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

Many first responder, military veterans and people of ACTION have a gripe about therapy... they don't feel like it moves to ACTION.  Many recognize the power of reflecting, talking, sharing, but after that - what then?

Veteran and therapist Matt Donnelly has an answer to this "so what, now what" that resonates with many in our community. In this conversation, we talk about his background, his own struggles in youth and military career transition, and concept of identity. We talk about service, family, masculinity, leadership, mindset, ACTION, and more!

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Matt is a Navy Veteran, and a Licensed (temp) Marriage and Family Therapist. He served over 10 years active duty in the Navy and completed his service in 2016. After becoming a civilian, he worked multiple jobs and decided to pursue the path of becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Matt holds the mindset of helping others and continually bettering himself. 

From his own personal experiences, he struggled with transitioning out of the military into civilian life and has had to navigate through his past traumas. All of which have helped shape a diverse understanding and refreshing realism brought into the mental health field. Currently, Matt lives in Tennessee and is a Project Manager in addition to being a Therapist and has begun working as a Mental Health Coach. 

Matt can be reached via email at [email protected] and found on Instagram @holistic.practical.psychology

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...

The police testing and hiring process is long. It's tedious, arduous, even.  This is all for a good reason - we put a huge amount of trust and responsibility in the hands of anyone who works in the criminal justice, policing, and law enforcement fields.

The biggest impact for those interested, applying, and trying to enter the arena is to DO THE SIMPLE THINGS RIGHT, and beware, navigate and avoid the most common obstacles and issues.

Some of these trends and issues will end your career before it begins!  Listen in, share with those who are entering or navigating the process so we can fill these seats with people who are truly ready to serve with their best!

(For recruiters, background investigators: this one's for you as well: to recap, build better candidates and relay to the bosses WHY we need to move some forward and others off the chart completely - so listen and share!)

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...

Over-worked, understaffed and resourced.  This isn't just sworn officers, deputies, troopers, and detectives - but our invaluable support staff. Everyone has to manage review of statements, jail calls, data and records compilation.  How do we streamline getting all this audio to text for quicker review and ultimately, what the prosecution will likely require?

Ben Walker joins us to talk about the critical role of data transcription - how dramatic the speed and efficiency can improve by toggling resources to aid in these efforts.  With a highly customizable approach, we discuss the pros and cons of human-generated transcriptions vs. AI, and how these tools can help police and civilian support staff free up their time and bandwidth for more specified, expert level work they want and need to do.

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Ben Walker is the CEO and founder of Ditto Transcripts, America’s most trusted source for law enforcement transcription services since 2010. Ben’s company specializes in secure, CJIS-compliant transcription services for law enforcement agencies nationwide, including the Washington State Patrol and the National Park Service Investigations Unit.

From recorded interviews and wiretaps to jail calls and body-worn camera footage, Ditto Transcripts delivers CJIS compliant, accurate, and certified courtroom ready transcripts. Get rid of transcription backlogs and safeguard your investigations, visit DittoTranscripts.com today and see why agencies across the country rely on Ditto. Mention “Blue Grit”when you reach out and receive 25% off your first order.

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...

Have you had a leader/boss/manager who had confidence, but nothing to back it.. or the converse- someone that had the experience and insight but struggled to show and step up to direct and share the vision?

Confidence and competence are so crucial and we need to help develop them in all of our leaders- emerging and those who already hold the rank.  Joining me in this discussion are three dynamic voices in our LE space: for training, development, and leadership.

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Jeff Selleg worked in law enforcement from 1996 to 2022, retiring as a Commander from the Port of Seattle Police Department in Washington. He was a member of Valley Regional SWAT from 2000 to 2022, beginning on the entry team and serving as an explosive breacher, sniper, sniper team leader, entry team leader, and team commander. Jeff also held the position of patrol and administrative services commander.

Jeff leads the NTOA’s cognitive development program and facilitates most of the NTOA's tactical leadership courses, along with many other specialty courses. 

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Chief Dave Norris joined the Menlo Park Police Department in 2021 after a distinguished 27-year tenure with the San Mateo Police Department, where he led major investigations and pioneered programs in youth engagement and digital communications.

At Menlo Park, Chief Norris has guided the department through staffing recovery, community trust initiatives, and technological advancements. Dave serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Police Professional Standards, Ethics, and Image Committee, contributes articles and presentations industry-wide, and is a Fellow of the Future Policing Institute. 

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Ray L. Polk Jr. is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 19 years of experience. Currently serving as Covert Investigations Commander, he develops undercover strategies and mentors high-performing teams. His roles have included Vice/Narcotics Detective, Crime Prevention Officer, Mounted Patrol Sergeant, and SRT Commander.

Dr. Polk is the founder and CEO of Command Leadership Mastery Services, LLC, providing leadership coaching and safety consulting for various organizations. He is also a nationally recognized vocalist, performing at venues like Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium.

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...

What gets us into the most trouble?  What causes the most fear in officers?

There is no doubt that safety and tactics are paramount, but how even those battles are ultimately fought in the legal arena.. 

Proper action and proper articulation come with proper education and proper training.  Bad headlines, bad outcomes, cops getting sued and charged result from these trends. In this discussion with fmr. LEO and current law enforcement legal guru - Anthony Bandiero from Blue to Gold.

This is a must-listen for everyone from new recruit to Chief and Sheriff!

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Anthony Bandiero is the Senior Legal Instructor for Blue to Gold Law Enforcement Training. He is also a Nationally Certified Instructor, and many consider him to be one of the best legal instructors in the nation. He has studied constitutional law for over twenty years and has taught search and seizure to over 70,000 officers around the country.

Before teaching search and seizure full-time, Anthony was a sergeant with the Nevada Highway Patrol in Las Vegas, Nevada. His assignments included traffic enforcement, emergency driving instructor, and training supervisor. Anthony also has experience as a municipal officer with the Elko Police Department.

Anthony’s education includes a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Harvard University. He graduated from Gonzaga School of Law in Spokane, Washington, and is a practicing member of the Washington and New Jersey State Bars.

https://bluetogold.com/links/

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 always go home.  We never quit. We finish our fights.

We do our best, we train mentally and physically.  We tell ourselves mind over matter... but as we also learn, the suspect gets a vote.  Danger gets a vote.  Fate gets a vote.  And in this life, we can plan, practice, strategize to play our best hand... but we don't hold all the cards.  Our bodies can break. We can get shot in the face...

Life beyond the badge is something we discuss here, and two friends Dom and Cary from Police and Fire join me to share on their own unforeseen challenges and adversities contending with career-enders. However, their journeys of growth and service to others is far from over, as they discuss their endeavors with Beyond the Dispatch - what is more than a podcast and story-telling, but what I see as a movement in more of what our first responder culture and community could use more of.

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Hosted by former firefighter/paramedic Cary Rogde and retired police officer Dominic, Beyond the Dispatch is a raw and unapologetic podcast that dives deep into the real stories behind the badge and the uniform. 

The show amplifies voices from first responders, military veterans, and mental health professionals, tackling trauma, resilience, and life beyond the job. With gripping interviews and powerful conversations, Cary and Dom are on a mission to break the silence around mental health in service professions—and remind their community they’re not alone.

http://www.beyondthedispatch.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...

Ok, I study for the test... but what ELSE do I do to prep for this dream job? This dream unit selection? This dream promotion I have been grinding my whole career for?

For years before Blue Grit or my stint in hiring, people in my circles would ask about what they should be focusing on or working toward for their upcoming interviews and selection process.

This this episode, I share about some of the mindset and concepts to put into play that can be used for any police (or other!) selection process - critical to success.  Taken straight from my prep guides, available to everyone here!  

(for more, find them at bluegritwellness.com/SHOP and visit the site to subscribe to the free newsletter with ongoing tips and insights to develop your life and career!)

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...

Police promotion testing can be intimidating, even for those who have been through a process. There's the different components, but the interviews can be the most tricky and daunting.

In this episode, retired Seattle Police Capt. Brian Stampfl and I discuss key themes, tips, and strategies so you can own the process and your outcomes.  It includes and goes far beyond:

Mindset, reducing anxiety, scoring points, knowing your material, thinking like the rank and much more!  (And don't forget to grab my Promotion Testing Guide on the site for tips, break-downs, examples, and leadership philosophy prompts so you can truly excel!)

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Brian Stampfl is a retired Captain from the Seattle Police Department with over 30 years of law enforcement experience. Committed to serving the next generation of law enforcement leaders, Brian specializes in helping law enforcement professionals master the promotional process. He has served as both a promotional test content expert and oral board panel member for multiple agencies, giving him unique insight from both sides of the selection process. 

Having worked in Seattle's politically charged, metropolitan environment, Brian brings practical experience in navigating complex challenges while building effective leadership strategies. His coaching approach emphasizes not just earning promotions, but developing the confidence and skills needed to excel in new roles.

When not coaching, Brian enjoys networking and exchanging ideas with other law enforcement professionals and exploring local dog parks with his Bernese Mountain Dog, Murphy.

Brian can be found on LinkedIn at:

www.linkedin.com/in/brian-stampfl  and BrianStampfl.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...

Many cops says they would never work for Seattle PD, or any big city because X, Y, Z.  So when I asked if any active cops wanted to come on and rep their agency, I was excited for Britt’s response. I’ve known Britt Kelly for a few years, but I knew her name and story from when I was a new solo cop, when her FTO, Tim Brenton was murdered on duty in their squad car. 

Britt shares about her career, and we discuss the difficult “relationship” we have with our departments, and why it may be time to go, or endure for the things you hold most dearly- values, people, and leadership.

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Britt became a sworn law enforcement officer for the Seattle Police Department in August 2009. On Halloween night in 2009, a mere 20 shifts into her career and still on FTO, Britt experienced the unimaginable. Britt and her training officer, Tim Brenton were ambushed. Officer Brenton was killed instantly. Britt survived being grazed twice by .223 rounds.

After two months on administrative leave, Britt, not without fear, but in spite of fear, returned to FTO.  Britt went on to work nights in Seattle’s Belltown bar district. In 2014 she earned a distinguished role on the department’s night bicycle squad, patrolling the downtown corridor, participating in drug operations and other undercover stings.

Continuing to broaden her career, in 2017 Britt moved to detectives for the Force Investigation Team (FIT). While on FIT she responded to and was the lead investigator for officer involved shootings and other high level uses of force.

In 2023 Britt became part of the training unit on the FTO side of the house. While here she worked directly with the student officers upon their graduation from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. After only being in this role for a year, an opportunity as a TAC Officer at CJTC presented itself. Since May 2024 Britt has been teaching the recruits for all local jurisdictions as a TAC and loving all that it is.

[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...

Viral police video goes out.. instantly every cop is cringing at what they see OR the comments, usually from people who don't know ____ about _____.  Kenny, created his page to dispel much of the noise, to give straight-talk about what we as police see, train, learn, experience, and perceive. It goes beyond this, to recognize other factors that don't get captured by one single camera angle.

In this episode, Kenny and I talk about these dynamics and his career, which include informed, stressful experiences from OIS to organizational challenges our professional is all facing.  

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You can find him at:
letstalklawenforcementperiod on IG

Let's Talk Law Enforcement Period (podcast on Spotify)

*I hopped on his show to talk Recruiting/Hiring, March 5, 2025

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...