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

This episode was a long time coming!  I have been seeing Nathan's work, promoting critical conversations in law enforcement from north of the border.  We dive into a host of topics meaningful to officers at truly all ranks and roles:

- leadership (official and unofficial)
- non-stop challenges facing policing 
- cultural dynamics of law enforcement
- communication fails in our organizations 
- necessary and uncomfortable conversations (within the industry)
- public engagement challenges- with the media and candid, honest messaging
- owning your own message for police departments 
- how and why we share these talks and podcast at all

Nathan Romas is a Canadian police officer, CEO of Vigilant Media Inc., and host of the Quiet Professional podcast which discusses topics of national security, intelligence, law enforcement and justice.
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LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/nathan780
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tqp780
X: https://x.com/tqp780

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-quiet-professional/id1631223615
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4uFDoXvPEI2DoItdpPAyOr

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This episode is sponsored by Julota. For more information on co-responder resources for first responders, 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...

A key to personal and professional development is MENTORSHIP.  We need guides, coaches, and advisors to help us stay objective, focused, and on track.  Great mentors help steer us with their extensive experiences, insight and wisdom.  It is the most meaningful prong of development for individuals and organizations alike.

With that, it is my sincere honor to feature an interview with Chris Hsiung.  Chris is a retired chief and undersheriff, following a robust career in law enforcement with multiple assignments and roles.  Beyond that, today, he is the Executive Director and founding member of The Curve- a nonprofit designed to elevate police leadership and practice (what's not to like?)

We talk about determining career direction and progression and when/why someone should promote.  We discuss over-identifying in the career (regardless of rank) and healthy balances with the expectations transitioning out of the uniform.  In addition, we talk about identifying and developing your own leadership identity and style- how to get out of your own way with confidence. This progresses into themes of fixed vs. growth mindset and tangible tips and advice not just for development and the testing process, but solidifying your sense of self.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize the value of mentors and role models who have similar backgrounds to ourselves.  I am very grateful to have been able to watch and see what Chris has accomplished and continues to accomplish- with the humble and approachable candor he uses.  There simply aren't a lot of Asian American police officers through the nation, and correspondingly there aren't a lot of Asian American police leaders. I am extremely appreciative of the time, insight, and care that Chris has provided to us through this platform, and personally to me.

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Chris 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. 

Chris is an internationally recognized speaker and writer, specializing in adaptive leadership cultures, digital engagement, and crisis communications. 

This episode is sponsored by Hero Schedule. To learn more, visit 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

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

Leadership starts with Ownership- leading yourself.  There are two dynamics here to underline.  The first is the recognition that you need to take charge, embrace growth, and model excellence for yourself if you are to take charge, embrace growth and support excellence in others.  Also, even for people who do not think of themselves as leaders due to role or rank- you absolutely are.  Anyone you touch in your work or efforts outside of work, anyone who observes you up close or at a distance, is someone you are affecting.  So step up, and LEAD.

This episode is with returning guest, Luke Goozdich, AKA LS Goozdich.  Luke is an intellectual and philosophical pundit.  I’ve been looking forward to having him back on since the first time (Ep. 70, How to be the Hero of your Own Story).  That discussion and this one riffs on themes of not just leader/ownership but the what/how/why we do things, inspiring others through legacy and grappling continually with mortality so we can do and be our best with the time we have.

Also, we explore the power of other narratives- looking at stories, aka fiction.  Key examples come from Luke’s novel series involving law enforcement officers in a 3-part saga.  We discuss how looking at different characters can help us view, process and understand these challenges (thoughts, fears, responses, and stressors) in our own first responder or police careers.

We connect these themes to the power of narrative- what we tell ourselves.  We go deep here, going into whether we are saying, telling and LIVING the right things or the right way for ourselves, navigating emotional responses and the big picture of the direction of our lives.  

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L.S. Goozdich was born with less than a one percent chance of survival. Born with a congenital heart defect, Luke knows that each day is a gift that is not guaranteed. Through his writing and his work as a mental health counselor, he strives to help men reach their fullest potential.

