps to consider.  

The listen is FREE and the framework that guides the conversation is FREE.

Listen here, and share it out! #sameteam

Now let’s go hire some awesome cops. 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

It was quite a while ago that I came across then Sgt. Aram Choe's page and learned about his podcast.  He had quite the social media imprint, but beyond that, he presented as a humble, direct leader.  He balanced professional demeanor and personal insight. He appeared to be a perpetual learner and consummate teacher.  As I keep watching what he was up to, it resonated on many levels, way before I even considered doing anything "public" with regards to my policing image, writing, social media, or anything involving a podcast- including my own.

I've spoken and written before on how few role models I was able to identify in Asian or Asian American culture while growing up in the 90s.  It was all Kung Fu (love me some of that) but even then, it was a narrow scope of what stereotypes were presented as viable options.  And for most- international Kung Fu star isn't a viable option for most Asian kids.  Beyond that were all the other stereotypes that were prescribed to me, knowingly or unknowingly by my family, cultural expectations, friends, media, society and most of all myself.

I didn't see many Asian Americans in law enforcement when I was getting started. I certainly didn't see a lot of "masculine", strong figures within my culture in the ways I was seeking.  Subconsciously, I sought to become a lot of these idealist archetypes- and as I grew older and more tenured in the career, it became less about proving things to myself and more about proving things beyond myself.

As much being a minority leader meant to me to see in others like now Lt. Choe, I didn't realize it in myself.  I've told the story of a young man, of Hispanic origin, who was taken aback that I could be a sergeant in my organization when running Recruiting.  It took a bit until I realized that my example inspired a newness of potential in himself.  

And that inspired something within me.  And I recognize fully what Lt. Aram Choe inspired within me, too, so long ago somewhat subconsciously when he was making his mark on policing far beyond the walls of his department, with utmost humility, respect, and drive.  It's my sincere honor to bring to you a conversation with me and the L.T.

--

Aram Choe is a 24-year veteran of law enforcement in Southern California. He currently serves as a lieutenant at the E

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Bridget Truxillo is an attorney and former police deputy.  In our conversation, we span topics of health and wellness, stress, her desire to become a cop and what led to her exit. We discuss her road to practicing law and what cops need to be aware of and how to navigate difficult circumstances in the workplace. 
-
Bridget has firsthand experience with harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment.  As the only female on the SWAT team, along with her time on patrol and as an undercover narcotics investigator, she knows what it feels like to have no one to trust and to feel defeated at every turn.

This is why Bridget started the Lady Law Shield: to help those feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by a seemingly unwinnable battle.  Bridget is passionate about helping anyone facing the same types of internal employment-related issues discover their ability to find happiness daily, regardless of the environment or circumstances surrounding them.

Bridget has 30 years of wellness, leadership, law enforcement, and legal training and experience that you can leverage for a blueprint on how to feel more comfort, ease, and support for increased balance and joy in life. 

Bridget is an attorney, former Deputy Sheriff (Patrol, SWAT, and Undercover Narcotics), founder and CEO of the Lady Law Shield Law Firm and Protective Wellness.  She is licensed to practice in TX, LA, NY, and FL.  Lady Law Shield helps clients across the country with employment-related issues based on violations of protections afforded by federal law.
-
www.ladylawshield.com

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Welcome to this special edition collaboration with Dr. Jason Piccolo from The Protectors Podcast.  Dr. Jason Piccolo is an author, professor, and  extensive subject matter expert on matters from Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Cyber Security and White Collar Crime. After his military service overseas, he spent over 23 years in the Department of Homeland Security, where he retired as an Associate Special Agent in Charge.

In our episode, we dive right into supervisory and leadership obstacles following promotion in law enforcement. We compare notes on dynamics and nature of the role from being "a Fed" as opposed to local law enforcement and our experiences and insights on interaction and agency collaboration.  

Purpose is a forefront topic and theme of our two-sided interview, from wearing different hats and pursuits to adapting and growing into new challenges and adventures in tandem with a career and life in the service of being protectors.

https://jasonpiccolo.us/
jason@protectors.us
@drjasonpiccolo

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

What greater Legacy is there... Than being known and remembered for doing LEGIT police work, from proactive chases of epic proportions to the being the most attentive, passionate, caring officer… recently retired Detective Tom Riener.

From community members to peers. From victims to suspects. No joke. All with a smile on his face for 3 decades (almost ever moment! 

I chat with Tommy about his upstart, his WHY, and how the heck he kept so upbeat through all the chases, shootings, ups and downs of the career.  We go down memory lane about his career assignments and experiences, and some of my early memories of him when I was just a new "boot."  Hint- I got dizzy.  We talk about one of our most significant shared moments (yeah that OIS I was in)... trauma-bonding at it's best (semi-sarcasm).

