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Eric is a 16-year police officer currently serving as a Patrol Operations Commander in Washington State. He is an author and content creator focused on wellness, police leadership, and community engagement. He started Blue Grit to support practices for building optimal lives and careers for first responders, their families, and those looking to enter emergency services. Listen, share, and learn tips and lessons from Eric and others to support your health, mindset, and build a better you, fam ...
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The Disruptors Podcast presents B.C. & Ski purveyors of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA), music, and a love for people. With backgrounds in proactive police work, gang units, homicide investigations, informant development, and training, the boys found a natural knack for conversation. With guests ranging from musicians, free-thinking first responders, entrepreneurs, reformed extremists, gang members, drug dealers, and subject matter experts in various disciplines, B.C. & Ski deliver conversati ...
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Seeking truth in true crime? Whether it’s challenging what you think you know about a case, pushing for answers on an unsolved murder, or highlighting injustice - you'll find it here with your host, Dawn. Method and Madness will take you on a journey of immersive storytelling, insight, and advocacy as we dive into mostly lesser-known cases. You'll hear from survivors, family members, investigators, and more. REACH OUT: methodandmadnesspod@gmail.com CONNECT: https://www.instagram.com/methodan ...
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Welcome to The Protectors® Podcast, where the valor meets the storyteller. Hosted by Jason Piccolo, a seasoned veteran and retired special agent, this series is a must-listen for anyone intrigued by the courage and tales of those who pledge to protect us. Beyond the front-line stories of bravery and dedication, this podcast goes a step further, weaving in the perspectives of those who bolster and narrate the protector's journey—featuring a remarkable lineup including New York Times Best Sell ...
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Some time ago, two cats on Instagram started chatting about police work and how to find balance...and now they jump on the mic to talk about real police work, recruiting, the true believers who are graduating police academies and rolling out on patrol. Eric Tung, is the host of Blue Grit Radio, a current police leader, and runs the Blue Grit Wellne…
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When the gents at Level Up and Live connected with me, their name alone told me it was probably going to be a great conversation on shared values. The name says it all! They are all about how to go from “existing” to LIVING. Sean and Ewan are and were both traditionally successful, but something was calling them to push harder, think deeper, and el…
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What does it take to thrive as an indie author in a market dominated by big players? Join us as we celebrate Eric Bishop's latest release, "Breach of Trust," and uncover the unique challenges of guerrilla publishing. Eric opens up about the financial constraints, the absence of traditional marketing support, and the creative strategies he used to s…
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If you’re a first responder on social media, you NEED to be following Erica and TacMobility. Not only will you see simple movements to fix and aid posture, mobility, chronic pain, but statements that buck the narratives that are keeping us down mentally, socially, emotionally. Erica’s a straight shooter; she tells us how it is (and frankly that’s n…
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Welcome back Johanna Wender, from Bravura Counseling (and Ep. 21, where we talk about Mental Health Musts.. so also download THAT one if you haven’t listened!) In this episode we focus on FEAR. Fear limits our abilities- in wellness, teamwork, leadership. As cops are grapple with what most civilians are afraid of- so let’s break down what WE are af…
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I had the distinct pleasure to see ret. Deputy Chief Jim Dudley’s work through Police 1’s Policing Matters podcast. Fast forward to being invited to be a co-panelist with Jim in a round-table seminar on the state of police recruiting and what’s working- it was a distinct honor and experience. In our conversation, we talk about his various assignmen…
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Virginia Barone, IDPA match director & co-founder of Trailblazer Firearms Instruction, joined the show to discuss the upcoming two-gun event aimed at bolstering the Protectors Foundation, a vital nonprofit committed to providing essential training and equipment to underfunded police departments. This episode shines a spotlight on Virginia's dedicat…
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Timely airing for a recording some time back- as June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month and PTSD/I Awareness Month: Dr. Clarence (Lance) Cutsforth is a veteran, mental health advocate and functional medicine practitioner. We discuss: - lessons and insights from his deployment - ways to look at mental health and healing - treating trauma and Po…
