"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

Send us a text

Support the show

Follow Wild Chaos on Social Media:

Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wild-chaos-podcast/id1732761860
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KFGZ6uABb1sQlfkE2TIoc?si=8ff748aa4fc64331

⁠⁠⁠Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchaospodcast
Bam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bambam0069
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wildchaospod
TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@thewildchaospodcast
Meta (Facebook): ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/TheWildChaosPodcast

For business inquiries, email us at: [email protected]