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.