
Cultivating Resilience and Community with Mackenzie Dunham
From The Optimized Mind by Dr. Kate Lund
November 18, 2025 · 25 min · Episode 163
About this episode
Dr. Kate Lund discusses resilience and community support for transgender kids 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…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Kate Lund
Guest: Mackenzie Dunham
Topics covered
- resilience
- transgender support
- parental support
- LGBTQ+ care
- community building
Keywords
- resilience
- transgender
- parental support
- therapy
- LGBTQ+
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wild Heart Society
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