180: Veteran Sean Martin Talks About War, Music, PTSD, & Social Change

What happens when a soldier comes home from war and discovers that music can heal the wounds the doctors missed?In this episode, I sit down with musician, songwriter, veteran, and outspoken truth-teller Sean Martin. Sean’s journey takes us from the redwood coast of Northern California to the battlefields of Iraq, through the struggles of PTSD, and ultimately into a creative practice rooted in honesty, healing, and a band named the Quarintened.Along the way, Sean shares how music became more than an art form. Through cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and years of songwriting, he discovered that creative practice could become a way of confronting fear, questioning assumptions, and reclaiming agency over his life.We also explore two of his songs, Skeleton Chair and Unspoken, conversations about war, trauma, truth-telling, James Baldwin, and the responsibilities artists have when they choose to speak about the difficult realities that many people would rather avoid.You’ll discover:• How music, cognitive behavioral therapy, and disciplined creative practice helped Sean navigate PTSD and reclaim a sense of agency after war.• Why confronting “the unspoken”—personally, culturally, and politically—lies at the heart of both healing and artistic practice.• How art can become a vehicle for critical thinking, helping people examine the invisible forces that shape their beliefs, fears, and relationships.Notable MentionsMusic & Creative PracticeThe Quarantined (Spotify Artist Page) — Sean Martin’s grunge, punk, and metal project. Through The Quarantined, Martin explores trauma, war, resilience, addiction, politics, and recovery through deeply personal songwriting.“Skeleton Chair” — The Quarantined on Spotify — A song inspired by Martin’s experiences in Iraq and the emotional aftermath of combat. During the interview, Martin describes the song as emerging from therapy work focused on a specific combat experience and the psychological realities of war.“Unspoken” — The Quarantined on Spotify — A song exploring truth-telling, civic responsibility, and the consequences of silence. The recording incorporates the voice and ideas of James Baldwin and reflects on what happens when difficult truths remain unspoken.The Quarantined on Bandcamp — Direct support platform where listeners can purchase music and follow future releases.Ideas & Practices DiscussedCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Martin describes CBT as a turning point in understanding the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and physiological responses to trauma.Exposure Therapy — A therapeutic approach that helped Martin confront traumatic memories and transform them into creative material.Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — A central topic throughout the conversation, explored not only as a diagnosis but as a lived experience that shaped Martin’s understanding of fear, identity, and recovery.People MentionedJames Baldwin — Baldwin’s words and ideas provide both inspiration and a direct artistic influence on Martin’s song Unspoken. His reflections on truth, identity, and democracy remain highly relevant today.The Baldwin EstateChristopher Goldsmith — Mentioned by Martin as an example of veterans doing difficult work confronting extremism and defending democratic values.Task Force ButlerRichard Ojeda — Cited as an example of a veteran leader bringing a direct, no-nonsense approach to public service and democratic engagement.Richard Ojeda Official WebsiteRelated ResourcesNational Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) — Research, educational materials, and treatment resources related to PTSD and trauma recovery.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Overview (American Psychological Association) — Introduction to CBT and its use in treating trauma and anxiety disorders.Musicians Institute — Contemporary music school in Hollywood where Sean Martin studied after leaving military service.YUNGBLUD Official Website — Contemporary musician cited by Martin as an artist whose independence, honesty, and willingness to challenge expectations has been inspiring.