The Optimized Mind

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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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.comlinkedin.com/in/carla-fowlerx.com/DrCarlaFowlerTo Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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. The discussion focuses on compassion – what it means, how we access it, and why it’s so fundamental to our human experience.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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Karen Blaine, author, retired hypnotherapist, and self-described "eternal empath." Karen shares her journey of self-discovery—from growing up feeling different and being told she was "too sensitive," to finding community and purpose through writing after significant personal loss. Together, they explore the themes of authenticity, resilience, and the power of self-love, as reflected in Karen’s new book, The Illusion of Perfection.Karen Blaine is a published author, full-time writer, and retired certified hypnotherapist with a specialization in conversational hypnotherapy. As an intuitive empath, her writing is dedicated to educating, enlightening, and inspiring readers to find their most authentic selves and live their best lives. Karen aims to connect deeply with readers and teach them to dream big and embark on personal journeys that result in lives of love and gratitude.In her early years, she pursued many creative and artistic activities, such as writing poetry and making music. Now she focuses her creative juices on writing her books, of which she has published four and has written two others!Karen's book, Who Are You, explores various methods of personality typing, helping us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Dreamscapes is her book on dream decoding that explains the subconscious & conscious meanings of common dreams and how they help us to grow and learn. In Subconsciously Speaking Karen writes about how the subconscious can help us understand and gain power by utilizing it more often. And her new book, You Are Not Alone, the focus shifts to the importance of self-love and the comforting realization that we are not alone in our struggles. This book also offers guidance on building resilience in the face of challenges.Karen is an avid reader, including literature on the human connection. She graduated from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with a BA in Speech Communications. She has lived in Southern California all of her life. Karen has been married for 40+ years and has raised four wonderful children who have grown into positive, caring, and successful adults. To learn more about Karen, please visit:www.eternalempath.comTo Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Matthew Price, author of How-To-IQ: A Principled Approach to Making Smarter Decisions in Complex Times. The discussion focuses on the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in decision-making, emphasizing the human factor in organizations. The conversation touches on practical ways to help individuals and organizations recognize and overcome common biases and blind spots both in the workplace and at home. Matthew stresses the need to empower others to make sound decisions, which ultimately supports organizational growth and healthy family dynamics.Matthew Price is the Founder and Principal of MKP Strategies and the author of How-to IQ: A Principle-Based Approach to Smarter Decisions in Complex Times. With nearly 30 years of experience helping organizations navigate regulatory complexity, Matthew has built his career at the intersection of business strategy and compliance. He’s advised startups and Fortune 500s alike across sectors regulated by the FDA, EPA, OSHA, and beyond—transforming red tape into real opportunity.At the heart of Matthew’s work is a bold idea: when rules fall short, principles lead. His How-to IQ framework gives leaders the tools to think critically, act decisively, and scale their businesses with clarity—even in chaotic or heavily regulated environments. In his book and consulting work, he helps founders and executives make smarter decisions by focusing less on rigid rule-following and more on values, insight, and accountability.A trusted advisor, keynote speaker, and educator, Matthew is known for his candor, clarity, and ability to make complex systems actionable. He’s passionate about equipping leaders with the mindset and tools to grow from “one-man army” to sustainable organization—without losing their mission, values, or sanity in the process.To Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Justine Froelker, a licensed professional counselor turned speaker, author, and corporate trainer. The discussion explores the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of embracing vulnerability and transparency as leaders, and the necessity of integrating human connection into the workplace. Justine and Dr. Kate also delve into their personal passions outside of work, highlighting the meaningful impact of volunteering and creative hobbies like writing children's books and raising butterflies. The engaging discussion provides inspiration for anyone seeking to cultivate courage and authenticity, whether in leadership, entrepreneurship, or everyday life.Justine Froelker is a nationally recognized speaker, corporate trainer, and author helping organizations build courageous leaders and connected teams through the power of essential human skills. With more than 25 years of experience in mental health, personal development, and professional growth, Justine brings a grounded, no-nonsense approach to well-being, leadership, and resilience that resonates from the boardroom to the break room.A Licensed Professional Counselor and the creator of Courage is Built Here™, Justine equips teams and leaders with tools for authentic self-awareness, effective communication, and sustainable self-care. For over a decade, she was certified in Dr. Brené Brown’s work on courage and empathy, and she now shares her own curriculum with organizations committed to real, human-centered change.Known for her mix of grit, grace, and the occasional well-placed curse word where appropriate, Justine helps audiences and clients speak the unspoken, lead with heart, and show up with courage—even when life or work doesn’t go as planned. She’s worked with teams across industries to reduce burnout, foster inclusion, and develop leadership rooted in vulnerability and accountability.Justine is the author of twelve books, including five Amazon best-sellers, and her latest, Courage Is Built Here, shares her signature leadership framework. She’s delivered two TEDx Talks, and her work has been featured in the YouVersion Bible App, national media, and dozens of podcasts. Whether through in-person or virtual workshops, training, or keynotes, Justine delivers powerful insights that inspire action and lasting change. She lives in St. Louis with her husband and two beloved dogs and in her free time, you’ll find her rescuing baby birds, raising butterflies, and marveling at the magic of nature.To Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by intuitive consultant, Jenn Cohen. The conversation delves into the nature of intuition, with Jen emphasizing that everyone possesses this innate ability. She explains how cultural expectations and critical thinking often push intuition into the background, but that reconnecting with it is a process of unlearning rather than learning. They discuss how fear and past experiences can block intuition, and Jenn offers insights on how to compassionately address those barriers.Jenn Cohen has always been captivated by the power of intuition. After a life-changing experience in her 20s, she explored how intuition could shape her life and career. During her 27 years in the entertainment industry, Jenn found that intuitive decisions often led to success. Now an intuitive consultant, she helps individuals and organizations unlock potential, gain clarity, and achieve their goals through practical, intuition-based strategies. Jenn’s work fosters growth, creativity, and purpose in both personal and professional realms.cTo Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Mel McSherry, International Business & Life Guide. The conversation focuses on the unique intersection of entrepreneurship, personal development, and human design. Mel shares her winding journey from a successful career in fitness, through the challenges of new motherhood and mental health struggles, to her emergence as a business coach and energetic guide for entrepreneurs.International business & life guide Mel McSherry helps inspired yet overwhelmed entrepreneurs honor their lives and become the architects of their own success. Mel uses their spiritual gifts, as well as their 14+ years of business building experience, to slash entrepreneurs’ stress and bring their success to life! Using both Human Design in partnership with traditional business development tools, Mel coaches others on how they can connect to what they want, understand how they are designed to create what they want, and implement their strengths and strategies, so every day they are profitable– mentally, emotionally and financially.As an entrepreneur since 2010, Mel has launched two successful businesses, become a 2x published author, spoken almost 200 times all over the US and overseas, and created a true life by design– all while being the primary caregiver to their 13-year-old son who is autistic. To Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

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. The discussion delves into the realities of "energy" in everyday life, highlighting that everything is, quite literally, energy. Martina breaks down the basics, explaining the difference between active and inactive (or potential) energy, and offers relatable analogies, like tuning a radio to understand frequency and vibration. Dr. Kate and Martina also touch on personal energy management and why awareness of our energy—and how it interacts with others—is key for healthy relationships and personal well-being.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.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Karen Bartholomew, Founder of the Pause Method. The conversation focuses on how Karen helps women identify and break free from limiting subconscious patterns. Karen walks listeners through each step of the Pause Method: Pattern Recognition, Acknowledgment, Understanding, Shifting the narrative, and Embracing new possibilities. She explains how these actionable steps create the foundation for lasting change and increased resilience, especially in the face of life’s inevitable challenges.As Founder of The Pause Method, Karen Bartholomew empowers women and leaders to slow down and unlock their full potential. With over 14 years of experience, Karen’s coaching philosophy encourages intentional reflection and aligned action, enabling her clients to shed false beliefs and achieve sustainable success. Her approach emphasized the power of pausing over constant doing, fostering confident and purposeful leadership. Karen is passionate about women’s empowerment and has inspired countless individuals to break free from old patterns and confidently embrace the next chapter in their lives. Website: karenbartholomew.comInstagram: instagram.com/karenbartholomewTo Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Jim Carlough, an accomplished business strategist, speaker and author. The conversation centers around Jim’s book, “The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success,” and dives deeply into the six core principles he believes are essential for any leader: integrity, focus, compassion, stability, empathy, and humor.With over 30 years of leadership experience, Jim Carlough is an accomplished business strategist, speaker, and author. Having successfully driven explosive growth for healthcare organizations—from start-ups to industry leaders — Jim is a trusted expert in building high-performing teams, revitalizing underperforming businesses, and guiding organizations through transformational change.Jim's core philosophy—leaders aren’t born; they’re developed—challenges the myth of innate leadership. In his book, The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: A Roadmap to Success, Jim delivers a practical and inspiring