My 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 his LAPD career, working as a background investigator, and chatting tips and themes that will help everyone from police prospects to those coming up on retirement.

--

Ken Roybal began his career as an LAPD officer in April 1980. From 1997 to 2001 he was assigned as an LAPD Background Investigator at the Administrative Investigation Division. Ken retired from the LAPD in May 2003.

In July 2006, Ken returned to the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department-Background Investigation Division to conduct LAPD background investigations. He spent the next 12 years there. Ken was recognized as one of the most senior investigators having conducted approximately 1400 background investigations in 16 years. He has been certified twice by CA POST and was recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in LAPD background investigations. In 2017, Ken was called upon by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office to testify during a federal civil rights trial as an expert witness in LAPD background investigations.

Ken opened PoliceBackground.Net in 2006 as a website to assist police candidates seeking answers on the LAPD hiring process. The site has helped hundreds of candidates get the answers they needed to navigate the arduous background investigation. The site has been go-to place for anyone seeking answers on LAPD backgrounds.

In 2018, Ken retired from the City of Los Angeles after 35 years of service. The new Policebackground.net was then opened with more services including one-on-one counseling with retired background investigators and retired LAPD mentors and recruitment officers.

policebackground.net

The Police Applicant Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2blCjqkz

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

I 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.  

We connected on the phone and actually started to do an interview quite a while before this one came together, but life happens and we had to bump it. All to say, in our conversations, Ty wanted to make it abundantly clear how much he appreciates and supports our first responders, police specifically as he had a dramatically eye-opening experience getting to meet many in the gym and on the mats.

It's my distinct pleasure to feature my conversation with such a HUGELY humble dude and positive figure in our community.

---


You can find Ty at :

IG mobility_monster74

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

They 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 stint as a police academy instructor.  

Life is simply too short to live it without doing so full heartedly and - On Purpose.

--
Jerrod recently retired after 21 years as a police officer, has served in the United States Air Force and felt a desire to do more with his life.

As a family man, married for over 20 years to Andrea, raising three children, caused him to realize the speed at which life was passing by was much too quick.

Jerrod is a highly respected and in demand public speaker on this topic, provides leadership training for government and private businesses around the world and owns several small businesses..

--
Where you can find more about Jerrod and get in contact:

www.teamhardy.net

[email protected]

Follow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawenforcementcoaching/

Listen: https://www.theonpurposepodcast.com/

"Extraordinary People in Ordinary Places" available only on Amazon.com

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

A 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 patrol baton. 

We reflect on his road to policing, it wasn’t an easy one. It morphed into a strong expertise in Police testing, from being on both sides of the table.  We talk about interview tips, strategies, his career from recruit to where he currently is serving in limited commission as a court Marshal.  

Leadership lessons, reflections, and taking care of your people.  Lots of highs and lows, and we discuss his role in what many of you have heard about- my OIS- which was also one of his. 

Joe is truly one who was called to do the job, evidenced by his impact, legacy, and refusal to fully “hang it up!”  He has certainly been a strong guide in my career and I am proud to share his wisdom as to affect yours. 

More about Joe:

Joe is enjoying a 38-year career with the Kent Police Department, 33 as a commissioned officer and 5 years as a Municipal Court Marshal. Becoming a Police Officer was his lifetime goal.

During his career Joe worked in patrol, traffic, SWAT, and as a Field Training Officer. After 15 years he promoted to Sergeant. He supervised Patrol, Swat, Civil disturbance, and Narcotics.

After retiring, Joe tested and was rehired as a Court Marshal for the Kent Municipal Court.

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

First 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 EXTREME respect for and tip my cap.  

We talk about her experience in that realm, the bridge and insight on getting hired into the police field and the highs and lows therein.  Which, spoiler alert, had an impact on leading her to serve in a different yet clearly meaningful way in the Fire service.  

I had a pleasure getting to reconnect with my old friend and I'm excited to feature her wealth of knowledge for those coming into emergency response work, testing, and developing their careers and the challenges within.  

And just because I remembered just now.. I remember when we were hanging out in a group off-duty and Jeni called out my discolored burn arm as a bad farmer's tan.  THAT went over hilariously, since she hadn't learned of my story.  Hysterical laugh face emoji.  That's all.

