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

Эпизоды

• 329: The King Suffers, So Will the Kingdom. Ownership, Wellness, and Organization 10.06.2026 30мин

  In this episode, Eric explores the timeless lessons from the legend of the Fisher King to highlight the importance of personal and organizational wellness. He emphasizes ownership, self-regulation, and the impact of morale on leadership and team performance. Key Elements: The legend of the Fisher King and its relevance to leadershipThe impact of personal wellness on organizational healthStrategies for self-regulation and emotional managementThe role of morale in team performance and leadershi...
• 328: The Leadership Forge: Culture by Design w/ Chief Doreen Jokerst & Major Zach Stephens 08.06.2026 40мин

  This episode explores the critical role of intentional culture building within organizations, featuring insights from Chief Doreen Jokerst and Major Zach Stevens. Topics include leadership development, fostering psychological safety, and practical strategies for creating a positive organizational environment. Chief Jokerst is a founding member of The Curve, focused on modernizing policing. Major Stevens is leading the way with hands-on regional leadership models that develops and mentor...
• 327: Lincoln on Leadership: Key Strategies and Tactics, Book Review 03.06.2026 32мин

  "Lead by being led." In this conversation, Eric reviews the book 'Lincoln on Leadership' by Donald T. Phillips, exploring the leadership principles exemplified by Abraham Lincoln during one of the most tumultuous times in American history. The discussion highlights key concepts such as the importance of values, flexibility, persuasion over coercion, maintaining hope, engaging with public opinion, empowering teams, and the role of compromise in effective leadership. Eric emphasizes that ...
• 326: Real Responder Resources: What's Next? w/ Code 4 NW, Nick Bauer & Andy McCurdy 01.06.2026 54мин

  Who helps the helpers? This is a question that organizations like Code 4 Northwest has been working to answer since before I started in this career nearly two decades ago. If you didn't know much about first responder wellness or mental health resources, if you were in Washington, you knew about Code 4 NW. In this episode, I am joined by Nick Bauer (retired Seattle PD Sgt) and returning guest Chief Andy McCurdy. We talk about the new chapter we are moving into with statewide...
• 325: MORE Hiring Q&A for Police and Public Safety Careers 28.05.2026 20мин

  In this quick episode, I answer questions that help entry-level applicants and those testing for special unit selection as well as promotions. We cover interview tips and written test insights! For more information check out other episodes and go to bluegritwellness.com/shop for an extensive guide for testing - so you can learn each step of the process in detail AND how to prepare. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line! To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content...
• 324: Police & Purpose - through Unrest, Loss and the Grind, w/ Capt. Kory Flowers 26.05.2026 49мин

  The past few years highlighted many police leaders hanging up the badge - often with their sharing about how it just wasn't worth it anymore. I'm glad to be able to connect with and feature Captain Kory Flowers, who shared his enthusiasm and pride in the profession, despite what he, his team, and our industry endured. I greatly appreciated reflecting on how we are strong, not simply in spite of adversity, but BECAUSE of the adversity. Captain Kory Flowers shares insights on mainta...
• 323: GOOD GRIT: Reality of Resilience, Donna Brown Returns - Responder Advocate & Trainer, Author, Police Sgt. ret. 21.05.2026 42мин

  I am grateful to premiere the new GOOD GRIT series, focused on people doing genuinely GOOD stuff out there in the community. Who better to kick this off than returning guest Donna Brown, mental health advocate, trainer and retired police sergeant?? (from ep. 32!) Donna, a retired homicide detective and author, shares her insights on resilience, identity, and the importance of gratitude in navigating life's challenges. Donna’s experience as a first responder, her reflections on mental he...
• 322: The REAL Gift of Gab to Build Police Teams and Save Lives w/ Alex Mann 18.05.2026 46мин

  In this engaging interview, Alex Mann shares insights on the art of communication, de-escalation, and adaptability in policing, drawing from his 28-year career and unique experience in improv comedy. Discover practical techniques for effective community engagement, the importance of flexibility, and how humor can be a powerful tool in law enforcement. The Importance of Communication in Policing Improv and Humor as De-escalation Tools Redefining Winning in Policing The Art of Adaptability in P...
• 321: No More Performance Evals? Why they aren't Effective and What to do Instead, w/ Chief Scott Hughes 11.05.2026 44мин

  We all know evals are generally ineffective. They're check boxes, and often don't reflect objectively across the ranks. In this conversation, Chief Scott Hughes discusses the importance of mentorship, effective evaluations, and the need for a cultural shift in law enforcement. He emphasizes the significance of regular check-ins and positive recognition to build trust and motivate officers. The discussion also touches on the challenges of traditional performance evaluations and the role...
• 320: Ask for Help & Lose your Job? Confidentiality, Therapy Types, Sleep, L&I for First Responders, Police and Military w/ Drs. Thalia Nicholson & Larissa Tate 04.05.2026 1ч 2мин

  In this conversation, Dr. Thalia Nicholson and Dr. Larissa Tate discuss the mental health challenges faced by first responders and veterans, specifically the hurdle of reaching out for help, fearing loss of badge, job, clearance, and more. They emphasize the importance of evidence-based treatments, the role of rapport in therapy, and the nuances of confidentiality. The discussion also covers the significance of sleep health and the barriers to seeking help, providing listeners with acti...
• 319: What's Hurting and Helping Police and Community: Chaplain Panel Perspective, w/ Jared Altic and Matt Domyancic 29.04.2026 49мин

  "Pain shared is pain divided." This conversation delves into the multifaceted role of chaplains in supporting first responders, particularly police officers. I'm joined by chaplain GREATS- Jared Altic (Hey Chaplain! podcast) and returning guest, Matt Domyancic (Tactical Chaplain fmr. police officer). The insights go far beyond chaplain topics, but they afford us a unique view from their care for community and officers alike. The discussion highlights the importance of building trust, th...
• 318: Are you ready for FIFA World Cup?! (And other Major Event Planning, Public Safety, Emergency Management) 27.04.2026 39мин

  FIFA World Cup will prove to be the largest sporting event the USA has ever seen, and this will occur in just weeks. This is the sentiment shared from not only commentators and experts in world events, sports, geo-political arenas, but public safety and emergency management leaders across the nation. This episode explores the complexities of planning for large-scale international events like the FIFA World Cup, featuring insights from Emergency Manager of Arlington, TX Irish Hancock and...
• 317: New Tools for Nervous System Regulation w/ Emily Ireland and Light Touch 24.04.2026 29мин

  You carry the weight of the job in your body, whether you feel it or not. (When you feel it.. you know it!) The nervous system doesn't forget a shift... it keeps score. Today's episode is about what happens when you stop white-knuckling through it and actually give your body a way out. We're talking craniosacral therapy, wellness tech, and the science of a nervous system that's been running hot for too long. This one's for the responder who sleeps like garbage, tries to think and perfor...
• 316: Beyond Generational Talk, but what Police Leaders Need to DO about It! w/ Will Akin, Bill Fraass, & Tyler Comeaux 22.04.2026 51мин

  This conversation explores far beyond the dynamics of generational differences in the workforce, but what responsible police leaders need to know and do about it all. We go into communication, motivators, and succession and strategic planning insights for crucial operations. Joining me are three police leaders who have done thorough research and work on the topic: Sheriff Will Akin, Capt. Tyler Comeaux, and ret. Capt. Bill Fraass. The panel discusses the importance of understanding comm...
• 315: First Responder Panel: Identity Pitfalls, Lessons and Tips (pt.2) w/ Megan Amaturo, Rich Creamer, David Smith 13.04.2026 46мин

  (Part 2 of 2!) In the demanding world of first responders, the concept of identity plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and their roles. This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of identity within the first responder community, featuring insights from experienced professionals who share their journeys and the challenges they face. Host Eric opens the discussion with the observation that identity is a pervasive theme in the lives of first responders...
• 314: First Responder Panel: Identity Pitfalls, Lessons and Tips (pt.1) w/ Megan Amaturo, Rich Creamer, David Smith 08.04.2026 31мин

  In the demanding world of first responders, the concept of identity plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and their roles. This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of identity within the first responder community, featuring insights from experienced professionals who share their journeys and the challenges they face. Host Eric opens the discussion with the observation that identity is a pervasive theme in the lives of first responders. He notes that...
• 313: The Threats Beneath the Surface.. Protecting our Protectors, with Ray Lankin 06.04.2026 32мин

  According to the American Heart Association, nearly 50% of American adults over 20 have cardiovascular disease. For first responders, the risks are even higher. Worse, research shows that law enforcement officers have a 56% increased risk of dying from heart attacks between ages 55 and 59. First responders are often celebrated for their bravery and commitment, but what about the hidden threats they face? While we frequently discuss visible dangers like accidents and violence, the psychologica...
• 312: Transforming & Improving Police Training: Insights from Tony Anderman 01.04.2026 41мин

  In this conversation, Eric and Tony Anderman discuss the intersection of leadership, training, and culture within law enforcement. They explore the importance of effective communication, emotional intelligence, and the role of mentorship in fostering a positive police culture. Tony shares insights on training strategies, the significance of emotional connections in learning, and the need for continuous evaluation of training effectiveness. The discussion emphasizes the importance of genuine i...
• 311: Your Body Keeps the Score and STRESS! Tips and Solutions in Somatic work w/ Romay Nichols 30.03.2026 43мин

  In this conversation, Eric and Romay Nichols delve into the complexities of stress, particularly in the context of law enforcement and first responders. Romy shares her personal journey from experiencing severe stress and panic attacks to discovering the healing power of somatic therapy and breath work. They discuss the biological impact of stress on the body, the importance of nervous system hygiene, and practical applications of breath work for managing stress. The conversation emphasizes t...
• 310: The Problem with our "Wellness" Culture: Gurus, Hacks, and Bullies (Police, First Responders, and More) 27.03.2026 21мин

  I've been seeing something very disturbing in our circles of speakers, clinicians content generators... our "community." In the wellness space for first responders, there is a disturbing trend: tribalism and negativity. This "cutting down culture" contradicts everything wellness is supposed to promote. This person has the answer, these people certainly don't... these people are the problem, here is the solution... and so on. Instead of lifting each other up, we often find ourselv...