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, Leadership224: How to Help Community Understand Police (On Being a Supporter & Telling Our Stories) w/ Abby Ellsworth
If only people understood what we did.. why we do this job.. what it takes.. what it tests.. If only they knew we were people, doing our best..I connected with…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership223: What Police Need to Know about Toxic Media and Negative Narratives w/ Aaron Brown, National Gratitude
We turn on the news (or our socials) and see ALL THIS NEGATIVITY. It's the state of the union, it's police everything, it's videos, headlines, and a whole…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership222: How to Rise Up & Rebalance Life and Identity after a Police Career, w/ Doug White
Sometimes you read a phrase, a sentence a story and you get hit. With an idea, with resonance. With jarring feelings - with feeling seen. I had many of all…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership221: Should You Test for Promotion (again?) Q&A for Police Career Moves
I often get questions and requests for feedback asking if they should test to promote (sergeant, command, etc). Usually this involves giving the landscape of…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership220: Must-Dos for Self-Care and Wellness for Police and First Responders, w/ Tami Sharp and Chris Zamora, Law Enforcement Coaching
Wellness. Those into it "get it" but those who aren't into it roll their eyes and think they "get it" too. However, those folks are often the one who need it…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership219: Real Talk on Real Police Leadership, w/ Chief Booker Hodges
A buddy I used to work with sent me a news interview of his chief, commenting on a pursuit of a suspect vehicle, with an arrest. The chief spoke plainly…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership218: 7 Bruce Lee Concepts to Up-level Mindset for Police and more!
Bruce Lee… the Dragon! I grew up loving. Bruce Lee, and one of the few things my dad and I were able to bond over in my younger years was learning about him…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership217: End Checkbox Police Training with True Critical Thinking, Scott Savage
Training Day. Sigh. (The movie was great, but the state-mandated, checkbox curriculums, death-by-Power Point, and so on.. is not). Too many trainers, leaders…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership216: How to Get out of a Rut / Funk / Low Point (feat. Chris Littrell)
Several weeks ago I found myself in a funk. There were many logical reasons: normal work stress, abnormal work stress, busy schedule, travel, mounting…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership215: How to Prep for Your Next Career and Chapter, BEYOND the Badge w/ Shaun Nestor
We talk about work/life balance (which is an illusion) and the frequent over-identity of our police careers. Things that help this are recognizing our legit…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
214: Q&A - How do I gain (good) weight and build muscle? (for the "Hard-Gainers")
The answer isn’t just more protein or eating garbage snacks and fast food…This is a throwback to where much of Blue Grit started- simply sharing some…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership213: First Responders- Own Worst Enemies? Build Understanding and Grace w/ Robyn Sonnier
The longer I am involved in the policing industry and first responder communities, the more I believe our biggest threat isn’t what’s “out there…” it’s in…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership212: Sheriff Derek Sanders Returns, State of the County/Community/State/ Policing
After connecting with Sheriff Derek Sanders in episode 44, we have seen a LOT of proactive police work, video content, press releases, solid…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
211: 5 Ways to Build Organizational Culture and Wellness
Wellness. Leadership. Culture. How do you build it? In this episode, I nod to 5 concepts we can all take on, regardless of our ranks. (Lead at all levels!)With…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
210: Wellness Panel- How to build as individuals AND community: first responders and beyond!
We talk about building wellness, but how do we do it at scale? It starts with us, but it quickly becomes about others- and how we contribute to a COMMUNITY of…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
209: Financial Health and Rediscovering how to Serve, w/ fmr. LEO Bryan Pitman
Blue Grit Wellness (and Radio) was created to promote health in all facets.. but one topic where I've been admittedly light has been financial health (likely…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
207: First Responder Career Myths, Challenges and Solutions, w/ Doc Jena Casas
High divorce rates. Failed communication. Vices. In this episode, Dr. Jena Casas returns to BGR to help us iron out these notions and help us challenge their…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
208: 10 Tips for Police Academy, Prep, Dial in and Succeed!
For the newly hired rookies (and frankly all future prospects and candidates!) I am sharing and breaking down ten tips from a PoliceMag.com article by Ronnie…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership206: Building Your Gifts for GOOD w/ Clee Tilman (Detective, Author, Host, Animator)
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…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership205: "The Backup Career": Professional Police Skill Development with Officers Vince and Devonta from Welcome to the Street
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…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership204: Parking Unit Game Changer, How to Improve Revenue and Reduce Violence w/ Tire Tag
Parking tickets.. logistically a challenge. Most people don't pay them, and no action is pursued since it's unfruitful. In addition, parking officers and…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership203: Combatting First Responder and Veteran S-icide: ACTION over Awareness w/ veteran Mark Messina, QRF UP
We often talk on the alarming and devastating rates of depression, crisis and su-cide in first responder and veteran communities. Bringing awareness is one…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership202: Leading with Conviction, NCIS to Corporate and Beyond, w/ Rebecca Fitzsimmons, Tactical Harmony
First responder careers are no joke- I have seen it be a forge for development in personal, professional arenas- in skills for leadership, problem solving…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership201: Highlighting Resources for First Responders, w/Shawn Thomas 1st Responder Conferences
We can talk a lot about wellness resources, but when someone is hurting, how does one access them? We can think about these elusive, intangible words and ideas…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership200: Lessons and Reflections on Growth, Purpose, Gratitude, and Dealing with the Haters (for cops, civilians, rookies, and vets alike!)
Here we are.. Episode 200! It's crazy how far we've come (we certainly being you and I, those following along, joining in and sharing out). I'm grateful for…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership199: How to Model Wellness in Police Leaders- the Deputy Chief Duo Julie Beard and Andy McCurdy
I have often been complimented for being a police leader and sharing about vulnerability in the vein of first responder and police wellness and resilience…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership198: What I Wish Police Couples and Families Knew- w/ Rebecca, "Proud Police Wife"
Marriage is hard. Police marriage is harder. Ok, the dynamics can be challenging.. but is it helpful to dwell on that- or do we lean into the facts and build…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership197: The Need-to-Know on Pre-Hire Police Psychological Evals for Applicants w/ Doc Jena Casas
The policing testing and hiring process is daunting enough.. and then you have to be evaluated by a psychologist? Intimidating to say the least! In this…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership196: Learning from Past and Present Mistakes: NYPD Scandal w/ Bill Fraass (Capt. ret.)
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…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership195: How to Heal Cops and Family Systems to Heal Community, w/ Dr. Jody Carrington
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…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership194: True Leadership, Mentoring, & Development for Police, w/ Sgt. Eric Gordon
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…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership193: Hiring Q&A for Police Applicants: Process, Bad Questions, College Majors, Difficulty, Timeline and More!!
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…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership192: FTO Panel: What Police Trainers want (and don't want) to see in Recruits and Rookies
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…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership191: Finding Good after Hardship and Military Service w/ veteran Eddie Lowery
When we think about how far we can go, it can be empowering to see how far we have come. Eddie initially reached out to have me on his podcast, and it has been…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership190: Everything Police need to know about Crisis / Co-Responder Units: the what, why, and how to start w/ Sgt. Jamie Ford and Susie Kroll (MHP)
Crisis and Co-Responder units began popping up much more in recent years, as mental health and substance epidemics became some of the biggest discussed issues…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership189: Police Leadership through Care, Wellness, & Listening w/ Chief Marcia Harnden
Often, we see police wellness as a checkbox. So what does it take to build a legitimate wellness approach- that goes beyond programs and policies but into…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership188: 7 Signs of Burnout- What First Responders and Police need to know w/ Cassidi Dye
Always looking for new health information, I came across a post by about signs of burnout. Some weren’t surprising, some perked my interest, and some were…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership187: Building a Strong Police Career, Community and Stronger Families w/ Shawn Barnes
In this episode, I am joined by former LEO (corrections, sheriff's deputy, police) Shawn Barnes. We cover his career progress, lessons in empathy and caring…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership186: Police Leadership Concepts, Failures, and Scandals w/ Capt. William Fraass (ret.)
Bad cops in the news. It stings every time. So many men and women put their blood, sweat, and tears out on the line to rep the profession and serve the public…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership185: Key Lessons, Demons & Angels in First Responder Work w/ Dennis Pishock
We often talk about the grind and impacts of a first responder career- on our minds, bodies, families, and general outlook. Active cop/firefighter/trainer…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership184: Career Advancement through Self-Work, Humility and Determination in Police w/ Chief Neil Dubord (ret.)
