In this episode, host Steve Hudgins welcomes special guest Rachel Dick, a holistic biblical counselor, to explore the profound challenges of childhood trauma and substance abuse. Rachel bravely shares her journey from a tumultuous upbringing plagued by emotional neglect and substance addiction to the transformative moments that inspired her pursuit of healing and helping others.

Through candid discussion, Rachel recounts her experiences growing up in a chaotic and dysfunctional household, battling with early rebellion, and her subsequent descent into substance abuse. The episode delves into the emotional and familial dynamics that can perpetuate addictive behaviors, highlighting the critical need for open communication and understanding within families.

Together, Steve and Rachel emphasize the importance of empathy, education, and prayer in navigating the complexities of addiction, offering hope and insights for both those struggling and their loved ones.

Tune in to hear Rachel's powerful story and learn how she overcame her past to become a beacon of strength and support for others facing similar battles.

Key Moment :

03:13 Chaotic Childhood and Rebellion

09:19 Abandoning Church Rituals

11:43 Escaping Reality Through Substances

15:50 Embrace Openness in Struggles

18:32 Chasing Highs and Identity

20:57 Hope for Families of Addicts

23:59 Reexamining Judgment in Christianity

25:57 Facing Rock Bottom: A Turning Point

About the guest :

Rachel Dick grew up in a tumultuous and challenging family environment marked by chaos and dysfunction. Her parents' constant arguments created a hostile home atmosphere. During her early years, Rachel became rebellious, seeking freedom from her oppressive surroundings. At the age of 12, she faced a significant, life-altering event when a neighbor revealed to be a child predator led to a traumatic court case. The ordeal left Rachel with trust issues towards her parents, influenced by the manipulative words of the neighbor. He had promised her freedom to indulge in smoking, drinking, and other activities, which fueled her rebellion against her parents' authority. Despite these early struggles, Rachel's story is one of resilience and learning, navigating a path through challenging circumstances Website: www.daretolivefree.net

Books on Amazon:

Finding Freedom - https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Freedom-Addicts-Story-Death-ebook/dp/B08BB776WX?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Unlocking Freedom - https://www.amazon.com/Unlocking-Freedom-Connection-Discover-identity/dp/B0CQV1HYJR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30LQIM0PUH4Q6&keywords=unlocking+freedom&qid=1704335723&sprefix=unlocking+freedom%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1

About Coached Soul:

Coached Soul is an empowering podcast hosted by Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, 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, Steve Hudgins is joined by guest Anthony J. Mohr, as they dive into the complexities of growing up in a blended family and the transformative journey that led Anthony to become a judge and author.

Anthony shares personal anecdotes from his childhood, recounting his experiences with step-siblings and the unique challenges and joys that come with a blended family dynamic. The conversation also touches on Anthony's unexpected path to law and his eventual role as a judge, offering listeners an introspective look at the intricacies of family relationships and professional growth.

As they discuss Anthony's memoir, "Every Other Weekend," the episode reveals the delicate balance of writing one's story and the reflection it brings. This episode promises to provide listeners with insightful reflections on family, personal growth, and the pursuit of one's passion.

Tune in to explore these themes and learn more about Coached Soul.

Key Moments:

06:10 Avoiding Family Law Case

08:22 Judges Value Prepared Lawyers

12:05 From Kangaroo Court to Judgeship

15:32 "Siblings' Limited Pre-Publication Feedback"

17:26 "Audience Consideration in Storytelling"

19:59 Lesser-Known Book Awards Acknowledged

23:35 Single Life in 1970s California

About the guest :

Anthony J. Mohr served for twenty-six years as a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. He also sat as a judge pro tem on the California Court of Appeal. In January 2021, he became a fellow at the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and is now a senior editor of the Harvard ALI Social Impact Review. His stories and essays have received five Pushcart Prize nominations. He has worked on the staffs of Evening Street Review, Fifth Wednesday Journal, Hippocampus Magazine, and Under the Sun.

How to connect with Anthony : https://anthonyjmohr.com/

About Coached Soul:

Coached Soul is an empowering podcast hosted by Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, 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, host Steve Hudgins is joined by a special guest, Anthony J. Mohr. Anthony shares his remarkable journey of navigating life through the lens of a child in a blended family. As an accomplished author and judge, TAnthony discusses the emotional impact of his parents' divorce at the age of nine and his experiences adjusting to life with two different father figures in a rapidly evolving world.

The episode delves into the influence of these dynamics on Anthony's life, his career path, and his unique perspective on blending families. Listeners will gain insights into the resilience required to adapt to family changes and hear Anthony's valuable advice for others in similar situations.

Be prepared to be inspired and enlightened as the episode uncovers the fascinating narrative behind Anthony's book, "Every Other Weekend." Tune in and embark on this transformative journey.

Key Moments:

00:10 Book Origin Interview Introduction

04:26 Trauma's Lifelong Impact

07:04 "Radio Star Known as Aaron Duke"

12:05 Childhood Escape to Happiness

15:17 "Absent Father and Kept Letters"

17:27 Caught Between Two Worlds

20:52 Balancing Cultures and Legal Perspectives

22:54 School Struggles and Turnaround

About the guest :

Anthony J. Mohr served for twenty-six years as a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. He also sat as a judge pro tem on the California Court of Appeal. In January 2021, he became a fellow at the Advanced Leadership Initiative at Harvard University and is now a senior editor of the Harvard ALI Social Impact Review. His stories and essays have received five Pushcart Prize nominations. He has worked on the staffs of Evening Street Review, Fifth Wednesday Journal, Hippocampus Magazine, and Under the Sun.

How to connect with Anthony : https://anthonyjmohr.com/

About Coached Soul:

Coached Soul is an empowering podcast hosted by Steve Hudgins, a mental health professional and author, and co-hosted by Kenya Whaley, a transformational therapeutic coach. With a focus on self-improvement, 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/