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Everything Jzilla! For the drivers by the drivers. Hosted by Gino Manley and Rick Stengard.
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Eric is a 17-year police officer currently serving as a Patrol Operations Commander in Washington State. He is an author and content creator focused on wellness, police leadership, and community engagement. He started Blue Grit to support practices for building optimal lives and careers for first responders, their families, and those looking to enter emergency services. Listen, share, and learn tips and lessons from Eric and others to support your health, mindset, and build a better you, fam ...
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It is my pleasure to share with you the first part of my conversation with a veteran cop's cop, Sam Steiner. Not only is he one of the biggest hard-chargers you will find, but he multiplies his effectiveness in law enforcement, community-building and organizational cohesion through not only his drive and commitment, but to his positive outlook and …
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144: Leading at all Levels, Cops in Schools, and Staffing Issues w/ret. Austin Police Chief Brian Manley and President of Off Duty Management
52:40
In this episode, I am joined by Brian Manley. Brian is a retired Chief of Austin PD, and currently the president of Off Duty Management. We talk about his career from investigating child abuse, rising up the ranks, and reflecting on leadership at all levels- something I believe we need to keep fostering! We talk about school safety, schools being s…
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I connected with Dr. Gino Collura after being on a shared panel on The Collective (s/o to Shaun and Chance!) I knew when discussing mindset, leadership of self and family, Dr. G BROUGHT it. Throw in the fact that he's a behavioral scientist focusing on brain optimization, I knew more discussion was something not only my brain craved, but something …
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142: Reducing Critical Stress from DV Investigations and SWAT with Cold Exposure and Breathwork, w/ Adam Boyd
46:18
Cold therapy... ice plunges... breathwork. There is a lot of info and content continuing to grow in these fields, but what are the REAL benefits and real potential drawbacks or dangers the IG reels aren't showing? These are worthy modalities to discuss in our quest to keep refining our knowledge and practice to decompress our stress and build our o…
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This episode is dedicated to my buddy, Diego Moreno (aka 2K56). In recent discussions, including Ep. 136 where I'm interviewed by Mark Bouchard, and several social media posts, I continue the well-received topic of near-misses, almost shootings and the like. It is truly not just the big incidents that trigger admin and outside investigative respons…
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This job can be unrelenting at times, and what’s more is when our system, culture and bossed make it that much harder. In this episode, I chat with Monica about her experiences and insights, which she has detailed in her book, Thriving Inside the Thin Blue Line. We discuss not only adversity she faced, but how fitness and health practice can help u…
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I recently spoke on a panel focused on recruiting and hiring practices for first responder jobs, Public Safety Testing, and civil service groups. In that, a video was brought up where a news outlet was featuring how "influencers" were sharing why young people should NOT pursue so-called "Hero Jobs" which included first responder work and front-line…
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In this episode, I am pleased to introduce you to former LEO, SWAT cop, and author Joshua Hood. We talk about his entry into the policing career after his military service and the experiences therein. We connect on the toll and strain he felt in his career, and how he started writing more regularly. There are parallels we experienced and saw in pol…
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In this episode, I riff off of a prompt where I and many of you on the socials discuss three pillars we talk about often: Wellness, Culture, and Leadership. All are crucial for our personal and organizational health and success- so what’s MOST important? Listen in and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Gri…
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136: A Deeper Dive into my critical incidents and experiences- I'm interviewed by Mark Bouchard
1:19:03
I've gotten comfortable sharing my story on different occasions and platforms. It's all been in the effort of helping others reduce stigmas, self-judgement in themselves and others in first responder careers ripe with a multitude of stressors. My story is unique, and it's also not. So many of us may not experience the exact same circumstances, but …
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We talk about living outside of the blue world, over-identity and today we will talk about a huge practical application of that. Frankly, we don’t get to choose how much time we have in this job: between injuries, burnout, family decisions, and other countless circumstances. Former officer Jess Flores of Next Shift joins me to discuss transitioning…
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134: Why employers should care about stress management- and tools to consider feat. Infinity Massage Chairs
41:57
We talk about the importance of wellness in our first responder culture- and often times I wonder if employers lose sight of “the why” we should care. Listens and followers understand the impacts of supporting our front line workers in this critical work, but what information do we need to bring to the bosses and Lead UP effectively? In this episod…
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I found Jason's social media and it resonated with me- how he talked about mindset, ownership, and the importance of fitness for first responders. He spoke about the sometimes uncomfortable truth that we in emergency services have trouble recognizing in ourselves and our peers: Many first responders are unfit (double entendre there) to actually per…
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In this solocast, I explore a "kind of" solo episode. Sure it's just me talking, the script and content was generated mostly by you! I have been asked several times lately, between followers and folks I'm coaching what they should focus on as new officers. Surely, there is a HOST of things, from hard and soft skills, tactics, the BOOKS (case law, c…
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If you didn't catch Ep. 98- download, listen, and promptly return to this one. In that, I chat with my coworker, Detective Tessa Melville; we discuss her background, her growth through military service and lessons learned and resilience tested and solidified in her patrol work for years- and her recent entry into detective work with the Special Ass…
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Years ago, I had the privilege of hearing then active firefighter Mike Washington speak at wellness conferences. He talked about his traumas through life- from childhood to his experience in the Marine Corps, at work in his life as a Seattle Firefighter, and losing his adult son in combat. He talked about his downward spiral, self-destructive warpa…
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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…
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As 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 int…
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127: Never Forget: Remembering our Fallen, Riots in Chicago, and Raising Awareness w/ Haley (Five Oooh! podcast)
53:12
I am joined by Haley an active police officer, the founder of Never Forgotten Clothing Co., and host of the Five OOOH! podcast. After connecting and being interview on her show, I knew I had to flip the script (oh how the turn-tables have turned) and share her passion, perspective and personality with more of our community. I am moved and inspired …
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If the title doesn't say enough about the intriguing nature of Luke, his career, and his mindset, consider that he also does CRAZY EPIC swims to bring awareness to amazing causes. I'm talking swimming to Alcatraz, towing boats to train, and other crazy stuff. Luke talks about his entry into the Law Enforcement world starting at Chicago PD, moving t…
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It was years of hearing about the true servant leader, Andy McCurdy, before I came to meet him. His reputation preceded him in all the great ways. Like his brother, Pat, Andy was also known for leading with compassion, truly being there for his guys, and fostering wellness and peer support throughout the ranks. When I was starting to find my voice …
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Many people credit the military for helping prepare them for their career, or frankly, life itself. John McGlothlin would agree- to the point where he recognized and shares his experiences and insights from his military career - as it translates into prepping him for so many potentials and circumstances. We discuss his path into the Army and then h…
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In this episode, Dr. Medina Baumgart connects her experiences professionally as a psychologist supporting first responders and agencies and personally as a first responder spouse. We go from her background from education to being an agency embedded mental health professional, and dive into the dynamics of adjusting back to home life for the first r…
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122: How to OPTIMIZE Cops: w/ Chief Patrick Flannelly (ret.), host of the Coptimizer Podcast
1:37:49
In this episode I’m joined by retired Chief Patrick Flannelly, who is the author/host of the Coptimizer blog and podcast respectively. Anyone can recognize the value of this play on words- how do we optimize our cops? If you have been following my page, show, etc you’ll know my outline would consist of officer wellness and fitness, strong leadershi…
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Scott has been doing the work: speaking, training, and providing content to help our first responders tackle the challenges that come alongside our careers. In our discussion we discuss: -if we are teaching resilience, mindset, and how to thrive -self awareness of mounting chronic stress - awareness of your family's status and skills to improve - h…
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120: Survival of the Mentally Fittest: LODD and PTSD from a spouse's perspective, extreme adversity and extreme resilience w/Jodie Baulkham
55:48
When I connected with Jodie, learning quickly about her experiences with tragedy- losing her husband in the line of duty with their baby- I knew this would be an extremely impactful conversation for first responders, their spouses and families. Beyond that, Jodie shares her insights from supporting her current husband, an LEO as well, with a PTSD d…
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119: Staying in the Fight; Policing, Peer Support, Purpose w/ Pat McCurdy (Sergeant, ret.)
1:00:52
Everyone has mentors that set them on course by virtue of providing example. I have publicly credited Pat McCurdy multiple times as one of my shining models of how to approach agency peer support and culture. Now, it is my distinct pleasure to get him behind a microphone on the show. I talk about how Pat and his team with King County Sheriff's Offi…
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Retired Chief Tim Eggebraaten brings a practical and uplifting message and attitude to our law enforcement professionals. In our conversation, we talk about the difficult topics and aspects of the career: the real stressors, stigmas, cultural rivalries and animosities (within the culture and the building!) Law enforcement and first responder commun…
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117: How to Support our Warriors: Examining Moral Injury w/ Dr. Rachael Goldmann (Marine veteran)
1:12:08
Following one of my articles on moral injury being featured in Police 1, Dr. Rachael reached out to me. Her colleague had read the article and shared it with her. Moral injury has been a focal point of her studies and work. As a Marine Corps veteran, she recognized many needs to help her fellows through mental health work and awareness. This ranged…
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The perils faced in this job claim far too many of our brothers and sisters. Sometimes it seems like no less than a miracle that we have one of ours beat catastrophic injury in overwhelming odds. It is my privilege to bring you my conversation with a poignant example of resilience and an unwavering spirit. From my neck of the woods in western Washi…
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Those who know... know. There is nothing like losing your faithful furry companion. The bonds we share with our pets can be quite different than those we share with humans. Pets are sometimes a constant, through the tumultuous things- the highs and lows one experiences over the course of 10+ years. How to process their loss, especially in untimely …
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114: Cops Getting Charged: Navigating Risk/Reward, Legal vs. Moral Obligation and Society's Expectations with Sgt. Chris Nielsen
1:10:25
Cops are getting charged.. arrested.. convicted. No two situations are the same and this message as well as this episode's conversations are not offering opinions about the course, investigation, judicial processes or outcomes of any cases involving police officer criminal prosecution. What this conversation IS doing, is bringing the fears, concern…
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113: Stuntman to Firefighter to Voice for First Responders and Societal Health Needs, James Geering
58:41
You can’t be in the first responder wellness space and not know about James and his work on Behind the Shield (podcast and IG). James has a way of sharing a positive message with a dose of real talk which is very much needed in our lives. In our conversation we chat about his story and quickly get into all things health and exercise- from diet dogm…
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Ana is a lot of things: military kid, ex collegiate athlete, paramedic and nutrition and exercise coach and tactical athlete. We talk about the simple yet profound things you can do to start, advance or cement your health progress, journey, and outcomes. Positivity, identity mindset tools, hacks and tricks, how Ana got into nutrition, fitness and w…
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Kurt Weinreich has been a fitness professional in Colorado for over 25 years and utilizes his experience in the industry as a trainer, manager, and educator as a former senior instructor at the National Personal Training Institute. Kurt was awarded the Academic Achievement Award from the International Sports and Sciences Association and was chosen …
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I got turned onto Antonio Neves and his work years ago after hearing him speak on a major health and wellness podcast. Themes critical to mindset, self-development and growth, and building community to discuss men’s issues and comradery were central. Since then, I’ve been following along through his blog, show, and have even set up a Man Morning gr…
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I met (new LT!) Sarah Shendy at the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 40 Under 40 Award ceremony Dallas back in 2022, where we were both recipients. It has been rewarding to be connected with other driven, engaged emerging police professionals. Sarah has such a positive outlook and critical focus on doing the hard work, having the har…
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Through getting connected to Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (check our prior ep. #85!!) I got to meet and learn about ret. Sgt. Mike Baldwin. On this episode, he shares about his extensive assignments and law enforcement career and we take a dive into leadership tenets, personal values as they navigate policework, and serving those values in, out, and beyo…
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When the gents at Level Up and Live connected with me, their name alone told me it was probably going to be a great conversation on shared values. The name says it all! They are all about how to go from “existing” to LIVING. Sean and Ewan are and were both traditionally successful, but something was calling them to push harder, think deeper, and el…
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If you’re a first responder on social media, you NEED to be following Erica and TacMobility. Not only will you see simple movements to fix and aid posture, mobility, chronic pain, but statements that buck the narratives that are keeping us down mentally, socially, emotionally. Erica’s a straight shooter; she tells us how it is (and frankly that’s n…
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Welcome back Johanna Wender, from Bravura Counseling (and Ep. 21, where we talk about Mental Health Musts.. so also download THAT one if you haven’t listened!) In this episode we focus on FEAR. Fear limits our abilities- in wellness, teamwork, leadership. As cops are grapple with what most civilians are afraid of- so let’s break down what WE are af…
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I had the distinct pleasure to see ret. Deputy Chief Jim Dudley’s work through Police 1’s Policing Matters podcast. Fast forward to being invited to be a co-panelist with Jim in a round-table seminar on the state of police recruiting and what’s working- it was a distinct honor and experience. In our conversation, we talk about his various assignmen…
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As June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month and PTSD/I Awareness Month, it is my honor to bring you my conversation with Dr. Clarence (Lance) Cutsforth- a veteran, mental health advocate and functional medicine practitioner. We discuss: - lessons and insights from his deployment - ways to look at mental health and healing - treating trauma and P…
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Ep. 102: Checking the Ego and True Community Connection w/ Jason Lehman (Why'd You Stop Me?)
57:31
When I first heard Jason speak on policing, drifting into the “gray area” and what it really means to him to connect with community, I knew I had to learn more. What I didn’t know was that I’d eventually come to meet him at an IACP conference, as well has have him on my own podcast! In order to elevate policing and be the best we can for the commun…
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It is my distinct pleasure to share the knowledge and experience that is James Brack. For years, I have personally benefited from the insight he has shared with the region with regards to departmental wellness efforts. Sergeant Brack was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from the Bothell branch of the University of Washington w…
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Episode 100! Where has the time gone..?? With this, I bring you a very special guest, Scott Howell- multi-discipline trainer, gym owner, and advocate of not only first responders, but public safety. Blue Grit Wellness (and Radio) started through promoting themes of health, mindset, and community. My conversation and connection with Scott was refres…
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Internal Affairs.. IAs.. there are many unsavory nicknames for such roles and units.. Many of us know WHY they are important, but it can be hard to separate the caution, emotions, and stress associated with the title. Marlon Marrache worked for years in I.A., and helps us discuss not only why a strong I.A. process is critical for police accountabil…
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A critical theme in discussion of first responder wellness is resilience. When I look around at folks I work with in my department, it’s hard to find a better example of someone who embodies a resilient spirit than my teammate, Tessa Melville. Tessa endured a host of critical incidents in the first few years of her policing career, both on and off …
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I’m pleased to bring you more conversations about family dynamics as they relate to first responder life. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. Balance is hard. These are all common adages and topics OUTSIDE of first responder life. We dive into this with Hailey, a therapist and advocate for first responders. As a relatively new first responder spou…
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"Be as you are- as loud as you can- because you are enough." Such words are powerful, and they shaped young Earl toward a mindset that supported abundance, positive attitude and trajectory. In our conversation, I wonder where many of us would be with those types of relentlessly encouraging words, support and guidance at a young age. Earl Fields has…
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