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#61 - What They Don't Tell You When You Put On The Uniform: Behind The Badge w/Rob Woodworth
Manage episode 485421590 series 3553809
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"I stood in intersections at midnight hoping to get hit by a car."
Former police officer Robert Woodworth shares the untold cost of wearing the badge—from handling bodies and witnessing tragedy to protesters tracking down his home, the department's failure to provide meaningful support when he reached out for help, and his descent into dangerous coping mechanisms. "I stood in intersections at midnight hoping to get hit by a car," he confesses. "It was easier than getting hit by a car than admitting I needed help."
This conversation exposes the devastating gap in mental health support for officers and the crushing isolation that follows when they can no longer wear the badge. We learn how the brotherhood Robert thought would always have his back disappeared almost overnight when he went on medical leave, and how workers' compensation fought him every step of the way.
Whether you're in public service, struggling with identity after a career change, or just trying to understand what officers really experience beyond what we see in the media, this conversation offers powerful insights into trauma, resilience, and rediscovering your purpose when life forces you to start again.
This powerful episode exposes the dark side of modern policing and how one man found purpose again after walking away. It's not just about law enforcement—it's about what happens when your dream job becomes a nightmare.
To follow Rob on Instagram visit: @Robwoody101
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Chapters
1. Journey to Becoming An Officer (00:00:00)
2. First Experiences as a Rookie Cop (00:16:22)
3. Dealing With Dark Realities of Police Work (00:35:05)
4. The George Floyd Effect and Personal Threats (00:53:18)
5. Mental Health Crisis and Suicidal Thoughts (01:15:01)
6. Department Abandonment and Recovery Struggle (01:39:42)
7. Finding New Purpose Through Fitness (02:10:10)
8. Life Lessons and Moving Forward (02:28:24)
61 episodes
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