In this special two-part 100th episode, you’ll hear something a little different—the everyday, deeply human stories of the people closest to me. From navigating the loss of a husband to the tender uncertainty of leaving home for college. From launching a business to discovering a passion for a sport you never imagined trying at 50. From the journey of growing from boy to man, to finding resilience 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
