The Optimized Mind

Mission Matters Network
  • 4.9 (74)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Dr. Kate Lund, The Optimized Mind explores how we can define our own unique context, build resilience and maximize potential through engaging with today's top thought leaders in the business and personal development space. Learn more at: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

  1. NOV 25

    Flipping the Script with Dr. Kate and Gina Schaefer

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by her friend Gina Schaefer for this special episode of The Optimized Mind. Gina interviews Dr. Kate to celebrate the conclusion of the podcast’s three-year run and the launch of Dr. Kate’s new book, Step Away: The Keys to Resilient Parenting. The conversation reflects on key lessons from over 160 episodes, emphasizing that resilience is a uniquely personal journey shaped by context and experience. The episode explores the challenges of modern parenting, including screen time, mindsets, and navigating differing needs among children and co-parents, while sharing insights that extend beyond parenting into leadership and everyday life. Gina Schaefer is the Founder and Co-Owner of 13 hardware stores located in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, MD, and their suburbs. She and her team of 300 have helped millions of customers shop right where they live, in their urban communities, despite continuous pressure from bigger, stronger competitors.    Gina is a professional speaker and storyteller, engaging audiences on topics that include competing in a male dominated field, building a strong corporate culture, business succession planning, and all things small business. In her book, Recovery Hardware, Gina chronicles her experiences building a business while learning from non-traditional teachers like folks from the recovery community and returning citizens.  She serves as an advocate and spokesperson for causes directly related to raising wages, anti-monopoly legislation and small business development.    She draws her inspiration from fellow entrepreneurs who strive to be creative, think differently and help make a difference. People like Judy Wicks, founder of the White Dog Cafe in Philadelphia who inspired her to use her voice as a force for good; Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, founders of gourmet food group Zingerman's Community of Businesses in Michigan, from whom Schaefer learned innovative business strategies and Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, who taught her that nonprofit organizations need to think beyond simple charity.   Gina’s guiding principle comes from a treasured quote “I always wondered when somebody would do something about that.  Then I realized I was somebody”.  She invites you to feel that way too.     To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    58 min

  2. NOV 20

    Turning Grit into Gold with Marley Majcher

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, D. Kate sits down with the dynamic and endlessly creative Marley Majcher, also known as The Party Goddess and The Profit Goddess, for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and personal growth. Marley shares her fascinating journey from a childhood spent selling Shrinky Dinks door-to-door, through restaurant ventures, to building a renowned event planning business catering to celebrity clients. The conversation covers pivotal career moments, mindset hacks for overcoming obstacles, and Marley's relentless drive to create, innovate, and never give up. Marley Majcher is the dynamic founder and CEO of The Party Goddess!—a nationally acclaimed full-service event planning and catering firm known for crafting everything from celebrity soirées to corporate galas. (The Party Goddess!) With a degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, she blends high-end aesthetic finesse with strategic business acumen—an approach she distilled in her business guide, But Are You Making Any Money?. (Amazon) Marley is a sought-after speaker and media contributor, appearing on platforms such as Fox Business, Entertainment Tonight and MSNBC, where she shares her insights on design, entrepreneurship, and event innovation. (The Party Goddess!) Outside of work, she’s known for a playful ritual of planning an elaborate annual “blowout” party—proof that she not only designs celebrations for others, she lives the spirit of celebration herself. (The Party Goddess!) To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    33 min

  3. NOV 18

    Cultivating Resilience and Community with Mackenzie Dunham

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by the founder of Wild Heart Society, Mackenzie Dunham. The discussion focuses on the challenges transgender kids and their families face, the power of parental support, and the tools Mackenzie uses to promote resilience and connection. The episode wraps with practical advice for all of us: lead with curiosity, challenge misinformation, and always accept and affirm kids for who they are. Founded in 2019 by Mackenzie Dunham, Wild Heart Society has grown to include over 25 compassionate professionals who are dedicated to providing therapy that is grounded in trust and connection. Our expertise includes LGBTQ+ care, family therapy, and child-centered approaches. We’re here to help you find the therapist (and therapy style) that fits you best.  Inspired by Brene Brown’s powerful work, Wild Heart Society is a collective of licensed therapists, interns, and support staff who center their work around creativity, courage, and connection. Wild Heart Society specializes in counseling for youth, families, and individuals of all ages and identities. We help you navigate challenges, affirm your identities, and build stronger, more meaningful relationships—both with yourself and the people you love.  To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    25 min

  4. NOV 11

    Understanding with Martina Faulkner

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Martina Faulker, a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on what it means to be human. Through this powerful episode, Dr. Kate and Martina deep dive into the heart of Martina’s writing process, the themes that underpin the Understanding Series, and the powerful insights she’s gathered along the way. This episode is a masterclass in getting back to basics, building self-connection, and using practical self-help tools to recalibrate and reset your life. Martina E. Faulkner is a cross-genre author whose work focuses primarily on exploring what it means to be human—both the unique and the universal. She holds a trifecta in the mental health/healing world as a therapist, certified life coach, and Reiki Master Teacher. This distinctive background allows her to draw on her professional and personal experience in her writing, whether fiction, nonfiction, children’s, or poetry. A self-proclaimed Anglophile, Martina drinks tea daily, loves walks in nature, and enjoys looking at beautiful images from the British Isles while dreaming up her next book. You can read her regular column (‘Unique and Universal’) on Substack, follow her on Instagram and Facebook @martinaefaulkner, or visit martinaefaulkner.com to learn more. To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    59 min

