In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, host Dr. Steve Hudgins is joined once again by author and coach Richard Waldman for Part Two of their discussion. Together, they dive deep into the struggles of feeling “stuck,” the relentless mental chatter we all face, and practical ways to shift our mindset for greater peace and resilience.

Richard shares personal stories—touching on loss, vulnerability, and the power of support—while exploring themes from his book, A Better Way of Thinking. The duo unpacks topics like the importance of self-acceptance, finding your support system, practicing the art of presence, and breaking free from judgment, whether it comes from others or ourselves. They also explore the challenges and hopes for faith communities, underscoring the vital need for grace and genuine relationship over criticism.

Whether you’re seeking a gentle nudge toward self-growth or just looking for ways to quiet your mind’s chaos, this episode is full of authentic insights, heartfelt encouragement, and actionable steps to help you start changing your way of thinking—one small practice at a time.

Key Moments:

01:10 "Embrace Life's Journey"

05:58 "Motivating Change for Self-Improvement"

07:56 Challenging Church Judgment and Hypocrisy

12:01 "Rethinking Material Needs and Guilt"

16:28 "Rethinking Church Competition"

17:48 Surround Yourself with Supportive Peers

20:33 "The Samaritan Woman Encounter"

About the guest :

Richard Waldman - Life Coach, Speaker & Founder of Brainyites

Richard Waldman is a life coach, veteran, and speaker helping people break free from the mental chatter that keeps them stuck. As the founder of A Better Way of THINKING and the Brainyites community, he empowers individuals to quiet their inner critic, challenge limiting beliefs, and unlock their full potential.

In his latest book, “Your Guide to A Better Way of THINKING,” Richard explores why intelligent people often self-sabotage and how to rise above it. Drawing from his journey across leadership, psychology, and spirituality, he bridges ancient wisdom and modern science to help others find clarity and purpose.

👉 Learn more at brainyites.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/

This week, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with life coach and author Richard Waldman for an eye-opening conversation about the power of judgment, self-awareness, and the constant "chatter" in our minds.

Richard kicks off the discussion with a powerful reminder: we can transform the world by simply supporting one another instead of judging each other. Together, Dr. Hudgins and Richard unravel how much of our thinking—and even our modern psychology—has roots in ancient theology and biblical stories. They dive into the story of Adam and Eve as a lens on the origins of self-judgment and explore why so many of us feel stuck or struggle to change.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the nature of the "serpent" or negative inner voice, and how judgment—especially self-judgment—can hinder our growth, healing, and healthy relationships. Dr. Hudgins brings a therapeutic perspective, highlighting how childhood experiences and unmet needs can fuel this internal chatter, which so often manifests as anxiety, guilt, or shame.

Through candid personal stories and practical wisdom, the episode offers listeners tools to create more awareness, stay present, and choose supportive self-talk over judgment. Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or just interested in personal growth, this episode delivers simple, actionable steps for breaking free from old patterns and becoming the best version of yourself.

Tune in as we delve into what it truly means to live a life grounded in awareness, accountability, and authentic self-care.

Key Moments:

01:19 Adam's Role in the Garden

04:09 Adam's Accountability Questioned

07:20 Conscious Choice and Self-Expression

11:07 Navigating Identity and Cultural Judgment

15:28 Silencing Mental Chatter Desires

17:51 Transformation of Saul to Paul

20:19 Letting Go: Finding Better Paths

About the guest :

Richard Waldman - Life Coach, Speaker & Founder of Brainyites

Richard Waldman is a life coach, veteran, and speaker helping people break free from the mental chatter that keeps them stuck. As the founder of A Better Way of THINKING and the Brainyites community, he empowers individuals to quiet their inner critic, challenge limiting beliefs, and unlock their full potential.

In his latest book, “Your Guide to A Better Way of THINKING,” Richard explores why intelligent people often self-sabotage and how to rise above it. Drawing from his journey across leadership, psychology, and spirituality, he bridges ancient wisdom and modern science to help others find clarity and purpose.

👉 Learn more at brainyites.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 episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins offers an insightful exploration of how childhood experiences shape emotional development and personal growth, using the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird as a central lens. Speaking from both clinical expertise and personal reflection, Dr. Hudgins revisits the story of young Scout Finch growing up in racially segregated 1930s Alabama, highlighting the novel’s powerful themes of innocence, injustice, and empathy.

Listeners are guided through the ways children interpret and internalize the events around them—particularly the confusing or painful ones—and how silence, avoidance, or a lack of honest explanation can deepen fears or misunderstandings. Drawing from both the novel and real-life cases, Dr. Hudgins underscores the importance of being present, listening carefully, and helping children make sense of their emotions and experiences.

This episode encourages adults to become safe narrators and guides for the next generation, emphasizing that fostering resilience and healing often begins with empathy, honest communication, and a willingness to see the world through a child’s eyes. Through the journey of Scout Finch, Dr. Hudgins invites the audience to reflect on their own formative experiences and discover ways to support and nurture the emotional well-being of children—and, in the process, themselves.

Key Moments;

01:20 Moon Observations and Scout Insights

04:56 Childhood and Racism in "Mockingbird"

09:20 Shift from Innocence to Insight

11:34 Understanding Children's Fears

14:58 "Manage Life, Don't Control Fear"

17:12 Guiding Children Through Life's Confusion

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/