From Jeni:

My name is Jeni Lindstrom and I’ve been in the public service field for the better part of 17 years. I started out as a 911 dispatcher for Port of Seattle Police and Fire Departments and enjoyed that career for just over 8 years. Eventually I decided to chase my childhood dream of becoming a Police officer and was hired by Kent PD in 2014. 

During my time as a police officer I was lucky enough to be part of the departments range staff crew, crime scene team, peer support team and became a field training officer as well. After losing my partner Diego Moreno in the line of duty in 2018, I struggled with my mental health and decided I needed to make another change.

Leaving law enforcement and the people I loved working with was an incredibly tough decision. I applied to work as a firefighter and got hired with Tumwater Fire Department in 2019. I’ve been with TFD now for just over 4 years now and love it. I get to work as a CPR i

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

Before 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 people just have that *thing.*  With Chris, it was the humble confidence.  The calm, yet seemingly indomitable attitude.  And through the years as I got to truly know him, I became more impressed.  Culminating in this interview, I found out how right I was.

Any young cop will look up to strong archetypes: the "squared away" SWAT officer, the dynamic and driven homicide detective.  But with Chris, it was a the leadership quality that transcended his rank- whether as an officer or as a sergeant.  It's the way he elevates and prioritizes his family.  It's the energy that gets people to abandon notion and rank and wait and listen to what he has to say.

I've looked up to Chris through the years and proudly call him a role model and mentor.  Maybe it's because of what he has accomplished in career and servant leadership.  Maybe it's because of how he flipped the script and is an amazing dad and family man, despite having no example given to him.  Maybe it's because he dreams big and encourages others to do so.  It's definitely all of the above.

Listen, learn, and live (AKA #dieliving ) with me and Chris:

Chris grew up in a fatherless home raised by a mother with significant mental health issues. Despite the odds, he put himself through college, graduate school, and law school. 

Chris left his career as a trial attorney in 2011 and became a police officer. His police career has spanned assignments in patrol, SWAT, special operations, and administration. He is currently an administrative training sergeant.

Outside of policework, Chris is an independent consultant specializing in police practices, policies, and procedures. He and his wife, Jenn, have been married for 19 years. They have two wonderful kids. He unwinds by mountain biking, skydiving, CrossFit, coaching his son’

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

I 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 estranged father, and how that catapulted him into his experience as a father.  What started with his family and kids then grew into an online presence to affect tens of thousands positively and with genuine warmth. 

Check out Rob at his IG, and look out for his new book on Amazon!

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

For 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.

Like, share, comment and send to your people who are or will be prepping for their first responder interviews!

Take care and stay gritty!

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

Well 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 providing training (fitness and martial arts).  Adam is a seasoned police officer and BJJ practitioner, and training partner - the three of us discuss the brass tacks of being a protector by trade, role, and place in community.

As always, give some love through a rating, positive review, comments for the episode and on @bluegritwellness on the IG.  

You can find Clay at @conscious.clay and Adam at the_walking_oxymoron

Take care, be safe, and stay gritty!

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

I 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 profession, and to see the world turned upside down?

Jason and I discuss his experiences getting into the Navy, then as a new police recruit and officer.  We continue to talk about his work in cold cases and becoming a crisis counselor.  Today, he works with Forge, to support first responders and veterans and has recently completed a new book, Living Blue with Barbara Rubel. 

To contact Jason:

jasonmpalamara on IG
[email protected]
ForgeHealth.com

Jason's bio:

Jason Palamara is a U.S. Navy Veteran having served in US “Operation Noble Anvil” [NATO “Operation Allied Force”] aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt. He is a retired New York City Police Department Cold Case Homicide Detective. Jason has served as a peer support counselor with the NYPD and currently serves as a volunteer crisis intervention counselor with the Long Island Crisis Center. He is also a John C. Maxwell certified life coach, teacher, speaker and trainer. He is the director of Veteran & First Responder Engagement for Forge VFR. His mission is to connect with and serve his fellow First Responder and Veteran communities ensuring the care they need is always available to them. Jason is currently co-authoring ‘Living Blue’, a book on police wellness and resilience with Barbara Rubel.

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