Blue Grit Radio : the podcast to build better police through mindset and wellness

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Returning guest Joey (Nor Cal SWAT cop) and I discuss topics much needed in police (and societal) culture today- staying grounded.  We do a job that’s heavy at times- it’s hard to keep balanced and stress at bay. 

Ultimately we have a job to do, but how do it makes all the difference.  I appreciate Joey’s stoic and graceful outlook on how we can police- being mindful, patience, service-driven, and caring. We talk about building empathy to honing communication skills, and navigating the noise and discord of negativity, politics and polarizing energy. 

I’m proud to feature and share his example, especially at this time of thanks, gratitude and going into the holidays.  

You can learn more about Joey and our insights on service, career, and life in his first appearance, in ep. 67- “Balance in All Things.”
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Joey (@9mm.musashi) is a full time police officer in Northern California. He was born in Kyoto, Japan, and did his growing up in Massachusetts and Southern California. He attended UCLA on an Army ROTC scholarship, and commissioned into the Army Reserve upon graduation. 

He started his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department, beginning the academy the Monday after graduating college. After a few years, he moved to Northern California to become a police officer in his wife’s hometown. At his current department, he is a patrol officer with collateral duties of SWAT, firearms instructor, first aid instructor, and honor guard team member. 

On the Army side, he has held positions as a section OIC, platoon leader, company executive officer, and most recently, company commander. He has had the opportunity to go overseas 4 separate times for training and real-world missions through the Army while continuing his full-time LEO career. 

Joey runs the @9mm.musashi page (his personal page) as well as @policepoststraining, a page dedicated to discussing LE tactics, training, and education. In his little spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, baby daughter, and dog, as well as reading and working out.

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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Cops are handicapped.  Cops are scared to do their jobs.  Rather than fixate on these narratives, the most critical and constructive thing cops can do is to TRAIN.  This goes from physical fitness, to tactics, to mental fortitude, and legal knowledge.  Knowledge is power, and articulation and awareness are game changers.  Enter our guest on this episode:

It is my pleasure to share an absolute training expert and resource in the region and beyond for policing: Tom Ovens.  Tom developed in his law enforcement careers in Auburn and Seattle, working through various assignments including Training, Force Review, and more.  His expertise led him to became a court-recognized expert in use of force matters, and after retiring as an LT, he operates and trains officers through Police Training Solutions.

We dive into a range of topics through our discussion, with the goal of helping officers identify what they can do to keep themselves sharp and safe (physically and legally)!

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Tom retired after thirty years of service with the Auburn and Seattle Police Departments.  Tom was most recently assigned to the Seattle Police Force Review Unit/Force Investigations Team, FRU/FIT, where he reviewed and conducted investigations in police use of force.  Prior to working in the FRU, Tom worked in the Office of Police Accountability and the training unit of the 

He has extensive experience in patrol and detective work, supervising and training law enforcement officers, and review of, creation of and implementation of policy.  He provides a unique and valuable perspective on how agencies and officers can best navigate the fluid and constantly changing environment that they must now operate in.  He is a recognized expert in use of force, training, patrol work, police procedure, police supervision, patrol procedures, tactics, tactical operations, and investigations.  Tom is a certified Force Analyst through the Force Science Institute and his work was featured in their news line.

http://www.policetrainingsolutions.com/

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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Greg Grogan, 10 years as a police officer, 7 years in the USMC, and 4 years in the USCG. Greg is the Co-Founder of The Overwatch Collective, whose passion is to continue to assist our Military and First Responder with getting into therapy to reduce stigma, culture, and suicides.

@theoverwatchcollective on IG
www.theoverwatchcollective.com

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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By now you all know that I'm a ginormous proponent of Peer Support, not just in policy but in actualized culture.  Today, I am joined by a personal colleague and friend who I have known through my existence at my PD- and more so in my increased peer support involvement in the last several years.  Pat Ellis is my department's (and our local fire dept's) chaplain and crisis intervention coordinator.

In our discussion, we talk about his background, growing up around emergency services, his personal call to service, and how chaplaincy ranges from solely outward facing to the more efficacious dual-facing dynamic.  We discuss themes in building peer support and wellness culture as well as first responder dynamics to help us navigate our relationships and lives both on and off duty.

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Pat Ellis started his career as a public safety chaplain in 2000 with the Kent Police Department, Puget SoundRegional Fire Authority, and Valley 911 Communications Center.  He holds multiple certifications in critical incident stress management, traumatic stress, traumatic grief, and line of duty death of an emergency responder. 

