The Coptimizer Podcast

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!

In this week's episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, retired California Fish and Wildlife Lieutenant John Nores joins Patrick Flannelly to discuss his groundbreaking work combating the environmental and public safety devastation caused by illegal grow operations, primarily run by Mexican drug cartels. Drawing on his experience leading California's Special Operations Marijuana Enforcement Team, Nores shares stories from his book, Hidden War, and insights on how legalization policies can inadvertently fuel black market activity. The conversation is especially timely as Indiana considers marijuana legalization. Nores highlights the unintended consequences seen in California under Proposition 64, including environmental destruction, cartel exploitation of legal loopholes, and the persistence of a thriving black market. Together, Patrick and John explore how Indiana can learn from these missteps to design a regulatory framework that prioritizes public safety, environmental protection, and robust enforcement. Don’t miss this deep dive into the hidden costs of legalization and the steps Indiana must take to avoid creating more problems than it solves.

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!

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, host Patrick Flannelly sits down with Sheriff Robb Tadelman to explore the evolving landscape of law enforcement. Sheriff Tadelman shares his personal journey and insights on the pressing challenges facing police agencies today, particularly in recruiting and retaining quality officers. Together, they discuss the importance of adapting leadership styles to meet generational expectations, focusing on mentorship and coaching to create a culture that resonates with today’s officers. Sheriff Tadelman highlights his agency’s comprehensive wellness program, which includes personalized wellness coaching for officers, supporting their physical, mental, and emotional health. They also discuss balancing performance management with a caring, proactive approach emphasizing support over discipline, helping officers thrive. This conversation underscores the need for innovative, comprehensive solutions in law enforcement to remain competitive and effective in a rapidly changing environment. Key Topics: Sheriff Robb Tadelman's journey in law enforcement Recruitment and retention strategies for today’s workforce Generational shifts in law enforcement leadership and management Comprehensive wellness programs, including individual wellness coaching Balancing performance with a supportive, caring culture Tune in to hear how Sheriff Tadelman’s insights are shaping a new model for law enforcement leadership and officer wellness.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, I sit down with Glenn Norling, a retired FBI special agent, to discuss the crucial aspects of preparedness and response in law enforcement. With a rich background in the military, the FBI, and active shooter preparedness training, Glenn shares how his upbringing in a law enforcement family and involvement in Boy Scouts shaped his approach to safety and vigilance. His career path, spanning from the Air Force to a 20-year tenure with the FBI, underscores the value of a well-rounded preparedness mindset. During our conversation, Glenn emphasizes the importance of proactive training and leadership in law enforcement, highlighting that true preparedness goes beyond just investing in technology and equipment. It’s about developing skills, situational awareness, and decision-making capabilities that can save lives. Glenn also addresses the significance of community involvement, education, and reporting systems in preventing active shooter incidents and tackling concerning behaviors before they escalate. This episode is a valuable resource for law enforcement professionals, leaders, and community members seeking to enhance their readiness and safety protocols.

In this episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, Jim Vitou joins Patrick Flannelly to discuss his journey from military service to financial wellness coaching for community members and first responders. They explore the critical role financial wellness plays in officer well-being, highlighting how unchecked financial stress can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, and even impact overall health and job performance. Coach Vitou shares practical strategies for managing debt, reducing unnecessary expenses, and understanding key financial concepts like compound interest. Together, they emphasize the importance of financial education for first responders, with actionable insights such as tracking monthly spending and planning for healthcare costs in retirement. This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial wellness is a cornerstone of overall wellness and essential for a long, healthy career in law enforcement. Listeners will leave with practical steps to improve their financial health, insight into the importance of long-term planning, and guidance on how agencies can support officers through financial wellness workshops and training. Don't miss this essential episode for anyone looking to take control of their financial future while balancing the demands of first responder life.

In this captivating episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, Patrick Flannelly sits down with one of the most accomplished figures in modern law enforcement, retired DC Metro Police Deputy Chief and former Chief of Police for the Supreme Court of the United States, Ross Swope. Ross's unique experiences, such as his year-long work with Scotland Yard as one of only two U.S. police officers awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 1999, and his responsibility for safeguarding over 300,000 visitors at the Supreme Court annually, will surely pique your interest. If we had the time to dive into his incredible career fully, we'd need an entire episode just for his bio! Ross rose through the ranks of the Washington D.C. Metro Police, commanding over 400 officers, earning three master's degrees from Johns Hopkins, the University of Cambridge, and becoming a Fulbright Scholar at Scotland Yard. With over 43 years of service, Ross has written a book, published in academic journals over 35 times, and received the Medal of Valor and the Police Medal of Merit. In this conversation, Patrick and Ross focus on ethics-based leadership and why it's crucial for the future of policing. Ross shares his unmatched experience in implementing ethical practices while leading law enforcement at the highest levels. They discuss how continuous learning and community relationships are not just theoretical concepts, but practical tools for ethical policing. The conversation also delves into how body cameras can serve as a tool for both accountability and officer improvement, empowering law enforcement professionals with practical solutions. Ross's stories, from breaking up large-scale demonstrations to ensuring the protection of U.S. Supreme Court justices, illustrate the real-world challenges of leading with ethics under pressure. Tantalizing details pepper this episode—like Ross's nearly year-long work with Scotland Yard as one of only two U.S. police officers awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 1999 and his responsibility for safeguarding over 300,000 visitors at the Supreme Court annually. Patrick marvels at the depth of Ross’s career, jokingly calling him a "Sherlock Holmes" for his international law enforcement expertise. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of ethics and leadership at the highest echelons of law enforcement. It is packed with invaluable insights for police officers, leaders, and anyone passionate about the future of policing. Take advantage of this engaging and thought-provoking discussion!

