FDR said "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."  Relevant in this conversation, as Fear itself is not the enemy, it's not bad, it's just a thing.  However, making sure that THING doesn't paralyze us, prevent and stall us, or get us hurt or killed is very much critical.

Tony Blauer an internationally renowned expert on all things defensive tactics, martial arts, and human performance.  In our conversation, he shares about what is missing from most training systems from barehand to firearms to scenarios.  He takes it to the biological level so we can understand how to mitigate fear's effects and act with courage and precision.  We discuss de-escalation, pre-attack factors, stress responses and the power of the mind.

--

Coach Tony Blauer is a world-renowned self-defense & fear management expert and has been a visible force in the martial art, self-defense, defensive tactics, and combatives industry for over four decades.

As the CEO of Blauer Tactical Systems, his organization has grown into one of the world's leading consulting companies specializing in the research and development of performance psychology, personal safety, and close-quarter tactics & scenario-based training for defensive tactics, combatives, and professional self-defense instructors.

• He is best known for developing the world’s first self-defense system based on the sciences of psychology and physiology - called The SPEAR System® as well as the world’s first dynamic scenario-training equipment called HIGH GEAR®.

Blauer’s training systems and equipment are used by the military, law enforcement, martial artists, and citizens around the world. 

• Free Law Enforcement Training
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• SHTF – Free eBook
• BTS Website

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-------------------------------------

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-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Positivity in Policing.. but not that toxic force-a-smile, everything is sunshine and rainbows.  I loved connecting with Matthew and Austin, two active cops who blend constructive energy, playful banter, and recognition of this critical purpose we share in first responder work. 

We talk brass tacks of patrol work, career advice, prevailing negativity, gossip culture, training, what new generations seem to focus on, as well as their personal experiences, hardships, and learnings from their years on the job, solid friendship and comradery.  We talk about their project, the Tone Alert podcast, where my appearance is airing the same day as this ep!

--

From Tone Alert:

Everyone has a story, The Tone Alert Podcast we created to be a place where every first responder can come had have their voice be heard. If you have a story to tell, we want to hear it.

instagram.com/tonealert

open.spotify.com/show/0nVdPy1Cg2KSw2nGiFXm5J?si=9a317c57a15b4e7c

www.youtube.com/@Tonealertpodcast

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

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-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

There are hardly words for the loss of a loved one. Hardly words for the tragedy of a line of duty death of a partner - a friend.  For the catastrophe and heart-break of an accidental "Blue on Blue" OIS.  What about all those things combined... where an officer responds and finds her own fiancee as the gunshot victim in such an incident, and is there by his side as he passes?

I can barely find the words, and yet, my guest, fmr. officer Bev Perez has many. More than just words, she has her story, her experiences and lessons from being in that pit of despair, to finding hope and purpose for all of us in this challenging profession.  Bev and I talk about the call to service, assignments, her post-trauma growth journey, and how she is helping individuals and agencies find the answer through healing and love.

--

With a decade of dedicated service in policework —Mirian “Bev” Perez brings a wealth of experience and insight into the unique challenges faced by law enforcement professionals.  Leveraging her extensive background in law enforcement, Bev uniquely positions herself as a consultant and trainer for police agencies nationwide. Her expertise in peer support, grief, and leadership addresses the pressing mental health needs of first responders. 

She has successfully facilitated numerous wellness groups, equipping officers with strategies to enhance resilience and emotional well-being.

Bev holds prestigious certifications from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and the state of Florida in peer support, along with specialized training in Law Enforcement Psychological Autopsy, Certified Interventionist, and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. Championing the message that "your worst day does not have to dictate your everyday," Bev is committed to inspiring resilience and compassion among those who serve and protect our communities.

Bev Perez Website
Bev Perez Instagram

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Relationships. Does that word make you go.. "Oh!" (endearing tone and heart eyes) or "Oh.." (cautious tone with pause) or "Ugh.." (you know...)

Unfortunately, all responses are valid as relationships and marriages are complex, difficult, and often catabolic and draining. But is it relationships themselves - or not having the right guardrails, systems, lessons, and tips alongside this arduous career and lifestyle?  

