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

Eric Tung
  • 4.9 (97)
  • Society & Culture
  • Semiweekly

Welcome to Blue Grit Radio: the podcast for police officers, first responders, and service-minded leaders who want to elevate their performance in career and life.  Hosted by Eric Tung, an active police leader, trainer, and mentor, this show explores topics, lessons, and resources, for listeners with to achieve professional excellence and personal resilience. Each episode features raw conversations, actionable insights, and interviews with leaders in law enforcement, wellness experts, veterans, and high performers who share their lessons on overcoming adversity, leading with purpose, and creating positive change in their first responder and organizational culture. Whether you’re a rookie, veteran officer, aspiring leader, or just passionate about growth and service, Blue Grit Radio will help you strengthen your mindset, improve your health, and elevate your impact on the job and in life. Topics include: - Police leadership and team building - Officer mental health and wellness - Navigating toxic police culture - Resilience, mindset, and Stoicism - Career development and promotion - Fitness, family, and fulfillment beyond the badge Host Eric Tung is an 18-year police officer currently serving as a Patrol Operations Commander and wellness coordinator in Washington State.  He is an author, host, speaker, and industry voice focused on building critical mindset, wellness, recruiting, hiring, retention, police leadership, organizational health and community engagement.IG: @bluegritwellness / @bluegritradio Police Hiring and Testing and Promotional Guides! bluegritwellness.com/SHOP Free newsletter at bluegritwellness.com  Bluegritwellness@gmail.com The Blue Grit Radio Podcast  Subscribe, follow and share through YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Amazon and more!

  1. 4d ago

    356: Must Knows! 3 Tips for Police Applicants AND 3 Tips for Newer Officers

    Getting ready to apply - or finding your footing in the job? Eric shares actionable advice for applicants and rookies, with lessons that stay relevant at every career stage. Learn how to show up at your best, explore how to protect your well-being, stay grounded in your values, and build a career that fits you.  *These "entry" level tips also work for anyone applying to specialty units, assignments, and promotion. **ALSO, the tips for newer officers truly hit for all experience levels and tenure. They are thing I wish I knew early on, but I have to pause and remind myself of them often! 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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

  2. 6d ago

    355: What’s Wrong with First Responder “Wellness” and What We Can Do, Mark Bouchard & Matt Domyancic

    In this conversation, for the first time, I'm joined by BOTH Matt Domyancic and Mark Bouchard.  We dig into the current state of first responder wellness, with a particular focus on policing culture and the limits of the “reactive only” model. The discussion centers on how wellness efforts often lean too heavily on crisis response, trauma stories with bleak outlooks, and one-size-fits-all messaging that doesn’t always resonate with high-functioning officers or other first responders who are still performing well but carrying a heavy load.  Rather than simply critiquing what isn’t working, the episode explores what a more effective, proactive approach could look like.  A major theme is the challenge of traditional critical incident stress management and debriefing models, especially when they expose people to unnecessary vicarious trauma instead of creating real connection. We also discuss how some of these systems may be outdated, culturally disconnected, or too focused on trauma exposure rather than true recovery and prevention.  We delve into what can make wellness programs effective, and whether departments are willing to hear honest feedback about trust, utilization, and impact.  The conversation ultimately points toward culture change, practical action, and early intervention before crisis hits.  You can Matt on Eps: 262, 276, 277, 319 and Mark on Eps 59, 68, 136, 168, 241 -- Mark Bouchard works as a police officer with a full-time position in the RCMP’s National Tactical Medicine Program. Mark is in his 18th year of policing, which has consisted largely of approximately 10 years each on patrol, Emergency Response Team (SWAT) and peer support work. Outside of work, Mark has completed a Master’s Degree in Leadership, with a focus on police culture and police officer mental health. He combined his experiences and his research into a book called Setting My Sights On Stigma, which can be found on Amazon. https://markbouchard.ca/stigma/ 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  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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