I have shared many times a poster from Despair.com entitled “Mistakes.”  The company creates a line of “demotivational” posters, a sarcastic knock on an era that filled boardrooms, waiting rooms, and bathrooms with breathtaking images of nature and life, captioned with the wisdom of the ages.  Cops are finely tuned to dark humor, so this company became a favorite of mine.  The “Mistakes” poster has an image of the bow of a large ship poking up out of the ocean.  A shipwreck.  The caption states, “It could be that the purpose of your life is to only serve as a warning to others.” I’ve used this poster many times to illustrate humorously that mistakes are inevitable; what we do with the lesson counts.  However, it is essential to note that some “mistakes” are far worse than others, and actions have consequences.  It is hard to classify committing a Robbery as a “Mistake,” but that is how this story goes.  The fact that an off-duty police sergeant committed the robbery only adds to the intrigue.   In this deeply moving episode of The Coptimizer Podcast, I sat down with Davin Cole, a retired Sergeant from the San Francisco Police Department, to unravel the harrowing story of a life that spiraled out of control and the path to redemption that has followed. Davin Cole dedicated over two decades to serving his community, including 15 years in the canine unit and a pivotal role in the Homeless Outreach Unit. But everything changed after a severe dog bite incident during a training exercise in 2010 left him with chronic nerve pain. Prescribed opioids for pain management, Davin quickly found himself in the grips of addiction—a battle that would last nearly a decade. Despite his high-functioning facade at work, where he continued to excel in his duties, the addiction quietly consumed him. The breaking point came in 2021 when desperate for relief and fearing withdrawal, Davin made the fateful decision to rob a pharmacy for painkillers. His arrest and the subsequent fallout marked a turning point, leading to a difficult yet determined journey towards recovery. This episode sheds light on the hidden struggles many first responders face, where the stigma of seeking help often exacerbates the problem. Davin’s story is a sobering reminder of the toll that addiction can take, but also a beacon of hope for those seeking to reclaim their lives. Spending time in prison is bad enough, but as a cop, it would be downright terrifying.  Tune in to hear Davin's candid account of his battle with addiction, the support he received from the San Francisco Police Department, and his ongoing mission to help others by sharing his story.  Let Davin’s story serve as the lighthouse that keeps the “mistakes” at bay and ships off the bottom of the ocean.  

It's time to tear down some silos! While we've made tremendous progress in raising awareness about meaningful investments in Officer Safety & Wellness programs, much remains to be done. The Final Report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing, published in May 2015, highlighted the significant needs modern police officers must address to survive and thrive in their careers. Yet, despite this raised awareness, the data shows that officers are fatter, sicker, and less mentally well than at the time of this report. Where is the failure? We are attached to old paradigms and a "standard of care" mindset that focuses on treating symptoms rather than searching for root causes. We wait for officers to get sick, experience failures, or, in some cases, die before we act. Prevention becomes a shell game where accountability is constantly shifted, leaving no one responsible. One of my missions for The Coptimizer Podcast is to connect with industry experts in the trenches doing the work. I seek out people who are swimming against the current, trying to get upstream of problems instead of spending their days pulling drowning bodies out of the water. In this episode, I found one of those people. I sit down with Dr. Lauren Fulkerson, a leading expert in metabolic health and mental wellness, to explore the profound impact of nutritional intervention and prescriptive exercise on the overall well-being of first responders. Dr. Fulkerson's journey into this field is deeply personal, stemming from her experiences in the pediatric medical field, evolving into child wellness coaching and mental health advocacy. Her passion is helping others achieve optimal health, and her work with police officers and firefighters highlights the unique challenges these professionals face, including high levels of stress and trauma that take a toll on their mental health. Throughout our conversation, Dr. Fulkerson emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of mental health issues rather than merely relying on medication. She discusses how metabolic health is intricately linked to emotional well-being and how improving one's diet can lead to better outcomes in managing conditions like depression and anxiety. Her passion for this work is driven by personal experience—having battled bouts of depression herself; she's found answers that have brought her through to the other side with new solutions to old problems. Patrick and Dr. Fulkerson also delve into the significance of community support and the role of programs like CrossFit in building confidence and resilience among first responders. By integrating metabolic testing, personalized coaching, and education on nutrition and sleep, Dr. Fulkerson advocates for a comprehensive wellness program that enhances physical fitness and promotes long-term mental and emotional health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of physical health, mental wellness, and the unique challenges first responders face. Dr. Fulkerson's work offers valuable insights and practical strategies for improving the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others. Tune in to discover how a holistic approach to health can profoundly impact the lives of first responders.

Gary Taubes is an investigative science and health journalist and co-founder of the non-profit Nutrition Science Initiative (NuSI.org). He is the author of Rethinking Diabetes (2024), The Case Against Sugar (2016), Why We Get Fat and What to Do About It (2011) and Good Calories, Bad Calories (2007), published as The Diet Delusion in the UK. Taubes is the recipient of a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Investigator Award in Health Policy Research, and has won numerous other awards for his journalism. These include the International Health Reporting Award from the Pan American Health Organization and the National Association of Science Writers Science in Society Journalism Award, which he won in 1996, 1999 and 2001. (He is the first print journalist to win this award three times.) Taubes graduated from Harvard College in 1977 with an S.B. degree in applied physics, and received an M.S. degree in engineering from Stanford University (1978) and in journalism from Columbia University (1981).