In episode 7 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds., I sit down with SGT Tim Watson to break down the hiring process to become a police officer. Whether you're applying in Washington State or elsewhere, this episode offers valuable insights on how to prepare for a career in law enforcement.

We discuss every stage of the process—preparing yourself mentally and physically, the physical agility test, tips for the written exam, what evaluators expect during the oral board panel, and how to navigate the background investigation.

The conversation starts with an introduction to SGT Watson, covering his early life and what it was like to test for a police job in the 90s. Drawing from over 50 years of combined experience, we share advice on what makes a strong candidate and how to stand out throughout the process.

If you're serious about joining the force, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed.

Overview of Topics Covered: We’ll walk through every stage of the hiring process, including:

- Preparing yourself mentally and physically for the career.

- The Physical Agility Test—what it includes and how to train for it.

- The Written Exam—how to study and avoid common mistakes.

- What evaluators are looking for in the Oral Board Panel interview.

- The Background Investigation—what to expect and how to be transparent.

Episode 6 of MCNEW: Duty. Grit. Grinds. Today, we’re talking about grit—pushing through pain and setbacks. I grew up with a simple motto: "put it to bed." This was dad's version of "rub some dirt in it." It wasn’t just about physical pain; it was a mindset. When you got knocked down, you got back up. No excuses.

I weave through this subject with stories about breaking my arm in second grade, losing a finger in a hay conveyor, and getting called into a critical emergency at work only hours after a vasectomy.

These moments taught me grit. Pain is temporary, but quitting is forever. Keep grinding.

Episode 5 of MCNEW: Duty Grit Grinds dives into a canon event from my youth when a stranger in a Subway restaurant questioned my worth as a 17-year-old, unknowingly fanning the flames of a lifelong commitment to proving myself through hard work and perseverance. This challenge was a stepping stone towards a mindset that has carried me through some of the most challenging moments in life.

The episode also highlights my experience with endurance cycling, during which both mental and physical toughness were tested on long rides that I shared with close friends and family.

I share the lessons learned from pushing myself to the limit and how cycling became more than a sport; it became a proving ground for resilience and grit. This leads to a story from my time on police bike patrol, where a routine day escalated into a prolonged fight with a suspect.

Throughout the episode, the central theme is clear: doing hard things is essential for growth, and it's equally important to surround yourself with those who embrace that mindset. Whether in law enforcement, cycling, or life, the people who tackle tough challenges elevate those around them. Join me as I explore what it means to face adversity head-on and the value of keeping grit at the center of it all.