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

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...

Story-telling is a key element core to our human existence, and is one that is unmatched in teaching, depicting, and building understanding.  My guest, Jason Harney, retired Las Vegas Metro sergeant and veteran turned documentary creator joins me to discuss themes emergent from his career, necessity for legitimate training, and complex issues in policing lives and careers.

We explore the dynamics of the policing industry, shifting culture, mental health, the importance of continuous learning, and how to transition into life after policing.  Jason shares with deep perspective from his time on the street, FTO, DT instructor, investigations, recruiting and roles in the academy.

Some of Jason's deeply relevant work in producing, directing, editing and writing:

“Is There Something Going On At Home?” (2023) A documentary film telling the stories of Police Officer trauma, through the lens of the Police Family and the voices of the Spouses & Children.

“Wrist Lock” (2022) The Martial Arts’ Influence on Police Use of Force”.  A documentary film featuring high level martial artists from around the country, who have also served their communities as Law Enforcement Officers, as well as experts in police training, wellness, & fitness. 

“Vinnie-isms: The Story of the Cop Comedian” (2024)

"Repeat Offender" (2019)

"The Wounded Blue" (2019) 

“Voices of the Blue” (2020).

You can contact Jason at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-harney-720bb7122/

X: @JasonHarney72

LightningDigitalEntertainment.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...

There's a saying in K-9 work: the only thing two handlers can agree on... is that the third is messed up.  

Luckily this isn't real true, as my guest Chris Bingham and I have much we agree on.  There's another more significant saying in K-9 work - which is that the assignment will bring you the highest highs and lowest lows.  

Chris shares about his career in federal police work, and how his career evolved with key leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship.  We talk about the unique challenges and bonds with our K-9 partners and connect over the eerily similar medical issues my dog, Kato and his dog, Tambo faced.

Chris' story is one embedded with Tambo; it is one of extreme closeness, resilience, and inspiration.  

--

Chris Bingham is a federal law enforcement leader with over 24 years of service, including 17 years in K-9 operations where he rose to lead one of the East Coast’s busiest K-9 units. Throughout his career, he has combined operational leadership and mentorship while building a reputation for leading from the front and developing high-performing teams.

He is also the handler of retired explosive detection K9 Tambo, whose inspiring “defy the odds” story, spanning service, survival, and resilience through cancer, has touched thousands. Together, Chris and Tambo have been featured on numerous podcasts and media platforms and advocate for retired police and military working dogs through Project K9 Hero.

Chris is the author of the children’s book K9 Tambo and is currently working on his upcoming memoir Still Defying, which shares a deeper story of loyalty, loss, perseverance, and breaking generational cycles. Through his writing and speaking, he hopes to inspire others to keep fighting when life gets hard.

https://www.instagram.com/k9_tambo/

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...

Alec Wons is something(s) else.  You may recognize he's the name, voice, and mind behind The Chief Exchange podcast.  Getting to flip the mics and get him on the interviewed side of the table, I've truly enjoyed learning more about his own story and how he arrived here, truly innovating the perspective by which we can integrate leadership and wellness- of individuals and organizations.

He's an innovator, an expander, a self-developer.  It didn't take me long in conversations pre-recording to recognize how much of an abundance mindset he carries, mixed with an appreciation with integrating old knowledge and wisdom in this study and game of life we may all benefit from recognizing. 

Alec shares about his own reckoning with health and identity challenged and dismantled in his college athlete years, and we reflect on how it served as an example for some of our greatest challenges in first responder work.  

We nerd out on leadership, personal growth, themes of stoicism, career transitions, and building a meaningful life beyond professional roles.

Ready Rebound - https://www.readyrebound.com
The Chief Exchange Podcast - https://podcastlink.com

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/alecwons
Twitter - https://twitter.com/alecwons

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, Christine Townsend returns and we highlight key lessons for building, repairing, and fostering trust for leaders.

In the last episode, we discussed her story, various roles in policing and experiences as an impetus to research and dive into all things about the concept.  Here, we discuss the critical role of trust in organizations, especially in law enforcement, exploring how societal shifts, organizational culture, and leadership impact trust levels. 

The conversation offers practical insights on building institutional courage, fostering authenticity, and enhancing self-trust to improve morale, performance, and community relations.

Key Topics:

• Decline of societal trust post-9/11 and COVID
• The importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadership
• Building institutional courage to address misconduct
• The role of self-trust in organizational resilience
• Strategies for fostering trust and transparency in law enforcement

https://christinetownsend.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 insightful interview, Christine Townsend shares her unique journey from journalism to policing and her deep exploration of trust, moral courage, and mental health in first responder communities.  We use her book (Trust) as a jump-off point for key themes that affect every relationship, perception, and organization.

She shares how trust underpins organizational culture, personal resilience, and effective leadership, with practical insights on fostering trust and well-being.

We discuss:

• Trust as the foundation of organizational and interpersonal relations
• The role of moral courage in leadership and ethics
• Mental health challenges and innovative therapies like ketamine-assisted psychotherapy
• The impact of trauma and stress on first responders
• Strategies for building and restoring trust within organizations

Website - https://christinetownsend.com
LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/christinetownsend

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...

Our bodies and minds get beat up by the job.  The gear wearing down our posture, backs and hips.  Our mainstays of caffeine and cortisol, the long shifts and hypervigilance rollercoaster that can feel like a crash out, or even scarier... like total numbness.  There's something real, tangible, and scientific we can do about it all.

In this episode, Rich Ganley shares his inspiring journey, focusing on proactive health strategies for first responders. Discover the ins and outs of innovative tools like red light therapy, grounding, sauna, and cold water immersion that enhance recovery, resilience, and overall well-being, and how it can be a true resource arsenal for your agency and teams.

-

Rich Ganley is a mission-driven entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience building innovative companies focused on enhancing human performance, wellness, and long-term organizational value.

In 2022, Rich founded Positive Impact Alliance, where he developed the Recharge Room® — a proactive resilience and recovery platform designed to support first responders and other public servants. Guided by the philosophy of Synergy of TogethernessTM, the Recharge Room coordinates science-supported wellness modalities designed to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, accelerate recovery, and strengthen overall readiness, morale, and long-term wellness
outcomes.

Today, Recharge Room programs are active in more than 30 locations across six states, helping municipal organizations enhance workforce resilience, retention, operational readiness, and overall human capital performance.

rechargeroom.io

[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...