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

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...

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 shares about his career, the podcasting journey and the negativity AND positivity of police culture. Steve Gould is a police sergeant currently working in Western Massachusetts and is on his 19th year of LE service. He hosts the...

Leadership principles are simple.. but execution with personalities, organizational culture, history, drama... that's where it gets really complicated really fast.  In this episode, I have hard hitters in senior leadership from in and out of law enforcement.  Welcoming back returning guest, Jonni Redick, retired as an Asst. Chief in the California Highway Patrol and new guest, Oakland (Oak) M...

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 experiences, missteps, and lessons learned. After many years in this career- there are many. In the episode, I paint the picture of the climate of law enforcement.  While initially geared for new applicants, the message rings true f...

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 mates and regional cop leader, Brian Anderson joins me to discuss back in the day, and that culture does and doesn't sync with certain aspects of current law enforcement culture.  We go down memory lane, how we were taught and le...

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 file in police departments (and any org. really)... - how to encourage a proactive, positive patrol culture - how to find the information and resources you need - the huge impact school resource officers have - how to be the model officer, lead...

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 tangible insights and advice that any applicant can learn from and put into practice in their lives and hiring process immediately! However, when it comes to the specific processes that agencies use, the information and steps can seem overwhelming...

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 members of the community and our shared society. When it comes to human trafficking, it often starts young. The crime knows no bounds; it truly affects every neighborhood and every demographic.  I’m joined by Sgt Kyle Baker, who worked for y...

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 called in... is even more so! In this episode I go back to my roots in where Blue Grit started.. giving advice and insight I learned through countless hours of research and self-experimentation. I share 12 protein-based snacks feature...

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 numbers, which impacts everyone’s wellness, and truly their ability to do their job. This is what intrigued me about the focus of Performance Protocol- focused on addressing recruiting by truly investing in the people- our most valuable asset and...

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 found myself frustrated, dejected, and then motivated.  We as first responders, protectors in profession and life have much we can do- that we will do- and shall do.  Each day, week, month, and year, critical tasks mental, physical, and ar...

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 management are hard for average working folks.. but inject in a first-responder, police, fire, EMS, etc career?  Hypervigilance, Compassion Fatigue, Cynicism.. oh my! I'm joined by experts from different angles: Deana Kahle, (new face)...

When we talk about grit and resilience, it's about growing to overcome hard times and experiences.  Retired LEO Donovan Houvener, local professional colleague of mine shares with us just that: now just the "what," but the "how" and in many ways, the "why."   We explore his purpose and shifting adaptations between agencies and roles and ultimately what all cops co...

Police issues are shared, as are leadership challenges- and solutions!  In this episode, my esteemed guests tackle big themes and challenges that frequently come up in conversation on the show and amongst my circles.  Listen in as our agency heads share their extensive experience in law enforcement struggles with attitudes and driving culture positively. Chris Hsiung is a founding board member and...

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 your mind.  Easier said than done- and cookie cutter programs don't work for the masses- ESPECIALLY first responders.  How do you adapt programs when the week's schedule gets turned upside down with staying late, getting called in...

This episode was a long time coming!  I have been seeing Nathan's work, promoting critical conversations in law enforcement from north of the border.  We dive into a host of topics meaningful to officers at truly all ranks and roles: - leadership (official and unofficial) - non-stop challenges facing policing  - cultural dynamics of law enforcement - communication fails in our organizations ...

A key to personal and professional development is MENTORSHIP.  We need guides, coaches, and advisors to help us stay objective, focused, and on track.  Great mentors help steer us with their extensive experiences, insight and wisdom.  It is the most meaningful prong of development for individuals and organizations alike. With that, it is my sincere honor to feature an interview with Chris Hsiung. ...

Leadership starts with Ownership- leading yourself.  There are two dynamics here to underline.  The first is the recognition that you need to take charge, embrace growth, and model excellence for yourself if you are to take charge, embrace growth and support excellence in others.  Also, even for people who do not think of themselves as leaders due to role or rank- you absolutely are.  Anyone you t...

I appreciate the applicant who asked this question- way to be aware and set up for success! Frequently, we say and hear, “marriage is hard.” We say first responder marriages are harder. In this acknowledgement, are we acknowledging higher likelihood for defeat? Do we give ourselves “an out” too easily?   In this episode, I cover some of the points I outlined in a recent Police 1 column article, ta...