Episode 5

full
Published on:

25th Feb 2026

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.

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About the Podcast

Ashes and Aftermath
Stories of healing and rebuilding
“Life doesn’t always break softly. Sometimes it shatters — and in the silence after, we’re left standing in the ashes, wondering how to begin again.”

Ashes and Aftermath is a podcast about trauma, healing, and the messy, beautiful work of rebuilding after life-altering experiences. Hosted by Brandon Holder, each episode opens a safe, honest space to explore what it really means to survive and to grow.

Here, you’ll hear:
Real stories from survivors who found hope in the aftermath
Conversations with experts in trauma recovery, therapy, and resilience
Personal reflections on the ups, downs, and truths of healing
Practical tools for navigating triggers, setbacks, and breakthroughs

This isn’t about toxic positivity or quick fixes. It’s about truth, compassion, and the belief that even in the ashes, there is always the possibility of light.

If you’ve ever felt broken, lost, or alone in your healing journey — you are not alone. Join us for Ashes and Aftermath and discover that from the fire, new life can rise.

About your host

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Brandon Holder

Brandon Holder – Host, Storyteller, Survivor – is the heart and voice behind Ashes & Aftermath, a podcast dedicated to holding space for people who’ve walked through fire and lived to tell the tale. As a survivor of severe childhood trauma, Brandon brings a rare blend of vulnerability, depth, and steady presence to every episode — offering listeners not just stories, but solidarity. His style is reflective, calm, and deeply human. With each conversation, Brandon creates space for trauma survivors and mental health professionals to speak truth, share healing, and remind us all that survival is strength. As co-founder of Holder Haus Media, Brandon is equal parts podcast host, producer, and creative engine. Whether he’s behind the mic or holding it for someone else, Brandon’s mission is clear: create safe, authentic spaces for people to be fully seen.