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.

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.

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.