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Mary Pipher, Ph.D. is a truly extraordinary psychologist who specializes in women, trauma, and the effect of culture on our mental health.

The Cracking Open podcast has an exciting upcoming episode where, for the first time, I host a dual interview with Elizabeth 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 will re-release their initial interviews with me so you can soak in their deep wisdom and charm. Whether it's the first time you've listened or a refresh, you are in for a treat.

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 the same 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 share his journey with this traumatic life experience and what it taught him.

In chasing this false sense of happiness, we often lose sight of what truly matters—our relationships, dreams, and purpose in life. This week, Michael O’Brien joins us on the Cracking Open podcast. Michael is a successful businessman who used to work 60-70 hours a week in corporate leadership and had fallen into the common traps of perceived happiness. But one day he endured a near-death cycling accident when he was struck head-on by an SUV traveling at 40 MPH. This incident completely changed his life.

That’s why this week's Cracking Open podcast guest, Rashid Davis, holds a special place in my heart. Rashid is the founding principal of Pathways in Technology Early High School (P-TECH) and embodies the power of education and love.

Do you remember singing, “Make new friends, but keep the old; one is silver, and the other is gold”? Today, I’m thrilled to welcome one of my “gold” friends to the Cracking Open podcast — Charlotte Hardwick.

Charlotte and I have been dear friends for over 30 years. In this week's episode, we dive into the highs and lows of female friendships, exploring their benefits and complexities, and how they significantly impact our lives.

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.

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.

“Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”

These words have never felt more true than they do right now, and it has inspired me to re-release an early episode of the Cracking Open podcast with one of the fiercest and most radically loving mothers I know - the incredible Jodie Patterson.

Chris Herren's story is one of profound struggle and eventual redemption, making today's conversation about addiction and recovery on the Cracking Open podcast especially powerful.