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

In this engaging panel episode, Eric hosts Doug White and Greg Grogan, both seasoned veterans in policing and podcasting. They delve into the intricate balance between career and personal life, emphasizing the importance of wellness for first responders. 

Doug shares his journey from a 25-year law enforcement career to retirement, highlighting the challenges of identity and the need for self-care. Greg, also with his extensive background in policing and military service, echoes the sentiment that mental health and physical fitness are crucial for new recruits and seasoned officers alike. The conversation flows into practical advice for maintaining balance, setting boundaries, and preparing for retirement, underscoring the importance of communication and support within the community.

You have to control the controllables.
Don't ever believe somebody when they say this is all you can do.
The admiration is rented; what you do matters beyond your career.
Take care of yourself; it's a collective effort.
Know your resources and use them wisely.
Balance your career with your personal life from day one.
Set boundaries to protect your time and mental health.
Your mission should carry on beyond your career.
Don't let your job define your identity.

first responders, law enforcement, wellness, mental health, retirement planning, podcasting, self-care, physical fitness, career balance, community support

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 conversation features a wellness panel with industry leaders discussing the importance of peer support, mental health, and resilience in first responders. The panelists share their experiences and insights on how to effectively provide support during and after critical incidents, emphasizing the need for psychological safety, mindfulness, and community connection. They explore the role of animals in crisis response, the nuances of peer support, and the legal considerations involved. 

Kristin L. Cox, MA is the Behavioral Health Coordinator for Seattle Fire Department,
providing oversight to the Peer Support team and developing programs to help leaders and firefighters be resilient in the face of stress, mental health and crisis situations.  

Kristin joined SFD after 30 years with the U.S. Coast Guard as Work-Life Supervisor/EAP Coordinator. Her focus is coaching individuals, teams and leaders in high-reliability organizations to boost resilience and thrive in crises such as Hurricane Katrina, the Alaska Airline Flight 261 crash, line-of-duty-deaths, the Oso Landslide and Okanagan Complex Fires.

Raquel Lackey is a seasoned CPA who now dedicates a significant portion of her time to community service and volunteer leadership.  For over a decade, Raquel has been active in the field of animal-assisted crisis response, serving locally, regionally and nationally. 

She is a long-standing member of HOPE Animal‑Assisted Crisis Response, an international nonprofit that provides comfort and emotional support through trained canine teams during disasters and traumatic events. Her passion led her to join Seattle Mountain Rescue, where she contributes her expertise and compassion to the team’s resilience.

Andy McCurdy has been working in law enforcement since 1991 and is currently the Deputy Chief of Sumner PD. Andy also has an extensive coaching background, leading the Police Activities League of Sumner, Badges and Barbells, and Camp Possible.  

Andy advocates for first responder mental health on the Board of Directors of Code 4 Northwest, is the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the Pierce County Peer Support Team, Team Leader of the WASPC Executive Peer Support Team, and teaches on trauma informed practices for leaders, peer supporters, and violent crimes investigators. 

You can find them all on LinkedIn.

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, Eric delves into the concept of organizational wellness, drawing insights from Thomas Moore's book, "Soul Therapy." He emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional dynamics within workplaces, particularly in high-stress environments like first responder organizations. 

Eric highlights how hierarchies can create anxiety and affect individuals' sense of worth, suggesting that workplaces often need a form of therapy to address underlying emotional issues. He discusses the role of leadership in fostering a supportive environment and the necessity of psychological understanding among team members to improve overall morale and productivity.

Eric shares key points from Moore's work, including the need for empathetic leadership, the impact of physical environments on well-being, and the importance of listening to employees' concerns. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own work environments and consider how they can contribute to a more positive and humane workplace culture. The conversation underscores the idea that organizations can thrive when they prioritize the emotional health of their employees, ultimately leading to more productive and engaged teams.

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 of Blue Grit Radio, Eric and Dr. Carolyn Van Der Meulen discuss the critical relationship between community wellness and the wellness of first responders. Dr. Carolyn shares her background in occupational therapy and her focus on performance, emphasizing the importance of day-to-day actions in maintaining health. 

They explore the significance of cultural competence in clinical practice, the interplay of stress and physical health, and the need for trust and vulnerability in therapy. The conversation also covers the differences between occupational and physical therapy, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and strategies for empowering first responders. Finally, they provide practical recommendations for injury prevention and recovery techniques. 

• Wellness is interconnected with community wellness.
• Performance is not just physical; it includes mental and emotional aspects.
• Small daily actions can lead to significant health impacts.
• Time under chaos prepares first responders for unpredictable situations.
• Cultural competence is essential for effective therapy.
• Stress can exacerbate physical health issues.
• Building trust is crucial for therapeutic success.
• Occupational therapy addresses the whole person, not just injuries.
• Empowering individuals through autonomy enhances recovery.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration improves patient outcomes.

 -

Dr. Carolyn van der Meulen, OTD, OTR/L, Cert VRS, CFVRS is a doctorally prepared occupational therapist and healthcare leader, with a focus on first responder wellness and tactical rehabilitation. She brings significant professional experience in brain injury and concussion management, interdisciplinary program development, and high-performance rehabilitation. Dr. van der Meulen specializes in evidence-based approaches to optimize performance, recovery, and long-term resilience - bridging clinical expertise with the real-world demands of first responders. 

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

Email: [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...

"Be forever a student."

In this milestone episode 300, Eric reflects on his journey and shares ten valuable insights gained throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of self-leadership, resilience, and aligning values with actions. He encourages listeners to embrace continuous learning, define their identity beyond their job, and recognize the beauty in impermanence while cherishing the present moments as the 'good old days.'

• Master the inner game before the outer game.
• Build your ship right to withstand life's storms.
• Prove your values with your habits and actions.
• Define your identity on your own terms, beyond your job.
• Be forever a student and embrace continuous learning.
• Impermanence allows for the acceptance of imperfection.
• Lean into your authenticity to shine as an individual.
• Creativity is essential for innovation and growth.
• Recognize that these are the good old days to cherish every moment.

leadership, self-development, resilience, values, identity, continuous learning, creativity, mental health, first responders, community building

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...

Pt 2! This conversation delves into the critical role of first-line leadership in law enforcement, featuring a panel of experienced sergeants who share their insights on mentorship, professional development, and the importance of adaptability in leadership.  

The discussion emphasizes the need for servant leadership, building trust, and fostering relationships within teams to enhance performance and morale. The panelists reflect on their personal experiences, the challenges of evaluations, and the evolving nature of policing, ultimately highlighting the significance of supporting and developing the next generation of officers.

Dave Lind was hired by Auburn police Department in July of 2008 and was a patrol officer until 2015 when he was moved into the Investigation Division as a property crimes detective.  Det. Lind completed 4 years as a property crimes detective before transferring to major Crimes in January of 2020.  Det. Lind was promoted to sergeant in October of 2020 and has supervised patrol crews,  and two different investigative units.  During his tenure, Sgt. Lind has been a member of the departments peer support team and a member of Valley SWAT from 2014 until now.

David Struwing is a 31-year law enforcement veteran with service in both Illinois and Louisiana. He spent 24 years with the Elk Grove Village Police Department, serving in roles including Patrol Officer, FTO, Traffic Crash Reconstructionist, Motor Officer/Instructor, and Truck Enforcement Officer.  After retiring in 2019, David continued his career with the LSU Police Department, where he was promoted to Sergeant and served as a Patrol Supervisor. In 2024, he joined the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Police as the Coordinator of Professional Development, focusing on leadership, wellness, and developing the whole person in law enforcement.

Brian Frankeberger is a 16 year police officer with the Kirkland Police Department. He is currently working as the Investigations ProAct unit sergeant. He has spent time as a PTO, detective, patrol corporal, patrol sergeant, K9 sergeant, EVOC cadre head and current Master Firearms Instructor. Brian has also spent the past 7 years as the Kirkland Police Guild President. He is a firm believer of servant leadership and motivating, challenging and enabling officers to achieve more than they believe they're capable of.

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 conversation delves into the critical role of first-line leadership in law enforcement, featuring a panel of experienced sergeants who share their insights on mentorship, professional development, and the importance of adaptability in leadership.  

The discussion emphasizes the need for servant leadership, building trust, and fostering relationships within teams to enhance performance and morale. The panelists reflect on their personal experiences, the challenges of evaluations, and the evolving nature of policing, ultimately highlighting the significance of supporting and developing the next generation of officers.

Dave Lind was hired by Auburn police Department in July of 2008 and was a patrol officer until 2015 when he was moved into the Investigation Division as a property crimes detective.  Det. Lind completed 4 years as a property crimes detective before transferring to major Crimes in January of 2020.  Det. Lind was promoted to sergeant in October of 2020 and has supervised patrol crews,  and two different investigative units.  During his tenure, Sgt. Lind has been a member of the departments peer support team and a member of Valley SWAT from 2014 until now.

