Cracking Open with Molly Carroll

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 experience.  I felt honored to hold space for my mom with deep love and respect as she passed on.  

At the time of her death, I was quite dazed and confused about a lot of things, but one thing I knew for sure was that the death of my mother would change me forever.  

One of the bigger transformations that occurred for me after my mom died was that I knew I could not walk this path of grief alone. I needed my therapist, family, and friends to help me heal this gaping hole.  And boy oh boy, do I wish that I had known our guest today on the Cracking Open podcast.  

Karen K. Moon, LCSW is a psychotherapist who specializes in grief and loss, and has over thirty years of experience working with individuals, families, and organizations. 

She counseled employees affected by the Oklahoma City bombing and the Columbine shootings and provided numerous bereavement groups for employees and families affected by 9/11.  These days she is based in Wayne, PA where she has a private practice. 

Karen served on the Board of Directors at Peter’s Place, Center for Grieving Children and Families for 14 years and is a co-founder and facilitator of a weekly adolescent girls therapy group (Safe Space for Girls). She often speaks at businesses and schools on current mental health topics and recently appeared on Kelly Corrigan’s Wonders podcast.

Karen has all the degrees, experience, and wisdom that one would want to help them with their grief. But her true gift is her open heart and calming spirit which allows you to show up with your ugly cries,  memories of your loved ones, and an endless amount of hope that you will survive this loss – whether it is death, divorce, or even sending your kid off to college. 

Regardless of whether you are currently in a state of grief or not, today's episode will give you loads of tools on how to be present and loving to yourself the next time grief comes into your life.

Learn more about Karen Moon here 


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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 it, wouldn’t you?

This question could not only help you feel more connected to yourself and your loved ones but also help you feel less depressed, anxious, or lost.

It was this question that our Cracking Open guest Dr. Lisa Miller, professor in the Clinical Psychology Program at Columbia University, asked several 18–25-year olds while going through an MRI.  What she discovered is that when we contemplate this question we also tap into our innate, biological capacity for spiritual development.  

The question is, “Can you remember a time when you held a deep connection to a loving guiding force in life, call it God, universe, or nature?”

In this week’s episode of the Cracking Open podcast, Lisa talks about her own data and science that proves we are all hard-wired to cultivate a spiritual practice and what she calls an "awakened brain". The awakened brain can insulate us from trauma, anxiety, and depression, and increase our grit and love so we feel more grounded in ourselves and everyone around us. We also talk about her own incredible spiritual journey.

Dr. Lisa Miller has a loving heart and deep soul, and you will enjoy hearing about her own incredible spiritual journey.

Lisa is a New York Times bestselling author of The Spiritual Child, and her latest book is called The Awakened Brain. She is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology, and has held a joint appointment in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University Medical School for over a decade.

Dr. Miller is a graduate of both Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate under the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman. Dr. Miller speaks and consults around The Awakened Brain and The Spiritual Child for the US Military, businesses, schools, universities, and mental health and wellness initiatives.

In this episode, Dr. Lisa Miller will not only awaken your brain but enlighten your heart to the validation of the neuroscience of spirituality which can help us all feel more whole and healthy in our mind, body, and spirit.

Learn more about Dr. Lisa Miller here. 

The Spirituality Mind Body Institute

The Awakened Brain

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What do Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and the Grammys have in common? Tehillah Alphonso. 

I discovered Tehillah while reading my high school alumni magazine.  Tehillah and I both went to an all-girls Catholic school in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Marian High School was a place that encouraged young women to live a life of pride in themselves, their grades, their faith, and how they walk in the world.  And Tehillah has done this in spades.

New-Jersey-born and Nebraska-raised, Tehillah Alphonso is a Nigerian-American musician based in Los Angeles, California.

Though Tehillah was introduced to music at an early age, her musical endeavors truly began in 2014 when she was accepted into an elite teen summer intensive called A Cappella Academy.

A proud Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Southern California, Tehillah received her B.M. in Popular Music Performance from the Thornton School of Music and was named the 2020 Outstanding Graduate. While a full-time student at USC, she served as Business Manager and Music Director of USC’s premiere a cappella group, and five-time ICCA champions, the SoCal VoCals. Her time with the VoCals created opportunities to perform in legendary venues such as the Staples Center, the Rose Bowl, and Carnegie Hall.

Shortly after graduating, Tehillah quickly made a name for herself as a session singer and vocal arranger. She has sung in a number of films and television series, including Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Affair, The Late Late Show with James Corden, Space Jam 2 (2021), Encanto (2021), and Sing 2 (2021). 

She has also shared the stage with notable artists, including NIKI, Björk, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo. In November 2021, she was nominated for her first GRAMMY® Award in the category of “Best Arrangement, Instruments, and Vocals” for her arrangement of “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke, performed by LA-based choir Tonality and conducted by Alexander Lloyd Blake,

Tehillah shares her journey of growing up in the Midwest, and how it was her parents’ work ethic that installed in her the motivation and drive to succeed in Los Angeles' music industry. She talks about how being a backup singer is exactly where she wants to be on the stage and blesses us with her strong and memorable voice by singing a capella live in this episode. 

What do a belief in yourself, hard work, and following your dreams have in common? It will feel very clear to you after listening to this week's episode of Cracking Open.

 Learn more about Tehillah Alphonso here

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Listen to her Grammy-Nominated Song, "A Change Is Gonna Come"

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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 college, I remember feeling a bit intellectually insecure with these, albeit incredibly kind, Williams college grads.

Sitting around a fire, listening to their belly laughs while they told stories of the good ol' days, Gina sat down next to me, leaned over, and said, “Hi, I'm Gina. So where did you go to college?”  Her question and awareness instantly transformed my feeling of being “other” into feeling accepted into the group.   

This is one of Gina’s great gifts in the world – she has an unassuming way of making anyone around her feel less alone, more accepted, and completely at ease.  As a gay, Mexican American woman who grew up in a Catholic family in Texas, she has a deep and empathic understanding of the many struggles that face those who are trying to find their place in the world. And she knows all too well that representation in mainstream society does not often reflect who those teens and adults identify as being on the inside and/or outside. 

Gina relocated to New York City over twenty-one years ago and has a diverse work background within the realms of law, healthcare, and education. For over fourteen years she has had a thriving solo law practice in NYC. In addition to her legal career, she is the Director of Provider Information at the Care Management Company of Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx. Gina also assists in teaching public speaking at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy.

But if you ask Gina where her heart and soul reside, it is in advocating, fundraising, and being the board president for The Trevor Project. 

The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) young people.  They believe the LGBTQ+ community deserves a welcoming, loving world, and they wake up every day dedicated to making that a reality. 

In today’s episode, Gina shares her coming out story and how, at a young age, she actively chose to not be what her parents, grandparents, or friends wanted her to be.  She said, “No, I was determined to be who I was and who I want to be.” 

This is an episode about showing up in your truth, overcoming hardships within your sexuality and families of origin, and knowing that everything you need to know lives inside of you. 

It is an honor to call Gina a friend and mentor who embodies the concept of learning to accept yourself in order to accept all those around you.

Learn more about Gina Muñoz here.

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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 father, saddened by my mother’s cancer diagnosis, and fearful that my husband’s business would have to close its doors.  I was the epitome of “down and out” in my life and marriage.

My therapist had the ability to show deep compassion but also called me out on my denial when necessary.  She said, “Molly, you need help and I think you should begin with the book Fierce Intimacy by Terry Real."

Terry’s “say it like it is” attitude, transparency around his own marriage, and tips and tools, have literally saved my marriage and my soul.  After listening to today’s episode I believe your relationships will also benefit from his ability to teach about communicating, not from the adaptive child but the wise adult.

I’m so grateful that Terry not only said yes to being a guest on the podcast but said yes during a very busy time in his life with his new book, US: Getting Past You & Me to Build a More Loving Relationship, releasing on June 7th.

It was this “yes” that brought forth an interview where we talked about how to be a present life partner and a loving parent.  He opened up about how his abusive childhood could turn into anger and grandiosity, but with deep internal work, it is now intense love and compassion for himself and others. And that he wrote his latest book to help us all remember how we can transform when there is unity and connection in relationships versus separation and disconnection.

