"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.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt that way.

Meet Emma Tynan

Emma Tynan is an Irish writer whose work explores belonging, the inner life, and contemplative practice through lived experience. She lives in the Pacific Northwest and is currently writing her first book, Brave Words. She also facilitates international luxury retreats in devotion to St. Mary Magdalene, and before all of this, she founded an international life coaching company that served thousands of students worldwide for over a decade.

What We Get Into

Closing a decade-long business in a single afternoon. Emma got her name on the office door and two weeks later heard four words rise up within her, standing outside her son's school: give me everything. She sent the emails that same day.

Her son Eli and the gift inside the unexpected. Emma's youngest is autistic. His becoming was an invitation to grieve, surrender, and release everything she thought life was supposed to look like. She homeschooled him for a year, with hot chocolates, forest walks, and a chalkboard in the dining room. She'd do it ten times over.

Distraction disguised as productivity. Years of funnels and Facebook ads, chasing the next strategy while a voice in her heart kept saying the same thing: write the book. I felt this in my bones.

Mary Magdalene and reclaiming what's true. Emma's work centers on restoring Mary Magdalene's real story, scholar, apostle, prophet, not the fiction she was branded with for centuries. In Ireland, this history is not abstract. It's in the bones of the culture.

What wildness really means. Not resistance. Belonging. The part of us we were taught to tame, that's the part that knows who we really are.

Quotes I'm Still Thinking About

✨"It was distraction disguised as productivity and scaling and growth."
✨"The thing you're most afraid to admit that's the thing that's going to liberate you."
✨"The tendrils of my soul want to touch the real earth to move not outward, but inward."

Her writing will move you. I promise.

📖 Subscribe to her Substack 🌿 www.thelightscript.com 📷 Instagram: @emmatynan_

If this landed somewhere in you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients! Schedule Here

Thomas brings over three decades of integrated medicine, qigong, meditation, and contemplative work into a raw, honest conversation about shadow work, living your core values, the healing power of human connection, and what happens when life cracks you open without warning.

You'll hear Thomas share the moment his wife came out of surgery paralyzed — and what that crisis revealed about love, presence, and showing up. This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, disconnected, or searching for deeper meaning in a noisy world.

Topics covered:

• Shadow work and embracing your "evil twin"
• How to identify and live by your core values (the precepts practice)
• Leadership as a human skill — for parents, teachers, and everyday people
• The psychology of not wanting to be a burden
• Ancient wisdom for modern mental health
• Mindfulness in the workplace and startup culture
• Finding your path when the template doesn't fit

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

xo

Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the Cracking Open podcast on Patreon.

Resources and Links

Thomas Droge:

 Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

The Leader Within — available now wherever books are sold.

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients! Schedule Here

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 lights up when you're physically hurt — lights up identically when you're rejected. You are not being dramatic. You are being human.

And your brain doesn't distinguish between a big no and a small one. The strawberries being out of stock. The email that never came back. Your nervous system treats them all the same way. The small nos stack. By noon, your threat response has been firing all morning — and your fear brain starts whispering: maybe you're not enough. Maybe you should stop trying. That is not wisdom. That is fear doing its job.

A no is information about that moment. It is not a verdict on your worth.

When it happens to someone you love. When your child doesn't make the team, isn't invited to the party, comes home with that look — it hits differently. Research shows that when someone we love is rejected, our brains register it as if it happened to us. Add the helplessness of not being able to take it from them, and it's a lot to carry. So: feel your own pain first. Then sit with them. Listen. Show them what it looks like to get back up. How you handle your nos is teaching everyone around you how to handle theirs.

Four tools for the no you're holding:

1. Name which no it is. A not yet has a crack in it — soft language, an open door, worth showing up for again. A real no feels different in your body: clear, final, repeated. Releasing a real no isn't defeat. It's clarity. It frees up every ounce of energy you've been spending on a closed door.

2. Write it out. Unprocessed nos become stories — nothing works out for me, I always get passed over. Those aren't facts. They're feelings. Write it out and watch it lose its grip. Naming an emotion reduces its intensity and moves you from fear brain back into thinking brain.

3. Burn it. Write it down, read it one last time, say out loud: "This does not define me" — and burn it. Watch it turn to ash. Can't burn it? Tear it up. Delete it. The point is the conscious choice to let it go.

4. Ask what it's making room for. What could this no be redirecting you toward? What are your yeses now? And if all you can write is I don't know yet, but I trust something is coming — that is enough. That is the whole practice.

Every no you have ever survived is proof that you are still here. Something good is ahead of you. I really believe that.

Now go find your magic. 🤍 — Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the Cracking Open podcast on Patreon.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients!
Learn more or schedule a session here.

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 Prisons, I knew I needed to have him back on the podcast.

Because this message isn’t just for people who have been behind bars. You don’t need a prison cell to feel imprisoned.

It’s for anyone lying awake replaying something they wish they could let go of. Anyone who can’t move past a loss. Anyone whose carefully built walls are keeping even joy out.

Shaka Senghor is known for his remarkable journey from solitary confinement to the C-suite. He is a New York Times bestselling author, a resilience teacher, and one of the most powerful voices we have on transformation, healing, and justice.

In his latest book, he names the hidden prisons that keep us stuck. They are not made of concrete and steel, but of grief, anger, shame, and fear.

And here is the truth that changes everything.

These prisons have doors.

In This Episode, We Explore

Grief
Shaka begins his book with grief for a reason. We talk about loss in a deeply human way, including the death of his beloved dog and his brother. In one of the most moving moments of our conversation, he shares how he refused to let his dog’s passing go unacknowledged, even taking legal action against the care center responsible. This is grief met with both love and accountability.

Anger
What does it mean to be the master of your emotions rather than a prisoner of them? He reframes anger as something that, when understood, can become a source of power and agency rather than destruction.

Shame
In one of the most courageous moments of the conversation, Shaka speaks openly about sexual abuse as a man and the silence that surrounds it. At a time when so many men carry this in isolation, his willingness to name it matters deeply.

Hope and Joy
There is light here, too. This conversation is not just about surviving. It is about learning how to live. He reminds us that joy is not something we earn after suffering. It is available to us now.

Shaka spent nineteen years in the Michigan prison system, including seven years in solitary confinement. Since his release, he has become a leading voice on resilience, healing, and personal transformation. His work has been featured on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, and How to Be Free is a roadmap for anyone who has ever felt stuck.

Which, if we’re honest, is all of us.

Hidden prisons are real. They are built from our pain, our past, and the stories we carry about who we are.

But as he reminds us through both his life and his work, the door is always there.

You just have to be willing to walk through it.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the Cracking Open podcast on Patreon.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Shaka Senghor

Website | Instagram

How to Be Free — available wherever books are sold

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients!
Learn more or schedule a session here.

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.

The part of you that feels stuck.
That senses something bigger is waiting.
That is ready, even just a little bit, to explore what that could look like.

The Story Behind Molly's Magic

I was not always the smartest, the most athletic, or the most beautiful person in the room.

But I have always had something else.
A deep, steady belief that things can happen for me in life.

And a lot of the time, they do.

From meeting the Dalai Lama, to walking into a fully booked restaurant and somehow getting a table, to getting into a Taylor Swift Eras Tour show on the floor with no ticket.

Over time, my kids started calling it Molly Magic.

What I Know to Be True

After 25 years as a therapist, and from living my own messy, beautiful, complicated life, this is what I know.

You have the magic too.

And I also know what gets in the way.

An unregulated nervous system.
A mind stuck in fight or flight.
The voice that tells you that you are not enough, or that there is not enough.
The pressure to be perfect.
Old stories that feel like truth.
Blame.
Staying stuck in the past.

These things do not just keep you unhappy.
They block your magic.

What Molly's Magic Is

Molly's Magic is about finding your magic.
Living your magic.
And gently moving the things out of the way that are keeping you from it.

You are not going to feel magical every day.
There will be hard days. Hard seasons. Moments when nothing feels possible.

You are okay when you are not okay.
And that is part of this, too.

This is about possibility and acceptance in the same breath.
Daily ritual and real therapeutic tools.
Self-love. Real, imperfect, practiced self-love.

Because when you learn to truly love yourself, you create more space for connection, for joy, and for magic in your life.

Every month, I will share one tool.
One shift.
One piece of wisdom.

Something I have learned over 25 years in the therapy room and, often, the hard way in my own life.

Short. Simple. Actionable.
 Something you can begin before you even finish your coffee.

So welcome to Molly Magic.

And welcome home to you.

If this landed for you, share it with someone who might need it.

If you want more, subscribe to Cracking Open so you never miss an episode, and come find me so we can keep the conversation going.

You do not have to do any of this alone.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients!
Learn more or schedule a session here.

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 you see single moms and families of three.
That after listening to Cora, you wanted to sign up for her workshop on overcoming toxic friendships. Honestly, same.
And that Leo left you feeling more hopeful about your own life.

I could not have asked for more than that.

And now, we continue.

Because there are more stories to tell.
More moments to sit with.
More truth to witness.

In this second half, you will hear from some of the people who have held me together for decades.

Charlotte Hardwick, my most trusted confidante, reflects on what 100 episodes of this podcast have taught her.

Noelle Teuber, who has been running beside me, both literally and figuratively, for 15 years, shares about loss and what it means to find love again on the other side.

My husband, Adam Carroll, opens up about navigating life’s biggest transitions and what it truly means to believe in yourself when the path is not clear.

Bowen Teuber speaks honestly about the loneliness and challenge of transitioning to college and how he found himself in the middle of it.

And then there is me.

Because if I am going to ask the people I love most to crack open on this microphone, it only feels right that I do the same.

I share what it meant to show up for René after she lost Jason and how, in that moment, our group of friends became something more than friendship.

We became family.

These are not famous voices or household names.

They are the people who show up.
The people who stay.
The people who love.

And somewhere in these conversations, my hope is that you hear yourself.
That you feel a little less alone.
And that you are reminded:

Cracking open, that beautiful, messy, courageous act of being human, belongs to all of us.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the Cracking Open podcast on Patreon.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients!
Learn more or schedule a session here.

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 after heartbreak, to the quiet but powerful work of building strong friendships.

These are not famous voices or household names—and that is exactly the point.

Because cracking open doesn’t belong to the extraordinary few.
It belongs to all of us.

My hope is that somewhere in these conversations, you hear yourself. You hear your own story. And maybe, just maybe, you feel a little less alone in yours.

But to understand why this episode means so much to me, you have to know a little about the journey that brought us here.

One Hundred Episodes

One hundred episodes.
I still have to pinch myself writing those words.

When I started this podcast, I had one question I couldn’t stop thinking about:

What is your cracking open moment—and how did it change you forever?

I had no idea that question would lead me to 99 of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever had the privilege of sitting with.

From Jodie Patterson and David Nichtern, who said yes when I had absolutely no idea what I was doing… to Fr. Greg Boyle of Homeboy Industries, Mary Pipher, Shaka Senghor, Elizabeth Lesser, Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Dan Siegel, Terry Real, Dr. Lisa Miller, Tami Simon, Dr. Ellen Langer, Cory Richards, Suneel Gupta, and so many more whose wisdom has changed me forever.

Guests who overcame heroin addiction, grief, incarceration, and unimaginable loss. Guests who returned a second time because one conversation wasn’t enough. Guests who became dear friends.

Every one of those 99 guests trusted me with their cracking open stories—with their vulnerability, wisdom, and kindness—and they will forever be woven into the fabric of this podcast.

And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Because here’s the truth:
I’m not Joe Rogan.
I’m not Mel Robbins.
I’m not a celebrity who decided to start a podcast.

So every single time someone said yes to me—trusted me with their time and their story—I jumped up in pure joy.

Coming Home

For episode 100, I wanted to do something that felt true to why I started this podcast in the first place.

So I turned to the people who know me best—and asked them the same question I’ve asked every guest:

What was your cracking open moment?

You’ll hear from my husband of 22 years, Adam Carroll, my son Tommy Carroll,  my daughter Cora Carroll, and my brother Leo Rowen.

You’ll also hear from the friends who have held me together for decades.

Charlotte Hardwick, René Mitchell, Lisa Bermudez, Noelle Teuber, and Bowen Teuber.

My Team

And none of this would exist without my team.

Natalie, Kevin, and Chloe: this is yours too.

Ninety-nine episodes of strangers who became teachers, teachers who became friends, and stories that cracked me wide open in ways I never expected.

And now episode 100—coming home to the people who have been cracking me open my entire life without even knowing it.

It feels exactly right.

If this episode moves you, please share it with someone you love.
And if you haven’t yet, subscribe so you never miss a Cracking Open moment.

We’re just getting started.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

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, people have stopped me on the streets of my hometown of Bend to tell me that Serena’s words gave them the courage to finally write the book that had been living inside them… or to leave a corporate job and start a small design company to help people feel more alive in their homes.

These two episodes remind us that our "cracking open" moments come in many forms. Sometimes they arrive through confronting mortality, and sometimes they arrive through choosing to trust our creativity and make brave, life-altering changes.

Serena is a beacon of authenticity and creative courage. She is an artist and textile designer based in Sausalito, California. With a background in both psychology and fine art, Serena has spent over 20 years shaping her voice as a painter, product designer, and the Chief Creative Officer of Serena & Lily, the home and lifestyle brand she founded in 2004.

In 2020, she launched Serena Dugan Studio, her namesake collection of fabrics and wallpapers. Her art-driven textiles draw inspiration from around the world—from the breezy jet-set spirit of Capri in the ’50s, to South American basket-weaving traditions, to the colorful mid-century architecture of Mexico City. Most recently, Serena collaborated with Erik Lindstrom on a line of rugs inspired by her artwork.

In our conversation, we explore what it really means to trust your creative instincts, make decisions from your inner knowing, release ego, and find your way forward through grief and loss. This episode is both grounded and expansive—a reminder that creativity lives within all of us when we remain open to change and willing to listen to ourselves.

Serena also speaks honestly about the value of making mistakes, starting over, and remembering that our achievements do not define who we are. As she so beautifully shares:

“At the end of my days, I’m not going to look back on Serena and Lily and think that is my greatest success. I’m not going to look back on my textile collection and say that is what I’m most proud of. At the end of the day, it’s the people I’m surrounded by that give life meaning. The rest of this is just our path to love.”

This conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that our creative work, our businesses, and our accomplishments are simply vehicles. The true masterpiece is how we love and connect with others along the way.

If you’ve been waiting for permission to start that project, make that change, or trust the creative voice that’s been quietly calling you forward—let this episode be your catalyst.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the Cracking Open podcast on Patreon.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Serena Dugan:

Website | Instagram

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients!
Learn more or schedule a session here.

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 right now.

This conversation isn’t about fear or loss—it’s about living without regret, being fully present because life is fleeting, and holding hope for the future.

Many people say the most precious gift we can give is our time. Bill understood this in a way few ever do. When we recorded this episode, he was living with stage four terminal pancreatic cancer, and he chose to spend some of his remaining time with us.

Bill was the only guest I’ve ever interviewed without doing extensive research beforehand. I wanted to meet him heart to heart. As it turns out, that choice mirrored one of his greatest realizations: who we truly are has nothing to do with what we’ve accomplished.

Bill was a husband and a father of four boys. His focus had narrowed to what mattered most—love, relationships, and presence.

In this conversation, Bill shares what his days looked like, what cancer was teaching him, and the lessons he wanted his sons to carry forward. He speaks openly about participating in his own living funeral—receiving love, hearing how he mattered, and discovering that he was, and always had been, enough.

He also shares how psilocybin treatment helped him come to terms with his diagnosis and arrive at a simple, powerful truth: the meaning of life is to give and receive love. This is the legacy he left behind.

“It shouldn’t take a terminal disease for you to wake up to your obligation to live a full life—and at the center of that are other people.”
— Bill Valentine

Bill was one of the greatest teachers to ever join Cracking Open. His wisdom, humility, and open heart continue to ripple outward.

Rest in peace, Bill.
Thank you for everything you taught us.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

Love,
Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the Cracking Open podcast on Patreon.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Molly Carroll:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Now accepting new therapy clients!
If you’re feeling stuck, navigating change, or craving more purpose and peace, I’d love to support you. Learn more or schedule a session here.

Maybe you’ve felt that tension too. Wanting concrete strategies you can rely on, while also sensing there’s a deeper wisdom guiding you—something you can’t always explain, but you know is there.

That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share today’s conversation with MaryAnn DiMarco on the Cracking Open podcast.

MaryAnn is an author, motivational speaker, and internationally recognized psychic medium and spiritual teacher known for her refreshingly grounded, relatable approach. With humor, heart, and real-world wisdom, she helps people develop their intuitive gifts and trust the guidance that’s already speaking to them.

In This Episode, We Explore

✨ MaryAnn’s personal journey of becoming a psychic medium—and learning to trust her own gifts
 ✨ How to tune into your guides and intuitive voice for clarity, comfort, and grounded decision-making
 ✨ Her concept of your “universal team of besties”—energies here to offer breadcrumbs of wisdom and help illuminate your soul’s purpose
✨ Why trusting benevolent guidance is the foundation of intuitive listening
✨ The power of language and curious questioning as tools for getting unstuck and moving forward

MaryAnn has been featured on beloved podcasts, including Dear Gabby, The Marie Forleo Podcast, Sibling Revelry, Small Medium at Large, and Language of Love. She also leads sold-out workshops, group programs, and one-on-one mentorship for lightworkers, empaths, and those wanting to deepen their connection with Spirit.

She’s the author of several books, including Believe, Ask, Act, Medium Mentor, and one of my personal favorites, The Guide(s) Book—a beautiful roadmap for connecting with your guides and understanding life’s journey with Spirit by your side.

Talking with MaryAnn feels like meeting someone who speaks both of my languages. We’re building the same bridge—between the seen and unseen, the practical and the mystical, the mind and the soul.

What struck me most is how aligned our approaches to transformation are. We both believe real change happens when we take grounded, accountable steps with our own two feet—while also trusting the spiritual guidance illuminating the path ahead.

Whether you’re using evidence-based tools or learning to listen to your guides, both are pointing to the same truth: You don’t have to choose between practical action and intuitive wisdom.

Real growth happens when we walk the bridge that honors both—and meet ourselves, and our highest potential, right in the middle.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
 Molly

🌱 Please consider supporting the Cracking Open podcast on Patreon.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

​​​​​​​MaryAnn DiMarco

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The Guide(s) Book
Mapping Out Life’s Journey with Spirit by Your Side
Listen on Audible

Molly:

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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 this because maybe you’ve been there too. And here’s the gift hidden inside those seasons: wisdom.

What did I learn? Compassion for myself. Humility that I will never “have it all together.” Trust that this, too, shall pass. And it did pass. The light returned—beginning with the conversation you’re about to hear with Dr. John Price. It was medicine for my soul, and I know it will be for yours too.

Meet Dr. John W. Price

Dr. John W. Price is a licensed psychotherapist, Jungian scholar, and modern-day mythmaker devoted to bridging psychology and spirituality in service of deep transformation. He holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Doctorate in Jungian Psychology and co-founded The Center for Healing Arts and Sciences in Houston with his wife, Leila-Scott Price.

Before dedicating his life to healing, John spent a decade as a professional musician—a journey that immersed him in both the highs of creative success and the depths of self-destruction. Becoming a father marked a powerful turning point, when the soul’s call overtook ambition and led him to his true purpose: guiding others through life’s great initiations—grief, identity collapse, spiritual awakening, and the long return to wholeness.

He now serves as President of the Board at the Jung Center of Houston, teaches at the Esalen Institute, and hosts The Sacred Speaks podcast—where he explores depth psychology, spirituality, mysticism, and meaning with guests like Richard Rohr, Anne Lamott, and Thomas Moore.

In This Episode We Explore

✨ John’s own “cracking open” story—from life as a rock musician to his awakening as a soul-centered psychotherapist
 ✨ How fatherhood transformed his ambitions into a deeper calling to serve
 ✨ Practical wisdom for navigating the dark night of the soul with grace and courage
✨ How men’s vulnerability and shadow work can become catalysts for collective healing
✨ Our candid exchange where I challenge John to fully step into his leadership as a bridge between psychology, spirituality, and the modern masculine

This conversation is rich with laughter, depth, and truth—but above all, hope.
John is a luminous guide whose presence reminds us that even in darkness, we are never alone.

If you’re walking through your own “dark night,” or simply feeling lost, uninspired, or uncertain, this episode is your lifeline. John offers not quick fixes or toxic positivity, but grounded wisdom:
You’re not broken—you’re breaking open.

Press play and remember—the light isn’t just coming; it’s already within you, waiting to be rediscovered.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
 Molly

🌱 Support the Cracking Open podcast here.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Dr. John W. Price
Website | Substack | Instagram | YouTube

 The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences

 The Open Gate Program

At just 18 years old, Maggie took what was meant to be a simple gap year—and turned it into her life’s mission. Traveling through India and Nepal, she witnessed a young girl lifting two stones together to build a road. In that moment, she literally said, “I was cracked open”.

With her life savings of $5,000, Maggie moved to Nepal and co-founded the BlinkNow Foundation with her Nepali partner, Tope Bahadur Malla. Their vision was clear: to provide children with a safe home, medical care, education, and love—so they would grow into adults with a social conscience and the skills to end cycles of poverty and violence.

Working hand-in-hand with Tope and a team that’s 90% Nepali, they built a children’s home for over 100 kids, a school for 350 students, and a women’s center and health clinic for the Kopila Valley community. Maggie’s work has been honored with the 2015 CNN Hero Award and recognition from the Dalai Lama.

In this conversation, Maggie shares how a single decision changed her life forever—the joys and challenges of mothering 100 children, sustaining her mission through loss, and the importance of working alongside the local community. She also opens up about a period of deep grief that reshaped her path and strengthened her purpose.

Maggie Doyne is a modern-day Mother Teresa—a lighthouse of hope redefining what family means in our world today. She reminds us that one person, with an open heart and unwavering commitment, can create ripples of change that transform entire communities.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to answer your own calling or simply want to witness love in action, this conversation will leave you moved, motivated, and believing in the power of one heart to change the world.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

A note from Molly

For three years, I’ve poured my heart into this podcast, creating 90+ episodes. I’ve funded everything myself to focus on meaningful conversations—but to keep bringing you the quality content you deserve, I need your help.

Even $5 a month—less than a coffee—helps cover hosting, editing, and prep time. If this podcast has supported you, would you consider joining? Support here: https://www.patreon.com/14800380/join

Your support keeps these unrushed, transformative conversations coming.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Maggie:

Support BlinkNow’s Mission
Kopila Valley Children’s Village
— Nearing completion of a new, eco-friendly campus in Surkhet, Nepal.
Kopila Valley School
— Top 10 finalist for the World’s Best School prize 

Watch the Film
Between the Mountain and the Sky

Learn More About Maggie
Official Website

Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

Molly:

https://molly-carroll.com

Instagram | Facebook

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 side, and cheered each other on as our careers evolved. She’s been a confidant, a mentor, and, without exaggeration, a savant in her craft.

Nicole is a certified book coach, developmental editor, and author of four novels whose work has been featured by Booklist, Refinery29, BookBub, and PopSugar. She hosts The Whole Writer podcast for emerging authors, and is a co-founder of Book Works, where she and her partner combine book coaching and branding insight to guide writers to expand their creative community and connect with ideal readers.

✨ In this episode, Nicole shares how she found her way back to creativity while raising three kids (including twins!), supporting aging parents, and juggling all the roles so many of us know too well. Once her kids were in school, she made a powerful choice: to reclaim her voice. Writing became her lifeline—and along the way, she discovered lessons in commitment, boundaries, and courage.

✨ She also gets real about resistance—the sneaky excuses that keep us from doing the work we’re meant to do. Whether it sounds like, “I’ll start when the kids are older,” or “I don’t want people to judge me,” Nicole reminds us that resistance is just fear in disguise.

✨ This conversation is packed with practical wisdom—how to structure your creative day, silence your inner critic, and build your confidence through simple daily actions.

And here’s the beautiful truth Nicole offers: creativity isn’t a luxury or a someday dream. It’s a vital practice that keeps us connected to who we truly are.

So grab a pen and paper for this one—you’ll want to take notes. Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone ready to stop making excuses, this episode will remind you that your creative spark never left you. It’s just waiting for you to choose it.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
 Molly

A note from Molly

For three years, I’ve poured my heart into this podcast, creating 90 episodes. I’ve funded everything myself to focus on meaningful conversations—but to keep bringing you the quality content you deserve, I need your help.

Even $5 a month—less than a coffee—helps cover hosting, editing, and prep time. If this podcast has supported you, would you consider joining? Support here: https://www.patreon.com/14800380/join

Your support keeps these unrushed, transformative conversations coming.

RESOURCES & LINKS:

Learn more about Nicole Meier here: http://nicolemeier.com/

Follow Nicole on Substack: https://nicolemeierwrites.substack.com/

Check out Book Works: http://bookworks.co/

Work with Molly: https://molly-carroll.com

Stay Connected with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

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 younger longer. Not only is it good for your muscles—it’s essential for your bones, joints, and overall longevity.

So I finally decided to try it myself. I joined a local workout group—shoutout to Capacity Performance Therapy—and after almost a year of consistent training, I can confidently say: everything I heard was true. I feel stronger in my body, calmer in my mind, and more alive in my spirit.

That’s why I’m excited to introduce you to this week’s guest: Dr. Vonda Wright—a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert.

In today’s conversation, we explore science-backed strategies to:
 ✨ Stay strong, energized, and mobile at any age
 ✨ Learn which exercises matter most for long-term vitality
 ✨ Discover what many doctors aren’t telling you about joint pain and arthritis
 ✨ Navigate menopause with confidence and clarity—grounded in facts, not fear

As Dr. Wright shares:

“Every woman is a sentient being with the agency to make her own decisions, but I want her decisions to be based on facts, not fear. Here are the facts: estrogen optimization, hormone optimization, or menopause hormone therapy—no matter what you call it—changes your life.”

Whether you’re 25 or 65, this episode is your blueprint for defying conventional aging and reclaiming your strength—for life.

And because this is Cracking Open, we don’t just talk about physical health. Dr. Wright also shares her personal story—her “cracking open” moments that shaped her passion for helping others age powerfully and purposefully.

About Dr. Vonda Wright
Dr. Vonda Wright is a double-board-certified orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized authority on human performance, longevity, and women’s health. She’s the founding director of PRIMA (Performance and Research Initiative for Masters Athletes) and has served as a physician for elite organizations such as World Rugby, the PGA, and professional ballet companies.

She’s been featured on The Diary of a CEO, Jay Shetty, Mel Robbins, The Today Show, and Dr. Oz, and in The New York Times, USA Today, and more. Dr. Wright has authored five books, including Fitness After 40 and Guide to THRIVE, and lives in Florida with her husband, a retired two-time Stanley Cup champion.

We as humans are not destined to grow old and frail. In this episode, you’ll find hope, science, and practical tools to turn back the clock—and start thriving today.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

Love,
Molly

Resources & Links
Dr. Vonda Wright’s website
Purchase her book Unbreakable

Follow her on Instagram

Dr. Doty passed away on July 16, 2025, from medical complications following surgery. This episode was recorded before his death and remains one of our most beloved conversations. He was truly an incredible human being who believed deeply in the power of the human spirit, mind, and soul.

Dr. Doty was a highly sought-after speaker and podcast guest, and he didn't have to say yes to coming on the Cracking Open podcast. But he told me that among the 300 emails he received the day he got my request, he felt it was a "yes" to crack open—and I will forever be grateful.

Dr. James Doty was a:

• World-renowned Stanford neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, philanthropist, and leading researcher in the science of compassion
• Former CEO of Accuray (NASDAQ: ARAY), where he helped develop CyberKnife technology, saving countless lives worldwide
• Founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University School of Medicine, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor
• New York Times and international bestselling author of Into the Magic Shop and his most recent book, Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation, which became a top-selling book on Amazon in multiple categories

In this episode, Dr. Doty shares his journey from growing up in a tumultuous home to discovering the power of self-agency and the science of manifestation. He opens up about his successes and failures, his struggles with choosing to live life from his ego or his heart, and how much he appreciates being called out on his shortcomings. Ultimately, he discovered that "possessions, position, and power have nothing to do with wisdom, insight, or self-awareness."

Dr. Doty and I dive into the science of manifestation and explore actionable steps you can take to manifest the life of your dreams. We explore how therapy can yield incredible results when the client is willing to confront life's challenges and the shadow side of their personality. When we can illuminate the darker, often hidden parts of ourselves, we can become more integrated and whole as individuals.

Whether you have heard this episode before or it's your first time, I invite you to listen to Dr. Doty with an open heart and carry his wisdom forward.

To honor Dr. Doty's legacy and life, you can visit his memorial page here: https://everloved.com/life-of/james-doty/

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
 Molly

A note from Molly

For three years, I’ve poured my heart into this podcast, creating 90 episodes. I’ve funded everything myself to focus on meaningful conversations—but to keep bringing you the quality content you deserve, I need your help.

Even $5 a month—less than a coffee—helps cover hosting, editing, and prep time. If this podcast has supported you, would you consider joining? Support here: https://www.patreon.com/14800380/join

Your support keeps these unrushed, transformative conversations coming.

Work with Molly
https://molly-carroll.com

Stay Connected with Molly
Follow on Instagram
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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 bestselling author and advocate. Her memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love, is a 2024 Oprah Book Club pick and a New York Times bestseller.

In our conversation, Lara shares:

✨ How addiction and incarceration stripped away every identity she had built—and why that became her greatest gift.

 ✨ The unexpected transformation that came from being “just a number” in the system.

 ✨ How she rebuilt her life rooted in authenticity, forgiveness, and self-acceptance.

We also discuss her work today: advocating for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women through The Gemma Project, and how she helps others find redemption, even in life’s darkest moments.

This conversation offers profound hope to anyone who has experienced addiction, incarceration, or life-altering setbacks. Lara’s story demonstrates that our darkest moments can become the foundation for our greatest transformation, and that redemption is always possible when we’re willing to do the hard work of truly knowing and accepting ourselves. 

