Cracking Open with Molly Carroll

Molly Carroll, MA, LPC
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We all have moments in our lives when we are cracked open, brought to our knees, and have to really discover who we are authentically at our core. It could have been a death of a loved one, getting thrown in jail, bullied in grade school, or hitting rock bottom with our addiction. Whatever your traumatic moment it changed you forever in the way you live, parent, work, and connect to others. Join Molly Carroll licensed therapist, TED speaker, published author, corporate speaker, and coach as she shares the stories of actors, athletes, thought-leaders, healers, teachers, and warriors and how their “cracking open” moment changed their lives and will change your life too.

  1. Serena & Lily Co-Founder Serena Dugan on Creativity, Courage, and What Matters Most

    1D AGO

    Serena & Lily Co-Founder Serena Dugan on Creativity, Courage, and What Matters Most

    As we approach our 100th episode, I’ve been revisiting a few conversations that have stayed with me long after the microphones were turned off. Bill Valentine’s episode was re-released because of the way he shared heart-centered, real-life wisdom while facing the end of his life. And today, I’m re-releasing my conversation with Serena Dugan for a different—but equally powerful—reason. Over the years, 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.

    54 min
  2. Learn How Terminal Cancer Taught Successful Wealth Manager Bill Valentine the True Meaning of Life

    JAN 29

    Learn How Terminal Cancer Taught Successful Wealth Manager Bill Valentine the True Meaning of Life

    In times of uncertainty, we need reminders of what truly matters. Today’s episode is a profound lesson in hope, love, and perspective—one that gently calls us back to presence, connection, and grace. This is a re-release of my conversation with Bill Valentine, who passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2022. I felt deeply called to bring this episode forward again. It’s exactly what we need 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.

    58 min
  3. Learning to Trust Your Guides with Psychic Medium MaryAnn DiMarco

    JAN 15

    Learning to Trust Your Guides with Psychic Medium MaryAnn DiMarco

    Throughout my life, clients and friends have often described me as a bridge—a bridge between science and spirituality, between practical cognitive tools and trusting your intuitive voice, between deep compassion and what I lovingly call “getting Nebraska on you” (a little tough love and real accountability). Maybe you’ve felt that tension too. Wanting concrete strategies you can rely on, while also 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

    59 min
  4. From Rock Star to Soul Guide: Dr. John Price on Transformation and Purpose

    12/18/2025

    From Rock Star to Soul Guide: Dr. John Price on Transformation and Purpose

    Have you ever had one of those months where you just can’t climb out of a dark hole? That was my October and November. My son had a health scare (instant compassion for every parent walking that road), I wasn’t sleeping—wide awake at 3 a.m. every night (thank God for a dear friend who meets me at Starbucks at 5 a.m.)—and I felt completely unmotivated and uninspired by my work. Not fun. I’m sharing 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

    1h 18m
  5. How to Find Hope in Unexpected Places: Lessons from CNN Hero Maggie Doyne

    11/20/2025

    How to Find Hope in Unexpected Places: Lessons from CNN Hero Maggie Doyne

    From the moment Maggie Doyne and I joined our Zoom call, there was an instant recognition—a connection of the heart. We share a love of children, the Oregon coast, and a deep commitment to living in service. Interviewing her was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when one person follows the quiet call of compassion. At just 18 years old, Maggie took what was meant to be a simple gap year—and 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

    1 hr
  6. Stop Talking About Creativity and Start Living It with Author Nicole Meier

    11/06/2025

    Stop Talking About Creativity and Start Living It with Author Nicole Meier

    What happens when one of your dearest friends also happens to be one of the people you admire most in your professional world? That’s exactly the conversation I get to have today—and I couldn’t be more thrilled. This week's guest on the Cracking Open podcast, Nicole Meier, isn’t just a brilliant creative—she’s family. We’ve raised our kids together, navigated the loss of our parents side by 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

    37 min
  7. Look, Feel, & Stay Young Forever: #1 Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright's Proven Protocol

    10/09/2025

    Look, Feel, & Stay Young Forever: #1 Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Vonda Wright's Proven Protocol

    These days, we all need practices that strengthen not just our muscles, but also our spirits. I’m with you in all you’re navigating, and I want Cracking Open to continue being a place where you can land, breathe, and remember: you are not alone. The stories we share here are meant to heal the body, mind, and soul. Recently, I kept hearing about how weightlifting can help you look, feel, and stay 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

    1h 1m
  8. #1 Neurosurgeon on the Power of Manifestation and Positive Mindset (In Memory of Dr. James Doty)

    09/25/2025

    #1 Neurosurgeon on the Power of Manifestation and Positive Mindset (In Memory of Dr. James Doty)

    This is one of the most memorable conversations I have had on the podcast. With a heavy heart today, I am re-releasing his episode in honor of Dr. James Doty on neuroscience, manifestation, and the power of focusing your mind and heart on what you know is possible in your life. Dr. Doty passed away on July 16, 2025, from medical complications following surgery. This episode was recorded before his 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 compassionFormer CEO of Accuray (NASDAQ: ARAY), where he helped develop CyberKnife technology, saving countless lives worldwideFounder 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 benefactorNew 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 categoriesIn 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 Follow on Facebook

    50 min
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4.9
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About

We all have moments in our lives when we are cracked open, brought to our knees, and have to really discover who we are authentically at our core. It could have been a death of a loved one, getting thrown in jail, bullied in grade school, or hitting rock bottom with our addiction. Whatever your traumatic moment it changed you forever in the way you live, parent, work, and connect to others. Join Molly Carroll licensed therapist, TED speaker, published author, corporate speaker, and coach as she shares the stories of actors, athletes, thought-leaders, healers, teachers, and warriors and how their “cracking open” moment changed their lives and will change your life too.

Information

  • Creator
    Molly Carroll, MA, LPC
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Cracking Open with Molly Carroll
  • Show Website
    Cracking Open with Molly Carroll

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