July 06, 2025

Surviving COVID Wasn’t the Hardest Part

35 minutes

After surviving a harrowing battle with COVID that nearly took his life, Martin returned to find that the real war was only just beginning. From toxic workplace dynamics to public shaming, this is a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it really means to survive—and be punished for it.

In this episode, we uncover:

💀 Surviving a near-death experience during the height of the pandemic
🧠 The invisible trauma of toxic workplaces and betrayal
📣 The silence and gaslighting survivors often face
✍️ Using journaling as a lifeline for mental health
🧩 Discovering his neurodivergence later in life—and finally feeling seen
🕊️ What healing actually looks like when society wants you to “just move on”
🎤 How podcasting and mindfulness gave him his voice back

🎙️ What We Talk About:

Life in the COVID ICU and what no one talks about
Survivor’s guilt and workplace isolation
Being disciplined after nearly dying—yes, really
How trauma manifests when ignored
Sand tray therapy and visual revelations in healing
The power of self-expression through writing and podcasting
Why retiring early saved his life

🔑 Key Takeaways:“I survived the virus, but what nearly broke me was how they treated me after.”“Sometimes survival mode looks like showing up with no soul behind your smile.”“You can be punished for telling the truth—do it anyway.”“Healing didn’t begin until I stopped pretending I was okay.”
🙌 Why This Episode Matters:

This isn’t just a COVID story—it’s a human story. Martin’s raw testimony reveals the emotional whiplash that can come after survival: the gaslighting, the grief, and the quiet wars we fight behind our smiles. For anyone who’s been dismissed, discarded, or disbelieved in the aftermath of trauma—this episode is your mirror, your call to reclaim your truth, and your reminder: you’re not alone.

💬 Connect with Martin:

🎧 [Peace Unplugged Podcast on Spotify / Apple / Podbean]

🧑‍💻 Facebook: Marty BoneIdol

🔗 Resources & Links: