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

The world is ever evolving, so Policing needs to do the same in embracing emerging technologies. From AI and data analytics to drones, body-worn cameras, and wellness platforms, technology is rewriting how we serve, protect, and stay resilient.

With innovation comes challenges: resistance, cost, training, and trust. Enter my guest: regional police leader Chief Darrell Lowe. He has leaned in and implemented many tech programs and tools and shares his insights and strategies that you can bring to your agency!

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Darrell Lowe is the Chief of Police for the City of Redmond, Washington, with more than 34 years of law enforcement experience. His career began in Santa Monica, California, where he held a range of operational, investigative, and leadership roles before assuming command in Redmond.

Under his leadership, the Redmond Police Department has implemented major technology initiatives, including the state's only full-time Drone as First Responder program. RPD has recently launched the Real-Time Information Center, integrating technology and data systems into daily operations with a focus on transparency and data protection. His collaborative work with the private sector has strengthened public safety strategies while adapting to emerging technologies.

Chief Lowe serves on the Washington State AI Task Force, previously on the Police Use of Deadly Force Task Force, and is the past president of both the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the King County Police Chiefs Association. He has collegiate teaching experience, is a published author with contributions to U.S. Department of Justice guidebooks and Police1, and is frequently sought as a subject matter expert in national television and print media on public safety technology.

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...

Hypervigilance, Burnout, Fatigue... Stress and Shutdown.  These are all too common in the police and first responder professions.  For years, I struggled with my desire to optimize with fitness and work performance, which led to rest and recovery taking a backseat (not a pretty result).  What if there was a tool and technology with proven efficacy with Special Forces, BORTAC, the FBI and pro sports teams?  What if it was accessible on your phone, for usage as you move about your day or rest for 15-20 min?

In my continual efforts to find meaningful tools and solutions for our community, I am excited to feature Jim Poole, CEO of NuCalm.  NuCalm at surface level is an app that allows users to access audio modules - but at its heart is legitimate neuroscience.  Where other music, relaxation and meditation apps fall short is their lack of variability, since our brains are too quick and nimble to get the same effectiveness after multiple uses.  NuCalm also removes the verbal stimulus that people like me find distracting, and defeats the music streaming “Next Song ADD" trap that I fall into if I’m trying to find that right workout or work flow song for the background.

Listen in to learn what NuCalm can do for your busy, high performance life and recovery needs.  From now until the end of the year, access the biggest discount for yourself or your agency.  

To learn more, access special discounts, and get your free 7-day trial, visit:

nucalm.co/grit !!

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.  Development. Both of these items deserve much attention in our organizations, and it can be quite clear that these efforts are not adequate in many circumstances.  Put them together: Leader Development... you will have many officers recognize their agencies do a solid job, whereas for others it's an after thought, or only occurring when self-initiated.

Joining me in this leadership panel, my guests share much of what fuels their leadership philosophies, as well as training and educational perspectives and strategies to address this critical topic.  As our industry does more with less (fewer officers, more junior leaders) a sound effort is imperative.

Joining me are Chief Jeffery Melchior and Capt. Mike Schentrup (ret).  We talk about what's often missing, bad leaders, modeling, mentorship, and key character traits needed to ensure effectiveness.  

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Chief Jeffery C. Melchior serves as the Chief of Police for the Louisiana Department of Transportation Police, a statewide law enforcement agency. A 22-year veteran of Louisiana law enforcement, Chief Melchior has served in a broad range of assignments, including uniform patrol, investigations, training, and administration. Chief Melchior can be reached at [email protected] or
connected with on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/jeffery-c-melchior.

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Mike Schentrup is the founder and CEO of Advanced Police Concepts, which he started in 2016 after seeing a lack of quality investigative and leadership training for law enforcement professionals.  Mike is a retired Captain from the Gainesville (FL) Police Department where he worked for 25 years.  He can be reached at [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...

Many challenges in law enforcement can come down to our physical and experiential characteristics - such as age and gender.  Some hurdles may exist externally, whereas others can be internal mechanisms- like “imposter syndrome” when being young or in a lower-represented demographic. 