Whether your rock bottom looks like addiction, mental health struggles, or losing yourself in the roles you play, Lara’s story proves that transformation is not only possible—it can become the greatest gift you never knew you needed.

If you’re ready to do the meaningful work of truly knowing and accepting yourself, I’m currently accepting new therapy clients. I specialize in helping people:

• Break stuck patterns in relationships or life decisions
• Develop coping strategies for anxiety and depression
• Navigate life transitions with clarity and purpose
• Create more joy, balance, and healthy habits

Learn more and schedule a session here: https://calendly.com/mollycarroll/coaching

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
 Molly

A note from Molly

For three years, I’ve poured my heart into this podcast, creating 90 episodes. I’ve funded everything myself to focus on meaningful conversations—but to keep bringing you the quality content you deserve, I need your help.

Even $5 a month—less than a coffee—helps cover hosting, editing, and prep time. If this podcast has supported you, would you consider joining? Support here: https://www.patreon.com/14800380/join

Your support keeps these unrushed, transformative conversations coming.

Resources & Links

Read Lara’s memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love: https://www.themanylivesofmamalove.com

Learn more about The Gemma Project: https://www.thegemmaproject.org

Follow Lara on Instagram: @laralovehardin

Work with Molly
https://molly-carroll.com

Stay Connected with Molly
Follow on Instagram
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I kept hearing the Zen Buddhist phrase: “chop wood, carry water". The wisdom is simple: do everyday tasks with mindfulness and presence.

For me, that meant canceling my coaching program that was supposed to start in August. It meant releasing the constant striving for speaking opportunities, letting go of outreach for podcast guests, and returning to my roots—deep, one-on-one conversations where space is dedicated to what truly matters. It meant going back to being a therapist.

For years, Sister Monica Clare heard a quiet call toward a quiet religious life. She first explored Hollywood, marriage, and conventional success before discovering that her heart was truly drawn to sisterhood.

Even if you’re not religious or spiritual, this conversation will likely resonate with you. Sister Monica Clare’s story is about learning to "gravitate towards joy versus chaos" and having the courage to follow your authentic calling—no matter how unconventional it may seem, and no matter what you have to release to honor it.

Her journey began in a Southern town marked by poverty, abuse, and violence, including witnessing her grandfather attempt to stab her father. Her mother’s encouragement to pursue a different life set her on a path through college in New York City, a career in Hollywood, marriage, heartbreak, and even performing in comedy clubs.

Through it all, she never abandoned the power of prayer—even when the call to religious life felt “complicated and baffling, completely out of step with her fame-adjacent life in Los Angeles”. She tried everything to silence it: therapy sessions, ignoring it, secrecy, and even asking friends and mentors, “What do you think about me being a nun?”

Sister Monica Clare’s story becomes a compass for anyone struggling to find their truth. Authentic calling rarely makes logical sense—but it always leads to deeper fulfillment.

Today, at 59, she has found her unique path to serve:

•  Launched @NunsenseForthePeople on TikTok in 2020
• Wrote the bestselling memoir A Change of Habit
• Uses social media to raise awareness about progressive religious orders like the Community of St. John Baptist
• Offers spiritual counseling specializing in religious trauma, mental illness, and addiction

Sister Monica Clare is the Mother Superior at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal convent in New Jersey. Before taking her vows in 2012, she worked as a photo editor in L.A. and performed in an acoustic rock duo and improv comedy troupe.

In our conversation, she shares how prayer became her sanctuary throughout Hollywood rejections and personal heartbreaks. She reveals the guiding messages she received from God during life’s challenges—like when she discovered her husband was cheating and heard, “Get up and get your house in order.” She opens up about overcoming the fear that people wouldn’t want her around and finding peace as a socially awkward introvert in a tight-knit community.

This episode is an invitation to listen to your own quiet callings and consider what authentic joy could look like in your life—and what you might need to release in order to honor it.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

Love,

Molly

Resources & Links:

Read Sr. Monica Clare's memoir, A Change of Habit

Jeff’s mission is nothing short of revolutionary: to create a regenerative container where humanity can come alive from the inside out. He believes that the “gold” within each of us is the thread that connects us all. And in both life and business, he is walking that talk.

A five-time entrepreneur with a background in advertising and storytelling, Jeff spent years amplifying the voices of others before finally tuning into his own. In 2016, he followed an inner calling to birth One Golden Thread, a fashion company that’s as much about soulful expression as it is about sustainability. As Forbes put it:

"Jeff Scult and One Golden Thread are creating a regenerative fashion brand that uplifts people and planet."

In today’s conversation, Jeff shares openly about his childhood as a people pleaser and shapeshifter—empathetic to everyone’s journey but his own. Beneath the surface, he carried deep emotional sensitivity, a gift that revealed itself through poetic insight and a mystic awareness that often moved people to tears. Even as a child, he knew how to see the soul beneath the mask.

Jeff’s story is a profound reminder that our wounds can become portals to purpose. His superpower? Helping others follow their “one golden thread”—the unique inner path that leads each of us home to ourselves.

Throughout the episode, Jeff brings his full presence: pausing to light incense, reciting his brand’s founding manifesto, and answering questions with poetic honesty that seems to flow from another realm. What began as an interview became a transmission—a remembering.

We explore the steps he took to manifest his vision, the intentionality behind his nature-sourced clothing line, and the deeper ethos guiding his work: wholeness, unity, reverence for self and planet.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration to pursue your own dream, curious about conscious entrepreneurship, or simply in need of a breath of truth in a noisy world—this episode is for you.

Listen with your heart.
Follow your golden thread.
Remember the brilliance that’s always been within you.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

Love,

Molly

Resources & Links

Explore One Golden Thread: onegoldenthread.com
Plant-sourced essentials designed to root you in comfort, purpose, and planetary love.

Listen to Drops of Gold: jeffscult.com/dropsofgold
Jeff’s poetic, heart-forward podcast offers reflections and conversations for soul expansion.

Work with Jeff: jeffscult.com
Discover Jeff’s soulful consulting for personal and professional brand alchemy.

Special Offer: Use the code dropsofGold at checkout on onegoldenthread.com to receive a gift with your first purchase.

Work with Molly
https://molly-carroll.com

Stay Connected with Molly
Follow on Instagram
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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 experience it in real time.

Just one week before our interview, my husband lost his job. I was navigating a wave of fear, frustration, and uncertainty. Rather than hiding those emotions, I brought them into the conversation. And Thomas walked me through them—live on the show.

But this episode isn’t just about me. It’s about you.
And the patterns, stories, and pain we all carry.

🌀 Have you ever sat down to tackle your to-do list and felt too overwhelmed to start?

🌀 Are you still ruminating on something from years ago, stuck in emotions you can’t shake?

🌀 Is there a habit you can’t seem to break—no matter how much you want to?

That’s what The Paradox Process is for. It’s a simple, accessible method that helps you take control of your thoughts, shift your emotional state, and find peace. I can personally say—it works.

A bit more about Thomas: 

🌱 He’s been doing this work for over 50 years

🌱 Serving clients ranging from CEOs and social workers to Emmy, Oscar, and Tony award-winning performers. 

🌱 His approach blends strategy and soul to help people find fulfillment in every area of their lives—from manifesting the career of their dreams to achieving intimate, loving, lasting relationships. 

I can honestly say—I’m now a true fan of The Paradox Process.

Since my conversation with Thomas, something in me has shifted. The fear and frustration I was feeling around my husband’s job loss have softened. I’m not spiraling in worst-case scenarios or trying to fix everything overnight. Instead, I feel a deep, grounded peace. A quiet ease. A knowing that, even in uncertainty, we’re going to be okay.

That’s what this process offers—not just tools to think differently, but a pathway to feel differently. To interrupt the looping narratives that keep us stuck and to choose something more empowering in their place.

As you listen to this episode, I invite you to walk through it with me. Let Thomas guide you, too. Bring to mind something in your own life that keeps you spinning—an old wound, a self-defeating belief, or a habit you just can’t seem to break.

🌟 This could be the moment you finally begin to shift it.

🌟 This could be the tool that helps you get unstuck.

🌟 This could be the thing that reminds you—you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless.

So take a breath. Be curious. And let The Paradox Process work its quiet magic in your life, too.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

Love,

Molly

Resources & Links

Explore The Paradox Process
See if The Paradox Process is right for you
Join the Manifesting Lab – Mondays at 8pm ET

✨ Podcast Listeners FREE Gift!

Stay Connected with Thomas
Instagram

Work with Molly
6-Month Coaching Program begins August 13th

Stay Connected with Molly
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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 inside is far more dangerous than most people know.

This week on the Cracking Open podcast, I have the immense honor of speaking with Ed and Mary Ternan, founders of the nonprofit Song for Charlie.

After losing their son Charlie to a counterfeit Percocet pill laced with illicit fentanyl, Ed and Mary transformed unimaginable grief into purposeful action. Instead of only placing blame on social media platforms where these pills are sold, they chose to lead with education and empathy—working to save other families from the same heartbreak.

✨ Their mission is clear: to warn young people—especially those ages 13–24—about the danger of fake pills purchased online.

 ✨ Their message is urgent: even one pill can be fatal.

 ✨ Their approach is powerful: reaching youth with messaging that actually resonates with their generation.

In this conversation, Ed and Mary bravely share the story of losing their beloved Charlie and the ripple effects that tragedy had on their family, their faith, and their purpose.

Through Song for Charlie, they’ve become fierce advocates for awareness, prevention, and healing. And through their love for Charlie—and for every child who may still be saved—they are making a difference.

This is a story of heartbreak.
But it’s also a story of hope.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

Love,

Molly

RESOURCES & LINKS

Learn more about Ed and Mary Ternan’s work
Song for Charlie
The New Drug Talk
La Nueva Drug Talk (en Español)
Meet the Song for Charlie Team

Follow Song for Charlie on social media
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
TikTok
Snapchat
X (formerly Twitter)

Work with Molly

• 🌱 6-Month Coaching Program begins August 13th – Learn more

Connect with Molly

• Official Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

I’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 survive.

Even though I was in my zone of genius—supporting others and sharing tools for healing—I was deeply burned out. At the time, I had over 30 clients, was writing books, had just finished a TED Talk, was running retreats, parenting two kids, and helping care for my mother as she battled cancer. I was giving everything I had to everyone else.

