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

Clay Surratt is a general badass. 

While true, he is a humble, subtle leader in our community.  We talk about his life of service- enlisting in the US military and continuing to serve by providing training to veterans and law enforcement officers.  He volunteers and gives back through a host of organizations (detailed in the episode and below in these show notes).

In this episode, we talk about what it was like growing up in rural Virginia, his experiences with diversity and his time in and out of the military.  He drives home the crucial factor of COMMUNITY as a means for mental health and general well-being. 

We talk about TALKING, and how this is bridged through community connections to help process and digest our stressors- whether they are overseas as a soldier or in our own neighborhood as police. 

Clay shares what helps him be positive in addition to paying it forward, but through philosophy and focused gratitude.  We talk about how to find the good in all the bad- and how to be resilient and heal through helping others. 

To find Clay:

IG: conscious.clay
https://www.mindfulguerrillas.com/

For more about the noble organizations and efforts Clay is involved in:

  https://curtisbartlettfitness.com/   Non-profit gym in Galax, VA that offers free membership to LEO and Veterans. Curtis was an LEO who ended his watch in the line of duty. His father is keeping his name and memory alive through this endeavor. 

 https://university-hp.com/   This non-profit (501 C-3)  and it is expanding and has influence and collaboration with major companies. This will be a major player for veterans in the future.  Clay received my CPT (personal training certificate) in the very first class and remains close to the Graduate Support Director.

 https://fitops.org/#   This is the for-profit side of University of Health and Performance.

 Home | Veteran Bushido Brotherhood  Non-profit that offers veterans 3 months of gym membership (of any kind) paid for. This is a BJJ tournament held by a former Marine out of Pennsylvania.

https://www.instagram.com/thelegionproject/?hl=en   Legion Project

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...

Laura currently runs 5-0 Mental Health, focused on all things support for officers and their families: mental wellness visits, training and resources.  However, her work in service to others spans many years and horizons.

It was a humbling and fascinating chat for me to learn more about this dynamic and selfless human being. 

Laura has been in the law enforcement/mental health field for over 15 years. Most notably, she has worked in military prison as well as a supermax correctional facility, as an emergency department social worker in a major Boston hospital, a police officer, and a co responding clinician with Boston Police. 

Laura served on CISM unit and has responded to support individual officers and police departments in dealing with various critical incidents as well as co-facilitating debriefings following a critical incident. Laura is also utilized on the Code 99 team to assist in hostage negotiations/barricaded subjects with Boston Police. She holds a master’s degree in social work and is independently licensed. 

You can find Laura and her work at:

5_0_mental_health on IG
https://5-0mentalhealth.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...

A ten year veteran of law enforcement in Canada, Deven found himself in a near-fatal incident last year.  A suspect attempted to run him over, and he narrowly escaped, but not without significant physical and mental injury.

Deven credits the physical and psychological treatments and routines he sought and practiced as clear accelerants toward his recovery.  Coupled with his already robust fitness and healthy practices, he has been able to overcome his own adversity and help others do the same.

Resilience through Fitness is his company where he can provide physical training, nutrition coaching and guidance to help others accomplish their optimal performance.  

We discuss Deven’s coming into law enforcement, his career development and his road to recovery and optimized health for him, his team, and others.


As always, like, rate, share this episode and others with your people! Take care and stay gritty!

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...

Do you ever chat with someone and immediately feel their warm, positive energy?  To describe it as simply that would be an understatement with retired Sergeant Donna Brown.  We had a great chat right away before we started recording- which was hard to pause to get the episode going!

Donna became one of five female officers for the Tallahassee Police when she started her career, and among many assignments, finished out as the Homicide Detective Sergeant.   We talk about Donna’s retirement and how she remained a first responder advocate- most notably becoming an (award winning) author, showing the humans behind the badge and their stories in the three book series Behind and Beyond the Badge.

Donna is an absolute beacon for servant leadership, building trust and connection... everything we NEED more of today!

You can find more from Donna and get in contact below:

Website: http://www.behindandbeyondthebadge.com  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindandbeyondthebadge/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindAndBeyondTheBadge 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/donnab213

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnabrownsigfla/ 

Her books:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPDZKH8N

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 first met Jason when I was doing police K9 training with my neighbors at Renton PD.  He wasn't a handler (in the PD) but he was experienced in dog sport (tracking and bite work).  The dude moved as a dog quarry (or decoy) in ways I hadn't seen after years of training with other cops and in seminars.  

He analyzed the dog's actions and our training strategies with a critical view and angle I wasn't accustomed to.  From then, I knew this guy was cut from a different cloth- or maybe in keeping with that metaphor-  it's more that he chose to weave his fabric in a more dynamic, resilient and innovative way. 

