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New Years morning was a devastating one for many of us who awoke to the tragic news.  Another mass casualty attack on our own soil. Lives taken and shattered.

I found myself frustrated, dejected, and then motivated.  We as first responders, protectors in profession and life have much we can do- that we will do- and shall do.  Each day, week, month, and year, critical tasks mental, physical, and arguably much further beyond that in the vein of purpose is all we do.

Listen in as I share some of my thoughts in this short, special episode, and a foundation that we can use to steady our footing and resolve as we continue on our paths.

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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In this panel episode, we hit a crucial number of topics that I'm frequently getting questions and feedback about.  Work and home life balances and stress management are hard for average working folks.. but inject in a first-responder, police, fire, EMS, etc career?  Hypervigilance, Compassion Fatigue, Cynicism.. oh my!

I'm joined by experts from different angles: Deana Kahle, (new face), Dr. Medina Baumgart (returning guest) and Cpl. Mark Bouchard, RCMP (returning 4th? appearance!)

With the range of perspective, we cover the multitude of challenges for off-duty life, stress reduction, efforts in work/life balance, communication, boundaries and more!  This is one to share out to your team, first responders, spouses and family for sure!
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Dr. Medina Baumgart is a licensed psychologist in California and a board-certified specialist in Police and Public Safety Psychology. She works full-time as an embedded psychologist within a large metropolitan law enforcement agency where she provides counseling, critical incident debriefings, crisis response, critical incident rollouts, training, consultation. 

Outside of her full-time work, Dr. Baumgart enjoys teaching and providing consultation to other law enforcement agencies on a range of topics . She is also married to a now-retired police officer and knows firsthand some of the challenges that officers and spouses experience throughout a law enforcement career and into retirement. 

Website - www.drbaumgart.com 

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbaumgart/

Instagram - @dr_baumgart
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Deana Kahle is a California licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. As a first responder to first responders for over 13 years, she provides critical incident stress management services to local, state, and federal public safety agencies across the United States. 

Her professional focus is on the treatment of post-traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. In addition to training and keynotes on wellness and resilience, she provides consultation and annual wellness checks. Deana can be reached through her website copshrink.com or @copshrink on Instagram.
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Mark Bouchard works as a police officer with a full-time position in the RCMP’s National Tactical Medicine Program. Mark is in his 18 year of policing, which has consisted largely of patrol, SWAT (Emergency Response) and peer support work.

Outside of work, Mark has completed a Master’s Degree in Leadership, with a focus on police culture and police officer mental health. He combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights On Stigma, which can be found on Amazon. You can find free chapters to Mark’s book on his website at the link below:

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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When we talk about grit and resilience, it's about growing to overcome hard times and experiences.  Retired LEO Donovan Houvener, local professional colleague of mine shares with us just that: now just the "what," but the "how" and in many ways, the "why."  

We explore his purpose and shifting adaptations between agencies and roles and ultimately what all cops could benefit from learning and developing in themselves.  This episode is chock full of tips and considerations for applicants and recruits as well as seasoned vets.  (Stay tuned for his return, where we break down background checks and polygraph!)
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Donovan Heavener recently retired from a 29-year career in law enforcement.  During his career, he had the opportunity to be a motor officer, collision reconstructionist, detective, field training officer, SWAT officer, EVOC instructor, SFST instructor, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force member, sergeant, recruiting and background officer, training coordinator and TAC officer.  

Donovan is a proud member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Washington.  He served 4 years as the Washington State Director for the Torch Run and now serves on the Special Olympics Washington Board of Directors.  Currently, Donovan operates his own polygraph business, along with conducting background investigations for a private company and still instructs at the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Instagram: @truthtraker
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Julota simplifies co-responder and crisis response programs with smarter data and communication solutions, for a demo, visit Julota.com 

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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

Chris Hsiung is a founding board member and Executive Director of "The Curve," a non-profit created with Simon Sinek and forward thinking police chiefs and sheriffs from across the country. The Curve aims to provide inspiration, leadership development, and resources to leaders, with the goal of modernizing police culture from within the profession. Chris previously served as the Undersheriff at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (CA) and before that, was the 11th Police Chief of the Mountain View Police Department (CA), where he dedicated over 28 years to serving the Mountain View community. 

