In this 1st part of the two part podcast, Dr.Steve Hudgins sits down with special guest Stacey Johnson, a seasoned clinical therapist with over 25 years of experience. Stacey opens up about her personal journey through profound loss, navigating the sudden passing of both her stepfather and husband within weeks of each other.

Drawing from her own struggles and professional expertise, Stacey shares how she found the strength to care for herself, rediscover her identity, and support other women grappling with different forms of loss.

Together, Dr. Steve and Stacey explore the challenges of balancing personal grief with the responsibilities of being a parent and a mental health professional, the importance of self-care, and practical advice for anyone facing life’s unexpected turns.

Whether you’re walking through your own season of loss or supporting someone who is, this episode offers honest insight, encouragement, and tools for emotional wellness.

Key Moments:

01:22 "Launching 'Anchor Resilience' for Women"

05:29 Career Shift: From Teaching to Counseling

08:34 Covid Tragedy: Hospital Farewells

10:28 Importance of Life Insurance

15:16 Balancing Emotional Resilience

16:35 "Balancing Emotion: Process vs. Avoidance"

About the guest :

Stacey Johnson’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. After experiencing trauma that left her nervous system dysregulated, Stacey responded by pushing herself to keep moving forward, unsure if this urge was her natural instinct or the result of her training. In the process, she neglected her own self-care until months later when she finally paused and recognized the need to tend to her own well-being. Drawing upon her skills and self-awareness, Stacey learned to process her feelings, rediscover her identity, and practice self-love. Her journey highlights the importance of self-care and the power of personal growth after adversity.

How to connect Stacey Johnson:

Website : https://staceyjohnsoncoaching.com/

Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceyjohnsoncoaching/

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 thoughtful and inspiring conversation, host Dr. Steve Hudgins is joined once again by author and coach Richard Waldman for Part Two of their discussion. Together, they dive deep into the struggles of feeling “stuck,” the relentless mental chatter we all face, and practical ways to shift our mindset for greater peace and resilience.

Richard shares personal stories—touching on loss, vulnerability, and the power of support—while exploring themes from his book, A Better Way of Thinking. The duo unpacks topics like the importance of self-acceptance, finding your support system, practicing the art of presence, and breaking free from judgment, whether it comes from others or ourselves. They also explore the challenges and hopes for faith communities, underscoring the vital need for grace and genuine relationship over criticism.

Whether you’re seeking a gentle nudge toward self-growth or just looking for ways to quiet your mind’s chaos, this episode is full of authentic insights, heartfelt encouragement, and actionable steps to help you start changing your way of thinking—one small practice at a time.

Key Moments:

01:10 "Embrace Life's Journey"

05:58 "Motivating Change for Self-Improvement"

07:56 Challenging Church Judgment and Hypocrisy

12:01 "Rethinking Material Needs and Guilt"

16:28 "Rethinking Church Competition"

17:48 Surround Yourself with Supportive Peers

20:33 "The Samaritan Woman Encounter"

About the guest :

Richard Waldman - Life Coach, Speaker & Founder of Brainyites

Richard Waldman is a life coach, veteran, and speaker helping people break free from the mental chatter that keeps them stuck. As the founder of A Better Way of THINKING and the Brainyites community, he empowers individuals to quiet their inner critic, challenge limiting beliefs, and unlock their full potential.

In his latest book, “Your Guide to A Better Way of THINKING,” Richard explores why intelligent people often self-sabotage and how to rise above it. Drawing from his journey across leadership, psychology, and spirituality, he bridges ancient wisdom and modern science to help others find clarity and purpose.

👉 Learn more at brainyites.com

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/

This week, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with life coach and author Richard Waldman for an eye-opening conversation about the power of judgment, self-awareness, and the constant "chatter" in our minds.

Richard kicks off the discussion with a powerful reminder: we can transform the world by simply supporting one another instead of judging each other. Together, Dr. Hudgins and Richard unravel how much of our thinking—and even our modern psychology—has roots in ancient theology and biblical stories. They dive into the story of Adam and Eve as a lens on the origins of self-judgment and explore why so many of us feel stuck or struggle to change.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the nature of the "serpent" or negative inner voice, and how judgment—especially self-judgment—can hinder our growth, healing, and healthy relationships. Dr. Hudgins brings a therapeutic perspective, highlighting how childhood experiences and unmet needs can fuel this internal chatter, which so often manifests as anxiety, guilt, or shame.

Through candid personal stories and practical wisdom, the episode offers listeners tools to create more awareness, stay present, and choose supportive self-talk over judgment. Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or just interested in personal growth, this episode delivers simple, actionable steps for breaking free from old patterns and becoming the best version of yourself.

