Why I Survived: Jennifer Lee on Armed Robbery, Abduction, and the Healing Power of Sharing Your Story

What if the very act of sharing your story could be the thing that saves you — and someone else? In this powerful episode of the Junk to Jewels Podcast, Georgette Beck sits down with Jennifer Lee — author, podcast host, and survivor — for a deeply moving conversation about resilience, faith, and the transformative power of telling your truth. Jennifer grew up in a small town in northern Michigan, a middle child with a perfectionist streak and an entrepreneurial spirit that launched her into retail management by age 17. Her life took unexpected turns — marriage, motherhood (she is a proud Marine mom and new grandmother!), divorce, and a career that built her into a natural leader. But nothing could have prepared her for April 28, 2012. On an early Saturday morning at the women's clothing store where she worked, Jennifer and her colleagues became victims of an armed robbery and abduction. With calm, courageous presence of mind, she called 911 and helped an elderly woman through a medical emergency — all while the situation unfolded around her. Law enforcement arrived and the ordeal ended, but Jennifer's healing journey was just beginning. She also opens up about surviving dating abuse — a story she kept hidden for years until the courage of her own podcast guests inspired her to finally speak her truth. Two years after launching the I Need Blue podcast, Jennifer published her memoir, Why I Survived, and has since become a keynote speaker and advocate for first responders, survivors of domestic violence, and anyone navigating life after trauma. In This Episode You'll Hear: Jennifer's small-town Michigan upbringing and how ambition took her from Kmart cashier to store manager at 17 The harrowing details of the 2012 armed robbery and abduction — and Jennifer's extraordinary calm under pressure How dispatchers and first responders changed her life and deepened her passion for honoring those who serve Her experience with dating abuse and why it took years (and other survivors' stories) before she felt ready to share it How the I Need Blue podcast became a full circle of healing — covering trauma survivors, first responders, military, and nonprofits Her memoir Why I Survived and the four interwoven stories of love, danger, betrayal, and spiritual courage A beautiful exchange about the shared heart behind both podcasts — and the divine appointments that connect them Her favorite book (The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn!), who she'd have coffee with (Oprah!), and wisdom for those stepping into something new and uncomfortable This episode is for you if: You or someone you love has survived trauma, abuse, or violence You want to understand how sharing your story can be the beginning of healing — not just for you, but for others You have a heart for first responders, law enforcement, military, and dispatchers You've been sitting on a story, a calling, or a book — waiting for permission to begin You believe that nothing in life is accidental and that God uses every season Connect with Jennifer Lee Website:  https://ineedblue.net/ Book (Why I Survived):  https://whyisurvived.com/ The Healing In Sharing:  https://thehealinginsharing.com/ Instagram (I Need Blue):  https://www.instagram.com/ineedbluepodcast/ YouTube (I Need Blue):  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp1q8SfA_hEXRJ4EaizlW8Q YouTube (The Healing In Sharing):  https://www.youtube.com/@TheHealingInSharing11 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567221068683 Apple Podcasts (I Need Blue):  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/i-need-blue/id1567450935 About Your Host — Georgette Beck Georgette Beck is an author, speaker, heart healer, and the host of the Jun k to Jewels Podcast. Her award-winning memoir Junk to Jewels: A Journey from Brokenness & Despair to Beauty & Delight is available on Amazon. Georgette is a recipient of the International Impact Book Award in the Inspirational/Transformational category and a Semi-Finalist in the 2025 Royal Palm Literary Award Competition with the Florida Writers Association. She is also the founder of Bella Healing Hearts Foundation, a nonprofit supporting single-parent families.   Connect With Georgette:   Website:  https://www.georgett