In this episode, I am joined by Jen Moss. We first connected through a recruiting webinar on Lexipol she helped set up. I have seen and shared poignant reflections she has shared on Police 1 and am glad to feature some of her experiences and lessons here.

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Jen Moss is a retired Lieutenant with over 21 years of experience in law enforcement, having served in patrol, investigations, emergency management, training and professional standards. She is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum's Senior Management Institute for Police (Class 76) and holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in criminal justice, as well as a master’s in public administration, both from the University of Arizona. Jen is a mom/stepmom to 5 boys and the proud wife of a fire captain. She currently works as a marketing campaign manager with Lexipol.

https://www.lexipol.com/author/jen-moss/

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, make sure you listen to part 1 a couple eps. back!

Recruitment.  Staffing.  Hiring hurdles..  Still huge issues facing a significant portion of police departments across the nation.  Although there are many difficult factors to contend with, in this episode, we cover how many agencies are missing on some basic things, and how to develop some winning strategies.

Joining me are two prior law enforcement officers with key insights and tips.  We compare notes, and I share about some of my principles and lessons learned on what really moved the needle.  We go around the "room" and talk about what any recruiter or agency can put in practice, even with little or no budget, rather than throw tens of thousands of dollars at vendors with no promise of ANYONE hired.

This is one you will want your recruiter, background investigators, line officers, HR, Civil Service, and frankly all management to listen in on- so don't forget to share it out!

--

Tim Kucerovy, founder of Lumen Strategic Consulting, LLC, helps public safety leaders cut through inefficiency and complexity to get results. He blends law enforcement, higher education, and business expertise to deliver strategies that improve performance where it matters most.

LinkedIn

Lumen Strategic Consulting LLC

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Tom was a Background Investigator and Recruiter at the Glendale Police Department in Glendale, Arizona before retiring after 20 years of police service in 2024 to focus on ‘For Cops’ Training, his online police training academy, with one goal in mind: change the future of police recruiting by helping you become the most knowledgeable, passionate, and powerful promoter of your agency in a way no one else possibly could come close to replicating by doing it for you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sye/

https://www.forcopstraining.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...

Is the Field Training Officer (FTO) the most critical role in policing?  When we think hard about it, it is hard to argue otherwise.  In this episode, I am joined by Officer Brian Willard, who has held that taxing, crucial, emotionally-charged, rewarding role for 16 years- the majority of it!

We go into the ins and outs of lessons learned from being and observing other FTOs, the impact the role has on culture, and key character traits and skills required to be an effective trainer, coach, and mentor.  We explore pressing challenges for FTO: from students, to managing the totality of their training, and communication dynamics, while sharing solutions and opportunities to enhance not only a new officers' growth in the career, but an agency's operations and performance.

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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...

Recruitment.  Staffing.  Hiring hurdles..  Still huge issues facing a significant portion of police departments across the nation.  Although there are many difficult factors to contend with, in this episode, we cover how many agencies are missing on some basic things, and how to develop some winning strategies.

Joining me are two prior law enforcement officers with key insights and tips.  We compare notes, and I share about some of my principles and lessons learned on what really moved the needle.  We go around the "room" and talk about what any recruiter or agency can put in practice, even with little or no budget, rather than throw tens of thousands of dollars at vendors with no promise of ANYONE hired.

This is one you will want your recruiter, background investigators, line officers, HR, Civil Service, and frankly all management to listen in on- so don't forget to share it out! (Part 1 of 2!)

--

Tim Kucerovy, founder of Lumen Strategic Consulting, LLC, helps public safety leaders cut through inefficiency and complexity to get results. He blends law enforcement, higher education, and business expertise to deliver strategies that improve performance where it matters most.

LinkedIn

Lumen Strategic Consulting LLC

--

Tom was a Background Investigator and Recruiter at the Glendale Police Department in Glendale, Arizona before retiring after 20 years of police service in 2024 to focus on ‘For Cops’ Training, his online police training academy, with one goal in mind: change the future of police recruiting by helping you become the most knowledgeable, passionate, and powerful promoter of your agency in a way no one else possibly could come close to replicating by doing it for you.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sye/

https://www.forcopstraining.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, retired Chief Dewayne McCarver joins me as we dive into the realities of police burnout and morale.  We talk about “back in the day,” working nightshift patrol where morale and sense of impact soared - yet how career dynamics and mounting stress eventually catch up to us all if we aren’t mindful. 

McCarver highlights tools and strategies that leaders and agencies can invest in to promote mental health, genuine connection.  This ranges from from training to better resources and ensuring effective communication in team culture- and what specifically can help.

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Dewayne McCarver is a seasoned law enforcement leader with more than 25 years of experience in policing, investigations, and public safety leadership. A retired Deputy Chief of Police for the Huntsville Police Department and former Chief of Police at the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs, he has led major investigative units, commanded critical incidents, and built strong community partnerships to enhance trust and safety. Now with RippleWorx, Inc., he applies his leadership experience to help organizations improve performance, culture, and readiness through data-driven insight.

RippleWorx is helping law enforcement agencies move beyond traditional performance management to create stronger, more resilient teams. Through real-time data and AI-driven insights, leaders gain a clearer view of officer wellbeing, engagement, and readiness. The platform enhances communication, streamlines operations, and supports proactive leadership—empowering departments to build trust, improve performance, and take care of the people who serve their communities every day.

https://rippleworx.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...

On BGR, we focus on leadership and wellness, and with that we have a stellar, impactful guest to hit on both.  I am pleased to feature local WA state police leader and mental health counselor Lt. Corey Williams!  Corey shares about the origin of both careers, and how he can even manage (it's making me tired thinking about it!)

We talk about the impacts of the police career, balancing two careers and family.  We explore many meaningful topics such as first responder (over) identity and how to manage and curb its impacts with strategies.  Topics range from hobbies to values, and goals, all the way into what true support looks like in our relationships. Corey shares specific prompts that he uses to help the people he works with- in leadership as well as mental health support!  

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Corey Williams, a 17-year veteran lieutenant with a Pacific Northwest law enforcement agency, is also a licensed mental health counselor and owner of Agate Counseling PLLC, specializing in first responder support. He volunteers with a regional program offering treatment and peer support for work-related stress and PTSD, and serves as a crisis call taker for a Washington State nonprofit helping first responders and their families. Off duty, Corey enjoys writing, working out, kayaking, riding his motorcycle, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife.

agatecounseling.com

X: CoreyM_Williams

IG: coreymwilliams

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!! * Growing up as a 90s kid would make you think Ninja would be a legit career path, between Ninja Turtles, Surf Ninjas, 3 Ninjas, and on... As it turns out, you can get pretty dang close, if you are a dedicated, hyper-focused, diligent patrol officer -  and then turn into a plain-clothes surveillance detective.

My guest in this 2-part episode is a long term teammate and true friend.  We started our careers in the region at virtually the same time but took diverging career paths, honing distinctly different skillsets in this fascinating and expansive profession.  My guest, Daniel Yagi is a tenured special investigations detective who has become a regional expert in not only tracking down violent offenders with tactics and technology, but has become the premier trainer through his company, Cypher Operations Group.

We talk about building the craft of proactive policing, what that can even mean, and investigations in patrol work- and how officer can truly hone their craft on the seemingly most basic types of calls, then in part 2, we move into more specific insight and tips for success and what Cypher can offer us as necessary skills in our pursuit of public safety and criminal justice.

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With eighteen (18) years of law enforcement experience, Daniel has conducted thousands of hours of physical surveillance around the country. He has authored hundreds of warrants regarding violent crime and has directly been involved in the case development and prosecutions of homicides, robbery crew investigations, kidnappings, and high-level narcotic cases. 

He is a full time Detective with one of the largest and busiest cities in the State of Washington. For the last couple years, Daniel has been an acting Detective Sgt. in the investigations division where he is responsible for coordinating in progress call outs of high-profile cases that require detective investigations (homicides, kidnappings, etc).Daniel is the founder of Cypher Operations Group, where the company’s mission is to equip officers, investigators and tactical personnel with the most up to date case development methods in cell record analysis, physical surveillance, apprehensions and more. 

https://www.cypheropsgroup.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cypheroperationsgroup/

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...