Pat teaches Critical Incident Stress Management, Compassion Fatigue and Emotional Survival in Emergency Services for various public safety agencies and academies throughout Washington. He also trains and coordinates peer support teams for multiple fire and police departments.  

Pat serves as President of the Board for the Washington State Fallen Firefighters Memorial Foundation and is the co-author of the Washington State Fire Service Line of Duty Death Policy and Procedures.  He is the Washington State Coordinator for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Local Assistant State Team.  Pat is married and has three children and 5 grandchildren.

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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I’m excited to feature this expert panel on so many aspects of first responder fitness and nutrition. It is often times dizzying to
figure out where and how to start.

Beyond that, we tackle functional movement, injury-prevention and optimized considerations from novice to intermediate to advanced! Listen in for prime tips, practices, and strategies to be the best version of yourself!
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Dr. Evan specializes in helping Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athletes move and feel better on the mat. He holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree as well as a Tactical Athlete Strength & Conditioning certification. 

Dr. Evan works with grapplers via workout and recovery programming designed to help Jiu Jitsu students optimize recovery, train smarter and get stronger. 

IG @drevankappler
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Taylor Huntman is a dedicated Personal Trainer and Sports Nutrition Coach with a background in functional movement patterns and years of experience in the fitness industry, she believes in a holistic approach to health and wellness. 

In addition to her technical expertise, Taylor emphasizes the importance of mobility and injury prevention, recognizing that a well-rounded fitness routine is essential for longevity and performance.

IG: @taylorhuntman
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Audrey Andrade has a Bachelor of Science in English from the United States Naval Academy. As a certified Functional Nutrition Coach, Herbalist, and Personal Trainer, she has four years of experience coaching clients to better their health and lifestyle. 

She served in the Navy for seven and a half years as a Naval Officer and writes health-focused articles for the major publication Medium as well as business development teams in the technology sector. Audrey is a California native and resides in sunny Florida with her husband, Anthony, and sweet pups, Alessio and Louis. 

IG: @audreylandrade

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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You asked, and WE responded!  I’ve been asked about the high incidence of divorce, cheating, and risk-seeking behavior in law enforcement. Heavy topics indeed.

I immediately recognized that while I can offer my thoughts, to dive full-bore into this topic would require some legitimate experts!  Dr. Mynda and Ther (Esther) join the show and offer their clinical insights to the dynamics as well as Dr. Mynda’s personal anecdotes- being a fire spouse for many years and now working in tandem with crisis response to law enforcement.

This is a fantastic discussion that not only helps our understanding to complicated circumstances, but offers practical actions, strategies and tools to take home (literally) so we can show up better in and out of the uniform!

Topics include: first responder shift and career dynamics, hyper-vigilance, heightened sense of identity, relating and trust, sharing and communication, areas of strength and domain of work and home, communicating needs, decompression and much more.
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Dr. Mynda Ohs specializes in first responders and their families exclusively for 10 years.  She has authored 2 books regardingrelationships with first responders and retiring as a first responder. Additionally, she holds contracts with several agencies nationwide to teach and respond to critical incidents. she has responded to over 25 LODD with the Forest Service, BLM and Park Services. 

 She recently joined the Las Vegas Metro Police Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) as a mental health consultant.   As a former first responder herself and married 27 years to a now retired Battalion chief she is passionate and committed to educating and improving the beliefs about getting help.
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Esther Horowitz MA, LPC, CCTP is a bilingual (Spanish/English) mental health counselor who graduated as a Clinical Psychologist from Universidad San Francisco de Quito, (Ecuador) in 2013. Esther has worked in various environments including working with court-ordered clients for DUI, DV, and Anger Management.

Since 2018, Esther has worked at the University of Colorado Boulder supporting staff and faculty offering bilingual counseling for individuals, couples and families. Esther is now a Level II PACT Therapist (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy), a National Emergency Responder Certified Therapist, a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and fitness instructor.

Esther may be reached via her LinkedIn, Instagram or e-mail [email protected]

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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The longer I do this job (and this thing I call life), I realize that although I learn more and more, I also learn that there is more and more that I don’t know.  My guest in this episode is someone I’m excited to highlight due to his open-minded humility.

Deputy Chief Bobby Hollis is a leader and personal mentor of mine.  Way back when, we were officers at the same time in “our” agency, and through the years, I watched him continue to grow and advance in his career.  I’ve worked under his supervision at different points in my career, but came to appreciate his insight and example more as I developed my own professional leadership philosophy and experience. 

