Shows
The Quiet ProfessionalS4E55: Saying “I Don’t Know” Makes You a Better Leader – Eric TungOriginal Recording Date: 2025DEC02.
Audio editing by Stephanie Bosch.
Views and opinions of the participants are their own.
Find #TheQuietProfessional across all podcast platforms and more content through the convenient Linktree ▶️ https://linktr.ee/tqp780 ◀️
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TOPICS:
Guest: Eric Tung – a police officer since 2007, currently serves as a police commander and wellness coordinator in Washington State. He shares his continual lessons learned in leadership, wellness and team dynamics through his weekly newsletter, Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast, and speaking and training engagements.
Catch up: news and up...
2025-12-0848 min
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership239: Police Work: The Wildest Show on Earth, w/ Eric Tansey, fmr. officer and veteranA career in policing can bring you your highest highs (epic arrests, life-shifting moments, hilarious hijinks) and your lowest loss (tragedy, trauma, death and devastation). In this episode, I connect with veteran and former officer, Eric Tansey. Eric and I connected on social media due to his work with the Failure to Stop podcast. We talk about LIFE: his military experience, ups and downs and his exit his police career, family, and his new book (upcoming in the interview, but available now). He shares not only his humor, but his mindset on marching to the beat of your...
2025-07-231h 12
On Being a Police OfficerEp. 73 – Switching Mics: Eric Tung of Blue Grit Wellness Interviews Me on My 15-Year Mission to Support Law Enforcement and the Story Behind This PodcastEp. 73 – Switching Mics: Kent PD Police Commander Eric Tung of Blue Grit Wellness Interviews Me on My 15-Year Mission to Support Law Enforcement and the Story Behind This Podcast. This episode is a crossover with my friend and fellow podcaster Eric Tung of Blue Grit Wellness and Blue Grit Radio. I am honored to have been a guest on his show and to be able to share it here. Here is how Eric described this episode on “Blue Grit Radio:”“If only people understood what we did.. why we do this job.. what it takes.. what it te...
2025-06-2439 min
Tell This StoryEric Tung of Blue Grit Wellness: Building Trust and Wellness in Leadership.Tell This Story with Doug WhiteBuilding Trust and Wellness in Leadership with Eric Tung of Blue Grit WellnessEpisode Summary:In this powerful episode, Doug White sits down with Eric Tung—law enforcement officer, speaker, and founder of Blue Grit Wellness—to unpack the critical relationship between leadership, trust, and self-care in the law enforcement community. Together, they explore how authentic leadership and a wellness-first culture can transform burnout into resilience and isolation into community. Eric shares the personal story behind his entry into policing and how his passion for h...
2025-05-151h 12
Beyond the DispatchEric Tung on Building Blue Grit: How He's Improving First Responder Mental Health and LeadershipEric Tung, police commander and host of Blue Grit Radio, joins us to share his powerful journey through the front lines of law enforcement. From K9 units to critical incident response, Eric opens up about leadership, loss, and the mission to reshape wellness culture in policing. This is a must-hear conversation for officers, families, and anyone who believes we can build better protectors by protecting those who serve.🎙️ Learn more at bluegritwellness.com
2025-05-061h 11
Gravity PodcastEpisode 177: Loss, Struggle, and Resilience for First Responders, w/ Eric Tung and John KellyThis week, Gravity Podcast releases an episode first recorded for Blue Grit Radio. Podcast host Eric Tung asked fellow podcasters Chris Littrell and John Kelly to join him to discuss loss, struggle, and resiliency. This was a great conversation.Eric later sent the episode to Chris and John and invited us to release this episode on our channels. Check out Eric's PodcastCheck out John's PodcastGravity Traininghttps://gravityct.com/trainingConnect with Gravity...
2025-04-231h 01
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership194: True Leadership, Mentoring, & Development for Police, w/ Sgt. Eric GordonThere 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, critical leadership development and how we need to push our profession forward with conviction. —Eric Gordon is a former Army Ranger from 2nd Battal...
2025-03-1259 min
Beyond the Uniform with The LT's Daughter46. Eric Tung on Learning and Leading from the Front: Officer Wellness, Leadership & Building Better CopsIn this episode, I sit down with Commander Eric Tung, a 17-year law enforcement veteran who is leading the charge on wellness, leadership, and resilience in policing. Eric shares his journey from frontline officer to overseeing patrol operations, peer support, and wellness programs, and how he’s working to build stronger, more adaptable officers.Eric is also the creator of Blue Grit Wellness and Blue Grit Radio, where he helps officers become better cops, better leaders, and better humans. This conversation is packed with re...
2025-03-041h 00
Proud Police Wife PodcastEP 69: Wellness & Grit for Law Enforcement with Eric TungThe mental, social, emotional and even spiritual impacts of working as a first responder are all connected. And they not only impact the first responder but also the family.Today we are talking about how one police officer talks about the grit and wellness of police officers openly on social media and on his podcast.Joining us on the show today is Eric Tung. Eric has been a police officer in Washington state for 17 years. As the coordinator of peer support efforts, Eric is also one of the department's certified Critical Incident Stress Debrief facilitators...
2025-02-0430 min
The VinnyRoc PodcastMental Health in Law Enforcement: Overcoming Stress & Burnout W/ Eric TungWelcome back to the Vinny Roc Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Eric Tung, a veteran law enforcement officer and wellness advocate, to dive deep into mental health, resilience, and the challenges faced by first responders and veterans. Eric has 18 years of experience in law enforcement, currently serving as a commander overseeing patrol operations and wellness programs. He's also the creator of Blue Grit Wellness and the host of Blue Grit Radio, where he shares insights on leadership, health, and personal development for law enforcement officers and first responders. We cover a...
2025-01-3151 minMental Health in Law Enforcement: Overcoming Stress & Burnout W/ Eric TungWelcome back to the Vinny Roc Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Eric Tung, a veteran law enforcement officer and wellness advocate, to dive deep into mental health, resilience, and the challenges faced by first responders and veterans. Eric has 18 years of experience in law enforcement, currently serving as a commander overseeing patrol operations and wellness programs. He’s also the creator of Blue Grit Wellness and the host of Blue Grit Radio, where he shares insights on leadership, health, and personal development for law enforcement officers and first responders. We cov...
2025-01-3151 min
Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership161: Why are police marriages and relationships so hard? (And what we should do about it)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, tackling the topic, much of it a genesis from many conversations I’ve had on Blue Grit Radio with mental health and relationship experts.I lay out the mai...
2024-12-1334 min
Iron Sights#144 After Dark - Bridging The Gap: Police Culture and Mindset w/ Eric TungIn this episode of the Iron Sights After Dark Podcast, I’m joined by 17-year law enforcement veteran, Eric Tung.You might remember Eric from After Dark EP #114. Today, we’re diving into police culture, mindset and taking personal responsibility. Eric brings a thoughtful, practical perspective from his years in law enforcement, offering insights into mindset shifts, training, and bridging the gap between officers and the public.Be sure to follow Eric on Instagram and YouTube at @BlueGritWellness for more great content. Sit back and enjoy this episode!Timestamps:
2024-12-061h 18
The Hero AcademySeattle area LT Commander Eric Tung - Fit for DutyTHA #107 Join Dave and Eric Tung for an inspiring conversation on life on the job. Eric, a seasoned law enforcement professional, and fellow podcaster shares his raw, unfiltered experiences on policing and balancing work and personal life. From the K-9 unit to LT Commander and 2020 Seattle Riots, Eric's stories offer a captivating glimpse into his remarkable journey. Tune in for real talk, humor and valuable insights.Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
2024-11-2748 minThe Quiet ProfessionalS3E49: Wellness, Development, Blue Grit - Eric Tung - Podcaster and Commander with Kent Police Department.Original Recording Date: 2024NOV18.
Audio editing by Stephanie Bosch.
Views and opinions of the participants are their own, unless otherwise stated.
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TOPICS:
Eric’s story.
Wellness in policing.
Departmental help – proactive vs reactive on the issues.
Dealing with recent events in the U.S.
Race in policing and community relationships.
Eric’s projects: Blue Grit Wellness and Blue Grit Radio
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REFERENCES / RESOURCES:
Important Links:
Blue Grit Wellness: https://www.bluegritwellness.com/
Profiles and Social Media:
Find Eric on LinkedIn: https://www.lin...
2024-11-2558 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership129, Q & A: Is my age, size, education going to be a challenge starting in a police career?Here’s a solocast episode in follow up and coordination with my newest Police 1 article, where I answer the prompt on whether youth is a “problem” as a new cop. Yes and no… and all that comes with it.Beyond that factor, there’s every other thing. What about “being old” as a new guy or gal? What about being small, though fit and skilled? What about having no formal post high school education.. or truthfully- too much life in academia and not in the traditional workplace?With all that, we talk about Imposter Syndrome- what it is, ho...
2024-09-0432 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership128: Cops, Campers, and Carnivore: w/ retired LEO Eric Reynolds AKA Keto Five-OAs someone who has self-experimented with most very diet at least for some time, it’s always intriguing to talk to someone who found something that truly works for them! Enter Eric (spelled the right way)! Retired LEO, who, through keto/carnivore approach reversed his metabolic issues and is now thriving!We chat diet, but truly go much farther into lifestyle, service, trauma, and purpose - as he took an unconventional path to not only self-healing, but assisting and fostering recovery in others through community!—Eric Reynolds, aka "KetoFiveO," embodies resilience and transformation. After a dist...
2024-09-0155 min
Five Oooh!Blue Grit Wellness- Ft. Eric Tung we talk with Eric Tung about the vital role of health and wellness in law enforcement. As a passionate advocate for first responder well-being, Eric shares his insights on the physical, mental, and emotional challenges officers face and the importance of maintaining resilience through it all.Listeners will discover practical wellness strategies tailored to the demands of policing, including fitness routines, stress management techniques, and the value of mental health support.
2024-08-2055 min
Epicenter - Learn about Crypto, Blockchain, Ethereum, Bitcoin and Distributed TechnologiesMel Project: Is Web3 Truly Decentralised? - Eric TungWeb3’s decentralisation is currently limited to smart contracts as they can be verified on-chain. However, until scalability and UX become on par with that of Web2, the only realistic way for crypto to reach mass adoption is threw off-chain dApps. This creates the premise for a security bottleneck in the form of centralised APIs used for on-chain querying. Mel Project aims to expand on-chain security and decentralisation (consensus) to off-chain apps, basically achieving off-chain composability through trustless light clients. Earendil, the backbone of their ecosystem, designed to resist ISP-level censorship, is a decentralized anonymous communication and payment network th...
2024-07-261h 18
The Police Applicant PodcastEp. 92 - Eric Tung-Recruitment Standards, 30x30, and LeadershipIn today's episode, Ken and Commander Eric Tung (Kent, WA PD) discuss different topics from recruitment standards, 30x30, and leadership. Eric is a frequent guest and huge supporter of the podcast.
Find Eric at:
Instagram @bluegritwellness
Podcast: Blue Grit Radio
Our emails:
ken[atsign]policebackground.net
donovan[atsign]policebackground.net
2024-05-171h 09Iron Sights#114 After Dark - Life As A Cop: Honest Policing & Effective Stress Management with Eric Tung from Blue Grit WellnessIn today's episode, I linked up with officer Eric Tung to discuss his journey, policing and Blue Grit Wellness. Eric has been a police officer in Washington state for 16 years. He currently serves as a patrol operations commander in Kent, WA. He oversees peer support and wellness programs at his department and collaborates regionally with other police wellness leaders. As an officer, he worked in Patrol, as a Field Trainer, K9 Officer and in the Civil Disturbance Unit. After being promoted to sergeant, he supervised various patrol squads and was a team leader and trainer in the Civi...
2024-04-191h 42
Beyond the 1st ResponseEP 76: Blue Grit Wellness- Eric TungGetting Blue Grit In this Beyond the 1st Response episode, Christy had a profound discussion with Eric Tung, a highly respected police commander, department wellness coordinator, and peer support leader. They delved into the crucial topic of open conversations and the need to normalize processing the events that occur at work and home, a subject Eric is particularly well-versed. Blue Grit WellnessEric, has been straightforward with the need to hav...
2024-04-171h 04
The Overwatch Collective PodcastSZN 6 EP 12 - Eric Tung, Blue Grit Wellness, Active LEO Commander w/ 17 Years of ExperienceJoining via zoom in Seattle is Eric Tung a huge mental health advocate, who has been a LEO w/ Kent Police Department for 17 years. A huge congrats to Eric as he was recently promoted to the rank of Commander. Eric held various positions in the podcast such as K9 Officer and recruiting. Blue Grit Wellness started post 2020 after all of the negative energy with law enforcement. Eric hopped on and shared his insight on the profession and then took it upon himself to continue to spread the word that police officers are not what the media portrays.
