Cracking Open with Molly Carroll
Cracking Open with Molly Carroll is a podcast that explores how life's most challenging moments—crisis, grief, trauma, or rock bottom—can lead to profound personal transformation. Hosted by licensed therapist and author Molly Carroll, each episode features raw conversations with actors, athletes, thought leaders, and everyday people who have been reshaped by their struggles. The show offers tools and insights for navigating trauma, grief, and major life transitions, aiming to normalize struggle and celebrate resilience. Listeners will find honest discussions that help them feel less alone in their human experience.
Episodes
Afraid AI Is Replacing Human Connection? Jack Swift on Leadership, Consciousness, and the Human-Machine Era
I don't know about you, but even though I use AI almost every single day, there is still a part of me that gets nervous about it. I love nothing more than sitting across from a friend with a cup of coffee, driving in the car with my kids and husband to Seattle to see a World Cup Game (yep, I went), or being out in nature with nothing but my own thoughts, no machine, no screen, just me. I am d
Why Small Talk Is Making You More Lonely (And What To Do Instead)
I recorded this episode in the middle of one of the most emotional weeks of my life. My daughter Cora was three days from graduating high school, and I found myself at backyard parties where the conversation kept drifting to the same familiar places: the weather, work, the kids.And I felt that quiet ache I believe so many of us are carrying right now. The longing for something deeper. More real. M
I Want to Be Wild: Emma Tynan on Letting Go of More and Coming Home to Yourself
I found Emma through Maria Shriver's newsletter, and her words stopped me cold:"I no longer want more. I want to be wild."I felt my whole body exhale. Because I knew exactly what she meant. The TED Talks, the books, the funnels, the coaching groups, I had all of it. And so did Emma. And somewhere underneath all of it, we both heard the same quiet voice saying: this isn't it.Thi
The Leader Within: Shadow Work, Core Values & the Power of Human Connection with Thomas Droge | Ep. 104
What does it mean to truly lead not just in a boardroom, but in your relationships, your family, and your own inner life? In this deeply moving episode, therapist and host Molly Carroll sits down with Thomas Droge, executive coach, Chief Mindfulness Officer, mindfulness speaker, and author of The Leader Within, to explore the practices that create real, lasting transformation.Thomas brings over th
Molly Magic: The Power in Life's No's and Not Yet's
You got a NO this week.Maybe more than one. Someone said no to you. Or your kid came home with that look on their face. Or you've been trying and trying, and the door just won't open.Here's what the research tells us: your brain processes social rejection in the same region as physical pain. Neuroscientist Naomi Eisenberger found that the anterior cingulate cortex — the part that li
Shaka Senghor: How to Escape Life's Hidden Prisons and Be Free
Whenever someone asks me for a word that describes how I want to live, my answer is always the same.Freedom.Not just personal freedom, but freedom in my mind, my body, and my spirit. Maybe that comes from being raised Catholic, or maybe it’s simply my wild spirit that has never wanted to be contained.So when I read Shaka Senghor's How to Be Free: A Proven Guide to Escaping Life’s Hidden Priso
Welcome to Episode 1 of Molly's Magic: Reset Your Nervous System in Minutes
Welcome to Molly's Magic.I’m Molly.A mom, a therapist, an author, a podcast host, and a TED speaker.The alchemy of these roles has brought me here.Molly's Magic is simple. Short, meaningful, and doable steps to help you move closer to your goals.Who is Molly's Magic for?This is for the part of you that knows you are capable of more but cannot quite name what is getting in the way.Th
100th Episode Part 2: Coming Home to the People Who Know Me Best
Welcome back to Part 2 of our 100th episode.If you have not listened to Part 1 yet, pause here and go back. Truly.Tommy, Lisa, René, Leo, and Cora brought everything. And your responses told me just how deeply it landed.You shared that Tommy reminded you that everything you need is already inside of you.That Lisa’s story made you want to start something new at 60.That René’s story changed the way
100th Episode: Coming Home to the People Who Know Me Best
In this special two-part 100th episode, you’ll hear something a little different—the everyday, deeply human stories of the people closest to me.From navigating the loss of a husband to the tender uncertainty of leaving home for college. From launching a business to discovering a passion for a sport you never imagined trying at 50. From the journey of growing from boy to man, to finding resilience
Serena & Lily Co-Founder Serena Dugan on Creativity, Courage, and What Matters Most
As we approach our 100th episode, I’ve been revisiting a few conversations that have stayed with me long after the microphones were turned off.Bill Valentine’s episode was re-released because of the way he shared heart-centered, real-life wisdom while facing the end of his life. And today, I’m re-releasing my conversation with Serena Dugan for a different—but equally powerful—reason.Over the years
Learn How Terminal Cancer Taught Successful Wealth Manager Bill Valentine the True Meaning of Life
In times of uncertainty, we need reminders of what truly matters. Today’s episode is a profound lesson in hope, love, and perspective—one that gently calls us back to presence, connection, and grace.This is a re-release of my conversation with Bill Valentine, who passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2022. I felt deeply called to bring this episode forward again. It’s exactly what we need
Learning to Trust Your Guides with Psychic Medium MaryAnn DiMarco
Throughout my life, clients and friends have often described me as a bridge—a bridge between science and spirituality, between practical cognitive tools and trusting your intuitive voice, between deep compassion and what I lovingly call “getting Nebraska on you” (a little tough love and real accountability).Maybe you’ve felt that tension too. Wanting concrete strategies you can rely on, while also
From Rock Star to Soul Guide: Dr. John Price on Transformation and Purpose
Have you ever had one of those months where you just can’t climb out of a dark hole? That was my October and November.My son had a health scare (instant compassion for every parent walking that road), I wasn’t sleeping—wide awake at 3 a.m. every night (thank God for a dear friend who meets me at Starbucks at 5 a.m.)—and I felt completely unmotivated and uninspired by my work. Not fun.I’m sharing t
How to Find Hope in Unexpected Places: Lessons from CNN Hero Maggie Doyne
From the moment Maggie Doyne and I joined our Zoom call, there was an instant recognition—a connection of the heart. We share a love of children, the Oregon coast, and a deep commitment to living in service. Interviewing her was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when one person follows the quiet call of compassion.At just 18 years old, Maggie took what was meant to be a simple gap year—and tu
Stop Talking About Creativity and Start Living It with Author Nicole Meier
What happens when one of your dearest friends also happens to be one of the people you admire most in your professional world? That’s exactly the conversation I get to have today—and I couldn’t be more thrilled.This week's guest on the Cracking Open podcast, Nicole Meier, isn’t just a brilliant creative—she’s family. We’ve raised our kids together, navigated the loss of our parents side by si
Look, Feel, & Stay Young Forever: #1 Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright's Proven Protocol
These days, we all need practices that strengthen not just our muscles, but also our spirits.I’m with you in all you’re navigating, and I want Cracking Open to continue being a place where you can land, breathe, and remember: you are not alone. The stories we share here are meant to heal the body, mind, and soul.Recently, I kept hearing about how weightlifting can help you look, feel, and stay you
#1 Neurosurgeon on the Power of Manifestation and Positive Mindset (In Memory of Dr. James Doty)
This is one of the most memorable conversations I have had on the podcast. With a heavy heart today, I am re-releasing his episode in honor of Dr. James Doty on neuroscience, manifestation, and the power of focusing your mind and heart on what you know is possible in your life.Dr. Doty passed away on July 16, 2025, from medical complications following surgery. This episode was recorded before his
From Rock Bottom to Redemption with Lara Love Hardin
Have you ever hit rock bottom? I know I have—not with drugs or alcohol, but through anxiety, over-mothering my kids, or letting my mind hijack my ability to feel gratitude and joy.Today’s guest, Lara Love Hardin, is a powerful example of what it takes to rise from absolute rock bottom.Lara’s journey is extraordinary: from suburban soccer mom to opioid addict, incarcerated felon, and now bestsellin
Sr. Monica Clare: From Hollywood to Holy Orders - A Journey to Authentic Joy
This summer, I found myself slowing down—getting quieter on the trails, more present among the trees, and stepping away from my usual morning routine of “to-do” lists, three coffees, and hustling to get people into my coaching programs. I got quiet. I sat with the parts of myself that feel uncomfortable and need external validation to feel worthy. I kept hearing the Zen Buddhist phrase: “chop woo
