Explore the incredible journey of Robbie, a paramedic who braved the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced unthinkable trauma, and discovered the profound kindness of humankind in moments of crisis.

During the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic in Tampa, he witnessed the chaos and uncertainty that enveloped the healthcare system, where overwhelmed first responders grappled with fragmented communication and escalating demands. Robbie's experiences highlight the immense pressure and emotional toll on individuals committed to saving lives in such dire circumstances.

His reflections highlight the critical importance of mental health and the need for supportive relationships with both colleagues and friends beyond the job. Robbie shares the unique challenges of balancing family life while constantly living on "alarm time," always ready for the next call. Through heartfelt anecdotes from his experiences in private and government-funded EMS roles, he provides valuable insights into the differences between these environments and their impact on paramedics' lives.

This story is for anyone drawn to this vital work or who wants to understand the dedication of first responders.

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 us a review and rating here: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/i-need-blue/cf77fdb3-396e-4c1c-82aa-c2c3f6d1eee2/ratings-and-reviews

Purchase my book: 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

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Maria invites us into her heart-wrenching journey of family estrangement, where profound sadness overshadows the joy of being a grandparent.

Maria's experience highlights the emotional pain of being pushed aside by controlling dynamics in her daughter's marriage, leading to feelings of shame and failure. The gap between her cherished memories and the harsh reality of isolation is painfully evident.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation that celebrates the strength of motherhood and the resilience of the human spirit, inviting us all to embrace our own stories and the possibility of mending broken ties.

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Website: https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/i-need-blue/cf77fdb3-396e-4c1c-82aa-c2c3f6d1eee2/ratings-and-reviews

Purchase my book: 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

What happens when a seasoned police dispatcher turns her focus to victim advocacy? Join us as Sandy Dobson shares her powerful journey from a 33-year career as a police and fire dispatcher to becoming an instrumental support system for victims of domestic violence in Palm Bay. Sandy's transition highlights the critical need for recognizing the less visible forms of abuse—mental, emotional, and psychological—and her dedication to guiding victims toward recovery and empowerment. Through Sandy's compelling insights, we uncover the profound impact that dedicated advocates can have on the lives of those they help, offering a beacon of hope and transformation.

We also confront the often-ignored issue of domestic abuse against men, shattering the stigma and silence that keeps many from seeking help. By sharing poignant stories and practical advice, we emphasize the importance of community support and the vital role of victim advocates in collaboration with law enforcement. From recognizing the warning signs of abuse to providing resources like Serene Harbor and the Women's Center in Brevard County, this episode is a heartfelt call to action. It's time to stand with all victims, offering unconditional support and encouragement, especially as we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Listen in to discover how you can become a catalyst for change and support those striving for safety and healing.

National Domestic Violence Hotline:
1-800-799-7233

SERENE HARBOR HOTLINE NUMBER: 321-726-8282.
www.SereneHarbor.org.
You can reach their hotline advocates by text, call or TTY. They have a live chat. They is a certified and trained advocate available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays, hurricanes, it doesn't matter. They're there to answer every call, regardless of how it comes through. They are trained to assist right then and there.

THE WOMEN'S CENTER OF BREVARD COUNTY, FL: 321-607-6809
https://www.womenscenter.net/
For over 49 years as a local non-profit organization in the Brevard County community, the Women's Center has been on a focused mission to help women, men & children who have faced trauma related to domestic violence & sexual assault. Trauma informed, wraparound programs provide victims with the hope, tools & resources needed to build a healthy & successful future for themselves & their families.

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Website: https://ineedblue.net/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935

Loved this episode? Leave us a review and rating here: https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/i-need-blue/cf77fdb3-396e-4c1c-82aa-c2c3f6d1eee2/ratings-and-reviews

Purchase my book: 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

The reason I Need Blue was paused.

Welcome back to I Need Blue, the podcast where untold stories come to life, one episode at a time. I’m your host, Jennifer Lee, and I created this space to foster healing through shared narratives, reminding you that you’re never alone in your journey.

After a transformative move and embracing new roles as an advocate, I’m excited to continue connecting with those who have powerful stories to share. Each upcoming episode will feature inspiring guests who showcase our collective strength and resilience. Join us as we embark on this extraordinary journey together—your story matters, and I can’t wait to hear it!

For more, visit www.ineedblue.net.

Support the show

As we open our hearts to life's stories, Alexis shares a tale both devastating and inspiring. She bravely navigates the grief following her son's murder, emphasizing the role of family in rebuilding shattered lives.

Through her journey, we confront the harsh realities of homelessness and domestic violence, highlighting the need for societal change.

Alexis's resilience and advocacy offer hope amidst sorrow, showcasing the power of storytelling as a healing force. Her pursuit of a journalism degree underscores the strength found in sharing our stories with the world.

Connect with Alexis:
alexisanicque@gmail.com
alexisanicque.com

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/needbluepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Website: https://ineedblue.net/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

As the first light of February 24, 2023, painted the horizon, Olga's world was abruptly shattered by the haunting echo of her father's words: "the war has started." Feel the weight of her heavy heart as she, a compassionate nurse with Health Tech Without Borders, recounts the visceral emotions that gripped her en route to the airport, learning of the invasion that would change her life forever.

Picture yourself standing amidst the ruins of your ancestral home, grappling with the irrevocable change that war has etched into your life. Through Olga's eyes, peer into this world, where bittersweet relief contrasts with the relentless march of daily survival.

Amidst the chaos, Ukraine finds a glimmer of hope as digital health innovations become literal lifelines. Explore the seamless integration of digital health tools in a land where technology meets the urgent needs of medical care, with HTWB leading the charge of ingenuity.

From psychological trauma programs to the creation of a tactical medical chatbot in partnership with Microsoft, delve into the cutting-edge solutions offering a sliver of solace. Olga's narrative serves as a stark reminder that, even in the midst of chaos, hope endures in the comfort of family bonds, the warmth of daily coffee chats over WhatsApp, and the shared determination to savor life's simplest joys.

Join us for an episode that is as harrowing as it is hopeful, a testament to the fortitude that defines the human spirit. As we navigate through Olga's journey, the flicker of hope remains, resilient in the face of adversity.


To learn more about Health Tech Without Borders: https://www.htwb.org/

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/needbluepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Website: https://ineedblue.net/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

This episode explores the therapeutic power of writing trauma with the author and writing coach TJ from Virginia. Tj's compelling work, "Dating Silky Maxwell," brings to life a chorus of passionate, damaged characters who leave their pasts behind and reinvent themselves until their mistakes no longer define them.

During this episode we delve into the silent strength of writing, especially for those not ready to vocalize their truths.

Embarking on the writing journey mirrors navigating an uncharted path. This discussion unveils the intricate process of crafting a short story collection, addressing revisions, rejections, and the authenticity breathed into fiction.

Tj's insights highlight the vital role of a writing coach in providing emotional support and practical wisdom, urging writers to infuse creativity into their daily lives.

Connect with TJ: https://www.tjbutlerauthor.com/dating-silky-maxwell-1

To order Dating Silky Maxwell on Amazon:
https://www.tjbutlerauthor.com/

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/needbluepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Website: https://ineedblue.net/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show

In the company of Josh, we venture beneath the surface, immersing ourselves in the chilling realities of drug experimentation, particularly with Percocet and Fentanyl. Through his firsthand testimony, we are starkly reminded of the ominous abysses that addiction can lead us into, highlighting the desperate need for thorough drug education. Yet, amid the heart-wrenching tales of struggle, a glimmer of optimism emerges—the profound strength found in community. Together, we're a united front, standing side by side in the battle against addiction.

Thank you, The Blue Plaid Society for sponsoring this episode. To learn more: https://blueplaid.org/

Connect with Jen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/needbluepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q
Website: https://ineedblue.net/

The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by Char Good.
https://chargood.com/home

Support the show