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

Eric Tung

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. 3d ago

    342: Moral Injury, Police & First Responders, Pathways & Prevention, Dr. Brooke Bartlett returns

    In this episode, Dr. Brooke Bartlett returns and discusses the concept of moral injury, its pathways, contributing factors, and strategies for recognition and support within public safety and military communities. Key Insights: The three pathways to moral injuryThe role of perception in experiencing moral injuryContributing factors like organizational policies and societal perceptionsStrategies for peer support and leadership to mitigate moral injuryThe importance of normalizing emotional responses and encouraging open dialogueYou can contact Dr. Brooke on prior Blue Grit Radio episodes 63 and 115. and https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbartlettphd/  #moral injury #publicsafety #militarypsychology #trauma #peersupport #organizationalbetrayal #mentalhealth #resilience #leadership #emotionalwellbeing 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. Aug 10

    341: Good GRIT - On & Off Duty Passions, Car Crash Rehab & Police, Limitless Momentum, w/ Ariana Stone

    In this episode, Ariana Stone shares her inspiring journey of resilience, mental health advocacy, and leadership in first responder communities. We explore her personal experiences: grappling with extreme physical injury and rehab, innovative police programs like co-response units, building a brand that is helping first responder mental health, and practical advice for mental wellness and professional growth. Ariana is an active police officer and the founder of Limitless Momentum. She is a returning guest from the highly popular FTO panel episode, #192. Find out more at: https://limitlessmomentum.us/ #resilience #mentalhealth #firstresponders #coresponseunits #leadership #wellness #personalgrowth #communityimpact 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. Aug 3

    340: Police & Martial Arts, Training, Identity & More! w/ Jason Harney

    Story-telling is a key element core to our human existence, and is one that is unmatched in teaching, depicting, and building understanding.  My guest, Jason Harney, retired Las Vegas Metro sergeant and veteran turned documentary creator joins me to discuss themes emergent from his career, necessity for legitimate training, and complex issues in policing lives and careers. We explore the dynamics of the policing industry, shifting culture, mental health, the importance of continuous learning, and how to transition into life after policing.  Jason shares with deep perspective from his time on the street, FTO, DT instructor, investigations, recruiting and roles in the academy. Some of Jason's deeply relevant work in producing, directing, editing and writing: “Is There Something Going On At Home?” (2023) A documentary film telling the stories of Police Officer trauma, through the lens of the Police Family and the voices of the Spouses & Children. “Wrist Lock” (2022) The Martial Arts’ Influence on Police Use of Force”.  A documentary film featuring high level martial artists from around the country, who have also served their communities as Law Enforcement Officers, as well as experts in police training, wellness, & fitness.  “Vinnie-isms: The Story of the Cop Comedian” (2024) "Repeat Offender" (2019) "The Wounded Blue" (2019)  “Voices of the Blue” (2020). You can contact Jason at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-harney-720bb7122/ X: @JasonHarney72 LightningDigitalEntertainment.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. Jul 29

    339: Highs and Lows, Working K-9 Units & Rocky Mentality w/Chris Bingham

    There's a saying in K-9 work: the only thing two handlers can agree on... is that the third is messed up.   Luckily this isn't real true, as my guest Chris Bingham and I have much we agree on.  There's another more significant saying in K-9 work - which is that the assignment will bring you the highest highs and lowest lows.   Chris shares about his career in federal police work, and how his career evolved with key leadership, mentorship, and sponsorship.  We talk about the unique challenges and bonds with our K-9 partners and connect over the eerily similar medical issues my dog, Kato and his dog, Tambo faced. Chris' story is one embedded with Tambo; it is one of extreme closeness, resilience, and inspiration.   -- Chris Bingham is a federal law enforcement leader with over 24 years of service, including 17 years in K-9 operations where he rose to lead one of the East Coast’s busiest K-9 units. Throughout his career, he has combined operational leadership and mentorship while building a reputation for leading from the front and developing high-performing teams. He is also the handler of retired explosive detection K9 Tambo, whose inspiring “defy the odds” story, spanning service, survival, and resilience through cancer, has touched thousands. Together, Chris and Tambo have been featured on numerous podcasts and media platforms and advocate for retired police and military working dogs through Project K9 Hero. Chris is the author of the children’s book K9 Tambo and is currently working on his upcoming memoir Still Defying, which shares a deeper story of loyalty, loss, perseverance, and breaking generational cycles. Through his writing and speaking, he hopes to inspire others to keep fighting when life gets hard. https://www.instagram.com/k9_tambo/ 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. Jul 21