The Mystic Entrepreneur: How Jeff Scult Is Weaving Fashion, Purpose and Planetary Healing
Have you ever had a moment where time seemed to slow, the noise of the world softened, and you felt something ancient stir inside you? That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Jeff Scult—founder, designer, and visionary behind One Golden Thread.Jeff’s mission is nothing short of revolutionary: to create a regenerative container where humanity can come alive from the inside out. He believe
Transforming Fear Into Peace with Thomas Jones and The Paradox Process
Some episodes feel especially personal—and this is one of them.This week on Cracking Open, I’m joined by Thomas M. Jones: psychotherapist, author, musician, and founder of The Paradox Process—an innovative technique that helps people use their negative thoughts to shift perspective and transform their lives.And in this conversation, I don’t just talk to Thomas about his method—I actually experienc
From Tragedy to Advocacy: Song For Charlie's Founders Ed and Mary Ternan's Fight Against Counterfeit Pills
This episode is deeply personal to me. Not only as a therapist and podcast host—but as a mom to a 19-year-old son and a 17-year-old daughter.I’m acutely aware that most young people—and many parents—don’t realize the deadly risks of purchasing medication online without a prescription. Counterfeit pills are now deliberately designed to look exactly like legitimate prescription opioids. But what’s i
Rising from Ashes: Scott Anderson's Journey Through Loss, Burnout, and Renewal
“I was following my North Star and definitely loving what I was doing—just not how I was doing it.” ~ Molly CarrollI’ll never forget waking up one morning in Costa Rica while leading a women’s retreat. Surrounded by yoga, healthy food, and meaningful transformation, I should’ve felt alive and fulfilled. But instead, I felt utterly exhausted.So I took a solo walk on the beach—not to escape, but to
Whole-Child Health: Dr. Lori Baudino's Movement-Based Approach to Wellbeing
“Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.” — Nelson MandelaKids have always been part of my story—long before I became a mom. I’ve been a babysitter, camp counselor, teacher, therapist, and now a parent. That’s why this week’s episode feels especially close to my heart.But it’s not just for parents. Whether you're an aunt, uncle, teacher, coach, or simply someone who wants to
Rebecca Rusch: 7x World Champ on TBI Recovery to Inner Peace
There are guests whose stories are filled with incredible achievements. And then there are guests whose stories crack you open—with their heart, their humility, and their humanity.Today’s guest, Rebecca Rusch, is all of the above.Rebecca is one of the world’s most extraordinary endurance athletes—a 7-time World Champion, mountain bike hall-of-famer, best-selling author, Emmy Award winner, and acti
Isaac Slade from The Fray: From Platinum Records to Personal Peace
You know how music can transport you back to a certain era in your life? I’ll never forget gathering in college dorm rooms and tiny apartment living rooms with all my girlfriends in our twenties as we watched Grey’s Anatomy. The show wouldn't have been the same without its unforgettable soundtrack, especially during those nerve-wracking ER scenes or the slow-burn love story between Meredith a
What My Father's Death Taught Me About Love with Lindsay Bomstein
Healing often begins in the stories we share—especially when we have the courage to tell them. Vulnerability doesn’t just dissolve shame; it nurtures inner strength. This week’s guest on the Cracking Open podcast, Lindsay Bomstein, beautifully embodies this truth. She opens her heart and shares her story with such raw honesty, gently reminding us that our truth is our superpower.At the age of 17,
Food as Medicine: How Grief Led Andrea Nakayama to Transform Nutrition
What are your favorite foods and drinks? For me, it’s pizza and coffee—no question. But at the same time, I love feeling healthy, fueling my body with nourishing foods, and living a vibrant life. And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to introduce you to this week's Cracking Open podcast guest, Andrea Nakayama.Andrea will change the way you think about food, healing, and love. In this deeply p
A Must-Listen: Donna Sacks on Angelic Guidance – You Are Light, Fear is an Illusion
I’m going to be bossy for a moment—this episode is a MUST-LISTEN. Trust me, Donna Sacks will make you feel better about your life, reminding you that you are deeply supported and loved.In this powerful conversation, Donna and I dive into:✨ Angels, soulmates, and karmic lifetimes✨ The Akashic records and soul contracts✨ Out-of-body experiences and spiritual awakenings✨ The power of presence, gratit