Instagram @L.S.Author

Men's Adventure Fiction Podcast: https://youtube.com/@mensadventurefictionpodcast?si=MIwrzwrYIVPx8AXO 

Join the Men's Adventure Fiction Discord: https://discord.com/invite/TzvmdM4ayW

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...

I appreciate the applicant who asked this question- way to be aware and set up for success!

Frequently, we say and hear, “marriage is hard.” We say first responder marriages are harder. In this acknowledgement, are we acknowledging higher likelihood for defeat? Do we give ourselves “an out” too easily?  

In this episode, I cover some of the points I outlined in a recent Police 1 column article, tackling the topic, much of it a genesis from many conversations I’ve had on Blue Grit Radio with mental health and relationship experts.

I lay out the main aggravators to a healthy police relationship so we can better understand and then what to DO about it, so we can thrive rather than become another statistic.  Beyond the article, I share some of my personal experience and lessons learned in what caused harm and what ultimately helped (and is still helping!)

Police1 article: 

https://www.police1.com/police-jobs-and-careers/ask-tung-why-are-police-marriages-so-difficult

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 can we get over our missteps and mistakes, and in many ways get out of our own way?  When do leadership skills take hold to help us realize our opportunities?  Will we only have our one shot- and will we be ready?

Ray Polk Jr. is an active police lieutenant for the Arlington Police Dept.  In this episode, we talk about leadership- official rank and promotion- as well as leadership in general as a skill and concept.  Ray shares his story of staying patient and persistent- because not all leaders are born- at least to their full potential (myself included!)

We talk about his journey into policing, his progression into career development and advancement- but how it was NOT easy, and how his insights have led him to help others actualize their own potential through growth as the founder of Command Leadership Mastery Services.  We talk about what keeps him grounded- from family and faith to wellness through horseback riding and singing - for thousands of people, to inspire and unify in patriotism.

To contact and find Ray:

Ray L. Polk Jr.'s Card (hihello.me)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-polk-jr-ma-a93aa1249?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BfzOTVYmsTw%2Bi72xMU6iTNg%3D%3D

https://www.tiktok.com/@clms2326?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.instagram.com/commandlms/profilecard/?igsh=ZDNrN2VkNGJueHMw

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...

Across the nation for years, we have seen headlines of lowered (or removed!) fitness standards.  Many able and effective police recruits are disillusioned with the check box standards or academy exercise regimens.  

One can see why agency leaders across the nation have appealed and asked to reduce or remove standards, citing a lack of candidates.. but it doesn't mean it makes any sense whatsoever and surely is the ultimate can-kick.

Many officers and trainers are seeing the detrimental effects.  It's not just the physical abilities, but when you remove someone's necessity to overcome some basic physical training discomfort and hardship, you also remove their agency to endure other discomfort and hardship.  We need to build BETTER cops, which means higher expectations, now lower.  If we have lower applicant pools, we need to raise incentives and support... it's simple economics!!  I digress.. 

Back to the main point, in discussion of this critical topics, I've brought on two industry heavy hitters: returning guest, physical-tactical-athletic trainer and expert, host of Iron Sights podcast and owner of Red Dot Fitness SCOTT HOWELL (see ep. 100!) and active SWAT Officer and training instructor, wellness coordinator, and owner of Tactical Human Performance CHRIS KURAS.

Listen in and listen up, spread the word on the episode that more cops, applicants, administrators, politicians and public ALL need to hear!

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Chris Kuras is a full time law enforcement officer currently serving as a full time instructor for his department’s training unit.  Chris is also a member of the SWAT team as an entry operator and sniper, as well as a lead firearms and tactics instructor.  Chris recently has been assigned the role of health and wellness coordinator.  

Prior to law enforcement, Chris worked at the University of Central Florida as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach in the Athletics Department.   Primarily assigned to coach football, baseball, track, and cheerleading.

@tactical_human_performance

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Founder of Red Dot Fitness, Scott Howell is a dedicated certified health and fitness professional with over 2 decades of real world, practical, hands-on experience. 

As a National Director of Personal Training, he was a senior director/operator and personal training educator for one of the world’s largest fitness corporations nearly 400 clubs strong. After more than 10 years of commercial & corporate fitness, Scott made the life altering decision to stop traveling the country in 2010 and focus his skills locally to those clients who truly want to improve their health & fitness, performance, body image, and lifestyle. In April 2010 he launched Red Dot Fitness.

@ironsightspodcast

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...

Culture, Culture, Culture.

It is a driving conversation on Blue Grit Radio- how do we address, fix, mend, elevate, curb, improve police industry culture?  Culture gets past the "what" we do, into the critical "why" and perhaps more importantly- the "HOW."

In this new segment, Bits of Grit, I highlight key takeaways from prior interviews, to get your brains primed so you can help your cops on your team.  Leader up, down, laterally with the spin-off from hard-hitting episode 68 with Mark Bouchard and Seb Lavoie, who have both been on the show in other episodes as well!

So after this quick 5 min listen, make sure you listen to the full ep. with Mark and Seb, share both with your people and subscribe to download so you don't miss any of these valuable new episodes from industry leaders and experts.

Better cops, better community.  Getting better daily- one conversation and reflection at a time!  Let's go!

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...

Every great new officer (or hopeful) always asks what they should work on.  Fitness, hitting the legal books. Geography? Learning radio codes?

Beyond values, (probably worth another episode!) it’s all about skills and skill development. What your training provides you, and how you delve into it with your own resolve through training and experience.  These are crucial things to think about for rookies to trainers to supervisors alike.

I came across a list of 13 skills from Indeed and wanted to break down their legitimacy and pose to you all what you think.  What’s valid- what’s missing? Shoot me a line on the IG or email below with your thoughts!  Stay tuned for what a poll I conducted with real cops have to say about what skills are necessary!

Article: 13 Skills for a Police Officer
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/skills-for-police-officer

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

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

*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 episode highlights an article from Calibre Press, listing 19 items that affect our decision-making abilities in critical incident stress situations.  There is much value not only in identifying those items, but detailing what it means for cops today, as well as providing personal anecdote and industry insights.

What better guest to help me break it down than returning guest (3rd time now!), Seb Lavoie!  Seb and I illustrate the different items from cognitive overload, memory limitations, emotional and psychological responses, miscommunications, and more.  We help bring awareness not just to what this may look like on the street but with tangible takeaways so we can all get better, safer, more operationally sound.  

As always, our conversations and tips can lead to building "better cops for a better community!" 
--
Retired Sgt Major Sebastien Lavoie is a distinguished performance coach and mindset expert.  His unique approach integrates over two decades of invaluable service in high-stakes roles within the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canadian Armed Forces.

Sebastien is the CEO of Raven Strategic Inc., where he has established a strong reputation for transforming individuals and organizations to realize their potential and exceed their objectives. He is globally recognized as a leadership training and performance coaching powerhouse.

@slavccmdr
https://ravenstrategik.com/
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Article: “What Affects Decision Making Under Stress”

https://calibrepress.com/2024/10/what-affects-decision-making-under-stress-19-things-to-consider/

For more information on how to optimize your life, through mindset, routines and work/life balance, shoot me a line on IG @bluegritwellness or [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...

In this episode, I invite an hard-hitting panel on the real talk we need for policing culture.  We tackle a range of issues facing law enforcement- from over-investment and identity, to waning purpose, victim mentality, and when the job is enough.  We discuss the difficult nature of these topics, and how officers should evaluate themselves and their circumstances to determine considerations to navigate it all- to help prep us whether we have 2 years left or 20.

Joining me are JT from Survive Policing (@survivepolicing), active detective Mac (@thezencop and returning guest from Ep. 92; Necessary Police Conversations), and my good buddy Trevor Wolcott (returning guest from Ep. 17: Battle Buddy Talk).  With two active cops, two fmr. cops, two public faces, and two private, three creating social content and media, one being a former fire-fighter as well... there's definitely a lot of valuable insight and perspectives in this discussion full of depth and breadth!

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...