Enter Linda and Brian, who lived a full police career/marriage.  With Brian retired after a 32-year career, they now share lessons in marriage, for first responders (and others) with key insights, they experienced upfront and personal. Brian brings his experience with OIS(es) and Trauma Support Team and Linda with her various professional coaching, teaching, and counseling in addition to being alongside Brian all those decades of shared service. 

--

Brian recently retired after a distinguished 32-year law enforcement career, serving with both the Los Angeles Police Department and the Huntington Beach Police Department. Brian retired at the rank of Captain, and also served on the Crisis Negotiation Team and Trauma Support Team.  In addition to his police work, he was a Lay Christian Counselor for many years at a well-known church in Southern California.

Linda worked for 17 years as a Special Education Behavior Tutor and is a certified Biblical/Life Coach through Light University. She also served as a Lay Christian Counselor and Counselor Supervisor at the same Southern California church. Linda is the author of Officer Involved Spouse: Sharing Experiences to Reach the Heart of Your Law Enforcement Marriage and Cultivating Contentment as a Law Enforcement Wife, a seven-day devotional. Together, Brian and Linda co-authored Rebuild Your Marriage: A Nine-Week Curriculum to Help Strengthen Marriages. (All available on Amazon).

Drawing on their deep experience in lay counseling, coaching, and marriage mentoring, Brian and Linda launched Peaks and Valleys Life Coaching (www.PeaksAndValleys.life).

Through their nonprofit, Blazing New Trails Law Enforcement Marriage Retreat (www.BlazingNewTrails.org)  they are committed to strengthening the officer’s marriage, home life, and overall wellness.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Good leadership concepts aren't difficult to identify, but it's hard to find them in practice due to a host of issues.  Culture, egos, habits..  In this conversation, I'm proud to feature the author of multiple impactful Police 1 articles, Chief Michael Assad.  Reading his thoughts and hearing his tone will resonate with leaders of all levels, as he shares his experience going from sergeant to a small agency chief  - and all that comes with it.  He teaches us how to magnify open communication, teamwork, and not taking ourselves too seriously!

—

Michael A. Assad Jr., MSCJ, is police chief of the Rochester (Mass.) Police Department. He previously worked as a Detective Sergeant for the Mashpee Police Department on Cape Cod, where he supervised general detectives, task force detective and the court prosecutor. Chief Assad was also the Commander of the Community Service Unit (CSU), Bike Team, K9 Unit and Assistant Team Leader of Cape Cod SWAT’s Crisis Negotiator Team (CNT).

Chief Assad holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in Police Administration and Operations. Chief Assad has also completed the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy and the Leaders Helping Leaders Network (LHLN) Trilogy.  You can find him on LinkedIn.

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 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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Wellness and Leadership are major pillars that Blue Grit is built to explore, and in this episode, they intersect in significant ways.  Steve Strachan (retired top cop for King County Sheriff’s Office, Bremerton, and Kent Police) is the executive director of WASPC (Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs).  He helps us explore what didn’t work in police wellness in the past, where we have come, and how far we have still to go.

So much of this is a direct lift for the executive and senior leaders.  Steve discusses ways to model health and wellness and suggests the deficiency in agencies where that is not occurring.  This includes concepts for both physical and mental regimens, asking for and accepting help and peer support opportunities. Listen in for key takeaways for a HEALTHY environment and culture so officers can truly be well within the team and for the work they signed up to do.  

--

Executive Director Steve Strachan serves the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs following a 31-year career in law enforcement. Steve started as a part-time jailer with the Carver County (MN) Sheriff’s Office, then began as a full-time police officer with the Lakeville (MN) Police Department, where he served as a Patrol Officer, DARE Officer, Detective, School Resource Officer, SWAT Operator and Commander, Sergeant, and as Chief of Police. He served as a member of the City Council of Farmington, MN for six years, and in 2002 was elected to the Minnesota State House of Representatives.

In 2006, Steve began as Chief of Police in Kent, WA, and became chief deputy at the King County Sheriff’s Office in 2010. Steve was named Sheriff by the King County Council when Sheriff Sue Rahr became director of the Criminal Justice Training Commission. In 2013, Steve became chief of police in Bremerton, Washington, until his appointment as WASPC’s executive director in 2018. 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
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Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Our police profession has come a long way in the realms of wellness and support, but we have a long way to go.  Still, many officers are not given appropriate care, time, resources, or even a means to recover from the emotional, mental, and physical gut punches we get dealt. Some, with categorical on-duty injuries are cast out by agencies and L&I.  

In this episode, ret. Lt. Randy Sutton and ret. Sheriff Jesse Watts share about their policing careers, calls to service, and reflect on their own personal adversities.  Randy shares why he started Wounded Blue and they both share stories on why the resources they provide are so critical.

-

Lieutenant Randy Sutton (Ret.) is a distinguished figure in the law enforcement community. With over 34 years of service, he brings a wealth of expertise to the table.

Sutton founded the Wounded Blue as a means to support injured and disabled law enforcement officers. As the Chair of the Board of Directors, he leads initiatives aimed at providing assistance and resources to those who have sacrificed for the safety of others.  [email protected]

-

Jesse has a lifetime of Public Service, starting as a Law Enforcement Explorer and Cadet at the age of 12 years old.  Jesse was elected the 30th Sheriff-Coroner of Eureka County in 2018, then re-elected in 2022.  In 2021, Jesse was recognized for his leadership, as the Courageous Police Leader of the Year by LawOfficer.com. 

Jesse currently serves as the Vice President of the Northern Nevada Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, helping rebuild the shattered lives of families and co-workers of those killed in the line of duty.  He is now the Executive Director of Wounded Blue.  [email protected]

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

All things Blue Grit talk about how to show up your best - day to day.  Much of the origin of the podcast was to help applicants prep and elevate, but what about active law enforcement and first responders?  The original idea for this episode was to talk about SWAT selection, but the themes developed much more high-level and adaptable for anyone who wants to be their best.

This conversation with cognitive powerhouses Seb Lavoie and Mark Bouchard goes far beyond prepping for the highly competitive selection processes, but to how you solidify your abilities, reputation, and actual performance (so you can be the ideal cop you want to be - selection or not)!  Listen, share, and review to help the show and our community!

—

Mark Bouchard works as a police officer with a full-time position in the RCMP’s National Tactical Medicine Program. Mark is in his 18th year of policing, which has consisted largely of approximately 10 years each on patrol, Emergency Response Team (SWAT) 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. 

https://markbouchard.ca/stigma/

—

Seb Lavoie is a professional performance coach, guest speaker, former tactical team leader and provincial Sergeant Major, with over two decades of frontline experience. He holds a Master’s degree in International Security and Global Counter-Terrorism, and now operates as an international security expert, helping individuals and organizations optimize performance under pressure while navigating complex security landscapes.

@slavccmdr 

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Recorded after the anniversary of Officer Diego Moreno's death, 7 years later, I reflect on his mentorship, the range of emotions we face in loss, and a recall and discussion of purpose and morale in police work.  

I explored what we can do about morale following the hardship of 2020, sharing 5 things we can do to promote positive morale in ourselves and our teams.  Lastly, in a nod to the developing listenership, I cover a couple questions about starting the career right- from safety to building a reputation in FTO to ensuring you're ready for Police Academy.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

A 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 own drum - and his desire to share not only laughs but connection.

--

Eric Tansey, a former Army scout and Special Operations military veteran, joined the police force with a ton of unrealistic expectations. The reality of the job knocked him down and changed his perspective on everything.

Always a magnet for uncanny, wild situations, Tansey reveals exactly what it’s like to deal with everyday life as a police officer—from trying to tackle naked suspects to pepper spraying yourself in the face, from dealing with an angry mob to coaxing suicidal subjects off a bridge.  Going behind the badge to bring the public a real understanding of the job, Pig Latin hopes to help inspire sympathy rather than condemnation and to encourage current law enforcement with the knowledge that they are not alone in their mistakes, their fear, and their experience on the job.

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

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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 support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop

Email me at [email protected] !

-------------------------------------

Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade. Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...??

Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off

Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT

-----------——————————-
*the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic