The Coptimizer Podcast Ready to Rebound: A New Era of Wellness and Recovery for First Responders ft. Alec Wons
“What if we treated our first responders like professional athletes?”
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.
Alec’s mission is deeply personal—and deeply necessary. He draws from elite sports performance, business innovation, and personal tragedy to reimagine recovery and resilience for those who protect and serve. From expedited injury recovery to mental health resources, Alec lays out a compelling blueprint for how agencies can support their people before burnout, injury, or tragedy takes its toll.
Together, Patrick and Alec explore:
- Why traditional wellness programs fail—and what actually works
- The hidden cost of shift work and outdated injury protocols
- How trauma, stress, and musculoskeletal injuries silently erode performance and morale
- Why systemic change is needed to treat officers like high-performing tactical athletes
- The leadership imperative: How chiefs can drive meaningful culture change
Plus: Learn how Alec’s new book and his work with fire and police departments nationwide are creating momentum for a better future—and why now is the time to act.
🧩 It’s not just about surviving the job—it’s about bouncing back stronger.