In this episode, Dr. Steve Hudgins and co-host Kenya Evelyn dive deep into the transformative power of identity, exploring how labels and life’s challenges can fragment our sense of self - but also how healing, self-awareness, and faith help us reclaim our worth and authentic wholeness.

With the release of Dr. Hudgins’ new book, the Mosaic family concept takes center stage, shifting the conversation from “blended families” to something much more hopeful and beautiful.

Together, Dr. Steve and Kenya reflect on the personal journeys, wisdom, and grace that come from embracing our stories, “mistakes” and all and turning them into sources of strength and connection. Whether you’re a therapist, part of a Mosaic family, or simply seeking to rediscover your truest self, this episode offers heartfelt guidance and reassurance that our identities are forged in unity, love, and the unique light we each bring to the world.

Key Moments:

00:00 "Steve's Visionary Impact Celebrated"

06:21 "Identity: Warrior or Peacemaker?"

08:46 "Embracing Humanity in Leadership"

12:55 Understanding Blended Family Dynamics

15:59 Identity and Gratitude Journey

19:02 Prayers for Value and Gratitude

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/

In this episode, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down for part two with Brooke Deanne, author, life coach, and survivor of a high-control religious environment. Picking up where their last conversation left off, Brooke opens up about the terror and uncertainty of leaving her marriage and faith community, and the brave journey she took to reclaim her life.

Together, they discuss the deep impact of trauma bonds, the struggle to overcome fear and financial insecurity, and the powerful process of healing from spiritual and emotional wounds.

Brooke shares how she rebuilt her sense of self after years of emotional abuse, learned to run toward her fears, and ultimately redefined her relationship with faith and God. She also delves into her calling to help others, her work with rapid transformational therapy, and her bestselling memoir, “Shattered, Broken, and Beautiful.” This honest, compassionate conversation is full of insight for anyone navigating faith transitions, trauma recovery, or the scary but transformative process of self-discovery. Tune in to hear Brooke’s inspiring story of resilience, restoration, and how she found peace, faith, and purpose on the other side of pain.

Key Moments:

01:21 Overcoming Trauma Bond Anxiety

04:01 Facing Fear: Run Into the Storm

08:55 Spiritual Crisis and Redemption Journey

09:57 Surviving Cancer: Embracing Faith

14:43 "Accepting Diverse Perspectives"

17:30 Transformation Through The Subconscious Mind

21:15 Entrepreneur's Big Dreams and Projects

24:24 Faith in the Unseen About the guest : Brooke Deanne is a Trauma Healing Mentor, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and NLP Practitioner empowering female survivors of abuse and trauma to reclaim their lives by rewriting their stories via a holistic approach to access new levels of mind, body, and spirit integration. After overcoming her history of abuse as an ex-Jehovah’s Witness, and toxic relationships, Brooke brings profound insight to her work and as an advocate against religious abuse and domestic violence. She is the author of The Grief Monster, a trusted resource in therapy offices and hospitals to help children process loss, and Shattered, Broken, & Beautiful - Losing My Religion and Finding Faith, a transformative memoir exploring her healing journey from a religious cult and abusive relationships. Brooke also hosts The Cult Diaries podcast. Discover more at https://www.lifecoachinggoddess.com/

How to connect Brooke :

https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachinggoddess

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/

In this episode, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Brooke Deanne, an RTT therapist and trauma healing mentor, to unpack her powerful story of breaking free from the confines of a high-control religious environment.

Brooke opens up about being born and raised as a third-generation Jehovah’s Witness. She shares the painful realities of life inside what she identifies as a cult including the loss of community, fear-based control, and the shunning faced for questioning authority or stepping out of line. Together, Steve and Brooke discuss the psychological tactics used to enforce obedience, how trauma bonds are formed, and the challenges of redefining self-worth and authenticity after decades of indoctrination.

This episode is a candid exploration of grief, resilience, and ultimately learning to choose yourself, even when it means leaving behind family and community. Join us for a raw and inspiring conversation about trauma, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your inner authority.

Key Moments:

05:07 Cult Warnings: Historical Lessons

06:33 Cult Control Through Fear

12:52 Growing Up as a Jehovah’s Witness

15:01 Self-Love Over Parental Expectations

17:15 "Embracing Self-Love for Better Parenting"

20:40 "Understanding Trauma Bonds"

24:17 Journey from Trauma to Healing

About the guest : Brooke Deanne is a Trauma Healing Mentor, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and NLP Practitioner empowering female survivors of abuse and trauma to reclaim their lives by rewriting their stories via a holistic approach to access new levels of mind, body, and spirit integration. After overcoming her history of abuse as an ex-Jehovah’s Witness, and toxic relationships, Brooke brings profound insight to her work and as an advocate against religious abuse and domestic violence. She is the author of The Grief Monster, a trusted resource in therapy offices and hospitals to help children process loss, and Shattered, Broken, & Beautiful - Losing My Religion and Finding Faith, a transformative memoir exploring her healing journey from a religious cult and abusive relationships. Brooke also hosts The Cult Diaries podcast. Discover more at https://www.lifecoachinggoddess.com/

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachinggoddess

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/