Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership

In the world of policing, leadership is not just about authority; it’s about learning, growing, and mentoring others through the challenges faced along the way. In this episode, I am joined by Chief Jeremy Story, who emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and robust training in law enforcement. His journey is a testament to how mistakes can lead to profound growth and the cultivation of effective leadership qualities.

Beyond a significant background in tactics, Chief Story is a front-line, demonstrative leader, competing in the fitness tests and obstacle courses he asks of his own people.  (This is one of the reasons I was drawn to have him on the show!)

We discuss a range of topics, including the interplay of human nature, officer complacency, and how training plays a role.  Among insights are comparisons to other industries, and how learning from them and their practices can help build quality, consistency, and true risk mitigation for officers and the communities we serve.

--
Jeremy Story has served as the Las Cruces police chief since July of 2023. Before that, Story served as the Deputy Chief of Operations and has been a commissioned officer since graduating from LCPD's 38th Academy in 2007. 

In Story's 19 years with the Las Cruces Police Department, he has overseen the department's Academy, SWAT team, Traffic Unit, Gang Unit, and LCPD's Honor Guard Unit. He is a certified instructor for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, teaching courses in the use of force, active shooter response, physical fitness, search & seizure, reality-based training, SWAT, and tactical trauma care. He is also a master instructor for firearms and instructor development. 

Story earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from New Mexico State University and his master's in public administration from Columbia Southern University. Before joining LCPD, Story served as a staff non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps.

You can contact him at:
[email protected]

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

We are at a loss.  We have this Mission, but we are floundering.  People don't feel they are making a difference.  That their work doesn't matter.

Are we here to just do a job, or are we here to serve a Purpose?  Am I a replaceable cog? Do I make impact? Does anyone care if I stay or go?

In this quick episode, I share three things that are lacking from many individuals and teams (and many segments of society).  By recognizing them and building upon them in our direct circles of influence, we should have all we need!

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

In this episode, I am joined by esteemed, long-time colleague Sgt. Pat Morgan.  We delve into the intricacies of policing today, addressing the evolving culture and leadership challenges within law enforcement. 

Significant themes of the conversation include the importance of peer support, intentional mentorship, and positive outlook within police culture. We also talk on the generational differences shaping today's policing landscape. 

As a proud father of a new officer, Pat reflects on the conversations he's had with his son about pursuing a career in law enforcement. We discuss the challenges of officers not being advocates for the profession, despite the undeniable need and inherent potential for good and purpose.  

--

Patrick grew up in the Pacific Northwest, spending his childhood in the woods and on the baseball and football fields. After high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry and deployed twice, including to Iraq in 2003.

After the Marines, Patrick became a police officer in 2004. Over the past two decades, he’s worked in several corners of the profession—patrol, investigations, proactive uniformed enforcement, SWAT, defensive tactics, Peer Support with many of those serving in leadership roles. He currently serves as a Special Enforcement Team /Plainclothes Detective Sergeant.

Along the way, Patrick experienced firsthand many of the challenges that come with a career in the military and law enforcement, including PTSD, stress, faith, relationships, and the struggle to maintain balance in a demanding profession. In 2019, he helped rekindle a Peer Support Program at his agency and continues to serve on that team.

Patrick is passionate about helping first responders navigate those challenges. Through his second career, he works alongside mental health professionals to provide training and consultation focused on law enforcement culture, leadership and stress management.

You can reach him at: mailto:[email protected]

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

From its roots, compassion means "to suffer with."  Careers and lifestyles in the first and frontline responder professions are inundated with exposure to stress and hurt - from the people we help in the public, to the people we work alongside daily.  If left unchecked, the impacts can overwhelm us, and my guest in this episode helps not only explain the multi-layered "why," but many systems and strategies we can explore to help navigate the challenges and promote our positive resolve.

In this episode, Dr. Jamie Lusk shares insights on resilience, identity transition, moral injury, and the importance of compassion and presence in law enforcement and first responder careers.  She shares her personal story and experience from his military service to unique athletic pursuits and excellence, to redefining and finding her current work and passion helping veterans and first responders.

Key topics

• Identity shift after military service and career change
• Resilience and growth through adversity
• Moral injury and strategies for mitigation
• The role of compassion and self-compassion in policing
• The importance of presence and mindfulness in stress management
• Archetypes and mental models for understanding self and others
• The concept of awe and moral beauty as sources of resilience
• Practical tools: Motivational interviewing and acceptance and commitment therapy

—

Dr. Jaimie Lusk, PsyD, ABPP, BCC is a board-certified psychologist and resilience coach with over 15 years as a clinical psychologist in the Veterans Health Administration. Her expertise is informed by original research in both the U.S. and Canada, covering traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidality, spirituality, and moral injury—critical topics for first responders and law enforcement professionals.

Dr. Lusk is the founder of the Oregon Surf Club, using community and adventure to advance trauma integration. She conducts nationwide trainings on moral distress and resilience, known for translating evidence-based insights into practical, values-driven action for those facing operational stress and complex transitions.

Her approach is direct and adaptive, emphasizing evidence-based interventions, authentic relationship-building and experiential methods. Dr. Lusk invites law enforcement and high-stakes professionals to engage deeply with the realities of moral injury, trauma, and leadership—supporting them in developing practical resilience, self-connection, and meaning in their work.

Check out some of her work, including a free course on coping with moral distress here: www.drjaimielusk.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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

In this episode, Chief Tim Meyer shares his unique journey from private industry to the police profession, emphasizing innovative approaches to public safety, wellness, and financial planning. Discover how a mindset shift and creative strategies can transform policing and personal growth.

Key Topics:

• Career transition from private industry to law enforcement
• Innovative approaches to public safety, such as using coloring books for Alzheimer's patients
• The importance of wellness and peer support in policing
• Financial planning and investment metaphors for life and career
• Community engagement and adaptive policing models

—

Tim Meyer is a captain with the King County Sheriff’s Office, serving as the Police Chief for the contract city of Sammamish. Before entering public safety, he spent ten years in traffic & logistics management in the private sector. 

He holds a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Western Washington University. Ever since buying his first stock in elementary school, he has maintained a lifelong interest in personal finance. He can be reached at [email protected] or via 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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

We may be good at checking in on our people, our buddies, those around us. But how often do we hit pause and check in on what we are doing? The work we do, the way in which we do it? Our personal Mission? 

In this quick episode, I explore this discussion, starting with quick reflection on the show itself, then adding in a layer of self-check.  It goes beyond a temperature gauge, and into forecasting to see if we are living in accordance with our ultimate path and goals.

I want to know how  YOU check in and create intention around this.  As always thanks for sharing the show and coming along the journey.

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

Hi, I'm Eric.  I didn't always want to be a police officer, in fact, if you asked 10 or 18 year old Eric, he would have been likely puzzled, thinking you were joking.  I find that new people are finding my podcast, writing, and newsletter continually.  An introduction can thus, be helpful.  This episode features an interview that I absolutely loved taking part in, as it goes far beyond my background, and deep into perspectives on policing and leadership needed today.

After interviews, I feel a mixture of sentiments. I appreciate the depth of conversation that generally occurs, I feel gratitude to share story and experience in the hopes it can help others.  I sometimes pause to reflect on how my story has changed, continued, as it's been over 4 years of being more "public" with my experiences and career.  

Out of the shows I've been on, Alec's interview on The Chief Exchange is one of my favorites.  Perhaps it was how many things we each shared that resonated, from finding purpose, building facets of your identity, recovering from stumbles and checking against piling pressures and protecting our wellness.

I loved chatting with Alec, loved his thoughtful questions, and love being able to share it here with you.  Be sure to check out Alec's show for a wealth of insights from dynamic public service leaders!

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

This job (and life) affords countless examples of inspirational things that humans are capable of.  It's that much more impactful and awe striking when it's one of our youth- shining a beacon of what's possible.

I saw this young man, Atharv, at a local council presentation as he shared about how his personal medical challenges as a kid, and seeing other kids struggling with devastating diagnoses inspired him to start his own non-profit.  He came up with the idea of taking kids' drawings of characters and creating 3D printed renderings, so they could hold their actual creations in their hands.  

Listen in, not only to learn how he built it from his own grit and conviction, but to nudge at what's possible for all of us.  Everyone has a special gift that we can use for good- we just have to nurture it's spark and grow its flame.  I am truly grateful to see such a sharp young man make his vision concrete- something we adults can all learn from!

-- From Atharv --

"Printable Dreams is a nonprofit with a simple idea. Kids who are going through tough times send me a picture of their favorite cartoon or animal or anything their heart desires. We 3D print it for them. I started this because I have a heart condition myself. I know firsthand what it feels like to be a kid facing something hard and scary. 

I also know how much a small moment of creativity and joy can mean when everything else feels out of your control. This isn't only for kids dealing with a medical problem. It is for a kid going through their parents' divorce. It is for a kid facing the loss of a family member or even something small. I just hope that when they see their imagination come to life and hold onto the thing they created, they feel a little more joy in their lives."

Visit printabledreams.com to learn more and to contribute!

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

In this episode, Dr. Brooke Bartlett returns and discusses the concept of moral injury, its pathways, contributing factors, and strategies for recognition and support within public safety and military communities.

Key Insights:

• The three pathways to moral injury
• The role of perception in experiencing moral injury
• Contributing factors like organizational policies and societal perceptions
• Strategies for peer support and leadership to mitigate moral injury
• The importance of normalizing emotional responses and encouraging open dialogue

You can contact Dr. Brooke on prior Blue Grit Radio episodes 63 and 115.

and https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbartlettphd/

 #moral injury #publicsafety #militarypsychology #trauma #peersupport #organizationalbetrayal #mentalhealth #resilience #leadership #emotionalwellbeing

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

In this episode, Ariana Stone shares her inspiring journey of resilience, mental health advocacy, and leadership in first responder communities. We explore her personal experiences: grappling with extreme physical injury and rehab, innovative police programs like co-response units, building a brand that is helping first responder mental health, and practical advice for mental wellness and professional growth.

Ariana is an active police officer and the founder of Limitless Momentum. She is a returning guest from the highly popular FTO panel episode, #192.

Find out more at: https://limitlessmomentum.us/

#resilience #mentalhealth #firstresponders #coresponseunits #leadership #wellness #personalgrowth #communityimpact

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, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? 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 at [email protected]

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

Want to safeguard your health and the health of your team?

United Diagnostic Services brings hospital-grade diagnostic technology directly to first responder agencies, making early detection of heart disease and cancer simpler than ever.

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...