This season, I’m honored to feature music from my beautiful friend, Melissa Turri. Over many coffee dates and long phone chats, we’ve shared our journeys, supported each other, and leaned into each other’s healing spirits. When she released her album—just in time for this season—I knew I had to share her talent with you.

Listen to the full length song, I'll Heal You.  

To learn more about Melissa Turri:

Website: https://melissaturrimusic.com/

Email: MelissaTurrimusic@gmail.com

Instagram: melissaturrimusic

YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCb197kVCOHFuV7Wrcj_ZOAg

Apple music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/melissa-turri/1854441133

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/31h4OpozWM8vuxTtqYlMB4?si=S0WWg2yuR4GJQGgH27VoCg&nd=1&dlsi=e6ed1cbc61894658

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Melissa Turri.
https://melissaturrimusic.com/

Support the show

If you’ve ever felt lost in a life that looks fine but feels wrong, this story is your permission to begin again. 

From childhood abuse to postpartum collapse, medication dependency, bankruptcy, memory loss, and cancer, Sherry’s life unraveled—but she didn’t vanish. She began again, choosing daily to return to herself.

Sherry shares how small habits built resilience, intuition became her guide, and honest self-love transformed her relationships.

A U.S. Army veteran, mom, and full-time entrepreneur, she helps women reclaim health, confidence, and purpose-driven income through mindset mentorship, cellular activation, and LifeVantage.

💗 Wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s your legacy! 

If you’re craving more energy, impact, and financial freedom, you’re in the right place. 

Let’s align your body and your business for the life you deserve." 

Learn more or schedule an appointment now: https://beacons.ai/the_activation_girl

Shop | LifeVantage:  https://sherrymartin.lifevantage.com/us-en/shop

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

If you’ve wrestled with father wounds, homelessness stigma, invisible illness, or the weight of expectations, this story offers a map and a hand to hold. 

We trace Jordan’s path from constant moves and a distant father to finding a home in faith, leading peers, serving in the Marines, living with an undiagnosed illness, and mentoring students through Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). A story of forgiveness, community, purpose, and joy that holds under pressure. 

Connect with Jordan:   

Brevard County FCA 

Phone: (321) 419-7399

Email: jiris@fca.org

Website: https://my.fca.org/?form=jordaniris

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Melissa Turri.
https://melissaturrimusic.com/

Support the show

When truth is stolen, healing begins with reclaiming your story—one memory, one voice, one fearless step at a time.

What happens when a child is abducted by a parent and raised in a world of control and religious manipulation? Dawn McCarty’s nightmare began at age four when her mother kidnapped her, erased her identity, and filled her life with fear and lies. Subjected to psychological abuse and weaponized Mormon theology, Dawn was taught to obey blindly and fear her real father. By eight, she was adopted by her stepfather and sealed to her abductor in temple rituals. At 15, she was groomed under the guise of religious trust.

After escaping at 16, Dawn rebuilt her life. Now a senior cybersecurity analyst with over 20 years of experience, she helps families protect children online, driven by her own trauma. Her most powerful chapter came 44 years later—reuniting with her biological father. Her story is one of survival, truth, and unbreakable spirit.

Connect with Dawn:

Learn more about my memoir & advocacy site: Sealed To My Abductor

Subscribe to my blog & newsletter: Unsealed Press on Substack

Watch my story (including my reunification with my father): YouTube Channel

• LinkedIn
• Facebook: Dawn McCarty
• Facebook: Sealed To My Abductor

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

Her daughter’s absence became Barbara’s purpose: to break cycles of alienation, pain, and silence.

Barbara’s life was shaped by not belonging—from family struggles to a marriage broken by parental alienation that turned her daughters against her. The unthinkable struck when her 15-year-old daughter, Erin, took her own life despite Barbara’s pleas for help.

From that tragedy, Barbara found purpose. Now a wellness advocate, speaker, and author, she helps women heal generational wounds, navigate divorce, and reclaim their lives. Her story proves that even in unimaginable heartbreak, healing and transformation are possible—and can light the way for others.

Connect with Barbara:

Instagram: 
WellnessMattersYouMatter

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/barbaradrtina

You Tube:

https://www.youtube.com/@WellnessMattersYouMatter

Website: 

https://wellnessmattersyoumatter.com/

Email:

bdrtina@gmail.com

Purchase my Book:

Amazon: Ignite Possibilities

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

Have a plan before you need it.

The holiday season brings excitement—and dangerous distractions. Between shopping lists, phone notifications, and crowded parking lots, it’s easy to let your guard down. But awareness is your greatest defense. Train yourself to look up, scan your surroundings, notice who’s near your vehicle, and trust your instincts when something feels off. 

Distractions make you vulnerable; habits make you safe. Small choices like pocketing your phone, walking with confidence, and asking for help to your car can mean the difference between safety and danger. Don’t ignore that uneasy feeling—it’s your built-in alarm system.

Have a plan before you need it. When something goes wrong, you won’t rise to the occasion—you’ll fall to your level of preparation. Keep your escape plan simple: distract, disengage, and get to safety. Carry an item you can throw to divert attention, know where the exits are, and travel with a friend when possible. 

Confidence, awareness, and quick action are your best defense.

Bullet points from today's discussion:

Situational Awareness

• Put your phone away when walking to or from your car or through parking lots.
• Scan your surroundings—people, vehicles, exits, and lighting conditions.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
• Don’t dismiss feelings of unease; act on them early.

Planning Ahead

• Have a plan before something happens; simple plans work best under stress.
• Know your escape routes wherever you are (store, parking lot, street, etc.).
• Default to escaping, not fighting—your goal is to get away safely.
• Assume the attacker chose the time and place—you must choose the exit.

Practical Preparedness

• Keep keys in hand, not buried in your purse or pocket.
• Carry a distraction item (like “mugger’s money” or an old phone) to throw and create distance.
• Avoid carrying your only defensive item (like keys or pepper spray) inside a bag that could be stolen.
• Use strong body language—head up, make eye contact, walk confidently.

Increase Your Odds

• Use the buddy system—shop or walk with a friend when possible.
• If you feel unsafe, ask for store staff to walk you to your car.
• If chased or attacked, yell or scream—make noise to draw attention.
• Never obey commands that reduce your chance of escape (e.g., “Get in the car”).

Mindset & Training

• Stay calm—panic clouds judgment.
• Practice your plan mentally; repetition builds muscle memory.
• Consider basic self-defense training to increase confidence and efficiency.
• Remember: good habits today become your automatic reactions tomorrow.

Connect with James, Sifu of Wah Lum Kung Fu :

https://www.wahlumkungfu.com/

Melbourne, FL 32935

(321) 255-1048

Message to Sifu Lo: sifu@wahlumkungfu.com

Training Information: info@wahlumkungfu.com

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of

Support the show

"A child doesn’t care how much you know till they know how much you care," ~ Kenya

From a nine-year crack addiction to 28 years of sobriety and service, John’s story shows the power of surrender and redemption. On July 22, 1995, sitting in a jail cell after being arrested for stealing, he prayed: “Lord, if you could just take this desire away… I’ll serve you till I die.” Nearly three decades later, John has kept that promise, living free from drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, and dedicating his life to serving others. 

What began as court-ordered community service grew into a lifelong mission. Guided by his mentor, Mr. Lundy, John went from serving at a soup kitchen to leading Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program with his wife, Kenya. Together, they provide tutoring, mentoring, camps, meals, and experiences that help children feel seen, cared for, and empowered. John’s story isn’t just about personal change—it’s about creating ripples of hope that impact generations.

Feed the Lambs Enrichment Program, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to serving underprivileged, low-income youth and families throughout Indian River County.

Website: https://www.feedthelambsep.com/

Address
1615 18th Avenue SW
Vero Beach, FL 32962

Program Future Location:
1175 9th St. S.W. Vero Beach FL 32962

Phone: 772.501.2617

John May, Executive Director: 772.501.2617

Kenya May, Program Director: 772.404.9955

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

Theresa’s courage proves that even after 17 years of silence, a voice can rise stronger than the violence that tried to silence it.

When Teresa heard glass shatter that March morning in 2007, her life changed forever. She survived a horrific sexual assault in her own home, and though her attacker was never caught, her story is defined by resilience, not violence.

Alert and courageous during the attack, Teresa later reclaimed her life through faith, therapy, supportive friends, and artistic expression. Now, she shares her journey to empower others to speak, heal, and move forward with God guiding them.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, visit:  

https://rainn.org for free, confidential support. 

National hotline: Available 24 hours. 1-800-656-4673

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

One night on a dark New Orleans street, Ashley was held at gunpoint. But instead of panicking, she did something unexpected—she hugged the mugger. That moment of compassion wasn’t random; it was the result of a life shaped by trauma and healing. Ashley had learned that unhealed pain often repeats across generations, and she was determined to break that cycle—for herself and others.

With a Harvard background in data and AI, Ashley could have chosen a traditional path. Instead, she built Persephone AI—a discreet, encrypted app that helps domestic violence survivors safely document abuse, create escape plans, and stay in control of their stories. It’s a lifeline for those with nowhere else to turn. Now, Ashley is calling on all of us—advocates, technologists, and everyday allies—to stand with survivors and bring real safety into the digital age. Join the movement. Share the message. Be part of the change.

Learn more: https://persephone.ai

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

Some heroes don't wear capes—they open their garage doors. 

Jason’s bimonthly poker nights have become a sanctuary for military personnel and first responders seeking more than cards: genuine brotherhood.

Haunted by trauma from Coast Guard and Army service, PTSD, and injuries, Jason struggled to ask for help—until a life-saving call to a friend sparked a new mission. Now CEO of Alpha Ready, he builds stigma-free spaces for healing. As a Christian, husband, father, and podcaster, he proves that true strength lies in connection, and purpose can rise from pain—even around a garage poker table.

Connect with Jason: 

Instagram:  alpha_ready_com

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@alphareadyco

Website:  https://alphareadyco.com/

Order your Alpha Ready t-shirt today! 🇺🇸
Proudly Donating 25% of Monthly Earnings to
Military, Veteran & First Responder Charities 

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

AAs a child, Adam dreamed of becoming an “ER car man,” a dream fulfilled through military service and policing—until a call to Walmart on April 8, 2016, changed everything. Confronted by a woman with a hatchet, Adam used deadly force. Though cleared, the incident sparked a silent battle with PTSD.

He shares a raw account of self-destruction—alcohol, casual encounters, and isolation—and the institutional silence that followed. After proper mental health care, Adam returned to policing as a captain and now advocates for first responder mental health, showing that healing is possible and no one should suffer in silence.

Connect with Adam:

Website: StopTheThreatStopTheStigma.org 

Email: adam@stopthethreatstopthestigma.org

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

When tragedy struck Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in 2018, Laura—a licensed school psychologist—found herself on the front lines of grief and trauma. But amid the heartbreak, she witnessed something remarkable: therapy dogs offering comfort in ways words couldn't. That experience sparked the creation of Everyday Feathers Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting families facing canine cancer while promoting mental health through the healing power of dogs.

Laura's journey from educator to mental health advocate deepened her belief in the human-animal bond. "Dogs aren't just pets, they're family," she says, highlighting how they ease loneliness, provide comfort, and help ground us during emotional crises. Everyday Feathers Foundation grew from this understanding, creating a space where both people and their dogs receive care during life’s toughest moments. This conversation offers powerful insights into how love, resilience, and the presence of a loyal companion can light the way through darkness.

Connect with Laura: 

Email: hello@everydayfeathers.org

Website: https://www.everydayfeathers.org/

Submit request for Broody Blessings: https://www.everydayfeathers.org/

Donate: https://www.everydayfeathers.org/donatenow

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

When the unthinkable strikes, how do we navigate the darkness of grief? Diane’s life changed forever when her husband, Harry, passed suddenly just days after their final vacation. What began as minor indigestion revealed three severely blocked arteries—something no one expected given his active lifestyle.

In this emotional episode, Diane recounts Harry’s final moments, the hospital rush, and the heartbreak of saying goodbye to their wedding song, Just the Way You Are. She reflects on their 41-year love, faith, and family, reminding us that grief doesn’t disappear—it’s something we learn to carry with grace, faith, and glimpses of joy.

