The Healing In Sharing

On September 11, 2001, Ari Schonbrun was delayed by a simple task—filling out a book order for his son. Little did he know, that small delay would save his life. Arriving at the World Trade Center just 20 minutes after nine, Ari found himself in the midst of a blast that shook the building.  Through a series of miraculous events, he was spared from the elevator when the plane struck. His story is...

As a paramedic with Brevard County Fire Rescue, Jonathan is no stranger to life-or-death situations. But the toughest battle he's faced isn't on the job—it's with his cousin, his childhood best friend, who fell victim to the grips of addiction.  Watching someone you love spiral into the darkness of substance abuse is a gut-wrenching experience, and for Jonathan, it became a heartbre...

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 overwhel...

I Need Blue is your platform for real-life stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. Each episode brings you powerful narratives from ordinary people navigating extraordinary circumstances—from health scares to life-changing events like the World Trade Center tragedy.  These stories remind us that we can rise above our struggles and choose grace over defeat. Whether exploring true crime...

  Warm Heart. Resilience. Survival. Donna Bollinger, a former record-breaking swimmer and NFL wife, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming life’s toughest challenges. From navigating an impending divorce to coping with personal tragedies, Donna’s story shows how unwavering positivity, faith, and determination can help you rise above hardship. Tune in to hear her lessons on survival, hope, and...

Online Scam. Betrayal. Resilience. Debby Montgomery Johnson shares her story of being scammed in an online romance, losing over a million dollars, and feeling betrayed and isolated. After the devastating experience, she found the strength to rebuild her life and now advocates to help others avoid similar scams. This episode explores the emotional toll of online deception, the vulnerability of trus...

Cancer. Survival. Resilience. Trish, a retired dentist and devoted wife and mother, shares her journey of overcoming a stage-four uterine cancer diagnosis after relocating to West Virginia. What began as a terminal prognosis became a story of physical, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Through medical care, unwavering support, and faith, Trish learned to release fear, embrace gratitude, and...

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 t...

Sexual Abuse. Survivor. Advocacy. Michele Vergho shares her story of surviving sexual abuse by her middle school teacher. She describes the grooming, the trauma, and the courage it took to press charges while still a teenager. Michele now uses her experience to help other survivors, raise awareness, and prevent future abuse. This episode explores healing, justice, and the transformation of childho...

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,...

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...

Child Advocacy. Foster Care. Guardianship. This episode highlights the vital role of Guardian Ad Litem volunteers, who serve as the eyes and ears for children in foster care, advocating for their well-being and future success. Mary shares her journey from being removed from her home as a teen after experiencing sexual abuse to becoming a volunteer Guardian Ad Litem, using her experiences to suppor...

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,...

Cancer, Siblings, Healing At 13, Maya’s life changed when her 2-year-old sister was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Thrust into fear, loneliness, and confusion, she navigated the emotional challenges that siblings of cancer patients often face. Now 21, Maya shares her story to comfort others, reflecting on misunderstandings, isolation, and the journey of supporting a loved one through...

Foster Care, Hope, Empowerment At 12, life took a dramatic turn when a young girl left her absent mother, facing years of instability, drug use, prostitution, and life in a safe house. Guidance and hope came through Lisa Soloway and the Lift Up Young Lives program in Brevard County, FL. Created by Lisa after adopting her daughter from foster care, the program helps teens and young adults who age o...

Foster Care, Resilience, Survival  This episode examines the challenges children face in foster care. Jaci Cortez spent ages 4–21 in the system, enduring abuse and instability, yet found strength in faith and resilience: “If you’ve ever been hurt or abused, never give up. Nothing lasts forever.” Joining us, CASA volunteer Jayne Amelia Larson shares how foster kids are real-life superheroes and wha...

I Need Blue focuses on the drug epidemic in the U.S. Meet Robbie, who has been in recovery since September 18, 2018. Born into a family plagued by addiction, Robbie faced foster care, an absent mother, and the tragic loss of two loved ones to drunk driving. He shares his journey of survival and the pivotal moment he found Space Coast Recovery. Barbie Thrower, Executive Director of Space Coast Reco...

Addiction, Advocacy, Loss Debra Mayer, a devoted wife and mother, tragically lost her only son, Shaun, to addiction. In his memory, she dedicated her life to raising awareness, sharing his story, and supporting families affected by the epidemic. She spoke before legislators and advocated for change at every opportunity. In 2020, more than 100,000 Americans died of overdose, with synthetic opioids...

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This episode is jam packed with information and resources surrounding teen dating violence/domestic violence. Some topics discussed include: What is the difference between dating violence and domestic violence? Why is it so important to reach out and educate our elementary school children? What advice do you give friends and family who suspect a lo...

School Violence, Trauma, Healing This episode examines the lasting impact of the Parkland shooting on survivors, teachers, first responders, and the community. Dr. Michele Finneran, a psychotherapist and mental health advocate, shares her work supporting those affected by trauma and PTSD, and reflects on grief, survivor’s guilt, and emotional recovery. On February 14, 2018, a gunman opened fire at...

Compassion, Healing, Empowerment   One night on a dark New Orleans street, a woman was held at gunpoint. Instead of panicking, she did something unexpected—she hugged the mugger. That moment of compassion came from a life shaped by trauma and healing, and from a determination to break cycles of unhealed pain. With a Harvard background in data and AI, she could have followed a traditional path. Ins...

Gail’s relationship began like a dream, but gradually became a cycle of verbal abuse, apologies, and empty promises. In this episode, Lori Sutherland from the Women’s Center in Melbourne, Florida, joins us to discuss recognizing abuse, setting boundaries, and reclaiming strength. Healing starts with truth, not shame. Learn more about THIS: www.thehealinginsharing.com Follow:  Instagram: @TheHealin...

Trauma, Religious Abuse, Forgiveness Asia’s life was carefully orchestrated from birth. Raised in the LDS/Mormon church, she endured drug abuse, ritual trauma, and unimaginable hardship. At 36, therapy unlocked repressed memories, revealing that she had been initiated into an underground cult at just five years old. By 21, her marriage had been arranged as part of the manipulation, and defying it...

Religious Abuse, Trauma, Survival Desperate for relief from crushing depression, Asia began therapy—only to uncover repressed memories buried deep in her past. What surfaced was devastating: she believes she endured ritual abuse as a child in the LDS/Mormon church, shattering the faith that had once felt like a refuge. In this episode, Asia shares her journey to reclaim her life, confront painful...

Courage, Healing, Empowerment Day 2 of this journey to overcome fear brought new challenges—the sound of a gunshot, the recoil, and the emotions that followed. With guidance from Freddie, a Range Safety Officer, and Ethan, GM of FrogBones, the fundamentals of firearm safety were learned while confronting trauma head-on. This episode continues the path of building confidence, practicing safety, and...