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

Part 2/2!

If we want Police and Policing to be seen as a legitimate Profession, must we focus on Professionalism - and what that truly means?  When we think of the word, some think of being courteous, others diligent. For some it is higher standards, training, formal education.  

Joining me in this high-level conversation surrounding how we can elevate and evolve our profession are two leaders: Jeff Wenniger and Bill McAuliffe.  In this episode, they share their unique perspectives derived from first-hand experience in a multitude of roles.

—

Bill McAuliffe is a retired law enforcement Lieutenant with over 30 years of combined experience in military, law enforcement, and corporate leadership and understands the unique challenges public safety professionals face in today’s fast-paced world. 

Specializing in emotional intelligence and leadership development, Bill is dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome burnout, conquer post-traumatic stress, and build resilience. 

As a trauma-informed somatic coach, mentor, trainer, and business executive Bill leverages his deep expertise to help public safety professionals heal invisible injuries, re-engineer relationships, and develop long-lasting emotional wellness skills. Bill’s mission is to empower public safety providers to heal and develop transformational skills while allowing them to stay in service to their communities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-mcauliffe-a2b413149/

--

Jeff Wenninger is a retired LAPD Lieutenant and Founder & CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC, brings over 33 years of experience to his work in improving police practices and public trust. As a nationally recognized expert in use of force, crowd management, and school safety, Jeff has testified in numerous criminal and civil cases. 

His distinguished career includes high-profile dignitary protection with the Secret Service, elite LAPD units, and awards such as the LAPD Medal of Valor. Overcoming dyslexia and a speech impediment, Jeff excelled academically and athletically, earning degrees in sociology, psychology, and criminal justice. He remains committed to community service and is currently working on a book proposing actionable solutions for law enforcement. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wenninger-4247a854

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 we want Police and Policing to be seen as a legitimate Profession, must we focus on Professionalism - and what that truly means?  When we think of the word, some think of being courteous, others diligent. For some it is higher standards, training, formal education.  

Joining me in this high-level conversation surrounding how we can elevate and evolve our profession are two leaders: Jeff Wenniger and Bill McAuliffe.  In this episode, they share their unique perspectives derived from first-hand experience in a multitude of roles.

—

Bill McAuliffe is a retired law enforcement Lieutenant with over 30 years of combined experience in military, law enforcement, and corporate leadership and understands the unique challenges public safety professionals face in today’s fast-paced world. 

As a trauma-informed somatic coach, mentor, trainer, and business executive Bill leverages his deep expertise to help public safety professionals heal invisible injuries, re-engineer relationships, and develop long-lasting emotional wellness skills. Bill’s mission is to empower public safety providers to heal and develop transformational skills while allowing them to stay in service to their communities.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-mcauliffe-a2b413149/

--

Jeff Wenninger is a retired LAPD Lieutenant and Founder & CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC, brings over 33 years of experience to his work in improving police practices and public trust. As a nationally recognized expert in use of force, crowd management, and school safety, Jeff has testified in numerous criminal and civil cases. 

His distinguished career includes high-profile dignitary protection with the Secret Service, elite LAPD units, and awards such as the LAPD Medal of Valor. Overcoming dyslexia and a speech impediment, Jeff excelled academically and athletically, earning degrees in sociology, psychology, and criminal justice. He remains committed to community service and is currently working on a book proposing actionable solutions for law enforcement. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-wenninger-4247a854

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 by my colleague and friend in this first responder wellness/leadership/how to improve our culture space, Chris Littrell.  In this IN-PERSON conversation, we explore much of what our people and profession are struggling with : availability, vulnerability, stigmas, and what to do about it all.

This episode is being also being aired on his show: Gravity, Two Feet on the Ground.  You can find more conversations with Chris in eps. 71, 177, 179 and 216.

--

When Christopher Littrell pinned on his badge, he believed his mission was clear: protect the innocent, stop the dangerous, and serve his community with courage. But what he could not anticipate was how the streets would shape him, scar him, and eventually force him to confront the cost of wearing the uniform.

