Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership

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 thing, but as combat veteran Mark Messina discusses- we don't need more awareness- we are all keenly aware.  We need ACTION that actually addresses the issue and provides immediate help to those suffering.   We talk about Mark's mili...

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, confidence and mindset.   In this episode, we discuss all that- with former NCIS turned corporate leader turned leadership coach Rebecca Fitzsimmons.  We expand on topics of development and elevating to optimize ourselves- regardless of what ca...

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 like "reaching out, EAP, Peer Support, and resources" but what are the different modalities, organizations, and strategies? Shawn Thomas, retired LEO, founded 1st Responder Conferences to address this. She shares about her career...

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 how this whole Blue Grit project, podcast and all, have grown and how they have helped me and others grow as well.  It's about elevating our community through learning and developing - whether it's our first responde...

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.  It's evokes a strange feeling, as I don't see why it matters more that I'm a "boss" and sharing it- as I feel much just "a guy" trying to support and invite others through this sharing of insight. However, wh...

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 awareness, connection, framework, communication, trust, and structures to SUPPORT those dynamics?  (Hint: yes, that's what we aim to do!) Enter Rebecca Lynn, of Proud Police Wife.  As the name and title describes, Rebecca shares, connect...

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 episode, I am joined by "Doc" Jena Casas.  She breaks down what the psych eval and component are all about for applicants and agencies. We cover takeaways from the hiring perspective and how candidates' awareness in this can help...

When we (as an industry) fail we must not look away, but examine so we can learn from "our" collective mistakes.  This stings at best and disgraces at worst.  When so many of us are shedding our literal blood, sweat, and tears in the service of others and to elevate the badge, others would sully it. In this episode, ret. Capt. Bill Fraass (from Ep. 186 where he teaches us about principle...

Some time ago I asked who I needed to have on the show. One of you emphatically said DR. JODY!  I’m pretty sure that’s how it was written with much other reflection! I wasn’t familiar, and started looking and finding how much work Dr. Jody has done to share and advocate for the first responder and police communities and how to ACTUALLY support not only the industry but how to help us help others a...

There have been a lot of Valley SWAT officers on this show, and it’s for good reason.  When you have high cohesion and performance in team, it’s worth looking at the individuals that make it up. When local cops consider credible leadership in or out of SWAT, Eric Gordon’s name tops the list.  Gordon shares on his background, getting into the military and “why policing.” We dive into mentorship, cr...

Ask and you shall receive!  I am grateful to be able to contribute to bringing in new, bright and committed future cops!  From my time in hiring and recruiting, as a trainer and supervisor- and being on both sides of the interview tables countless times, I answer your questions about the process and how to show up BEST! It's about showing up right, saving time, money, and angst.  When you tes...

With all the new police applicants, candidates, recruits, and student officers aka ROOKIES (endearing tone) tuning it, I’m excited to showcase this panel of widespread and ranged experience.  Each active officer is or has been an FTO: coming to us from both sides of WA State and the Midwest.  Listeners will gain tons of valuable insight hearing about pet peeves of trainers, common issues with stud...

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 my pleasure to get to know him better.   In this episode, he shares his story of hardship coming up, military service, issues re-integrating and finding purpose, health, and resilience through it all.  — Eddie Lowery enlisted in the U.S. Na...

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 across the nation and beyond. In this episode, I’m joined by former partners: cop and mental health professional that worked in this exact capacity, and who speak and teach on these topics.  We cover everything a new cop, co-responder offic...

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 actual culture? Chief Marcia Harnden appears to be walking the walk- in an iconic and positive  way. I first learned about her work through an article by Chris Littrell in Police1- and her professional reputation from western WA became apparent...

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 things that caught me off guard- and that I could see and feel in my own life! The post was by Cassidi Dye, who joins me in this episode, sharing why she came into working as a psychologist with first responders.  She teaches us the 7 signs out...

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 for people- from inmates to those in crisis.   Shawn now serves as the director for Stronger Families- promoting first responders' health and wellness through supporting the family.  We cover why family can so often take the backsea...

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.  That is in a literal sense.  And so, when our police leaders hit the front page with scandal, corruption, nepotism and cronyism, it feels like that much bigger of a gut punch. In this episode, I'm joined by veteran police leader, re...

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 Dennis Pishock joins me for a raw, real talk dive into the importance of health routines- from high-intensity workouts to restorative meditation practices. His "why" and belief structures came from enduring hard, dismal outlook as the...

Soon after I entered into the police wellness space, I learned about Chief Neil Dubord's leadership philosophy and style- which incorporated wellness concepts foundationally.  I learned about his Bend, Don't Break podcast, which highlights these crucial health topics for officers to endure, maintain and build resilience. It was my sincere pleasure and honor to meet and join him on the sh...

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, but I didn't like the vibe of the title- as it felt manipulative.   A wise leader I know and respect pointed out that all leadership is that in certain ways- and influencing/manipulating/compelling does not have to be coerciv...

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 but because we GET BETTER.  Many of your gritty, growth-minded individuals find ways to regularly lean into challenge.  Some of us find ways to inject and inflate adversities with the goal of betterment. That's all and well, but what abo...

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 went to record and talk about it- I ended up feeling a lot of things- and satisfied wasn't really one of them. I felt a bit sad about the whole thing.  The victim. The circumstances, the community it affected.  I tabled the idea. Some...

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 agency leaders and officers recognize its potential, as well as hazards that can be detrimental toward policing, implementation, and prosecution.  In this episode, I am joined by Daniel Francis, CEO and founder of Abel- which has the goal o...

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 of our personal lives.  When is enough, ENOUGH? When is it all... just too much? Fellow former police sergeant, wellness advocate, author, podcaster, returning guest and friend Chris Littrell is a shining example of what resilience looks l...