    338: Identity and Stoicism for Resilience, w/ Alec Wons

    Alec Wons is something(s) else.  You may recognize he's the name, voice, and mind behind The Chief Exchange podcast.  Getting to flip the mics and get him on the interviewed side of the table, I've truly enjoyed learning more about his own story and how he arrived here, truly innovating the perspective by which we can integrate leadership and wellness- of individuals and organizations. He's an innovator, an expander, a self-developer.  It didn't take me long in conversations pre-recording to recognize how much of an abundance mindset he carries, mixed with an appreciation with integrating old knowledge and wisdom in this study and game of life we may all benefit from recognizing.  Alec shares about his own reckoning with health and identity challenged and dismantled in his college athlete years, and we reflect on how it served as an example for some of our greatest challenges in first responder work.   We nerd out on leadership, personal growth, themes of stoicism, career transitions, and building a meaningful life beyond professional roles. Ready Rebound - https://www.readyrebound.com The Chief Exchange Podcast - https://podcastlink.com LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/alecwons Twitter - https://twitter.com/alecwons 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. Jul 15

    337: TRUST - How Bosses Trash it and How we Rebuild it, w/ Christine Townsend (pt. 2)

    In this episode, Christine Townsend returns and we highlight key lessons for building, repairing, and fostering trust for leaders. In the last episode, we discussed her story, various roles in policing and experiences as an impetus to research and dive into all things about the concept.  Here, we discuss the critical role of trust in organizations, especially in law enforcement, exploring how societal shifts, organizational culture, and leadership impact trust levels.  The conversation offers practical insights on building institutional courage, fostering authenticity, and enhancing self-trust to improve morale, performance, and community relations. Key Topics: Decline of societal trust post-9/11 and COVIDThe importance of authenticity and vulnerability in leadershipBuilding institutional courage to address misconductThe role of self-trust in organizational resilienceStrategies for fostering trust and transparency in law enforcementhttps://christinetownsend.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...

  7. Jul 13

    336: Broken Trust is Killing Your Organization, and What to Do About it, Christine Townsend pt. 1

    In this insightful interview, Christine Townsend shares her unique journey from journalism to policing and her deep exploration of trust, moral courage, and mental health in first responder communities.  We use her book (Trust) as a jump-off point for key themes that affect every relationship, perception, and organization. She shares how trust underpins organizational culture, personal resilience, and effective leadership, with practical insights on fostering trust and well-being. We discuss: Trust as the foundation of organizational and interpersonal relationsThe role of moral courage in leadership and ethicsMental health challenges and innovative therapies like ketamine-assisted psychotherapyThe impact of trauma and stress on first respondersStrategies for building and restoring trust within organizationsWebsite - https://christinetownsend.com LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/christinetownsend 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. Jul 9

    335: Ice Bath, Sauna, Red Light, Vagus Nerve Recovery Every Agency Needs, w/ Rich Ganley

    Our bodies and minds get beat up by the job.  The gear wearing down our posture, backs and hips.  Our mainstays of caffeine and cortisol, the long shifts and hypervigilance rollercoaster that can feel like a crash out, or even scarier... like total numbness.  There's something real, tangible, and scientific we can do about it all. In this episode, Rich Ganley shares his inspiring journey, focusing on proactive health strategies for first responders. Discover the ins and outs of innovative tools like red light therapy, grounding, sauna, and cold water immersion that enhance recovery, resilience, and overall well-being, and how it can be a true resource arsenal for your agency and teams. - Rich Ganley is a mission-driven entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience building innovative companies focused on enhancing human performance, wellness, and long-term organizational value. In 2022, Rich founded Positive Impact Alliance, where he developed the Recharge Room® — a proactive resilience and recovery platform designed to support first responders and other public servants. Guided by the philosophy of Synergy of TogethernessTM, the Recharge Room coordinates science-supported wellness modalities designed to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, accelerate recovery, and strengthen overall readiness, morale, and long-term wellness outcomes. Today, Recharge Room programs are active in more than 30 locations across six states, helping municipal organizations enhance workforce resilience, retention, operational readiness, and overall human capital performance. rechargeroom.io rich@rechargeroom.io  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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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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