None of us would accomplish anything of value without guidance and example from others.  As you will hear, Bobby is conscientious, thoughtful, curious, open to ideas, and balanced.  As many of us in policing know- this is not common in our traditional leadership models, but it ought to be. It is my distinct pleasure to have connected with him and allow others to hear and consider his approach and example. 

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Robert (Bobby) Hollis, Deputy Police Chief

Deputy Chief Bobby Hollis has served in law enforcement for 24+ years. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Police for the Lacey Police Department.

In his career, Deputy Chief Hollis has worked numerous assignments. He has worked on DEI initiatives and overseen units such as Emergency Management, Traffic, K-9, and SRO. He has also overseen IT (Information Technology) projects and been the liaison to Valley Communications (dispatch). Deputy Chief Hollis spent significant time as a PIO (Public Information Officer), SWAT officer, Recruiting and Hiring, Field Training Officer (FTO) and as a Collision Investigator.

Bobby has been married to his wonderful bride Cindie for 14 years and are empty nesters with their son now attending college. Deputy Chief Hollis has his Executive master’s degree in public administration (EMPA) and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, both from the University of Washington. You can contact him via his LinkedIn page.

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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For part 1, check out Ep. 145- where we talk about Sam's background, start in policing and his worst day with lessons learned- you don't wanna miss it!  

In the conclusion of our discussion, we talk about the importance of modeling behavior: for rookies, peers, and using that mentality to lead up with positivity.  Sam shares insight on how to be "proactive" and considerations for new police trainers, training officers and leaders.  

We talk about "what's changed" and this discussion continues critical themes of where we go from here- with positivity, ownership, and constructive energy so we can be our best for our team, family, and the community at large.

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Sam was born and raised in Seattle, and had aspirations of becoming a police officer since a young age. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 2012, and began working as a police officer with the Carlsbad NM Police Department. 

He has now been in law enforcement for 12 years, with the majority of that time spent with the Kent Police Department. While with Kent, he has experience working as a patrol officer, field training officer, and was a member of the special operations unit. 

He currently serves as a criminal procedure instructor and member of the peer team. He was also recently selected to become a member of the newly created proactive crime reduction unit. Sam has a vested interest in mentoring new officers in wellness and mental health, and helping to foster a positive work environment for his fellow officers. Outside of work, Sam spends almost all his time with his young children and is an avid music fan.

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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William Harry McRaven is a retired United States Navy four-star admiral who served as the ninth commander of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM).  

Wisdom of the Bullfrog is  “a short, inspirational book of advice and leadership lessons that Admiral McRaven collected over his four decades as a Navy SEAL.  The title ‘Bullfrog’ is given to the Navy SEAL who has served the longest on active duty.” (Porchlight Book Co.)

The book was recommended to me from a friend for its leadership concepts- and the simple, yet effective tenets resonated deeply.  As I went through the chapters, I recognized how impactful the titles were alone.  
 
In this episode, I share, review and riff on many of the chapter titles to help illustrate how we can clearly visualize their application to any context- police leadership, certainly!

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

Send us a text

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 willingness to support the mission.  

Sam and I discuss his background and challenges growing up.  He shares on how these experiences ultimately shaped his outlook and passion for policing.  Sam talks about his start in the career in New Mexico, coming up to WA state and some of his biggest lessons learned from his worst night on the job.

We delve into lessons learned in officer wellness, everything from gallows humor to compartmentalizing, feelings of being alone, being "fine," and adapting to be our best at work and home.

STAY TUNED FOR PART TWO, airing soon!

Sam was born and raised in Seattle, and had aspirations of becoming a police officer since a young age. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 2012, and began working as a police officer with the Carlsbad NM Police Department. 

He has now been in law enforcement for 12 years, with the majority of that time spent with the Kent Police Department. While with Kent, he has experience working as a patrol officer, field training officer, and was a member of the special operations unit. 

He currently serves as a criminal procedure instructor and member of the peer team. He was also recently selected to become a member of the newly created proactive crime reduction unit. Sam has a vested interest in mentoring new officers in wellness and mental health, and helping to foster a positive work environment for his fellow officers. Outside of work, Sam spends almost all his time with his young children and is an avid music fan.

Don’t forget to like, SHARE and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and more! This is the best way you can support this podcast, our message and support in the topics we discuss!

Please help us grow the positive conversations and community by liking, reviewing, and giving us a solid rating to help others find the show. Be well and stay gritty!

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] !

We are always talking about police and first responder wellness, how to be a cop, self development, career development, organizational culture and development and so much more! This isn't just to uplift the policing community and profession, but THE Community. Let's do it one conversation at a time!

music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic