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

In this episode, my guest School Resource and SWAT Officer Devonta Richardson and I discuss huge topics that are necessary for EVERY member of the rank and file in police departments (and any org. really)...

- how to encourage a proactive, positive patrol culture
- how to find the information and resources you need
- the huge impact school resource officers have
- how to be the model officer, leader, and supervisor
- demonstrating how attitude affects everything

Devonta Richardson began his law enforcement career in 2018 with the Henry County Police Department in metro Atlanta, Georgia, where he worked as a patrol officer. He later moved to rural Ohio, where he now serves as a Deputy Sheriff. Throughout his career, Devonta has worn many hats—serving as a corrections officer, patrol officer, school resource officer, and active SWAT operator.

In February 2024, Devonta launched Welcome to The Street, a platform created to address the gap in legal updates and law enforcement trends, especially for officers in rural areas. Through his free weekly newsletter, he provides police officers across the country with easily digestible, timely information to help them stay informed and better serve their communities. Devonta’s mission is to ensure every officer has access to the resources they need, no matter where they serve, and to make staying updated as convenient as possible by delivering the information directly to them.

To learn more about Welcome to The Street, visit welcometothestreet.com.
Connect with Devonta: Linq Profile
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This episode is sponsored by Hero Schedule. If your department needs better scheduling software that isn’t outdated, clunky, and expensive - Hero Schedule is an easy switch. It’s $4 per user per month, and they give you a free 30-day trial. Get started at HeroSchedule.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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

There are a host of episodes on Blue Grit Radio focused on hiring, for prospective applicants and police candidates.  In fact, most of the episodes have tangible insights and advice that any applicant can learn from and put into practice in their lives and hiring process immediately!

However, when it comes to the specific processes that agencies use, the information and steps can seem overwhelming at times- and managing many applications can feel daunting.  This episode focuses on the brass tacks that all applicants need to know to be successful after their initial oral board interviews- as they progress into the background check and polygraph stages!

Returning to Blue Grit Radio, is returning guest, retired LEO (background, polygraph, academy instructor and more...) Donovan Houvener, from ep. 167.  Listen in, to learn how to show up your best (like every episode!)
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For ways to support Blue Grit AND combat suicide rates in first responders and military veterans, go to bluegritwellness.com/shop and look at the Memento Mori tee!
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As a police leader who has responded to many mental health calls, I recognize the need for tools that enhance collaboration between behavioral health and law enforcement.

 Julota simplifies co-responder and crisis response programs with smarter data and communication solutions.

For a demo, visit https://hubs.li/Q031xBGv0

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...

It is January, and Human Trafficking Awareness Month.  In this episode, we explore this crucial topic that should be focused upon not just for police, but all members of the community and our shared society.

When it comes to human trafficking, it often starts young. The crime knows no bounds; it truly affects every neighborhood and every demographic. 

I’m joined by Sgt Kyle Baker, who worked for years in these types of cases. We cover not only what officers will encounter, how to best navigate it, but also where you may see subtle clues in calls you wouldn’t expect. 
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Sergeant Kyle Baker began his career at Pittsburg Police Department in 2010 and has worked a variety of assignments including patrol, street crimes, field training officer, department trainer, SWAT, and the Special Investigations Unit. In 2016, Kyle became a detective and began working commercial sex and human trafficking cases. Kyle found his passion in this work which has led him to working 100's of commercial sex cases, testifying as an expert in court, and planning dozens of proactive human trafficking operations. 

Kyle held leadership positions on the Contra Costa County Human Trafficking Task Force for many years, created a CA POST certified human trafficking course, and travels the state to teach human trafficking related topics. Kyle is also a law enforcement advisor for TAT, a nationwide non profit committed to combatting human trafficking by empowering the transportation industry and more. 

Kyle is also on the Board of Directors for Community Violence Solutions and was the recipient of the 2023 40 Under 40 leadership award from the International Chief's of Police Association. and Outside of work Kyle enjoys traveling with his family and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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For ways to support Blue Grit AND combat suicide rates in first responders and military veterans, go to bluegritwellness.com/shop and look at the Memento Mori tee!
—
It is every police leader's responsibility to not only continually develop their own skills and abilities but to prepare the next generation of leaders. 

Retired Capt. William Fraass helps you meet this task by providing a clear blueprint to follow in his book, Leadership in Law Enforcement.  To learn more about his book and other consulting and training he provides, go to www.code33consulting.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...

It's January- and many of us are resetting and focusing on some healthy habits.  Life is hectic, but shiftwork for first responders, cops on the street, getting called in... is even more so!

In this episode I go back to my roots in where Blue Grit started.. giving advice and insight I learned through countless hours of research and self-experimentation. I share 12 protein-based snacks featured by Harvard Health, and give my own insights and opinions on what to consider, and more specific tips for police and other first responders that want to make mindful choices for best results and performance.

Article here:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/high-protein-snacks-to-build-muscle-and-keep-hunger-at-bay

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For ways to win a custom wooden flag AND support suicide prevention in first responders and military veterans, visit bluegritwellness.com/shop !
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It is every police leader's responsibility to not only continually develop their own skills and abilities but to prepare the next generation of leaders.  Retired Capt. William Fraass helps you meet this task by providing a clear blueprint to follow in his book, Leadership in Law Enforcement.  To learn more about his book and other consulting and training he provides, go to www.code33consulting.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...

You all know I’ve been preaching about recruiting and development for our police teams.  Many agencies across the country are still struggling with their numbers, which impacts everyone’s wellness, and truly their ability to do their job.

This is what intrigued me about the focus of Performance Protocol- focused on addressing recruiting by truly investing in the people- our most valuable asset and resource in policing.  Kelli Meeks, one of their coaches joins me to talk about the power of investing in your people through development and how that will be the difference-maker in determining if your department will thrive, survive, or dare I say, none of the above.

From my backgrounds in patrol work, peer support, and recruiting, this was a meaningful discussion that I hope all police leaders are having in depth today.
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This episode is brought to you by Performance Protocol.  Officers are leaving the profession at an alarming rate, and younger generations are choosing other careers over law enforcement. If we don’t do something today, who will answer the call tomorrow?  Performance Protocol supports law enforcement with their most valuable resource; its people. They help agencies get fully staffed and stay fully staffed. To learn more, visit www.performance-protocol.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...

New Years morning was a devastating one for many of us who awoke to the tragic news.  Another mass casualty attack on our own soil. Lives taken and shattered.

I found myself frustrated, dejected, and then motivated.  We as first responders, protectors in profession and life have much we can do- that we will do- and shall do.  Each day, week, month, and year, critical tasks mental, physical, and arguably much further beyond that in the vein of purpose is all we do.

Listen in as I share some of my thoughts in this short, special episode, and a foundation that we can use to steady our footing and resolve as we continue on our paths.

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 panel episode, we hit a crucial number of topics that I'm frequently getting questions and feedback about.  Work and home life balances and stress management are hard for average working folks.. but inject in a first-responder, police, fire, EMS, etc career?  Hypervigilance, Compassion Fatigue, Cynicism.. oh my!

I'm joined by experts from different angles: Deana Kahle, (new face), Dr. Medina Baumgart (returning guest) and Cpl. Mark Bouchard, RCMP (returning 4th? appearance!)

With the range of perspective, we cover the multitude of challenges for off-duty life, stress reduction, efforts in work/life balance, communication, boundaries and more!  This is one to share out to your team, first responders, spouses and family for sure!
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Dr. Medina Baumgart is a licensed psychologist in California and a board-certified specialist in Police and Public Safety Psychology. She works full-time as an embedded psychologist within a large metropolitan law enforcement agency where she provides counseling, critical incident debriefings, crisis response, critical incident rollouts, training, consultation. 

Outside of her full-time work, Dr. Baumgart enjoys teaching and providing consultation to other law enforcement agencies on a range of topics . She is also married to a now-retired police officer and knows firsthand some of the challenges that officers and spouses experience throughout a law enforcement career and into retirement. 

Website - www.drbaumgart.com 

Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbaumgart/

Instagram - @dr_baumgart
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Deana Kahle is a California licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. As a first responder to first responders for over 13 years, she provides critical incident stress management services to local, state, and federal public safety agencies across the United States. 

Her professional focus is on the treatment of post-traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and burnout. In addition to training and keynotes on wellness and resilience, she provides consultation and annual wellness checks. Deana can be reached through her website copshrink.com or @copshrink on Instagram.
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Mark Bouchard works as a police officer with a full-time position in the RCMP’s National Tactical Medicine Program. Mark is in his 18 year of policing, which has consisted largely of patrol, SWAT (Emergency Response) and peer support work.

Outside of work, Mark has completed a Master’s Degree in Leadership, with a focus on police culture and police officer mental health. He combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights On Stigma, which can be found on Amazon. You can find free chapters to Mark’s book on his website at the link below:

https://markbouchard.ca/stigma/

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...

When we talk about grit and resilience, it's about growing to overcome hard times and experiences.  Retired LEO Donovan Houvener, local professional colleague of mine shares with us just that: now just the "what," but the "how" and in many ways, the "why."  

We explore his purpose and shifting adaptations between agencies and roles and ultimately what all cops could benefit from learning and developing in themselves.  This episode is chock full of tips and considerations for applicants and recruits as well as seasoned vets.  (Stay tuned for his return, where we break down background checks and polygraph!)
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Donovan Heavener recently retired from a 29-year career in law enforcement.  During his career, he had the opportunity to be a motor officer, collision reconstructionist, detective, field training officer, SWAT officer, EVOC instructor, SFST instructor, Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force member, sergeant, recruiting and background officer, training coordinator and TAC officer.  

Donovan is a proud member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Washington.  He served 4 years as the Washington State Director for the Torch Run and now serves on the Special Olympics Washington Board of Directors.  Currently, Donovan operates his own polygraph business, along with conducting background investigations for a private company and still instructs at the Washington State Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Instagram: @truthtraker
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Julota simplifies co-responder and crisis response programs with smarter data and communication solutions, for a demo, visit https://hubs.li/Q031xBGv0

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 issues are shared, as are leadership challenges- and solutions!  In this episode, my esteemed guests tackle big themes and challenges that frequently come up in conversation on the show and amongst my circles.  Listen in as our agency heads share their extensive experience in law enforcement struggles with attitudes and driving culture positively.

Chris Hsiung is a founding board member and Executive Director of "The Curve," a non-profit created with Simon Sinek and forward thinking police chiefs and sheriffs from across the country. The Curve aims to provide inspiration, leadership development, and resources to leaders, with the goal of modernizing police culture from within the profession. Chris previously served as the Undersheriff at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (CA) and before that, was the 11th Police Chief of the Mountain View Police Department (CA), where he dedicated over 28 years to serving the Mountain View community. 

Cherie Harris is the Chief of Police of the Kirkland Police Department with 159 personnel.  Cherie was promoted to Chief of Police in April 2016 after serving with the Department as a Captain since 2012. She previously held the position of Deputy Chief in the Monroe Police Department and has over 31 years of law enforcement experience and serves as President of the Washington Chapter of the FBI National Academy Alumni Association.

Erik Scairpon serves as the Chief of Police for the City of Marysville, WA. MPD is composed of 80 commissioned police officers, 25 custody officers, and 27 professional staff.  Chief Scairpon previously served as a Captain with the Redmond Police Department.  

Chief Scairpon volunteers his time with Victim Support Services, a statewide crime victim’s advocacy, education, and awareness non-profit, and participates as a regional leader in the Special Olympics Washington Law Enforcement Torch Run.

--
Julota simplifies co-responder and crisis response programs with smarter data and communication solutions.

For a demo, visit https://hubs.li/Q031xBGv0

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...

Just in time for New Years... an episode focused on not only building, training, and elevating your body- but RESILIENCE- aka building, training, and elevating your mind.  Easier said than done- and cookie cutter programs don't work for the masses- ESPECIALLY first responders.  How do you adapt programs when the week's schedule gets turned upside down with staying late, getting called in for court, and incident stress through the roof?

Police officer Deven Kennedy returns to the show, specifically focused on highlighting his services in fitness coaching via Resilience Through Fitness (RTF).  Listen for more of Deven's story and background in Ep. 33.
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Growing up on the shores of rural Prince Edward Island in a policing family, Deven always knew he wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and serve the community he loved. 

After successfully graduating from the Atlantic Police Academy in 2012, he was hired by a Police Service in Nova Scotia in 2013. 

On June 12th, 2022, he was involved in a traumatic incident on duty resulting in both physical and psychological injuries. A career in policing was everything he had worked towards and the incident left him feeling a loss of purpose.

Through his recovery, he identified a need in the First Responder world for physical fitness specifically designed for each individual client, specific to their job titles and unique needs. 

This is where Resilience Through Fitness Inc. was born! Starting at his local CrossFit Gym, RTF Inc. has now grown to service clients across Canada with personalized 1-on-1 whole body approach incorporating fitness and nutrition coaching. 

Resiliencethroughfitness.com
Instagram: @resiliencethroughfitness
[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...