Cracking Open with Molly Carroll
Episodes
From Rock Star to Soul Guide: Dr. John Price on Transformation and Purpose
18 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had one of those months where you just can’t climb out of a dark hole? That was my October and November.My son had a health scare (ins...
How to Find Hope in Unexpected Places: Lessons from CNN Hero Maggie Doyne
20 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
From the moment Maggie Doyne and I joined our Zoom call, there was an instant recognition—a connection of the heart. We share a love of children, th...
Stop Talking About Creativity and Start Living It with Author Nicole Meier
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when one of your dearest friends also happens to be one of the people you admire most in your professional world? That’s exactly the co...
Look, Feel, & Stay Young Forever: #1 Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright's Proven Protocol
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
These days, we all need practices that strengthen not just our muscles, but also our spirits.I’m with you in all you’re navigating, and I want Cra...
#1 Neurosurgeon on the Power of Manifestation and Positive Mindset (In Memory of Dr. James Doty)
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is one of the most memorable conversations I have had on the podcast. With a heavy heart today, I am re-releasing his episode in honor of Dr. Jam...
From Rock Bottom to Redemption with Lara Love Hardin
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever hit rock bottom? I know I have—not with drugs or alcohol, but through anxiety, over-mothering my kids, or letting my mind hijack my ab...
Sr. Monica Clare: From Hollywood to Holy Orders - A Journey to Authentic Joy
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This summer, I found myself slowing down—getting quieter on the trails, more present among the trees, and stepping away from my usual morning routin...
The Mystic Entrepreneur: How Jeff Scult Is Weaving Fashion, Purpose and Planetary Healing
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a moment where time seemed to slow, the noise of the world softened, and you felt something ancient stir inside you? That’s exactl...
Transforming Fear Into Peace with Thomas Jones and The Paradox Process
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Some episodes feel especially personal—and this is one of them.This week on Cracking Open, I’m joined by Thomas M. Jones: psychotherapist, author,...
From Tragedy to Advocacy: Song For Charlie's Founders Ed and Mary Ternan's Fight Against Counterfeit Pills
19 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is deeply personal to me. Not only as a therapist and podcast host—but as a mom to a 19-year-old son and a 17-year-old daughter.I’m a...
Rising from Ashes: Scott Anderson's Journey Through Loss, Burnout, and Renewal
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“I was following my North Star and definitely loving what I was doing—just not how I was doing it.” ~ Molly CarrollI’ll never forget waking up...
Whole-Child Health: Dr. Lori Baudino's Movement-Based Approach to Wellbeing
22 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.” — Nelson MandelaKids have always been part of my story—long before I became a mom. ...
Rebecca Rusch: 7x World Champ on TBI Recovery to Inner Peace
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There are guests whose stories are filled with incredible achievements. And then there are guests whose stories crack you open—with their heart, the...
Isaac Slade from The Fray: From Platinum Records to Personal Peace
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You know how music can transport you back to a certain era in your life? I’ll never forget gathering in college dorm rooms and tiny apartment living...
What My Father's Death Taught Me About Love with Lindsay Bomstein
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Healing often begins in the stories we share—especially when we have the courage to tell them. Vulnerability doesn’t just dissolve shame; it nurtu...
Food as Medicine: How Grief Led Andrea Nakayama to Transform Nutrition
20 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What are your favorite foods and drinks? For me, it’s pizza and coffee—no question. But at the same time, I love feeling healthy, fueling my body ...
A Must-Listen: Donna Sacks on Angelic Guidance – You Are Light, Fear is an Illusion
06 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’m going to be bossy for a moment—this episode is a MUST-LISTEN. Trust me, Donna Sacks will make you feel better about your life, reminding you t...
Cory Richards: The Climb Within-Everest, Addiction, & Mental Illness
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What keeps you grounded? What activities, habits, and rituals help you stay balanced, healthy, and fully human?In this week’s episode of Cracking Op...
Heal the Body, Heal the Mind with Jaycee Gossett, Founding Teacher of The Class
30 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“Dance is for everybody. I believe that dance came from the people, and it should always be delivered back to the people.” ~ Alvin AileyThis power...
Eboo Patel: Building Better Communities through Pluralism and Faith
16 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I want to begin today by extending my deepest sympathies to the people of Los Angeles. To those who have suffered unimaginable losses due to the Calif...
Fully Step Into Your Life With Christina Rasmussen
02 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I don’t know about you, but I’ve learned that New Year’s resolutions don’t work well for me. Eat healthier, exercise more, and have more grati...
Neurosurgeon Dr. James Doty on the Power of Manifestation, and Positive Mindset
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I will never forget the first time I read Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the ...
Mary Pipher & Elizabeth Lesser: Embodying Love & Seeing Hope in the Human Heart
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What an intense past couple of weeks! I don’t know about you, but I’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions lately. I feel sad about my kids' ...
Re-Release: Mary Pipher Brings Hope to All
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Cracking Open podcast has an exciting upcoming episode where, for the first time, I host a dual interview with Elizabeth Lesser and Mary Pipher to...
Re-Release: Elizabeth Lesser, Super Soul Sunday Guest & New York Times Bestseller Helps Us Uncover How Birth and Death Can Be Our Greatest Teachers
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
October 19th marked the 13th anniversary of my dad’s passing. It was a deeply profound day, as I experienced a revelation about my grief. I realized...
Navigating Grief: Lindsay Valentine on His Journey to Healing After Losing His Parents
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At 21 years old, Lindsay Valentine was told that his father had pancreatic cancer. Towards the end of his father's fight with his cancer, his mot...
How a Near-Death Experience Transformed Michael O'Brien's Life
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We often hear mantras urging us to “be in the present moment” or “appreciate what you have because it could all be gone tomorrow". While a ...
Leading With Love With Administrator and Founding Principal of P-TECH Rashid Davis
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Two weeks ago, I sent my first child off to college.To say it’s been an adjustment is an understatement. I didn’t realize how deeply I would griev...
A Deep Dive About Women’s Friendships & Wellness With My 30-Year Friend Charlotte Hardwick
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For me, this episode's timing could not be more perfect. I dropped off my first kiddo at college last weekend and that has brought with it a tida...
Homeboy Industries' Fr. Greg Boyle On How To Live With More Love
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In an era marked by division and rising mental health challenges, Fr. Greg Boyle’s voice is one we need to hear now more than ever. On this episode ...
Designer for the Stars, Samantha Myer, Shares About Loss and Love
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you believe in synchronicity? Our guest today on the Cracking Open podcast embodies the essence of serendipity. I first encountered Samantha Myer i...
Episode 65: Discover the True Nature of What Mothering Really Means with Jodie Patterson
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
My son leaves for college in August, so you can only imagine how much I have been reflecting on motherhood lately.I've been thinking back on all ...
Episode 64: Former NBA Star Chris Herren On Addiction, Sobriety, and Love
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Herren's story is one of profound struggle and eventual redemption. Addiction impacts millions of families in heartbreaking ways. I know th...
Episode 63: Elise Loehnen on the Price Women Pay To Be Good
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel like you have to be perfect? The perfect mother, daughter, employee, partner, etc?It's a familiar struggle that I have grappled ...
Episode 62: The Healing Powers of Nature With Jobi Manson
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
I invite you to reflect on a moment when you immersed yourself in nature — perhaps swimming in a serene lake, hiking through lush trails, or simply ...
Episode 61: Chip Conley on Learning to Love Midlife and Adding Years to Your Life
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are days when I feel fantastic about being 53 years old. Maybe I've gone for a run, delved into an article about AI and understood more tha...
Episode 60: Harvard's Dr. Ellen Langer on Mind-Body Unity
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a moment where you get chills up and down your spine while listening to someone's story and how it transformed how they live,...
Episode 59: #1 Way To Find More Trust in Yourself With Life Coach Jill Rose
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Growing up, I often heard sayings such as “the harder the work, the luckier you get” and “nothing comes free in life". Adopting this approa...
Episode 58: How Cancer Catapulted Kara Ladd To Know What is Important in Life
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever pondered the significance of people entering your life – wondering if it is simply a coincidence that you met, or if they are destined...
Episode 57: She’s Back! Dr. Mary Claire Haver Is Our Favorite Menopause Guru
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are fortunate to welcome back Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a menopause guru, for her second appearance on the podcast (in case you missed it, or want a r...
Episode 56: Sun Yi Learn to Build an Authentic Brand
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In my podcast conversations with authors, anthropologists, creatives, and change-makers, we often delve into their personal stories, encompassing thei...
Episode 55: J.J. Martin Raise Your Vibration with La DoubleJ Fashion Designer
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On a sunny afternoon, as I sat on my deck, immersed in reading Oprah Magazine, acaptivating article "How to Love Yourself When You Feel Your Wors...
Episode 54: Serena & Lily Co-Founder Serena Dugan on Following Your Gut
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why is it that January is one of the most popular times to ask ourselves questions like, "What needs to change in my life?" or "How do...
Episode 53: Wade Davis How To Become the Architect of Your LIfe
11 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are kicking off Season 6 of the Cracking Open podcast with a powerful message from legendary explorer, writer, photographer, filmmaker, and s...
Episode 52: Mary Celeste Beall Growing Through Grief, Blackberry Farm's Mary Celeste Beall
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
"Believe in yourself, follow your gut, and never say never, you have no idea what you can do." These words of hope and inspiration from Mar...
Episode 51: Casey Hammer Facing Trauma with the Truth
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For many of us, this time of year is filled with joyful celebrations and creating wonderful memories with friends and family. And for many of us, this...
Episode 50: Suneel Gupta Living Out Your Dharma
09 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I started the Cracking Open podcast with a brand new Yeti microphone and a Jenna Kutcher workshop called The Podcast Lab, where I learned how to launc...
Episode 49: Lisa Congdon Bringing Truth, Joy, and Creativity to Life
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I've been helping both of my children prepare for college, and as the entire family has gotten caught up in the hustle of doing "all the thi...
Episode 48: Sam Onche Teaching Us About Afrofuturism Art and Music
12 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One morning I opened an email from my literary agency and saw that they were featuring a young artist by the name of Sam Onche. I was instantly captiv...
Episode 47: Jeff Grant on Soberity, Service, and Faith
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over 20 million people are suffering right now from substance abuse, often in silence. This secrecy around addiction creates shame which then increase...
Episode 46: Mary Pipher Brings Hope to All
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode on the Cracking Open podcast is someone who I would consider a cherished guide in my professional journey over the last two decad...
Episode 45: Mark Dahir Living in the Heart
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This will probably be the hardest newsletter I will write about a Cracking Open podcast guest, and I avoided doing it for as long as I possibly could ...
Episode 44: Emily Paulson The Truth About MLM's and Alcohol Use
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Cracking Open podcast has so many incredible guests lined up for you this season! Today's guest is Emily Paulson – a writer, Certified Professi...
Episode 43: Golden Nuggets of Wisdom | Seasons 1-4 Recap
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hi everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful summer. I've missed being with you! My July was spent soaking up precious time with my family, relax...
Suzanne Anderson Learn How to Reclaim Your Life
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I have had the great blessing of witnessing people's stories over the last 30 years as a therapist and teacher. During this time, I have learned ...
Episode 41: Melissa Urban, CEO of Whole30
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The topic of boundaries was one of the first things I studied in my graduate school program – how to create boundaries as a therapist and how to tea...
Episode 40: Dr. Christina Bjorndal Lighting the Way to Better Mental Health
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How is your mental health these days? In recent years, our society has grown more accustomed to discussing this very important subject. We have normal...
Episode 39: Dr. Mary Claire Haver Menopause Guru With the Galveston Diet
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Everywhere I turn, people are talking about menopause. Finally! This phase of life that used to be ignored, or even considered shameful, is now gettin...
Episode 38: Brian Burns, Hollywood Writer & Executive Producer
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Life can often be so predictable. Each day I wake up, have coffee, get my kids to school, and go to work. But sometimes there are days when things hap...
Episode 37: Truth Bombs About Parenting and Friendships With Liz Pryor
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
I always appreciate it when people tell the truth as they see it and don’t sugarcoat or beat around the bush. I trust that raw honesty and find myse...
Episode 36: Getting Vulnerable With Molly Carroll, Host of the Cracking Open Podcast
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For months now my team has been encouraging me to do a solo podcast episode where I talk, teach, and just riff about life, parenting, psychology, and ...
Episode 35: Larry Zier on Grief, Sobriety & Parenting
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
More and more these days, I find myself drawn to people who are doing inspiring and brave things in the world but whose journeys along the way came wi...
Episode 34: Help Heal Your Anxiety With Dr. Russell Kennedy
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
One day, while driving home after dropping off my daughter at school, I listened to a Mel Robbins podcast interview with Dr. Russell Kennedy. He share...
Episode 33: Linda Sivertsen, Author and the Host of the Beautiful Writers Podcast, Teaches Us About the Truth of Writing and Following Your Heart
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to Season 4 of the Cracking Open podcast! I am so excited to share with you all the wonderful guests we have lined up this season. Get ready...
Episode 32: Liz Dozier, Founder of Chicago Beyond, Reminds Us To Step Fully Into Life and Say, “It’s On!”
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Three years ago to the day that I lost my mom, the most devout Catholic I've ever known, I interviewed this week's podcast guest, who just s...
Episode 31: Tami Simon, Founder of Sounds True, Teaches Us How To Reach Our Highest Potential
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a conversation with someone you just met, where time seems to come to a standstill and it feels like you have known this person for ...
Episode 30: Learn How To Change Your Negative Habits With Executive Coach Angie DeGeronimo
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to 2023. I am so glad you are here!While reflecting on this brand new year and today’s podcast episode, I was reminded of the classic Native...
Learn How A Finance Executive Turned to Kundalini Yoga and Sound Healing To Heal Her Chronic Back Pain and Soul With Candace Blair
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Does this time of year bring up conflicting emotions for you? I know it does for me.I truly love buying gifts for my friends and family, attending hol...
Learn About the Four Attachment Styles and How To Heal Your Attachment Wounds With Dr. Diane Poole Heller
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In talking to friends about their Thanksgiving stories, I began to become even more curious about people's relationships, attachments, and person...
Learn How 19 Years in Prison, Telling the Truth and Vulnerability Gave Shaka Senghor Freedom
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are so many gems in this episode but one of my biggest takeaways is the importance of standing in your truth.Shaka shares his story with us abou...
Learn About Your Enneagram Number and How To Come Back to Yourself With Ashton Whitmoyer-Ober
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are you someone who is curious about who you are?You want to learn how to feel more connected to your friends, family, and even yourself.You are yearn...
Learn How To Live More in Your Heart While Looking at Your Biases, With BMe Co-Founder and Developer of Asset Framing, Trabian Shorters
13 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I will never forget one cold and dark February morning getting chills from head to toe while listening to Krista Tippet interview Trabian Shorters on ...
How To Heal Your Body by Healing Your Soul With Registered Dietitian Heather K. Jones
29 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How many of you look at your legs and bellies, and curse them for their shapes and sizes?Do you feel shame about your body in any way, or restrict wha...
Dr. Dan Siegel, UCLA School of Medicine Professor, Is Using Science To Bring More Compassion Into the World
15 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What a way to launch Season 3’s Cracking Open Podcast! Get ready for a deep and honest conversation about meditation, psychedelics, and how to obt...
Learn How To Grow and Love More Deeply After Your Loss With Grief Therapist Karen Moon
04 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I will never forget sitting next to my mother's bedside as she was taking her last breaths. It was an out-of-body, shocking, and life-altering ...
Dr. Lisa Miller Teaches Us About the Neuroscience of Spirituality
21 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
If you could ask yourself one question every morning that would allow you to tap into a heightened awareness of the world around you and your place in...
Tehillah Alphonso, Grammy Nominated Singer, Helps Us Discover How Determination, Grit, and Belief in Yourself Is the Key to Authenticity and Success
30 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What do Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and the Grammys have in common? Tehillah Alphonso. I discovered Tehillah while reading my high school alumni m...
Gina Muñoz, the Trevor Project's Board Chair Teaches Us How Accepting Our Sexuality Means Accepting Our True Selves
16 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I met Gina Muñoz 20 years ago at the wedding of one of my husband’s college friends on Martha’s Vineyard. As a Midwesterner who went to a state...
Terry Real, Therapist and New York Times Best Selling Author, Teaches Us How To Heal Our Trauma, and Reconnect With Our Partners To Create Healthier Relationships
02 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I will never forget the day I was in my therapist’s office sharing about how my anxiety was through the roof. I was grieving the death of my fathe...
Discover How Sobriety, Death, and Service Taught Life Coach Scott Anderson About the True Meaning of Life
19 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a moment when you know you are in the presence of a true sage? Well, that is exactly how I felt in the presence of Scott Anderson....
Discover How Olympian Kelly Gunther Comes Back From What ‘Could Be a Tragic’ Yet ‘Turned Triumphant’ Story
05 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s not an easy road and there will be days you will not want to get out of bed and face your challenges… but through your struggles, your mes...
Discover How Prison, Divorce, and a Loving Family Created More Peace and Joy With Eric Plantenberg
21 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
“Never worry about the numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”This quote by Mother Teresa is one of Eric...
Learn How the Tragic Death of a Best Friend Created True Forgiveness With Kelly Pascuzzi
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a moment in your life where you met someone and instantly knew that interaction or conversation would change you forever? That is ...
Elizabeth Lesser, Super Soul Sunday Guest and New York Times Bestselling Author Helps Us Uncover How Birth and Death Can Be Our Greatest Teachers
24 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our first episode of Season 2 of the Cracking Open Podcast!I first came across Elizabeth Lesser’s work about 11 years ago after my dad di...
Learn How Terminal Cancer Taught Successful Wealth Manager Bill Valentine the True Meaning of Life.
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many people would say that the most precious gift anyone can give is their time. My guest on this week's episode, Bill Valentine, knows this be...
Discover How Mormonism, the Tribeca Film Festival, and Yoga Helped Create One of the Only Conscious Media Companies With Trina Wyatt
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever had a deep voice telling you to move cities, change your job or invent something new for the world? But you don’t know what to do to g...
Learn How barre3 Founder’s Most Challenging Year Made Her More Real, Honest, and Fearless With Sadie Lincoln
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this week's podcast, we hear from the incredible Sadie Lincoln, co-founder, and CEO of barre3, a fitness company with over 170 franchises focu...
Find Out How Sobriety, Telling the Truth and Hitting Padded Walls in a Therapist Office Can Set You Free With Tory Junkin
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a natural-born seeker, Tory Junkin broke the mold by leaving the big city of Chicago and her family business that she was born into and expected to...
Discover How Marketing, Jesus, and Sobriety Can Make You a Tenacious Badass With Kylie Slavik
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are talking to the tenacious and creative storyteller Kylie Slavik. Through her own healing journey, she has transformed 20 years of addict...
Learn How Witnessing Your Parents Death Can Teach You How To Overcome Fear With Rhonda Britten
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rhonda Britten became an orphan at fourteen when she was the sole witness to the tragedy that no child should have to witness. This traumatic experien...
Overcoming an Injury Inspired Philip Henderson To Summit Mount Everest. Here’s Why.
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From overcoming a high school football injury that almost left Philip Henderson paralyzed we learn about how one's life can change in an instant....
Can Telling the Truth Around Your Abuse Set You Free? Find Out With Jenni Rochelle
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Have you been betrayed by those you were supposed to be able to trust the most? Have you had to create questions for your husband’s polygraph? Jenn...
Discover How UFO’s, Plant Medicine, and Growing Up in the Midwest Made Actor Steve Berg Who He Is Today.
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From the great plains of Omaha to the city streets of Los Angeles, Steve Berg will light up your day with his journey from the book-obsessed kid who l...
Learn How to Embrace your Passions, Sexuality, and Life with Sports Broadcaster, Ann Schatz
09 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, we hear from trailblazer, Ann Schatz – the first female sports broadcaster in the Portland area and the voice of the National ...
The Truth about Fear and Why We Experience it With Buddhist Teacher David Nichtern
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today I am so excited to introduce you to a dear friend of mine, David Nichtern. David is a senior Buddhist teacher in the lineage of Chogyam Trungp...
Discover the True Nature of What Mothering Really Means with Jodie Patterson
29 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This week's episode is one I don't think you will ever forget. I am talking with the incredibly inspirational Jodie Patterson. Jodie Patte...