Connect with Diane:

Email:DZIZZO01@att.net

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

From Grief to Action: Honoring Claudia, Preventing Tragedies

When Tim and Melanie lost their 33-year-old daughter, Claudia, to a drunk driver on February 7, 2021, their world was shattered in an instant. Claudia, adopted as a teenager from Guatemala, was a vibrant part of their blended family—full of love, complexity, and growth. In the wake of unimaginable grief, Tim and Melanie chose not to be silent. 

Supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), they turned their heartbreak into a mission. Remember for Change leads the charge in prevention through impactful education:

• Drunk buster goggles that simulate impairment
• Teen pledges to drive sober
• QR-coded coasters offering safe ride options
• Recognition for DUI enforcement heroes in local law enforcement

But their most touching initiative is the Annual Memorial Drive—a moving event where the community gathers to speak aloud the names of loved ones lost to impaired driving. It’s a moment of unity, healing, and powerful remembrance.

Contact  with Tim and Melanie:

Email: RememberForChange@gmail.com

Website: https://www.rememberforchange.org/

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

What happens when you finally name the trauma that’s shaped your life?

Nicole’s powerful story of surviving childhood physical abuse reveals the journey from silence to truth. For 40 years, she carried the weight of her father’s violence—hit at age five, chased in fear, and witnessing her mother being choked—all while believing it was “normal.”

Even 1,100 miles away, a simple phone call from him could trigger panic. Her desperate need for his approval shaped her life—until she realized the cycle was repeating with her own child. Through therapy, breathwork, and courage, Nicole began connecting the dots and setting boundaries.

When she finally spoke out, her father denied the abuse and cut contact. The grief was real—but so was the freedom.

Nicole’s story is a raw and inspiring reminder: healing begins when we speak the truth.

Follow Nichole:

Facebook: @NicholeMarieCollective

Instagram: @NicholeMarieCollective

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

From childhood trauma to becoming a fierce protector of young girls, Shala’s journey is a testament to healing and purpose. After losing the grandmother who raised her, she was thrust back into chaos—pregnant at 14, trapped in abuse, and raising two children alone. Yet somehow, she graduated high school on time.

“How did I do it?” she wonders. Her answer: boundaries, self-love, and an unshakable will to break cycles.

Shala founded Treasure Coast Girls Coalition to be what she once needed—a safe, empowering space. Serving girls 9–18, TCGC offers more than programs. It gives sisterhood, hot meals, therapy access, STEM and culinary training, and most of all—hope.

“You weren’t supposed to survive, but you did,” she tells herself—and now 154 girls carry that same fire forward.

She wouldn’t change a thing about her past. Because from it, she built something life-changing.

Contact Shala:

Email: info@treasurecoastgirls.org

Phone: 772-202-8170

Address: 457 Sebastian BLVD, Suite A, Sebastian, FL 32958

Website: https://www.girlscoalition.org/

Donate now: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=BR423KXFGNVRC

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

A single ride-along changed Jeff Otis’s life, launching a 26-year law enforcement career marked by trauma, tragedy, and ultimately, healing. Early heartbreak struck when a fellow officer was killed while Jeff was still in training, setting the stage for years of hypervigilance, standoffs, and traumatic crime scenes. Through candid conversation, Jeff reveals the psychological cost of protection and the culture of “suck it up” over healing.

When PTSD symptoms—panic attacks, night terrors, headaches—surfaced, Jeff pushed through until a move to Vero Beach, Florida opened the door to real recovery. Through community policing and therapies like ketamine and ceremonial plant medicine, he found freedom from decades of silent suffering. His story challenges stereotypes, showing that seeking help is strength, and reminds us that behind every uniform is a human being with extraordinary experiences.

Contact Jeff: jefferyotis@hotmail.com

Resources discussed in this episode:

Bella Vida Chapel Sacrament Ceremonies in Melbourne Florida

https://www.bellavidachapel.com

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

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:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

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Mika’s story is one of trauma, loss, and resilience. Growing up in a humble immigrant household, she was shaped by responsibility and a strong moral compass, but a violent relationship and the tragic loss of her father changed her life forever. Through grief, guilt, and healing, Mika discovered forgiveness and purpose, now guiding her to create a non-profit educating youth on emotional awareness and healthy relationships. Join us for this heartfelt conversation about recognizing warning signs, prioritizing self-love, and turning pain into advocacy.

Connect with Mika: 

Personal Instagram: 

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

Business URL: 

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

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

What happens when two people with the rare genetic disorder Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) fall in love? Chad and Allison’s story is one of resilience, humor, and unwavering connection. From hospital stays and early challenges to building careers and a life together, their bond proves that true strength comes from courage, faith, and laughter. Chad’s recent retirement and the release of his documentary, 96 Pounds of Dynamite, mark a new chapter in their journey. Tune in to hear how they built an unbreakable love despite fragile bones.

To watch the trailer:  96lbs of Dynamite: https://dynamite-film.com/

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

Support the show

Meet Nicole, a resilient mother who endured birth trauma in Germany and immediately faced the fight for her son Owen’s survival. Just seven days postpartum, she and her husband boarded a military C-17 for a high-risk medical transfer, navigating open-heart surgeries, life-threatening complications, and ICU stays. Through her story, Nicole highlights the power of advocacy, the need for safe spaces, and the healing that comes from being honestly heard.

Connect with Nicole:

Nicole provides Perinatal support, grief and loss, birth trauma, life coaching, and hosts women's retreats. 

Website:

https://www.mothernurtureconsulting.com/

Instagram:

@stucktosovereigncoaching

https://www.instagram.com/motheringismedicine/

Email: 

nicole@mothernurtureconsulting.com

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

Doug's inspiring journey highlights overcoming childhood bullying, finding purpose through sports, and serving in the Navy despite a near-drowning experience. After leaving the military in 1984, he battled depression, failed relationships, and two suicide attempts. Seeking direction, he re-enlisted, deployed to Iraq in 2004, survived an ambush and a life-threatening infection, and was later medically retired. Feeling abandoned, he turned to veteran advocacy, mental health awareness, and mentoring through organizations like Toastmasters and the VFW. 

In this episode, Doug emphasizes that suicide is a temporary escape from pain and urges those struggling to seek support, coping strategies, and community. His mission continues through Beacon for Hope, promoting daily acts of kindness and suicide prevention. He shares life lessons on resilience, mental health, and finding purpose through his upcoming book and speaking engagements.

Connect with Doug: 

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasbrinker-inspirationalspeaker/

Beacon 4 Hope LLC Website: 

https://douglasbrinker.com/

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/Beacon4Hope2024

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/Beacon4Hope/

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

Trish, a retired dentist and devoted wife and mother, faced a life-altering diagnosis of stage four uterine cancer after moving to West Virginia. What began as a terminal prognosis became an incredible journey of survival through medical care, unwavering support, and deep spiritual transformation. Her recovery was both physical and emotional, a process she describes as an “undoing” of fear and limiting beliefs. Today, Trish embraces each day with gratitude, sharing her story to inspire others to find peace, release burdens, and lean into love and support.

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

Ron Rapaport's journey from a pharmacy career to surviving male breast cancer twice is a powerful story of resilience. After retiring in 2016, he discovered a retracted nipple while on a trip to Spain in late 2018. Initially dismissing it, he later sought medical attention and, in early 2019, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Following surgery and treatment, Ron’s life was changed, and he became a strong advocate for male breast cancer awareness, educating others about this rare condition.

Through his advocacy work with MaleBreastCancerHappens.org, Ron raises awareness about the need for early detection and self-exams, emphasizing the importance of being proactive about one’s health. By sharing his story and challenging the stigma around male breast cancer, Ron has become a voice for others facing the disease, inspiring men to take charge of their health and seek support when needed.

Connect with Ron:

Podcast Website:    https://itsawrapwithrap.com

Podcast Email:        itsawrapwithrap@gmail.com

Podcast YouTube channel:    ITS A WRAP WITH RAP-THE PODCAST UNCUT

Connect with Jen:

I Need Blue  now has a new home at The Healing in Sharing! Visit thehealinginsharing.com  to explore Round Chair Conversations, all relevant I Need Blue content, and ways to support the mission of sharing stories that inspire hope and resilience.

By sharing the hidden lines of our stories, we remind each other we are not alone — together, we step out of hiding and into healing. 

Instagram: @ineedbluepodcast
YouTube:     https://www.youtube.com/@ineedblue

Apple Podcasts: Listen & Subscribe
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11

Memoir: Why I Survived, by Jennifer Lee on Amazon

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show