Over years of service, Christopher investigated crimes that tore families apart, witnessed tragedies that no one should ever have to see, and walked into danger when others ran away. The weight of those experiences didn’t stay at work—they followed him home, echoing into his marriage, his role as a father, and his own identity.

Echoes from the Street is more than a police memoir. It is a deeply personal journey into the unseen battles first responders fight long after the sirens fade. 

https://christopherlittrell.com/book-overview/

Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line!

To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content:

Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com  !

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

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

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

Email at [email protected]

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

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

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

For more information, visit udshealth.com

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

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

music credit: Drive by ASham...

New Year, unlocked and upleveled version of YOU!

Whether you like to think of it as building and developing, or shaving away what's not serving you, the New Year is the perfect time to reflect and craft a strategy to live your life most optimally.  In this episode, I share some quick and effective tips that span different health aspects and pillars: from nutrition and movement to habit-building and boundaries.

Listen in for concepts you can integrate TODAY - and things you can personalize for your specific goals.  For more, don't forget to subscribe to the free newsletter at bluegritwellness.com . You can also find out more about the Get Gritty on-demand video course, along with solo and group coaching to actualize the best leadership, health, and goals for you in 2026!

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, we dive into what it really means to step up your mental game — beyond motivation and mindset buzzwords. Drawing on the psychological insights of Carl Jung and James Hollis, we explore how true growth requires looking inward, owning your story, and facing the shadows that hold you back.

This episode connects ancient wisdom with modern policing, leadership, and personal development — reminding us that resilience isn’t about suppressing pain or struggle, but transforming it into strength and self-awareness.

Be sure to listen to the 2-part episode with returning guests Matt Domyancic and Anthony Shefferly: Mental Beasts- Psychology for Police Officers, the themes pair with the breakdown presented in this episode!

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...

One of the most critical responsibilities and efforts of police is trust.  Trust is built through connection, understanding - it is built through KNOWING.

In this episode, my guest Scott Lowry discuss how knowing how our officers are doing on a call-to-call basis helps us fully.  We can identify what's going well, what we can work on, and it allows us to recognize and elevate our officers with the great work they are doing. 

Scott details real world solutions for engaging our communities, getting tangible data, and enhancing community trust, relations and partnerships.

--

At Know Your Force, we’ve built a simple way for community members to share post-contact feedback after every interaction, turning those day-to-day moments into early intervention data that actually supports officers and leadership instead of just checking a compliance box. From Utah’s early intervention requirements to the agencies we serve across the country, it’s been powerful to see chiefs use this insight to recognize great work, spot stress early, and keep good officers on the path to retirement.

knowyourforce.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, I share key takeaways that don’t only apply to money - as the book title infers - but all aspects of health, career and life.  These concepts are tenets of human nature, and I run through how we may apply these lessons in a multi-faceted approach.  

In The Psychology of Money, Morgan Housel makes a compelling case that success with money has far less to do with intelligence or technical knowledge and far more to do with behavior, perspective, and patience. One of the core takeaways is that outcomes are shaped by how we manage risk, emotion, and time - especially when things feel uncertain or uncomfortable. 

The Psychology of Money isn’t just a guide to financial wisdom; it’s a reminder that sustainable growth in any domain comes from patience, self-awareness, and aligning behavior with long-term values rather than short-term pressure.

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 of 2!)  Blue Grit started largely focused on physical health through fitness and stress management through peer support and other mental health support.  Joining me in this episode are two returning guests: Matt Domyancic and Anthony Shefferly, two absolute physical AND mental beasts.

What do I mean by mental beasts? Beyond the cognitive intelligence (which they both have and bring to share in droves in this conversation), they bring stalwart mindset.  They have developed and thus model a pinnacle level of "doing the work" through introspection, doing the truly "hard" things, and exploration of self and soul.