Cherie Harris is the Chief of Police of the Kirkland Police Department with 159 personnel.  Cherie was promoted to Chief of Police in April 2016 after serving with the Department as a Captain since 2012. She previously held the position of Deputy Chief in the Monroe Police Department and has over 31 years of law enforcement experience and serves as President of the Washington Chapter of the FBI National Academy Alumni Association.

Erik Scairpon serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Marysville, WA. MPD is composed of 80 commissioned police officers, 25 custody officers, and 27 professional staff.  Chief Scairpon previously served as a Captain with the Redmond Police Department.  

Chief Scairpon volunteers his time with Victim Support Services, a statewide crime victim’s advocacy, education, and awareness non-profit, and participates as a regional leader in the Special Olympics Washington Law Enforcement Torch Run.

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Julota simplifies co-responder and crisis response programs with smarter data and communication solutions.

For a demo, visit Julota.com 

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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Just in time for New Years... an episode focused on not only building, training, and elevating your body- but RESILIENCE- aka building, training, and elevating your mind.  Easier said than done- and cookie cutter programs don't work for the masses- ESPECIALLY first responders.  How do you adapt programs when the week's schedule gets turned upside down with staying late, getting called in for court, and incident stress through the roof?

Police officer Deven Kennedy returns to the show, specifically focused on highlighting his services in fitness coaching via Resilience Through Fitness (RTF).  Listen for more of Deven's story and background in Ep. 33.
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Growing up on the shores of rural Prince Edward Island in a policing family, Deven always knew he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and serve the community he loved. 

After successfully graduating from the Atlantic Police Academy in 2012, he was hired by a Police Service in Nova Scotia in 2013. 

On June 12th, 2022, he was involved in a traumatic incident on duty resulting in both physical and psychological injuries. A career in policing was everything he had worked towards and the incident left him feeling a loss of purpose.

Through his recovery, he identified a need in the First Responder world for physical fitness specifically designed for each individual client, specific to their job titles and unique needs. 

This is where Resilience Through Fitness Inc. was born! Starting at his local CrossFit Gym, RTF Inc. has now grown to service clients across Canada with personalized 1-on-1 whole body approach incorporating fitness and nutrition coaching. 

Resiliencethroughfitness.com
Instagram: @resiliencethroughfitness
[email protected]

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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This episode was a long time coming!  I have been seeing Nathan's work, promoting critical conversations in law enforcement from north of the border.  We dive into a host of topics meaningful to officers at truly all ranks and roles:

- leadership (official and unofficial)
- non-stop challenges facing policing 
- cultural dynamics of law enforcement
- communication fails in our organizations 
- necessary and uncomfortable conversations (within the industry)
- public engagement challenges- with the media and candid, honest messaging
- owning your own message for police departments 
- how and why we share these talks and podcast at all

Nathan Romas is a Canadian police officer, CEO of Vigilant Media Inc., and host of the Quiet Professional podcast which discusses topics of national security, intelligence, law enforcement and justice.
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LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nathan780
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tqp780
X: https://x.com/tqp780

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quiet-professional/id1631223615
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uFDoXvPEI2DoItdpPAyOr

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This episode is sponsored by Julota. For more information on co-responder resources for first responders, visit julota.com . 

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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A key to personal and professional development is MENTORSHIP.  We need guides, coaches, and advisors to help us stay objective, focused, and on track.  Great mentors help steer us with their extensive experiences, insight and wisdom.  It is the most meaningful prong of development for individuals and organizations alike.

With that, it is my sincere honor to feature an interview with Chris Hsiung.  Chris is a retired chief and undersheriff, following a robust career in law enforcement with multiple assignments and roles.  Beyond that, today, he is the Executive Director and founding member of The Curve- a nonprofit designed to elevate police leadership and practice (what's not to like?)

We talk about determining career direction and progression and when/why someone should promote.  We discuss over-identifying in the career (regardless of rank) and healthy balances with the expectations transitioning out of the uniform.  In addition, we talk about identifying and developing your own leadership identity and style- how to get out of your own way with confidence. This progresses into themes of fixed vs. growth mindset and tangible tips and advice not just for development and the testing process, but solidifying your sense of self.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize the value of mentors and role models who have similar backgrounds to ourselves.  I am very grateful to have been able to watch and see what Chris has accomplished and continues to accomplish- with the humble and approachable candor he uses.  There simply aren't a lot of Asian American police officers through the nation, and correspondingly there aren't a lot of Asian American police leaders. I am extremely appreciative of the time, insight, and care that Chris has provided to us through this platform, and personally to me.

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Chris is a founding board member and Executive Director of "The Curve," a non-profit created with Simon Sinek and forward thinking police chiefs and sheriffs from across the country. The Curve aims to provide inspiration, leadership development, and resources to leaders, with the goal of modernizing police culture from within the profession. Chris previously served as the Undersheriff at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (CA) and before that, was the 11th Police Chief of the Mountain View Police Department (CA), where he dedicated over 28 years to serving the Mountain View community. 

Chris is an internationally recognized speaker and writer, specializing in adaptive leadership cultures, digital engagement, and crisis communications. 

This episode is sponsored by Hero Schedule. To learn more, visit heroschedule.com

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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Leadership starts with Ownership- leading yourself.  There are two dynamics here to underline.  The first is the recognition that you need to take charge, embrace growth, and model excellence for yourself if you are to take charge, embrace growth and support excellence in others.  Also, even for people who do not think of themselves as leaders due to role or rank- you absolutely are.  Anyone you touch in your work or efforts outside of work, anyone who observes you up close or at a distance, is someone you are affecting.  So step up, and LEAD.

This episode is with returning guest, Luke Goozdich, AKA LS Goozdich.  Luke is an intellectual and philosophical pundit.  I’ve been looking forward to having him back on since the first time (Ep. 70, How to be the Hero of your Own Story).  That discussion and this one riffs on themes of not just leader/ownership but the what/how/why we do things, inspiring others through legacy and grappling continually with mortality so we can do and be our best with the time we have.

Also, we explore the power of other narratives- looking at stories, aka fiction.  Key examples come from Luke’s novel series involving law enforcement officers in a 3-part saga.  We discuss how looking at different characters can help us view, process and understand these challenges (thoughts, fears, responses, and stressors) in our own first responder or police careers.

We connect these themes to the power of narrative- what we tell ourselves.  We go deep here, going into whether we are saying, telling and LIVING the right things or the right way for ourselves, navigating emotional responses and the big picture of the direction of our lives.  

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L.S. Goozdich was born with less than a one percent chance of survival. Born with a congenital heart defect, Luke knows that each day is a gift that is not guaranteed. Through his writing and his work as a mental health counselor, he strives to help men reach their fullest potential.

Instagram @L.S.Author

Men's Adventure Fiction Podcast: https://youtube.com/@mensadventurefictionpodcast?si=MIwrzwrYIVPx8AXO 

Join the Men's Adventure Fiction Discord: https://discord.com/invite/TzvmdM4ayW

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Send us a text

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 main aggravators to a healthy police relationship so we can better understand and then what to DO about it, so we can thrive rather than become another statistic.  Beyond the article, I share some of my personal experience and lessons learned in what caused harm and what ultimately helped (and is still helping!)

Police1 article: 

https://www.police1.com/police-jobs-and-careers/ask-tung-why-are-police-marriages-so-difficult

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Send us a text

When can we get over our missteps and mistakes, and in many ways get out of our own way?  When do leadership skills take hold to help us realize our opportunities?  Will we only have our one shot- and will we be ready?

Ray Polk Jr. is an active police lieutenant for the Arlington Police Dept.  In this episode, we talk about leadership- official rank and promotion- as well as leadership in general as a skill and concept.  Ray shares his story of staying patient and persistent- because not all leaders are born- at least to their full potential (myself included!)

We talk about his journey into policing, his progression into career development and advancement- but how it was NOT easy, and how his insights have led him to help others actualize their own potential through growth as the founder of Command Leadership Mastery Services.  We talk about what keeps him grounded- from family and faith to wellness through horseback riding and singing - for thousands of people, to inspire and unify in patriotism.

To contact and find Ray:

Ray L. Polk Jr.'s Card (hihello.me)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-polk-jr-ma-a93aa1249?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BfzOTVYmsTw%2Bi72xMU6iTNg%3D%3D

https://www.tiktok.com/@clms2326?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.instagram.com/commandlms/profilecard/?igsh=ZDNrN2VkNGJueHMw

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more! Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

To stay connected, subscribe to be notified on bluegritwellness.com .

You can follow along with the most updated content on IG: @bluegritwellness ! Leave a comment, ask your questions at IG or email me at [email protected] !

To support first responders and veterans, check out the GRIT and DEATH tee:
Bluegritwellness.com/shop
20% of proceeds go to QRFUp.org

Organic collagen, beef liver and more, use code: BLUEGRIT15
https://www.zenprinciple.com/

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic