I Need Blue

Jennifer Lee
I Need Blue

I turned around to see a masked man pointing a gun at me. It was just the beginning of a series of events, including robbery and abduction, which changed my life forever. I Need Blue, hosted by Jen Lee, is a podcast series featuring lived-experiences from survivors of life events. I NEED BLUE creates space for survivors of trauma to feel they BELONG, are LOVED, UNDERSTOOD and EMPOWERED! I called 9-1-1 and they provided me with life-saving directions to help my customer who was having a medical emergency. Law enforcement rescued us and caught the robber. Our first-responders face unique traumas every day. I NEED BLUE provides space for them too!

  1. Shala: Breaking Generational Trauma, Building Futures - Treasure Coast Girls Coalition

    JUN 23

    Shala: Breaking Generational Trauma, Building Futures - Treasure Coast Girls Coalition

    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: info@treasurecoastgirls.org 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: 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

    51 min
  2. Jeff: A Badge, a Battle, a Breakthrough: The Real Story of a Florida Police Officer

    JUN 9

    Jeff: A Badge, a Battle, a Breakthrough: The Real Story of a Florida Police Officer

    A single ride-along changed Jeff Otis’s life forever, launching a 26-year career in law enforcement marked by tragedy, trauma, and ultimately, profound healing. His journey began with heartbreak when a fellow officer and friend was killed during a routine call—while Jeff was still in training. From that moment, he lived under constant hypervigilance, navigating standoffs, officer-down situations, and countless traumatic crime scenes. Through raw, honest conversation, Jeff pulls back the curtain on the psychological price of protection, revealing how officers are taught to "suck it up" rather than heal. When symptoms of PTSD finally surfaced—panic attacks, night terrors, debilitating headaches—Jeff tried to push through until a move to Vero Beach, Florida opened the door to real healing. Through community policing and innovative therapies like ketamine treatment and ceremonial plant medicine, he found freedom from decades of silent suffering. Jeff’s story shatters stereotypes about first responders, showing that seeking help isn’t weakness—it's strength. His journey is a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a human being carrying extraordinary experiences, often without enough support. Contact Jeff: jefferyotis@hotmail.com Resources discussed in this episode: Bella Vida Chapel Sacrament Ceremonies in Melbourne Florida https://www.bellavidachapel.com Emerald Health - Comprehensive Primary Care Medical Clinic in Vero Beach, FL https://www.emerald-medical.com   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

    43 min
  3. Safe Families for Children of the Treasure Coast Chapter- From Crisis to Support

    MAY 26

    Safe Families for Children of the Treasure Coast Chapter- From Crisis to Support

    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: 772-217-9066https://treasurecoast.safe-families.org Contact Jesse Ray about volunteering: jray@safefamilies.net Hope for Family Center: 720 4th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32962772-567-5537https://hopeforfamiliescenter.org Indian River, United Against Poverty: 1400 27th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960772-564-9365https://unitedagainstpoverty.org/campus/indian-river  St. Lucie Count, United Against Poverty:  2520 Orange Ave, Fort Pierce, FL 34947772-468-8543https://unitedagainstpoverty.org Treasure Coast Homeless Services: https://tchelpspot.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

    34 min
  4. Mika: Her Dad Becomes a Hero, Saving Her from a Murderous Boyfriend

    MAY 12

    Mika: Her Dad Becomes a Hero, Saving Her from a Murderous Boyfriend

    Step into the incredible journey of Mika, a survivor who faced unimaginable trauma yet emerged with a message brimming with hope and resilience. Her story begins in a humble household, set against the backdrop of immigrant struggle and love. Micah shares how her upbringing instilled a sense of responsibility and a strong moral compass, shaping her into the empowered individual she is today. But life took a dramatic turn when red flags in her relationship blurred her judgment. What began as a love story soon escalated into violence, leading to a harrowing day that would shatter her family. The loss of her father at the hands of her ex-boyfriend is an experience that changed the course of her life forever. Listen closely as Mika recounts the gripping details of that moment and the emotional turmoil that followed—grief, guilt, and the quest for healing. Through this cathartic experience, Micah emphasizes forgiveness as pivotal to her recovery. Her newfound purpose is guiding her to create a non-profit to educate youth about emotional awareness and relationships. With determination and an unwavering spirit, Mika seeks to transform her painful history into advocacy, providing a voice for those affected by similar circumstances.  Join us for this heartfelt conversation, in which we encourage listeners to recognize relationship warning signs and prioritize healing and self-love. As you listen, reflect on your experiences and how we can all contribute to a supportive, understanding community.  Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you found inspiration in Mika's story!  Connect with Mika:  Personal Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/k.banks.1?igsh=MXA5cWZzMjRqMmYxdQ== Business URL:  https://www.instagram.com/aladinsevents?igsh=enlkdzVwczM1eXcz Ebook/Credit Services: https://www.aladinluxuryenterprise.com/category/all-products 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

    46 min

  5. MAY 5

    Season 5 Introduction to I Need Blue

    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

    1 min
  6. Love Beyond Limits: Chad and Allison's Journey with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

    APR 21

    Love Beyond Limits: Chad and Allison's Journey with Osteogenesis Imperfecta

    What happens when two people with the same rare genetic disorder fall in love? Chad and Allison's love story defies the challenges of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a condition that causes brittle bones. Chad, born 20" long, overcame a grim doctor's prognosis, defying expectations with humor and determination. Growing up in Mississippi, he excelled in school and built a successful career as a government contractor. Allison's OI journey included numerous hospital stays and challenges, but she remained independent and strong. When she met Chad through an OI support group, their connection was instant, and at their first meeting, Chad knew he had found the one he would marry. Their relationship is built on shared experiences and mutual understanding, and together, they've created a life filled with love, laughter, and resilience. Chad's recent retirement and the upcoming release of his documentary, 96 Pounds of Dynamite, mark a new chapter in their journey. Their story proves that true strength comes not from physical abilities but from the courage to live fully despite challenges. As Chad says, “There’s no magic way to get through life and OI... just faith, prayer, and laughter.” Tune in to learn how two people with fragile bones built an unbreakable bond, and how their journey teaches resilience, love, and joy in unexpected places. To watch the trailer:  96lbs of Dynamite: https://dynamite-film.com/ 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

    40 min
  7. Nicole: Navigating Birth Trauma, Child Loss, and the Healing Power of Storytelling

    APR 7

    Nicole: Navigating Birth Trauma, Child Loss, and the Healing Power of Storytelling

    Meet Nicole, a resilient mother who shares her harrowing birth trauma experience while giving birth in Germany only to discover she would be fighting for her son Owen’s survival. Birth trauma is a deeply personal and often overlooked experience that can stem from medical complications, lack of support, or feeling powerless during childbirth. The emotional and physical impact can linger long after delivery, affecting mental health, relationships, and even future pregnancies. Healing from birth trauma requires compassionate care, safe spaces to share, and the recognition that every birth story deserves to be heard and validated. Nicole and her husband boarded a military C-17 with their newborn son, Owen, for a high-risk medical transfer to the U.S. Just seven days postpartum, Nicole found herself on a freezing plane, pumping every three hours while surrounded by a full neonatal team ensuring Owen’s fragile survival. What followed was a relentless battle—two open-heart surgeries, life-threatening complications, and a harrowing stay in the ICU, where each day brought a new crisis, forcing Nicole to confront impossible choices and redefine hope in the face of unimaginable uncertainty. Through raw storytelling, we reveal the power of advocacy, the need for safe spaces, and the healing that comes from being honestly heard. Connect with Nicole: Nicole provides Perinatal support, grief and loss, birth trauma, life coaching, and hosts women's retreats.  Website: https://www.mothernurtureconsulting.com/ Instagram: @stucktosovereigncoaching https://www.instagram.com/motheringismedicine/ Email:  nicole@mothernurtureconsulting.com 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 Char Good. https://chargood.com/home Support the show

    50 min
  8. Doug: A Navy Veteran’s Journey of Surviving Suicide, Mental Health Advocacy, and Hope

    MAR 24

    Doug: A Navy Veteran’s Journey of Surviving Suicide, Mental Health Advocacy, and Hope

    Doug's inspiring journey highlights overcoming childhood bullying, finding purpose through sports, and serving in the Navy despite a near-drowning experience. After leaving the military in 1984, he battled depression, failed relationships, and two suicide attempts. Seeking direction, he re-enlisted, deployed to Iraq in 2004, survived an ambush and a life-threatening infection, and was later medically retired. Feeling abandoned, he turned to veteran advocacy, mental health awareness, and mentoring through organizations like Toastmasters and the VFW.  In this episode, Doug emphasizes that suicide is a temporary escape from pain and urges those struggling to seek support, coping strategies, and community. His mission continues through Beacon for Hope, promoting daily acts of kindness and suicide prevention. He shares life lessons on resilience, mental health, and finding purpose through his upcoming book and speaking engagements. Connect with Doug:  Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglasbrinker-inspirationalspeaker/ Beacon 4 Hope LLC Website:  https://douglasbrinker.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/Beacon4Hope2024 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Beacon4Hope/ 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 Char Good. https://chargood.com/home Support the show

    46 min
See All (98)

4.8
out of 5
46 Ratings

About

I turned around to see a masked man pointing a gun at me. It was just the beginning of a series of events, including robbery and abduction, which changed my life forever. I Need Blue, hosted by Jen Lee, is a podcast series featuring lived-experiences from survivors of life events. I NEED BLUE creates space for survivors of trauma to feel they BELONG, are LOVED, UNDERSTOOD and EMPOWERED! I called 9-1-1 and they provided me with life-saving directions to help my customer who was having a medical emergency. Law enforcement rescued us and caught the robber. Our first-responders face unique traumas every day. I NEED BLUE provides space for them too!

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Lee
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 I Need Blue
  • Show Website
    I Need Blue

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