Self Improvement, Mindfulness and Mental Health Tips - The Coached Soul Podcast

Dr. Steve Hudgins, LPC-S, NCC

Self-Improvement, Mindfulness, and Mental Health Tips – The Coached Soul Podcast is your go-to resource for personal growth and emotional well-being. Hosted by Dr. Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Evelyn, a transformational therapeutic coach, this podcast dives deep into self-improvement, mindfulness, and mental health. From managing anxiety and depression to improving relationships and embracing a mindful lifestyle, Dr. Steve and Kenya explore life-changing topics that empower you to grow. Through open conversations, expert insights, and inspiring guest interviews, they provide practical strategies to enhance mental wellness and personal development. This podcast isn’t just about listening—it’s about transforming. If you seek guidance on mental health, self-improvement, and mindfulness, tune in to discover the tools and support you need to thrive. A New Episode is released every week!

  1. Unlocking Subconscious Patterns: Finding Peace and Purpose with Lani Gonzales

    6D AGO

    Unlocking Subconscious Patterns: Finding Peace and Purpose with Lani Gonzales

    In this thought-provoking episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins welcomes hypnotherapist and former attorney Lani Gonzales for a deep dive into subconscious healing, identity, and what it really takes to move beyond feeling stuck. Many of us live on autopilot - driven by old conditioning, achievement-based self-worth, and unresolved childhood wounds. Lani shares how hypnotherapy can help uncover the subconscious patterns that quietly shape our relationships, emotional responses, and sense of purpose. Together, they explore: How subconscious programming influences daily behavior The concept of secondary gains and why change can feel difficult Healing childhood wounds that impact adult relationships  Shifting from achievement-based identity to intrinsic self-worth Why inner peace - not constant happiness - is the real goal Practical steps for navigating emotional stuckness Whether you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply curious about deeper personal growth, this episode offers grounded insight and real tools to help you reconnect with your true self. 🎧 Listen now and begin the journey from autopilot living to intentional alignment. Key Moments:  05:23 "Rediscovering Purpose Beyond Routine" 08:56 Breaking Tech Habits for Fulfillment 10:56 "Fixing Internal Frameworks First" 13:10 "Facing Emotions to Elevate" 16:57 "Exploring Hypnotherapy and Misconceptions" 22:49 "Intrinsic Value Beyond Achievement" 24:53 "Identity, Growth, and Wisdom" About the guest :  Lani Gonzales is a clinical hypnotherapist and subconscious performance expert who helps high-achieving leaders and purpose-driven women rewire subconscious patterns that drive burnout, self-sabotage, and chronic stress. A former law firm partner turned transformational guide, Lani blends neuroscience, nervous system regulation, and deep subconscious work to help people create sustainable success, emotional freedom, and soul-driven lives. She is the author of two books and speaks internationally on leadership, healing, and human potential.   Alignment vs. Achievement: Why Chasing Success Often Leaves Us Anxious, Burned Out, and Disconnected — and How to Rebuild from the Inside Out In a culture obsessed with productivity, performance, and external validation, many high-achievers reach their goals yet feel anxious, exhausted, or strangely unfulfilled. In this conversation, clinical hypnotherapist and subconscious performance expert Lani Gonzales explores the difference between achievement driven by subconscious survival patterns versus alignment driven by nervous system safety and self-trust. Lani shares how early conditioning shapes our relationship with success, why willpower alone can’t create lasting fulfillment, and how subconscious reprogramming helps people shift from pressure-based striving into grounded, sustainable growth. Listeners will learn how to recognize whether their goals are coming from fear or alignment, how to regulate the nervous system in real time, and how to build a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.   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/

    28 min
  2. Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: Linda Meier on Boundaries, Gaslighting, and Reclaiming Your Identity

    FEB 20

    Healing After Narcissistic Abuse: Linda Meier on Boundaries, Gaslighting, and Reclaiming Your Identity

    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/

    30 min
  3. Choosing Love Over Fear: How Self-Love Creates Healthier Relationships

    FEB 13

    Choosing Love Over Fear: How Self-Love Creates Healthier Relationships

    In this Valentine’s-inspired episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn explore the powerful truth that love is not just a feeling - it’s a choice, a practice, and a daily action. Together, they unpack how fear, self-judgment, and past relationship wounds can quietly shape our expectations and block authentic connection. Through personal reflection and therapeutic insight, they reveal how self-love is not selfish - but foundational - for building healthy, fulfilling romantic relationships. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why love is a conscious decision, not just chemistry How self-judgment impacts your ability to give and receive love The role of nervous system reactions in romantic conflict Practical tools for keeping your heart open - even after hurt How to move from fear-based patterns to intentional connection Whether you’re in a relationship, healing from the past, or learning to love yourself more deeply, this conversation offers encouragement and practical guidance to help you create relationships rooted in abundance - not pressure. Listen now and discover how choosing love - over and over again - can transform the way you connect with yourself and others. Key Moments:  03:52 "Deserving Connection and Fulfillment" 08:49 Self-Love Fuels Genuine Giving 13:28 Self-Acceptance and Emotional Healing 16:53 Love, Risk, Judgment, and Growth 19:49 "Love, Vulnerability, and Growth" 21:14 "Pour Into Yourself First" 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/