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When I first heard Jason speak on policing, drifting into the “gray area” and what it really means to him to connect with community, I knew I had to learn more. What I didn’t know was that I’d eventually come to meet him at an IACP conference, as well has have him on my own podcast! In order to elevate policing and be the best we can for the commun…
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It’s an important question. Why was she targeted? 26-year-old Fong Hiu-Tung 方曉彤 and 22-year-old Lau Kai-Hei 劉繼禧 were shopping at the Hollywood Plaza Mall in Diamond Hill on June 2nd, 2023. Without warning, they became victims of a horrific attack that prompted a discussion of hate crimes and erasure in LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. This episode con…
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It is my distinct pleasure to share the knowledge and experience that is James Brack. For years, I have personally benefited from the insight he has shared with the region with regards to departmental wellness efforts. Sergeant Brack was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. He graduated from the Bothell branch of the University of Washington w…
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Did boy band, NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK, come from the Boston hardcore scene? Is it possible that punk/hardcore can lead a young adult into becoming a first responder? EK jumps on as an energetic guest telling of his days being a 13 year old drummer in a band called, "Miracle Boy," with then middle -schooler Jordan Knight (yes...that Jordan Knight of N…
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Episode 100! Where has the time gone..?? With this, I bring you a very special guest, Scott Howell- multi-discipline trainer, gym owner, and advocate of not only first responders, but public safety. Blue Grit Wellness (and Radio) started through promoting themes of health, mindset, and community. My conversation and connection with Scott was refres…
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Bret Vorhees, CEO of Taurus, joined the show to talk all things Taurus from the Judge line to Taurus Optics Ready Option revolvers to 10mm and beyond. Bret also walks us through the features of Taurus's new bolt action rifle. Support the Show. Make sure to check out Jason on IG @drjasonpiccoloBy Dr. Jason Piccolo
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Raised in the war on drugs, Kevin Dixie "The Real NOC," saw first hand the effects of over policing, officer corruption, and the effects of fatherlessness in his city. But he also witnessed the positive effects of engaged officers putting in real work. Civil Rights advocate and firearms coach, KD talks about his days of working law enforcement in S…
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Internal Affairs.. IAs.. there are many unsavory nicknames for such roles and units.. Many of us know WHY they are important, but it can be hard to separate the caution, emotions, and stress associated with the title. Marlon Marrache worked for years in I.A., and helps us discuss not only why a strong I.A. process is critical for police accountabil…
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A critical theme in discussion of first responder wellness is resilience. When I look around at folks I work with in my department, it’s hard to find a better example of someone who embodies a resilient spirit than my teammate, Tessa Melville. Tessa endured a host of critical incidents in the first few years of her policing career, both on and off …
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I’m pleased to bring you more conversations about family dynamics as they relate to first responder life. Marriage is hard. Parenting is hard. Balance is hard. These are all common adages and topics OUTSIDE of first responder life. We dive into this with Hailey, a therapist and advocate for first responders. As a relatively new first responder spou…
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Former Nazi skinhead and current FIREFIGHTER, Christian Picciolini has worked for the last two decades converting over 600 individuals from white supremacist groups, street gangs, and terrorist organizations. His first book, White American Youth, documents his early days as one of the first Nazi skinheads in America to form a band and tour Europe. …
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Eric Nelams was on his way to work one morning in 2003. He walked out of his house and headed toward his car, but the peaceful morning routine was shattered by the sound of gunshots. After Eric’s murder, his family was thrown into a long painful journey of profound loss, while searching for answers. Questions swirled about the motive behind the sen…
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"Be as you are- as loud as you can- because you are enough." Such words are powerful, and they shaped young Earl toward a mindset that supported abundance, positive attitude and trajectory. In our conversation, I wonder where many of us would be with those types of relentlessly encouraging words, support and guidance at a young age. Earl Fields has…
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Vance first found yoga after a number of back injuries in 2008 and 2009. Vance quickly discovered that yoga practice is a powerful community of connection and challenges. Through his regular practice, Vance has found an incredible amount of physical and mental benefits including making him a far calmer person. At the time, Vance was struggling with…
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From touring with hardcore bands to his tour in Iraq, Keith Dow tells the origin of Dead Reckoning Collective, publishing poetry, literature, growing up in the hardcore music scene, his days as a bouncer, college student, influential reads, and helping others. "Karmic Purgatory," is the collected poetry of Keith Dow and is a highly recommended read…
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B.C. Sanders is a recently retired homicide lieutenant, gang expert, and presenter. During his career, he served on various proactive units, to include Gang Suppression Unit, homicide unit as a detective and later as a sergeant, intel sergeant, and other units. He is known for developing sources, actionable gang intelligence, motivating others to l…
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Chuck Shute, former teacher, music lover, and current host of The Chuck Shute Podcast, jumps on the mic with The Disruptors to talk about the corrosion of order and discipline in American classrooms, citizens participating in simuntion training scenarios in order to understand the stress involved in police work, execution of search warrants, and of…
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Diane is a law enforcement wife and the Founder of Blue Hero Project, a nonprofit passionate about serving the law enforcement community in the NW. The organization started as a one-time community project with her husband and has since grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They now serve alongside an incredible team showing appreciation an…
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“All my mom could think about while this was happening, was to get his DNA under her nails. Because she thought he was going to kill her that night.” After years of being terrorized by her abusive boyfriend, 53-year-old Lori McConnell made a plan and left him in June of 2018. She asked her daughter Lora to promise to make some noise if anything eve…
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Mac Rollins began his law enforcement career in 2010 in Northern California. He is currently assigned to his agency’s detective bureau working sex crimes and child abuse. After some personal experiences involving his own mental health, he became an advocate for mental health awareness within policing as well other issues currently facing law enforc…
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Agencies are still struggling with recruitment. I know an area agency that spent upwards of $200K with a marketing agency to boost their efforts. Thing is- that might get you a video and some social media content. But it doesn’t get a SINGLE person hired. My experiences, mistakes, and successes in the recruiting game prompted me to record a down an…
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A natural storyteller and leader, Kory Flowers has over two decades working some of the country's most dangerous gangs and extremist groups. He's an expert in white supremacist organizations and his knowledge comes straight from working one of the country's hotbeds of activity. Kory talks about snapping pics of a "fresh cut" Nazi skin, Wade Michael…
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It was quite a while ago that I came across then Sgt. Aram Choe's page and learned about his podcast. He had quite the social media imprint, but beyond that, he presented as a humble, direct leader. He balanced professional demeanor and personal insight. He appeared to be a perpetual learner and consummate teacher. As I keep watching what he was up…
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Ever sweated through a shirt just stepping out to grab the mail? Imagine chasing down perps in Florida's notorious humidity. Michael Hearns doesn't have to imagine; he's lived it. A former law enforcement officer turned author, Michael paints a vivid picture of his days before breathable fabrics were a thing and how his real-life escapades in Miami…
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Bridget Truxillo is an attorney and former police deputy. In our conversation, we span topics of health and wellness, stress, her desire to become a cop and what led to her exit. We discuss her road to practicing law and what cops need to be aware of and how to navigate difficult circumstances in the workplace. - Bridget has firsthand experience wi…
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Welcome to this special edition collaboration with Dr. Jason Piccolo from The Protectors Podcast. Dr. Jason Piccolo is an author, professor, and extensive subject matter expert on matters from Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Cyber Security and White Collar Crime. After his military service overseas, he spent over 23 years in the Department of …
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What greater Legacy is there... Than being known and remembered for doing LEGIT police work, from proactive chases of epic proportions to the being the most attentive, passionate, caring officer… recently retired Detective Tom Riener. From community members to peers. From victims to suspects. No joke. All with a smile on his face for 3 decades (alm…
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Katherine grew up in a law enforcement family, where her dad worked as LT of SVU for the Philadelphia Police Department. Growing up, Katherine didn’t completely grasp the gravity of her dad’s job. As she grew, she not only recognized how her father was always there for her family, but grew an understanding of the lifestyle and risks that come with …
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Strap in for a raw and revealing episode as I sit alongside Tim, a battle-hardened ex-Marine and MARSOC operator. Together, we peel back the layers of transitioning from a life of discipline and service to the civilian world, a journey riddled with challenges. Tim's personal narrative sheds light on the identity crises that can follow military disc…
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Tune in to hear how this veteran Marine, with seven deployments under his belt, channeled the camaraderie and team spirit of the Corps into a civilian career that not only matches but elevates his passion for guiding others. Isaac's transition is a masterclass in strategic planning, showcasing the foresight needed to move from combat boots to corpo…
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I, like many drank through the fire-hose (why do we use these Fire metaphors) of information, experience, tactics, lessons, and wisdom when entering the police profession, from hiring to Academy, and through training (which never truly stops). Among the first most significant figures in the space in conversations of MINDSET, survival instinct, phys…
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After serving over a decade in prison, Eric is a free man living a life of positivity and working to educate the public on gangs and white supremacist organizations. But he and BC go back to his childhood when he served time in a juvenile facility and as a teenager joined Satan Disciples, one of Chicago's most violent gangs. Satan Disciple Nation h…
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As CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc., Dre Baldwin has given 4 TEDxTalks on Discipline, Confidence, Mental Toughness & Personal Initiative and has authored 33 books. He has appeared in national campaigns with Nike, Finish Line, Wendy's, Gatorade, Buick, Wilson Sports, STASH Investments and DIME magazine. In just 5 years, Dre went from the en…
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Angel has been with the Auburn Police Department (APD) for 9 years. In that time, he has served the department as a Chaplain, and currently is the Wellness Program Designer for APD. Angel’s focus is the professional and analytical development of a wellness program that encompasses all aspects of an APD employee’s wellness (Mental, Physical, Spiritu…
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Michael is a military veteran and retired police sergeant. In this interview, he discusses his pursuit of a career of service, which unraveled after an officer-involved shooting. He details his Post Traumatic Stress challenges and ultimately his medical retirement. Organizational betrayal is a topic we visit in the context of the end of his career.…
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Cannot. Should not. Shall not. I wish! We have seen lowered standards for years.. and it makes sense with the high attrition and low recruitment ability in law enforcement. It seemed the impossible task to recruit in that climate, yet departments were and are doing it now due to heightened engagement.. **Not lower standards!!** Lowering standards d…
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Meagan McCarthy became a Deputy Sheriff for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in June 2016. On September 4, 2019, Meagan’s life changed forever when she was involved in an on-duty shooting and attempted execution, which was captured on video and highly publicized. Following the shooting, because of another failed law enforcement piece …
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Unlock the secrets behind crafting the perfect firearm for a fictional hero as we sit down with renowned thriller authors Brian Andrews and Jeff Wilson. Their alliance with Wilson Combat isn't just about the nuts and bolts of gunsmithing; it's a dynamic fusion of storytelling and precision engineering. This collaboration showcases the extraordinary…
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I met Dave after a colleague introduced us for me to hop on his Hero Academy podcast. We had an engaging, fun conversation, not just about “the job” but dynamics with health, life and a host of other topics. When we connected back on, as you will hear, it was right back into a host of topics- to include diving into dietary preferences and the confl…
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On Blue Grit Radio, we are having the crucial conversation about not only resilience in first responder careers, but the worst risk of failure to do so: suicide. Ret. Sgt. Danny Coon didn’t always use to be an advocate for police mental health awareness and wellness. He was of the older culture which grinded through. As he entered retirement his ey…
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