Shows / Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
Welcome to Blue Grit Radio: the podcast for police officers, first responders, and service-minded leaders who want to elevate their performance in career and life. Hosted by Eric Tung, an active police leader, trainer, and mentor, this show explores topics, lessons, and resources, for listeners with to achieve professional excellence and personal resilience.Each episode features raw conversations, actionable insights, and interviews with leaders in law enforcement, wellness experts, veterans…
Episodes
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
344: Police Profession, Greater Purpose, Stoicism and Wellness on The Chief Exchange
Hi, I'm Eric. I didn't always want to be a police officer, in fact, if you asked 10 or 18 year old Eric, he would have been likely puzzled, thinking you were…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
343: GOOD GRIT - How a Kid is Helping Others Dream Again, and How You Can Help!
This job (and life) affords countless examples of inspirational things that humans are capable of. It's that much more impactful and awe striking when it's one…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
342: Moral Injury, Police & First Responders, Pathways & Prevention, Dr. Brooke Bartlett returns
In this episode, Dr. Brooke Bartlett returns and discusses the concept of moral injury, its pathways, contributing factors, and strategies for recognition and…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
341: Good GRIT - On & Off Duty Passions, Car Crash Rehab & Police, Limitless Momentum, w/ Ariana Stone
In this episode, Ariana Stone shares her inspiring journey of resilience, mental health advocacy, and leadership in first responder communities. We explore her…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
340: Police & Martial Arts, Training, Identity & More! w/ Jason Harney
Story-telling is a key element core to our human existence, and is one that is unmatched in teaching, depicting, and building understanding. My guest, Jason…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
339: Highs and Lows, Working K-9 Units & Rocky Mentality w/Chris Bingham
There's a saying in K-9 work: the only thing two handlers can agree on... is that the third is messed up. Luckily this isn't real true, as my guest Chris…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
338: Identity and Stoicism for Resilience, w/ Alec Wons
Alec Wons is something(s) else. You may recognize he's the name, voice, and mind behind The Chief Exchange podcast. Getting to flip the mics and get him on the…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
337: TRUST - How Bosses Trash it and How we Rebuild it, w/ Christine Townsend (pt. 2)
In this episode, Christine Townsend returns and we highlight key lessons for building, repairing, and fostering trust for leaders.In the last episode, we…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
336: Broken Trust is Killing Your Organization, and What to Do About it, Christine Townsend pt. 1
In this insightful interview, Christine Townsend shares her unique journey from journalism to policing and her deep exploration of trust, moral courage, and…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
335: Ice Bath, Sauna, Red Light, Vagus Nerve Recovery Every Agency Needs, w/ Rich Ganley
Our bodies and minds get beat up by the job. The gear wearing down our posture, backs and hips. Our mainstays of caffeine and cortisol, the long shifts and…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
334: The Undead or the Un-Living? Crash & Lost Purpose in First Responder Work, w/ Jon Vargas
How many people are just going through the motions.. surviving...autopilot? Simply existing, sub-optimally, and not LIVING? In our high-stress, high-paced…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
333: Warriors in First Responder Work, Understanding and Supporting the Warrior Archetype
As first responders, you face intense pressure and trauma daily. But what does it really take to build mental resilience in such demanding roles? In this…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
332: Empty Leadership, How to Spot It, and What to Do to Fix It
In this insightful interview, retired police chief Kristen Ziman shares her leadership journey, the importance of humility, embracing continuous learning, and…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
331: Dispatch Saved My Life from Suicide w/ fmr. Officer Tricia Small (First Responder Wellness & Resilience)
“Saved by the bell.” The phrase that accompanied a situation with mounting tension… built up the the brink. A moment of dread impending, and then a sound or…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
330: Cultural Competency and Crucial Context - for First Responder, Clinicians, Family, and More
"Culturally competent." The words get thrown around a lot in discussion, on mental health practitioner profiles, and first responder wellness trainer bios. But…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
329: The King Suffers, So Will the Kingdom. Ownership, Wellness, and Organization
In this episode, Eric explores the timeless lessons from the legend of the Fisher King to highlight the importance of personal and organizational wellness. He…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
328: The Leadership Forge: Culture by Design w/ Chief Doreen Jokerst & Major Zach Stephens
This episode explores the critical role of intentional culture building within organizations, featuring insights from Chief Doreen Jokerst and Major Zach…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
327: Lincoln on Leadership: Key Strategies and Tactics, Book Review
"Lead by being led."In this conversation, Eric reviews the book 'Lincoln on Leadership' by Donald T. Phillips, exploring the leadership principles exemplified…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
326: Real Responder Resources: What's Next? w/ Code 4 NW, Nick Bauer & Andy McCurdy
Who helps the helpers? This is a question that organizations like Code 4 Northwest has been working to answer since before I started in this career nearly two…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
325: MORE Hiring Q&A for Police and Public Safety Careers
In this quick episode, I answer questions that help entry-level applicants and those testing for special unit selection as well as promotions. We cover…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
324: Police & Purpose - through Unrest, Loss and the Grind, w/ Capt. Kory Flowers
The past few years highlighted many police leaders hanging up the badge - often with their sharing about how it just wasn't worth it anymore. I'm glad to be…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
323: GOOD GRIT: Reality of Resilience, Donna Brown Returns - Responder Advocate & Trainer, Author, Police Sgt. ret.
