Podcast Episode Description: Back from the Brink
In this powerful episode of the M3 Bearcast, host Malcolm Travers is joined by EJ Flavors and Jeffrey Roman to recount a harrowing journey through a life-threatening medical crisis1. What began as a routine day at the gym spiraled into a month-long battle for survival that tested the strength of brotherhood, family, and the human spirit
Here is a detailed look at the topics covered in this episode:
The Onset: From the Gym to the ER
The story begins at the start of the year when EJ noticed a sudden, drastic decline in his physical health3333. Despite being at his heaviest and strongest weight of 264 lbs, he began experiencing extreme shortness of breath while at the gym4444. What he initially dismissed as "getting stronger" quickly turned into a respiratory emergency55555. On January 3rd, unable to breathe, EJ was forced to call an ambulance—a moment that marked the beginning of his memory blackout
The Critical Phase: Coding and Induced Comas
Jeffrey Roman provides a chilling perspective from outside the hospital room, detailing the moment EJ "crashed"7. Listeners will hear the gravity of the situation: EJ suffered from double pneumonia and was placed into a medically induced coma to allow his body to heal888888888. Most shockingly, EJ coded multiple times during his stay, leading doctors to initiate difficult conversations about a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order with his sisters, Nicole and Linda
The Road to Recovery: Tracheotomies and Retraining
EJ shares the disorienting experience of waking up in late January with a tracheotomy and being unable to speak101010101010101010. He describes the grueling process of physical therapy, where he had to retrain his muscles to perform basic tasks like walking with a walker111111111111111111. The episode highlights his "honorary" defiance against hospital staff as a sign of his returning spirit, even while dealing with the frustrations of isolation and bland "dialysis diets
Lessons on Connection and Boundaries
Beyond the medical trauma, the trio discusses the profound psychological shifts that occur after a near-death experience13. EJ reflects on how his "addiction" to the gym and his identity as a "strong man" were challenged14141414. The conversation explores the realization of how deeply connected we are to others—even when we feel alone—and the importance of setting healthy boundaries and reaching out for connection before it’s too
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