Self Improvement, Mindfulness and Mental Health Tips - The Coached Soul Podcast

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:

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.

What happens when a cancer diagnosis forces you to rethink everything about life, healing, and purpose? In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Glenn Sturm for an honest conversation about navigating cancer with resilience, self-advocacy, and hope.

Glenn shares his personal cancer journey, the importance of speaking up within the healthcare system, and why multidisciplinary care teams, nurse navigators, and strong communication can dramatically improve the patient experience. Together, they explore how emotional support, human connection, and even small acts of kindness can make a profound difference during treatment and recovery.

Whether you are facing cancer yourself, supporting a loved one, or searching for inspiration during difficult times, this episode offers practical insights, emotional encouragement, and empowering lessons on healing, advocacy, and finding meaning through adversity.

Key Moments: 

04:38 Recovering from surgery and founding WebMD

09:55 Reporting ocular events to FDA

13:46 Challenges in integrated cancer care

17:36 The 2025 meta-analysis findings

21:06 Photography funding children's health

22:36 Taking friends to lunch and shopping

25:44 A shared church in Argentina

28:12 Disclaimer and final reminders

About the guest : 

Glenn Sturm is a retired military officer, attorney, four-time bestselling author, and cancer survivor whose life story is rooted in resilience and purpose. After serving more than 30 years in the military and earning his law degree with honors from the University of Florida, his life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with incurable cancer.

For the past 17 years, Glenn has lived with cancer while undergoing continuous chemotherapy, gaining powerful insights on navigating uncertainty, managing energy, and finding hope during life’s toughest seasons. Through authentic storytelling and lived experience, he helps others facing adversity redefine strength, purpose, and what it means to truly keep moving forward.

Website : https://glennsturm.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 Evelyn, 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.

In this powerful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with military veteran, attorney, author, and cancer survivor Glenn Sturm for a deeply honest conversation about resilience, uncertainty, and what it means to keep moving forward when life takes an unexpected turn.

Drawing from both military service and personal health battles, Glenn shares how discipline, communication, and mindset helped him navigate one of life’s most difficult challenges—a cancer diagnosis and the painful waiting that comes with uncertainty.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

This conversation offers encouragement to anyone navigating health challenges, uncertainty, or major life transitions.

🎧 Listen now for a powerful story of courage, leadership, and resilience in the face of the unknown

Key Moments: 

01:14  Dad's military career journey

06:13 Troop numbers debate in Gulf War

10:21 Career progression to law firm partner

11:54 Cancer diagnosis and forced retirement

15:16 Living with positivity through cancer

20:48 Medical incident during Wyoming trip

21:32 The biking accident and stroke

24:55 Communication and healthcare treatments

About the guest : 

Glenn Sturm is a retired military officer, attorney, four-time bestselling author, and cancer survivor whose life story is rooted in resilience and purpose. After serving more than 30 years in the military and earning his law degree with honors from the University of Florida, his life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with incurable cancer.

For the past 17 years, Glenn has lived with cancer while undergoing continuous chemotherapy, gaining powerful insights on navigating uncertainty, managing energy, and finding hope during life’s toughest seasons. Through authentic storytelling and lived experience, he helps others facing adversity redefine strength, purpose, and what it means to truly keep moving forward.

Website : https://glennsturm.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 empowering episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins is joined once again by Shirley Billigmeier, a pioneer in intuitive eating and body awareness, to explore what it truly means to trust your body when it comes to food, health, and self-care.

Together, they challenge common diet myths and unpack how external rules, beliefs, and social pressures disconnect us from our natural eating instincts. Shirley shares how reconnecting with your body’s signals like hunger, energy, and satisfaction - can transform your relationship with food and help you move toward lasting wellness.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Whether you’re tired of dieting, struggling with food rules, or simply looking for a more balanced approach to eating, this episode offers clarity, freedom, and a new way forward.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to move from control and confusion to confidence and connection with your body.

Key Moments: 

05:41 Listening to your body signals

09:10 Understanding non-value based beliefs

11:47 Respecting yourself during meals

13:45 Finding a personal eating schedule

16:29 Confusion around healthy eating choices

22:28 Listening to body’s nutritional signals

About the guest : 

Her work is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: just like infants instinctively know when to start and stop eating, we are all born with the ability to trust our bodies. Over time, however, societal pressures, judgment, and external rules disrupt that connection. Shirley’s approach helps individuals remove those layers of confusion and return to their body’s internal wisdom.

Rather than focusing on diets, weight, or restriction, she guides people to reconnect with their natural rhythms - transforming eating from a source of stress into a source of energy, clarity, and freedom. Her mission is to help individuals come back “home” to their bodies, rediscover the joy of eating, and live in alignment with their true, authentic selves.

How to connect Shirley: 

Instagram: Instagram.com/innergeticsmethod 

Facebook Facebook.com/learn.innergetics

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/shirleybilligmeier

LinkedIn Page: Linkedin.com/company/innergetics

Website:  www.innergetics.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 insightful episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with author and eating behavior expert Shirley Billigmeier to explore a powerful shift in how we understand food, weight, and our relationship with our bodies.

Instead of focusing on diets, calories, or external rules, Shirley introduces the concept of “Inner Eating” - a return to the natural instincts we are born with. From infancy, our bodies know when to start and stop eating - but over time, judgment, societal pressure, and conditioning disconnect us from that wisdom.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

This episode challenges everything you’ve been taught about food and invites you to reconnect with your body’s natural intelligence - leading to peace, clarity, and sustainable change.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to move from confusion and control to trust and alignment with your body.

Key Moments: 

00:00 Introduction: Inner Eating & Letting Go of Judgment

01:45 Shirley’s Story: From Weight Anxiety to Inner Peace

03:30 Body Image & Societal Pressure on Women

05:06 Why Controlling Food Creates More Problems

06:00 We’re Born Knowing How to Eat (Infant Wisdom)

09:00 How We Lose Hunger & Fullness Signals

11:50 Eating by the Clock vs Listening to Your Body

13:30 Parenting, Kids & Mealtime Chaos

15:30 Understanding Eating Disorders Differently

17:30 Trauma, Disconnection & Eating Patterns

19:40 Why Diets Fail (The Psychology Behind It)

20:40 The Hunger Scale Explained (0–10 Method)

23:30 Food Myths & Conflicting Nutrition Advice

24:40 Your Body Knows Best: Relearning Trust

About the guest : 

Her work is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: just like infants instinctively know when to start and stop eating, we are all born with the ability to trust our bodies. Over time, however, societal pressures, judgment, and external rules disrupt that connection. Shirley’s approach helps individuals remove those layers of confusion and return to their body’s internal wisdom.

Rather than focusing on diets, weight, or restriction, she guides people to reconnect with their natural rhythms - transforming eating from a source of stress into a source of energy, clarity, and freedom. Her mission is to help individuals come back “home” to their bodies, rediscover the joy of eating, and live in alignment with their true, authentic selves.

How to connect Shirley: 

Instagram: Instagram.com/innergeticsmethod 

Facebook Facebook.com/learn.innergetics

LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/shirleybilligmeier

LinkedIn Page: Linkedin.com/company/innergetics

Website:  www.innergetics.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.

In this forward-thinking episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with Dr. Steve Haberlin, assistant professor at the University of Central Florida and author of Meta Meditation for Mental Health, to explore how artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and virtual reality are reshaping the way we approach meditation and emotional wellbeing.

As technology continues to evolve, so do the tools we use for healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. But with these advancements comes an important question: Can technology enhance mindfulness - or does it risk replacing the human connection at its core?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Whether you’re a meditation practitioner, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of mental health, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of where we’re headed and how to stay grounded along the way.

🎧 Listen now and discover how technology and tradition can work together to support a more mindful, connected life.

