Blue Grit Radio
The Blue Grit Radio podcast features conversations and shared insights on critical topics in both personal and team health, wellness, organizational culture and leadership.
It's about building better cops and better community. Blue Grit Radio brings in first responders, health and leadership resources, and other subject matter experts to provide meaningful tips, advice, dialogue and ideas to uplift ourselves, our families, teams, organizations and the Community at large!
Subscribe, rate and share the show and your favorite episodes so we can spread the word and help more people with this critical information: life, career, wellness, leadership, mindset in and out of the first responder world.
Be well, and stay GRITTY!
Available on all major platforms including:
YouTube (full episodes on audio)
Episode Descriptions:
147: How to Be a Cop's Cop, Modeling the Way, w/ Officer Sam Steiner p.2
For part 1, check out Ep. 145- where we talk about Sam's background, start in policing and his worst day with lessons learned- you don't wanna miss it!
In the conclusion of our discussion, we talk about the importance of modeling behavior: for rookies, peers, and using that mentality to lead up with positivity. Sam shares insight on how to be "proactive" and considerations for new police trainers, training officers and leaders.
We talk about "what's changed" and this discussion continues critical themes of where we go from here- with positivity, ownership, and constructive energy so we can be our best for our team, family, and the community at large.
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Sam was born and raised in Seattle, and had aspirations of becoming a police officer since a young age. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 2012, and began working as a police officer with the Carlsbad NM Police Department.
He has now been in law enforcement for 12 years, with the majority of that time spent with the Kent Police Department. While with Kent, he has experience working as a patrol officer, field training officer, and was a member of the special operations unit.
He currently serves as a criminal procedure instructor and member of the peer team. He was also recently selected to become a member of the newly created proactive crime reduction unit. Sam has a vested interest in mentoring new officers in wellness and mental health, and helping to foster a positive work environment for his fellow officers. Outside of work, Sam spends almost all his time with his young children and is an avid music fan.
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146: Gritty Debrief- Leadership Rules from Wisdom of the Bullfrog
William Harry McRaven is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM).
Wisdom of the Bullfrog is “a short, inspirational book of advice and leadership lessons that Admiral McRaven collected over his four decades as a Navy SEAL. The title ‘Bullfrog’ is given to the Navy SEAL who has served the longest on active duty.” (Porchlight Book Co.)
The book was recommended to me from a friend for its leadership concepts- and the simple, yet effective tenets resonated deeply. As I went through the chapters, I recognized how impactful the titles were alone.
In this episode, I share, review and riff on many of the chapter titles to help illustrate how we can clearly visualize their application to any context- police leadership, certainly!
145: How to be a Cop's Cop with Positivity w/ Officer Sam Steiner
It is my pleasure to share with you the first part of my conversation with a veteran cop's cop, Sam Steiner. Not only is he one of the biggest hard-chargers you will find, but he multiplies his effectiveness in law enforcement, community-building and organizational cohesion through not only his drive and commitment, but to his positive outlook and willingness to support the mission.
Sam and I discuss his background and challenges growing up. He shares on how these experiences ultimately shaped his outlook and passion for policing. Sam talks about his start in the career in New Mexico, coming up to WA state and some of his biggest lessons learned from his worst night on the job.
We delve into lessons learned in officer wellness, everything from gallows humor to compartmentalizing, feelings of being alone, being "fine," and adapting to be our best at work and home.
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144: Leading at all Levels, Cops in Schools, and Staffing with ret. Chief Brian Manley, Austin PD
In this episode, I am joined by Brian Manley. Brian is a retired Chief of Austin PD, and currently the president of Off Duty Management. We talk about his career from investigating child abuse, rising up the ranks, and reflecting on leadership at all levels- something I believe we need to keep fostering!
We talk about school safety, schools being soft targets that ultimately need law enforcement's engagement and protection in communities of all types, for violence deterrence and relationship building. With that, and other staffing issues, logistics and viability pose as every-present challenges.
Brian shares about his work with Off Duty Management, and how they can provide assistance to agencies across the nation, at no cost, which can help public safety individual employees, organizations, and certainly the community as a whole.
