Ashes and Aftermath

Long COVID, Depression & Reinvention: Noah May’s Unfiltered Story

In this powerful and honest conversation, Noah May shares his journey from community college in Alabama to graduating from Auburn University with a journalism degree — and the unexpected road that led him into full-time podcasting. After struggling to break into traditional journalism, Noah found himself pivoting into podcasting, where a single email from Pod Match helped change the trajectory of his career. He opens up about building a show from the ground up, developing his interviewing style, and using his journalism background to elevate his production and storytelling. But this episode goes much deeper. Noah speaks candidly about living with depression that began in his early teens, growing up without a present father, and watching his grandmother battle dementia and Alzheimer’s. He also shares the mental and physical impact of long COVID — including how being diagnosed through a blood test reshaped his understanding of anxiety and health.

From Setbacks to Sightlines: How Steve Gamlin Rebuilt His Life with Vision

In this episode, I’m joined by Steve Gamlin, motivational speaker, humorist, and the creator of Vision Board Mastery, for a real and refreshing conversation about rebuilding your life after setbacks. Steve shares his personal journey through failure, self-doubt, and starting over—and how learning to see his life differently changed everything. We talk about why vision boards get a bad reputation, how they actually work when used the right way, and why clarity matters more than motivation. This episode also dives into the power of humor, gratitude, and small daily actions that create real momentum. Steve brings honesty, heart, and plenty of laughs while reminding us that you don’t need a perfect past to create a meaningful future. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, this conversation will help you reset your perspective and move forward with intention. You’ll hear about: 1. Vision boards that actually work 2. Turning failure into clarity 3. Using humor to heal and grow 4. Simple ways to regain momentum This is a feel-good, practical episode for anyone ready to stop surviving and start designing their life.

The Crash That Created a Crusader

n this episode of Ashes and Aftermath, Brandon Holder speaks with Nicholas Ruchlewicz, a traumatic brain injury and motorcycle crash survivor who turned personal devastation into powerful advocacy. Nicholas shares the story of the accident that left him with multiple life-threatening injuries, the long road to recovery, and the mental health lessons trauma forced him to confront. The conversation explores the realities many survivors face but rarely discuss — navigating insurance battles, accessing mental health care, and standing up within a system that often fails trauma victims. Nicholas also reflects on how music, community, and vulnerability played a crucial role in his healing, and why he now uses his voice to advocate for better trauma care and mental health support. A raw, honest episode about survival, resilience, and rising after impact.

Forgive, Heal, Rise! With Shannon Curtis

In this episode of Ashes and Aftermath, host Brandon Holder speaks with Shannon Curtis, founder of Angel Goddess Healing and author of No More Monsters Under the Bed. Shannon shares how childhood trauma impacts us as adults and how healing begins through forgiveness, inner-child work, and reclaiming your voice. They explore overcoming shame tied to addiction and sexual abuse, the power of sharing your story, and how pain can be transformed into purpose. This honest, heart-centered conversation offers practical tools and hope for anyone on a healing journey.

Turning Hurt Into Hope with Julie Barth

When life shatters, where do you turn? In this episode, Julie Barth shares how she survived profound loss, emotional abuse, and the demands of raising a medically fragile daughter — and how she rebuilt her life with purpose. This conversation is a lifeline for anyone navigating grief, trauma, or the aftermath of a toxic relationship. Julie’s journey began with the heartbreaking loss of her first husband, Colin, to pancreatic cancer while she was caring for their special-needs daughter. What followed was a long stretch of exhaustion, guilt, and survival mode that left her vulnerable to a relationship filled with emotional manipulation and control. Julie opens up about the red flags she ignored, the isolation she felt, and the physical toll trauma took on her body. In one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on Ashes & Aftermath, Julie explains how unresolved grief can pull strong women into abusive dynamics, why so many victims blame themselves, and what finally helped her leave for good. She also shares how these experiences led her to create CJB Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women in crisis who fall through the cracks of traditional support systems. In this episode, Julie and Brandon discuss: * The hidden weight of caregiving and widowhood * Why intelligent, strong women miss red flags * How emotional abuse rewires your thinking * The physical symptoms that come from living in chaos * The guilt, self-blame, and silence that keep people trapped * What healing looked like when she finally broke free * How CJB Outreach supports women before they hit rock bottom Julie’s story is a powerful reminder that you are not broken, you are not alone, and you can rebuild a life that feels safe, grounded, and hopeful — no matter what you’ve been through. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who may need it. Your reviews and ratings help this show reach more people who need these conversations. Connect with Julie: (Add website/social links here) Connect with Brandon & Ashes & Aftermath: (Add your links here)