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

From Comfort to Calling: Brad Brandon’s Journey from Megachurch Pastor to Nigeria Missionary

What happens when everything you've worked for suddenly changes? In this episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Brad Brandon, founder and CEO of Across Nigeria, to discuss how a near-death experience transformed his understanding of success, purpose, and service. After leading a successful megachurch in Connecticut, Brad found himself fighting for his life in an ICU. That experience forced him to reevaluate everything he believed about ministry, leadership, comfort, and calling. Today, Brad serves in Northern Nigeria, one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians, helping provide education, clean water, medical care, and humanitarian support to underserved communities. In this episode, you'll discover: * Why comfort can become the enemy of growth * How adversity often reveals purpose * The difference between control and surrender * Why many people struggle to discover their true calling * What Brad calls "Finding Your Nigeria" * The hidden humanitarian challenges facing Northern Nigeria * How small steps of faith often lead to extraordinary impact Whether you're navigating a major life transition, searching for purpose, or wrestling with uncertainty, this conversation offers practical wisdom and inspiration for taking the next step forward. Key Moments:  02:33 The ICU Experience That Changed Everything 05:58  When Success Becomes a Work of the Flesh 10:50  Learning to Hear Through the Noise 15:05  What’s Your Nigeria? 17:54  The One-Way Ticket That Started It All 23:57  The Hidden Reality of Northern Nigeria   About the guest : Brad Brandon is the founder and CEO of Across Nigeria. Pastor Brad is a graduate of Concordia University. Since 2018, he has been actively serving in the foreign mission field. He primarily serves in high-risk, highly persecuted areas such as Northern Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. Through Pastor Brad and the Across Nigeria team, groundbreaking work is underway to bring the gospel to areas with the most intense opposition. His passion is to reach people in these areas with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to help persecuted Christians who live under the constant threat of violence because of their faith in Christ.    He is a skilled speaker and teacher. His years of serving in some of the most dangerous places on earth have made him highly sought after for churches, conferences, and as an interview guest.   How to connect Brad: Website : https://www.acrossnigeria.org/ [https://www.acrossnigeria.org/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-brandon-a02b7944/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-brandon-a02b7944/]   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/ [https://coachedsoul.com/]

Presence Over Presents: The Lasting Impact of Fatherhood on Children and Families

In this special Father's Day episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins explores the profound impact fathers have on the emotional, relational, and spiritual development of their children. Drawing from both personal experience and professional insight, Steve discusses why fatherhood is about far more than providing financially - it's about presence, connection, guidance, and creating a safe foundation where children can thrive. In this episode, you'll discover: * Why a father's presence matters more than perfection * The lasting impact fathers have on a child's emotional wellbeing * How healthy fatherhood strengthens families and communities * Breaking generational cycles and creating a new legacy * Practical ways fathers can show up more intentionally * Why healing often begins with connection and consistency Whether you're a father, a son, a daughter, or someone reflecting on your own family story, this episode offers encouragement, wisdom, and hope for building stronger relationships across generations. 🎧 Listen now and discover how everyday acts of presence can create a legacy that lasts far beyond a lifetime. Key Moments:  05:13 Reflecting on parenting and presence 08:23 Fatherhood and responsibility talk 10:03 Reflecting on lessons from father 14:07 Managing school and work together 16:45 Fatherhood and God's love 21:54 Importance of Being a Present Father 24:13 Reflections on fatherhood responsibilities 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/ [https://coachedsoul.com/]