This episode is sponsored by Off Duty Management – a company Built By Officers For Officers. To learn more, visit https://offdutymanagement.com/
For more on Off Duty Management and solutions achieved with Arizona's Dept. of Education (as mentioned in the show):
https://offdutymanagement.com/arizona-department-of-education/
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143: Mindset Mastery, Brain Optimization, and Identity w/Dr. Gino Collura
I connected with Dr. Gino Collura after being on a shared panel on The Collective (s/o to Shaun and Chance!) I knew when discussing mindset, leadership of self and family, Dr. G BROUGHT it. Throw in the fact that he's a behavioral scientist focusing on brain optimization, I knew more discussion was something not only my brain craved, but something our Grit Nation community would resonate with as well.
In our discussion we cover:
-communication into community
-self mastery
-combative mindset
-habits of successful relationships
-systems thinking for your life
-past patterns, what they mean for human behavior and individuals
-acceptance
-hypervigilance
-identity and EGO
-personal constitutions (I've drafted mine finally!)
- the Johari window and aspects of interplay
-neural agility
Listen and feel your brain light up, careful of potential melting...
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Dr. Gino Collura (Dr. G) is a behavioral scientist and carries a keen expertise in relationship management, communication, resiliency and their combined influence on the brain.
A former anti-kidnapping specialist, Dr. G is regularly sought out by Fortune 500 Companies, Professional Athletes, Law Enforcement, U. S. Special Operations Command as well as the Joint Special Operations University (JSOU) to provide training and development that optimizes interactions as well as quality, commitment, and efficiency within and amongst organizations.
@doctor_gino_
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142: Reducing Critical Stress from DV Investigations and SWAT with Adam Boyd
Cold therapy... ice plunges... breathwork. There is a lot of info and content continuing to grow in these fields, but what are the REAL benefits and real potential drawbacks or dangers the IG reels aren't showing? These are worthy modalities to discuss in our quest to keep refining our knowledge and practice to decompress our stress and build our optimal careers and lives!
Enter Adam Boyd, experienced police officer, SWAT team member and detective. Combine that with his background in endurance training, you had a cop's cop that knew stress from both ends: patrol/tactical calls and casework. Adam tells his story in law enforcement and how he came to get trained in strength and conditioning atop his background in endurance sport.
Adam's awareness and health insight went next level when he attended training through Wim Hof- focused on breathwork and cold therapy. We discuss the different factors to consider and why, when, and how one may consider experimenting and trying these methods. Adam answers my questions, and as of this writing, I have dabbled back into cold showers as the weather cools outside! BRRR!
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Adam Boyd is the founder and CEO of Soleful Training. He has over a decade of experience as a police officer, three of which were on a SWAT team and 6 as a Detective. Adam created department wellness challenges and programming, trained their SWAT team, assigned as PT team lead, and revamped the SWAT PT applicant process.
Adam amassed certifications such as NSCA Tactical Facilitator, Leadership Resilience (Harvard Business School), FBINA Comprehensive Resilience Train the Trainer, Wim Hof Level 1, XPT Performance Breathing Coach, and AZ POST Physical Fitness Instructor. He is also an ultra runner and has completed an ultra distance over a dozen times to include two 100 mile runs. Adam's experience allowed him to understand the rigors of the job which prompted him to create a holistic wellness program that focuses on first responders.
Soleful Training's holistic wellness program consists of 4 pillars: physical resilience, mental resilience, social resilience, and purpose. Soleful Training's focus is on changing behavior, not just providing knowledge. Our first responders deserve to have the tools to prevent and assist with the stressors of the job.
You can find Adam on LinkedIn and at:
https://www.solefultraining.com/about
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141: "Almost" (crushed by a car), a story about the near-misses
This episode is dedicated to my buddy, Diego Moreno (aka 2K56).
In recent discussions, including Ep. 136 where I'm interviewed by Mark Bouchard, and several social media posts, I continue the well-received topic of near-misses, almost shootings and the like.
It is truly not just the big incidents that trigger admin and outside investigative response. It's not just the events where we are put on admin leave or where a debrief is set up that affect us greatly. Rather, so many times (as evidenced by your responses, messages, and feedback) it's the things that largely go unnoticed to the outside.
It is our own recognition that sometimes things were "fine" day, close call that was so close it could have been absolutely devastating. A career-ender, or frankly a life-ender. Oftentimes these are the most jarring, especially since the awareness is not widespread, and thus support may be lacking. Sometimes we don't want the support- at least that's what we tell ourselves.
In this episode, I share about a story I haven't spoken about quite as much as some others. It was a close call for me, and frankly, my K9 Kato. I share my feelings, thoughts, anger, and ultimately what I am most grateful for in the aftermath of that night.
*I had considered leaving this episode fully unedited as a means to share how speaking about it affected me. However, I did edit down long pauses near the end (they're still there..) as to not distract from listening. We aren't emotionless beings, and we were never meant to be.
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140: How to Stay Fierce and Fit w/ LEO, trainer, coach Monica Crawford
This job can be unrelenting at times, and what’s more is when our system, culture and bossed make it that much harder.
In this episode, I chat with Monica about her experiences and insights, which she has detailed in her book, Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line. We discuss not only adversity she faced, but how fitness and health practice can help us develop resilience as police officers and first responders. Further, we talk about what police culture needs in this realms- which starts with each of us.
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Monica takes her experiences from a toxic work environment within the law enforcement world, along with education and experience with nutrition coaching and fitness programming to help first responders to prioritize their mental and physical health.
To detail her experience in law enforcement and provide the best health and wellness resources possible to female first responders, Monica published her book, “Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line: Identifying Abuse, Taking Back Control, and Cultivating Fulfillment and in Your Life and Career,” in July 2024. Available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/5tIbSxT
Social links:
Email: monica@five0fierceandfit.com
Five-0 Fierce and Fit Shift Work Nutrition Guide (email list opt in) https://www.five0fierceandfit.com/shiftworknutritionguide
Five-0 Fierce and Fit Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/five-0-fierce-and-fit-podcast/id1652103152
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139: Should People get into First Responder Jobs aka Hero Jobs?
I recently spoke on a panel focused on recruiting and hiring practices for first responder jobs, Public Safety Testing, and civil service groups. In that, a video was brought up where a news outlet was featuring how "influencers" were sharing why young people should NOT pursue so-called "Hero Jobs" which included first responder work and front-line work like nursing and medical field careers.
The arguments were that these jobs were rigid, inflexible with long shifts and difficulty to get time off. They were thus less apt to promote work/life balance and self-care, risking burn out.
In a sense, this may be true.. but at the same time, I analyze this and offer another intriguing anecdote I recently read on how young people are more disengaged, unfulfilled, and potentially more depressed and dejected than ever.
There must be an intersection between these themes.. spoiler alert.. that is what I seek to discuss and propose as a belief in WHY young people should absolutely consider these crucial roles in the community.
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138: Lessons in Police work and BURN OUT w/ author and Joshua Hood
In this episode, I am pleased to introduce you to former LEO, SWAT cop, and author Joshua Hood. We talk about his entry into the policing career after his military service and the experiences therein.
We connect on the toll and strain he felt in his career, and how he started writing more regularly. There are parallels we experienced and saw in police around us- that absolutely became overarching themes in his new novel, Burn Out.
We talk about the book- which I got a chance to read in advance- which features different first responders at different stages of their careers and prerogatives. Themes of identity, overinvestment, purpose, and calling are central. Beyond that- it’s got smoke jumping forest fire fighters, Feds against Feds, cartel mercenaries, informants, and grizzled Vets… a saga ripe with action!
It was a sincere pleasure and a dynamic conversation for you all- whether you’re a first responder or not!
Joshua Hood joined the army after graduating with an English degree from the University of Memphis and served as a squad leader with the 1-508th Parachute Infantry Regiment in Afghanistan, where he was decorated for valor in Operation Furious Pursuit.
A former SWAT team member with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department in Memphis, Tennessee, he is a USA Today bestselling author of several books, including Robert Ludlum’s Treadstone series. He lives in Collierville, Tennessee, with his wife and two children.
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137: What's most important? Wellness, Culture or Leadership?
In this episode, I riff off of a prompt where I and many of you on the socials discuss three pillars we talk about often: Wellness, Culture, and Leadership.
