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:

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

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:

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 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:

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 emotional episode, Suzy opens up about the devastating loss of her son to fentanyl poisoning, turning her grief into a passionate mission to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of this deadly drug. 

Her personal story is a powerful reminder of how easily fentanyl can slip into the lives of unsuspecting teenagers, often through online platforms, and how its effects differ from traditional overdoses. 

With raw emotion and urgency, Suzy shares her journey to protect others from experiencing the same heartbreak, urging us all to take action and ensure our teens are aware of the risks before it's too late.

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

Stacy Webb, former Australian detective, shares her journey from battling PTSD to becoming an Intuitive Trauma Release mentor. After experiencing the toll trauma took on her own mental health, Stacy now helps others heal. 

In this episode, we’ll explore policing in Australia vs the U.S., the universal impact of trauma, and dive into her unique trauma release techniques. Plus, learn about her book, The Intuitive Detective. If you’re curious about new ways to heal, this conversation is a must-listen!"

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

Ten years after the night that changed everything, Becki receives a phone call she never expected, bringing long-awaited answers and reopening years of quiet fear. She continues her story, reflecting on trauma, silence, and how truth can arrive long after we’ve learned to survive. Hear from her husband and daughter as they show how love, presence, and patience can hold space for healing.

To hear the beginning of Becki’s journey, listen to Part 1: The Night Everything Changed.

This episode includes discussion of sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.
 If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.

💙 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. Learn more at thehealinginsharing.com

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

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

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

Support the show

Christmas night, Becki became a survivor of rape. After leaving her family's  house, she made a stop on her way home.  He saw her there and followed her home. She didn't notice until the sound of the washer machine lid falling jarred her awake. This begins a series of events which haunt her today.   Included in this conversation is her husband Lloyd who was her boyfriend at the time.  

 Some details have been altered to protect the identity of the survivor. 

 Part 1 of a 2 part series. Episode 2 is being released on July 4th.

This episode focuses on the topic of rape. If you are a victim of rape or know someone who is, contact the National Sexual Assault hotline operated by RAINN, which is the largest anti sexual violence organization. They can be reached at 1-800-656 HOPE.  When you call this hotline, it automatically routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. 

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

At 13, Maya’s world changed when her 2-year-old sister was diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia). Thrust into a chaotic, emotional journey, Maya experienced fear, confusion, and loneliness, feelings many siblings of cancer patients know too well.

Now 21, Maya reflects on her story to offer comfort to others in similar situations, sharing the emotional challenges and misunderstandings she faced. “My friends thought I would give them cancer,” Maya recalls, describing the isolation of caring for her sister during treatment. Her sister is now 9, and Maya’s story aims to remind others they’re not alone in their battles.

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

At age 12, Keirra's life took a dramatic turn when she left her absent mother and faced years of instability, drugs, prostitution, and living in a safe house. Now a single mom, Keirra found hope and guidance through Lisa Soloway and the Lift Up Young Lives program in Brevard County, FL.

Lisa, the executive director, created the program after adopting her daughter Tiffany from foster care. Lisa realized how many kids age out of the system without a forever family, leading to homelessness and trauma. Lift Up Young Lives offers life skills to help these young adults and teens build a brighter future. Since 2017, the program has empowered countless individuals by teaching the tools they need to thrive.

Visit: https://www.readyforlifebrevard.org/ for further details

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

This episode sheds light on children in foster care searching for their forever homes. While the hope is always for a better environment, sometimes situations make them more vulnerable. I never fully considered the foster care system until now—after this, I won’t forget.

Meet Jaci Cortez, who spent years in foster care from ages 4-21. Her life took a turn when her mother was arrested and deported, leaving Jaci in foster care. When an aunt took her in, things didn’t improve as expected, and Jaci endured years of abuse. Through her faith and resilience, she now shares her story of survival. In her words: “If you’ve ever been hurt or abused, never give up. Nothing lasts forever.”

Joining us is Jayne Amelia Larson, a CASA volunteer in Los Angeles and host of the Bonus Babies podcast. Jayne shares how she became a CASA, how foster kids are real superheroes, and what she’s learned from helping children navigate a challenging system.

To hear bonus babies visit, www.bonusbabies.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 purple-planet.com.
https://www.purple-planet.com/

Support the show