Sean’s life took a dramatic turn five years ago when a car accident left him paralyzed from the chest down. In this deeply emotional episode, Sean, along with his children Abigail and Perry, shares their heart-wrenching journey through shock, grief, and ultimately, the power of love and resilience. 

As his children saw him in the hospital, unrecognizable and covered in bandages, they were overwhelmed with emotion, but it was through the support of his family and friends that Sean found the strength to fight for his life. 

The family’s unwavering bond and moments of laughter helped them overcome their struggles, turning a tragic event into a story of hope and perseverance. This episode is a testament to the unbreakable spirit of a family who refused to give up, with powerful moments, including a special song they all share, that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

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

"The devil doesn't come with horns and a pitchfork. He comes dressed as everything you've ever wanted." ~E'ala

E'ala shares her powerful journey of escaping three abusive relationships and finding strength in breaking the cycle of domestic violence. After witnessing the tragic deaths of three women she knew, E'ala found the courage to speak out and offer hope to others in similar situations. 

From recognizing the signs of abuse to breaking free and ultimately finding a supportive, loving relationship, E'ala's story is one of resilience and empowerment. In this episode, we explore the emotional and physical toll of abuse, the impact of isolation and gaslighting, and how victims can protect themselves and seek help.

National Help hotlines:
https://ineedblue.net/resources-%26-products
Stay safe tips:
https://ineedblue.net/resources-%26-products

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

Donna Bollinger, a former record-breaking swimmer and NFL wife, shares her journey of overcoming life's toughest challenges. From navigating an impending divorce to personal tragedies, Donna's unwavering positivity and faith remind us that "something good is going to come out of this." Tune in for an inspiring episode of survival, determination, and the power of keeping your heart warm through life's storms. 

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 purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

 "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:

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 purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

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:

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 purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com?

Support the show

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:

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 purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

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.
 
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 purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show

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:

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 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:

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 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:

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 purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show