Key Moments: 

05:36 Human connection vs. technology evolution

09:12 Different types of meditation explained

11:27 How mantra meditation impacts the brain

15:57 AI making education accessible

18:27 Balancing tradition and new tech

21:16 Online yoga vs in-person outcomes

25:00 Future AI and mindfulness tech

27:16 Balancing fear and exploring AI

About Dr. Steve Haberlin: 

Dr. Steve Haberlin, PhD, is an assistant professor in the College of Community Innovation & Education at the University of Central Florida. He researches and writes about the convergence of mindfulness and meditation with technology, including AI. His new book, Meta-Meditation for Mental Health: How Neuroscience, Virtual Reality, and AI are Changing Practice and How You Can Benefit, was released on April 7.

How to connect Dr. Steve Haberlin : 

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-haberlin-ph-d-22390b55/

Book Link : https://www.amazon.com/Meta-Meditation-Mental-Health-Neuroscience-Changing/dp/1041223587

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 Good Friday episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn explore the deeper meaning of forgiveness, mercy, and emotional healing - and how these timeless principles can transform our relationships and inner world.

Drawing from both spiritual insight and personal experience, they unpack a powerful truth: forgiveness is not about excusing harm or abandoning boundaries - it’s about freeing yourself from the weight of resentment and restoring peace within.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

This conversation invites you to reflect, release, and realign - reminding you that healing is possible when we choose compassion, wisdom, and intentional growth.

🎧 Listen now and experience how letting go can create space for deeper connection, freedom, and renewal.

Key Moments: 

05:17 The importance of forgiveness

08:16 Speaking intentional words

10:27 Forgiveness and rebuilding trust

15:21 Understanding forgiveness as detoxification

16:53 Breaking free from past habits

22:03 Finding peace through a shower

24:33 Closing with a love prayer

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 thought-provoking episode of Coached Soul, Dr. Steve Hudgins sits down with neuropsychologist Dr. Aldrich Chan to explore a powerful question: Why does modern life often leave us feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, and unfulfilled?

Drawing on neuropsychology and evolutionary science, Dr. Chan introduces the concept of mismatch theory - the idea that our brains are wired for a very different world than the one we live in today. From constant technology use to the loss of deep community, this gap between our biology and our environment may be at the root of much of our modern stress and suffering.

Together, they explore:

This episode blends science, storytelling, and practical insight to help you reconnect with what it truly means to be human in today’s fast-paced world.

🎧 Listen now and discover how returning to simple, timeless principles can help you feel more grounded, connected, and at peace.

Key Moments: 

03:48 Neuropsychology: Brain, Mind, and Evolution

09:10 SAD Theory: Separation, Alienation, Discord

12:16 Virtual Bullying: Emotional Impact Unveiled

15:54 "Impact of Childhood Neglect"

18:30 "It Takes a Village"

21:50 "Generational Trauma and Healing"

24:28 "Thoughts as Options, Not Commands"

27:59 "Integrating Nature's Wisdom Forward"

31:55 "Storytelling’s Timeless Importance"

35:35 Rediscovering the True Self

About the guest : 

Dr. Aldrich Chan is a neuropsychologist, researcher, and author whose work explores the intersection of brain science, human behavior, and ancient wisdom. With decades of experience in neuropsychology and consciousness research, he focuses on helping people understand why modern challenges like burnout, anxiety, and disconnection are often rooted in a growing disconnect from our natural rhythms.

Dr. Chan is the creator of the SAD Theory (Separation, Alienation, and Discord) - a neuropsychological framework that explains how overstimulation, social isolation, and sensory imbalance impact brain function and emotional wellbeing. His work bridges rigorous neuroscience with Daoist philosophy, offering practical, evidence-based approaches to restoring resilience, creativity, and inner balance.

He is also the best-selling author of The 7 Principles of Nature: How We Strayed & How We Return, where he expands on these ideas and provides tools for realigning with a more grounded, connected way of living.

How to connect Dr. Aldrich :  

Website : https://www.drchancnc.com/

Book by Dr. Aldrich : https://a.co/d/00eE6Gi0

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 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:

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 :

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.

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:

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 :

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/