"What is Fentanyl and why does this drug matter to me?"
" I don't do drugs and my child knows to say "no."
 Fentanyl has been found in all 50 states; from metropolitan to rural areas, no community is immune from this drug.  It is highly addictive and often mixed with other drugs or pressed into pill form, disguised, leading to the poisoning of the unsuspecting user.

Commander Vic DeSantis, Brevard County Sheriff's office,  uses this opportunity to educate our community and every community throughout America about the dangers of fentanyl-related poisonings.  It is becoming the leading killer of adults ages 18 to 45.

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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/
 

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After losing her husband, Debby Montgomery Johnson ventured into online dating, encouraged by friends to find companionship once again. She soon connected with someone who seemed perfect, but this man was not who he claimed to be. 

What followed was a heartbreaking and financially devastating experience where Debby was scammed out of over a million dollars. Left feeling betrayed and isolated, Debby found the strength to rebuild her life and now uses her story to advocate for others, helping them avoid the same traps she fell into. In this episode, Debby shares the emotional toll of online romance scams, the vulnerability of being deceived by someone seemingly trustworthy, and offers solace for others who have experienced similar fraud.

If you think you may be a victim of a romance and online scam, visit https://romancescamsnow.com/  to find education and support.

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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Taylor is a wife, mom, and content creator who is also a childhood sexual abuse survivor. She uses her social media platform to share her day-to-day life and to inspire women around the world to overcome, persevere, and live their best lives.
 
 This is Taylor 's story...
 
Taylor was sexually abused by her grandfather from a very young age. She remembers being groomed from around age three, and the abuse continued until she was twelve. When she was around seven or eight, she realized that something wasn't right and tried to push back, but her grandpa didn't stop. The abuse continued until she was twelve and she found out that there were other victims in her family. Once she hit puberty, the abuse stopped, but she suffered from mental health issues, substance abuse, and self-harm. She is now an advocate for other survivors and is working on healing herself.


To find more information about Taylor:
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the_taylorleeann?_t=8VobSiMGRzS&_r=1

Instagram: @The_TaylorLeeann

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taylor.leeann.507

Survivor merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/taylor-lee-ann/

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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

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Jasmin Peach, a former Australian police officer, is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health within the first responder community. With a qualification as a domestic violence investigator, she shares the challenges and emotional toll of her career. Jasmin entered the police force to help people but soon faced the harsh realities of traumatic experiences, from domestic violence to witnessing families grieve. In this episode, she opens up about the importance of proper training, the need for support systems, and why it’s crucial for officers to seek help when necessary. Tune in to learn how Jasmin’s journey sheds light on the often unseen mental health struggles of first responders.
 
To hear Jasmin's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-the-stigma-first-responders-and-mental-health/id1633848205

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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

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A young girl who is sexually assaulted by her teacher turns her trauma into a force for good, using her story to help other survivors and prevent future abuse. 

May 5th, 1994 the cover of the River Cities Gazette reads, TEACHER CONFESSES, I fondled my students. Miami Springs Middle School teacher, Ronald Bach said he took the girls, most of whom were his teacher aides, out of classes by writing passes which  excused their absences. When he was finally caught there was presumably 16 other victims. Only 1 of the victims, who was 12 years old during the abuse, now age 15 pressed charges. 

The lone survivor who pressed charges, is my guest today. Michele Vergho describes the “grooming” and abuse she endured.


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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

In this episode, Barry Walton, an accomplished director and Emmy Award winner, shares his inspiring journey from childhood struggles to professional success. Despite facing the emotional challenge of being held back in third grade, an experience that left him feeling ashamed and misunderstood, Barry persevered to become a respected director with five documentaries and numerous awards to his name, including 15 for best documentary short. 

He opens up about how that early setback shaped his life, emphasizing the importance of managing your narrative and the lasting impact such experiences can have. Barry’s story is a powerful reminder that your past doesn’t define you, and with determination and self-awareness, success is within reach.
 
Contact Barry:

 https://www.endlessmedia1.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaZqjdYbALj7CnTf4g6kuOYPWlWzEOKm7Tkk1znseFAXTSCYR7Eu90dhK0_aem_QTQjrApy3Sj3i_z3rqHExw

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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

"I talked to my son a week ago. He was going to be home in one month. 30 days and he would be returning home from the Army. He was an honorable part of Operation Enduring Freedom stationed in Afghanistan and my baby is headed home. I can wait for a hug. I just can’t wait." 

 Michelle never got that hug. The next time she saw her son, he was in a casket. He died with glory serving his country, the United States of America. But all the glory in the world would not replace the pain of her broken heart. Her son was now a fallen soldier. 

Michelle later learned her son was not afraid to die. He was afraid to be forgotten! So today we honor him and the other soldier who died beside him. 

Michelle is now President of the American Gold Star Mothers in the state of FL.  We are here to honor her son Dale and give recognition to all the gold star mothers out there. 

 For additional information about the Indian River County, FL Gold Star moms chapter, visit:
https://www.ircgoldstarmoms.org/
Email Michelle at: MichDaleIRC@[email protected]
Visit https://www.goldstarmoms.com/ for the national directory.
Dogs For Life, Vero Beach, FL - https://www.dogsforlifevb.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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

Pam's encounter with a potential stalker at a conference highlights the importance of situational awareness. In this episode, Pam shares her chilling experience, and safety expert Mike Dandridge offers expert strategies to help solo female travelers stay safe.

You’ll learn how to:

• Trust your instincts to spot red flags.
• Safeguard your personal information in the digital world.
• Report unsettling events effectively.
• Use tech like AirTags for added protection.

My special guest is Mike is a seasoned expert in the field of personal safety with over two decades of practical experience. Having worked extensively in executive protection, travel security, and crisis management, he has honed his expertise in minimizing risk and enhancing personal safety. Now, Mike devotes his time to helping women stay safe and secure, especially during travel. He has developed a much-needed online course titled 'Travel with Confidence,' aiming specifically at solo female travelers, providing them with the tools to create their safety plan and confidently respond to possible threats.

Connect with Mike: 

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/mike_dandridge/

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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/
 

Support the show

The Guardian Ad Litem is a foster child's eyes and ears and they advocate for their well being to make sure they are getting what they need. Today's episode is filled with love, passion and purpose.

My first guest, Mary was removed from her home during her sensitive teen years. She had been sexually abused by a family member. As you hear her describe how these events left her emotionally devastated at an age where navigating such things were already challenging, you will learn how asking questions is key. Today Mary is a volunteer, a Guardian Ad Litem to advocate for a child. She asks the questions and gets the answers so a child has the best possible path for their future success.

My next guest,  Jenny James is a Child Advocate Manager. She provides support for volunteers such as Mary. When you take on the rewarding journey of becoming a Guardian Ad Litem you have support.  Jenny is here to share her journey and explain the ways she supports volunteers. It is a team effort.

 Cynthia Rickard is a Volunteer Recruiter. Currently there are not enough volunteers. Not every child in dependency court has an advocate. You will be touched by this episode and if you find yourself asking the question, maybe I can do this? Information is provided below.

If you are passionate about children and want to make a difference in a child's life, you can help by becoming a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer. To learn more, reach out to recruiter Cynthia Rickard at 321-271-1304 or visit www.GuardianAdLitem.org to find opportunities within the state of Florida.

For more information about becoming a CASA:  https://nationalcasagal.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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

In this emotional episode, Kristen courageously shares her traumatic experience of sexual assault, revealing the profound impact it had on her life. Just when it seemed she had found healing, a shocking twist leaves her vulnerable, making us wonder what happens next. Kristen challenges common myths about sexual assault and online dating, such as the blame placed on victims, the safety of online platforms, and the misconception that assault only occurs in person. Through her powerful story, Kristen sheds light on the hidden dangers of online dating, raises awareness, and highlights the importance of compassion and support for survivors.

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 Podasts.

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/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show