Blue Grit Radio: the Police Performance Podcast: Mindset, Wellness, Leadership
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
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The Blue Grit Radio Podcast
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Episodes
319 episodes
319: What's Hurting and Helping Police and Community: Chaplain Panel Perspective, w/ Jared Altic and Matt Domyancic
"Pain shared is pain divided."This conversation delves into the multifaceted role of chaplains in supporting first responders, particularly police officers. I'm joined by chaplain GREATS- Jared Altic (Hey Chaplain! podcast) and returning...
318: Are you ready for FIFA World Cup?! (And other Major Event Planning, Public Safety, Emergency Management)
FIFA World Cup will prove to be the largest sporting event the USA has ever seen, and this will occur in just weeks. This is the sentiment shared from not only commentators and experts in world events, sports, geo-political arenas, but pu...
317: New Tools for Nervous System Regulation w/ Emily Ireland and Light Touch
You carry the weight of the job in your body, whether you feel it or not. (When you feel it.. you know it!) The nervous system doesn't forget a shift... it keeps score. Today's episode is about what happens when you stop white-knuckling t...
316: Beyond Generational Talk, but what Police Leaders Need to DO about It! w/ Will Akin, Bill Fraass, & Tyler Comeaux
This conversation explores far beyond the dynamics of generational differences in the workforce, but what responsible police leaders need to know and do about it all. We go into communication, motivators, and succession and strategic planning i...
315: First Responder Panel: Identity Pitfalls, Lessons and Tips (pt.2) w/ Megan Amaturo, Rich Creamer, David Smith
(Part 2 of 2!) In the demanding world of first responders, the concept of identity plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and their roles. This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of identity within the...
314: First Responder Panel: Identity Pitfalls, Lessons and Tips (pt.1) w/ Megan Amaturo, Rich Creamer, David Smith
In the demanding world of first responders, the concept of identity plays a crucial role in shaping how individuals perceive themselves and their roles. This podcast episode dives deep into the complexities of identity within the first responde...
313: The Threats Beneath the Surface.. Protecting our Protectors, with Ray Lankin
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 50% of American adults over 20 have cardiovascular disease. For first responders, the risks are even higher. Worse, research shows that law enforcement officers have a 56% increased risk of dy...
312: Transforming & Improving Police Training: Insights from Tony Anderman
In this conversation, Eric and Tony Anderman discuss the intersection of leadership, training, and culture within law enforcement. They explore the importance of effective communication, emotional intelligence, and the role of mentorship in fos...
311: Your Body Keeps the Score and STRESS! Tips and Solutions in Somatic work w/ Romay Nichols
In this conversation, Eric and Romay Nichols delve into the complexities of stress, particularly in the context of law enforcement and first responders. Romy shares her personal journey from experiencing severe stress and panic attacks to disco...
310: The Problem with our "Wellness" Culture: Gurus, Hacks, and Bullies (Police, First Responders, and More)
I've been seeing something very disturbing in our circles of speakers, clinicians content generators... our "community." In the wellness space for first responders, there is a disturbing trend: tribalism and negativity. This "cutting down...
309: Modernizing Police through Effective Training, w/ Capt. Heather Glogolich and Scott Savage (Sgt, ret.)
This conversation delves into the critical intersections of training, leadership, and culture within policing. The panelists discuss the importance of professional development, the role of experience in decision-making, and the need for a suppo...
308: Why Police Fail: Media, Public Relations and PIO, w/ Julie Parker
In this conversation, Eric and Julie discuss the evolution of law enforcement communication, emphasizing the importance of transparency, authenticity, and community engagement. Julie shares her journey from media to law enforcement and highligh...
307: THE Key to Best Interview and Written Test Tips, for Police and Public Safety Entry, Promotion, Specialty Testing
Whether you are an entry level applicant, or a veteran officer seeking to get onto that high-speed unit, investigative team, or promote to the next rank, THIS quick episode is for you. Even if you aren't.. it's still relevant!I sta...
306: Rock Bottom to Recovery and Resilience: Police, Special Ops, Wellness Coordinator Dylan Ignacio (pt. 2)
(**Part 2**) In this conversation, Eric and Dylan Ignacio explore the critical importance of wellness in law enforcement. Dylan shares his personal journey into policing, highlighting the challenges he faced with mental health and the strategie...
305: Police at Rock Bottom, Hard Life and Career Lessons & Lift to Live, w/ Dylan Ignacio, pt. 1
In this conversation, Eric and Dylan Ignacio explore the critical importance of wellness in law enforcement. Dylan shares his personal journey into policing, highlighting the challenges he faced with mental health and the strategies he employed...
304: Rookie to Retiree Panel: Career Tips for Police and First Responders, w/ Greg Grogan and Doug White
In this engaging panel episode, Eric hosts Doug White and Greg Grogan, both seasoned veterans in policing and podcasting. They delve into the intricate balance between career and personal life, emphasizing the importance of wellness for first r...
303: What Are We Missing? Post Incident Care, Wellness Panel, Police, Fire & Frontline Responders
This conversation features a wellness panel with industry leaders discussing the importance of peer support, mental health, and resilience in first responders. The panelists share their experiences and insights on how to effectively provide sup...
302: Tips for Healthy First Responder Culture, Organizational Wellness, Book Review Soul Therapy by Thomas Moore
In this episode, Eric delves into the concept of organizational wellness, drawing insights from Thomas Moore's book, "Soul Therapy." He emphasizes the importance of understanding the emotional dynamics within workplaces, particularly in high-st...
301: Officer Wellness = Community Wellness! Support, Health & Safety of ALL, w/ Dr. Carolyn Van Der Meulen, ATI
In this episode of Blue Grit Radio, Eric and Dr. Carolyn Van Der Meulen discuss the critical relationship between community wellness and the wellness of first responders. Dr. Carolyn shares her background in occupational therapy and her focus o...
300: "Forever a Student" - 10 Lessons from Sparta, Career, and Life for GRIT
"Be forever a student."In this milestone episode 300, Eric reflects on his journey and shares ten valuable insights gained throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of self-leadership, resilience, and aligning values with actions...
299: Leadership (SGT) Panel! PT 2! Critical Front-Line Roles, Styles, Impact w/ Dave Lind, Dave Struwing, Brian Frankeberger
Pt 2! This conversation delves into the critical role of first-line leadership in law enforcement, featuring a panel of experienced sergeants who share their insights on mentorship, professional development, and the importance of adaptability i...
298: Leadership (SGT) Panel! Critical Front-Line Roles, Styles, Impact w/ Dave Lind, Dave Struwing, Brian Frankeberger
This conversation delves into the critical role of first-line leadership in law enforcement, featuring a panel of experienced sergeants who share their insights on mentorship, professional development, and the importance of adaptability in lead...
297: Improving Police Culture: Losing a Brother, Stigmas, Team with FTO, Negotiator Brian Willard pt. 2
**Part 2** In this episode, Eric and Brian Willard discuss the critical importance of mental health in law enforcement, sharing personal stories and insights into the challenges officers face. They explore the cultural shifts needed to su...
296: Improving Police Culture: Losing a Brother, Stigmas, Team with FTO, Negotiator Brian Willard pt. 1
In this episode, Eric and Brian Willard discuss the critical importance of mental health in law enforcement, sharing personal stories and insights into the challenges officers face. They explore the cultural shifts needed to support menta...
295: Be the "Glue," Your Organization's Most Important Teammates and their Traits
Every team has rockstars. The hard chargers. The high producers. The ones who get recognized.And then there’s the GLUE. I recently saw a headline highlighting this concept in by the WSJ. The glue employee isn’t always the loudest o...