Cory Richards: The Climb Within-Everest, Addiction, & Mental Illness
What keeps you grounded? What activities, habits, and rituals help you stay balanced, healthy, and fully human?In this week’s episode of Cracking Open, I dive deep into these questions and more with our guest, Cory Richards. Cory is the first American to summit an 8,000-meter peak in winter, and in 2016, he reached the summit of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen.Cory’s now-iconic photograp
Heal the Body, Heal the Mind with Jaycee Gossett, Founding Teacher of The Class
“Dance is for everybody. I believe that dance came from the people, and it should always be delivered back to the people.” ~ Alvin AileyThis powerful quote captures the spirit of this week’s conversation with Jaycee Gossett, a founding teacher and VP of Experience of The Class, a dynamic exercise workout that blends yoga, dance, HIIT, and meditation. Focusing on more than simply getting into physi
Eboo Patel: Building Better Communities through Pluralism and Faith
I want to begin today by extending my deepest sympathies to the people of Los Angeles. To those who have suffered unimaginable losses due to the California fires, please know that my heart, prayers, and thoughts are with you.This tragedy is a stark reminder of the power of community—the strength we find in coming together as one. Fire does not discriminate based on our skin color, our workplace po
Fully Step Into Your Life With Christina Rasmussen
I don’t know about you, but I’ve learned that New Year’s resolutions don’t work well for me. Eat healthier, exercise more, and have more gratitude—those are the usual go-to's. Maybe it’s my Midwestern stubbornness that makes me think, “Don’t tell me what to do!” so I end up doing the opposite—eating more sugar, sleeping in instead of going for a run, and complaining more than feeling grateful
Neurosurgeon Dr. James Doty on the Power of Manifestation, and Positive Mindset
I will never forget the first time I read Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by Dr. James Doty. It completely shifted my approach to parenting, decision-making, relationships, and business growth.As this week's guest on the Cracking Open podcast, Dr. Doty shares his journey, from growing up in a tumultuous home to di
Mary Pipher & Elizabeth Lesser: Embodying Love & Seeing Hope in the Human Heart
What an intense past couple of weeks! I don’t know about you, but I’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions lately. I feel sad about my kids' futures and am grieving over the state of our democracy. At the same time, I feel empowered, knowing that I have self-agency and can choose how I feel each day. By paying attention to when I’m in fight or flight versus rest and digest, I recognize that I
Re-Release: Mary Pipher Brings Hope to All
The Cracking Open podcast has an exciting upcoming episode where, for the first time, I host a dual interview with Elizabeth Lesser and Mary Pipher to discuss a particular and profound issue for women (stay tuned for its release on November 21st!)Leading up to that episode's release, I am re-releasing their initial interviews with me so you can soak in their deep wisdom and charm. You can lis
Re-Release: Elizabeth Lesser, Super Soul Sunday Guest & New York Times Bestseller Helps Us Uncover How Birth and Death Can Be Our Greatest Teachers
October 19th marked the 13th anniversary of my dad’s passing. It was a deeply profound day, as I experienced a revelation about my grief. I realized that to reach a healthier place with my grief, I needed to engage with it differently. For the past 13 years, I’ve held onto a level of consciousness regarding my grief that requires transformation. I’ve been wearing a cloak of identification with the
Navigating Grief: Lindsay Valentine on His Journey to Healing After Losing His Parents
At 21 years old, Lindsay Valentine was told that his father had pancreatic cancer. Towards the end of his father's fight with his cancer, his mother was shockingly also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Within 6 months of one another, Lindsay lost both of his parents to this heartbreaking disease.Lindsay joins us on the Cracking Open podcast this week to honor his parents' memory and sha
How a Near-Death Experience Transformed Michael O'Brien's Life
We often hear mantras urging us to “be in the present moment” or “appreciate what you have because it could all be gone tomorrow". While a part of us knows this to be true, we can still find ourselves stuck, focused on checking off our to-do lists, and laboring on the treadmill of work, believing that more money will lead to greater happiness.In chasing this false sense of happiness, we often
Leading With Love With Administrator and Founding Principal of P-TECH Rashid Davis
Two weeks ago, I sent my first child off to college.To say it’s been an adjustment is an understatement. I didn’t realize how deeply I would grieve not picking up his cheese wrappers, and smelly soccer cleats, or giving him a nightly hug. The silence at home is unnerving – I miss hearing him shout, “Mom, are you home?” and the chaos of soccer boys rummaging through the kitchen. And the bodily hear
A Deep Dive About Women’s Friendships & Wellness With My 30-Year Friend Charlotte Hardwick
For me, this episode's timing could not be more perfect. I dropped off my first kiddo at college last weekend and that has brought with it a tidal wave of emotions – grief, sadness, tons of tears, and reflections on the passing of time, my marriage, and my identity as a mom. I have had to lean on my closest friends multiple times already, and I know that those friendships will continue to be
Homeboy Industries' Fr. Greg Boyle On How To Live With More Love
In an era marked by division and rising mental health challenges, Fr. Greg Boyle’s voice is one we need to hear now more than ever. On this episode of the Cracking Open podcast, I am honored to speak with Fr. Boyle, a man whose work, books, and mission have inspired me for years.Father Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the world's largest gang
Designer for the Stars, Samantha Myer, Shares About Loss and Love
Do you believe in synchronicity? Our guest today on the Cracking Open podcast embodies the essence of serendipity. I first encountered Samantha Myer in a Venice, California coffee shop and was drawn to her stylish and distinctive coat/robe/sweater ensemble. Little did I know, her story transcends mere fashion.Based in Los Angeles, Samantha is a celebrated wardrobe stylist, designer, and thecreativ
Episode 65: Discover the True Nature of What Mothering Really Means with Jodie Patterson
My son leaves for college in August, so you can only imagine how much I have been reflecting on motherhood lately.I've been thinking back on all those joyful hours watching Tommy play soccer since he was three years old, and the sleepless nights worrying if he'll be okay as he changes and grows into the young man he is today. The essence of loving a child deeply reminds me of Elizabeth S
Episode 64: Former NBA Star Chris Herren On Addiction, Sobriety, and Love
Chris Herren's story is one of profound struggle and eventual redemption. Addiction impacts millions of families in heartbreaking ways. I know this personally and through sitting with multiple clients who have been going through it with loved ones. This makes today's conversation about addiction and recovery on the Cracking Open podcast especially powerful. As a young basketball prodigy
Episode 63: Elise Loehnen on the Price Women Pay To Be Good
Do you ever feel like you have to be perfect? The perfect mother, daughter, employee, partner, etc?It's a familiar struggle that I have grappled with in my own life, and as a therapist, I've witnessed this innate desire to be perfect from thousands of women. That's how I first came across Elise Loehnen's bestselling book, On Our Best Behavior: The Seven Deadly Sins and the Pric
Episode 62: The Healing Powers of Nature With Jobi Manson
I invite you to reflect on a moment when you immersed yourself in nature — perhaps swimming in a serene lake, hiking through lush trails, or simply basking in the beauty of a park, as you felt the grass beneath your feet and saw the trees towering above you.Can you remember a time when nature had a positive impact on you? Maybe it brought you peace amidst the tranquility of the forest, or a surge
Episode 61: Chip Conley on Learning to Love Midlife and Adding Years to Your Life
There are days when I feel fantastic about being 53 years old. Maybe I've gone for a run, delved into an article about AI and understood more than half of it, or shared laughs with friends reminiscent of my teenage years.Then there are those other days when I glance in the mirror and notice more wrinkles, or when my husband suggests going to see a band and I decline because I'd rather be
Episode 60: Harvard's Dr. Ellen Langer on Mind-Body Unity
Have you ever had a moment where you get chills up and down your spine while listening to someone's story and how it transformed how they live, work, and exist in the world?This is what happened to me when I first heard Dr. Ellen Langer speak, and she joins us today on the Cracking Open podcast to impart her wisdom, backed by decades of research and enriched by stories from her latest book,
Episode 59: #1 Way To Find More Trust in Yourself With Life Coach Jill Rose
Growing up, I often heard sayings such as “the harder the work, the luckier you get” and “nothing comes free in life". Adopting this approach to life inspired me to become a very hard worker. However, I also became someone who can have difficulty relaxing and letting go of work. I still tend towards pushing and striving to make something happen out of sheer will versus allowing the right thin
Episode 58: How Cancer Catapulted Kara Ladd To Know What is Important in Life
Have you ever pondered the significance of people entering your life – wondering if it is simply a coincidence that you met, or if they are destined to offer support or impart some crucial lesson during your journey in this lifetime?Our guest today on the Cracking Open podcast, Kara Ladd, is someone I feel certain I was meant to cross paths with in this life. Kara was living what seemed to be the
Episode 57: She’s Back! Dr. Mary Claire Haver Is Our Favorite Menopause Guru
We are fortunate to welcome back Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a menopause guru, for her second appearance on the podcast (in case you missed it, or want a refresher, go back to episode 39 to listen to our first conversation which is one of our most downloaded episodes ever!).Did you know that 1.2 billion women are going through menopause right now? In this episode, we delve into the prevalent misconcept
Episode 56: Sun Yi Learn to Build an Authentic Brand
In my podcast conversations with authors, anthropologists, creatives, and change-makers, we often delve into their personal stories, encompassing their triumphs and setbacks, as well as their spiritual practices and strategies for leading a more fulfilling life.However, today's conversation is a bit different from the norm.Today, I'm privileged to engage in conversation with Sun Yi, a di
Episode 55: J.J. Martin Raise Your Vibration with La DoubleJ Fashion Designer
On a sunny afternoon, as I sat on my deck, immersed in reading Oprah Magazine, acaptivating article "How to Love Yourself When You Feel Your Worst" caught my attention. It wasn't just the title that drew me in, but the vibrant, colorful woman gracing the page beneath it. There she stood, in a tiger-printed dress, hands reaching out to the sky, exuding vitality, joy, and boundless po
Episode 54: Serena & Lily Co-Founder Serena Dugan on Following Your Gut
Why is it that January is one of the most popular times to ask ourselves questions like, "What needs to change in my life?" or "How do I want the end of this year to look different from today?"It is questions like these, about change and self-evolution, that I have been hearing from my clients for many years (and have asked myself as well!). This inspired me to ask Serena Dugan
Episode 53: Wade Davis How To Become the Architect of Your LIfe
Today we are kicking off Season 6 of the Cracking Open podcast with a powerful message from legendary explorer, writer, photographer, filmmaker, and storyteller, Wade Davis.Wade's incredible journey takes us from the Amazon and The Andes, where he spent over three years as a plant explorer among 15 indigenous groups, to Haiti, where he investigated folk preparations tied to the creation of zo
Episode 52: Mary Celeste Beall Growing Through Grief, Blackberry Farm's Mary Celeste Beall
"Believe in yourself, follow your gut, and never say never, you have no idea what you can do." These words of hope and inspiration from Mary Celeste Beall, mother of five children and proprietor of the Blackberry farm, are what we all need to hear during the holiday season.In 2016, Mary Celeste Beall's life took an unexpected turn when she lost her beloved husband, Sam, in a shockin
Episode 51: Casey Hammer Facing Trauma with the Truth
For many of us, this time of year is filled with joyful celebrations and creating wonderful memories with friends and family. And for many of us, this time of year can actually be a difficult and stressful time.Maybe it's the first holiday season after the loss of someone you love, or maybe you simply feel stressed about the hectic pace that often surrounds the holidays or the pressure of mee
Episode 50: Suneel Gupta Living Out Your Dharma
I started the Cracking Open podcast with a brand new Yeti microphone and a Jenna Kutcher workshop called The Podcast Lab, where I learned how to launch and run a podcast. Even more important? I ignored the people who said things like, “Why would you start a podcast in such a saturated market?” or “How will you get any guests? It’s not like you're famous." (Yes, someone really said this
Episode 49: Lisa Congdon Bringing Truth, Joy, and Creativity to Life
I've been helping both of my children prepare for college, and as the entire family has gotten caught up in the hustle of doing "all the things" to prepare for their college futures, this podcast guest came along at just the right time to remind me that they are already enough just as they are right now.Lisa Congdon is an award-winning fine artist, illustrator, and writer who is wid
Episode 48: Sam Onche Teaching Us About Afrofuturism Art and Music
One morning I opened an email from my literary agency and saw that they were featuring a young artist by the name of Sam Onche. I was instantly captivated by his illustrations filled with bold colors, expressive images, and intense facial expressions. They gave me chills all over my body!I knew immediately that I wanted to meet him and hear more about his story. So I invited him to come on the Cra
Episode 47: Jeff Grant on Soberity, Service, and Faith
Over 20 million people are suffering right now from substance abuse, often in silence. This secrecy around addiction creates shame which then increases the addiction, which then increases the shame. This vicious cycle can only be broken if we first break the stigma of addiction and the silence and shame that perpetuates it. This week's guest on the Cracking Open podcast is Reverend Jeff Grant
Episode 46: Mary Pipher Brings Hope to All
Today's episode on the Cracking Open podcast is someone who I would consider a cherished guide in my professional journey over the last two decades. Mary Pipher, Ph.D. is a truly extraordinary psychologist who specializes in women, trauma, and the effect of culture on our mental health.I first came across Mary's work twenty years ago when I was teaching at an all-girls school in San Fran
Episode 45: Mark Dahir Living in the Heart
This will probably be the hardest newsletter I will write about a Cracking Open podcast guest, and I avoided doing it for as long as I possibly could because I didn't want to face my heartbreak. My honored guest today is Mark Dahir, the CEO of Heart Ministry Center, a non-profit organization based in Omaha. Their mission is to provide healthcare, food, and a way forward for people severely af
Episode 44: Emily Paulson The Truth About MLM's and Alcohol Use
Cracking Open podcast has so many incredible guests lined up for you this season! Today's guest is Emily Paulson – a writer, Certified Professional Recovery Coach, TEDx Speaker, and the Founder of Sober Mom Squad. She is passionate about ending the shame and stigma of mental health and substance use disorders, and her own recovery path is focused on ruthless honesty, grace, self-love, and the
Episode 43: Golden Nuggets of Wisdom | Seasons 1-4 Recap
Hi everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful summer. I've missed being with you! My July was spent soaking up precious time with my family, relaxing, and hitting the pause button on the daily rush of life. It's so important to remember to take time for ourselves to refill our cups in all the ways we need.One of my favorite things I did during my break was re-listen to all of the amazing
Suzanne Anderson Learn How to Reclaim Your Life
I have had the great blessing of witnessing people's stories over the last 30 years as a therapist and teacher. During this time, I have learned to identify various archetypes – universal models of people's personalities that play a role in influencing their human behavior. Carl Jung, who founded the field of analytical psychology, developed 12 Archetypes including The Sage, The Innocent
Episode 41: Melissa Urban, CEO of Whole30
The topic of boundaries was one of the first things I studied in my graduate school program – how to create boundaries as a therapist and how to teach and encourage clients to create their own boundaries in order to have healthier relationships and make better choices.Regardless of where you may be in your journey with boundaries, we can all acknowledge the importance of having healthy boundaries
Episode 40: Dr. Christina Bjorndal Lighting the Way to Better Mental Health
How is your mental health these days? In recent years, our society has grown more accustomed to discussing this very important subject. We have normalized checking in with ourselves and each other, increased our compassion for those who are struggling, and have more resources than ever available to us to educate and guide us toward improving our mental health. Dr. Christina Bjorndal, ND is on th
Episode 39: Dr. Mary Claire Haver Menopause Guru With the Galveston Diet
Everywhere I turn, people are talking about menopause. Finally! This phase of life that used to be ignored, or even considered shameful, is now getting its long overdue spotlight as a worthy wellness topic and normal rite of passage for women.Oprah recently produced a special with a panel of experts on the subject of perimenopause and menopause. Naomi Watts has helped create a line of holistic bea
Episode 38: Brian Burns, Hollywood Writer & Executive Producer
Life can often be so predictable. Each day I wake up, have coffee, get my kids to school, and go to work. But sometimes there are days when things happen that are completely unexpected. That sums up my experience interviewing today's podcast guest Brian Burns, and I could not be more grateful for it.Brian Burns is the award-winning writer and Executive Producer of the hit television series Bl
Episode 37: Truth Bombs About Parenting and Friendships With Liz Pryor
I always appreciate it when people tell the truth as they see it and don’t sugarcoat or beat around the bush. I trust that raw honesty and find myself reaching out to the truth-tellers when I need advice and support.Liz Pryor, today’s guest on the Cracking Open podcast is one of these incredible truth-tellers.She is the published author of two books: What Did I Do Wrong?, a book of advice on femal
Episode 36: Getting Vulnerable With Molly Carroll, Host of the Cracking Open Podcast
For months now my team has been encouraging me to do a solo podcast episode where I talk, teach, and just riff about life, parenting, psychology, and anything else that I am inspired by that may also resonate with our listeners. I initially had a lot of resistance to this idea. Maybe it was the mixture of fear and the choir of voices telling me, “Who would want to listen to just me, and what woul
Episode 35: Larry Zier on Grief, Sobriety & Parenting
More and more these days, I find myself drawn to people who are doing inspiring and brave things in the world but whose journeys along the way came with challenges, hardships, and “cracking open” moments that developed their characters, passions, and souls.Today’s guest is a beautiful example of this.Larry Zier is a father of four girls, a loving husband, and a successful owner of two occupational
Episode 34: Help Heal Your Anxiety With Dr. Russell Kennedy
One day, while driving home after dropping off my daughter at school, I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast interview with Dr. Russell Kennedy. He shared how he had gone to medical school to become a doctor and neuroscientist, done hundreds of hours of therapy, become a yoga and meditation teacher, traveled to India, tried medications and plant medicine, and was even a stand-up comedian! And yet thr
Episode 33: Linda Sivertsen, Author and the Host of the Beautiful Writers Podcast, Teaches Us About the Truth of Writing and Following Your Heart
Welcome to Season 4 of the Cracking Open podcast! I am so excited to share with you all the wonderful guests we have lined up this season. Get ready for more incredible personal stories about cracking open moments, helpful tips and tools on how to handle the stressors of parenting, a deep look into how we can heal anxiety, wisdom on how to live an honest and healthy life after addiction, and so
Episode 32: Liz Dozier, Founder of Chicago Beyond, Reminds Us To Step Fully Into Life and Say, “It’s On!”
Three years ago to the day that I lost my mom, the most devout Catholic I've ever known, I interviewed this week's podcast guest, who just so happens to be the daughter of a nun. Life is full of surprises, but rarely any accidents.Liz Dozier is the Founder & CEO of Chicago Beyond, an organization whose mission is to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to live a free and
Episode 31: Tami Simon, Founder of Sounds True, Teaches Us How To Reach Our Highest Potential
Have you ever had a conversation with someone you just met, where time seems to come to a standstill and it feels like you have known this person for years? This is exactly what it felt like when I interviewed Tami Simon. Tami is the Founder and CEO of Sounds True, a wildly successful multimedia publishing company that she launched more than three decades ago with a dream and one clear mission – t
Episode 30: Learn How To Change Your Negative Habits With Executive Coach Angie DeGeronimo
Welcome to 2023. I am so glad you are here!While reflecting on this brand new year and today’s podcast episode, I was reminded of the classic Native American legend called The Tale of Two Wolves.An elder Cherokee is teaching his grandson an important lesson about life. “There is a fight going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he
Learn How A Finance Executive Turned to Kundalini Yoga and Sound Healing To Heal Her Chronic Back Pain and Soul With Candace Blair
Does this time of year bring up conflicting emotions for you? I know it does for me.I truly love buying gifts for my friends and family, attending holiday parties, and listening to Nat King Cole sing Christmas carols in all my favorite stores. But at the same time, I also carry around a pit in my stomach from the overconsumption of too many Christmas cookies and wine, and also from spending so muc
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