Jason Solema was an experienced police officer and leader (SWAT assistant team leader.. no joke).  In this episode, we explore how Jason came into his service career- from military to blue uniform.  We dive into what prompted his exit from policing into the corporate world- and how he catapulted himself into executive leadership development.

We talk about how many skills and talents we can pick up in police work, leadership, and self development through continual challenge and endurance.  

*there might be a swear word or two, shrug emoji (studies say those who swear are more honest)

**as always, gimme a rating, like the posts on IG and share with your people so we can build and mentor more people with the good stuff (fist bump emoji)

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com  !

Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more!  Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow.

Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show.

Need help with entry-level, promotional testing, career & mindset coaching? Stop spinning your wheels and prep the right mindset and awareness of all the critical hiring steps with my comprehensive hiring guide:
bluegritwellness.com/shop 

Email at [email protected]

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

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

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

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

In this episode, I am joined by my prior coworker, dear friend,  and brother Matt.  This was as much a dive into his life and this career as it was two old friends connecting over not just the career itself but our outlooks on life in tandem. 

Matt is a current LEO and describes growing up in the Midwest, being drawn into service with the US Marine Corps, followed by policing (a family affair).  

We chat about one’s values navigating the career, paying forward service and maintaining a positive attitude.  We also discuss the times as well as great and heart-breaking experiences we’ve been through.  

I ask Matt about advice for those considering the career in deciding where to look and try to join.  He reflects on considerations and decisions to leave/join different police departments with family and career direction being key factors.

When it comes to this career and LIFE, there is no absence of darkness and negativity.  We talk about what has helped us process all the bad and nudge ourselves and others to refocus and orient toward the GOOD.

As always, give us a rating and share this out if you found it helpful in effort to help others!  

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 am joined in this episode by fellow cop and fellow K9 COP Chris Greenwade.  Chris worked at a neighboring agency, where our paths crossed on calls and eventually training our generalist patrol dogs.  

We dive into Chris' determination to serve: as a Marine and becoming a cop in California.  He shares his road to the Seattle area and the ups and downs in his police career.  We discuss trauma- and how it can pile on as it did for Chris- from his time in the military to all the cumulative stress of the road as a patrol officer.

Now,  Chris is working as a coach to help others take hold of their lives and turn their health around for optimal living!  

As always, give me a review and share this episode and show out so we can help more people show up better!

Links:

 IG – cjgreenie 

Facebook – Chris Greenie  

Katie’s Books – claireextraordinaire_books on IG, available on Amazon!

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...

If you've read the title you've probably said something in your head like, "WTF" or "Gawddang...." or "Oh hellzzzzz no!"  Sounds crazy to me, too.  But when determination is fueled by utmost purpose, limiting beliefs are destroyed.

Meet Sach Latti, a Canadian border cop who is continually pursuing and pushing limits to inspire others.

Sach joins me and we discuss his fascinating life and accomplishments- from his experience with diversity growing up, coming into a life of service, bodybuilding (yes, he's one of those jacked endurance dudes aka a unicorn) and running ultra-marathons.

Now, his focus is raising awareness and funds for 1st Responders and Veterans for support and suicide prevention.

From his site: “Sachin comes from a Sikh community that has been in military service for hundreds of years, as well as family with history in the armed forces. He runs for veterans because it’s in his blood.”

You can find him and more at:

ig @sach.in.motion

www.sachinmotion.ca

https://youtube.com/@sachinmotion

tiktok: @sachinmotion

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...

Officer morale is the biggest hurdle to accomplishing ALL we need: recruiting, retention, culture, trust.

One of the simplest fixes is super simple: it’s showing up. Being available. Listening. Connecting. Not being defensive.  Just being open.

You may be surprised what can blossom from there. 

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...

Want some perspective shift to focus on what you CAN do, rather than what you can't?  

Want to hear it from a Master Mindset Coach, certified First Responder Counselor  and Keynote speaker?

*Extra points as she "gets it" for first responders- having emergency personnel in her family to include her firefighter husband.

Well then you're in luck.  If you're tuning in and follow along, you recognize the power of mindset, and how crucial it is to determine your likelihood and degree of success in whatever you are setting out to achieve.

I am joined in this episode by Morgan Plascencia, who speaks to all of the above!  We chat about her background, entry into the world of first responders and how that affects her life and perspectives she offers for those coming into the professions (for themselves and for families and spouses).  She now has a focus on female empowerment and belief in her coaching.  

Coming from a hiring background, I can speak to the importance of more women in first responder roles, and how these are relevant questions for all of us to consider as we build the best cops and first responders we can.  

Listen in, share and rate this episode if it was helpful and has positive messages that resonate with you!  

To contact and follow Morgan:

@morgankellyplascencia on Instagram

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...