Tune in as we delve into what it truly means to live a life grounded in awareness, accountability, and authentic self-care.

Key Moments:

01:19 Adam's Role in the Garden

04:09 Adam's Accountability Questioned

07:20 Conscious Choice and Self-Expression

11:07 Navigating Identity and Cultural Judgment

15:28 Silencing Mental Chatter Desires

17:51 Transformation of Saul to Paul

20:19 Letting Go: Finding Better Paths

About the guest :

Richard Waldman - Life Coach, Speaker & Founder of Brainyites

Richard Waldman is a life coach, veteran, and speaker helping people break free from the mental chatter that keeps them stuck. As the founder of A Better Way of THINKING and the Brainyites community, he empowers individuals to quiet their inner critic, challenge limiting beliefs, and unlock their full potential.

In his latest book, “Your Guide to A Better Way of THINKING,” Richard explores why intelligent people often self-sabotage and how to rise above it. Drawing from his journey across leadership, psychology, and spirituality, he bridges ancient wisdom and modern science to help others find clarity and purpose.

👉 Learn more at brainyites.com

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 of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins offers an insightful exploration of how childhood experiences shape emotional development and personal growth, using the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird as a central lens. Speaking from both clinical expertise and personal reflection, Dr. Hudgins revisits the story of young Scout Finch growing up in racially segregated 1930s Alabama, highlighting the novel’s powerful themes of innocence, injustice, and empathy.

Listeners are guided through the ways children interpret and internalize the events around them—particularly the confusing or painful ones—and how silence, avoidance, or a lack of honest explanation can deepen fears or misunderstandings. Drawing from both the novel and real-life cases, Dr. Hudgins underscores the importance of being present, listening carefully, and helping children make sense of their emotions and experiences.

This episode encourages adults to become safe narrators and guides for the next generation, emphasizing that fostering resilience and healing often begins with empathy, honest communication, and a willingness to see the world through a child’s eyes. Through the journey of Scout Finch, Dr. Hudgins invites the audience to reflect on their own formative experiences and discover ways to support and nurture the emotional well-being of children—and, in the process, themselves.

Key Moments;

01:20 Moon Observations and Scout Insights

04:56 Childhood and Racism in "Mockingbird"

09:20 Shift from Innocence to Insight

11:34 Understanding Children's Fears

14:58 "Manage Life, Don't Control Fear"

17:12 Guiding Children Through Life's Confusion

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, host Dr. Steve Hudgins, and co host Kenya Evelyn take us on a transformative journey centered around the theme of freedom, not just as a right, but as a profound responsibility.

Together, they unpack what it means to be free truly: from limiting beliefs, from the old wounds of our inner child, and from the “chains” we forge in our own minds. They discuss how the words we use shape our reality, why taking ownership of our thoughts is crucial for growth, and how personal freedom blooms when we step into self-awareness, love, and gratitude. Kenya and Dr. Steve share powerful tools and exercises, from high-five mirror techniques to playful self-permission, inviting us all to celebrate happiness right here and now.

Join them as they challenge the language of limitation, examine the power of self-reflection, and encourage us to see others—and ourselves—as mirrors for healing and change. If you’re searching for inspiration to break free from old patterns and live a life of peace, purpose, and authentic connection, this episode offers both practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement.

Let’s embark on this journey toward a healthier, happier you—starting with the freedom to be your truest self.

Key Moments:

01:12 "Exploring Freedom and Responsibility"

05:20 Challenging Limiting Thoughts

07:39 Breakthroughs Through Language & Love

10:29 "Freedom's Cost: A Survivor's Choice"

13:44 Reflect on Self-Creation and Awareness

17:56 Celebrate Your True Self

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/

Continuing from the last episode, host Dr. Steve Hudgins continues his discussion with guest Bonnie Brindle, an educator, therapist, and author. Together, they explore the critical but often overlooked connection between hormones and anxiety, especially for women navigating the tumultuous transition into perimenopause and menopause.

Bonnie shares her personal journey through the throes of hormonal changes, recounting how anxiety and physical symptoms nearly derailed her career until she found solutions that worked for her. The episode expands beyond the physical, delving into holistic mental health care, the power of nature-based imagery, and Bonnie’s unique use of “wildlife guides” to ground and soothe anxious thoughts. Listeners will hear practical tips from her book, Cracking the Crazy Makers Code, learn about the importance of confronting the root of anxiety, and get honest advice about seeking professional help when medical or emotional challenges arise.

