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...

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...

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...

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 masterclas...

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...

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...

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 int...

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 choo...

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...

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, resili...

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 o...

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 th...

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. The...

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 co...

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...

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 explai...

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...

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 b...

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 experienc...

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...

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 nuances of resilience, challenging common misconceptions and emphasizing that resilience is not a fixed trait or a simple milestone to achieve. Instead, resilience is framed as an ongoing process and a byproduct...

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by Debbie Gilmore, Executive Director at the Arrowsmith Program. Debbie shared her powerful personal journey—both as an educator and as a parent—exploring how neuroplasticity can transform lives for students with learning differences. She discussed the groundbreaking cognitive approach of Arrowsmith, the importance of acknowledging challeng...

On today's episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate sat down with Paul Glover, the no BS Leadership and Executive Coach, whose extraordinary journey took him from successful trial attorney to ex-convict and now trusted executive coach. Paul shared powerful lessons on transformation, the value of failure, and the ripple effect of service. If you're ready to face your blind spots, embrace personal re...

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate is joined by cross-genre author Martina Faulkner. The discussion focuses on the power of gratitude and its role as both a feeling and a practical tool. Martina shares insights on authentic versus performative gratitude, highlighting how gratitude is most powerful when it comes from within rather than being externally imposed or demanded. The conversa...

In this episode of The Optimized Mind, Dr. Kate sits down with psychologist, Dr. Jenny Hughes. The conversation explores grief, both in traditional forms and as it relates to lost opportunities and changes brought by trauma. Dr. Hughes illustrates how trauma often manifests through physical sensations and patterns in the body. She introduces brain spotting, a somatic therapeutic approach which hel...