The Healing In Sharing

One night. One moment. A lifetime of impact. In this episode, Theresa shares how a violent experience as a teenager changed the course of her life in ways she never expected. What happened in a single night didn’t just stay in the past, it shaped how she saw herself, her safety, her voice, and her future. But this is more than just a story about trauma. It’s about what comes next. It’s about carrying something heavy over the years... and what it feels like to slowly start unpacking it. Through honesty and courage, Theresa shares the lasting effects of violence, the quiet ways it follows you, and the strength needed to face it. If you’ve ever wondered how one moment can shape a lifetime or how healing begins after something you didn’t choose, this conversation will meet you there. Basic teen dating violence tips You can use these in captions, carousel text, or a post under the episode art: National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) Call or text 800-799-7233 (SAFE) Chat at thehotline.org Available 24/7, confidential, and free. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Learn more: www.thehealinginsharing.com Jen Lee Listens: Private listening support for women. Book Here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=38958021 Follow: Instagram: @TheHealingInSharing YouTube: @TheHealingInSharing11 Email: TheHealingInSharing@gmail.com Subscribe: Apple podcast, Spotify, etc Book: Why I Survived; Where Survival Becomes Strength: https://a.co/d/0dKLym3O The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Melissa Turri. https://melissaturrimusic.com/ Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Have you ever felt a quiet whisper telling you to trust something bigger than yourself… even when it makes no logical sense? What if religion and spirituality were never meant to compete, but to walk side by side? In this episode of The Healing in Sharing, Jennifer “Jen” Lee sits down with intuitive and spiritual guide Jax, a woman who learned to trust the whisper long before the miracle appeared. Jax received a message she couldn’t ignore: sell the house, leave New Jersey, and start fresh. She trusted it, packed up her life with her husband, and stepped into the unknown. But just as a new chapter was about to begin, everything changed. Her husband fell nearly thirty feet at work and ended up in the hospital, turning their leap of faith into a test of endurance overnight. Instead of letting fear dominate, Jax leaned further into faith, healing practices, and the power of words. In this conversation, she explains Reiki and energy work in simple terms and how they can support the body’s healing alongside practical tools like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory nutrition, meditation, and intentional speech. The words we repeat about ourselves—strength, hope, capability—shape the outcome more than we realize. Jax also shares what it looks like to build a life where religion and spirituality hold hands. From navigating an interfaith marriage to creating a kosher home rooted in respect and clarity, she shows how two belief systems can coexist without losing personal truth. If you’ve ever wrestled with faith and spirituality, questioned your intuition, or wondered if healing can come from both tradition and personal connection to the divine, this episode offers a powerful reminder: it doesn’t have to be either/or. Sometimes, the answer is both. You don’t have to carry it alone. Start with a conversation. Learn more: www.thehealinginsharing.com Follow: Instagram: @TheHealingInSharing YouTube: @TheHealingInSharing11 Email: TheHealingInSharing@gmail.com Subscribe: Apple podcast, Spotify, etc Book: Why I Survived; Where Survival Becomes Strength The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Melissa Turri. https://melissaturrimusic.com/ Support the show

Breaking the Silence of Abuse. Reclaiming Power After Faith-Based Shame. Embracing Healing and Restoration. Donna shares her journey growing up in the 70s and 80s, a time when women were expected to “protect the marriage,” “don’t embarrass the family,” and keep domestic struggles hidden. Enduring religious shame and domestic abuse, she faced fear, isolation, and near tragedy, yet found the courage to reclaim her life. In this deeply honest episode, Donna opens up about confronting trauma, seeking faith and counseling, and leaning on community to turn shame into restoration. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to heal, this conversation shows that hope endures, strength can be rebuilt, and your voice can finally be heard. National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) Call or text 800-799-7233 (SAFE) Chat at thehotline.org Available 24/7, confidential, and free. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Learn more: www.thehealinginsharing.com Follow: Instagram: @TheHealingInSharing YouTube: @TheHealingInSharing11 Email: TheHealingInSharing@gmail.com Subscribe: Apple podcast, Spotify, etc Book: Why I Survived; Where Survival Becomes Strength: https://a.co/d/0dKLym3O The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Melissa Turri. https://melissaturrimusic.com/ Support the show

Where there has been silence, there can be sharing. Is this the end of I Need Blue… or a new beginning? I started I Need Blue to share stories of survival, truth, and resilience. Over time, I saw a deeper need: women carrying experiences, past and present, that still shape their hearts and lives. So I made a decision: I Need Blue is becoming The Healing in Sharing. This isn’t an ending. It’s a refining of the mission. Here, women tell their stories honestly, courageously, and without shame. We grow when we share, rebuild when we are seen, and find healing together. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just arriving, welcome. We’re stepping into something more focused, more defined, and more powerful. And we’re just getting started. Learn more: www.thehealinginsharing.com Follow: Instagram: @TheHealingInSharing YouTube: @TheHealingInSharing11 Email: TheHealingInSharing@gmail.com Subscribe: Apple podcast, Spotify, etc Book: Why I Survived; Where Survival Becomes Strength Support the show

A teenager working as a bookmaker while loading books for the Teamsters, a young man sprinting into the Marines to outrun the mob, and a veteran who discovers that the loudest battles begin after you come home. Mark’s story pulls you from Philadelphia’s streets to the Gulf War, across a kibbutz in Israel, and into a quiet Florida room where thirty minutes of stillness begin to change everything. We explore the human cost of pressure and war, and the small, repetitive practices that rebuild a nervous system and a life. Mark opens the chapters with rarely told stories of surviving when friends don’t, of masking panic behind success, and of the first awkward steps toward help at a Veteran Center. Through Zen meditation, filmmaking, public service, and spiritual communities, he discovers how the body learns steadiness and how the mind is guided. If you’re navigating trauma, PTSD, addiction, or the quiet ache of being “high-functioning” yet unwell, this conversation offers grounded tools and proof that change is possible. Connect with Mark: Documentary on YouTube: Woke Up Alive (A Unique and Honest Spiritual Journey) https://stareatthewall.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 Melissa Turri. https://melissaturrimusic.com/ Support the show

"It's going to be the work of the Holy Spirit that ultimately breaks through the barriers that people build." ~ BJ BJ, a 24-year firefighter and special operations responder, opens up about the calls that never leave you—the wreckage he’s witnessed, the scenes he grew up around, and the cumulative weight of what first responders carry long after the sirens fade. His story reveals how years of service and personal loss pushed him to rethink what real healing looks like. This episode explores why mental health is more than mindset—how sleep debt, hormone imbalance, gut health, and chronic stress impact the brain and body—and how faith, paired with biology, became a path forward. As CEO of Healing Hometown Heroes, BJ shares practical tools that actually work: post-shift decompression, peer support, honest family conversations, and movement as medicine. If you serve—or love someone who does—this conversation offers hope you can use today. Subscribe, share with a first responder, and leave a review telling us which tool you’ll try first. You don’t have to carry this alone. Connect with BJ and Healing Hometown Heroes: https://www.h3adventures.com/ Mailing Address: 5851 Marion County Rd. Lady Lake, FL 32159 Email: info@h3adventures.org Tel: 352-250-5615 Hear Marly's episode: What if stress is the brain's response, not something wrong with you? https://www.buzzsprout.com/1771834/episodes/18288924 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

"I want to educate every first responder that is struggling because they're our heroes and they're the ones that need to be poured into" ~ Marly Burnout, PTSD, and constant high-alert living take a toll—especially on first responders. Neurotrainer and TBI survivor Marly Jones explains how chronic stress rewires the brain, causing fog, exhaustion, irritability, and poor sleep. She breaks down how trauma, toxins, and relentless shifts overload the limbic system and spark inflammation, and shares practical ways to reset—better sleep, lowering inflammatory triggers, boosting resilience, and gentle neurotraining. A naturopath and certified brain health expert, Marly leads Change Your Brain, a free seminar supporting first responders in healing and rebuilding strength from the inside out. Connect with Marly: Website: https://harmonyneurofeedback.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyneurofeedback/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyneurofeedback/ Schedule your consultation: https://mindrenewalmethod.com/ Podcast: Healing Chronic Illness with Marly 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

"The sickness slowed me down and gave me time alone to get to know myself, reflect on my life and learn who I was" ~ Sondee In this episode, we follow Sondee’s journey through hyperacusis, misdiagnosis, and the terrifying possibility of losing her independence. A low-frequency hum became the trigger that unraveled her nervous system, leading to vertigo and migraines. After a 2022 concert, months of denial, financial strain, and the emotional weight of parenting while unwell, her search for answers pushed her past symptom labels and into functional medicine testing, uncovering food sensitivities that shifted everything. Sondee also shares the emotional side—the cost of staying silent, the courage to ask for help, and the power of rebuilding community. Her story becomes a blueprint for anyone seeking root-cause healing and an honest path forward. Connect with Sondee: Business website: https://yourmoneygal.com Email: info@yourmoneygal.com weVENTURE: https://weventure.fit.edu/ 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

"I surrender to you, Jesus, take care of everything" ~ Jennifer Some stories redefine strength. Jennifer Cleveland’s journey carried her from a Georgia farm to the chaos of an ER, and then into darkness as her vision faded. What could have ended her story instead became a transformation. With faith as her compass, a white cane as her guide, and yoga and healing touch as her tools, she turned loss into purpose and presence. From tending fields to teaching trauma-informed movement, Jennifer rebuilt her life by surrendering, serving, and showing others how resilience is formed one mindful choice at a time. Her journey proves that even in the darkest seasons, strength can still become light. Connect with Jennifer, licensed massage therapist, and Thai Yoga Massage practitioner at Inner Sight Living. Website: https://innersightliving.wordpress.com/ Email: innersightliving@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/innersightliving Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innersightliving/ 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

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: 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: https://whyisurvived.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 LinkedInFacebook: Dawn McCartyFacebook: Sealed To My Abductor 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: https://whyisurvived.com/ Support the show

Her daughter’s absence became Barbara’s purpose: to break cycles of alienation, pain, and silence. For Barbara, it began with a lifetime of not belonging—first in her family, then in a broken marriage that spiraled into a fight not in court, but in the fragile space between mother and child no parent should ever face. Parental alienation twisted love into fear, turning her daughters against her with cult-like intensity. She watched in anguish as her children grew terrified of being seen with her, their innocence stolen by manipulation. And then the unthinkable happened: her 15-year-old daughter, Erin, ended her life—a tragedy Barbara had pleaded with professionals to prevent. Out of that unbearable loss, Barbara chose purpose. Today, she is a wellness advocate, speaker, and author who helps women navigate divorce, heal generational wounds, and reclaim their lives. Through her program Own Your Life, she offers the support she once needed, guiding others to rise above the pain with courage and hope. Barbara’s story is proof that even in the aftermath of unimaginable heartbreak, healing and transformation are not only possible—they can become a beacon for others still fighting in the dark. Connect with Barbara: Instagram: WellnessMattersYouMatter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbaradrtina https://www.facebook.com/WellnessMattersYouMatter/ You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellnessMattersYouMatter Website: https://wellnessmattersyoumatter.com/ Email: bdrtina@gmail.com Purchase my Book: Amazon: Ignite Possibilities 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: https://whyisurvived.com/ 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 phone awayScan your surroundingsTrust your instinctsact on them earlyPlanning Ahead Have a planescape routesDefault to escapingchose the time and placePractical Preparedness keys in handdistraction itemAvoid carrying your only defensive itemstrong body languageIncrease Your Odds buddy systemask for store staffyell or screamNever obey commandsMindset & Training Stay calmPractice your planbasic self-defense traininggood habits todayConnect 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 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: 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: https://whyisurvived.com/ 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 Saturday morning in March 2007, she had no idea her life was about to change forever. What followed was a horrific sexual assault in her own home—a place that should have been her sanctuary. For eighteen years she has carried this trauma, reliving it each March through recurring nightmares. Despite a thorough police investigation that linked her attacker to multiple assaults across two countries, he was never caught—leaving her without the closure conventional justice might have provided. Yet Teresa’s resilience defines her story, not the violence. Raised by government investigator parents, she stayed alert during the attack, noticing critical details that helped police, and when the chance came to escape, she took it with courage. Rather than remain in “victim-hood,” Teresa returned to her apartment, faced her fears, and leaned on faith, therapy, supportive friends, her pets and artistic expression to reclaim her voice. Now, by sharing her story, she hopes to reach others still suffering in silence: Feel empowered to go forward, tell your story with God guiding you.” 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: 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/ 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: 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/ Support the show

Some heroes don't wear capes—they open their garage doors. Jason's bimonthly poker nights have become a sacred space for military personnel and first responders seeking something deeper than cards: genuine brotherhood. Behind the camaraderie lies Jason’s own battle—his service in the Coast Guard exposed him to trauma that embedded deep, leading to PTSD, and later, injuries during his time in the Army. Like many who serve, he struggled with vulnerability—finding it harder to ask for help than to face danger. Trained to be strong and self-reliant, he wasn’t prepared for a life where even basic tasks required assistance. A year into recovery and at the brink of ending his life, Jason made a life-saving call to a friend—an act of courage that sparked a mission. Now CEO of Alpha Ready Company, and Alpha Ready clothing brand, he uses his experience to build community and create safe, stigma-free spaces for healing. As a Christian, husband, father, and Podcaster, he reminds others that strength isn't in silence, but in connection. His story proves that purpose can rise from pain—and that sometimes, the most powerful battles are fought not in uniform, but around a garage table filled with hurting heroes learning to heal. 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: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/ YouTube: @ineedblue Facebook: I Need Blue Podcast Website: https://ineedblue.net/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62R7ZEcZIp4gqtCVxgqRsv Purchase my book or Audiobook: https://ineedblue.net/author Support the show

As a child, Adam watched police cars race past his window, dreaming of becoming an “ER car man.” That dream came true through military service and police work—until a call to Walmart on April 8, 2016, changed everything. Confronted by a woman with a hatchet, Adam made a split-second decision to use deadly force. Though cleared by investigators, the incident triggered a silent battle with PTSD. “I knew what I had done. I changed lives. I took her life, I changed my life,” he says. What follows is a brutally honest account of self-destruction. Adam reveals how he drowned his trauma in alcohol, numbed himself through casual encounters, and pushed away those who cared about him. Most shocking is the institutional response—after years of exemplary service, his department issued a cease-and-desist order to stop speaking about his mental health and eventually terminated him. “I was completely ghosted by everybody,” Adam recalls. After proper mental health treatment arranged by his sister, Adam returned to policing as a captain at a department that actively supports his mental health advocacy. He now works to shatter the stigma around first responder trauma through his organization. Do you know someone struggling with invisible wounds? Adam's message is clear: healing is possible, help is available, and no one should suffer in silence. Connect with Adam: Website: StopTheThreatStopTheStigma.org Email: adam@stopthethreatstopthestigma.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/ Support the show