Blue Grit Radio is about making better cops for a better community. Discussions and lessons are shared in how to become a... more
Several weeks ago I found myself in a funk. There were many logical reasons: normal work stress, abnormal work stress,... more
We talk about work/life balance (which is an illusion) and the frequent over-identity of our police careers. Things that... more
The answer isn’t just more protein or eating garbage snacks and fast food… This is a throwback to where much... more
The longer I am involved in the policing industry and first responder communities, the more I believe our biggest threat... more
After connecting with Sheriff Derek Sanders in episode 44, we have seen a LOT of proactive police work, video content,... more
Wellness. Leadership. Culture. How do you build it? In this episode, I nod to 5 concepts we can all... more
We talk about building wellness, but how do we do it at scale? It starts with us, but it... more
Blue Grit Wellness (and Radio) was created to promote health in all facets.. but one topic where I've been admittedly... more
For the newly hired rookies (and frankly all future prospects and candidates!) I am sharing and breaking down ten tips... more
High divorce rates. Failed communication. Vices. In this episode, Dr. Jena Casas returns to BGR to help us iron... more
Clee and I connect over his career of service- from military years to policing which includes school resource officer and... more
We talk about back up weapons, back up lights.. back up and contingency plans for each and every call- to... more
Parking tickets.. logistically a challenge. Most people don't pay them, and no action is pursued since it's unfruitful. ... more
We often talk on the alarming and devastating rates of depression, crisis and su-cide in first responder and veteran communities.... more
First responder careers are no joke- I have seen it be a forge for development in personal, professional arenas- in... more
We can talk a lot about wellness resources, but when someone is hurting, how does one access them? We... more
Here we are.. Episode 200! It's crazy how far we've come (we certainly being you and I, those following... more
I have often been complimented for being a police leader and sharing about vulnerability in the vein of first responder... more
Marriage is hard. Police marriage is harder. Ok, the dynamics can be challenging.. but is it helpful to dwell on... more
The policing testing and hiring process is daunting enough.. and then you have to be evaluated by a psychologist? ... more
When we (as an industry) fail we must not look away, but examine so we can learn from "our" collective... more
Some time ago I asked who I needed to have on the show. One of you emphatically said DR. JODY!... more
There have been a lot of Valley SWAT officers on this show, and it’s for good reason. When you... more
Ask and you shall receive! I am grateful to be able to contribute to bringing in new, bright and... more
With all the new police applicants, candidates, recruits, and student officers aka ROOKIES (endearing tone) tuning it, I’m excited to... more
When we think about how far we can go, it can be empowering to see how far we have come.... more
Crisis and Co-Responder units began popping up much more in recent years, as mental health and substance epidemics became... more
Often, we see police wellness as a checkbox. So what does it take to build a legitimate wellness approach-... more
Always looking for new health information, I came across a post by about signs of burnout. Some weren’t surprising,... more
In this episode, I am joined by former LEO (corrections, sheriff's deputy, police) Shawn Barnes. We cover his career... more
Bad cops in the news. It stings every time. So many men and women put their blood, sweat,... more
We often talk about the grind and impacts of a first responder career- on our minds, bodies, families, and general... more
Soon after I entered into the police wellness space, I learned about Chief Neil Dubord's leadership philosophy and style- which... more
Leaders are Readers. And so much of leading is learning, trying, and staying humble. I had heard of... more
Adversity, challenge, issues, problems.. If we take a beat we can recognize the power of facing, battling and overcoming these... more
I received a question from one of you asking about my most satisfying arrest. It was hard to pick one,... more
A.I. is HERE, and like any other tool or technology, law enforcement needs to be aware of how to adopt... more
Often, we discuss loss, grief, and resilience in this first responder career. Too often, what we see and manage... more
In this episode, I'm joined by active police sergeant and host/creator of Things Police See. I've been on his... more
Leadership principles are simple.. but execution with personalities, organizational culture, history, drama... that's where it gets really complicated really fast.... more
So much of my "why" is to help guide the next generation of cops, police professionals and leaders in the... more
If everyone just did their jobs, wouldn't this whole police work, leadership, culture, morale thing be a little too easy?... more
In this episode, my guest School Resource and SWAT Officer Devonta Richardson and I discuss huge topics that are necessary... more
There are a host of episodes on Blue Grit Radio focused on hiring, for prospective applicants and police candidates. ... more
It is January, and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. In this episode, we explore this crucial topic that should be... more
It's January- and many of us are resetting and focusing on some healthy habits. Life is hectic, but shiftwork... more
You all know I’ve been preaching about recruiting and development for our police teams. Many agencies across the country... more
New Years morning was a devastating one for many of us who awoke to the tragic news. Another mass... more
In this panel episode, we hit a crucial number of topics that I'm frequently getting questions and feedback about. ... more
When we talk about grit and resilience, it's about growing to overcome hard times and experiences. Retired LEO Donovan... more
Police issues are shared, as are leadership challenges- and solutions! In this episode, my esteemed guests tackle big themes... more
Just in time for New Years... an episode focused on not only building, training, and elevating your body- but RESILIENCE-... more
This episode was a long time coming! I have been seeing Nathan's work, promoting critical conversations in law enforcement... more
A key to personal and professional development is MENTORSHIP. We need guides, coaches, and advisors to help us stay... more
Leadership starts with Ownership- leading yourself. There are two dynamics here to underline. The first is the recognition... more