All are crucial for our personal and organizational health and success- so what’s MOST important? Listen in and let me know what you think!
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136: A Deeper Dive into my critical incidents and experiences- I'm interviewed by Mark Bouchard
I've gotten comfortable sharing my story on different occasions and platforms. It's all been in the effort of helping others reduce stigmas, self-judgement in themselves and others in first responder careers ripe with a multitude of stressors. My story is unique, and it's also not. So many of us may not experience the exact same circumstances, but the overlap is often huge.
I was connecting with my good bro in blue from up north, Mark Bouchard (RCMP). You may recognize his name from such episodes as #59 and #68 (must listens!) In our conversation, he shared that although I have told my stories on many other podcasts, I have shared different stories and pieces on my own show. He wanted to hear someone interview me to expand on these events: from my OIS to hostage rescue*, to my own struggles and lessons in trying to address health amongst the rollercoaster of police work.
As always, my stories, experiences, opinions and reflections are shared with you in hopes to keep growing positivity, growth and resilience for our police profession and first responder community.
*If you want to hear me chat with some guys that were in those situations with me, check out #17 with fmr. Officer Trevor Wolcott, #51 with ret. Sgt. Joe Gagner, and #88 with ret. Det. Tom Riener.
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135: How to Plan Your Next Chapter, w/ Jess Flores of Next Shift
We talk about living outside of the blue world, over-identity and today we will talk about a huge practical application of that. Frankly, we don’t get to choose how much time we have in this job: between injuries, burnout, family decisions, and other countless circumstances.
Former officer Jess Flores of Next Shift joins me to discuss transitioning careers out of law enforcement: from her story, challenges, fears, and what things officers can do early on and ongoing to prep not only a back up career- but be the best, most well-rounded cops and individuals they can be.
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Jess Flores started her Law Enforcement career at just 21 years old and had it abruptly taken away at 31, due to injury and a failed surgery. She battled through feelings of unworthiness as she attempted to find new purpose.
After TWO very long years and just going through the motions with seemingly meaningless jobs, she began a fitness journey that turned into an entrepreneurial opportunity. She discovered her love of coaching and realized she could still serve others, just in a different way. That journey eventually led to her creating Next Shift, LLC, a transition coaching business for Law Enforcement officers. Through her business, she helps LEOs REdiscover their identity, REdefine their purpose, and REignite their passions as they prepare for and adapt to life after law enforcement.
Jess is also the host of the Next Shift Podcast, where she shares lessons learned through her own transition journey, as well as conversations with others who’ve made the transition, as well as their spouses. She is now transitioning from 1:1 coaching to a group coaching membership, Next Shift Academy. Through Next Shift Academy, she provides the tools, support, and community officers need to create their Next Shift, whether it’s a new career, side hustle, or simply embracing life after Law Enforcement.
You can find Jess on LinkedIn at http://linkedin.com/in/jessica-flores-a53a10100 and Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/_nextshift_
You can check out the Next Shift Podcast here https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-shift-podcast/id1693161975?i=1000636903434
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134: Why employers should care about stress management- and tools to consider feat. Infinity Massage Chairs
We talk about the importance of wellness in our first responder culture- and often times I wonder if employers lose sight of “the why” we should care. Listens and followers understand the impacts of supporting our front line workers in this critical work, but what information do we need to bring to the bosses and Lead UP effectively?
In this episode, I am joined by Ethan Jule and Jason Drinkwater. We discuss the importance of stress management and reduction, specific impacts to nervous system health and ability to show up better at work as well as at home. Ethan and Jason discuss their backgrounds coming into the wellness space through Infinity Massage Chairs, and how the company is making a marked difference in how we can care of first responders.
Make sure you download and listen to the end to find out what freebie you will get- and how to get it. Hint: it’s valuable, useful, and beneficial to your personal health and performance!
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133: How to Build Mind, Body and Spirit w/ Jason Warn, the Mindfulness Medic
I found Jason's social media and it resonated with me- how he talked about mindset, ownership, and the importance of fitness for first responders. He spoke about the sometimes uncomfortable truth that we in emergency services have trouble recognizing in ourselves and our peers:
Many first responders are unfit (double entendre there) to actually perform their jobs to the level we ought to be able to do. He said something at his workplace as a medic which someone found offensive, which led to his termination.
We've talked about obesity in cops and other first responders on this show before, with guests like Rod Wisser and Joe Gamaldi- and we've talked about fitness and nutrition a host of times. It is often much more nuanced than that. Conversations like these aren't meant to tell people to push people out, rather LIFT THEM UP. We need great first responders, and physical ability is a non-negotiable. Think about those who are helpless in the most dire of situations, and there is isn't much more to discuss. Time to take ownership of yourself, with grace and positivity, and let's GO.
In our conversation, Jason shares about not only his battles with adversity and trauma in and out of the job, but his own struggle with obesity as a first responder. It goes beyond the physical, as we explore strengthening mental fortitude for a meaningful and purpose-driven life.
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Jason Warn is a dedicated first responder, paramedic, and resilience advocate who has spent over a decade serving on the front lines of high-stress environments.
Drawing from his own transformative journey overcoming personal adversity, including struggles with mental health and physical fitness, Jason has become a passionate voice for building resilience in mind, body, and spirit.
As the founder of Mindfulness Medic, he provides actionable strategies for first responders and healthcare professionals to cultivate inner strength and thrive in the face of life's challenges.
Through his coaching, speaking engagements, and apparel brand, Jason shares his mission of empowering others to break free from self-limiting beliefs, step into their highest potential, and create lives filled with purpose and vitality. His work is deeply rooted in his philosophy of resilience, encouraging individuals to embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth.
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132: What advice do WE have for new cops? I share YOUR answers and my takes! (Solocast)
In this solocast, I explore a "kind of" solo episode. Sure it's just me talking, the script and content was generated mostly by you!
I have been asked several times lately, between followers and folks I'm coaching what they should focus on as new officers. Surely, there is a HOST of things, from hard and soft skills, tactics, the BOOKS (case law, criminal law, and on and on...)
However, when I brought this to the socials, the responses from experienced cops, supervisors, and law enforcement professionals were overwhelmingly directed toward themes of health, relations, balance, and items more attune to self-regulation. So many responses were more about what to do when off the clock- and/or how to manage your LIFE, not just your career.
Listen in and hear the anecdotes and insights from veteran officers, sergeants, LTs, and more- along with my break down and added perspectives to their valuable tips and reflections!
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131: Handling the Ups and Downs of Policework: Detective Tessa Melville Returns
If you didn't catch Ep. 98- download, listen, and promptly return to this one. In that, I chat with my coworker, Detective Tessa Melville; we discuss her background, her growth through military service and lessons learned and resilience tested and solidified in her patrol work for years- and her recent entry into detective work with the Special Assault Unit.
We hinted at a part two, and much of that was in planning. One of the things I appreciate most about Tessa is her openness in a matter of fact way- how she is emotionally and self-aware and is willing to share that with others as we all can learn for our own emotional survival and continual efforts to support our wellness.
Where in part 1, we talk about a lot of the significant events that tested and shaped Tessa's resolve, in this episode we converse about some of the dynamics we continue to work through and balance- at different stages in our careers and different roles. Tessa flips the script- so to speak- and picks my brain on my reflections on perceptions, work culture, and wellness.
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130: A Warrior through Trauma: Marine, Firefighter, Counselor, Survivor Mike Washington
Years ago, I had the privilege of hearing then active firefighter Mike Washington speak at wellness conferences. He talked about his traumas through life- from childhood to his experience in the Marine Corps, at work in his life as a Seattle Firefighter, and losing his adult son in combat.
He talked about his downward spiral, self-destructive warpath, and coming to recognition that such a path, such an ending was not his path and not his ending. He shared about utter resilience, the love and compassion from his wife and circles- and how he allowed himself to feel that love and compassion, and thus embrace and pay it forward.
Years later, as part of a large-scale joint peer support effort (coordinated by Deputy Chief McCurdy (see Ep. 125!)), I came to connect with Mike again. He was now a full-fledged mental health counselor, having retired from Fire and I had the honor to co-facilitate a stress debrief with him in the service of our Pierce County and Edgewood PD brothers and sisters following the death of Deputy Dom Calata.
I remained connected and watched Mike continue to inspire others and crush life with utmost positivity- which didn’t slow one bit when he shared publicly about his cancer diagnosis and updates.
We talk about trauma, stumbles, resilience and serving others in his experiences and for our first responder and military communities at large. Mike is an absolute treasure, and I’m grateful not only for his acquaintance but his sharing time and space on the show.
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Mike’s mission is to assist veterans and First Responders to identify, understand and react to the forces of stress as a means to combating the forces of PTSD and suicide.
Mike is a retired Seattle Firefighter with over 32 years of operational experience. In addition to his ordinary assignment as a firefighter, Mike was a member of the fire departments Peer Support Team as well as a Critical Incident Stress Debriefer, assisting firefighters around the country and now works as a psychotherapist in Seattle specializing in trauma and PTSD issues.
Mike Washington is a retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant with 23 years of service (7 active, 16reserve). Mike served as a Platoon Sgt in Desert Storm and served as a Counterintelligence Officer in Bosnia, Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan as well as numerous other real-world missions. He also spent 18 months at the National Counter terrorism Center in Washington DC.
Mike also provides mental health services to various first responder and military entities around the Seattle and Puget Sound area. Mike is a keynote speaker using his own story presents on the topics of stress, depression, PTSD and suicide, but most importantly PTG or Post Traumatic Growth.
Mikes motivation derives from his own personal experiences with PTSD from childhood to the fire service and war including the death of his son Sgt Michael T Washington while serving with the Marines in Afghanistan in 2008.
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129, Q & A: Is my age, size, education going to be a challenge starting in a police career?
Here’s a solocast episode in follow up and coordination with my newest Police 1 article, where I answer the prompt on whether youth is a “problem” as a new cop. Yes and no… and all that comes with it.
Beyond that factor, there’s every other thing. What about “being old” as a new guy or gal? What about being small, though fit and skilled? What about having no formal post high school education.. or truthfully- too much life in academia and not in the traditional workplace?
With all that, we talk about Imposter Syndrome- what it is, how it affects many of us- especially high achievers- and what to do about it.
For the full article, check out @policeone , hit the link in the bio (IG or LinkedIn or the blog at bluegritwellness.com) for my article list or google Police 1, Eric Tung and you’ll find your way there!
As always, let me know what YOU want to see me write, post or hear me talk about.
Stay gritty! 👊🏽
#impostersyndrome #newcops #rookies #policeofficer #policecareer #learningcurve #newassignment
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128: Cops, Campers, and Carnivore: w/ retired LEO Eric Reynolds AKA Keto Five-O
As someone who has self-experimented with most very diet at least for some time, it’s always intriguing to talk to someone who found something that truly works for them! Enter Eric (spelled the right way)! Retired LEO, who, through keto/carnivore approach reversed his metabolic issues and is now thriving!
We chat diet, but truly go much farther into lifestyle, service, trauma, and purpose - as he took an unconventional path to not only self-healing, but assisting and fostering recovery in others through community!
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Eric Reynolds, aka "KetoFiveO," embodies resilience and transformation. After a distinguished law enforcement career and surviving a harrowing gunfight with an armed suspect, Eric faced and overcame significant challenges, including PTSD, heart disease, and other metabolic issues. He achieved an impressive 80-pound weight loss and now champions metabolic health, especially for first responders, through KetoFiveO Sports Nutrition.
As a Licensed Primary Sports Nutritionist, Health Advocate, and Personal Trainer, Eric is committed to promoting wellness. Eric’s family legacy is deeply rooted in law enforcement, with his mother, June Hawkins, and stepfather, Al Singleton, featured in Netflix’s Griselda. His mission extends through “Cops and Campers,” a non-profit providing a sanctuary for first responders to heal amidst nature.
In a remarkable personal journey, Eric through DNA reconnected with his long-lost brother, Dave Stull, a fellow police officer. This new relationship inspired Eric to embrace a full-time RV lifestyle, traveling the country with his family while homeschooling his kids, working on farms, and volunteering in the communities they visit. This lifestyle enriches their lives and reflects Eric’s unwavering commitment to service and community. Eric’s story is one of service, advocacy, and resilience, serving as a beacon of hope for all.