But underneath it all, I was fighting internal demons: shame, perfectionism, fear I wasn’t doing enough—or being enough—as a therapist, mom, wife, and daughter.

I was experiencing what Scott Anderson, our guest this week on the Cracking Open podcast, calls burnout.

And wow… do I wish I had Scott's work back then.

But lucky for all of us—he’s here now. And he’s here to help you.

Scott Anderson is the author of You’re Not Toast and founder of DoubleDare, a coaching organization helping high-achieving professionals break free from burnout. With 30+ years of business ownership, therapy training, and ICF coaching credentials, Scott’s work blends business acumen with a deep understanding of the emotional and mental toll burnout takes.

Scott’s own story is one of profound transformation. After losing his son Max to addiction, Scott found himself broken, exhausted, and questioning everything. That grief led him to reevaluate his life, uncover his values, and rebuild with more humility and purpose.

From this space, the Burnout Breakthrough Method was born—a framework that helps people reconnect with their energy, release emotional weight, and create sustainable, joyful success.

In today’s conversation, we talk about:

✨ What burnout really is (hint: it’s not just being tired)

✨ Why high-achievers are most at risk

✨ The intersection of grief, purpose, and healing

✨ How to recover quickly and permanently from burnout

✨ Why passion isn’t enough—and how to work in a way that doesn’t cost your health or soul

If you’re feeling exhausted, disconnected, or like you're carrying the weight of the world, let this episode be your own beach walk—an invitation to slow down, reflect, and reconnect.

Because there’s more joy available to you than you could ever imagine.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

P.S. Check out Scott's first interview on Cracking Open on 5/19/22!

Discover How Sobriety, Death, and Service Taught Life Coach Scott Anderson About the True Meaning of Life

Connect with Scott Anderson

• burnoutbreakthrough.com
• Fast Fix Call – Book a free session

Follow Scott on Social Media

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Work with Molly

• 🌱 6-Month Coaching Program begins August 13th – Learn more

Connect with Molly

• Official Website

Kids 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 better understand and support the next generation, this conversation is for you.

Today on the Cracking Open podcast, I’m honored to sit down with Dr. Lori Baudino—a licensed clinical psychologist and board-certified dance/movement therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families.

Dr. Baudino’s approach integrates the mind, body, and spirit. She’s a pioneer in bringing body-based awareness into therapeutic spaces and hospital settings, helping children and parents connect more deeply through movement, presence, and play.

In our conversation, Lori posed a powerful question that stayed with me:

“What if we all approached life like a dance—with fluidity and playfulness, to feel truly alive?”

She invites us to see the body as one of our greatest resources. Our physical expressions offer insight into how we feel, what we need, where we struggle, and where we shine.

Together, we explore:

✨ Supporting children who don’t fit conventional emotional or social molds
 ✨ How to strengthen sibling relationships and navigate family dynamics
 ✨ What secure attachment really means—and how to nurture it
 ✨ Why movement is essential to emotional health
 ✨ How to meet your child’s uniqueness with curiosity, not control

Dr. Baudino’s wisdom is profound and practical. Whether you're raising children or walking alongside them, this episode will help you deepen your compassion, expand your understanding, and build more connected, resilient relationships.

After this conversation, I left feeling like a more grounded parent, advocate, and human being—and I think you will too.

🎧 Tune in now to listen.

With love,
Molly

Explore Dr. Lori Baudino’s Work

• Super Flyers Book
• Moving Moments in Childhood Book
• 16-Day Purposeful Parenting Challenge
• Moving Moments Masterclass
• The Global Therapists Program (via AnchoRRa)

Connect with Dr. Lori

• Official Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn

Work with Molly

• 🌱 6-Month Coaching Program begins August 13th – Learn more

Connect with Molly

• Official Website
• Instagram
• Facebook

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 activist. She has not only pushed herself to the physical edge through rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and multi-day adventure races like Eco-Challenge—she has also traveled to the emotional core of what it means to live fully, love deeply, and be good.

You may know her from the acclaimed documentary Blood Road, which follows Rebecca’s 1,800-kilometer mountain bike journey along the Ho Chi Minh Trail to locate the site where her father’s plane went down during the Vietnam War. That quest wasn’t just about closure—it was about connection, healing, and honoring the man who shaped her spirit.

In this deeply moving episode of the Cracking Open podcast, we explore:

✨ How the loss of her father at a young age ignited a lifelong search for meaning
✨ What growing up with a single, hard-working mom taught her about strength and self-reliance
✨ The power of curiosity, nature, and endurance to reveal who we really are
✨ How a traumatic brain injury forced her to slow down—and reimagine what success looks like
✨ Why “being good” matters so much more than being perfect

What we didn’t know when we scheduled this conversation was that Rebecca’s beloved mom would pass away just one week before we recorded. And so what unfolds in this episode is not just an interview—it’s a powerful reflection on how we live, how we love, and how we show up for the people who matter most.

Rebecca’s story is one of grit, grace, and growth. And at the heart of it all is a simple message from her father, who signed every letter home from Vietnam with the same two words: Be Good.

It’s a mantra that continues to guide her—and now, maybe, it will guide you too.

🎧 Tune in now and let Rebecca’s courage, curiosity, and compassion inspire you to slow down, dig deep, and live your own version of being good.

Love,
Molly

Connect with Rebecca Rusch
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube

Explore Rebecca's Work
Official Website
The Be Good Foundation
Rebecca’s Private Idaho

Work with Molly
🌱 6-Week Coaching Program begins May 14th! — Learn more

Stay Connected with Molly
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Facebook

So much of that iconic sound came from The Fray, the Denver-based band fronted by the haunting, heartwarming voice of lead singer Isaac Slade. 

I first met Isaac at The Nantucket Project and was instantly struck by his unique mix of humor, vulnerability, and grounded wisdom. His childhood was shaped by a loving, religious family that encouraged his musical passions. That support led him to gather friends and form The Fray, a band that would go from playing tiny venues to topping charts, dominating TV soundtracks, and selling out stadiums across the world.

Isaac’s voice helped define an era, but behind the music was a story few of us ever heard. In this honest, soulful conversation on this week's Cracking Open episode, we dive into:

✨ The rise of The Fray and the whirlwind of early fame

 ✨ The toll of success and the mental health struggles it sparked, including on-stage panic attacks

 ✨ His decision to step away from the spotlight and embrace a quieter, more grounded life

 ✨ Why putting your oxygen mask on first is one of the most radical acts of love

Isaac didn’t leave the band because he stopped loving music. He left because he needed to love himself—and his family—more fully. After years of sold-out tours and chart-topping songs, he found healing in the everyday: parenting, slowing down, and opening a record shop on Vashon Island, off the coast of Seattle.

As I waited for him to join this conversation, I couldn’t help but smile, remembering those college days when The Fray’s music helped me survive heartbreaks, insecurities, and burnout. His voice once soothed my confused, overwhelmed soul. And now, nearly 30 years later, we’re sharing stories about embracing the beautiful mess of life and doing what it takes to stay on the treadmill of adulthood.

🎧 Tune in now and let Isaac’s story remind you that real strength isn’t about pushing through—it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner light lead the way.

Love,

Molly

Resources & Links:

Connect with Isaac Slade
Follow Isaac on Instagram
Check out Side Stack Records

Work with Molly
🌱 6-Week Coaching Program begins May 14th — Learn more

Stay Connected
Follow Molly on Instagram
Follow Molly on Facebook

At the age of 17, just four months after moving cross-country, Lindsay tragically lost her father in a head-on collision. Already deeply empathic, she found herself carrying the heavy weight of grief into her adolescence, college years, and early adulthood, often asking herself: How can I move forward without him? Twenty-four years later, as a wife and mother of three, she faced yet another heart-wrenching loss—the terminal cancer diagnosis and passing of her mother. In this episode, we explore Lindsay’s powerful story—and how, through profound loss, she ultimately discovered deep love.

Lindsay holds an MA in Transpersonal Psychology with a focus on creativity and innovation, and she weaves her rich life experience into everything she does. Since 2013, she has been sharing her heart through her widely-read blog, which explores themes like parenting, mindfulness, mental health, creativity, and grief. Her work has been featured in both local and national publications, including Spirituality & Health Magazine.

Her newly released memoir, All I Feel Is Love, is a tender exploration of healing and the alchemic transformation from loss to love. Through creative self-expression, communal connection, and reflective questioning, it serves as a compassionate companion for anyone seeking hope and light on their journey through grief.

Today, Lindsay facilitates enriching women’s circles, leads therapeutic writing workshops, and co-hosts soul-nourishing retreats—each a reflection of her deep commitment to guiding others through their own healing.

In this episode, we explore:

• 🌱 The personal and cultural journey of grief and its impact
• 🗣️ The healing power of storytelling and why it matters
• 😄 Finding moments of joy, laughter, and even naps in the midst of hardship

While Lindsay’s work helps others heal, her greatest gift lies in how she lives her own story with grace. Through creative expression, connection, and boundless love, she shows us that healing is not only possible but deeply transformative. True change begins with acceptance, compassion, and a willingness to be vulnerable.

We can learn so much from one another’s stories—especially those about growing up, letting go, and finding peace in the truth.

Love,
Molly

Resources

• Check out Lindsay’s website here
• Purchase All I Feel Is Love here
• Follow Lindsay on Instagram and Facebook

Bonus: Listen to Charlotte Hardwick’s Cracking Open podcast episode— a dear friend of Molly’s and frequent retreat co-host with Lindsay!

Upcoming Coaching Programs with Molly

• 6-Week Coaching Program starts May 14th!

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook

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Andrea will change the way you think about food, healing, and love. In this deeply personal conversation, we dive into:

 ✨ The power of food as medicine and a path to healing
 ✨ How grief can crack us open and redirect our purpose
 ✨ Simple, transformative nutrition tips you can use right now
 ✨ The deep connection between nourishment, love, and presence

She didn’t come to nutrition through a traditional path—she arrived through love, loss, and an unshakable calling. After losing her young husband, Isamu, to a brain tumor in 2002, she turned to food as a source of healing, not just for herself but for others:

"I couldn't get rid of his tumor. But what I could do was influence how he felt, how he managed treatments, and what was happening with him. That’s when I started asking myself: What can I do? Food and nutrition gave me something I could actually do every day, several times a day, to help my husband."

