Cracking Open with Molly Carroll

Have you ever had a moment where time seemed to slow, the noise of the world softened, and you felt something ancient stir inside you? That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Jeff Scult—founder, designer, and visionary behind One Golden Thread. Jeff’s mission is nothing short of revolutionary: to create a regenerative container where humanity can come alive from the inside out. He believ...

Some episodes feel especially personal—and this is one of them. This week on Cracking Open , I’m joined by Thomas M. Jones : psychotherapist, author, musician, and founder of The Paradox Process —an innovative technique that helps people use their negative thoughts to shift perspective and transform their lives. And in this conversation, I don’t just talk to Thomas about his method—I actually expe...

This episode is deeply personal to me. Not only as a therapist and podcast host—but as a mom to a 19-year-old son and a 17-year-old daughter. I’m acutely aware that most young people—and many parents—don’t realize the deadly risks of purchasing medication online without a prescription. Counterfeit pills are now deliberately designed to look exactly like legitimate prescription opioids. But what’s...

“I was following my North Star and definitely loving what I was doing—just not how I was doing it.” ~ Molly Carroll 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 t...

“Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.” — Nelson Mandela 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 t...

There are guests whose stories are filled with incredible achievements. And then there are guests whose stories crack you open —with their heart, their humility, and their humanity. Today’s guest, Rebecca Rusch , is all of the above. Rebecca is one of the world’s most extraordinary endurance athletes—a 7-time World Champion, mountain bike hall-of-famer, best-selling author, Emmy Award winner, and...

You know how music can transport you back to a certain era in your life? I’ll never forget gathering in college dorm rooms and tiny apartment living rooms with all my girlfriends in our twenties as we watched Grey’s Anatomy . The show wouldn't have been the same without its unforgettable soundtrack, especially during those nerve-wracking ER scenes or the slow-burn love story between Meredith...

Healing often begins in the stories we share—especially when we have the courage to tell them. Vulnerability doesn’t just dissolve shame; it nurtures inner strength. This week’s guest on the Cracking Open podcast, Lindsay Bomstein, beautifully embodies this truth. She opens her heart and shares her story with such raw honesty, gently reminding us that our truth is our superpower . At the age of 17...

What are your favorite foods and drinks? For me, it’s pizza and coffee—no question. But at the same time, I love feeling healthy, fueling my body with nourishing foods, and living a vibrant life. And that’s exactly why I’m so excited to introduce you to this week's Cracking Open podcast guest, Andrea Nakayama . Andrea will change the way you think about food, healing, and love. In this deeply...

I’m going to be bossy for a moment—this episode is a MUST-LISTEN. Trust me, Donna Sacks will make you feel better about your life, reminding you that you are deeply supported and loved. In this powerful conversation, Donna and I dive into: ✨ Angels, soulmates, and karmic lifetimes ✨ The Akashic records and soul contracts ✨ Out-of-body experiences and spiritual awakenings ✨ The power of presenc...

What keeps you grounded? What activities, habits, and rituals help you stay balanced, healthy, and fully human? In this week’s episode of Cracking Open , I dive deep into these questions and more with our guest, Cory Richards . Cory is the first American to summit an 8,000-meter peak in winter, and in 2016, he reached the summit of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. Cory’s now-iconic photo...

“Dance is for everybody. I believe that dance came from the people, and it should always be delivered back to the people.” ~ Alvin Ailey 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 ph...

I want to begin today by extending my deepest sympathies to the people of Los Angeles. To those who have suffered unimaginable losses due to the California fires, please know that my heart, prayers, and thoughts are with you. This tragedy is a stark reminder of the power of community—the strength we find in coming together as one. Fire does not discriminate based on our skin color, our workplace p...

I don’t know about you, but I’ve learned that New Year’s resolutions don’t work well for me. Eat healthier, exercise more, and have more gratitude —those are the usual go-to's. Maybe it’s my Midwestern stubbornness that makes me think, “Don’t tell me what to do!” so I end up doing the opposite—eating more sugar, sleeping in instead of going for a run, and complaining more than feeling gratefu...

I will never forget the first time I read Into the Magic Shop: A Neurosurgeon’s Quest to Discover the Mysteries of the Brain and the Secrets of the Heart by Dr. James Doty . It completely shifted my approach to parenting, decision-making, relationships, and business growth. As this week's guest on the Cracking Open podcast, Dr. Doty shares his journey, from growing up in a tumultuous home to...

What an intense past couple of weeks! I don’t know about you, but I’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions lately. I feel sad about my kids' futures and am grieving over the state of our democracy. At the same time, I feel empowered, knowing that I have self-agency and can choose how I feel each day. By paying attention to when I’m in fight or flight versus rest and digest, I recognize that I...

The Cracking Open podcast has an exciting upcoming episode where, for the first time, I host a dual interview with Elizabeth Lesser and Mary Pipher to discuss a particular and profound issue for women (stay tuned for its release on November 21st!) Leading up to that episode's release, I am re-releasing their initial interviews with me so you can soak in their deep wisdom and charm. You can li...

October 19th marked the 13th anniversary of my dad’s passing. It was a deeply profound day, as I experienced a revelation about my grief. I realized that to reach a healthier place with my grief, I needed to engage with it differently. For the past 13 years, I’ve held onto a level of consciousness regarding my grief that requires transformation. I’ve been wearing a cloak of identification with the...

At 21 years old, Lindsay Valentine was told that his father had pancreatic cancer. Towards the end of his father's fight with his cancer, his mother was shockingly also diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Within 6 months of one another, Lindsay lost both of his parents to this heartbreaking disease. Lindsay joins us on the Cracking Open podcast this week to honor his parents' memory and sh...

We often hear mantras urging us to “be in the present moment” or “appreciate what you have because it could all be gone tomorrow". While a part of us knows this to be true, we can still find ourselves stuck, focused on checking off our to-do lists, and laboring on the treadmill of work, believing that more money will lead to greater happiness. In chasing this false sense of happiness, we ofte...

Two weeks ago, I sent my first child off to college. To say it’s been an adjustment is an understatement. I didn’t realize how deeply I would grieve not picking up his cheese wrappers, and smelly soccer cleats, or giving him a nightly hug. The silence at home is unnerving – I miss hearing him shout, “Mom, are you home?” and the chaos of soccer boys rummaging through the kitchen. And the bodily hea...

For me, this episode's timing could not be more perfect. I dropped off my first kiddo at college last weekend and that has brought with it a tidal wave of emotions – grief, sadness, tons of tears, and reflections on the passing of time, my marriage, and my identity as a mom. I have had to lean on my closest friends multiple times already, and I know that those friendships will continue to be...

In an era marked by division and rising mental health challenges, Fr. Greg Boyle’s voice is one we need to hear now more than ever. On this episode of the Cracking Open podcast, I am honored to speak with Fr. Boyle, a man whose work, books, and mission have inspired me for years. Father Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the world's largest gang...

Do you believe in synchronicity? Our guest today on the Cracking Open podcast embodies the essence of serendipity. I first encountered Samantha Myer in a Venice, California coffee shop and was drawn to her stylish and distinctive coat/robe/sweater ensemble. Little did I know, her story transcends mere fashion. Based in Los Angeles, Samantha is a celebrated wardrobe stylist, designer, and the creat...

My son leaves for college in August, so you can only imagine how much I have been reflecting on motherhood lately. I've been thinking back on all those joyful hours watching Tommy play soccer since he was three years old, and the sleepless nights worrying if he'll be okay as he changes and grows into the young man he is today. The essence of loving a child deeply reminds me of Elizabeth...