In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with anti-workplace bullying advocate and former TV executive Andy Regal to explore what it truly takes to heal after experiencing toxic work environments - and how we can begin to change workplace culture for good.

Drawing from his personal journey and his book Surviving Bully Culture, Andy shares the emotional reality of workplace bullying - from guilt and shame to the long-lasting impact on mental health and identity. Together, Steve and Andy unpack why traditional systems like HR often fall short and what meaningful, lasting change in organizations actually requires.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why workplace bullying often goes unaddressed - even in professional environments
• The emotional impact of toxic workplaces, including shame and self-doubt
• How to begin healing and rebuilding confidence after bullying
• Practical strategies for coping and moving forward
• Why real change requires culture shifts - not just policies
• How advocacy, awareness, and open dialogue can create healthier workplaces

Whether you’ve experienced workplace bullying, lead a team, or want to build a more respectful work environment, this episode offers insight, validation, and a path forward.

🎧 Listen now and discover how healing, advocacy, and awareness can transform suffering into strength - and workplaces into safer spaces.

Key Moments:

04:15 "Training Bosses to Lead Better"

08:21 "Workplace Bullying and Isolation"

09:48 "Facing Toxic Boss Dynamics"

16:01 "Lessons for My Kids"

17:43 "Imperfect Insights on Work-Life"

20:55 "Voice Against the Darkness"

25:49 "Building Bridges, Not Barriers"

About the guest : Andy Regal is a media executive and the author of Surviving Bully Culture: A Career Spent Navigating Workplace Bullying and a Guide for Healing.

Regal advanced to Executive Producer, Executive Vice President of Programming, and VP of Original Programming at major media organizations, including Court TV, CNBC, and MSNBC. He served as Global Head of Video at The Wall Street Journal, overseeing journalists in New York, Washington, San Francisco, London, and Hong Kong.

He garnered honors, including the Loeb Award for Excellence in Business Journalism, the Associated Press Media Editors Award, "Innovator of The Year," and Emmy nominations for Obamacare "Prescribed" and "Consumer 101" on NBC.

How to connect Andy:

Book Link: https://andyregal.com/my-book/

Website : https://andyregal.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyregal-nwb/

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 insightful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins continues the conversation with TV production veteran Andy Regal to explore the painful reality of workplace bullying and what it takes to restore psychological safety and personal confidence after experiencing it.

Drawing from his own experiences in high-pressure media environments, Andy shares candid stories about subtle and overt bullying - from manipulation and exclusion to the silent treatment and damaging office politics. Together, Steve and Andy unpack how these experiences affect mental health, self-esteem, and professional identity.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The often-overlooked signs of workplace bullying and ostracism
• How toxic environments erode psychological safety and confidence
• Why victims often struggle with self-blame and shame
• Practical strategies for rebuilding self-worth and emotional resilience
• How supportive communities and clear workplace standards can foster healthier cultures

Whether you’re navigating a difficult work environment or seeking to understand the dynamics behind toxic leadership, this episode offers practical guidance and encouragement to help you reclaim your voice and move forward with strength.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to protect your wellbeing, challenge unhealthy dynamics, and build resilience in the face of workplace adversity.

Key Moments:

01:12 Toxic Work Culture Reflections

04:46 The Pain of Ostracism

09:02 "Belief Systems and Conditioning"

12:42 "Overcoming Fear to Connect"

16:15 "Disingenuous Call After Job Loss"

17:46 "Sunday Dread and Workplace Bullying"

21:18 "Managing Workplace Bullying Effectively"

24:05 Handling a Bully Boss

About the guest : Andy Regal is a media executive and the author of Surviving Bully Culture: A Career Spent Navigating Workplace Bullying and a Guide for Healing.

Regal advanced to Executive Producer, Executive Vice President of Programming, and VP of Original Programming at major media organizations, including Court TV, CNBC, and MSNBC. He served as Global Head of Video at The Wall Street Journal, overseeing journalists in New York, Washington, San Francisco, London, and Hong Kong.

He garnered honors, including the Loeb Award for Excellence in Business Journalism, the Associated Press Media Editors Award, "Innovator of The Year," and Emmy nominations for Obamacare "Prescribed" and "Consumer 101" on NBC.

How to connect Andy:

Book Link: https://andyregal.com/my-book/

Website : https://andyregal.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyregal-nwb/

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 sits down with TV production veteran Andy Regal for an honest conversation about the hidden reality of workplace bullying and power abuse.

From navigating high-pressure television newsrooms to confronting toxic leadership dynamics, Andy shares his personal journey through professional success, emotional strain, and eventual advocacy. Together, Steve and Andy unpack how bullying erodes psychological safety, damages mental health, and creates shame that keeps victims silent.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• What workplace bullying really looks like - beyond obvious aggression
• How power dynamics and control impact mental health
• The emotional toll of bullying in both family and professional settings
• Why resilience alone isn’t enough to survive toxic environments
• The importance of support, advocacy, and breaking silence

Whether you’ve experienced bullying at work, struggled under controlling leadership, or want to better understand toxic environments, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope for healing and empowerment.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to recognize abuse of power, protect your wellbeing, and reclaim your voice.

Key Moments:

03:26 Seeking Workplace Validation

07:30 "Complex Legacy and Career Highlights"

10:35 "Clarifying Andy's Perspective"

15:48 Workplace Civility and Psychological Safety

17:28 "Control vs. Manage in Media"

21:16 Getting the Story Right

24:28 Toxic Boss Impacting Mental Health

27:06 Teen Bullying and Workplace Impact

About the guest : Andy Regal is a media executive and the author of Surviving Bully Culture: A Career Spent Navigating Workplace Bullying and a Guide for Healing.

Regal advanced to Executive Producer, Executive Vice President of Programming, and VP of Original Programming at major media organizations, including Court TV, CNBC, and MSNBC. He served as Global Head of Video at The Wall Street Journal, overseeing journalists in New York, Washington, San Francisco, London, and Hong Kong.

He garnered honors, including the Loeb Award for Excellence in Business Journalism, the Associated Press Media Editors Award, "Innovator of The Year," and Emmy nominations for Obamacare "Prescribed" and "Consumer 101" on NBC.

How to connect Andy:

Book Link: https://andyregal.com/my-book/

Website : https://andyregal.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyregal-nwb/

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/