David Struwing is a 31-year law enforcement veteran with service in both Illinois and Louisiana. He spent 24 years with the Elk Grove Village Police Department, serving in roles including Patrol Officer, FTO, Traffic Crash Reconstructionist, Motor Officer/Instructor, and Truck Enforcement Officer.  After retiring in 2019, David continued his career with the LSU Police Department, where he was promoted to Sergeant and served as a Patrol Supervisor. In 2024, he joined the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Police as the Coordinator of Professional Development, focusing on leadership, wellness, and developing the whole person in law enforcement.

Brian Frankeberger is a 16 year police officer with the Kirkland Police Department. He is currently working as the Investigations ProAct unit sergeant. He has spent time as a PTO, detective, patrol corporal, patrol sergeant, K9 sergeant, EVOC cadre head and current Master Firearms Instructor. Brian has also spent the past 7 years as the Kirkland Police Guild President. He is a firm believer of servant leadership and motivating, challenging and enabling officers to achieve more than they believe they're capable of.

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...

**Part 2** In this episode, Eric and Brian Willard discuss the critical importance of mental health in law enforcement, sharing personal stories and insights into the challenges officers face.  They explore the cultural shifts needed to support mental wellness, the significance of peer support, and the impact of identity on mental health. Brian shares the tragic story of his brother, Andy, a former police officer, emphasizing the need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of seeking help. The discussion highlights the necessity of building a supportive community within law enforcement to foster resilience and well-being.

Takeaways

• Mental health is a critical aspect of officer safety.
• Cultural shifts in law enforcement are necessary for better mental health support.
• Peer support can help officers recognize when they or their colleagues are struggling.
• It's important to normalize seeking help for mental health issues.
• Identity plays a significant role in how officers cope with stress.
• Therapy and mental health resources should be prioritized in law enforcement agencies.
• Recognizing signs of struggle in colleagues can prevent tragedies.
• The Johari Window concept can enhance self-awareness among officers.
• Community support is essential for mental wellness in law enforcement.
• Prioritizing living a balanced life is crucial for long-term well-being.

-

Brian previously joined Eric in episode #269, on the critical topics for FTOs. 

Brian Willard has been a police officer in the Pacific Northwest for almost twenty years. During his career, he’s been certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, Crash Reconstructionist, Hostage Negotiator, and has served sixteen years as a Field Training Officer.

In 2018, Brian founded Tracwire to make it easier for agencies to document and track the field training process while gaining better insight into recruit performance. Today, Tracwire is growing into a full platform that helps agencies manage their entire department from one place.

Learn more at tracwire.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 episode, Eric and Brian Willard discuss the critical importance of mental health in law enforcement, sharing personal stories and insights into the challenges officers face.  They explore the cultural shifts needed to support mental wellness, the significance of peer support, and the impact of identity on mental health. Brian shares the tragic story of his brother, Andy, a former police officer, emphasizing the need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of seeking help. The discussion highlights the necessity of building a supportive community within law enforcement to foster resilience and well-being.

Takeaways

• Mental health is a critical aspect of officer safety.
• Cultural shifts in law enforcement are necessary for better mental health support.
• Peer support can help officers recognize when they or their colleagues are struggling.
• It's important to normalize seeking help for mental health issues.
• Identity plays a significant role in how officers cope with stress.
• Therapy and mental health resources should be prioritized in law enforcement agencies.
• Recognizing signs of struggle in colleagues can prevent tragedies.
• The Johari Window concept can enhance self-awareness among officers.
• Community support is essential for mental wellness in law enforcement.
• Prioritizing living a balanced life is crucial for long-term well-being.

-

Brian previously joined Eric in episode #269, on the critical topics for FTOs. 

Brian Willard has been a police officer in the Pacific Northwest for almost twenty years. During his career, he’s been certified as a Drug Recognition Expert, Crash Reconstructionist, Hostage Negotiator, and has served sixteen years as a Field Training Officer.

In 2018, Brian founded Tracwire to make it easier for agencies to document and track the field training process while gaining better insight into recruit performance. Today, Tracwire is growing into a full platform that helps agencies manage their entire department from one place.

Learn more at tracwire.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...

Every team has rockstars. The hard chargers. The high producers. The ones who get recognized.

And then there’s the GLUE. I recently saw a headline highlighting this concept in by the WSJ.  The glue employee isn’t always the loudest or flashiest. They don’t chase credit. But when they’re gone, everything feels harder. When they're around, they elevate cohesion; they elevate the team.

In this episode, I explore the concept and share some key characteristics and actions of what makes this critical team member, what to do about them and how we can promote those qualities in others and ourselves.

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...