  3. Oct 20

    354: How Officers Can Shape Police Dept Culture w/ Chad Barber Simpson

    In this conversation, I sit down with Chad Barber-Simpson, an active police officer and creator of Blue and Beyond, to explore the real work of leadership inside police culture.  Chad offers distinct, practical, and grounded perspective having worked in a range of assignments in different agencies and states. The discussion moves through the kinds of questions that shape strong teams: how leaders build trust, why small gestures matter, and what happens when people feel seen, valued, and respected at every level of the organization.  Chad also shares how his own perspective evolved over time, shaped by standout mentors, working for two chiefs who are also founding members of The Curve, and the power of learning through challenge and honest self-reflection. - Chad Barber-Simpson is a 14-year law enforcement veteran and the founder of The Blue & Beyond, a coaching and content brand focused on helping law enforcement professionals become better leaders, teammates, and versions of themselves. Throughout his career, Chad has served in patrol, proactive investigative units, and a regional drug task force, while also working as a field training officer and instructor in areas including patrol tactics, driving, less-lethal options, and impaired driving. https://www.instagram.com/theblueandbeyond?stkn=MWNzOXkwaThuYzIydw== https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-barber-simpson-2b74a1219?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android https://theblueandbeyond.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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

  4. Oct 14

    353: How Police can use Tech to Work Smarter, not Harder w/ Jamie Algatt

    In a world overflowing with information, law enforcement agencies face the challenge of sifting through vast amounts of data to make informed decisions. Eric and Jamie Algatt from Sound Thinking discuss the transformative role of AI in policing, emphasizing the importance of responsible use and effective data management.  Jamie stresses the necessity for law enforcement agencies to establish clear AI usage policies. These guidelines will aid in navigating the complexities of AI while ensuring responsible application in public safety. Collaboration with partners using AI throughout the justice system is crucial for maximizing its effectiveness.  - Public safety agencies don't have a data shortage. They have a decision-support shortage. Agencies gather data daily, but most of it sits in separate systems that were never built to work together.  SafetySmart™ Field Agent connects those sources into a single operational picture and uses AI-driven decision intelligence to surface patterns, trends, and connections.  Officers, detectives, analysts, and command staff can ask questions in plain language, by voice or text, and get answers as summaries, maps, charts, or exports. The result is faster patrol responses, smarter resource deployment, and stronger investigative leads grounded in intelligence, not guesswork.  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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

  5. Oct 12

    352: Police Careers, Leadership, Tech Innovation w/ Christian Quinn

    In this episode, I am joined by former police leader and tech innovator Christian Quinn for a wide-ranging conversation about a career that took an unconventional path through policing, leadership, and modern public safety. Christian shares how unexpected assignments, high-pressure roles, and a willingness to learn helped shape the way he led teams, built new programs, and navigated change inside a large agency.  The discussion covers themes around identity, adaptability, and what it really means to stay useful as your career evolves.The conversation also opens the door to a deeper look at the balance between mission and personal well-being. Christian reflects on the toll of shift work, on-call stress, and the habits that helped him build a healthier second chapter after retirement. Along the way, he offers practical perspective on resilience, purpose, and why the lessons learned in policing can carry forward into business, family life, and the next stage of life. — Christian Quinn retired from the Fairfax County VA Police Department as the Major/Deputy Chief of Cyber & Forensics Bureau in 2021. He entered the private sector after law enforcement and currently serves as the Managing Principal of Fulcrum Innovation LLC. He is a trusted technology policy and enablement advisor to state and local government and their industry partners.   Christian is an adjunct faculty member for the University of Virginia’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies and a regular guest lecturer at the FBI National Academy. He holds a Professional Certificate in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Master of Forensic Sciences Degree from The George Washington University, and is a 2018 graduate of the FBI National Academy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-quinn/ 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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

  6. Oct 5

    351: Police Career Rise, Ego, Pressure & Growth w/ Dr. Ron Camacho

    In this conversation, I visit with retired chief Dr. Ron Camacho to talk about the real work behind leadership: self-awareness, humility, trust, and the courage to confront ego. Ron shares the career journey that took him from rapid promotion in policing to leading a large department, and the personal transformation that reshaped how he leads today. Ron explains that being “successful” in rank didn’t mean he was leading well. In fact, the pressure of rapid advancement, unresolved trauma, and a need to prove himself pushed him into a style that got results but alienated many of the people around him. He describes a pivotal moment when marriage counseling revealed deeper issues that needed individual work first. That intensive process helped him rebuild his self-esteem, reduce anger, and begin leading from a healthier place. If you’re in leadership, Ron’s story is a reminder that competence alone isn’t enough. The best leaders invest in themselves, take accountability, and build others up instead of protecting status. Real leadership is less about being right and more about creating an environment where people can thrive. -- Ron Camacho has spent three decades leading in some of the highest-pressure environments imaginable, but the work that defines his next chapter began with a much more personal challenge: confronting the role ego had played in his own life. Early in his career, Ron built a version of leadership around toughness, control and relentless self-protection. It helped him rise quickly and take on significant responsibility, but it also came at a cost. Anger, defensiveness and unresolved trauma affected his relationships, his marriage and the way he moved through the world. What began as an attempt to save his marriage became a much deeper process of therapy, introspection and self-awareness - and ultimately a complete re-evaluation of what strength and leadership really mean. 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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

  7. Sep 28

    350: Front-Line Police Leadership (Learning, Teaching, Training) w/ Chief Jeremy Story

    In the world of policing, leadership is not just about authority; it’s about learning, growing, and mentoring others through the challenges faced along the way. In this episode, I am joined by Chief Jeremy Story, who emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and robust training in law enforcement. His journey is a testament to how mistakes can lead to profound growth and the cultivation of effective leadership qualities. Beyond a significant background in tactics, Chief Story is a front-line, demonstrative leader, competing in the fitness tests and obstacle courses he asks of his own people.  (This is one of the reasons I was drawn to have him on the show!) We discuss a range of topics, including the interplay of human nature, officer complacency, and how training plays a role.  Among insights are comparisons to other industries, and how learning from them and their practices can help build quality, consistency, and true risk mitigation for officers and the communities we serve. -- Jeremy Story has served as the Las Cruces police chief since July of 2023. Before that, Story served as the Deputy Chief of Operations and has been a commissioned officer since graduating from LCPD's 38th Academy in 2007.  In Story's 19 years with the Las Cruces Police Department, he has overseen the department's Academy, SWAT team, Traffic Unit, Gang Unit, and LCPD's Honor Guard Unit. He is a certified instructor for the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, teaching courses in the use of force, active shooter response, physical fitness, search & seizure, reality-based training, SWAT, and tactical trauma care. He is also a master instructor for firearms and instructor development.  Story earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from New Mexico State University and his master's in public administration from Columbia Southern University. Before joining LCPD, Story served as a staff non-commissioned officer in the United States Marine Corps. You can contact him at: Jstory@lascruces.gov 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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

  8. Sep 24

    349: Why are Police Teams Failing? 3 Things to Improve for Individuals and Agencies

    We are at a loss.  We have this Mission, but we are floundering.  People don't feel they are making a difference.  That their work doesn't matter. Are we here to just do a job, or are we here to serve a Purpose?  Am I a replaceable cog? Do I make impact? Does anyone care if I stay or go? In this quick episode, I share three things that are lacking from many individuals and teams (and many segments of society).  By recognizing them and building upon them in our direct circles of influence, we should have all we need! 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 bluegritwellness@gmail.com ------------------------------------- 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...

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4.9
out of 5
97 Ratings

About

Welcome to Blue Grit Radio: the podcast for police officers, first responders, and service-minded leaders who want to elevate their performance in career and life.  Hosted by Eric Tung, an active police leader, trainer, and mentor, this show explores topics, lessons, and resources, for listeners with to achieve professional excellence and personal resilience. Each episode features raw conversations, actionable insights, and interviews with leaders in law enforcement, wellness experts, veterans, and high performers who share their lessons on overcoming adversity, leading with purpose, and creating positive change in their first responder and organizational culture. Whether you’re a rookie, veteran officer, aspiring leader, or just passionate about growth and service, Blue Grit Radio will help you strengthen your mindset, improve your health, and elevate your impact on the job and in life. Topics include: - Police leadership and team building - Officer mental health and wellness - Navigating toxic police culture - Resilience, mindset, and Stoicism - Career development and promotion - Fitness, family, and fulfillment beyond the badge Host Eric Tung is an 18-year police officer currently serving as a Patrol Operations Commander and wellness coordinator in Washington State.  He is an author, host, speaker, and industry voice focused on building critical mindset, wellness, recruiting, hiring, retention, police leadership, organizational health and community engagement.IG: @bluegritwellness / @bluegritradio Police Hiring and Testing and Promotional Guides! bluegritwellness.com/SHOP Free newsletter at bluegritwellness.com  Bluegritwellness@gmail.com The Blue Grit Radio Podcast  Subscribe, follow and share through YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Amazon and more!

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