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127: Never Forget: Remembering our Fallen, Riots in Chicago, and Raising Awareness w/ Haley (Five Oooh! podcast)
I am joined by Haley an active police officer, the founder of Never Forgotten Clothing Co., and host of the Five OOOH! podcast.
After connecting and being interview on her show, I knew I had to flip the script (oh how the turn-tables have turned) and share her passion, perspective and personality with more of our community.
I am moved and inspired by how Haley demonstrates modeling a positive attitude, culture, and environment. We discuss her connection and deep friendship built with her partner, Officer Ella French, and our parallels in losing our battle buddies. This moves naturally into discussion of remembrance and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the best ways we can- and continuing on and promoting their stellar legacies.
We talk about being an example, women and minorities in policing, supporting those officers bullied, depressed and suicidal. We focus on police culture's status check: some of the ills we are facing across the country, and how one of the most tangible things we can do to elevate and support ourselves and each other... is to stop fighting ourselves and each other. This goes for you TROLLS- of all types! This is a must listen as we continue to invest in our profession in healthy, necessary, sustainable ways.
You can find her at never.forgotten.co on IG
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Haley Mirabelli is a dedicated active-duty police officer with a master’s degree in Public Safety Administration. A powerful female voice in the law enforcement community, Haley founded the Never Forgotten Clothing Company, which initially started as a clothing brand for first responders but has since grown into a thriving community. This platform allows first responders to share their stories, advocate for change, and shed light on the difficult realities of their profession.
Beyond just a brand, Never Forgotten has become a beacon for those who dream big, encouraging new recruits to join the force and connecting individuals with shared goals. Haley’s commitment to amplifying voices within her community also led her to launch the Five OOOH! Podcast, where she highlights local heroes and the stories that need to be heard.
With a focus on creating positive change, Haleylooks forward to continuing her mission of supporting and uplifting the first responder community.
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126: Perfect Your Craft, with former LEO (Chicago PD, CHP, FBI, DoD) Luke Kennedy!
If the title doesn't say enough about the intriguing nature of Luke, his career, and his mindset, consider that he also does CRAZY EPIC swims to bring awareness to amazing causes. I'm talking swimming to Alcatraz, towing boats to train, and other crazy stuff.
Luke talks about his entry into the Law Enforcement world starting at Chicago PD, moving to warmer CA Highway Patrol, then onto FBI where he could use his multilingual skills certified with the Department of Defense in 5 other languages (Greek, Turkish, Serbian, Arabic and Russian!)
Now he is a pilot and flight instructor, and our conversation reminds us to perfect our craft- diving into continually honing our skills and personal health one day at a time.
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If that wasn’t enough, our conversation barely scratches the other following elements of his diverse talents:
NYU - Applied Math BS
Northwestern - Applied Psychology MS
Georgetown - Political Science - Conflict Resolution MS
George Mason- Conflict Management Ph.D (candidate)
2000 Sydney 1500m free - qualifier
2004 Athens water polo - qualifier
2020 Tokyo crew - single scull - qualifier
Pilot - flight instructor (24 years)
Watch-smith- certified
Rescue-swimmer
Recovery diver
Volunteer firefighter
EXTREMELY proud girl dad
You can follow Luke's adventures, challenges and get in contact at:
@amphibious.spartan on Instagram
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125: Leading from the Front with Care and Vulnerability, w/ Deputy Chief Andy McCurdy
It was years of hearing about the true servant leader, Andy McCurdy, before I came to meet him. His reputation preceded him in all the great ways. Like his brother, Pat, Andy was also known for leading with compassion, truly being there for his guys, and fostering wellness and peer support throughout the ranks.
When I was starting to find my voice with Blue Grit, one of my officers turned me onto the Leaderist - a police leadership podcast started by Lexi Harris. I thus got to learn about Chief McCurdy- when he was running a contract city for the County- and hear how his passion moved beyond officers, operations, and into the community- truly what this work is all about.
It was years later that we met in response to Deputy Dom Calata’s death.. sadly as many cops do come together in times of loss. He had coordinated a large-scale regional peer support effort- which is just one prime example where apt leadership met devoted purpose.. and that is a lot of what Andy demonstrates.