2024-03-221h 01
Behind The ShieldEric Tung (Law Enforcement, Wellness and School Safety) - Episode 899Eric Tung is is a 16 year Law Enforcement officer and the man behind Blue Grit Wellness.We discuss his family's immigration story, his journey into policing, the emotional cost of officer involved shootings, the power of humility, social media, mentorship, schood safety and so much more. Eric Tung has been a police officer in Washington state for 16 years. He currently serves as a patrol operations commander in Kent, WA. He also oversees peer support and wellness programs at his department and collaborates regionally with other police wellness leaders.His experiences and those of hi...
2024-03-111h 57
Gravity PodcastEpisode 112: Crossover Episode with Eric Tung - Blue Grit RadioThis week, Chris teams up with Blue Grit Radio podcast host Eric Tung. This is a crossover episode, being published on Blue Grit Radio and here on the Gravity Podcast. Chris and Eric talk about all things law enforcement - wellness, leadership, retention, and more. When Eric is not podcasting, he produces wellness and leadership content on Instagram (bluegritwellness), writing articles for Police1 magazine, serving the greater Seattle community as a police commander, and is a committed husband and father.
GRAB SOME GRAVITY GEAR- T-Shirts, Sweatshirts, Coffee mugs...
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2024-02-281h 06
Law Enforcement Life Coach / Sometimes Heroes Need Help PodcastEric Tung / Commander / Blue Grit Wellness /| Police 1 Columnist / Podcast Host / Blue Grit Radio PodcastThis week I had the pleasure of sitting down with Eric Tung, a 17 year veteran of the law enforcement profession, developer and host of The Blue Grit Wellness Podcast as well as a coach, guiding and mentoring the folks in our ranks to become a better version of themselves. Eric is a gifted leader in that his emotional intelligence is extremely well developed. This development allows him the skills to absolutely get the best from not only his people, but just as importantly himself. Eric and I discuss the 3 R's, recruitment, retainment, and retirement, and how we as individuals an...
2024-02-261h 04
Endless Endeavor with Greg AndersonBetter Cops, Better Community with Eric TungIn Episode 192 I sit down with Eric Tung. Eric and I were recently connected through a mutual friend, and I was happy to have him on the show. Eric has been a police officer for 16 years in Washington State. His assignments included K9 officer, field trainer, recruiter, and civil disturbance team leader. He currently serves as a commander of patrol operations and within his department's wellness and peer support programs. His mission is for "Better Cops, Better Community," through writing and building content for the Blue Grit Radio Podcast focused on mindset, leadership, and wellness. It was great to...
2024-02-222h 18
FIAT LUXMel & Earendil w/ Eric Tung | FIAT LUX Podcast #12In this episode of FIAT LUX, we talk to Eric Tung, the founder of Mel, Geph & Earendil. MEL aims to build a clean-slate L1 to expand the Web3 vision of a decentralized, secure, and private internet beyond blockchains. Earendil is the first anonymous communication and transaction network designed to be decentralized, incentive-compatible, and ban-resistant. It is a foundational off-chain protocol in the Mel ecosystem.
Eric emphasizes the importance of decentralization, trustless interactions, and explores the vulnerabilities of centralized systems. The conversation delves into the resilience of the internet, the impact of shutdowns, and the demand for privacy in oppressive...
2024-01-191h 20Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 62: Shared patrol calls, when to promote, and community trust with Commander Cristian AdamsCommander Cristian Adams and I have collaborated on many things, most recently regional police recruitment and wellness initiatives. Although I've been a commander for a literal minute- not "street minute" which means a long time- we first connected many assignments ago. We recount nostalgic, funny patrol stories where I was a K9 handler responding to his fair city of Auburn and he was a Field Trainer. One thing I appreciate most about Cristian is his seemingly fluid ability to toggle serious and silly- the latter's value is a topic we discuss. The talk about the concept of promo...
2024-01-1855 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 61: Minerva Gaines (from the Police Applicant Podcast): How to be a Cop, Lessons, Experiences and InsightsI had to pleasure to first meet Minerva when she was co-hosting for the Police Applicant Podcast with Ken (see episode 53!). We chatted police hiring then and now.Prompted by a social media post about challenges facing women in policing (@fitresponder reel), we got chatting about how Minerva faced or witnessed a LOT of what was presented.In our conversation, we talk about the seemingly impossible work/life balance with themes of burnout and over-investment in police identity.Her experiences and insights on family dynamics: sacrifices and grind while working shift-work and working t...
2024-01-111h 23Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 60: Leading through Legacy, with my Police Academy Instructor, Officer Ken HensonWhether or not policing is for you, you've imagined a policy academy environment. It may have been suggested to you, from the comedies by the same title, SWAT, or Silence of the Lambs. In truth, it's a blend of all those things.. at least it was for me.My main TAC Officer (WA State Academy Instructor) was Ken Henson. He didn't work for my department, but if you think that would offer any initial lessened scrutiny, anonymity, or reports back home- you'd be sadly mistaken. You see- Ken worked for my department, PRIOR. He and a few othe...
2024-01-041h 23Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 59: Setting Sights on Stigma w/ RCMP ERT Officer Mark BouchardMark Bouchard is a Canadian cop who has been at the game for about the same amount of time as I have. His career and journey have taken him to some dark places, and where he and others found the light, he aims to bring that light-finding skill to our first responder community. Mark first reached out to me in the early part of the year. He saw what I was doing on the socials and it resonated. He, likewise, was committed to enhancing the conversation of first responder mental health through working on his book (which i...
2023-12-181h 13Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 58: Combatting Stress to Live with Balance, with nurse and coach Elena O’ConnellElena has been in nursing for 14 years, which has introduced her to expansive traumas and stressors that affect first responders daily. Through her observations, education, and personal experience, she has become passionately well-versed in skills and dynamics to promote healthy lifestyle balance.Elena is a stress and mindset coach, dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome life's challenges and create lasting positive change.She uses her knowledge in psychology, mindfulness, and holistic wellness practices, to make a meaningful impact in people's lives to combat stress, anxiety, sleep issues, overthinking and self-doubt.You can find E...
2023-12-131h 22Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 57, How to get better DAILY w/ veterans Shaun Taylor and Chance BurlesI have had the distinct pleasure to meet these two gentlemen aka Dudes in the podcast space. I've been on their podcast a few times, The Collective, which has crazily been airing EVERY DAY of 2023. Each time, the knowledge bombs are explosive (I'm talking about things they and others say that leave me in a beautiful mental fog of pondering (where I have to snapped back to reality when I'm called upon to offer response or reflection). These are two men who truly GET IT when we talk about not only veteran/first responder support, but how to...
2023-12-061h 37Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 56: Strength and Identity after the Badge, with Autumn CliffordAutumn is a former full time police officer who was injured in the line of duty. She suffered a career ending back injury with only 6 and a half years on the job. After facing this life changing event, she found herself at rock bottom facing an identity crisis. It is from here that Autumn had to reinvent herself and began life coaching professionally. She has went onto creating a world wide podcast, has become a sought after speaker who travels the country and has developed her own women's self-protection company, called She's an Asset. ...
2023-11-2248 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 54: Be a Multi-Dimensional Leader: Seb Lavoie, RCMP Sgt. Major (ret) and CEO of Raven StrategicI learned about Seb and his sheer intellectual and physical badassery through the gentlemen at The Collective. I was humbled to be invited on the platform and while I was perfectly content with the experience, I was put on the spot after the episode. The Collective Dudes, as I call them asked me if I would come back on (easy yes) and then asked who I would like to come on the show with. Seb was a name that popped up immediately. There are a lot of reasons why his name popped up. He has an intriguing, impre...
2023-11-061h 22Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 53: Background on THE Background Guy, with Ken Roybal from the Police Applicant PodcastMy entry into speaking on a podcast was via The Police Applicant Podcast. The Robin to my Batman (Brian, who you all well know by now) reached out and we were able to be hosted by Ken on his show. I've been on the show a couple times, and I love what he has built in the vein of helping many dedicated, passionate individuals learn more about the law enforcement profession, as well as providing guidance to many (mentorship people!)In my conversation with Ken, we chat how he got the podcast started and growing, also visiting hi...
2023-10-311h 03Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 55: Living and Training BIG with the Mobility Monster, Strength and BJJ athlete Ty HornI got connected with Ty and was immediately impressed with his extreme presence. At 6'6", 300 plus pounds he's a rolly-polly BJJ martial artist on the mats, can squat higher than I can count, and do the splits... this dude is something else.Oh, and all that isn't his day job. He spends his time designing and building custom homes down in Waco. To add more to be impressed by, he's a devoted father and family man who makes sure to focus on the important things, and spreads positive content on social media in that area as well.
2023-10-2957 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEp. 52: Living with Purpose, ON Purpose with ret. Officer Jerrod HardyThey say "like attracts like," which would explain why I was intrigued by Jerrod and what he was working on, post military and law enforcement service. He focuses his energy on PURPOSE, and hosts a podcast by the same name and theme. Jerrod graciously had me on his show some time ago, and it was my distinct pleasure to feel his positivity, learn from his critical thinking, and be inspired by his ability to shatter convention and battle discomfort.Listen along to hear about his life of service and career, to include training defensive tactics and a st...
2023-10-241h 14Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership51: Humble Police Leadership, Hiring, Mentoring, OIS Critical Incidents with ret. Sgt. Joe GagnerA good Sergeant is instrumental to an officer developing his or her career. Joe Gagner was one of my most positively influential sergeants. He ran the late swing crew- one of the most sought shifts that I was finally able to make it onto after a few years.I came to find my confidence under his supervision, becoming an FTO and later, K9. He ran the regional Civil Disturbance Unit I was a part of for most of my career. Later, with his retirement, I took on that team lead role as well as his call sign and...
2023-10-161h 50Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership50: First Responder Careers: Dispatcher, Police Officer, Firefighter and Hiring Tips with JeniFirst Responder World, as I called it, is riddled with crazy and amazing stories of triumph, life lessons on steroids (or any PEDs really, even SARMs if you wanna go there..), and intense things that only "we" and our families will ever truly understand. You could break that down into specifics with every different role. So what happens when you have a strong individual who dives in and excels in not one, but THREE of them? Meet Jeni, one of my prior teammates in Police. She got her start with that goal in dispatching, something I have EXT...
2023-10-091h 10Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership49: Overcoming Adversity, Lessons in Police Leadership and Determination for Cops, with Sgt. Chris NielsenBefore I met Chris, I had heard much about him. That happens with a certain kind of cop in the region (in the good way). He was a SWAT cop, he carried with him much experience and much respect. He and his wife ran a Crossfit gym. Facebook suggested we were friends, and I saw a photo of a dude who looked like a dude who ran a Crossfit gym. Oh, and I heard he was an attorney. WTF. You knew this guy would be different.. and different is good.When I met Chris, I was impressed. Some pe...
2023-10-021h 49Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership48: Fatherhood and Mentorship, what Police can use in the Community w/ Rob KenneyI didn’t always want to be a cop, but I always knew I wanted to be a dad.My opinion has always been that we needed more male role models and father figures. I don’t want to imagine where I’d be if I grew up without any. From my perspective as a police officer, my feeling having only increased about the necessity for strong fatherhood- and how many societal ills are magnified by lack therein. In this episode, I connect with Rob, from @dadhowdoi . He shares his own story with his estra...
2023-09-2553 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership47: Police Interview, Oral Board Prep Coaching Session with ZacFor applicants (Police, Fire, etc), this is one you don't want to miss.Zac is getting ready to test for police, and good on him, he reached out to me for 1-on-1 coaching for oral board interviews.He agreed to do a recorded coaching call to listen back and allow other people to learn from his session- so props to him for his willingness to share and be vulnerable!We run through a practice oral board and then dive into large themes I teach as well as specific critical feedback of his answers.
2023-09-221h 13Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership46: To Be a Protector, Training, Tactics, Fitness for Body and Mind: Cops, and Community with Clay and AdamWell folks, we got a double whammy (first time recorded at the time) with returning guest Clay Surratt and his battle buddy on the mats, Adam.As I discuss, as soon as I had my first interview with Clay, he was immediately telling me how I needed to have Adam on. So after weeks, months, rescheduling, and all that, the three of us FINALLY connected for this episode.For those in the know, Clay is a combat veteran who does a TON of work for the veteran and first responder community, much of which is p...
2023-09-1854 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership45: Responding to Ground Zero, 911, Cold Cases and Police Mental Health w Detective Jason PalamaraI connected with Jason some time back, and more recently, I saw a post he made about 9/11. He hired on with NYPD two months prior to the catastrophic event, and would be responding to Ground Zero as an academy recruit.It boggled my mind considering what that would have been like. It considered how being in high school, 9/11 shattered many of my paradigms and inevitably planted a seed of desire to serve in a meaningful, direct way. What would it have been like to be from New York, to see that, and have just gotten into this pro...
2023-09-121h 13Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership44: Making Change as a Police Leader & Leading from the Front with Sheriff Derek SandersThere's a new sheriff in town! Well, as of early this year there certainly was. My lessons in political science underlined how difficult it is to beat an incumbent, despite the other factors. Well, my guest, Derek Sanders did just that in the election for Thurston County Sheriff here in WA State. No small feat, but from the outside he did so with intense passion, vision, and by leading from the front.This is a man whose claim to fame also involves his historic youth- being the youngest sheriff in WA State. At 29 years old, he was an un...
2023-09-0456 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership43: "My Arena": SWAT Operations, Traumatic Calls with kids, Police Work, w/ret. Travis GribbleOften times, we are most likely to listen to those who have been there/done that (as we should). When it comes to lessons learned in police work, mental health, and critical incident stress, Travis Gribble is an ideal example. He is a man who has been in the thick of it, and we as first responder (in career OR LIFE) should listen and heed his experiences, insights and lessons learned.Travis and I discuss his career, from start through transitions and accomplishments, to the finish. We talk about mutual connection in this unparalleled world of brotherhood, and...
2023-08-281h 01Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership42: Corrections Officers and Law Enforcement Career OpportunitiesCops say they do a thankless job, which isn't true when you stop and recognize our Corrections brothers and sisters! Joining me in this episode are returning guest, my recruiter Officer Brian Cortinas and one of our valued Corrections Officers- newly minted Sergeant Brandon Li.Brian recounts how Corrections made him a better police candidate than anything else he imagines. Brandon shares his drive and story to get into law enforcement- how they led to working in various jails, as a reserve officer, and exploring the multitude of assignments and leadership opportunities as a C.O.
2023-08-1852 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership41: How Cops can promote and stay positive, learning from specialty units, w/ John PagelAsk retired traffic cops what their best job was: it was working Motors.Ask retired SWAT cops: it was being on "the Team."Ask K9 officers.. it was working with the dog!School cops: working with kids.So what do you ask the guy who worked SWAT, Traffic, Narcs, K9, promoted all the way up to Captain.. and at the height of his career... requested a voluntary double demotion back to Patrol Sergeant because he wasn't feeling the admin life and wanted to be boots on the ground, leading a team on...
2023-08-1548 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership40: School Resource Officer lessons in mentoring and negotiating with suspectsThad Kirkhoff started his law enforcement career after graduating from Western Washington University and enlisting into the United States Army. He served two tours in Iraq and moved back to WA where his wife and his families were. He began his career with the Renton Police Department in 2007 and served as an officer for 14 years. He held roles as a firearms instructor, Field Training Officer, Hostage Negotiator, and School Resource Officer at Renton High School. *A story we didn’t cover was when there was a suspect who climbed up on the roof of an apartm...
2023-08-071h 05Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership39: Why First Responders should avoid health and fitness dogmas w/ Audrey AndradeAudrey Andrade is a wellness blogger, nutrition coach, US Navy veteran (and officer!). What stuck out to me in Audrey was not only her story of coming up and pursuit of excellence, but her extremely practical and balanced approach to all things wellness. Her content is a host of unimposing, functional and digestible info nuggets that you can employ in exercise, nutrition, but BEYOND that- in life and lifestyle.We talk about her decision to join the Navy, and her progression to officer. Lessons learned in leadership, life and later- health! Stick around for the end wh...
2023-08-011h 12Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership38: Police Lessons from my first training officer, Bill Blowers (SWAT Sergeant /Tap Rack Tactical)Bill Blowers needs no introduction in much of the police world nationally and certainly regionally. He is a lot of things- Captain America with a potty-mouth as I say in this interview.He was my first training officer- and set a tone and drive in me on so much of this profession that was a foreign language and culture. With an unwavering attitude of work ethic, discipline, and focus on mission- I was nearly questioning if he was a real person at all. In our conversation, we go down each of our Memory Lanes and tal...
2023-07-251h 28
The On Purpose PodcastEp. 217 - Sgt. Eric TungSergeant Eric Tung is a veteran officer with the Kent Police Department in Kent, WA. Sgt. Tung is the first ever recruiting officer for his department. Eric is also a peer support coordinator and wellness program developer. These programs provide both mental, emotional and physical support for other officers.Connect with Eric on Instagram @bluegritwellness and his Blue Grit Wellness website.Want more The On Purpose Podcast?Find full episodes and more! Check in on Instagram , FacebookFind Us on iTunes, Spotify and anywhere you listen to podcasts!
2023-07-2047 minOn Being a Police OfficerEp. 47 Kent PD’s Sgt. Eric Tung – Relentless Optimism for Law EnforcementEp. 47 Kent (WA) Police Department’s Sgt. Eric Tung, known to many of you through his Blue Grit Wellness platform, joins me today to look back on his 16 years in law enforcement, and to look toward the future not just for him and his department, but for all law enforcement with what I call “relentless optimism.” First, we take a look back at Eric's career which started in 2007, just two years before the 2009 ambush murders of Seattle PD Officer Timothy Brenton and of the Lakewood Four, as they are known. We discuss our shared experience of that difficu...
2023-07-201h 10Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership37: First Responder Families, Relationships, Police Stress Dreams and Nightmares w/ Destiny MorrisDestiny Morris is a licensed marriage and family therapist working remotely in CA. She specializes in trauma working with first responders & their spouses. She is trained in EMDR and taking new clients virtually. In our conversation, we talk about her life’s focus and her insight with first responders in her family. We do a deep dive into topics including:Considerations for first responder families and kids, the impact of the job on kids, communicating through that…Sleep: stress dreams, sleep hacks, how chronic stress and relationship issues can develop from poor sl...
2023-07-181h 01Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership36: How Police Officers can Improve Communication and Talking to PeopleHint: talk to people like they're people! And like you're a person! Novel concept! We talk about humanizing the badge, which means we need to act like “normal” people first.Easier said than done, and I wish I had know this early in my career. It's definitely that much harder if you let your emotions and ego get in the way of things. I tried the robotic approach - no go. I tried the fake it til you make it tough guy- hard pass. People see right through it.When you are able to be st...
2023-07-1729 min
Enduring The BadgeSpreading Positivity and Fostering Support in Law Enforcement: A Conversation with Sergeant Eric TungSend us a textWhat if we told you that one law enforcement officer uses social media to spread positivity and create a support system for his peers? Join us as we sit down with Sergeant Eric Tung, who's making waves with his uplifting content and commitment to mentorship in the challenging field of law enforcement. With 16 years of experience, Eric shares his journey through various roles, including K9 officer, Field Training Officer, and his current position overseeing hiring and recruiting.Stress and trauma are unavoidable aspects of a police officer's career, but Eric believes...
2023-07-0458 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership35: How to Focus on Service: for Veterans, Cops, and Community, w/ Clay SurrattClay Surratt is a general badass. While true, he is a humble, subtle leader in our community. We talk about his life of service- enlisting in the US military and continuing to serve by providing training to veterans and law enforcement officers. He volunteers and gives back through a host of organizations (detailed in the episode and below in these show notes).In this episode, we talk about what it was like growing up in rural Virginia, his experiences with diversity and his time in and out of the military. He drives home the crucial fact...
2023-07-031h 08Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership34: What Police Officers can Learn for Crisis Response from Social Work and Mental Health Professions w/ Laura BullisLaura currently runs 5-0 Mental Health, focused on all things support for officers and their families: mental wellness visits, training and resources. However, her work in service to others spans many years and horizons.It was a humbling and fascinating chat for me to learn more about this dynamic and selfless human being. Laura has been in the law enforcement/mental health field for over 15 years. Most notably, she has worked in military prison as well as a supermax correctional facility, as an emergency department social worker in a major Boston hospital, a police officer, an...
2023-06-2648 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership33: The Importance of Mental and Physical Health in Police Officers w/ Deven KennedyA ten year veteran of law enforcement in Canada, Deven found himself in a near-fatal incident last year. A suspect attempted to run him over, and he narrowly escaped, but not without significant physical and mental injury.Deven credits the physical and psychological treatments and routines he sought and practiced as clear accelerants toward his recovery. Coupled with his already robust fitness and healthy practices, he has been able to overcome his own adversity and help others do the same.Resilience through Fitness is his company where he can provide ph...
2023-06-2652 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership32: Women in Policing Decades Back and Humanizing Officers, with ret. Homicide Sgt. Donna BrownDo you ever chat with someone and immediately feel their warm, positive energy? To describe it as simply that would be an understatement with retired Sergeant Donna Brown. We had a great chat right away before we started recording- which was hard to pause to get the episode going!Donna became one of five female officers for the Tallahassee Police when she started her career, and among many assignments, finished out as the Homicide Detective Sergeant. We talk about Donna’s retirement and how she remained a first responder advocate- most notably becoming an (award winning) author, showi...
2023-06-201h 10Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership31: Military to Police SWAT Cop to Corporate Executive Leadership, w/ Jason SolemaI first met Jason when I was doing police K9 training with my neighbors at Renton PD. He wasn't a handler (in the PD) but he was experienced in dog sport (tracking and bite work). The dude moved as a dog quarry (or decoy) in ways I hadn't seen after years of training with other cops and in seminars. He analyzed the dog's actions and our training strategies with a critical view and angle I wasn't accustomed to. From then, I knew this guy was cut from a different cloth- or maybe in keeping with that metaphor- it's...
2023-06-141h 08Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership30: A Call to Military and Police Service, Working 3 Agencies, and Brotherhood in Law Enforcement w/ MattIn this episode, I am joined by my prior coworker, dear friend, and brother Matt. This was as much a dive into his life and this career as it was two old friends connecting over not just the career itself but our outlooks on life in tandem. Matt is a current LEO and describes growing up in the Midwest, being drawn into service with the US Marine Corps, followed by policing (a family affair). We chat about one’s values navigating the career, paying forward service and maintaining a positive attitude. We also discuss the times a...
2023-06-1455 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership29: Marine to Cop, Police K9 Handler, and Navigating into Health and Coaching, w/ Chris GreenwadeI am joined in this episode by fellow cop and fellow K9 COP Chris Greenwade. Chris worked at a neighboring agency, where our paths crossed on calls and eventually training our generalist patrol dogs. We dive into Chris' determination to serve: as a Marine and becoming a cop in California. He shares his road to the Seattle area and the ups and downs in his police career. We discuss trauma- and how it can pile on as it did for Chris- from his time in the military to all the cumulative stress of the road as a patr...
2023-06-071h 14Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership28: How Canadian Border Cop Runs for First Responders and Veterans, w/ Sach LattiIf you've read the title you've probably said something in your head like, "WTF" or "Gawddang...." or "Oh hellzzzzz no!" Sounds crazy to me, too. But when determination is fueled by utmost purpose, limiting beliefs are destroyed. Meet Sach Latti, a Canadian border cop who is continually pursuing and pushing limits to inspire others. Sach joins me and we discuss his fascinating life and accomplishments- from his experience with diversity growing up, coming into a life of service, bodybuilding (yes, he's one of those jacked endurance dudes aka a unicorn) and running ultra-marathons.No...
2023-05-311h 07Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership27: How Police Officers can Boost Morale with Community Events and Public EngagementOfficer morale is the biggest hurdle to accomplishing ALL we need: recruiting, retention, culture, trust.One of the simplest fixes is super simple: it’s showing up. Being available. Listening. Connecting. Not being defensive. Just being open.You may be surprised what can blossom from there. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content: Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on...
2023-05-2825 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership26: Stop Your Limiting Beliefs, with Mindset Coach (and Fire Spouse) Morgan PlascenciaWant some perspective shift to focus on what you CAN do, rather than what you can't? Want to hear it from a Master Mindset Coach, certified First Responder Counselor and Keynote speaker?*Extra points as she "gets it" for first responders- having emergency personnel in her family to include her firefighter husband.Well then you're in luck. If you're tuning in and follow along, you recognize the power of mindset, and how crucial it is to determine your likelihood and degree of success in whatever you are setting out to achieve.I a...
2023-05-2537 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership25: How to Improve Push Ups for Police Fitness Testing (Tips and More)Ever since I got into Police Hiring and Recruiting a common question I got was about how to improve on push up reps and max.Most states require a certain number of push ups, ie 20 unbroken, but what can you do rather than simply grinding through your max daily? (The answer is A LOT)!I’ve spoken before about how much a fan I am of weight training to improve overall strength, but for push ups specifically, check out this quick episode to increase frequency and improve your muscle memory (in a way that aids re...
2023-05-2108 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership24: The Value of Strong Mindset, Coaching Others, BJJ Training for Cops w/ Gabriel Austin DaffronI knew this episode was going to be fantastic as soon as Austin agreed to come on the show.Gabriel "Austin" AKA Daffy the Duck Daffron is a BBJ event promoter, BJJ and wrestling coach, and more recently a professional MMA fighter. I met Austin through finding events and venues to do police recruiting and community engagement, which led me to meet him and much of his BJJ team in South Seattle.Austin talks us through his start in wrestling, rise in BJJ and how he came to be a role player or "suit actor" f...