Soon after I entered into the police wellness space, I learned about Chief Neil Dubord's leadership philosophy and style- which incorporated wellness concepts…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership183: How Cops Should "WIN"/Earn Connection and Influence People (Friends, Peers, Suspects) w/ Trevor Wolcott
Leaders are Readers. And so much of leading is learning, trying, and staying humble. I had heard of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" many moons ago…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership182: New Tip on Adversity, Police & First Responders... Twist on Mindset for Resilience
Adversity, challenge, issues, problems.. If we take a beat we can recognize the power of facing, battling and overcoming these items- not just because we CAN…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership181: "Satisfying" Arrests, the Criminal Justice System, How to Process Outcomes
I received a question from one of you asking about my most satisfying arrest. It was hard to pick one, but I picked something that definitely stood out. As I…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership180: A.I. and Policing : Pros, Cons, and how to Effectively Use Artificial Intelligence w/ Abel Police
A.I. is HERE, and like any other tool or technology, law enforcement needs to be aware of how to adopt it responsibly. When it comes to report generation, many…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership179: Loss, Struggle, and Resilience for First Responders, w/ Chris Littrell and John Kelly
Often, we discuss loss, grief, and resilience in this first responder career. Too often, what we see and manage in our jobs collides with the stress and trauma…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership178: Small Town, Big City Police, & Countless Lessons Learned from Cops Nationwide w/ Sgt. Steve Gould (Things Police See Podcast)
In this episode, I'm joined by active police sergeant and host/creator of Things Police See. I've been on his show and am glad to be able to have him here. He…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership177: How to Improve Leadership in Police or ANY Organization, w/ Jonni Redick (ret. AC of CHP) and Oakland McCullouch (ret. Army LTC)
Leadership principles are simple.. but execution with personalities, organizational culture, history, drama... that's where it gets really complicated really…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
176: A Word to Police Applicants & Active Officers, on the Hiring Landscape, the Career, and What Mindset you Need
So much of my "why" is to help guide the next generation of cops, police professionals and leaders in the ways I can best. Much of that comes from sharing my…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership175: Do YOUR Job, Old School vs. New School Police Academy and Patrol Dynamics w/ Sgt. Brian Anderson
If everyone just did their jobs, wouldn't this whole police work, leadership, culture, morale thing be a little too easy?In this episode, one of my old academy…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership174: Improving Cops with Tools, Info, Attitude w/ School Resource Officer Devonta Richardson (Welcome to the Street)
In this episode, my guest School Resource and SWAT Officer Devonta Richardson and I discuss huge topics that are necessary for EVERY member of the rank and…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership173: Applicants! What You Should Know about Police Backgrounds and Polygraph
There are a host of episodes on Blue Grit Radio focused on hiring, for prospective applicants and police candidates. In fact, most of the episodes have…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership172: Human Trafficking: the Signs, Challenges, and Efforts Police Need to Know
It is January, and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. In this episode, we explore this crucial topic that should be focused upon not just for police, but all…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership171: 12 protein snacks recommended by Harvard and my thoughts for first responders / cops on patrol
It's January- and many of us are resetting and focusing on some healthy habits. Life is hectic, but shiftwork for first responders, cops on the street, getting…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership170: Recruit, Develop, Retain- What Police Agencies Need
You all know I’ve been preaching about recruiting and development for our police teams. Many agencies across the country are still struggling with their…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership169: New Year, New Orleans Attack, and How Police and Protectors need to Prepare
New Years morning was a devastating one for many of us who awoke to the tragic news. Another mass casualty attack on our own soil. Lives taken and shattered.I…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership168: Off-Duty Challenges, Work/Home Balance, Hypervigilance, Boundaries and Destress for Police and First Responders
In this panel episode, we hit a crucial number of topics that I'm frequently getting questions and feedback about. Work and home life balances and stress…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership167: Getting Shot Off-Duty, Resilience in Police, Carrying the Torch in Service w/ Donovan Heavener
When we talk about grit and resilience, it's about growing to overcome hard times and experiences. Retired LEO Donovan Houvener, local professional colleague…
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership166: Leadership Panel: police leaders at all levels, dealing with toxic employees, lessons learned through the ranks w/Chief Cherie Harris, Chief Erik Scairpon, ret. Chief/Undersheriff Chris Hsiung
Police issues are shared, as are leadership challenges- and solutions! In this episode, my esteemed guests tackle big themes and challenges that frequently…
- Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
165: Resilience Through Fitness, How to Make Health and Fitness work for Your First Responder Life, w/ active LEO Deven Kennedy
Just in time for New Years... an episode focused on not only building, training, and elevating your body- but RESILIENCE- aka building, training, and elevating…