I am grateful to premiere the new GOOD GRIT series, focused on people doing genuinely GOOD stuff out there in the community. Who better to kick this off than…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
322: The REAL Gift of Gab to Build Police Teams and Save Lives w/ Alex Mann
In this engaging interview, Alex Mann shares insights on the art of communication, de-escalation, and adaptability in policing, drawing from his 28-year career…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
321: No More Performance Evals? Why they aren't Effective and What to do Instead, w/ Chief Scott Hughes
We all know evals are generally ineffective. They're check boxes, and often don't reflect objectively across the ranks. In this conversation, Chief Scott…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
320: Ask for Help & Lose your Job? Confidentiality, Therapy Types, Sleep, L&I for First Responders, Police and Military w/ Drs. Thalia Nicholson & Larissa Tate
In this conversation, Dr. Thalia Nicholson and Dr. Larissa Tate discuss the mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans, specifically the…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
319: What's Hurting and Helping Police and Community: Chaplain Panel Perspective, w/ Jared Altic and Matt Domyancic
"Pain shared is pain divided."This conversation delves into the multifaceted role of chaplains in supporting first responders, particularly police officers…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
318: Are you ready for FIFA World Cup?! (And other Major Event Planning, Public Safety, Emergency Management)
FIFA World Cup will prove to be the largest sporting event the USA has ever seen, and this will occur in just weeks. This is the sentiment shared from not only…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
317: New Tools for Nervous System Regulation w/ Emily Ireland and Light Touch
You carry the weight of the job in your body, whether you feel it or not. (When you feel it.. you know it!) The nervous system doesn't forget a shift... it…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
316: Beyond Generational Talk, but what Police Leaders Need to DO about It! w/ Will Akin, Bill Fraass, & Tyler Comeaux
This conversation explores far beyond the dynamics of generational differences in the workforce, but what responsible police leaders need to know and do about…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
315: First Responder Panel: Identity Pitfalls, Lessons and Tips (pt.2) w/ Megan Amaturo, Rich Creamer, David Smith
(Part 2 of 2!) In the demanding world of first responders, the concept of identity plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
314: First Responder Panel: Identity Pitfalls, Lessons and Tips (pt.1) w/ Megan Amaturo, Rich Creamer, David Smith
In the demanding world of first responders, the concept of identity plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and their roles. This…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
313: The Threats Beneath the Surface.. Protecting our Protectors, with Ray Lankin
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 50% of American adults over 20 have cardiovascular disease. For first responders, the risks are even…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
312: Transforming & Improving Police Training: Insights from Tony Anderman
In this conversation, Eric and Tony Anderman discuss the intersection of leadership, training, and culture within law enforcement. They explore the importance…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
311: Your Body Keeps the Score and STRESS! Tips and Solutions in Somatic work w/ Romay Nichols
In this conversation, Eric and Romay Nichols delve into the complexities of stress, particularly in the context of law enforcement and first responders. Romy…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
310: The Problem with our "Wellness" Culture: Gurus, Hacks, and Bullies (Police, First Responders, and More)
I've been seeing something very disturbing in our circles of speakers, clinicians content generators... our "community." In the wellness space for first…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
309: Modernizing Police through Effective Training, w/ Capt. Heather Glogolich and Scott Savage (Sgt, ret.)
This conversation delves into the critical intersections of training, leadership, and culture within policing. The panelists discuss the importance of…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
308: Why Police Fail: Media, Public Relations and PIO, w/ Julie Parker
In this conversation, Eric and Julie discuss the evolution of law enforcement communication, emphasizing the importance of transparency, authenticity, and…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
307: THE Key to Best Interview and Written Test Tips, for Police and Public Safety Entry, Promotion, Specialty Testing
Whether you are an entry level applicant, or a veteran officer seeking to get onto that high-speed unit, investigative team, or promote to the next rank, THIS…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
306: Rock Bottom to Recovery and Resilience: Police, Special Ops, Wellness Coordinator Dylan Ignacio (pt. 2)
(**Part 2**) In this conversation, Eric and Dylan Ignacio explore the critical importance of wellness in law enforcement. Dylan shares his personal journey…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
305: Police at Rock Bottom, Hard Life and Career Lessons & Lift to Live, w/ Dylan Ignacio, pt. 1
In this conversation, Eric and Dylan Ignacio explore the critical importance of wellness in law enforcement. Dylan shares his personal journey into policing…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
304: Rookie to Retiree Panel: Career Tips for Police and First Responders, w/ Greg Grogan and Doug White
In this engaging panel episode, Eric hosts Doug White and Greg Grogan, both seasoned veterans in policing and podcasting. They delve into the intricate balance…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
303: What Are We Missing? Post Incident Care, Wellness Panel, Police, Fire & Frontline Responders
This conversation features a wellness panel with industry leaders discussing the importance of peer support, mental health, and resilience in first responders…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
302: Tips for Healthy First Responder Culture, Organizational Wellness, Book Review Soul Therapy by Thomas Moore
In this episode, Eric delves into the concept of organizational wellness, drawing insights from Thomas Moore's book, "Soul Therapy." He emphasizes the…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
301: Officer Wellness = Community Wellness! Support, Health & Safety of ALL, w/ Dr. Carolyn Van Der Meulen, ATI
In this episode of Blue Grit Radio, Eric and Dr. Carolyn Van Der Meulen discuss the critical relationship between community wellness and the wellness of first…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
300: "Forever a Student" - 10 Lessons from Sparta, Career, and Life for GRIT
"Be forever a student."In this milestone episode 300, Eric reflects on his journey and shares ten valuable insights gained throughout his career, emphasizing…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
299: Leadership (SGT) Panel! PT 2! Critical Front-Line Roles, Styles, Impact w/ Dave Lind, Dave Struwing, Brian Frankeberger
Pt 2! This conversation delves into the critical role of first-line leadership in law enforcement, featuring a panel of experienced sergeants who share their…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
298: Leadership (SGT) Panel! Critical Front-Line Roles, Styles, Impact w/ Dave Lind, Dave Struwing, Brian Frankeberger
This conversation delves into the critical role of first-line leadership in law enforcement, featuring a panel of experienced sergeants who share their…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
297: Improving Police Culture: Losing a Brother, Stigmas, Team with FTO, Negotiator Brian Willard pt. 2
**Part 2** In this episode, Eric and Brian Willard discuss the critical importance of mental health in law enforcement, sharing personal stories and insights…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
296: Improving Police Culture: Losing a Brother, Stigmas, Team with FTO, Negotiator Brian Willard pt. 1
In this episode, Eric and Brian Willard discuss the critical importance of mental health in law enforcement, sharing personal stories and insights into the…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
295: Be the "Glue," Your Organization's Most Important Teammates and their Traits
Every team has rockstars. The hard chargers. The high producers. The ones who get recognized.And then there’s the GLUE. I recently saw a headline highlighting…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
294: Tips through Police Career Stages: Learning, Adapting, Health, Leadership, w/ Lt. David Smith, Pt. 2
Part 2! In this engaging conversation, Eric and Lieutenant David Smith explore the themes of leadership, wellness, and personal growth through stages of a…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
293: Tips through Police Career Stages: Learning, Adapting, Health, Leadership, w/ Lt. David Smith, Pt. 1
In this engaging conversation, Eric and Lieutenant David Smith explore the themes of leadership, wellness, and personal growth through stages of a police…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
292: 7 Habits of Highly Effective Officers (and People!), Book Review, Key Takeaways for being Better Humans
Many of you may have heard of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. I heard about it for years, and finally dove into it. Not only did I…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
291: Leadership Panel - Supporting People with Care & Progress, The Curve, Innovation & Development w/ Chela Cottrell & Siobhan McTighe
Effective leadership isn’t about one thing or the other; it’s about applying a multitude of skills, capacities, intentions and holding tension between them.In…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
290: Better Officer Safety, Leads, Intel Gathering w/ Police Tech, CrimeTracer
The faster the world moves, the quicker we need to move with it… and that’s only feasible with emerging, effective technology. Information is power… but only…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
289: Police Leaders in Difficult, Uncertain Times, Stoicism, and Practical Perspective w/ Nathan Romas
In this cross-platform episode, Sgt. Nathan Romas (The Quiet Professional podcast) and I reconnect once again in this - on police leadership today. We discuss…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
288: First Responder Careers Declining? Hyper-Vigilance, Fatigue, Mind & Consciousness w/ Jon Vargas
In this special edition episode we discuss trends, challenges, and dynamics that our first responder professions are facing. Jon Vargas, active firefighter and…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
287: Brain Enhancement, Neuroplasticity, Stress Reduction for Police and First Responders: Dr. Oscar Harp
We often talk about health and wellness and peak performance, but in those conversations, our brain health and optimization is often an afterthought.In this…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership286: Cops! Don't be Fooled by Suspects! Violence Prevention & Building Strength w/ Raven Buckingham Aae
Cynicism is a slippery, tricky beast. It sneaks in and suffocates our resolve, our purpose, our WHY. When cops are complaining, we are playing the victim. We…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership285: Family First, Changes in Identity, & First Responder Retirement Challenges w/ Greg Furnia
Sometimes the hardest mission is when you have to adapt to a new role. Identity is a tricky thing to grapple with when we take on this "job" which is more than…