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/