  5. NOV 4

    The Courage to Pivot with Dr. Carla Fowler

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by elite executive coach Carla Fowler, MD, Ph.D. For the last decade, she has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders. Dr. Fowler's unique approach combines the latest research from performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals. Carla Fowler, MD PhD founded THAXA out of a passion for performance science, where the fields of strategy, productivity, and psychology intersect. Since its inception in 2013, THAXA’s scientific approach to individualized coaching has attracted a devoted client base of dozens of executives at firms ranging from Fortune 500 technology companies to venture-backed startups to innovative nonprofits. Carla’s coaching methods draw upon the multidisciplinary field of performance science to generate the best ideas surrounding strategy, execution, and mindset to assist leaders in their endeavors. Over the past 10 years, she has distilled the key principles of performance into understandable concepts and a method that helps leaders incorporate these ideas into their day-to-day performance, helping them go faster and improving their results. Outside of her coaching, Carla truly enjoys sharing her key performance principles with audiences while engaging in thought-provoking conversations surrounding her passion for performance science. Carla graduated from Brown University magna cum laude, earned her MD and PhD at the University of Washington, and completed her internship in general surgery at Stanford University. To learn more about Carla, please visit: www.thaxa.com linkedin.com/in/carla-fowler x.com/DrCarlaFowler To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    41 min

  6. OCT 21

    A Story of Resilience with Reah Hagues

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by author and coach Reah Hagues. Reah shares her remarkable story of becoming a mother at 14 and the transformative journey that led her to holistic mental health, Christian studies, and life coaching. Drawing from her own experiences, education, and passion, Raya discusses her workbooks, coaching style, and unique perspective on parenting and resilience. Reah (pronounced Ray-uh) is a devoted wife, proud mother of five young adults, and a loving pet owner. A native of North Carolina, she wears many hats—author, entrepreneur, community activist, and passionate advocate for equality. With multiple professional degrees in Christian Studies, Psychology, Life Coaching, and Holistic Mental Health & Wellness Counseling (with a focus on family dynamics), Reah combines academic expertise with lived experience to inspire and empower others. She is the founder of Falolity, LLC and co-owner of Linda’s Cleaning Crew, bringing both vision and dedication to her business ventures. Whether she’s leading in the community, guiding families toward healthier relationships, or championing equality, Reah’s mission is rooted in faith, compassion, and resilience. To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    27 min

  7. OCT 14

    From Hustle to Calm with Roberta Ravella

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Roberta Ravella, Founder of the Joy Experiment. The discussion focuses on the transformative journey from hustle and force to building a life and business rooted in joy, ease, and feminine energy. Roberta Gill Ravella is the visionary behind The Joy Experiment—a transformative framework designed to help women step out of struggle and into a life and business filled with joy, ease, and flow. Drawing from her decades of experience in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, and personal development, Roberta helps clients rewrite the rules of success by leading with alignment, worthiness, and purpose. After years of chasing achievement through hustle and burnout, Roberta asked a powerful question: What if success didn’t have to be so hard? That question sparked the creation of The Joy Experiment, a values-based coaching approach that guides women to reconnect with their core, simplify their path to growth, and build success that feels just as good as it looks. Roberta works with purpose-driven women entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who are ready to replace self-doubt with self-trust, confusion with clarity, and pressure with peace. Her message is a refreshing antidote to hustle culture—and a rallying cry for those seeking a more intentional, fulfilling way to grow. When she’s not coaching or speaking, you’ll find Roberta exploring the mindset shifts that turn burnout into balance and teaching others how to lead with joy, not just chase it. To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    23 min

  8. OCT 7

    Optimizing Potential with Aaron McNair

    In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Aaron McNair, spirituality mindset coach. The conversation explores how Aaron integrates mindset and spirituality in his coaching practice, helping clients from all backgrounds optimize their potential. Aaron details practical techniques he uses with clients, such as shifting from negative self-talk, developing morning routines, and choosing words that cultivate positive energy and vibration. He also discusses resilience, emphasizing the importance of "bouncing forward" instead of simply "bouncing back" in the face of adversity. Aaron McNair is a powerful Spirituality Mindset Coach, Motivational Speaker, and Transformational guide devoted to helping people awaken to who they truly are—resilient, worthy, and unstoppable. He works with individuals ready to break free from emotional and spiritual limitations, master their inner world, and create a life of purpose, peace, and power. Rooted in deep spiritual wisdom and lived experience, Aaron combines mindset mastery with soul alignment to help others transform from the inside out. His unique coaching approach is built on four foundational pillars: Consistency, Discipline, Motivation, and Mindset—the core principles that empower lasting transformation in every area of life. Raised in the church and trained in Bible college, Aaron has walked a powerful spiritual journey that now fuels his mission to help others rise above fear, break generational patterns, and fully embody who God created them to be. Through keynote talks, podcast appearances, and transformational coaching, he delivers a message that ignites breakthroughs, elevates consciousness, and leads people back to their truth. Whether on stage or in private sessions, Aaron speaks with a powerful presence, spiritual authority, and a deep love for humanity. His message is clear and life-changing: Master Your Mind—Master Your Life. To Learn More, visit: www.katelundspeaks.com Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

    23 min
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4.9
out of 5
74 Ratings

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Hosted by Dr. Kate Lund, The Optimized Mind explores how we can define our own unique context, build resilience and maximize potential through engaging with today's top thought leaders in the business and personal development space. Learn more at: https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund/

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