A single ride-along changed Jeff Otis’s life forever, launching a 26-year career in law enforcement marked by tragedy, trauma, and ultimately, profound healing. His journey began with heartbreak when a fellow officer and friend was killed during a routine call—while Jeff was still in training. From that moment, he lived under constant hypervigilance, navigating standoffs, officer-down situations, and countless traumatic crime scenes. Through raw, honest conversation, Jeff pulls back the curtain on the psychological price of protection, revealing how officers are taught to "suck it up" rather than heal.

When symptoms of PTSD finally surfaced—panic attacks, night terrors, debilitating headaches—Jeff tried to push through until a move to Vero Beach, Florida opened the door to real healing. Through community policing and innovative therapies like ketamine treatment and ceremonial plant medicine, he found freedom from decades of silent suffering. Jeff’s story shatters stereotypes about first responders, showing that seeking help isn’t weakness—it's strength. His journey is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a human being carrying extraordinary experiences, often without enough support.

Contact Jeff: jefferyotis@hotmail.com

Resources discussed in this episode:

Bella Vida Chapel Sacrament Ceremonies in Melbourne Florida

https://www.bellavidachapel.com

Emerald Health - Comprehensive Primary Care Medical Clinic in Vero Beach, FL

https://www.emerald-medical.com

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

Support the show

When a desperate mother walked into a foster care group home asking for help, the psychologist's response, "until something bad happens, I can't help you," led her to say, "If you don't help me, something bad is going to happen."

This moment sparked the creation of Safe Families for Children, an organization that now spans over 100 chapters across the U.S. and internationally. Safe Families addresses the needs of vulnerable parents by offering volunteer-based support networks, connecting families to resources and providing temporary care, ensuring children are supported without resorting to foster care.

Jessie, Director of the Treasure Coast Chapter, shares how Safe Families fosters connections through host families, day support from family friends, and coaches who help parents achieve their own goals. Focusing on dignity and peer relationships, Safe Families combats the root causes of family crisis—lack of support, homelessness, and childcare issues—without imposing external judgments. By empowering parents and validating their strengths, Safe Families builds resilience and offers a path for families to weather crises and stay together.

As mentioned in the episode:

Safe Families for Children – Treasure Coast

• Intake line: 772-217-9066

https://treasurecoast.safe-families.org

Contact Jesse Ray about volunteering: jray@safefamilies.net

Hope for Family Center:

• 720 4th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32962
• 772-567-5537

https://hopeforfamiliescenter.org

Indian River, United Against Poverty:

• 1400 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960
• 772-564-9365

https://unitedagainstpoverty.org/campus/indian-river

St. Lucie Count, United Against Poverty:

• 2520 Orange Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34947
• 772-468-8543

https://unitedagainstpoverty.org

Treasure Coast Homeless Services:

https://tchelpspot.org

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

Support the show

Step into the incredible journey of Mika, a survivor who faced unimaginable trauma yet emerged with a message brimming with hope and resilience. Her story begins in a humble household, set against the backdrop of immigrant struggle and love. Micah shares how her upbringing instilled a sense of responsibility and a strong moral compass, shaping her into the empowered individual she is today.

But life took a dramatic turn when red flags in her relationship blurred her judgment. What began as a love story soon escalated into violence, leading to a harrowing day that would shatter her family. The loss of her father at the hands of her ex-boyfriend is an experience that changed the course of her life forever. Listen closely as Mika recounts the gripping details of that moment and the emotional turmoil that followed—grief, guilt, and the quest for healing.

Through this cathartic experience, Micah emphasizes forgiveness as pivotal to her recovery. Her newfound purpose is guiding her to create a non-profit to educate youth about emotional awareness and relationships. With determination and an unwavering spirit, Mika seeks to transform her painful history into advocacy, providing a voice for those affected by similar circumstances.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation, in which we encourage listeners to recognize relationship warning signs and prioritize healing and self-love. As you listen, reflect on your experiences and how we can all contribute to a supportive, understanding community.

Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found inspiration in Mika's story!

Connect with Mika:

Personal Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/k.banks.1?igsh=MXA5cWZzMjRqMmYxdQ==

Business URL:

https://www.instagram.com/aladinsevents?igsh=enlkdzVwczM1eXcz

Ebook/Credit Services:

https://www.aladinluxuryenterprise.com/category/all-products

Connect with Jen:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683
Website:
https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Purchase my book or Audiobook: Why I Survived: How Sharing My Story Helped Me Heal from Dating Abuse, Armed Robbery, Abduction, and Other Forms of Trauma by Jennifer Lee
https://whyisurvived.com/

Support the show