2023-05-1846 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership23: Mother’s Day... a Thank You and Reflections on What We NeedThis special edition short solo-cast is in recognition of Mother’s Day! I reflect on a smattering of thoughts as I get my morning steps in. (In case you’re wondering why it sounds different).Of course this episode is intended to thank my mom, mom of my child (heart eyes), and all the moms out there. I also reflect on male role models for men, parenting in general, and the gaps that occur in single-parent families. If nothing else, this message serves as a reminder that we can all step up and get involved with our youth i...
2023-05-1310 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership22: Wrong Turns for Police Officers and Building Optimal Health for Cops, w/ Bobby JaramilloBobby Jaramillo, former police officer turned tactical human performance coach joins me in this episode.We talk about Bobby’s start in policing, his development as an officer and trainer and how unhealthy practices led him a troubles career and ultimately his departure.Now, Bobby’s passion is to utilize his physical training, nutrition, and mental approaches and acumen to support officers to keep them away from the mistakes he made. We cover the gamut of information to include simple advice for fitness and nutrition and even get into philosophy like Seneca, Nietzsche and M...
2023-05-1249 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership21: Mental Health Musts for Police Officers and First Responders (w/Johanna Wender)First Responder Life is not like others.. so there are key things we need to remember and do to protect and promote our mental health. I am joined by my friend, Johanna Wender, from Bravura Counseling. Our paths connected when she was brought on to help my department’s mental health and peer support efforts. She speaks from top-tier experience, not just as a counselor but as a spouse of a police officer. We dive into:How treatable trauma-related stress can beKey things for first...
2023-05-0450 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership20: Does Military Service Help You to Become a Police Officer?This is a common question that I get over and over. “I’m too young to be a cop, should I join the military first?” “I want to be a cop, should I be an M.P.?” (Military Police)The simple answer is - it depends, but the slightly longer, still simple answers lie within this mini feature episode, as I tackle it on the go.This is a must listen for anyone with plans to start a military service to lead into a law enforcement career- or those in the service who are thinking about police...
2023-04-2709 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership19: What Police Officers need to know about Money and FinancesSometimes real health and wellness means getting comfortable with the uncomfortable- facing that music and talking about taboo topics. So let’s talk…MONEY.Too often we are slaves to money. We grind for our paychecks, slaves to bills and rent/mortgage schedules, and the toys/trips/credit statements we rack up. We pick up more overtime and then the new cycle is established.It’s commonly accepted that financial issues are enough to shatter many marriages, and fracture even the best friendships and family bonds when business (and money dynamics) are mixed in.
2023-04-2543 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership18: To Be or Not to Be... A Cop , Should Police Officers Leave the Career?I wrote an article with the same title in the fall of 2021. We in law enforcement were reeling. Police were leaving in record numbers. Staffing was crumbling- or beyond wrecked across the country in departments large and small.Upon reading it now, I force myself to be hopeful. Applicants and recruits are showing up in my department and region. Yet, we still have a long ways to go. Most agencies still have seemingly insurmountable vacancies to fill, and hiring is just one piece of the pie... these recruits need to get through Academy, get trained, hit the street...
2023-04-2006 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership17: Hostage Rescue, Losing a Friend in the Line of Duty, and Leaving Police workThere's a lot to unpack in this "Battle Buddy" episode, and we barely scratch the surface! Truly I could go on for hours with this guy... one of the best and loyal friends I will ever have: Trevor Wolcott. Trevor and I met through our time in policing at the same department 11 years ago. We started as chummy bros, bonding over fun calls, crazy stories, and getting drinks with the fellas on our time off. Over the years, he became one of my closest confidants in and out of the career. We talk about law enfor...
2023-04-121h 07Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership16: Cop Q&A, Mindset for Police Academy, Issues with Blood, & Hiring ProcessIn this episode, I answer some of YOUR questions. How do you prepare mentally for the Academy? With a squeamishness of blood, how would one approach that? I got the conditional offer of employment for my cop job, now what? How do the big bosses decide- is it a done deal or do they round table my selection?I offer my insight and advice in these realms- which easily translate into bigger themes that will help you prep or optimize your career. Shoutout to 10-7 Fishing, @10_7fishing on IG. My man Tim is an active deput...
2023-04-0613 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership15: Why Cops Should Take a Break... Vacation, Mental Health Days, and BurnoutIn this episode, I dive into talks about the grind of the job and the NECESSITY to take a break, decompress, and what that might look like.With critically low staffing levels, it's not that easy to simply schedule a vacation or take a couple days off. Some agencies are more supportive than others; while some may want to be but feel operationally vulnerable without the manpower.I talk about the concept of mental health day and offer my weigh in and insight. Following my last conversation about Therapy, Travis Gribble from My Arena (IG @my...
2023-04-0240 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership14: Tip for Police Officers in Training and Learning: Principles over MethodsI heard a quote the other day and that thing SLAPPED. "The man who grasps principles can successfully handle his own methods. The man who tries methods, ignoring principles, is sure to have trouble."-Ralph Waldo EmersonWith my day-to-day and week-to-week being absorbed in training cops- brand new cops- I was taken aback. It hit home on what we need to be drilling as trainers and what students and recruits need to be focusing as rookies.Whatever the industry, there are so many tiny details to remember. It can be diz...
2023-03-3011 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership13: Police Officers and Therapy, What You Need to KnowTherapy is a big discussion... and I have a lot to say about it. I have so much to say about it, that I have been working on an episode and tabled it to work out this shorter break down of my thoughts, experiences and take aways. (It still covers much more ground than I planned!)First Responder World has done a good job moving the needle, advancing support for mental and emotional health but there's still a long way to go. We are better about talking about our feelings, but there are still stigmas to professional hel...
2023-03-2722 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership12: How to Prepare for a Police Job, What Rookies Need to Know (Pt. 1)In this episode, I am rejoined by my recruiting officer, Brian. We banter over the common question we get: How do I prepare for a police career? OR What should I be doing before I'm ready to test?This question can go a LOT of different directions. Generally, when we are asked it is from younger audiences: from teens or younger adults trying to prep their plan (jobs, college, military). We dive into this aspect, giving our own experiences as examples as well as some examples from those we have assessed and even hired as police officers....
2023-03-2025 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership11: Why I started Jiu-Jitsu (at 37) and why cops should train ground tacticsIn this episode, I go into exactly what the title says... Shortly after posting about it on @bluegritwellness , I started getting the same question.. I was being asked by coworkers, guys at the gym I joined, and followers alike:"Why now?"This was usually followed by follow up statements along the lines of thinking I would be expected to have started long ago. Or that after all these years, not getting into it, why now? I get it.. I work a desk mostly. But the reasons are so much more.What star...
2023-03-0847 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership10: What Police Departments should do to improve wellnessHey Gritty peeps, in this episode, I ask a VERY open prompt.. what should a (insert public service/first responder department) do about WELLNESS? Lucky for us, wellness, resilience, mental health support and fitness are bigger topics than ever before.More agencies and departments are building policies and practices to highlight their importance. BUT what else should/could be done? Words are just words, and ACTIONS speak louder.I put the question out to you all via a post on @bluegritwellness on Instagram, and the feedback was FANTASTIC. Listen in to hear me bre...
2023-02-2740 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership9: I share my story, coming into law enforcement on the Off Duty PodcastIn this special edition episode, I share my conversation with Anthony, from The Off Duty Podcast. It was truly a pleasure to connect and chat about what brought me to law enforcement, and some of my reflections of bringing my job home (in the form of second degree burns on my arms!)Anthony has an awesome project going on with his podcast. Check him out on Instagram, @theoffdutypodcast , give him a follow and listen in to his conversations with many brilliant women and men in uniform- and hear their accounts to learn what's behind the badge.
2023-02-2441 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership8: Gritty Interview Series- Tricky Questions and Oral Board Tips, Pt. 3Welcome to the final installment of the Gritty Interview Series. In this episode, I go into the trickier types of questions common in police or other first responder interview oral boards: behavior-based questions and scenarios or hypotheticals.Listen in, give a rating, and let me know what you think. Share with your first responder friend hopefuls, and as always follow @bluegritwellness for my latest, newest content, subscribe to the blog at bluegritwellness.com and share this podcast with your peoples!Take care, be safe, and stay gritty.Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Se...
2023-02-2118 min
The Off Duty Podcast - Law EnforcementHow She Almost Lost Me - Eric TungEric Tung, who is the founder of Blue Grit Wellness, joins the podcast to reveal his personal story behind his chosen line of work. He was a shy kid with a lack of confidence, was not close to his father, and had a disdain for those who took advantage of others. After attending college at the University of Washington, he decided to pursue law enforcement because of its potential to protect and serve. His mother was hesitant of his choice due to the cultural stigma attached to the profession.About Eric Tung16 Years LEFounder...
2023-02-1140 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership7: Gritty Interview Series- Oral Board Process and Considerations, Pt. 2In the second installment of the Gritty Interview Series, Eric takes you through all the various types and formats of interviews. You can learn what to expect as Eric shares insight from being on both sides of the interview table. Whether it is for your firefighter exams, police oral board, background interview, or Chief's Interviews, the episode will get you into the right frame of mind to develop your personal brand.By anticipating questions and knowing your personal story and purpose well, you can be confident and prepared by being your best, most prepared self. The...
2023-02-0516 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership6: Gritty Interview Series- What Police Applicants Need to Know, Pt. 1Happy New Year! In this episode, I provide an update and some reflections on my current roles and pulling "double-duty" with Recruiting and Training unit supervision. Work/Life balance introspection and reminders.This is part one of a series diving into all things Interviewing! The biggest translations will be for public safety / first responder world/ police and fire, but the translation to all industries is certainly there. Some rules are universal!I cover some big themes: doing your homework, interacting with agency representatives and recruiters, showing professionalism (in many ways and forms) and knowing yourself. This g...
2023-01-1141 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership5: The Best Strategies for Nutrition for Police, First Responders, and High-Performing PeopleNutrition info is dizzying. There's too much out there. A lot of industry leaders and "gurus" will tell you ONE way, the BEST way. It's simply not true.I spent many years examining and even trying most of these diets, trends, FADS. What I WILL say is that there is benefit to aspects of most of them, especially when toggling or combining these "strategies" (as I call them) for YOUR unique lifestyle.Only you will know what's best for you, so listen along and learn about calories tracking, macros, feeding windows, fasting, high carb v. low...
2022-12-1248 min
Social Studies ShowSocial Studies Show: Episode 19- Eric TungAs Winter approaches we have an appropriate guest to discuss winter fashion and diversity in the marketplace. For this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Eric Tung CEO of Fera Ski Brand. A minority owned, female founded, LGBTQ+ led apparel company that is extremely rare in the outdoor space. Sharing a love of fashion and winter sports Eric and I developed a friendship as we are both on Snowsport Industry of America's Board of Directors. Working through DEI and profitability Eric often finds himself in the drivers' seat — ushering in change not just in his company but in his...
2022-12-0238 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership4: Fixing Police Culture through Recruiting, Remembering Purpose, and MoraleIn this episode, I'm joined by Matt and Chris at Real Talk LEO. Matt and Chris are father-and-son, active and retired law enforcement professionals. I found their Instagram and we connected over our vast similarities in career, positive perspectives, and a desire to lead in constructive, meaningful ways.The conversation started on police recruiting and hiring, but of course, the greater conversation of rebuilding police culture better than ever before was a large focus. We get into mindset, constructive vs. negative and toxic attitudes. Listen along for our discussion on bridging connection to combat a fix...
2022-11-231h 06Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership3: Recruiting and Hiring Cops, What Police Officers can learn from my team's experienceEpisode 3... and first show with a guest! Joining me is Officer Brian Cortinas. He is the perfect first guest as we discuss the matters of policing: where transparency for community members, future applicants, current cops and first responders all intersect. Discussions of the realness of the job, stress management, purpose, and healthy practice are all intertwined. Brian started in corrections, and as an police officer has been a field training officer, crowd control officer, and peer support team member. He has recently joined my hiring unit as a recruiter and also wears hats as a crisis negotiator, publi...
2022-11-0441 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership2: PTSD in Police Officers, What to Do and How to Support CopsIn this episode, I focus on Post Traumatic Stress- without the “Disorder” part at the end. Although we may not all have PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress affects ALL of us that have dealt with extreme hardship, trauma, or loss. I talk about things to consider when evaluating your response and tips to manage it and moving forward.I have learned a lot about stress “triggers” in my own life and experience, so I share them to give you context and reference points to help manage yours. These are concepts and themes I wish I was more aware of as a new...
2022-10-2620 minBlue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, LeadershipEpisode 1: Welcome to Blue Grit Radio!In this inaugural episode, I explain how and why I started Blue Grit two years ago: in the form of a blog and social media (IG). I discuss how my experiences in law enforcement, life and loss served as the catalyst to build something constructive and positive for those who interact with it (police, first responders, and beyond!)Check out @bluegritwellness on Instagram and my posts on bluegritwellness.com (some of which have been featured in Police1 and Police Chief magazines.Please consider leaving a 5 star rating and review, and contact me with any questions o...
2022-10-2310 min