Tom's positive attitude has been infectious to the locals for years and years.. I am excited and honored to bring his story and overwhelming example of line-leadership and resilience to everyone.

--
 From Tom:

I was born in Lamar, Colorado in 1965, the second of four children - all boys.  In 1968, my dad's job required us to move to Concord, California.  I graduated high school in 1983, and then completed training in electronics through Heald Technical College.  After graduating trade school with an AS degree, I went to work in the  world of electronics for a company known by the name Wang Labs. My work with Wang Labs lasted only five years, before I knew I wanted a career change, which was driven my my dream to pursue a career as a police officer

In 1986 I married Julia, whom I had dated since 1984. She initially was opposed to my becoming a police officer out of concern of potential dangers inherent to the job. However, in 1991, after realizing most cops do go home at the end of shift, and gaining an understanding that this job was my dream job since 4th grade, she supported my pursuit toward my dream.  

The drive for me to become a police officer resulted from an incident during my fourth grade year in elementary school.  A stranger ordered me and my friend to get in his car as we walked away from my home on our way to school.  We fled screaming, and my mom came outside and was able to get suspect's license plate number, which resulted in his arrest within the hour.  The po

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Katherine grew up in a law enforcement family, where her dad worked as LT of SVU for the Philadelphia Police Department.  Growing up, Katherine didn’t completely grasp the gravity of her dad’s job. 

As she grew, she not only recognized how her father was always there for her family, but grew an understanding of the lifestyle and risks that come with being in law enforcement.

The impacts personally felt from the riots of 2020 led Katherine to discover her mission to provide tools and resources to law enforcement and their families to promote support, connection, and their shared community. 

I pick Katherine’s brain on her memories and experiences as a kid growing up with an undoubtedly busy, stressed LE father and what measures her parents took to navigate and provide a healthy, loving, nourishing environment for her and her siblings. 

You can find her on LinkedIn, IG at @theltsdaughter 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

I, like many drank through the fire-hose (why do we use these Fire metaphors) of information, experience, tactics, lessons, and wisdom when entering the police profession, from hiring to Academy, and through training (which never truly stops).  Among the first most significant figures in the space in conversations of MINDSET, survival instinct, physiology (which all tie back to health and wellness) was Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.

"On Combat" was introduced early on, with many passages, anecdotes, quotes, studies, and analyses, of what helps soldiers and law enforcement officers understand the body (and mind's) reactions to the stressors of violence and being exposed therein.  It was somewhat surreal to be connected with him and to be able to share in conversation and reflection with such an influential figure in our uniformed community.  

Tune in and share this unique angle and discussion as LT. Col shares his knowledge and insights with Grit Nation and I interview him on his own purpose, resilience lessons learned and health-based protocols and routines that keep him grinding with grit for all these years.

--
Lt. Dave Grossman is a patriot, a well-respected author, public speaker and trainer. He is a former US Army Ranger, a paratrooper, and West Point Psychology Professor.  He has a Black Belt in Hojutsu (HO-JIT-SU), the martial art of the firearm, and has been inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame.  For the last 25 plus years, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman has been a leading voice to military and law enforcement men and woman across this county and has shared his Bulletproof Mind presentation that provides tool to enable mental resiliency.

Today Col. Grossman is the Director of Grossman ON Truth, LLC.  In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he has written and spoken extensively on the terrorist threat, with articles published in the Harvard Journal of Law and Civil Policy and many leading law enforcement journals.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

As CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc., Dre Baldwin has given 4 TEDxTalks on Discipline, Confidence, Mental Toughness & Personal Initiative and has authored 33 books. He has appeared in national campaigns with Nike, Finish Line, Wendy's, Gatorade, Buick, Wilson Sports, STASH Investments and DIME magazine.

In just 5 years, Dre went from the end of his high school team's bench to a 9-year professional basketball career. He played in 8 countries including Lithuania, Germany, Montenegro, Slovakia and Germany. 

Dre invented his Work On Your Game framework as a "roadmap in reverse" to help professionals with mindset, strategy, accountability and execution.

In our conversation, we discuss mindset over all, the power of initiative, self-belief and self-worth to accomplish dreams, develop yourself, your health, career, and life.
—
http://LinkedIn.com/in/DreAllDay

http://Facebook.com/WorkOnYourGame 

http://Twitter.com/DreAllDay
http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin
http://YouTube.com/Dreupt
http://DreAllDay.com

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Angel has been with the Auburn Police Department (APD) for 9 years.  In that time, he has served the department as a Chaplain, and currently is the Wellness Program Designer for APD.

