I Need Blue

A voice shattered the jovial atmosphere in a bustling women's clothing store, demanding all our money. My heart sank as I turned to face a black-masked stranger pointing a gun at me. Suddenly, my role as the store manager transformed into that of a protector. As I handed over the cash and cell phones, I couldn't escape the weight of responsibility for the customers' safety...

I pinned her up against the wall as I watched her fight a panic attack. I felt the weight of her body to heavy for me to hold up. I called someone to help me so she wouldn't fall.  We laid her on the floor where she experienced a new and  more urgent emergency. What do I do? I couldn't let her die! This is the conclusion of my story featured in Episode 1.

He had my cell phone, my wallet with my current address where I lived alone.  I changed how I lived, how I drove home...

It was closing time. The restaurant staff was finishing  clean-up and enjoying a drink. "Don't look at me. Give me the money," said an unfamiliar voice. As the events played out, pops from a gun could be heard. Shortly after, the robbers exited the restaurant leaving behind a scene of bodies and blood. Stoney, the restaurant owner,  courageously shares his story with us today...

At five years old, you're not processing this could be a bad person, potentially, you should run. All I knew is that this was somebody my mom and I had met. So I got in the car and he said,"here's some candy. I'm going to lock up the shop and then we'll go."  I remember sitting there holding the candy that he gave me. They were Smarties, those chalk tasting things that still have addictive qualities. My mom was very much a health nut...

Sheriffs hold an elected position and are responsible for maintaining law and order and enforcing the law. Sheriffs are accountable directly to the citizens of their county, the constitution of their state, and ultimately the United States' constitution. 

Sheriff Ivy's contributions are vast on a local, national and international level...

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women, more than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined. Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten. Domestic Violence takes on many forms; physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and intimidation to name a few.

The beginning of a relationship is called the honeymoon stage. I think we've probably all experienced it. Can you start by telling us what it was like for you...

How does law enforcement help our communities?

James
I think law enforcement is very proactive now. There's a lot more community policing and community outreach. There are things we do behind the scenes you just don't see. Just by presence, we try to keep crime down.

Jen Lee
I know you are not in New York or Chicago or an area like that. Different regions experience different things...

It thinks it fair to say, most military, law enforcement, and law-abiding citizens learn gun safety and training without experiencing a traumatic situation beforehand. Not me. I’m learning backwards. I’m a victim of gun violence first, vs. someone learning to protect themselves to not become a victim of violence. Jen Lee (host) shares her current story of confronting the weapon which a decade ago instilled such fear...

Day 2 – 7:30 a.m. I didn’t cry this time. I drove the scenic route to Frogbones with dry eyes. There was a little knot in my stomach.  Today wasn’t so much about pulling the trigger as it was, the sound of a gunshot and feeling the recoil. I could feel the tears. Like a puddle on my lower lid. I was thinking if I just keep my head straight the puddle would remain there and not start running down my cheeks. Freddie saw it. He looked at me and said, “look. You are safe...

Sean Dustin the host of "No Where To Go But Up" podcast joined me for an unforgettable interview. Sean was awarded the #1 mental health podcast by SceneSnobs Network. As a child, Sean was exposed to an abusive environment. From being bullied to becoming a bully, a former drug addict, cocaine dealer, failed relationships, and the loss of parental rights, Sean started his podcast to show the world and God his shortcomings, pain, shame and guilt...