The Chief Exchange

Ready Rebound
  • 5.0 (12)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ready Rebound presents 'The Chief Exchange' hosted by First Responder Advocate, Alec Wons, where we talk about the captivating stories from Fire and Police Chiefs across the United States, how to become a fearless leader, the skills needed to navigate challenging situations in work, life and everything in between.

  1. Just Say Yes and Control What You Can Control (with Chief Matthew Packard) Ep|99

    15H AGO

    Just Say Yes and Control What You Can Control (with Chief Matthew Packard) Ep|99

    Chief Matthew Packard of the Colorado State Patrol has spent over 25 years serving his community — and leading others through some of the most difficult moments imaginable. In this episode, Chief Packard opens up about the lessons learned from loss, the meaning of true wellness, and the power of controlling what you can control. From creating holistic wellness programs for his troopers, to finding strength in tragedy, to saying “yes” when opportunity knocks, his insights cut to the heart of what it means to lead in public safety today. Whether you’re a chief, a rising officer, or a civilian who simply cares about the people behind the badge, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, resilience, and growth.

    46 min
  2. From Firefighter to over $12.1 Million in Annual Revenue – The Story of Fire Department Coffee (with Luke Schneider) Ep|98

    12/29/2025

    From Firefighter to over $12.1 Million in Annual Revenue – The Story of Fire Department Coffee (with Luke Schneider) Ep|98

    In this inspiring episode of The Chief Exchange, host Alec Wons sits down with Luke Schneider, Founder and CEO of Fire Department Coffee, a Navy veteran and former firefighter-paramedic who turned his love for service — and for coffee — into one of America’s fastest-growing mission-driven brands. Luke shares how Fire Department Coffee began as a side hustle in a small strip mall and evolved into a national company found on shelves in over 2,000 Walmart stores. He opens up about taking the leap from public service to entrepreneurship, the importance of mentorship and faith, and why leadership is about surrounding yourself with great people — not chasing perfection. This is a story of grit, purpose, and brewing impact — one cup at a time.

    36 min
  3. Why You Can’t Lie to Your Pencil and Why a New Level Equals a New Devil (with Reggie McKeithen) Ep|97

    12/22/2025

    Why You Can’t Lie to Your Pencil and Why a New Level Equals a New Devil (with Reggie McKeithen) Ep|97

    In this powerful episode of The Chief Exchange, host Alec Wons sits down with Chief Reggie McKeithen, Health, Wellness, and Safety Chief of the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department. With 17 years of service and a heart rooted in faith, Chief McKeithen shares his story of purpose, resilience, and transformation — from growing up in “Killer City” to reshaping the fire service through mental health, empowerment, and servant leadership. Chief McKeithen’s wisdom runs deep: how journaling changed his life, why vulnerability is a form of courage, and what it truly means to serve with faith at the center. This episode is for anyone who’s ever battled burnout, questioned their calling, or needed a reminder that new levels always come with new devils — but also new growth.

    48 min
  4. How to Increase The Public’s Value Through Storytelling, Data, and Open Dialogue (with Chris Tubbs) Ep|96

    12/15/2025

    How to Increase The Public’s Value Through Storytelling, Data, and Open Dialogue (with Chris Tubbs) Ep|96

    In this episode of The Chief Exchange, host Alec Wons sits down with Fire Chief Chris Tubbs of Southern Marin Fire District, California — a 47-year veteran who has led through transformation, adversity, and purpose. From his early beginnings as a high school reporter to leading complex organizations, Chief Tubbs opens up about leadership, public trust, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. This conversation dives deep into how departments can move beyond simply providing services to creating true public value, how to engage communities in defining what “success” looks like, and why trust and storytelling are just as critical as response times and call volume. It’s a masterclass in leadership, humility, and purpose — one that every chief, aspiring leader, or public servant should hear.

    53 min
  5. The Listening Tips and Tricks Needed to Build a Stronger Fire Department (with Otto Drozd) Ep|95

    12/08/2025

    The Listening Tips and Tricks Needed to Build a Stronger Fire Department (with Otto Drozd) Ep|95

    After leading some of the nation’s largest fire departments — from Hialeah and El Paso to Orange County and Seminole County — Otto Drozd has learned one truth about leadership: listen first, act second. In this episode, Otto shares how humility, trust, and culture shape effective leadership. He discusses his journey from being the youngest chief in his city’s history to now serving as Executive Secretary of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, guiding leaders around the world. Otto reflects on the importance of adapting leadership styles to fit each department’s needs, honoring history while driving progress, and creating a space for chiefs to share and solve their greatest challenges. If you want to learn what real servant leadership looks like — from the station floor to the international stage — this episode is for you.

    31 min
  6. You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Chief Lester’s Guide to Staying Whole in the Job (with Katherine Lester) Ep|94

    12/01/2025

    You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Chief Lester’s Guide to Staying Whole in the Job (with Katherine Lester) Ep|94

    In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Sacramento Police Chief Katherine Lester opens up about the realities of leadership in law enforcement — and the human side of wearing the badge. From prioritizing mental health and faith to staying connected with family in a demanding profession, Chief Lester shares how she’s learned to balance service and self. Whether you’re a first responder, leader, or anyone trying to navigate the pressures of responsibility, this episode offers practical wisdom and emotional depth on how to lead with authenticity, stay grounded, and keep faith when times get tough.

    43 min
  7. Could You Rescue You? The Discipline of Leadership (with Marc Bashoor) Ep|93

    11/24/2025

    Could You Rescue You? The Discipline of Leadership (with Marc Bashoor) Ep|93

    After 40 years in the fire service, former Prince George’s County Fire Chief Marc Bashoor has worn more hats than most — firefighter, leader, writer, actor, and wellness advocate. In this episode, Marc shares how discipline and consistency have shaped his life, his leadership, and even his recovery from a near-death health event. From developing the “Could You Rescue You?” program to finding new meaning in service, Chief Bashoor dives deep into the mental and physical fitness it takes to lead in today’s fire service. His message is simple but powerful: the discipline that keeps you fit is the same discipline that saves lives — including your own.

    42 min
  8. Why Operations Move at the Speed of Trust (with Executive Fire Inspector Ron Kanterman) Ep|92

    11/17/2025

    Why Operations Move at the Speed of Trust (with Executive Fire Inspector Ron Kanterman) Ep|92

    With more than 50 years of fire service experience, Ron Kanterman has worn nearly every hat — firefighter, fire marshal, Chief, author, inspector, and teacher. Currently serving as an Executive Inspector with the FDNY, Kanterman reflects on a lifetime of lessons learned through leadership, loss, and perseverance. From writing the only textbook on managing fireworks displays to publishing over 200 articles and 9 books, Kanterman shares how his relentless curiosity and “one bite at a time” mindset have driven him to keep learning and leading. In this episode, he discusses the evolution of fire safety, why the same historical mistakes continue to repeat, and how discipline, humility, and humor have guided his journey. Whether you’re a firefighter, leader, or lifelong learner, Kanterman’s story is proof that passion doesn’t retire — it only adapts.

    48 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Ready Rebound presents 'The Chief Exchange' hosted by First Responder Advocate, Alec Wons, where we talk about the captivating stories from Fire and Police Chiefs across the United States, how to become a fearless leader, the skills needed to navigate challenging situations in work, life and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Ready Rebound
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The Chief Exchange

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