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

Finding True Freedom: Breaking Free from the Battles Within | Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn

What does it truly mean to be free? In this inspiring episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn explore a different kind of independence the freedom that comes from healing emotional wounds, letting go of limiting beliefs, and reclaiming your authentic self. As we reflect on the meaning of freedom, they invite listeners to look beyond external celebrations and consider the internal battles that often keep us feeling stuck. From childhood experiences and family patterns to self-criticism and fear, they discuss how our past can quietly shape our present and how intentional healing can help us move forward with greater peace and purpose. In this episode, you'll discover: * What emotional freedom really means * How old wounds and family patterns influence your daily life * Why awareness is the first step toward lasting change * Practical ways to break unhealthy emotional cycles * The power of self-compassion, forgiveness, and intentional living * How to celebrate life with greater joy, presence, and authenticity Key Moments:  03:54 Importance of Celebrating Holidays 06:26 Reflections on Freedom and Intentional Living 12:09 Finding inner freedom through truth 13:09 Self-reflection and personal responsibility 18:15 Inner child and parental patterns 21:13 Discussing childhood bullying and past trauma 23:32 Borrowing Courage and Self-Reflection Whether you're working through past hurts, seeking deeper self-awareness, or simply longing to experience more peace and freedom, this conversation offers practical encouragement and timeless wisdom for your healing journey. Tune in and discover that true freedom isn't just something we celebrate - it's something we choose every day. 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 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/]

How to Recover from Burnout: Keith Cole’s Journey Through Trauma and Faith

Burnout doesn't happen overnight - and neither does healing. In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins welcomes Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, author, and speaker Keith Cole for an honest conversation about recovering from burnout, overcoming trauma, and finding hope through faith. After experiencing the realities of combat in Vietnam, Keith carried the emotional weight of grief, loss, and unresolved trauma for years. Like many high achievers, he pushed forward until the hidden wounds eventually led to burnout. In this candid discussion, Keith shares how his journey through emotional exhaustion, anger, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and personal loss ultimately became a journey toward healing and purpose. Together, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Keith explore the deep connection between trauma and burnout, why true recovery requires more than simply managing stress, and how faith, surrender, and community can play a vital role in restoring emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why unresolved trauma often leads to burnout * The difference between coping and true healing * How grief and emotional pain can silently affect everyday life * Practical lessons for overcoming burnout and finding resilience * The role of faith, hope, and purpose in long-term recovery Whether you're feeling emotionally exhausted, navigating personal loss, supporting a loved one, or simply searching for a healthier path forward, this conversation offers encouragement, practical wisdom, and hope that healing is always possible. Tune in and discover why recovering from burnout isn't about becoming stronger - it's about becoming whole. Key Moments:  03:55 Wartime injury experience 08:50 Questioning survival and faith 12:59 Hospital stay and I and I duty 16:45 Leaving the Marine Corps 18:54 Late-night office drinking session 20:57 Reflecting on personal experiences About the guest :  Keith Cole is a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran, retired CPA, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others overcome burnout, trauma, and life's toughest challenges. After serving in Vietnam and building a successful professional career, Keith experienced severe burnout that led him on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual renewal. Drawing from his lived experiences, Keith shares practical insights on resilience, faith, and the importance of moving beyond self-reliance to find lasting recovery. His book, Burnout: God's Recovery Plan, combines personal stories with actionable principles to help individuals navigate stress, emotional exhaustion, and life's unexpected hardships. Today, Keith speaks to business leaders, caregivers, veterans, and organizations, inspiring others to embrace hope, healing, and purpose through authentic storytelling and faith-driven wisdom. How to connect Keith : https://www.RecoveryByFaith.com [https://www.recoverybyfaith.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 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 Grief to Purpose: Vietnam Veteran Keith Cole on Healing, Service, and Resilience

What does it take to heal after experiencing profound loss and the realities of war? In this meaningful Fourth of July episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins, licensed professional counselor and Army veteran, welcomes Keith Cole - a United States Marine Corps combat veteran, retired CPA, and author - for an honest conversation about grief, military service, resilience, and finding purpose after trauma. Keith shares how the loss of his father redirected his life, leading him to enlist in the Marines during the Vietnam War. He reflects on the emotional challenges of combat, the lifelong impact of military service, and the healing that became possible through storytelling, reflection, and helping others. In this episode, you'll discover: * How grief can shape life's biggest decisions * Keith's journey from Marine Corps combat to personal healing * Why talking about difficult experiences is essential for recovery * The power of brotherhood, service, and community * Lessons on resilience, purpose, and emotional growth after trauma * What freedom truly means beyond the battlefield Whether you're a veteran, have loved ones who served, or simply want to understand the resilience of the human spirit, this conversation offers timeless lessons about healing, courage, and hope. Key Moments:  05:49 Joining the Navy as a chaplain 08:42 Ambushed during jungle patrol 12:25 Helicopter landing under potential fire 15:15 Teen's realization and prayer moment 18:04 Family reactions during Vietnam War 21:36 Returning from Vietnam About the guest :  Keith Cole is a United States Marine Corps Vietnam combat veteran, retired CPA, author, and speaker dedicated to helping others overcome burnout, trauma, and life's toughest challenges. After serving in Vietnam and building a successful professional career, Keith experienced severe burnout that led him on a journey of healing, self-discovery, and spiritual renewal. Drawing from his lived experiences, Keith shares practical insights on resilience, faith, and the importance of moving beyond self-reliance to find lasting recovery. His book, Burnout: God's Recovery Plan, combines personal stories with actionable principles to help individuals navigate stress, emotional exhaustion, and life's unexpected hardships. Today, Keith speaks to business leaders, caregivers, veterans, and organizations, inspiring others to embrace hope, healing, and purpose through authentic storytelling and faith-driven wisdom. How to connect Keith : https://www.RecoveryByFaith.com [https://www.recoverybyfaith.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/]

Hope Amid Crisis: Brad Brandon on Resilience, Corruption, and Humanity in Nigeria

What happens when millions of people lose everything - and the world barely notices? In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins continues his conversation with humanitarian Brad Brandon, founder of Across Nigeria, to uncover the realities facing families living inside Nigeria's Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Brad shares firsthand stories of communities displaced by violence, the devastating effects of corruption, and the extraordinary resilience of people who continue to live with hope despite overwhelming hardship. Together, they discuss: * The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Northern Nigeria * Life inside Nigeria's IDP camps * How corruption affects education, healthcare, and basic survival * Why community, compassion, and dignity matter during crisis * Lessons about gratitude, resilience, and purpose that apply to all of us * What we can learn from people who continue choosing hope despite unimaginable circumstances This episode is a reminder that resilience isn't built in comfort - it's revealed through adversity. Whether you're interested in humanitarian work, leadership, faith, or simply understanding a part of the world rarely covered by mainstream media, this conversation offers a powerful perspective on courage, compassion, and our shared humanity. Key Moments:  05:05 Impact of corruption on aid 07:03 Nigerian hospitality and resilience 12:01 God, suffering, and contentment 14:00 Discussing spiritual challenges 19:48 Canary in the coal mine analogy 22:08 Focusing on Gospel Simplicity 24:43 Frog in the kettle analogy 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/]

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/]