With relatable anecdotes, actionable takeaways, and warmth, Dr. Steve and Bonnie remind us that finding balance is possible—and that no one has to travel the path to healing alone. Settle in for inspiring conversation and real-world strategies to cultivate a happier, healthier you.

Key Moments:

03:14 Perimenopause Onset and Symptoms

07:54 Hormonal Solution Restores Balance

11:06 "Imaginary Friend to Spiritual Guide"

14:27 "Memoir: Overcoming Anxiety with Nature"

18:48 "Mindful Strategies and Practical Tips"

20:20 "Breaking Free from Crazy Makers"

25:13 Journey of a Therapist's Evolution

26:25 Therapists: Support, Not Superheroes

About the Guest :

Bonnie Brindle is The Anxiety Avenger™. She is a psychotherapist, author, licensed educator, transformational coach, and international speaker. Incorporating alternative modalities with talk therapy and evidence-based energy practices, she’s created a path for anyone struggling with anxiety (like she used to) to find personal peace. Bonnie’s mission is to support others who choose to soar above the chaos to identify and crack the crazymakers' code—the key to living your best life!

How to connect Bonnie :

Website: https://bonniebrindle.com

SpeakerHub site: bonniebrindlespeaks.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-brindle-the-anxiety-avenger/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.brindle.94

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, host Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Bonnie Brindle—also known as The Anxiety Avenger™—to share her compelling journey through anxiety, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. Bonnie opens up about her early experiences struggling in silence due to family dynamics and generational trauma, and she candidly discusses how anxiety shaped her adolescence and young adulthood, even forcing her to leave college at her lowest point.

Together, Dr.Steve and Bonnie explore the roots of anxiety, the stigma of seeking help, and the often-overlooked value of emotional connection and communication. Bonnie shares the turning point that changed her life: reaching out to a therapist, connecting with animals—especially horses—and eventually learning about holistic and Eastern healing practices like EFT tapping and Jin Shin Jyutsu. They also talk candidly about “shopping” for a therapist, the realities of medication, the power of group support, and ongoing daily practices that fuel personal growth and healing.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassionate advice, grounding strategies, and hope for building resilience—reminding us that healing is possible, and that you’re never alone on your journey.

Key Moments:

05:57 Anxiety and Isolation Struggles

08:59 Healing Journey Through Therapy & Horses

09:48 Power of Equine Therapy Frequencies

13:05 "Anxiety as Blocked Energy"

18:09 "Empowering Journey Through Therapy"

20:52 "Discussing Humanity, Not Sin"

22:50 Holistic Healing Beyond Talk Therapy

26:49 Mindfulness Walk & Breathing Technique

About the Guest :

Bonnie Brindle is The Anxiety Avenger™. She is a psychotherapist, author, licensed educator, transformational coach, and international speaker. Incorporating alternative modalities with talk therapy and evidence-based energy practices, she’s created a path for anyone struggling with anxiety (like she used to) to find personal peace. Bonnie’s mission is to support others who choose to soar above the chaos to identify and crack the crazymakers' code—the key to living your best life!

How to connect Bonnie :

Website: https://bonniebrindle.com

SpeakerHub site: bonniebrindlespeaks.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-brindle-the-anxiety-avenger/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.brindle.94

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, host Dr. Steve Hudgins—a licensed professional counselor—and co-host Kenya Evelyn—a therapeutic life coach—dive into the complex realities of modern masculinity, fatherhood, and the unseen emotional lives of men. Drawing parallels from the animal kingdom, personal stories, and collective experiences, they explore how shifting societal roles and expectations have shaped what it means to be a father, a partner, and a man today.

Together, Dr. Steve and Kenya foster an open, compassionate dialogue—unpacking the importance of emotional expression, the necessity of presence over mere provision, and the generational healing possible when men are allowed (and encouraged) to share their true selves. They offer insights for both men and women, calling for mutual understanding, courageous vulnerability, and the conscious creation of healthier family dynamics.

Whether you’re a father, a partner, or someone seeking deeper connection in your relationships, this episode is an invitation to step into your purpose, embrace your courage, and actively participate in healing and transformation—starting in your own home. Tune in as Dr.Steve and Kenya guide you on a journey toward personal growth, stronger families, and a more compassionate world.

Key Moments:

04:10 Relearning Masculinity Through Discovery

07:55 Redefining Submission in Relationships

12:27 "Vulnerability in Marriage Dynamics"

16:11 Moment-to-Moment Relationship Awareness

17:10 "Understanding Emotional Expression in Men"

21:33 Redefining Modern Fatherhood

25:31 "Emotional Resilience Beyond Reactivity"

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/