From Trauma to Triumph: Isik Abla’s Journey of Healing, Identity, and Hope

In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins welcomes Isik Abla, an international speaker, author, and survivor whose life story is a remarkable testimony of resilience, healing, and transformation. Growing up in Turkey amid violence, abuse, and religious extremism, Isik faced unimaginable challenges that shaped her identity, relationships, and understanding of herself. After escaping a life marked by fear and trauma, she embarked on a profound journey of healing that would ultimately transform her perspective on faith, purpose, and personal freedom. In this episode, Isik shares: * The lasting impact of childhood trauma and abuse * How unresolved wounds affect identity and mental wellbeing * The importance of intentional healing and emotional recovery * Why vulnerability is essential for transformation * How faith became a source of hope and restoration * Practical insights for moving forward after painful experiences Whether you're navigating your own healing journey, struggling with past trauma, or searching for hope after difficult life circumstances, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and a reminder that transformation is possible. 🎧 Listen now to discover how courage, healing, and purpose can emerge even from life's darkest chapters.   Key Moments:  05:31 Understanding life perspectives in the Middle East 07:53 Discussing Islamic ideology vs. religion 09:50 Experiencing cultural differences in America 13:06 Building a strong foundation 16:35 Upgrading faith through meditation 20:10 Exploring the role of therapy 23:22 Paul's divine intervention and struggles About the guest :  Isik Abla draws from her own life experience—escaping an abusive past in Turkey, encountering Jesus in a moment of deep brokenness, and ultimately finding healing and calling which informs the book’s emphasis on listening for God’s voice above life’s noise. Her book "Heavenly Whispers" and her personal testimony.  How to connect Isik : https://isikabla.com/ [https://isikabla.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/ [https://coachedsoul.com/]

Unmasking Grief: Healing Hidden Pain and Emotional Numbness

In this deeply reflective episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn explore the hidden layers of grief, emotional numbness, and the “family masks” many of us learn to wear in order to survive pain. Grief is not always loud. Sometimes it shows up as avoidance, emotional shutdown, anger, guilt, or the constant feeling of being disconnected from yourself and others. Together, Steve and Kenya unpack how unprocessed emotions and unspoken family patterns quietly shape our relationships, behaviors, and sense of identity. In this episode, you’ll discover: * What emotional masking really looks like in everyday life * How childhood and family dynamics shape emotional avoidance * Why grief often compounds when emotions remain unspoken * The connection between emotional honesty and true healing * Practical insights for processing pain without shame * Why authenticity is essential for emotional freedom and growth Through personal stories, therapeutic wisdom, and compassionate conversation, this episode invites you to move beyond emotional survival mode and into deeper self-awareness, acceptance, and healing. 🎧 Listen now and begin the journey from numbness and hidden pain to authenticity, connection, and emotional freedom. Key Moments:  03:07 Discussing grief and processing trauma 06:37 Processing grief and guilt 12:15 Understanding grief, shame, and guilt 15:51 Importance of the Holy Spirit 17:37 Coping with loss and finding comfort 22:09 Practicing self-kindness and empathy 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/ [https://coachedsoul.com/]

The Other Side of Memorial Day: Honoring Grief, Family, and the Fallen

In this heartfelt Memorial Day episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn explore the emotional realities of grief, remembrance, and healing for the families left behind after military loss. While Memorial Day is often centered around honoring fallen soldiers, this conversation shines a compassionate light on the spouses, children, parents, and loved ones who continue carrying that sacrifice long after the ceremonies end. Through honest reflection and emotional insight, Steve and Kenya discuss how grief lives alongside love, memory, and community support. In this episode, you’ll discover: * The deeper emotional meaning behind Memorial Day * How grief affects military families and loved ones left behind * Practical ways to support grieving families with empathy and presence * Why healing doesn’t mean forgetting * How community, remembrance, and connection create space for hope This episode is a reminder that honoring sacrifice also means honoring the people who continue living with that loss every day. 🎧 Listen now for a compassionate conversation about grief, remembrance, healing, and the enduring strength of human connection. Key Moments:  04:26 : Grief, Sacrifice, and Honoring the Fallen 08:21: Why Memorial Day Reopens Emotional Wounds 10:13 : How to Support Someone Who’s Grieving 16:16: The Importance of Remembering Their Name 24:50 : The Nation Pauses for a Moment. They Carry It for a Lifetime. 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/ [https://coachedsoul.com/]