In this episode, host Steve Hudgins introduces Connie Portman, a professional chef turned certified health coach, to discuss starting the new year free from the pressure of traditional resolutions. Connie brings a unique perspective shaped by her upbringing in Amish Country, Pennsylvania, which fostered her passion for clean, healthy food.

Listeners will hear about Connie’s transition from crafting exquisite dishes in luxury resorts to becoming a private chef for notable clients like musician Bruce Hornsby. Steve and Connie explore sustainable, realistic health goals, emphasizing the importance of heirloom produce and highlighting the nutrient decline in modern farming practices.

Connie shares practical tips for healthier eating, including the benefits of growing your own food and making informed choices between organic and conventional produce. The conversation covers a range of topics from seasonal eating and navigating farmers' markets to understanding the broader food system.

Packed with valuable advice, this episode encourages listeners to embrace mindfulness and empowerment in their food choices, setting the stage for future discussions on holistic nutrition. Join the Coached Soul podcast as it unveils the joys and responsibilities of creating a sustainable, healthy lifestyle for 2025!

Key Moments:

01:32 Food was healthier growing up, unlike today.

06:38 Intimate party at Bruce Hornsby's house.

10:24 Encouraging men to cook alleviates family guilt.

11:42 Meal planning, preparation, cooking, family approval process.

17:25 Overseas apples appear natural; ours waxed.

20:01 Discussing organic food choices at local markets.

22:03 Eat seasonally: Winter vegetables and organic greens.

25:53 Food system breakdown due to bacterial contamination.

About the guest :

Connie Portman is a Private Chef & Health Coach. As a child, hailing from the picturesque Amish Country in Pennsylvania, she discovered her culinary passion amidst lush farms and fresh, holistic produce. This early exposure to wholesome ingredients shaped her eating style and fueled her dream of becoming a professional chef. Connie honed her skills in the demanding environment of professional kitchens, mastering the intricacies of cooking. However, she eventually recognized the profession's physical toll on her body, leading her to pivot her career while still cherishing her love for food.

Website : https://www.choosingnewpaths.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, hosts Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn get into the profound connections between emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. In this episode, Kenya underscores the essential nature of self-forgiveness and self-love as the bedrock for loving others.

She discusses the impact of self-awareness on shaping our energy, which can either heal or harm the world. Sharing her personal journey, Kenya explores the nuanced navigation of complex emotions with authenticity, utilizing practices like journaling and surrendering to a higher power to embrace life's adversities and joys fully.

Steve offers reflections on finding comfort amidst adversity, exploring the significance of reconciliation, and celebrating life even in the face of challenges. Through personal stories and client experiences, Steve highlights the importance of community support and mutual encouragement.

Together, the hosts investigate themes of gratitude, faith, and the human pursuit of control, advocating for collective healing, forgiveness, and living in the present. This episode promises heartfelt discussions and practical insights designed to nurture the soul and help listeners manage life's unpredictable journey.

Key Moments:

01:32 Mother's illness inspires living in the moment.

03:59 Appreciate life's ups and downs for gratitude.

09:37 Forgiveness heals more than holding onto hurt.

11:38 Embrace authenticity; radiate love and positivity.

14:33 Acceptance shortens the journey through difficult times.

20:05 Struggling but grateful; feeling lost and overwhelmed.

21:04 Expressing emotions through journaling for clarity.

24:17 Embrace grief, live fully, forgive, find peace.

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, hosts Steve Hudgins and Kenya Evelyn embark on an inspiring journey into the power of vision. As they reflect on the start of a new year, they discuss the importance of setting and holding onto a clear vision to guide listeners through 2025.

Kenya shares her focus on harmony, unity, and community, emphasizing the blossoming she envisions in various aspects of life. Steve outlines his goals, including publishing his book on blended families and pursuing a doctorate. Throughout the conversation, they explore strategies for maintaining and nurturing one's vision, community support's significance, and resilience and confronting fear.

The hosts offer practical advice and personal stories, including Kenya's example of how a clear vision helped her navigate a challenging year and Steve's analogy of a vision as a compass for the soul.

Listeners will be inspired to define their own visions and hold onto them with determination and clarity. Join Steve and Kenya as they dive deep into envisioning a successful and fulfilling 2025.

Key Moments:

01:42 2025 Vision realized through internal harmony efforts.

06:44 Embrace joy and connection, reject fear's influence.

10:16 Feeling proud beyond fairytale wedding appearance.

12:21 Track vision, prioritize tasks, adjust as needed.

16:33 Vision: Advocate for successful blended families.

18:51 Success is personal: unity, money, expression, connection.

22:20 Embrace failures, adapt, pursue vision through action.

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/