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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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:[email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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

Support the show

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