Cracking Open with Molly Carroll

Isaac Slade from The Fray: From Platinum Records to Personal Peace


Listen Later

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 and Derek.

So much of that iconic sound came from The Fray, the Denver-based band fronted by the haunting, heartwarming voice of lead singer Isaac Slade

I first met Isaac at The Nantucket Project and was instantly struck by his unique mix of humor, vulnerability, and grounded wisdom. His childhood was shaped by a loving, religious family that encouraged his musical passions. That support led him to gather friends and form The Fray, a band that would go from playing tiny venues to topping charts, dominating TV soundtracks, and selling out stadiums across the world.

Isaac’s voice helped define an era, but behind the music was a story few of us ever heard. In this honest, soulful conversation on this week's Cracking Open episode, we dive into:

✨ The rise of The Fray and the whirlwind of early fame

 ✨ The toll of success and the mental health struggles it sparked, including on-stage panic attacks

 ✨ His decision to step away from the spotlight and embrace a quieter, more grounded life

 ✨ Why putting your oxygen mask on first is one of the most radical acts of love

Isaac didn’t leave the band because he stopped loving music. He left because he needed to love himself—and his family—more fully. After years of sold-out tours and chart-topping songs, he found healing in the everyday: parenting, slowing down, and opening a record shop on Vashon Island, off the coast of Seattle.

As I waited for him to join this conversation, I couldn’t help but smile, remembering those college days when The Fray’s music helped me survive heartbreaks, insecurities, and burnout. His voice once soothed my confused, overwhelmed soul. And now, nearly 30 years later, we’re sharing stories about embracing the beautiful mess of life and doing what it takes to stay on the treadmill of adulthood.

🎧 Tune in now and let Isaac’s story remind you that real strength isn’t about pushing through—it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and letting your inner light lead the way.

Love,

Molly


Resources & Links:

Connect with Isaac Slade
Follow Isaac on Instagram
Check out Side Stack Records

Work with Molly
🌱 6-Week Coaching Program begins May 14thLearn more

Stay Connected
Follow Molly on Instagram
Follow Molly on Facebook

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Cracking Open with Molly CarrollBy Molly Carroll, MA, LPC

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

61 ratings


More shows like Cracking Open with Molly Carroll

View all
The Rich Roll Podcast by Rich Roll

The Rich Roll Podcast

11,757 Listeners

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast by Lauryn Bosstick & Michael Bosstick / Dear Media

The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast

14,909 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

111,121 Listeners

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler by Everything Happens Studios

Everything Happens with Kate Bowler

5,053 Listeners

The goop Podcast by Goop, Inc. and Audacy

The goop Podcast

6,722 Listeners

On Purpose with Jay Shetty by iHeartPodcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

27,018 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

57,779 Listeners

Kelly Corrigan Wonders by Kelly Corrigan

Kelly Corrigan Wonders

3,330 Listeners

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson by Higher Ground

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson

12,033 Listeners

Trauma Rewired by Jennifer Wallace & Elisabeth Kristof

Trauma Rewired

305 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,361 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,699 Listeners

The Telepathy Tapes by Ky Dickens

The Telepathy Tapes

7,177 Listeners

The Oprah Podcast by Harpo

The Oprah Podcast

1,376 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

6,896 Listeners