In this episode, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down for part two with Brooke Deanne, author, life coach, and survivor of a high-control religious environment. Picking up where their last conversation left off, Brooke opens up about the terror and uncertainty of leaving her marriage and faith community, and the brave journey she took to reclaim her life.

Together, they discuss the deep impact of trauma bonds, the struggle to overcome fear and financial insecurity, and the powerful process of healing from spiritual and emotional wounds.

Brooke shares how she rebuilt her sense of self after years of emotional abuse, learned to run toward her fears, and ultimately redefined her relationship with faith and God. She also delves into her calling to help others, her work with rapid transformational therapy, and her bestselling memoir, “Shattered, Broken, and Beautiful.” This honest, compassionate conversation is full of insight for anyone navigating faith transitions, trauma recovery, or the scary but transformative process of self-discovery. Tune in to hear Brooke’s inspiring story of resilience, restoration, and how she found peace, faith, and purpose on the other side of pain.

Key Moments:

01:21 Overcoming Trauma Bond Anxiety

04:01 Facing Fear: Run Into the Storm

08:55 Spiritual Crisis and Redemption Journey

09:57 Surviving Cancer: Embracing Faith

14:43 "Accepting Diverse Perspectives"

17:30 Transformation Through The Subconscious Mind

21:15 Entrepreneur's Big Dreams and Projects

24:24 Faith in the Unseen About the guest : Brooke Deanne is a Trauma Healing Mentor, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and NLP Practitioner empowering female survivors of abuse and trauma to reclaim their lives by rewriting their stories via a holistic approach to access new levels of mind, body, and spirit integration. After overcoming her history of abuse as an ex-Jehovah’s Witness, and toxic relationships, Brooke brings profound insight to her work and as an advocate against religious abuse and domestic violence. She is the author of The Grief Monster, a trusted resource in therapy offices and hospitals to help children process loss, and Shattered, Broken, & Beautiful - Losing My Religion and Finding Faith, a transformative memoir exploring her healing journey from a religious cult and abusive relationships. Brooke also hosts The Cult Diaries podcast. Discover more at https://www.lifecoachinggoddess.com/

How to connect Brooke :

https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachinggoddess

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, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Brooke Deanne, an RTT therapist and trauma healing mentor, to unpack her powerful story of breaking free from the confines of a high-control religious environment.

Brooke opens up about being born and raised as a third-generation Jehovah’s Witness. She shares the painful realities of life inside what she identifies as a cult including the loss of community, fear-based control, and the shunning faced for questioning authority or stepping out of line. Together, Steve and Brooke discuss the psychological tactics used to enforce obedience, how trauma bonds are formed, and the challenges of redefining self-worth and authenticity after decades of indoctrination.

This episode is a candid exploration of grief, resilience, and ultimately learning to choose yourself, even when it means leaving behind family and community. Join us for a raw and inspiring conversation about trauma, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your inner authority.

Key Moments:

05:07 Cult Warnings: Historical Lessons

06:33 Cult Control Through Fear

12:52 Growing Up as a Jehovah’s Witness

15:01 Self-Love Over Parental Expectations

17:15 "Embracing Self-Love for Better Parenting"

20:40 "Understanding Trauma Bonds"

24:17 Journey from Trauma to Healing

About the guest : Brooke Deanne is a Trauma Healing Mentor, Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), and NLP Practitioner empowering female survivors of abuse and trauma to reclaim their lives by rewriting their stories via a holistic approach to access new levels of mind, body, and spirit integration. After overcoming her history of abuse as an ex-Jehovah’s Witness, and toxic relationships, Brooke brings profound insight to her work and as an advocate against religious abuse and domestic violence. She is the author of The Grief Monster, a trusted resource in therapy offices and hospitals to help children process loss, and Shattered, Broken, & Beautiful - Losing My Religion and Finding Faith, a transformative memoir exploring her healing journey from a religious cult and abusive relationships. Brooke also hosts The Cult Diaries podcast. Discover more at https://www.lifecoachinggoddess.com/

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/lifecoachinggoddess

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 second part of two-part podcast, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Mallary Tarpley to explore the complex intersections of grief, identity, and recovery from eating disorders. Drawing on her personal journey and professional expertise, Mallary shares how the loss of her mother at a young age fueled her struggle with anorexia, offering honest reflections on how trauma and control can shape our relationship with food and ourselves.

Together, they break down outdated misconceptions about eating disorders, emphasizing the neurobiological changes that keep people trapped, and shedding light on the genetic and environmental factors at play. Mallary provides heartfelt advice for parents striving to raise children with healthy relationships to food and body image, candidly discussing the language, behaviors, and household culture that matter most.

As the conversation unfolds, Mallary talks about the power of writing - journaling and authoring her new book, Slip- as a means of therapy and self-compassion, sharing what she wishes her younger self could have known in the aftermath of loss. Whether you’ve experienced an eating disorder, are supporting someone who has, or are navigating your own “middle place” of growth and healing, this episode offers comfort, guidance, and the reminder that we are all works in progress.

Tune in for a compassionate, nuanced conversation that reminds us recovery isn’t about perfection—it's about gentleness, acceptance, and giving ourselves permission to be human.

Key Moments:

01:12 Rethinking Eating Disorder Blame

04:27 Redefining Food Morality for Kids

08:10 Evolving Strength Through Adversity

10:34 Reconnecting with Younger Self

15:14 Journey to Authentic Recovery

16:54 Embracing the Messiness of Recovery

22:18 Recognizing Eating Disorder Warning Signs

23:42 Embracing Self-Love and Inner Growth

About the guest :

Mallary Tarpley’s journey through recovery has shaped her into a resilient and insightful individual. One year after first finding herself in a hospital bed - sick with anorexia nervosa and unable to eat - Mallary began to recognize the deeply personal struggles underlying her illness. Her first hospitalization was a moment of realization: if she wanted to survive, she would have to seek recovery, though true change would take much longer.

Over time, with five hospitalizations and a year and a half in residential treatment, Mallary came to understand that her disorder had taken from her, rather than given her control or closeness she once hoped to find. This hard-won insight has informed her perspective and strengthened her resolve on the healing journey.

How to connect Mallary Tarpley :

Weekly newsletter: https://mallary.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallarytenoretarpley/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallary-tenore-tarpley

Personal website: https://www.mallarytenoretarpley.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 first part of 2 part podcast, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Mallary Tarpley for a moving and candid conversation about grief, identity, and recovery. Mallary shares her personal journey, beginning with the loss of her mother to cancer at age 11, and how that profound grief led to her struggle with anorexia nervosa throughout her adolescence. Together, they explore the complicated landscape of the "middle place" - a space between acute illness and full recovery that’s often overlooked in discussions of both eating disorders and mourning.

Mallary opens up about her family dynamics, the misconceptions around eating disorders, and how writing became a path toward healing and understanding. This episode is a poignant exploration of what it means to live, grieve, and recover without ever reaching a definitive sense of closure, offering empathy and insight for anyone navigating similar challenges.

Key Moments:

01:23 Navigating Grief and 'The Middle Place'

05:07 Struggling with Grief and Control

09:05 Exploring Strength and Truth

11:30 Writing as Coping Mechanism

13:59 Healing Through Posthumous Letters

16:52 Anorexia's Unexpected Realization

21:52 Eating Disorder Misconceptions Hamper Treatment

23:24 "Insights on Parenting and Recovery"

About the guest :

Mallary Tarpley’s journey through recovery has shaped her into a resilient and insightful individual. One year after first finding herself in a hospital bed - sick with anorexia nervosa and unable to eat - Mallary began to recognize the deeply personal struggles underlying her illness. Her first hospitalization was a moment of realization: if she wanted to survive, she would have to seek recovery, though true change would take much longer.

Over time, with five hospitalizations and a year and a half in residential treatment, Mallary came to understand that her disorder had taken from her, rather than given her control or closeness she once hoped to find. This hard-won insight has informed her perspective and strengthened her resolve on the healing journey.

How to connect Mallary Tarpley :

Weekly newsletter: https://mallary.substack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallarytenoretarpley/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallary-tenore-tarpley

Personal website: https://www.mallarytenoretarpley.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/

Today, Host Dr. Steve Hudgins and Co-host Kenya Evelyn open up about the challenges and heartfelt realities of caring for aging parents. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experiences, Dr. Steve and Kenya explore the emotional complexities, generational patterns, and the often unspoken sacrifices involved in supporting loved ones through their later years.

Together, they tackle important questions:

• How do we honor our elders when the relationship has been fractured?
• Where do we find peace and set healthy boundaries amidst guilt, resentment, or past hurt?
• And what does it truly mean to give care from a place of love and integrity, rather than duty or obligation?

If you've ever navigated the delicate balance between being a caregiver, a parent, and an individual striving for your own growth and healing, this episode is for you.

Join us as we confront generational cycles, celebrate the small victories, and offer support and wisdom for everyone traveling the rewarding—yet sometimes difficult—path of generational caregiving.

Key Moments:

00:00 Unrecognized Burden: Aging Caregivers

04:59 Choosing Care: Brazilian Decision

06:45 Reflecting on Parent-Child Relationships

11:52 Unconditional Love and Boundaries

15:18 "Choosing Healing Over Pain"

18:17 "Choosing Love Over Obligation"

20:12 "Gift of Freedom: No Regrets"

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 2nd part of the two-part podcast, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Stacy Johnson - a seasoned therapist and coach, to explore the deeply personal journey from loss and overthinking to resilience and self-regulation. Stacy opens up about her own experience navigating grief after her husband’s sudden passing, and how she learned to move beyond the relentless “what ifs” and “should haves” that can fuel anxiety and dysregulation.

Together, Dr. Hudgins and Stacy unpack practical tools for identifying and managing emotions, from grounding and mindfulness techniques to journaling and self-care strategies that truly work. You’ll hear candid discussions about the role of the nervous system, why overthinking keeps us stuck, and the importance of tuning into both our mental and physical health - especially during challenging times. Whether you’re facing loss, struggling with anxiety, or just looking to become more resilient, this episode is packed with actionable advice and compassionate insight for anyone seeking a healthier, more centered life.

Join us as we discover how to move forward, one mindful step at a time.

Key Moments:

01:22 Emotional Loss Coaching Journey

05:36 Managing Overthinking and Anxiety

08:32 Mindfulness Techniques for Overthinking

09:52 Resilience Through Controlled Overthinking

15:12 "Nervous System Regulation Guide"

18:36 "Resilience Roadmap: Self Care Essentials"

20:40 Grounding Techniques for Relaxation

About the guest :

Stacey Johnson’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. After experiencing trauma that left her nervous system dysregulated, Stacey responded by pushing herself to keep moving forward, unsure if this urge was her natural instinct or the result of her training. In the process, she neglected her own self-care until months later when she finally paused and recognized the need to tend to her own well-being. Drawing upon her skills and self-awareness, Stacey learned to process her feelings, rediscover her identity, and practice self-love. Her journey highlights the importance of self-care and the power of personal growth after adversity.

How to connect Stacey Johnson:

Website : https://staceyjohnsoncoaching.com/

Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceyjohnsoncoaching/

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 1st part of the two part podcast, Dr.Steve Hudgins sits down with special guest Stacey Johnson, a seasoned clinical therapist with over 25 years of experience. Stacey opens up about her personal journey through profound loss, navigating the sudden passing of both her stepfather and husband within weeks of each other.

Drawing from her own struggles and professional expertise, Stacey shares how she found the strength to care for herself, rediscover her identity, and support other women grappling with different forms of loss.

Together, Dr. Steve and Stacey explore the challenges of balancing personal grief with the responsibilities of being a parent and a mental health professional, the importance of self-care, and practical advice for anyone facing life’s unexpected turns.

Whether you’re walking through your own season of loss or supporting someone who is, this episode offers honest insight, encouragement, and tools for emotional wellness.

Key Moments:

01:22 "Launching 'Anchor Resilience' for Women"

05:29 Career Shift: From Teaching to Counseling

08:34 Covid Tragedy: Hospital Farewells

10:28 Importance of Life Insurance

15:16 Balancing Emotional Resilience

16:35 "Balancing Emotion: Process vs. Avoidance"

About the guest :

Stacey Johnson’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. After experiencing trauma that left her nervous system dysregulated, Stacey responded by pushing herself to keep moving forward, unsure if this urge was her natural instinct or the result of her training. In the process, she neglected her own self-care until months later when she finally paused and recognized the need to tend to her own well-being. Drawing upon her skills and self-awareness, Stacey learned to process her feelings, rediscover her identity, and practice self-love. Her journey highlights the importance of self-care and the power of personal growth after adversity.

How to connect Stacey Johnson:

Website : https://staceyjohnsoncoaching.com/

Facebook Group : https://www.facebook.com/groups/staceyjohnsoncoaching/

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 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/