    25 min
  4. From Anger to Intimacy: Building Authentic Connection Through Emotional Safety

    FEB 6

    From Anger to Intimacy: Building Authentic Connection Through Emotional Safety

    In this episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn dive into what truly creates intimacy in relationships - and why honesty without emotional safety can actually push connection further away. Moving beyond surface-level or “commercial” ideas of love, this conversation explores how authentic intimacy is built through regulated honesty, emotional awareness, and intentional communication. Steve and Kenya unpack the role of anger especially unexpressed or misunderstood anger and how emotional regulation creates space for deeper connection rather than conflict. You’ll discover: Why emotional safety is the foundation of real intimacy How anger can be a doorway to connection when expressed with care The difference between raw honesty and regulated honesty Practical tools for communicating truth without triggering defensiveness Why timing and intentionality matter more than intensity How to move beyond performative love into genuine closeness Whether you’re navigating recurring conflicts, struggling to feel heard, or wanting to deepen intimacy with your partner, this episode offers grounded insights and practical guidance to help you reconnect - with yourself and with those you love. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to transform anger into understanding, honesty into intimacy, and relationships into places of safety and growth. Key Moments:  05:58 "Consistent Change Resolves Relationship Conflicts" 09:08 "Letting Go and Connection" 11:26 "Intentional Connection Builds Intimacy" 14:12 "Men Need Emotional Safety" 18:21 "Master Your Energy and Self" 20:35 "Discernment in Honest Vulnerability" 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/

    26 min
  5. Becoming Authentic in Relationships: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Honest Connection

    JAN 30

    Becoming Authentic in Relationships: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Honest Connection

    In this reflective and empowering episode of Coached Soul™, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn explore what it truly means to live and love authentically. As the New Year begins, they invite listeners to look inward and examine how fear, childhood patterns, and survival strategies can quietly shape our relationships and disconnect us from our true selves. Through honest conversation and personal insight, Steve and Kenya unpack why authenticity often feels risky, how self-protection can masquerade as strength, and why self-awareness is the gateway to meaningful change. This episode offers practical wisdom for recognizing old patterns, reclaiming your voice, and choosing alignment over fear - especially in marriage and close relationships. You’ll discover: Why authenticity can feel threatening - and why it’s essential How childhood experiences influence adult relationship dynamics The balance between vulnerability and emotional safety What it means to rediscover and use your true voice How authenticity creates deeper connection, freedom, and growth Whether you’re setting intentions for the year ahead, navigating relationship challenges, or longing to show up more fully as yourself, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a compassionate path forward. Key Moments :    05:15 "Finding Your Voice and Power" 07:47 "Managing Narcissism, Not Curing" 11:25 "Living Authentically and Emotionally" 14:02 "Redefining Relationship Standards" 17:26 "Dating, Patterns, and Self-Work" 20:53 "Authenticity Deepens Love" 23:49 "Embracing Growth and Authenticity"   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/

    28 min
  6. Anchoring Your Identity in Faith: Healing Self-Judgment and Embracing Vulnerability

    JAN 23

    Anchoring Your Identity in Faith: Healing Self-Judgment and Embracing Vulnerability

    In this powerful and reflective episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn explore the deeply human journey of identity, vulnerability, and healing, and how faith can anchor us when life delivers its hardest moments. Together, they unpack why criticism and judgment can sting so deeply, revealing how our emotional reactions are often connected to unhealed beliefs, internalized programming, and self-judgment. Through honest storytelling and spiritual insight, this conversation invites listeners to move beyond shame, reconnect with grace, and redefine who they are at the core. You’ll discover: Why negative self-talk holds so much power over our emotions How family systems and early programming shape identity The role of faith and grace in emotional and personal healing How vulnerability becomes a gateway to self-acceptance and growth Practical ways to release judgment and step into wholeness and joy If you’ve ever struggled with comparison, questioned your worth, or felt disconnected from your true self, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a reminder that your identity is not defined by labels - but grounded in grace. 🎧 Listen now to begin anchoring your identity in faith and embracing the freedom that comes with self-acceptance. Key Moments:  05:39 "Becoming a Mosaic of Vulnerability" 09:13 "Overcoming Self-Judgment" 10:47 "Embracing Emotional Awareness" 14:18 "God's Grace Is Sufficient" 17:57 "Identity Beyond Labels" 21:14 "Rewrite Your Own Story" 23:43 "Connected Human Mosaic" 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/

    26 min
  7. Unlocking the Fix Code: Stacey Nye on Releasing Sadness and Finding Emotional Freedom

    JAN 16

    Unlocking the Fix Code: Stacey Nye on Releasing Sadness and Finding Emotional Freedom

    In this powerful follow-up episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins continues the conversation with Stacey Nye, diving deeper into the emotional healing method that helped transform her life the Fix Code. After years of living under a heavy wave of sadness, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress, Stacey shares how identifying and releasing core emotions became the turning point in her healing journey. In this honest and grounded discussion, she introduces what she calls the “magic question” - a simple but profound way to uncover the emotion beneath emotional overload and explains how the Fix Code helps create space between intense feelings and everyday life. Together, Steve and Stacey explore: Why sadness often sits beneath depression and overwhelm How emotional “parasitic programs” quietly run our reactions The role of awareness and release in emotional freedom Practical steps to begin identifying and clearing emotional patterns How healing can feel lighter, faster, and more sustainable than we expect This episode isn’t about bypassing pain it’s about finally giving emotions the space they need to move through the body instead of staying stuck. Whether you’re navigating depression, emotional overload, or simply curious about new approaches to healing, this conversation offers real tools, real stories, and real hope. 🎧 Listen now and discover how understanding your emotions one feeling at a time can open the door to calm, clarity, and lasting peace. Key Moments: 01:12 "Overcoming Anxiety and Growth" 03:43 "Taking a Step Toward Healing" 09:05 "Parasitic Emotions and Memories" 14:40 "Bridging Divides Through Dialogue" 18:17 "The Fixed Code Transformation" 21:29 "Focus on Feelings, Not Thoughts" 23:49 "Attachment Insights with Stacy" About the guest :  Stacey Nye grew up immersed in the world of high performance, thanks to parents who both worked with the Olympic Games. Her earliest memories are set against the backdrop of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, experiencing firsthand the excitement of watching the athletes’ village and competition fields take shape. Surrounded by an atmosphere where big dreams and excellence were the norm, Stacey was deeply inspired as a child to think ambitiously and make a meaningful impact. Her upbringing instilled in her a passion for being in service to excellence - a value she carries with her to this day. How To Connect Stacey :  INSTA:  https://www.instagram.com/fixcodeofficial/ TIK TOK:  https://www.tiktok.com/@fixcodeofficial?lang=en YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyD5b6-6TKAf0H9oMfuvHcg WEBSITE: https://www.thefixcode.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/

    26 min
  8. From Olympic Dreams to Healing Trauma: Stacey Nye on Anxiety, Resilience, and Recovery

    JAN 9

    From Olympic Dreams to Healing Trauma: Stacey Nye on Anxiety, Resilience, and Recovery

    In this deeply moving episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins, licensed professional counselor, and Kenya Evelyn, therapeutic life coach, sit down with Stacey Nye to explore a powerful journey from high performance to profound healing. Raised in an Olympic-level, high-achievement environment where “there were no limits,” Stacey appeared mentally and physically resilient. But in her thirties, a sudden and terrifying traumatic event shattered her sense of safety, triggering intense anxiety and post-traumatic stress that would redefine her life. In this candid conversation, Stacey shares: Her upbringing in a high-performance Olympic culture= The moment trauma turned her world upside down Living in survival mode with anxiety and PTSD Raising her son as a single parent while navigating fear and overwhelm How secure attachment, awareness, and healing tools shaped her recovery The turning point that led her to the “Fixed Code” and a new path forward This episode is an honest exploration of how trauma can affect even the strongest among us and how healing is possible when we understand the nervous system, emotional safety, and the power of compassionate support. 🎧 Listen now as Stacey Nye shares her story of resilience, recovery, and hope and sets the stage for part two, where the conversation deepens into the transformative healing tools that changed her life. Key Moments:  03:49 "Growing Up in Athletic Home" 06:36 "Prepared for Daniel’s Influence" 11:27 "Survival, Sacrifice, and Resilience" 13:21 "Struggling with Emotional Naivety" 16:52 "Healing, Connection, and Destiny" 19:58 "Anxiety's Impact on the Body" 23:13 "Child Sensing Parent's Sadness" About the guest :  Stacey Nye grew up immersed in the world of high performance, thanks to parents who both worked with the Olympic Games. Her earliest memories are set against the backdrop of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, experiencing firsthand the excitement of watching the athletes’ village and competition fields take shape. Surrounded by an atmosphere where big dreams and excellence were the norm, Stacey was deeply inspired as a child to think ambitiously and make a meaningful impact. Her upbringing instilled in her a passion for being in service to excellence - a value she carries with her to this day. How To Connect Stacey :  INSTA:  https://www.instagram.com/fixcodeofficial/ TIK TOK:  https://www.tiktok.com/@fixcodeofficial?lang=en YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyD5b6-6TKAf0H9oMfuvHcg WEBSITE: https://www.thefixcode.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/

    26 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Self-Improvement, Mindfulness, and Mental Health Tips – The Coached Soul Podcast is your go-to resource for personal growth and emotional well-being. Hosted by Dr. Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Evelyn, a transformational therapeutic coach, this podcast dives deep into self-improvement, mindfulness, and mental health. From managing anxiety and depression to improving relationships and embracing a mindful lifestyle, Dr. Steve and Kenya explore life-changing topics that empower you to grow. Through open conversations, expert insights, and inspiring guest interviews, they provide practical strategies to enhance mental wellness and personal development. This podcast isn’t just about listening—it’s about transforming. If you seek guidance on mental health, self-improvement, and mindfulness, tune in to discover the tools and support you need to thrive. A New Episode is released every week!