I appreciate the applicant who asked this question- way to be aware and set up for success! Frequently, we... more
When can we get over our missteps and mistakes, and in many ways get out of our own way? ... more
Across the nation for years, we have seen headlines of lowered (or removed!) fitness standards. Many able and effective... more
Culture, Culture, Culture. It is a driving conversation on Blue Grit Radio- how do we address, fix, mend, elevate,... more
Every great new officer (or hopeful) always asks what they should work on. Fitness, hitting the legal books. Geography?... more
This episode highlights an article from Calibre Press, listing 19 items that affect our decision-making abilities in critical incident stress... more
In this episode, I invite an hard-hitting panel on the real talk we need for policing culture. We tackle... more
Returning guest Joey (Nor Cal SWAT cop) and I discuss topics much needed in police (and societal) culture today- staying... more
Cops are handicapped. Cops are scared to do their jobs. Rather than fixate on these narratives, the most... more
It is my pleasure not just to feature a selfless, busy AF first responder, veteran, serviceman, and caretaker of others:... more
By now you all know that I'm a ginormous proponent of Peer Support, not just in policy but in actualized... more
I’m excited to feature this expert panel on so many aspects of first responder fitness and nutrition. It is often... more
You asked, and WE responded! I’ve been asked about the high incidence of divorce, cheating, and risk-seeking behavior in... more
The longer I do this job (and this thing I call life), I realize that although I learn more and... more
For part 1, check out Ep. 145- where we talk about Sam's background, start in policing and his worst day... more
William Harry McRaven is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United... more
It is my pleasure to share with you the first part of my conversation with a veteran cop's cop, Sam... more
In this episode, I am joined by Brian Manley. Brian is a retired Chief of Austin PD, and currently... more
I connected with Dr. Gino Collura after being on a shared panel on The Collective (s/o to Shaun and Chance!)... more
Cold therapy... ice plunges... breathwork. There is a lot of info and content continuing to grow in these fields,... more
This episode is dedicated to my buddy, Diego Moreno (aka 2K56). In recent discussions, including Ep. 136 where I'm... more
This job can be unrelenting at times, and what’s more is when our system, culture and bossed make it that... more
I recently spoke on a panel focused on recruiting and hiring practices for first responder jobs, Public Safety Testing, and... more
In this episode, I am pleased to introduce you to former LEO, SWAT cop, and author Joshua Hood. We... more
In this episode, I riff off of a prompt where I and many of you on the socials discuss three... more
I've gotten comfortable sharing my story on different occasions and platforms. It's all been in the effort of helping... more
We talk about living outside of the blue world, over-identity and today we will talk about a huge practical application... more
We talk about the importance of wellness in our first responder culture- and often times I wonder if employers lose... more
I found Jason's social media and it resonated with me- how he talked about mindset, ownership, and the importance of... more
In this solocast, I explore a "kind of" solo episode. Sure it's just me talking, the script and content was... more
If you didn't catch Ep. 98- download, listen, and promptly return to this one. In that, I chat with... more
Years ago, I had the privilege of hearing then active firefighter Mike Washington speak at wellness conferences. He talked... more
Here’s a solocast episode in follow up and coordination with my newest Police 1 article, where I answer the prompt... more
As someone who has self-experimented with most very diet at least for some time, it’s always intriguing to talk to... more
I am joined by Haley an active police officer, the founder of Never Forgotten Clothing Co., and host of the... more
If the title doesn't say enough about the intriguing nature of Luke, his career, and his mindset, consider that he... more
It was years of hearing about the true servant leader, Andy McCurdy, before I came to meet him. His reputation... more
Many people credit the military for helping prepare them for their career, or frankly, life itself. John McGlothlin would... more
In this episode, Dr. Medina Baumgart connects her experiences professionally as a psychologist supporting first responders and agencies and personally... more
In this episode I’m joined by retired Chief Patrick Flannelly, who is the author/host of the Coptimizer blog and podcast... more
Scott has been doing the work: speaking, training, and providing content to help our first responders tackle the challenges that... more
When I connected with Jodie, learning quickly about her experiences with tragedy- losing her husband in the line of duty... more
Everyone has mentors that set them on course by virtue of providing example. I have publicly credited Pat McCurdy... more
Retired Chief Tim Eggebraaten brings a practical and uplifting message and attitude to our law enforcement professionals. In our... more
Following one of my articles on moral injury being featured in Police 1, Dr. Rachael reached out to me. ... more
The perils faced in this job claim far too many of our brothers and sisters. Sometimes it seems like... more
Those who know... know. There is nothing like losing your faithful furry companion. The bonds we share with... more
Cops are getting charged.. arrested.. convicted. No two situations are the same and this message as well as this... more
You can’t be in the first responder wellness space and not know about James and his work on Behind the... more
Ana is a lot of things: military kid, ex collegiate athlete, paramedic and nutrition and exercise coach and tactical athlete.... more
Kurt Weinreich has been a fitness professional in Colorado for over 25 years and utilizes his experience in the industry... more
I got turned onto Antonio Neves and his work years ago after hearing him speak on a major health and... more
I met (new LT!) Sarah Shendy at the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 40 Under 40 Award ceremony Dallas... more
Through getting connected to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (check our prior ep. #85!!) I got to meet and learn about... more
When the gents at Level Up and Live connected with me, their name alone told me it was probably going... more
I got turned onto Antonio Neves and his work years ago after hearing him speak on a major health and wellness podcast.... more