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

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/

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/

LinkedIn: 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/

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/

LinkedIn: 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/

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/

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/

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 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/

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/

In this heartfelt Memorial Day episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn reflect on the powerful role trust plays in our lives - from military service and sacrifice to relationships, healing, and personal growth.

Through honest conversation and personal insight, they explore how trust is built through courage, vulnerability, and connection and why learning to trust again can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Drawing parallels between the bonds formed in military life and the emotional risks we take in everyday relationships, this episode invites listeners to examine where trust lives within themselves.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The deeper meaning of trust and sacrifice during Memorial Day
• Why vulnerability is essential for authentic connection
• How fear, hurt, and uncertainty impact our ability to trust
• The relationship between courage, belonging, and healing
• Practical reflections on rebuilding trust within yourself and others

Whether you’re honoring loved ones who served, navigating relationship wounds, or seeking deeper connection in your life, this episode offers encouragement, reflection, and hope.

🎧 Listen now and explore how trust - despite fear and uncertainty - remains one of the strongest forces for healing and human connection.

Key Moments:

04:13 Exploring the roots of trust

09:14 Trust and communication in leadership

10:10 Reflecting on personal relationships

13:21 Understanding trust and its complexities

19:32 The role of trust in battle

20:44 The importance of trust and courage

25:41 Honoring courage and loyalty

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/