In our conversation, we talk about his background, career, leading FOR wellness. He opens up about his own personal stressors and struggles with the career and life... and openness truly lacking in police culture from our leaders. His vulnerability is something we can all learn from- as a true leader can help us recognize that it’s okay not to be okay.
I am proud to have him in our region and circles- and to call him a leader and mentor of mine- and to help share his lessons with you.
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Andy McCurdy is currently the Deputy Police Chief for the city of Sumner, WA. Andy comes from a law enforcement family and lives with his wife and three kids in Pierce County, WA.
Andy started his LE career in 1991 in California as a Community Service Officer. Andy moved to Washington and became a Police Officer in 1996. Andy spent 24 years with the King County Sheriff's Office as a Patrol Deputy, Master Police Officer, Special Assault Unit Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Internal Investigations Unit Sergeant, Advanced Training Unit Supervisor, and Chief of Police. Andy also spent more than 15 years as a Peer Support Team member and leader and more than 12 years investigating serious use of force incidents on the Administrative Review Team.
Andy has been teaching locally, regionally, and internationally for more than 20 years in areas including use of force, procedural justice, trauma informed practices, peer support/wellness, and leadership.
Andy currently volunteers as a board member for Code 4 NW, Executive Director of Police Activities League of Sumner, Coach/Director of Badges and Barbells After School Weightlifting Clubs, and as a side walker and on the barn team for Sundance Circle Hippotherapy. Andy and his wife, Demarie, also run a camp for blind and visually impaired children, called Camp Possible.
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124: How to Deal with Damn Near Anything- w/John McGlothlin, fmr. paratrooper/JAG Officer
Many people credit the military for helping prepare them for their career, or frankly, life itself. John McGlothlin would agree- to the point where he recognized and shares his experiences and insights from his military career - as it translates into prepping him for so many potentials and circumstances.
We discuss his path into the Army and then his academic career from undergrad into law school. The topics we explore go into the depths of the human condition, communication, social and team cultural dynamics and leadership.
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John McGlothlin is a former Army paratrooper who has served across the globe, including in Europe, the Middle East, and after the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. He began his career in intelligence before attending law school at the University of Virginia and becoming a JAG officer in the D.C. National Guard.
His writing background includes work as a journalist, speechwriter, and authoring his first book – *How to Deal with Damn Near Anything: The Paratrooper’s Guide to Life*. The book was released by New Degree Press and captures how the hidden side of the military can benefit anyone, with a focus on five key traits and related stories.
John currently lives in Washington D.C. with his wife, the artist MK Bailey. His mission now is to help others develop as the military has helped him.
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123: Police Family Support and Surviving Retirement, w/ Dr. Medina Baumgart
In this episode, Dr. Medina Baumgart connects her experiences professionally as a psychologist supporting first responders and agencies and personally as a first responder spouse.
We go from her background from education to being an agency embedded mental health professional, and dive into the dynamics of adjusting back to home life for the first responder. Dr. Baumgart covers tips and insights that bring understanding for those in uniform to their spouses and families and how we can do it with intention.
Further, we talk about retirement, how to get there healthfully and the little things that will help ensure we are thriving and actually getting that pension we worked so hard for!
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Dr. Medina Baumgart is a licensed psychologist in California and a board-certified specialist in Police and Public Safety Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). She works full-time as an embedded psychologist within a large metropolitan law enforcement agency where she provides counseling, critical incident debriefings, crisis response, critical incident rollouts, training, consultation to peer support and chaplains programs, and consultation and support to patrol stations and jail facilities.
Outside of her full-time work, Dr. Baumgart enjoys teaching and providing consultation to other law enforcement agencies on a range of topics including officer resilience, retirement, peer support, critical incidents, post-traumatic stress, and suicide. She is also married to a now-retired police officer and knows firsthand some of the challenges that officers and spouses experience throughout a law enforcement career and into retirement.
Website - www.drbaumgart.com
Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbaumgart/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr_baumgart/
“Surviving Retirement” Book (Amazon) - https://a.co/d/0QzXuya
Retirement Resilience Course - https://www.drbaumgart.com/surviving-retirement
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