Today, as a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and educator, Andrea is a leading voice in the field, helping thousands of clients and practitioners reclaim their health through personalized nutrition. 

She also offers three simple, game-changing principles for better health:

 🥑 Fat, fiber, and protein at every meal
 🌈 Eating the rainbow
 ✅ Knowing your 'Yes, No, Maybe' food list—tuning in to what fuels and depletes you

But this episode isn’t just about food. It’s about what truly nourishes us—body, mind, and soul. Andrea opens up about grief, solo parenting, and the ways love pushes us to show up fully, even when life feels impossible.

At the heart of it all, this conversation is about love—the love we give, the love we receive, and the love that lives in the everyday choices we make. Whether it’s in the food we eat, the care we show to our bodies, or the ways we hold space for others, love is always at the center.

🎧 Tune in now and let Andrea’s wisdom nourish you from the inside out.

Love,

Molly

Check out Andrea's website here

Learn more about Functional Nutrition Alliance here

Listen to Andrea's 15-Minute Matrix podcast here

Follow Andrea on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, LinkedIn, & Substack

6-Week Coaching Program starts May 14th!

6-Month Coaching Program starts August 13th!

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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, gratitude, and stepping fully into your purpose

She shares an essential truth:

“We’re very powerful. We just forgot. This is the lifetime we remember.”

Donna has been connected to higher planes of existence for many lifetimes—living as a medicine woman, a shaman, and an intuitive guide. Since the age of 17, she has heard her angels calling. That calling led her from Detroit to Palm Springs, where she now helps others clear blocked energy and find clarity through Akashic record readings, angel card sessions, and intention-setting at Two Bunch Spa.

In today’s episode, Donna offers practical tools for co-creating your reality—starting with the power of language. Instead of saying “want,” “need,” or “try,” she encourages us to embrace “I am”—planting seeds of healing, freedom, and joy.

I love every episode of Cracking Open, but this one came at just the right time. Lately, I’ve felt waves of fear and uncertainty—questioning my place in the world, wondering if I’m a good person, worrying about the future. But Donna’s words were a profound reminder:

💛 Just breathe. You are protected. You are supported. Fear is an illusion.

This lifetime—the one we are living right now—is the most important one we will ever have. And we are here to remember who we truly are. That is the greatest gift of all.

🎧 Tune in now and let Donna’s wisdom bring you back to yourself.

Love,
Molly

Learn more about Donna here

Visit Two Bunch Palms here  
Follow Donna on Facebook



Special 1-Hour Live Workshop with Molly:
How To Get Unstuck
March 10, 2025
Click here to learn more and register

6-Week Coaching Program starts May 14th!

6-Month Coaching Program starts August 13th!

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook

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 photograph—a selfie taken after surviving an avalanche—was featured on the 125th Anniversary cover of National Geographic. To most, this striking image represents sheer survival in the harshest conditions and a testament to human resilience and the extremes we can push ourselves to.

But this one moment is far more than just a photograph. It’s the culmination of Cory’s entire life—one marked by struggles that include experiencing homelessness in adolescence, searching for love in all the wrong places, facing addiction, battling suicidal thoughts, and navigating a bipolar disorder diagnosis. Driven by a need to escape his inner chaos, Cory pushed himself to the edge, seeking solace and a sense of aliveness in the most extreme, dangerous pursuits.

His memoir, The Color of Everything, lays bare his vulnerability, offering an honest reflection on his mental health journey and the healing power of storytelling—not only for him but for his readers as well. Cory’s bravery in sharing his personal highs and lows serves as a powerful invitation for all of us to embrace our humanity and find healing through connection.

Whether you're grappling with your own sense of self or seeking to understand the intricate balance of success and recovery, our conversation today offers insights that I hope will lead you toward greater self-love and acceptance.

Love,
Molly

Learn more about Cory here

Purchase The Color of Everything here  
Follow Cory on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook



Special Upcoming 1-Hour Live Workshop with Molly:
How To Get Unstuck
March 10, 2025
Click here to learn more and register

6-Week Coaching Program starts May 14th!

6-Month Coaching Program starts August 13th!

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This 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 physical shape, this program also invigorates your mind and helps you process emotions through a fusion of movement, music, and self-reflection.

On this week's episode of the Cracking Open Podcast, Jaycee shares how movement can release tension and free up stuck energy, creating space for clarity, presence, and reconnection with the self. She also opens up about her own transformative journey with her love of dance, and we even dive into my personal experience of taking her class at The Nantucket Project this past Fall. (Spoiler alert: In just one hour of dancing and sweating—yes, even crying—I felt a deep healing I hadn’t experienced in years!)

Jaycee reminds us that in times of fear, confusion, or loneliness, the best medicine is to move. Movement helps ground us, calms our minds, and keeps us present. It's a reminder that, no matter what, we’re going to be okay. Her teaching embodies The Class’s mantra: “We exercise the body to ground the mind and open the heart.”

Before joining The Class, Jaycee traveled the world studying movement, competed in ballroom dance, and worked in television and film. Her classes are a space to find strength, explore freedom, and reconnect with spirit. Through her passion for music and dance, Jaycee encourages students to move, feel, and live with full expression. The result? Classes that are challenging, soulful, liberating—and most importantly, welcoming.

Be sure to listen to the full episode—at the end, Jaycee leads us through a short class! Plus, as a special treat for Cracking Open Podcast listeners, Jaycee is offering a 30-day free trial (link below!).

Jaycee's overarching message is that dance truly is for everybody. And now more than ever, we need to move, release negative emotions, and invite more joy and love into our lives.

Love,
Molly

*Special gift for Cracking Open listeners*
Click here to get your FREE 30-day trial to The Class!

Learn more about The Class here
Follow The Class on Instagram; Follow Jaycee on Instagram



Special Upcoming 1-Hour Live Workshop with Molly:
Calming Your Nervous System to Be Your Best Self
February 10, 2025
Click here to learn more and register

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• Served on President Obama’s Inaugural Faith Council
• Delivered hundreds of keynote speeches worldwide
• Authored five books, including We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy
• Ashoka Fellow and Rhodes Scholar with a doctorate in sociology of religion from Oxford University

Eboo’s honesty and vulnerability in this episode will inspire you. He shares powerful stories about how religious and educational institutions can foster unity instead of division. His words ignited a fire in me to embrace the "potluck" concept in my own life, celebrating the diversity of people, traditions, and ideas that bring us all closer together.

Tune in to discover how you too, can create a more inclusive and thriving community.

Love,
Molly


To support the Los Angeles community in healing from the devastation and trauma caused by the Kenneth fire, Molly is offering valuable information sessions on how to start the healing process. These are designed to assist companies, schools, hospitals, and other organizations. For more details, please email Molly at molly.rowen.carroll@gmail.com.


Learn more about Eboo Patel and Interfaith America here
Follow Eboo on X
Purchase We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy here

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook
6-Week Coaching Program coming May 14th!
6-Month Coaching Group coming August 13th!
Click here for more details

Christina has also published three bestselling books: Second Firsts in 2013, Where Did You Go? in 2018, and her most recent book published in 2024 - Invisible Loss.

In this episode, you’ll feel the love and wisdom Christina brings as she discusses the concept of “invisible losses”—experiences that are completely devastating yet often difficult to articulate. These losses can sometimes be more perplexing and challenging to navigate than the overt tragedies we face.

Christina shares how to honor our invisible losses, using writing exercises she calls “cleanses” to move out of the “Waiting Room”—that place of uncertainty where we feel disconnected from our true selves. We also dive into identifying invisible losses and the three inner narratives we create as we process them: the survivor, the watcher, and the thrive.

This episode is full of actionable tips and tools for navigating grief and honoring all the moments that crack us open in life. Christina reminds us that love is the best medicine—not just to heal grief but to embrace any experience that helps us grow.

Christina is currently finishing her Master of Fine Arts degree in painting and drawing at the Academy of Art University. Her work on grief has been featured in The Guardian, Oprah Daily, ABC News, Women’s World, The Washington Post, and the White House Blog. Christina lives and works in Austin, Texas, with her husband Eric, and their two dogs.

Love,
Molly

Learn more about Christina Rasmussen and her work here
Follow Christina on Instagram or Facebook
Purchase Invisible Loss here

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook
6-Month Coaching Group coming August 2025!
Click here for more details

As this week's guest on the Cracking Open podcast, Dr. Doty shares his journey, from growing up in a tumultuous home to discovering the power of self-agency and the science of manifestation. He opens up about his successes and failures, his struggles with the choice to live life from his ego or his heart, and how much he appreciates being called out on his shortcomings. Ultimately, he has discovered that "possessions, position, and power have nothing to do with wisdom, insight, or self-awareness".

In this episode, we dive into the science of manifestation and explore actionable steps you can take to manifest the life of your dreams. We explore how therapy can yield incredible results when the client is willing to confront life’s challenges and the shadow side of their personality. When we can illuminate the darker, often hidden, parts of ourselves, we can then become more integrated and whole as individuals.

More about Dr. James Doty:

• Neurosurgeon, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and leading researcher in the science of compassion
• Senior editor of the Oxford Handbook of Compassion Science and developed Happi AI (an app that treats stress, anxiety, and depression)
•  As the former CEO of Accuray (NASDAQ: ARAY), he helped develop CyberKnife technology, saving countless lives worldwide
• Founder of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) at Stanford University School of Medicine, where His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the founding benefactor
• NY Times and international bestselling author of Into the Magic Shop and his most recent book, Mind Magic: The Neuroscience of Manifestation, which became a top-selling book on Amazon in multiple categories

Dr. James Doty’s insights on manifestation teach how to make your brains work FOR us and help us create the life we desire. This powerful conversation can be the very catalyst to unlocking the magic of your mind so you can start manifesting the life you deserve.

Love,

Molly

Learn more about Dr. James Doty and his work here
Follow Dr. Doty on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook

The next 6-Month Coaching Group begins in August 2025.
Click here for more details.

“Girls struggle with mixed messages:
Be beautiful, but beauty is only skin deep.
Be sexy, but not sexual.
Be honest, but don’t hurt anyone’s feelings.
Be independent, but be nice.
Be smart, but not so smart you threaten boys.”

Ever since, I have read anything and everything that Mary has written and it has always been a compassionate, wise, and safe place to land. And because of this, I am pinching myself that I got to have this conversation with her and share it with all of you.

Mary graduated in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California at Berkeley and received her Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska in Clinical Psychology. She was a Rockefeller Scholar in Residence at Bellagio and has received two American Psychological Association Presidential Citations, one of which she returned to protest psychologists’ involvement in enhanced interrogations at Guantánamo and other black sites.

She is a community organizer and activist for many causes and has authored 11 books including 4 New York Times bestsellers. Her latest book is A Life in Light, a luminous new memoir that taps into a cultural moment to offer wisdom, hope, and insight into loss and change.

In today’s episode, Mary reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect, solve every problem, or "fix" anyone. She also helps us remember that we live in a universe filled with love and light that surrounds us and is available to us, at all times.

I will leave you with her wise words:

“I think a wonderful life doesn't mean that a person hasn't had a lot of tragedy. It means they've had a big, rich life where they’ve been able to experience a really wide range of emotions and people and adventures and learnings of all different kinds.

And of course, in terms of loving fiercely, the price for loving fiercely is the pain of goodbye, but I would always choose to love fiercely.”


Love,
Molly

Learn more about Mary Pipher and her work here


The new 6-Month Coaching Group begins November 13th!
Email Molly for more details!

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook

Her first book, The Bold World: A Memoir of Family and Transformation, was hailed by Alice Walker as “marvelous”, and since its publication in 2017, Jodie has spoken weekly on topics of identity, gender, race, and beauty, along with how they play out in family dynamics. In 2021, she published her second book, Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope. It has won several awards and was gifted to all public schools in the state of Kansas. The picture book was inspired by Jodie’s child’s pronouncement at the age of three, “Mama, I’m not a girl, I am a boy”, as well as Jodie’s transformation into an unapologetic LGBTQAI advocate.

Jodie's story has been featured in numerous daytime talk shows, evening news programs, national print publications, podcasts, and radio programs, including a short documentary produced by Cosmopolitan magazine that reached more than 11 million views and is currently used by the State of New York for diversity training of its employees. In 2015, Family Circle Magazine named her the #1 Most Influential Mom.

She is a truly inspiring woman and mother, and the conversation that we share is both poignant and passionate. Jodie's voice is an important one to listen to if you want to experience the embodiment of true freedom in love and motherhood.

Love,
Molly

Purchase Jodie's book The Bold World here, and Born Ready here  
Follow Jodie on Instagram



Molly's next 3-month Cracking Open group coaching program starts in September 2024! Learn more here.

Interested in a VIP Coaching Day with Molly?
Email Molly for more details!

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Molly's next 3-month Cracking Open group coaching program starts in July 2024! Learn more here.

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook

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, The Mindful Body: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health.

Dr. Langer is one of the first women to achieve tenure at Harvard University and has dedicated forty-five years to pioneering research on aging, diabetes, autism, stress management, and overall health. 

Her work underscores the profound connection between our minds and bodies, advocating for mindfulness as a powerful tool to enhance overall well-being. 

Listening to our discussion today will shed light on Dr. Langer's belief that mindfulness not only benefits us personally but is also remarkably easy to integrate into our lives. She emphasizes that all our misery stems from being mindless, and by becoming more mindful and noticing things in our lives, we can alleviate stress and transform our experiences for the better.

Dr. Ellen Langer is not only a professor and researcher at Harvard but a prolific author, with eleven books to her name, including the internationally acclaimed Mindfulness, which has been translated into fifteen languages, and Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility.

Her contributions to psychology have garnered widespread recognition, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Award for Distinguished Contributions to Psychology in the Public Interest from the American Psychological Association.

With over 200 research articles to her credit, Dr. Langer's pioneering work in social psychology has earned her a place in The New York Times Magazine's "Year in Ideas" issue. Dr. Langer is also an accomplished painter. 

Our lively conversation left a lasting impression on me, especially when she emphasized that "it is not about making the right decisions, it is about making your decisions right". This resonated deeply with me, highlighting the importance of mindfulness in shaping our perceptions and responses to life's challenges. 

Dr. Ellen's teachings have truly transformed my approach to daily living. I now navigate each day with a newfound mindfulness, drawing from her research to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience. Tune in to learn more about how you can bring more mindfulness into your life today.

Love, Molly


Learn more about Dr. Ellen Langer and her work here
Follow Dr. Langer on LinkedIn, Facebook,  X, and Instagram

Molly's next 3-month Cracking Open group coaching program starts in July 2024! Learn more here.

Follow Molly on Instagram and Facebook

If this resonates with you, then I invite you into the world of today's Cracking Open podcast guest and life coach Jill Rose, who is here to remind us that there is a kinder, easier, and more generative way to move through this world.

As a self-proclaimed overachiever, hustler, and hard-working mom of three kids, Jill learned to keep pushing forward to reach some unforeseen finish line. Then she had a "cracking open" moment when she lost her home during the housing crisis. Feeling ashamed, lonely, and isolated because she and her family had to move to a new city and start all over, Jill hit rock bottom.

 
Then one day she discovered a yoga class, which brought her the warmth and comfort she was so desperately seeking. She enrolled in yoga teacher training and began to feel alive again. She learned that she loved teaching women yoga, where she could create a space for them to slow down and step out of the rat race, and instead learn to trust their inner voice of rest, presence, and healthy community.

Today Jill is a life coach, speaker, and facilitator who loves nothing more than watching a woman unapologetically shine. Through her one-on-one work with clients, her group coaching program called Rest, Restore & Rise, her bi-annual women’s retreats, and her facilitation work with professional organizations, Jill is dedicated to helping her clients know their value, worth, brilliance, and importance so that they can rise into the women they are destined to be. And by doing so, they inevitably enrich and elevate those around them.

May we all learn from Jill the easier, kinder way of living that is more aligned with our true nature, and may it bring forth more abundance, joy, purpose, passion, bandwidth, and capacity to better care for ourselves and those we love.

Love,
Molly



Learn more about Jill Rose and her work here
Follow Jill on Instagram and Facebook
Learn more about Jill's upcoming retreats & courses here

Feeling Stuck? It's Time to Get Unstuck!
A 3-Month Cracking Open Coaching Program with Molly Carroll.
The next group is starting soon! Learn more here.

Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

Kara was living what seemed to be the dream life—working in fashion editorial and residing in a stunning apartment that was nestled between two of New York's hottest nightclubs. She embodied the quintessential girl boss, hustling tirelessly. Then her life took an unforeseen turn when Kara discovered a bump under her left knee, which turned out to be a one-in-a-million synovial sarcoma cancer. At the young age of 24, her life as she knew it came to an abrupt halt. She recalls, “I had this full-on cracking open spiritual, out-of-body experience.”

While editing Kara’s episode last week, life threw me an unexpected curveball. I found myself needing an ultrasound to investigate some symptoms that could have been anything from perimenopause to a potential cancerous mass in my uterus or cervix. Thankfully, my symptoms turned out to be related to menopause (gratitude to Dr. Mary Claire Haver for her invaluable teachings!). But this scare reinforced my belief that Kara's voice needed to be heard on the podcast.

Through her journey with chemotherapy and facing her mortality head-on, Kara realized the importance of delving deep into her soul and asking profound questions like: “Who am I? What do I truly enjoy? Are my relationships nurturing me?” 

Kara is not only a badass cancer survivor but an award-winning multimedia entrepreneur & journalist known for her storytelling, purpose-driven thought leadership, and conscious marketing consultancy for the next generation of modern, mindful brands.

She began her career working in the fashion closets of Cosmopolitan and Italian Vogue, then worked at a boutique sustainable fashion consultancy where she spearheaded creative and strategic marketing for high-profile clients such as Amazon. Kara then pivoted back into editorial, working as Hearst Digital Media’s E-Commerce and Partnerships Editor, where she created optimized digital content for all 28 Hearst sites. Her features have reached 35 million page views worldwide. In 2018, Kara started her own successful consulting company, KL Consulting.

Kara considers her healing journey to be one of the most powerful awakenings of her life and was the conduit for creating her consultancy. She now helps others awaken to their "why" - their heartbeat, their purpose.  Kara's story reminds us that universal light permeates everything around us, and her words help us connect to our hearts. May her message inspire you to take aligned steps towards embodying your best self.

Love,
Molly


Learn more about Kara Ladd and her work here
Follow Kara on Instagram and TikTok

Feeling Stuck? It's Time to Get Unstuck!
A 3-Month Cracking Open Coaching Program with Molly Carroll.
The next group is starting soon! Learn more here.

Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

Learn more about Dr. Mary Claire Haver and her work here
Follow Dr. Haver on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn

Feeling Stuck? It's Time to Get Unstuck!
A 3-Month Cracking Open Coaching Program with Molly Carroll.
The next group is starting soon! Learn more here.

Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

However, today's conversation is a bit different from the norm.

Today, I'm privileged to engage in conversation with Sun Yi, a distinguished personal branding expert and the visionary founder of Night Owls, an acclaimed digital agency catering to esteemed clients like Mel Robbins, Jay Shetty, Marc Randolph, and Gabby Bernstein.

Despite Sun's professional collaborations with prominent figures in the self-transformation space, he boldly admits his disinterest in practices such as yoga, mantras, or the ritual of smudging his home. Yet, his online presence, characterized by candid insights, thought-provoking slogans, and astute business counsel, immediately captivated my attention, resonating deeply with me as both an occasional social media gawker and a prospective client.

Upon delving further into Sun Yi's work, I eagerly enrolled in his three-month marketing mentorship program. Through this journey, I gained invaluable lessons on branding, marketing tactics, the art of storytelling, authenticity, and the significance of prioritizing both customer service and personal fulfillment.

Sun Yi's multifaceted expertise extends beyond his role as an entrepreneur and storyteller; he's also a TEDx speaker and the driving force behind Night Owls and Night Owl Nation. With over 20 years of experience in digital branding, Sun has helped brands go from virtual zero revenue to $1 billion. He is passionate about teaching and has taught over 22,000+ students through his online course, The Art of Storytelling for Freelancers and Creators. In 2022, he started Night Owl Nation, a global community of entrepreneurs and creators who practice storytelling together.

During our conversation, Sun Yi candidly reflects on his upbringing in Korea and subsequent immigration to the United States at the age of 10, where he endured years of bullying. These experiences shaped his resilience, reinforcing his sense of self while occasionally challenging his capacity for humility.

Through the highs and lows of his professional journey, including almost losing his marriage to the love of his life Gigi, Sun Yi arrived at a profound realization: true success hinges upon establishing authentic human connections with customers. He highlights the importance of active listening, genuine care, and a service-oriented approach as the most potent tools in the realm of marketing and branding.

Sun Yi's authenticity, humor, and candid anecdotes will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression, offering not just marketing and branding insights but also a sense of camaraderie amidst life's ebbs and flows. His message is clear: by embracing the present moment, we unlock the fullest potential of our lives.

Love,
Molly

Learn more about Sun Yi and his work here
Follow Sun Yi on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), & Instagram

Molly has a new website! Check it out here
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

Molly has a new website!! Check it out here
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

Molly has a new website!! Check it out here
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

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 zombies and authored The Serpent and the Rainbow. His explorations have taken him to numerous destinations, including East Africa, Borneo, Nepal, Peru, Polynesia, Tibet, and beyond. We delve into his upbringing and how it influenced his career choices, including anthropology, rituals, and psychedelic experiences with renowned figures like Richard Schulte and Andrew Weil.

Wade Davis's list of achievements is extensive, from being a Professor of Anthropology and holding the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at the University of British Columbia to serving as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society. With degrees in anthropology and biology, including a Ph.D. in ethnobotany from Harvard University, he has authored 25 books, including One River, The Wayfinders, Into the Silence, and Magdalena. His photography has graced the pages of National Geographic, and he has been involved in various documentaries, including Light at the Edge of the World and El Sendero de la Anaconda.

As a professional speaker for 35 years, Wade has delivered captivating lectures at universities, corporations, and professional associations worldwide. He's a TED veteran with talks viewed by millions, and his books have made a global impact. Davis's remarkable contributions have earned him recognition, including honorary memberships and awards like the Gold Medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the prestigious Explorers Medal.

In today's episode, Wade encourages us to follow his example, be leap-takers, and explore our destinies in 2024, reminding us that life is here to lift us if we are willing to take the risk and trust the journey.

He reminds us that taking a leap in life is crucial, and he shares the wisdom of his friend, Terence McKenna, who once said, "Jump off the cliff, the world doesn't exist to put you down. It exists to lift you up." This episode serves as a reminder that we are the architects of our own lives, with the agency to shape our decisions and habits in the direction we choose.

Love,
Molly



Learn more about Wade Davis and his work here
Peruse Wade's bibliography & purchase one of his books here
Follow Wade on Instagram

Learn more about Molly Carroll here
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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 shocking ski accident. Just weeks later, her professional life also transformed when she was asked by her beloved father-in-law to be the proprietor of the legendary Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain resorts, a position Sam had occupied for years.

Mary Celeste initially joined her late husband, Sam, as he spearheaded Blackberry Farm into a renowned food, wine, and wellness destination. In her role as Proprietor, Mary Celeste, alongside her father-in-law, Sandy, and the Blackberry team, played a pivotal role in the creation and opening of Blackberry Mountain. It has since become a haven for preservation and personal exploration in relaxation, wellness, and adventure.

Under Mary Celeste's leadership, the Blackberry brand has received numerous accolades, including three James Beard Awards for Best Chef—Southeast, Outstanding Wine Program, and Outstanding Service for Blackberry Farm. Additionally, Blackberry Farm was named Bon Appétit's No. 1 Hotel for Food Lovers, while Blackberry Mountain has garnered recognition from ELLE Décor Travel A-List as the Best New Hotel, Hideaway Report as Hideaway of the Year, and inclusion in Travel + Leisure's It List for best new hotels in the world.

In today’s episode, you will hear how Mary Celeste has not only been highly successful as the proprietor of Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain but also excels at being open-hearted and honest about her emotions.

Mary Celeste begins the conversation by sharing her vulnerability, shedding tears as she discusses a loved one who is hurting. This leads us to the story of her grief over losing her beloved Sam and her journey as a solo mom to five kids.

The episode also explores how to keep loved ones alive in memories, stories, and laughter while allowing oneself to feel new love. It emphasizes that life is meant to be lived in connection with others, even when experiencing the loss of a deep love and father to your children.

This episode goes beyond Mary Celeste's roles as a mom, proprietor, and widow. It delves into her life as a passionate and creative woman, known for her humor and hope.

Despite almost canceling the interview on an "off" day, Mary Celeste's decision to proceed teaches us that it's possible to hold the emotions of grief and joy in the same moment. By allowing all our emotions to be expressed, we create deeper connections with others—a meaningful gift during this holiday season.

Mary Celeste’s story of moving through loss to find strength and purpose is nothing short of inspiring.

Tune in to this episode to be inspired by Mary Celeste Beall's remarkable journey of resilience, hope, and embracing the full spectrum of emotions.

Mary Celeste's Websites: https://www.blackberryfarm.com/
https://www.blackberrymountain.com/

Find Mary Celeste on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/marycelestebf/
https://www.instagram.com/blackberryfarm/
https://www.instagram.com/blackberry.mountain/

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Today's guest is exactly this kind of human. Suneel Gupta is an author and visiting scholar at Harvard Medical School who studies the most extraordinary people on the planet to discover and share simple, actionable habits to lift our performance and deepen our daily sense of purpose. His work has been featured by major outlets including CNBC, TED, and the New York Times. His newest book, Everyday Dharma: 8 Essential Practices for Finding Success and Joy in Everything You Do, was released in September and shares ancient wisdom, reimagined for modern times, as he helps us bring career goals and inner peace into harmony through tiny, everyday habits. 

I discovered Suneel while listening to his interview on The Good Life Project podcast. I found myself furiously taking notes as he shared his wisdom and tools on how to discover your Dharma. So get ready because Suneel has a wealth of incredible knowledge to share with us today on Cracking Open! 

In addition to providing practical and insightful tips, he is also a masterful storyteller. Trust me, you are in for a treat. If you want to know how to discover your own dharma and learn how to listen to your heart over your fears, this is the episode for you.

Suneel was exactly who I wanted to celebrate my Dharma and 50th episode with on the Cracking Open podcast.  So from the bottom of my heart, thank you Suneel, all of the other 49 amazing guests, and all of you who have made this podcast what it is today.

Love,
Molly


Learn more about Suneel Gupta and his work here
Purchase his newly released book, Everyday Dharma, here
Follow Suneel on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter

Learn more about Molly Carroll here
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Learn more about Molly Carroll here
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

His goals are to ensure that Black people play a central role in the contemporary art scene and to spread a sense of positivity and self-love through his work. With each piece that he creates, he focuses on a different emotion and story.

Sam’s art conveys his hope for humanity to live together as equals and to bring people of different races together – “because as much as we might look different, we are all one.”

At 24 years of age, Sam taught me so much in this conversation about the power of having a strong daily work ethic to follow your dreams and passions, as well as the importance of believing in yourself even when others don't.

I have no doubt that this young man's life will continue to blossom for many decades to come. Knowing that there are beautiful souls in the world like Sam gives me faith that his hope for humanity may come true after all. May his art and his words inspire you too.

Love,
Molly




Learn more about Sam Onche and his art here
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Learn more about Molly Carroll here
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

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She is a community organizer and activist for many causes and has authored 11 books including 4 New York Times bestsellers. Her latest book is A Life in Light, a luminous new memoir that taps into a cultural moment to offer wisdom, hope, and insight into loss and change.

In today’s episode, Mary reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect, solve every problem, or "fix" anyone. She also helps us remember that we live in a universe filled with love and light that surrounds us and is available to us, at all times.
 
I will leave you with her wise words:

“I think a wonderful life doesn't mean that a person hasn't had a lot of tragedy. It means they've had a big, rich life where they’ve been able to experience a really wide range of emotions and people and adventures and learnings of all different kinds.

And of course, in terms of loving fiercely, the price for loving fiercely is the pain of goodbye, but I would always choose to love fiercely.”


Love,
Molly



Learn more about Mary Pipher here
Purchase Mary's latest book A Life In Light here
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Feeling Stuck?
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Book a FREE discovery call with Molly today!

HeartMinistryCenter.org

Facebook.com/HeartMinistryCenter

Instagram.com/HeartMinistryCenter

Learn more about Molly Carroll here
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Feeling Stuck?
It's Your Time To Get UNSTUCK
3-Month Small Group Coaching Program
Starting October 5, 2023
Book a FREE discovery call with Molly today!

Learn more about Molly Carroll here
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

Feeling Stuck?
It's Your Time To Get UNSTUCK
3-Month Small Group Coaching Program
Starting October 5, 2023
Book a FREE discovery call with Molly today!

Learn more about Molly Carroll here
Get your free Body Emotion Map
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

In this enlightening conversation, Melissa provides us with step-by-step instructions on how to identify healthy boundaries and set and hold those boundaries so we can feel empowered, reclaim our voices, and live a more balanced lifestyle. 

She also opens up about her own Cracking Open moment of overcoming a five-year drug addiction in 2000, and how facing a childhood trauma was a huge catalyst in helping her realize the power of boundaries in staying sober and feeling more alive.

These podcast episodes always seem to show up at the perfect time in my life (can you relate??). Before I interviewed Melissa, I was struggling with some boundaries in my own life, and she helped me remember that having and holding my boundaries is actually a healthy (and necessary!) act of self-love.

I hope that today's podcast episode helps you find the courage to create and hold the boundaries you need to live your own healthy, vibrant, and joyous life.

Love,
Molly



Learn more about Melissa Urban here
Learn more about Whole30 here
Connect with Melissa on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook
Follow Whole30 on Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook

Learn more about Molly Carroll here
Get your free Body Emotion Map
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook

Learn more about Molly Carroll here
Get your free Body Emotion Map
Connect with Molly on Instagram and Facebook