guide for leaders at every stage of their journey. His approach focuses on six essential traits that empower individuals to embrace leadership as a skill that can be learned, honed, and mastered through experience, mentorship, and intentional growth.To Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Diana Anderson, the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Cylient, a transformative training and consulting company dedicated to evolving leadership through meaningful, purposeful conversations.Together, Dr. Kate and Dianna explore the concept of untying the knot as a framework for addressing "stuckness" and facilitating meaningful dialogue between leaders and team members. Dianna emphasizes that coaching skills are universal human skills—not just reserved for professional coaches—and explains how these skills can empower individuals and organizations to navigate change more effectively.Dianna Anderson is the visionary Co-Founder and CEO of Cylient, a transformative training and consulting company dedicated to evolving leadership through meaningful, purposeful conversations. She is a founding member of the International Coaching Federation and held the prestigious Master Certified Coach designation for nearly two decades.A thought leader in coaching and human development, Dianna co-authored the first comprehensive textbook exploring the return on investment of coaching engagements. Her pioneering work on the creation of coaching cultures helped global and mid-sized companies unlock collaborative potential by instilling “in the moment” coaching as a leadership style and way of life. To date, over 55,000 individuals have evolved their approach to leadership using the signature Untying the Knot methodology Dianna created. Driven by a profound belief in human potential, Dianna's current mission is to establish Untying the Knot as a global language that bridges divides and empowers people with diverse perspectives to tackle complex challenges collaboratively. Her vision stems from a deep understanding that true progress emerges when people learn together, building the trust necessary to push beyond perceived limitations and realize extraordinary possibilities.To Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by HeatherAsh Amara, best-selling author, much-beloved guide, philanthropist, and land steward. The conversation centers around HeatherAsh’s latest book, Wild, Willing and Wise: An Interactive Guide for When to Paddle, When to Rest, and When to Jump Naked into the River of Life. She explains how the book draws inspiration from her experience whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon, using the river as a metaphor for navigating life’s challenges—learning when to take action, when to rest, and when to embrace joy and spontaneity.As a best-selling author, much-beloved guide, philanthropist, and land steward, HeatherAsh Amara (aka Ash) has spent the last three decades weaving together earth-based teachings and practical wisdom for creative, courageous, pragmatic, and compassionate change. She is the author of nine books, including the bestselling Warrior Goddess Training series and The Seven Secrets of Happy and Healthy Relationships with don Miguel Ruiz Jr.Her upcoming book Wild, Willing, and Wise, which will be published Summer 2024 with St. Martin’s Essentials, will expand on her three decades of teaching and mentorship and serve as a delightful invitation for those who want to live fully in the world: to be fiercely engaged, wildly creative, failingly experimental, wonderfully confused, seriously delighted, and compassionately vulnerable. Ash’s new Substack, Out of the Fire, arose from her experience losing much of her 180-acre retreat center to the biggest wildfire in New Mexico history and her ongoing work to restore the land amidst climate change. Each week she brings a journalistic approach to her decades-long spiritual practice in sharing heart-centered wisdom on navigating the rough and often conflicting waters we all live in these days.Ash is an engaging and sought-after speaker who loves rich conversations around both challenging and joyful topics. She is most at home in facing the contradictions of modern life. Spiritual and grounded. Intellectual and embodied. Ash endeavors to invite all to the table to learn and grow. Ash often plants her feet in New Mexico but as a lifelong nomad, she spends most of her time traveling, teaching, and writing in cafes around the world.To Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Anthony Cudjo (AKA “Coach Cudjo”) founder of Human Optimization 3.0. Dr. Kate and Coach Cudjo dive into unlocking your full potential—mind, body, and spirit. He shared transformative insights on aligning your inner energy, harnessing the power of belief, and practical steps like grounding and daily affirmations to shift your mindset. If you’re ready to level up your health, wealth, and self-awareness, this conversation is the spark you need to create real change from the inside out.Founder and Head Coach at Human Optimization 3.0 (H3O), Anthony Cudjo (AKA “Coach Cudjo”), is the leading expert in performance by optimizing various aspects of life, including physical, mental, and emotional health. Boasting over three decades of experience in business consulting and executive coaching, he is widely recognized as the “Teacher of Teachers” and “Leader of Leaders” for his work empowering individuals and communities to reach their full potential by achieving harmony in spirit, mind, and body. Coach Cudjo is a graduate of Dale Carnegie and the Landmark Forum, and holds certifications as an Advanced NLP Practitioner, personal trainer, life coach, nutritionist, and metabolic specialist. A former professional athlete, he has also hosted the FitnessRX Show on ESPN radio, where he shared his expertise in health and wellness with a wide audience.Connect With Anthony: Website: urh3o.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anthony-cudjo-a2928567Facebook: Facebook.com/Humanoptimization3.0Instagram: Instagram.com/Humanoptimization3.0Youtube: Youtube.com/@Humanoptimization3.To Learn More, visit:www.katelundspeaks.comListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/kate-lund