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/