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. 2d ago

    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 OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

  2. 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 OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

  3. 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 OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

  4. 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 OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

  5. Jul 6

    334: The Undead or the Un-Living? Crash & Lost Purpose in First Responder Work, w/ Jon Vargas

    How many people are just going through the motions.. surviving...autopilot?  Simply existing, sub-optimally, and not LIVING?  In our high-stress, high-paced first responder careers, it's all too common.  I'm excited to feature Jon Vargas, deep thinker, firefighter, podcast host of the Grab Lives Podcast.  Jon and I connected on his show, re-aired here in ep. 288, where we discussed the decline of first responder jobs and hypervigilance dynamics. In this follow up conversation, we talk on: Illusion of control and reactive responseNihilistic collapse and loss of purposeThe role of trust and vulnerabilityPractical strategies for resilience and self-awarenessJoin in, whether you're new to the game or been seeing and living it for some time.  These are the types of conversations we need to have, pause, and think about or else I fear we will be the Undead/Unliving.   Grab Lives Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grablives/id1671088910 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 OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

  6. Jun 29

    333: Warriors in First Responder Work, Understanding and Supporting the Warrior Archetype

    As first responders, you face intense pressure and trauma daily. But what does it really take to build mental resilience in such demanding roles? In this episode, we’ll explore key insights shared by Matt Domyancic analyzing the Warrior archetype which we often (over)identify with in first responder work.  We discuss fostering meaningful psychological strength and wellness beyond the "go harder" mentality which works...until it doesn't.  Listen along to explore how understanding how pause, humility, and integrating diverse psychological tools can foster greater resilience and wellbeing within the high-stakes worlds of police, fire, and military. This conversation challenges simplistic solutions and emphasizes holistic, humble approaches to growth and recovery. 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 OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

  7. Jun 22

    332: Empty Leadership, How to Spot It, and What to Do to Fix It

    In this insightful interview, retired police chief Kristen Ziman shares her leadership journey, the importance of humility, embracing continuous learning, and fostering a culture of curiosity and respect within law enforcement. Discover practical strategies for authentic leadership, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building resilient teams. Leadership humility and continuous learningBuilding a culture of curiosity and respectful dissentOvercoming imposter syndrome and self-doubtThe role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadershipStrategies for fostering agency culture and influenceKristen Ziman is a dynamic leader and keynote speaker known for her transformative impact across various industries. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Kristen has a proven track record of driving organizational excellence, fostering innovation, and empowering individuals and teams to achieve their full potential. Kristen's approach to leadership is characterized by a deep commitment to accountability, innovation, and community engagement.  Her influence extends far beyond her previous role as the first female Chief of Police in Aurora, Illinois. As a published author of the memoir "Reimagining Blue," she shares insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of optimism, drawing from her extensive experience to inspire professionals across all fields. Her experience in managing critical incidents, including the tragic mass shooting at the Henry Pratt Company in 2019, underscores her expertise in crisis leadership and her dedication to building resilient organizations. Kristen’s leadership philosophy is universally applicable, offering valuable lessons to professionals in all sectors who are looking to optimize performance and foster a culture of excellence. She is a sought-after speaker and consultant, recognized for her ability to guide organizations through cultural evolution and empower leaders to create lasting, positive change. You can find and contact her on LinkedIn. Questions, topic ideas and feedback? Send a line! To stay connected with the latest and exclusive content: Subscribe to the FREE newsletter at on bluegritwellness.com  ! Don’t forget to follow and subscribe to Blue Grit Radio on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and more!  Sharing the show and episodes to your friends, peers, circles and social platforms is one of the greatest compliments I can receive- which truly helps the show grow. Please help support a healthier first responder community by giving us a 5 star rating (Spotify and Apple) and a review (on Apple) to help others find the show. Need help with entry-level OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

  8. Jun 18

    331: Dispatch Saved My Life from Suicide w/ fmr. Officer Tricia Small (First Responder Wellness & Resilience)

    “Saved by the bell.”  The phrase that accompanied a situation with mounting tension… built up the the brink. A moment of dread impending, and then a sound or other type of pattern-interrupt that stops it all… Former officer Tricia Small joins me in this episode, where she shares her intimate near-last moments on this earth, focused on ending her life while on duty, and her journey through adversity from that moment through today. Tricia is now an integral part of Code 4 Northwest and its expansion to assist first and frontline responders across the state with a range of resources, training, and intervention tools.  Tricia Small, Project Director for Code 4 Northwest. Tricia began her career working as a prosecutor then became a police officer fulfilling her lifelong dream until she medically retired.  Contact her via LinkedIn and visit code4northwest.org to learn more. 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 OR promotional testing? 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 me at bluegritwellness@gmail.com !  ------------------------------------- Want a discount on the best value high-quality supplements? I've legitimately used Nutricost products easily for a decade.  Whey isolate, plant proteins, collagen, vitamins, etc...?? Promo Code: BLUEGRIT - 10% off Affiliate link: https://nutricost.com/discount/BLUEGRIT   -----------——————————- *the opinions expressed in all episodes of this podcast and related materials do not reflect on any departments agencies.  music credit: Drive by AShamaluevMusic

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4.9
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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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