How we do one thing is how we do many things - this episode is designed for those who want to get on a higher plane of health and performance, through going deeper (depth psychology themes and lessons) from some of the greats: Carl Jung, James Hollis, Robert Moore and many others.

-

Matt Domyancic has an extensive background in Wellness, Peer Support, Strength and Conditioning, Sports and Performance Psychology, as well as Spirituality with elite athletes, veterans, and first responders.  

Matt is a medically retired police officer who worked patrol, Peer Support, SWAT, and full time academy instructor for fitness and officer survival.  Matt also was a strength coach at Yale and Georgetown Universities while also leading campus ministry for athletes - all while a full time police officer.  

There is more information about his background, mission, media and podcasts at www.tacticalchaplain.com 

IG: @Thinbluelinespirituality, @TheTacticalChaplain

-

Anthony Shefferly is a 17-year veteran police officer, SWAT team member, and tactical strength coach with a Master’s in Psychology. He’s the founder of Heroic Industries, where he helps first responders, tactical professionals, and high-performing men build elite fitness, mental resilience, and leadership through strength, discipline, and self-mastery. As a former gym owner, father of four, and lifelong athlete, Anthony fuses real-world experience with psychological insight to forge stronger men—mentally, and physically.

https://heroicindustrieshq.com/ 

IG: @heroicindustries 

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...

Blue Grit started largely focused on physical health through fitness and stress management through peer support and other mental health support.  Joining me in this episode are two returning guests: Matt Domyancic and Anthony Shefferly, two absolute physical AND mental beasts.

What do I mean by mental beasts? Beyond the cognitive intelligence (which they both have and bring to share in droves in this conversation), they bring stalwart mindset.  They have developed and thus model a pinnacle level of "doing the work" through introspection, doing the truly "hard" things, and exploration of self and soul.

How we do one thing is how we do many things - this episode is designed for those who want to get on a higher plane of health and performance, through going deeper (depth psychology themes and lessons) from some of the greats: Carl Jung, James Hollis, Robert Moore and many others. *This is part 1 of 2

-

Matt Domyancic has an extensive background in Wellness, Peer Support, Strength and Conditioning, Sports and Performance Psychology, as well as Spirituality with elite athletes, veterans, and first responders.  

Matt is a medically retired police officer who worked patrol, Peer Support, SWAT, and full time academy instructor for fitness and officer survival.  Matt also was a strength coach at Yale and Georgetown Universities while also leading campus ministry for athletes - all while a full time police officer.  

There is more information about his background, mission, media and podcasts at www.tacticalchaplain.com 

IG: @Thinbluelinespirituality, @TheTacticalChaplain

-

Anthony Shefferly is a 17-year veteran police officer, SWAT team member, and tactical strength coach with a Master’s in Psychology. He’s the founder of Heroic Industries, where he helps first responders, tactical professionals, and high-performing men build elite fitness, mental resilience, and leadership through strength, discipline, and self-mastery. As a former gym owner, father of four, and lifelong athlete, Anthony fuses real-world experience with psychological insight to forge stronger men—mentally, and physically.

https://heroicindustrieshq.com/ 

IG: @heroicindustries 

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 is a recording of a webinar where I was invited to participate as part of a panel discussing the critical topics of police recruiting and retention.

I was called upon from my experience in hiring and recruiting in 2022 and my continual dives into police culture and wellness to aid retention and resiliency.  Joining me in the panel were Chief Travis Koltiska from Sheridan, WY and Greg Zaroslinki from Performance Protocol.

The reception was extremely positive, with attendees and viewers wondering when we would continue the conversation and potentially speak at future events!  This is a passion near and dear to me, and no one can deny the need for police leaders to address challenges with meaningful solutions and strategies - for our teams and our ability to foster public safety.

Original webinar:

"Empty Seats, Heavy Burdens: The Law Enforcement Staffing Challenge" 

Off Duty Management and FBI NAA (hosts)

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...