Terry is an internationally recognized Family Therapist, Speaker, and Author. Terry founded the Relational Life Institute, offering workshops for couples, individuals, and parents with a professional training program for clinicians wanting to learn his RLT (Relational Life Therapy).

Terry is the best-selling author of I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression, The New Rules of Marriage: What You Need to Make Love Work, Fierce Intimacy: Standing Up to One Another with Love, and his latest book US: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship.

His ideas on men’s issues and couple’s therapy have been celebrated in venues that include Good Morning America, The Today Show, 20/20,  Oprah, and The New York Times.

When I look back 10 years ago, sitting in my therapist’s office really struggling in my life, I know for sure that today I am a better wife, a less anxious human, and a more compassionate mom thanks to Terry Real.

Learn more about Terry Real

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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.

 In today’s episode, Scott will openly share about his family's three generations' struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, and how these addictions can not only cause deep suffering, but also profound humility and grace.

 Scott not only openly talks about his “cracking open” moments but also shares with us how his personal story has brought so much more depth to his professional life.

 Scott built 3 for-profit businesses, including an agency that he ran for over 25 years and later sold to his employees. He has combined his business acumen with his experience as a licensed mental health therapist to establish the not-for-profit, AtEaseUSA.org, which develops and deploys leading-edge PTSD treatment technology in partnership with Tel Aviv University and the Israeli government.

 Scott’s experience in business is matched by his premier training in coaching and therapy. He trained at the preeminent Coaches Training Institute and is certified by the International Coaching Federation (IFC).

He also graduated summa cum laude with a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska School of Clinical Counseling.

 Yes, Scott has all the degrees and accolades but, in the end, 

this sage teaches us that what matters most in life is making a daily choice around asking yourself one question, “How am I going to live knowing everything one day is going to go away?”

 Today I would invite you to live by soaking in Scott’s story about sobriety, survival, and most importantly love.

Learn more about Scott Anderson here: https://doubledareyou.us/

Find Scott on Social:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottandersonms/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottandersonmentalhealth/

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“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 mess will become your message.”

This quote is from our incredibly vulnerable and raw podcast guest today, Kelly Gunther, an Olympian skater known as the Comeback Kid for all the times she has had to persevere and come back from a challenge.

Kelly’s comebacks included everything from a learning disability, an absent alcoholic father, and several challenges she faced in her skating career.  

In the 2010 Olympic trials, Kelly appeared to make the United States speed skating team but was bumped after another skater was granted a re-skate.  Then there was that one time she nearly lost her entire foot on the ice.  

In March 2010, Kelly fell during a race and suffered a double-compound fracture that nearly severed her foot from her leg. 

After intensive rehab, she was miraculously able to return to skating and persevered to set two personal best times in November 2011. She made the 2011–2012 World Cup team and placed third in the 1000 meters at the 2011–2012 national championships.  By 2014, against all odds, she achieved her dream as a long-track speed skater for the U.S. Olympic Team. 

At the 2014 U.S. Olympic trials, she skated her personal best time of 1:16.43 in the 1000 meters to place fourth and make the Olympic team.

But Kelly’s story goes way beyond being an incredible Olympian. Her story is one of a human being who wakes up every morning with the mantra “life is not always easy but you can come back from anything” – and Kelly does it with honesty, strength, and a “glass half full” attitude.  

This is probably one of the most emotionally vulnerable stories I have experienced on the Cracking Open podcast.  Kelly really opened her whole self up in this interview, and you will deeply feel this in her message of turning tragedy into triumph which is inspiring us and millions of hearts around the globe.

Learn more about Kelly Gunther here:

Wikipedia

LinkedIn

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Team USA


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“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 Plantenberg’s favorites, and I now know exactly why.

While you are listening to today's guest, you will feel like you are the nearest person to him, and will be mesmerized by the wisdom he has attained from the ups and downs in his life. 

Eric is a man who has helped hundreds of people with his leadership principles and does not shy away from an adventure, which includes summiting Mt. Everest and committing to 30 days of silence while he was in prison.

Yes, Eric went to prison and I am guessing you would think this was his “Cracking Open” moment.  However, you may be as surprised as I was to hear that it is not about spending time in prison that cracked him open it is a much more personal story about love, family, and reinventing one’s life.

Eric is not only someone who has really lived – he is also a multi-industry entrepreneur and executive. He co-founded Freedom Personal Development and Humm Kombucha.  Currently he is helping develop two startups.

In 2011, he gave a very successful TEDx talk called The Anatomy of Results.

Eric is married to the love of his life, Cheri, and lives in Bend, Oregon. They have six children and four grandchildren. An avid outdoorsman, Eric has climbed mountains and kayaked remote rivers on six continents.

Tune in to this enlightening conversation and maybe you'll be the nearest person that Eric helps today.

Learn more about Eric Plantenberg here:
 
TEDx talk

Humm Kombucha

LinkedIn

Twitter

Forbes


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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 what happened to me when I met this week’s podcast guest, Kelly Pascuzzi, and will happen to you while listening to this week's episode.

Kelly's "cracking open moment" story is deeply heartbreaking and also hopeful, loving, and full of forgiveness.

 In fact, Kelly turned her story into a Hollywood feature film called The Ravine, which she co-produces and features star actors Eric Dane and Peter Facinelli.

 The film weaves the story of how Kelly's existence was shattered due to a horrendous crime.  In the wake of that tragedy, Kelly and her husband Robert were led on a spiritual journey that challenged their core beliefs.  Compelled to share their lessons on hope, faith, and forgiveness, The Ravine was born and will be in theaters on May 6th. 

 She is not only a film producer, but also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, mom to 3 amazing boys, and a life and results mentor.

 Kelly is a creative, incredibly intelligent, hard-working, and successful woman who teaches us all to lead with the heart.  And that is exactly what you will experience when you listen to her interview.

 She tells her story with so much grace. Her energy is full of calm and forgiveness, and she teaches us all that we can take any tragedy and turn it into a life lesson. 

 So bring your heart to this one because Kelly is going to crack it wide open.

Learn more about Kelly Pascuzzi here: https://clnow.com/kelly-pascuzzi-1

The Ravine Book and Movie: https://theravine.info/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-pascuzzi-a62511185/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellypascuzzi/?hl=en

Learn more about Molly Carroll here: https://molly-carroll.com/

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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 died. I was in deep grief, and someone told me about her book Broken Open.  While reading it, every word made me feel like I was going to survive the death of my dad.  Broken Open radically changed my life and it is my go-to gift that I give to anyone who I know is going through a difficult transition in their life.  

After reading her book, I attended the Women & Power Conference led by Elizabeth, at the Omega Institute, which she co-founded in 1977.  It was there that I met Elizabeth in person for the first time, and I immediately felt her deep wisdom and open heart. 

To me, Elizabeth’s life is a beautiful metaphor of the phoenix rising.  She opens her heart and story to all of us around how she has been broken open (the ending of her marriage, the death of her sister) and how these burning moments have invited her to die in order to rise from their ashes.

Elizabeth is a New York Times bestselling author of several books, including Cassandra Speaks: When Women are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes; Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow and Marrow: Love, Loss & What Matters Most and The Seekers Guide.

As if this wasn’t enough, in 2008 she helped Oprah Winfrey produce a 10-week online seminar based on Eckhart Tolle’s book A New Earth. The webinar was viewed by more than 8 million people worldwide.  She’s also a frequent host on Oprah’s Soul Series, a weekly radio show on Sirius XM, and a guest on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday.  

In 2011, she gave a popular Ted Talk called Take “the Other” to Lunch, a call for civility and understanding as we negotiate differences as human beings. 

I could spend hours just talking about her incredible accomplishments. But to me, Elizabeth is ultimately a woman who can ignite one’s soul.  To not only feel seen and heard but also to be a better human being on this spiritual journey we call life. 

Please enjoy this incredible conversation.  Get yourself a cup of tea, grab a notebook and pen, and gift yourself this hour to soak in Elizabeth’s storytelling, her wisdom, and her life.  

Welcome to Season 2!  I’m so glad you have arrived.

Learn more about Elizabeth Lesser here: https://www.elizabethlesser.org/

Learn more about Omega Institute here:https://www.eomega.org/

Learn more about Molly Carroll here: https://molly-carroll.com/

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