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.

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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

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.