Angel’s focus is the professional and analytical development of a wellness program that encompasses all aspects of an APD employee’s wellness (Mental, Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional Health). 

 Angel manages the APD Chaplain Program, the Peer Support Team, the APD Fitness Coaches as well as the Blue Auburn Resilience program.  He brings with him a wealth of leadership through compassion, national, regional and local relationships, and an analytical approach to ensuring the programs that he manages are based on best practices and research, while also being able to pivot and be personalized for individual participants.

Some of these innovations include incorporating holistic health trainings throughout APD, conducting new employee and family orientations, providing wellness outings for families to connect and strengthen their relationships with each other as well as the department, and working closely with the local community to build relationships and opportunities for connections.

It has been a distinct pleasure and benefit to connect with Angel as neighboring agency wellness leaders and advocates to better support and elevate our police culture. 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Michael is a military veteran and retired police sergeant. In this interview, he discusses his pursuit of a career of service, which unraveled after an officer-involved shooting.  He details his Post Traumatic Stress challenges  and ultimately his medical retirement.  Organizational betrayal is a topic we visit in the context of the end of his career.

We talk about his life and purpose now, from his speaking and daily routines to promote his best health, wellness, and a resilient mind. 

Michael is a dedicated advocate for awareness, prevention, education, training on Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) and First Responder Suicide Prevention. Michael continues to speak at law enforcement agencies all over the United States.

In his International #1 BEST-SELLING book, RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma, along with Dr. Shauna Springer, PhD, they tackle the complexity of trauma within the law enforcement community, uncovering the unspoken barriers, and outline a path to healing.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Cannot. Should not. Shall not. I wish!

We have seen lowered standards for years.. and it makes sense with the high attrition and low recruitment ability in law enforcement. It seemed the impossible task to recruit in that climate, yet departments were and are doing it now due to heightened engagement.. 

**Not lower standards!!** 

Lowering standards doesn’t only kick the can down the road, but allows issues to fester. It is creating more public safety and industry issues that we already need to address and fix, not worsen. 

Listen in for this to-the-point episode. The hope is this notion becomes unpopular and unacceptable amongst law enforcement professionals, community and governmental leaders, and everyday civilians alike. Share out this message so we can raise standards, expectations, and necessary performance!

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Meagan McCarthy became a Deputy Sheriff for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in June 2016. On September 4, 2019, Meagan’s life changed forever when she was involved in an on-duty shooting and attempted execution, which was captured on video and highly publicized. 

Following the shooting, because of another failed law enforcement piece of legislation, the suspect who attempt to assassinate her walked free. Meagan became medically retired for PTSD. She now advocates for first responder mental health, is a Fox News contributor and is on a dedicated mission to help fix her state of California.  

In our conversation, we discuss her road to policing, getting her start and the harrowing day that forever changed the course of her life.  We talk about the physical and mental injuries that resulted, post traumatic responses, suicidal ideation and ultimately her continued road to recovery and mission to elevate the profession’s landscape for others. 

IG @meaganmccarthy__

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

I met Dave after a colleague introduced us for me to hop on his Hero Academy podcast.  We had an engaging, fun conversation, not just about “the job” but dynamics with health, life and a host of other topics.  When we connected back on, as you will hear, it was right back into a host of topics- to include diving into dietary preferences and the conflicting information out there (hint: his plant-based lifestyle vs. my preference for high meat and protein consumption, none of which should be construed as medical advice! :p)

Nutrition is simply one topic (portion size and dieting hacks), but we also chat lessons learned from travel, side-hustles, and purpose beyond the badge, to include retirement.  We talk specifically what got him into public speaking from community meetings to suspect interrogations.

This is one that the newer officers and recruits will get a wealth of insight from specifically in how to talk to people.  We go into interview tips, rolling right into report writing, trouble with interpreters and finding role models and mentorship.  We cut back to working out as we age, training smarter and keeping it effective for the mission of our jobs and life itself.
__

David Leath (aka SuperDave) | Founder and CVO of The Hero Coach: a deeply personal brand with a humanitarian mission. Coach, Author and Speaker, a 17 year street cop/ 8 year Detective. David is also an adventurer who has climbed a 100’ waterfall in the Philippines, climbed the steps of a Buddhist temple in Japan, and explored 1/2 dozen other countries.  

Dave has found a simple process to guide others on a path to what most of us crave - living a more fulfilled life.

Learn how he has been able to balance his unorthodox lifestyle while building an incredibly successful business. If you think you're ready to start your own online business then his new book: The Heroic Coaching Blueprint, is where you should start.   

Website:
www.DavidLeath.com

LinkedIn:
 LinkedIn.com/in/davidleath1 

Podcast:
https://smartlink.ausha.co/the-hero-academy

 book release: 

https://a.co/d/dbUA4W9

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

On Blue Grit Radio, we are having the crucial conversation about not only resilience in first responder careers, but the worst risk of failure to do so: suicide. 

Ret. Sgt. Danny Coon didn’t always use to be an advocate for police mental health awareness and wellness.  He was of the older culture which grinded through.  As he entered retirement his eyes were opened to the significant statistics facing police suicide in and out of active duty. 

Now Danny focused his efforts through engagement in social media, his blog, podcast interviews and his book:  
“Bro;ken - Understanding the Effects of Post Traumatic Stress.”

—-
Danny E. Coon is a retired Sergeant from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. He spent 30 of his 31 years of service assigned to Field Operations (patrol). He has worked as a patrol deputy, field training officer, detective, detective team leader, and sergeant. Danny has now, with the inspiration of God, dedicated himself to educating First Responders on the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress injury and Suicide prevention.

You can contact Danny by email - danny@bulletprooffirstresponder.com

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Following a seemingly impossible success in my police department’s recruiting efforts, I was invited to speak on a Lexipol panel focusing on the challenges and insights of police recruiting today.  Among the panelists was ret. Assistant Chief Jonni Redick from the California Highway Patrol.  I was extremely humbled to be included amongst her and the other panelists.  Not only was she instantly a wealth of knowledge and mentor by proxy, but extremely gracious in her compliments of my drive, offerings and leadership potential.

Sometimes we need a nudge of validation, and oftentimes I have found it of importance to receive it outside of your typical circles.  In our conversation, we take a deep dive into Jonni’s leadership prowess and how it developed through her life, assignments, and experiences.  

Jonni shares much of her story, lessons learned, and what we can all do to keep striving forward to overcome the doubters, and defeat the fixed mindset that we oftentimes allow to halt our own potential.  The takeaways in leadership and life surpass the bounds of the law enforcement or first responder professions undoubtedly.  

You can find Jonni and connect on LinkedIn.
--

Jonni Redick retired from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as an Assistant Chief after serving a distinguished 29-year career. During her tenure, she rose through the ranks from a county clerical worker, breaking through the “less-than-one-percent” ceiling for women of color in executive leadership in law enforcement. She worked in a large multi-billion-dollar state agency with over 7,500 sworn members and collectively over 11,000 total employees.

Throughout her career, Redick worked across various locations in California, holding uniformed ranks from officer to Assistant Chief. 
Redick instructed first-line supervisors, middle managers, and commanders in her organization for over fifteen years. Her training and instructional background include leadership development, promotional readiness, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), organizational change, risk management, and public trust.   She graduated from the California Commission on POST Command College and  holds a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership. Additionally, she is a docto

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

With increasing awareness of the necessity for Officer Wellness, Lt. Joe Gamaldi leads from the front.  We talk about how he shares simple, tangible information via his social media as he excels in fitness in his 40s.  Beyond that, we talk about the dynamics of creating a supportive culture at work- which is foundational to officer wellness and well-being.  As an LT.  we dive into the dynamics of "mid management" in a police agency, and the simple ways you can show up for your people to buck traditional trends.
--
FOP National Vice President Joe Gamaldi was born and raised on Long Island, NY. Following high school he attended the University of Hartford, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice, with minors in Political Science and Sociology. After graduation, Joe was hired by the NYPD in 2005 where he worked as an officer for approximately three years. He then transferred to the Houston Police Department in 2008, where he is currently an active Lieutenant.

Shortly after graduation from the academy, he completed his Master’s Degree from Long Island University in Homeland Security Management. Joe then went on to serve as a Board Member of the Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU) FOP Lodge 110 before being elected the Second Vice President, serving in that capacity for five years before being elected President of the Houston Police Officers’ Union, where he served for three years. Joe was elected National Vice President of the Fraternal Order of Police in August of 2019 in New Orleans.

Within the National FOP Joe led the committee which developed the first National FOP mobile app, free to all members. He also assists running the social media platforms for the National FOP and with media relations/responses.

You can follow Joe on Twitter @joegamaldi

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

In first responder work, we frequently discuss and train situational awareness.  There is an increasingly necessary discussion for civilians as well.  It goes beyond walking alone at night in the city... but into how to approach large-scale public events, going shopping at the local grocery, or even how and whether to answer the door in your own home.

I was fortunate to connect with Kelly Sayre on a joint forum discussion on the topic with our friends at The Collective.  Kelly is the author of "Sharp Women" which discusses the topic at length and with powerful anecdotes.  We talk about how she was looking for a book in the space, but like so many driven individuals on Blue Grit Radio, sought to create the project where she found a void.

As a police officer, there are so many considerations situational awareness which will help you survive, but also help influence how you consider not just the environment but that of others that you serve.  As a husband and girl dad, the lessons and perspectives on how to regard issues that often times solely affect women was impactful and insightful.

We cover topics from the need for awareness, domestic violence considerations, good and bad policing carryovers, how to navigate the world with a balance of awareness, curiousity, and kindness and how we may all foster the SHARPness we are born with.

--

Kelly Sayre empowers women with realistic tactics and tools to help them live life safely and on their own terms. Her refreshing angle on women’s safety emphasizes non-physical, proactive situational awareness techniques that recognize and avoid threatening situations before they happen. 

With a grounded approach and high energy, Kelly works with law enforcement, nonprofit, corporate and youth organizations on emergency preparedness, situational awareness training and personal safety. She is a frequent speaker at national events and a guest on global podcasts.  

Kelly is trained in FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team program, the Department of Homeland Security’s Active Shooter Preparedness Workshop, and Texas A&M Extension Service’s Crisis Communications & Special Events Risk Management. She is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals. Kelly lives in Minnesota with her two children.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

I was connected to John through a mutual professional acquaintance, of whom I have deep, deep respect (fun fact, she's a future guest who has already been recorded!)  When I asked why, she simply said that we are both doing great things for the profession, and she could see our collaboration as being an extension of that. Well, when you get a nudge like that, how do you ignore or deny it?

I saw John was a ret. sergeant from Broward County, and not only did coaching for cops, but public speaking, was an author and podcast host.  From a quick glance, he was demonstratively vulnerable (which we need in police leaders today) and one focused on self development and positive mindset.   When we connected and chatted on his podcast, it was clear that all I surmised was true- and more.

In our conversation, we talk about policing then and now, and where we need to go.  We talk about how John came to the decision to coach and speak as a means to pay it forward in our LE community. Further, we tackle topics on police mindset and mentality, how we need to sharpen resolve and destroy negative narratives that keep us hindered as a profession.  This rolls into poor organizational health, police culture, and apathy.    This is a discussion with multiple intersecting layers, focused on what Blue Grit Radio is all about- how we can get better as individuals and as a policing profession.

--

John Kelly is a thirty-year veteran of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, one of the largest sheriff’s offices in the country. John has been fortunate enough to have worked in and supervised the following units: Patrol, Investigations, K-9, Training, and for the past six years, the Motorcycle Unit. John has been involved in numerous critical incidents during his career. Early on, he was involved in a life changing fight for his life. Fresh out of the academy, John found himself in hand-to-hand combat with an armed, drug dealing, career criminal. This baptism of violence has contributed greatly in shaping John's passion and dedication to winning and realizing that we are responsible for our own survival and success.

During his career, John has been tasked with the development and implementation of numerous tactical programs and initiatives. He has had tremendous success in creating a positive and lasting

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

In this episode, I dive right into the heart of our most crucial topics: first responder wellness and resilience, both keeping our people at their best and out of that dark and dismal space which leads to suicide.  “Wellness” as we hear it can be many things, but at the end of the day, we need practices, cultures, and tools to keep us striving for optial and away from our worst.

Patrick Sandone and Dave Battinieri share their personal stories and adversities with mental health, stress, and the challenges that life and burnout contribute toward our well-being.  Patrick shares his story, which led him to seek extreme purpose, leading him to be the founder of the GUIDE app.  Dave, with a history as a volunteer firefighter and military family member, personally knows the struggles of the professions and cultures.  His bout with his personal health was further underlined with his own physical and mental adversities, which he opens up about.

We talk about multiple pillars of health, and how meaningful tools and technology can enhance already effective practices and systems to a new level, and build another meaningful layer of our crucial community fabric.  Join us as we dive into the nuance of tools that can increase accessibility through truly anonymous means, increase effectiveness through data, metrics, and community.

Check out the links below to learn more, contact Dave, and join the Warrior Wellness community on LinkedIn!  #strongertogether

--

GUIDE Linkedin - The GUIDE App | LinkedIn

Website - theguideapp.com

Dave Battinieri
|   | 267.317.6936 |  |  |   | dbattinieri@theguideapp.com
Schedule Time on My Calendar

--
Patrick is the Founder & CEO of GUIDE.  He is a successful entrepreneur who he built and sold his last startup, Net Driven, after building a 100-person team. Following the successful sale of Net Driven, Patrick experienced burnout, anxiety and depression which inspired a five-year self-discovery and wellness journey.  Completing  over 2,500 of wellness and resilience training helped him discover what living his best life m

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Lisa is a game-changer; she is one of the three first women who graduated from the US Ranger program.  Not only did she beat odds and the perceptions of haters, but she did it at the seasoned age of 37- which to anyone over 30 will know is NO JOKE. 

I became connected with Lisa after she shared space on The Collective, conversing and connecting on ideas.  Through all this and after, I found out she was balancing the show appearance alongside her career and busy mom schedule.  In fact, as we discuss in this episode, she had taken her kid to practice and was hopping on the show, ready to slay a workout with her trusty plate carrier in her car... NO JOKE.

In our conversation, we talk about limiting beliefs, and how Lisa has dismantled them.   Her book, Delete the Adjective, plays on this notion, as labels (whether prescribed or assigned by us or others) can determine boundaries, limitations, and lanes in which to stay.  We talk about her upbringing, attitude from a young age, and tenacity as she continues to pick up new challenges of physical and mental fortitude- to include her latest upcoming endeavor.

This is an episode that will leave you inspired, and uncomfortable with the level of comfort you have allowed yourself to dwell in (time to go do a weighted vest run!)
 
--
Lisa Jaster is an American soldier, combat engineer, and one of the first three women to graduate the elite United States Army Ranger program in 2015. One of the most difficult combat training courses in the world, Lisa was the first reservist to complete the course. She graduated at age 37, while the average trainee age is 23. Lisa, an athlete focused on strength training and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, has a deeply rooted understanding of the importance of perseverance through continual progress and growth, as well as an ingrained respect for camaraderie and selfless service stemming from a noteworthy active-duty career (including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan). 

Prior to receiving her esteemed Ranger tab, Lisa worked as an engineer with Shell Oil in Houston and an Army Reserve individual mobilization augmentee with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Her background in both the military and corporate worlds allows her to connect with any audience to create a memorable exper

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

I frequently talk about leadership, what it is, and how to cultivate it in ourselves and others.  Leadership is modeling.  It is being honest.  Being clear.  Being demonstrative.  Being vulnerable. Showing and proving your virtues through your words and actions. Your spirit. Your heart.

For years, I reviewed Police1 articles as a young officer, learning about tactics, mindset, and leadership.  Chris Littrell’s name would pop up as an author from Kennewick, the “Tri Cities” in WA state, just a few hours drive.  There was a reverence to the name, which was bolstered through my meeting people who knew and respected him appropriately- as a cop, tactician, and human.

In recent years, we became acquainted directly through our missions at work.  We both had swiftly changing roles between community issues and recruiting, with an ever-present veil on peer support coordination and advocacy.  We connected on all of these topics, to collaborate and share struggles.  

Chris has, for years, been extremely vulnerable in sharing his story and struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Injury and its tidal waves permeating into both his professional and personal life.  Recently, the struggles led him to a place of crisis, followed by a place of courage, where he recognized a chapter was ending and he retired from police work.  

In our conversation, we talk the State of the Profession, with wellness and mental health, question our own impacts and efforts, and talk about where the greater WE need to go from here.  It is a distinct pleasure to have his example and peer relationship as we tackle crises in first responder culture, one day at a time.

--
Christopher Littrell is a retired law enforcement leader from Washington State. With almost 25 years of public service, he had the opportunity to serve as an Air Force security forces sergeant, patrol officer, gang detective, child crime detective, CISM peer support group counselor, SWAT member, school resource officer, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant and community services sergeant. Christopher is a survivor of job-related PTSD. He is a leadership instructor for

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Everyone has a story, and the most compelling stories are adventures.  Adventures have adversity, obstacles, villains- that take the shape of men or other forces that would challenge and attempt to submit our heroes.  

Yet, because heroes are who they are, they stumble, they fall, and still rise to overcome.  My guest in this episode is L.S. (Luke) Goozdich.  He is a man who has overcome extreme odds by his sheer existence, and overcomes odds still today.  What drew me to Luke was his electric excitement for men’s adventure fiction- which he highlights, showcases, and writes.  As someone who has had his own trials and tumultuous chapters in his hero’s journey, there is much he draws upon that he shares with us in this conversation.

Luke is also a mental health counselor, which intersects several crucial topics I frequently discuss: mental health, men’s issues, and masculinity.  Luke opens up about his own life, we talk about some of our favorite movie plotlines and figures, and what it means to be a real man, with true, honorable masculinity.
--

Instagram: @ls_author

Website: Narrative-Compass.com free adventure novel releasing one chapter a week. 

Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCTGDL1D?ref_=ast_author_cabib

--
From Luke:

I was born with less than a one percent chance of survival. No doctor thought I would make it. One was brave enough to take a shot. Two open-heart surgeries later and here I am. Living so close to death, I’ve always wanted to be sure of my purpose. I wanted to leave nothing behind when my time was up. I wanted no dream to be trapped within my grave.

It didn’t take long for me to understand my purpose, my dream. I was a storyteller. I wanted to write and I wanted to share my stories with people. All the way at the edge of my memory I can recall playing narratives out in front of the family camera. Growing up, my best friend and I made hundreds of films. Every weekend was a new story to tell. 

I love narrative and I believe strongly in its power. Narrative has inspired me and helped me become a better man. It is my hope that my work inspires the next man or woman behind me to pick up the pen and

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Welcome back returning guests Seb Lavoie (Ep. 54)  and Mark Bouchard (Ep. 59).  As I cover in the episode, I became connected to these two through different avenues since starting up Blue Grit Wellness and Blue Grit Radio. 

I came to learn that Mark served alongside and under Seb's leadership on their ERT/SWAT team.  Mark told me a story about true front-line leadership, which was the genesis of this episode, where we focus in on the intersection of leadership, wellness, and agency culture. 

This is one you will want to listen to (more than once as I have) as there are pearls we should all continue to consider as guiding principles.

--
Sebastien Lavoie is a retired British Columbia RCMP Sergeant Major with 16 years  in tactical operations.  He is a guest speaker, leadership trainer, and overseas security consultant with access to a network of retired Tier 1 personnel (military and police).  He and his team specialize in custom-made public safety-oriented training curriculum for government and carefully vetted non-government organizations.

Seb also focuses on public speaking and executive performance coaching to help individuals optimize their lives.

You can find Seb and his work at:

http://www.ravenstrategik.com/
IG @slavccmdr
IG @ravenstrategic
--
Mark Bouchard has 16 years of law enforcement experience in Canada, with almost ten years on the Emergency Response Team (SWAT), where he is also a an advanced care tactical medic. Mark is currently assigned to the Williams Lake RCMP general duty (patrol), North District ERT, and is in the process of promoting into the RCMP’s National Medic Program. He also has many years of experience instructing mental health (R2MR), as a peer to peer support member, and as part of the proactive employee support team. 

Mark also recently completed a Master’s Degree from Royal Roads University in leadership, with a research project focused on police culture and police officer mental health. Mark has combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights on Stigma: Thoughts From an Injured Mind, which was released on Amazon in November. It is a combination of his experiences with his PTSD diagnosis, and the research that helped him to heal

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

From the day we get hired, start police academy, or for many even before that- we consider how ready we may be for "that bad day."  That day could be sprinting to save a kid in peril.  It could be getting up a few flights of stairs quick enough to help your buddy in a bad spot.  It could be a fight for your life.  

Any reasonable, responsible officer will quickly recognize that we each have a vote.. the BIGGEST vote in how that day turns out.  Based on how we show up, that bad day could be just that, or an absolute travesty.

Before we started recording, Rob and I jumped right into talking about too many officers being unwell, overweight, and unfortunately unable to properly do their job.  This isn't about blaming or shaming, but having the uncomfortable conversation to demonstrate, model, coach and teach healthier habits, mindset, and how to get there.

There are many avenues to take in fitness, nutrition.. even what "wellness" or "functional" movement even means.  The real take aways are that you have to start somewhere, give grace and stay patient.  Every bit helps, every bit counts, and builds momentum to where police officers need to be to effectively take care of themselves, their families, partners on the job, and the community in need.

You can find and reach Rod at:
IG: behind_the_drive
--
Rodney R. Wisser
St.Joseph County Police Department
Corporal/ Patrol Division 2011-2022 

New Carlisle Police Department 
Sergeant Road Patrol /Physical Fitness and Wellness Director 2022- Present

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

US Army Captain and LAPD rookie turned Nor-Cal patrol cop, Joey shares a host of sagely insights and personal observations of life, career, leadership and health on all fronts.  

Known on IG as the 9mm Musashi (gotta love that historical master of tactics and strategy, which we get into) and also the admin for @policepoststraining , we take a dive into the job, lessons learned, and how to continue growing in self-betterment through reflection, surrendering ego, and surrounding yourself with the best people and teams.

We talk about leadership wins and misses in the military and law enforcement, and what agency leaders can do to support wellness.  This goes from culture in recruiting to officer care, and how it trickles down to individuals. We talk about Joey's personal philosophies as it focuses on family, being a new father, and his approaches to wellness, from LEGIT physical training to the zen of classical music and calligraphy.  Yeah. He's that kind of badass.

Buckle up and stretch that brain for my valuable conversation with a true Renaissance Man.

—

Joey (@9mm.musashi) is a full time police officer in Northern California. He was born in Kyoto, Japan, and did his growing up in Massachusetts and Southern California. He attended UCLA on an Army ROTC scholarship, and commissioned into the Army Reserve upon graduation. He started his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department, beginning the academy the Monday after graduating college. After a few years, he moved to Northern California to become a police officer in his wife’s hometown. At his current department, he is a patrol officer with collateral duties of SWAT, firearms instructor, first aid instructor, and honor guard team member. 

On the Army side, he has held positions as a section OIC, platoon leader, company executive officer, and most recently, company commander. He has had the opportunity to go overseas 4 separate times for training and real-world missions through the Army while continuing his full-time LEO career. 

Joey runs the @9mm.musashi page (his personal page) as well as @policepoststraining, a page dedicated to discussing LE tactics, training, and education. In his little spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, baby daughter, and dog, as well as reading and

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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.

limitlessmomentum.us

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.

www.blueheroproject.org

—

 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!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Kendall Wood is a Yoga Therapist and Experienced Yoga Teacher who specializes in yoga therapy for first responders. She works for the CAL Fire Training Center in Riverside, CA and has her own private practice for virtual yoga therapy sessions. If you struggle with sleep issues, hypervigilance, are recovering from an injury or experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress - yoga therapy can help! Yoga Therapy is a holistic health modality that uses yoga poses, breathwork techniques and meditation to support mind-body wellbeing.

She also collaborates with The Iverson Foundation for Active Awareness to offer 1:1 yoga therapy sessions for first responders around the county - reach out to her to see if there are discounted sessions available! Want to bring yoga to your department? She travels to teach about nervous system regulation tools for first responders!

Learn more via the links below:

Links:

www.KendallAnne.com

www.Insighttimer.com/kendallanneyoga - free meditation and breathwork practices

www.youtube.com/kendallanneyoga - free video content

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

I met Rob when I was working K9; that's how I got to meet and know so many Valley SWAT guys.  As we dive in, we chat about how close in hire date we were in 2007.  Rob talks about his desire to be a police officer from an early age, which led him to serve in the US Navy.  From there, he became a Renton police officer, where he was also a detective.

We talk in depth about the adaptable nature required of officers, from learning swaths of info in short time to having to pivot to new case law on the regular.  Discussions of purpose permeate our chat from career mission to community policing, talks of discretion, and examining, redefining and even critiquing our over-investment in identity as officers.  We talk about what led to his life's next chapter seeing his doctorate in chiropractic medicine, but not without recounting several prior (and future) guests of the podcast, to include Chris Nielsen, Ken Henson, and *spoiler alert* Brian Lewis). 
—
Rob Ylinen was a police officer for nearly 16 years serving the community of the City of Renton. During his career he spent time in Patrol, Directed Enforcement, and Detectives. He was also a member of the Valley SWAT Team for 8 years . In addition, he provided training for his department and other Valley agencies in fields relating to firearms, patrol building clearing, less lethal munitions, drone operations, active shooter response, and counter terror. 

Rob also served his community by coaching youth hockey from 2018 and 2022. 

Rob retired in 2022 and is currently working on his Doctorate in Chiropractic and Sports Medicine to one day provided better service the men and women who continue to serve their communities as first responders, military, healthcare and infrastructure workers. 

You can contact Rob at:
IG @reconditionrx
reconditionfitness@gmail.com

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

Email me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !

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Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

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*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Dan Zia Joseph is a US Army veteran who served as an active duty combat engineer.

In his 30s, he found himself seeking purpose, distinctly influenced by friends of his in the service, which prompted him to embark on his military career. Through his experiences, he reflects on the devastating impact mental health issues and suicide have had on his circles of fellow servicemen and women. 

We discuss how this awareness in himself and others prompted him to dive into seeking a Master’s degree in psychology to educate in these topics.  He has written several books on these topics which we discuss, including discussing hacks for healthy mindset, sleep, dealing with poor leaders, psychology through jiujitsu, and building resilience.

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Dan Joseph, the author and driving force behind CombatPsych.com, is a former United States Army Combat Engineer who transitioned his vast experience into insights on mental health, resilience, and leadership. 

His journey began as a civilian before he became an Army Officer, a path that profoundly influenced his writing and approach to psychological wellness.  With a Master's degree in Organizational Psychology, Dan's expertise is deeply rooted in his personal and professional experiences, particularly in the military context. 

His book, "Backpack to Rucksack: Insight Into Leadership and Resilience By Military Experts," is a testament to his dedication.  It offers practical and actionable guidance, emphasizing the importance of proactively strengthening mental health and resilience. This commitment was further fueled by a transformative event: a soldier in his platoon surviving a suicide attempt, which inspired Dan to educate incoming leaders on these crucial issues. 

His work encapsulates a blend of personal narratives from dealing with the trauma of combat and scholarly research, providing a unique and impactful perspective on leadership and mental wellness.

BOOK AVAILABLE:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRQT4ZGC

WEBSITE:

combatpsych.com

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

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

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic