In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Linda Meier, healing and recovery coach for survivors of narcissistic abuse, to unpack the complex journey of breaking free from toxic relationship patterns.

Drawing from her own lived experience, Linda shares practical insight into recognizing narcissistic behaviors - like gaslighting, love bombing, and emotional manipulation and explains how childhood conditioning often prepares us to tolerate unhealthy dynamics in adulthood.

Together, they explore:

• The red flags of narcissistic abuse in romantic and family relationships
• How gaslighting impacts identity and self-trust
• The role of scapegoating and conditioning in toxic dynamics
• Why boundaries are essential - and how to set them confidently
• Tools for reclaiming your voice, worth, and emotional safety
• How healing is possible - even after years of emotional manipulation

Whether you're navigating a narcissistic relationship, healing from past trauma, or wanting to better understand codependency and emotional triggers, this episode offers grounded wisdom, validation, and hope.

🎧 Listen now and discover how to move from confusion to clarity, from guilt to empowerment, and from survival to thriving.

Key Moments:

05:20 Defining Narcissism and Its Impact

09:39 "Encouraging Honest Self-Expression"

10:46 Finding Your Voice After Narcissism

16:10 Love, Dopamine, and Narcissism

18:23 Breaking Free from Fear

22:44 "Narcissists as Rescuer Archetypes"

26:22 Parental Narcissism and Family Strain

About the guest :

Linda Meier is an emotional wellness and reparenting coach who specializes in helping individuals heal from narcissistic abuse and toxic emotional patterns. Having overcome narcissistic abuse from her own mother, Linda brings both lived experience and professional insight to her work.

She supports clients in uncovering the hidden effects of emotional manipulation - whether they show up in romantic relationships, family dynamics, workplace environments, or in the way they speak to themselves. Through compassionate guidance and practical tools, Linda helps people identify unhealthy patterns, rebuild self-trust, and reclaim their personal power.

Her mission is to empower survivors to move beyond survival mode and step into clarity, confidence, and emotional freedom.

About Coached Soul™:

Coached Soul™ is an empowering podcast hosted by Dr. Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, Dr. Steve covers many topics, including mental health, relationships, education, and more. He fearlessly tackles sensitive subjects like depression and anxiety, creating a safe space for open conversations. They offer valuable insights and lessons through interviews with guests who have overcome significant challenges. Coached Soul is not just a podcast but a supportive community that inspires personal growth and provides the necessary resources for transformation. Their expertise and genuine approach make Coached Soul a must-listen for anyone seeking to improve their life.

For more details, visit https://coachedsoul.com/