The Coptimizer Podcast

In this powerful episode, retired Chief Patrick Flannelly welcomes Alec Wons, founder of Ready Rebound and a former strength coach for NFL athletes, for a raw and solution-driven conversation on the urgent need to transform how we support the physical and mental health of first responders.

In this gripping episode, Patrick Flannelly sits down with Ken Strange Jr., a man whose life reads like a novel—but every word is true. From teaching English in Saudi Arabia to pursuing global fraud cases for the FBI and USAID, Ken's career is a one-of-a-kind journey through geopolitics, counterterrorism, border operations, and personal growth.

In this deeply thoughtful episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, Patrick Flannelly is joined by Erik Hein, a resilience expert and international trainer from the Netherlands, whose journey from hardship to high-performance leadership offers lessons for police professionals everywhere.

David Riedman is the founder of the K-12 School Shooting Database and a graduate from the Naval Postgraduate School. He conducts research on gun violence in schools and authored multiple peer-reviewed articles on homeland security policy, critical infrastructure protection, and emergency management.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, host Patrick Flannelly welcomes retired police officer and author David Berez to discuss his transformative journey through over 20 years in law enforcement. David opens up about his challenging upbringing, the pressures of policing in a changing world, and the profound impact of trauma and resilience. Together, they explore stories from his career, his struggles after retirement, and the pivotal moment that led to his inspiring book, A Resilient Life: A Cop's Journey in Pursuit of Purpose. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about vulnerability, growth, and the tools to navigate life’s toughest moments—both on and off duty.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, we sit down with Inspector Lynae Chodat, a 26-year policing veteran from the Delta Police Department in British Columbia, Canada. With extensive experience in specialized units such as sex crimes, homicide, and internal affairs, Lynae shares how her passion for fitness and nutrition transformed into a professional calling, reshaping officer wellness. After a traumatic incident in 2018, Lynae discovered nutrition's critical role in her recovery. This pivotal moment inspired her to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist and Registered Natural Nutritional Clinical Practitioner. Today, she serves as the Delta Police Department’s in-house nutritionist, helping officers combat their demanding profession's physical and mental tolls. Lynae discusses her journey, her innovative wellness initiatives like educational lunch-and-learns and one-on-one coaching, and the broader challenges of promoting health in the high-stress world of law enforcement. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive approaches, encompassing nutrition, sleep, mindfulness, and physical activity while addressing cultural resistance and budget constraints that often hinder wellness programs. In this inspiring conversation, Lynae explores the concept of “building for impact,” a philosophy that ensures officers are prepared to meet the job’s demands head-on. She also highlights the vital role of leadership in driving wellness initiatives and how officers can take personal responsibility for their health to achieve long-term resilience. Whether you work in public safety or are seeking insights on holistic health and leadership, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Lynae transforms officer wellness, one meal and mindset at a time. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Maintaining healthy habits can feel nearly impossible for first responders during the holidays. It's easy to let progress slip between demanding schedules, seasonal stress, and limited meal options. In this episode, I sit down with Megan Lautz, a dietitian specializing in wellness for first responders, to discuss how small, consistent choices—what Megan calls "Better Bad Decisions"—can keep you on track even in challenging circumstances. Megan shares practical strategies for navigating limited meal options, staying energized, and managing cravings during busy shifts and holiday gatherings. Her advice is realistic and actionable, designed to fit the unique demands of a first responder lifestyle. Whether you’re choosing the best fast-food option on the go or preparing for a holiday meal, this episode will inspire you to maintain momentum rather than start over in January. Resources from Megan Lautz: Free Recipe Book: com Healthy Meal Options: com Nutrition Articles: com Instagram and TikTok: @Rescue.RD LinkedIn: Megan Lautz Start making those "Better Bad Decisions" today—because progress is always better than perfection. Tune in now!