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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.

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.

I’m excited to introduce you to this week’s guest: Dr. Vonda Wright—a world-renowned orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert.

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.

Today’s guest, Lara Love Hardin, is a powerful example of what it takes to rise from absolute rock bottom.

Lara’s journey is extraordinary: from suburban soccer mom to opioid addict, incarcerated felon, and now bestselling author and advocate. Her memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love, is a 2024 Oprah Book Club pick and a New York Times bestseller.

For years, Sister Monica Clare heard a quiet call toward a quiet religious life. She first explored Hollywood, marriage, and conventional success before discovering that her heart was truly drawn to sisterhood.

Have you ever had a moment where time seemed to slow, the noise of the world softened, and you felt something ancient stir inside you? That’s exactly what happened when I sat down with Jeff Scult—founder, designer, and visionary behind One Golden Thread.

This week on Cracking Open, I’m joined by Thomas M. Jones: psychotherapist, author, musician, and founder of The Paradox Process—an innovative technique that helps people use their negative thoughts to shift perspective and transform their lives.

This week on the Cracking Open podcast, I have the immense honor of speaking with Ed and Mary Ternan, founders of the nonprofit Song for Charlie.

After losing their son Charlie to a counterfeit Percocet pill laced with illicit fentanyl, Ed and Mary transformed unimaginable grief into purposeful action. Instead of only placing blame on social media platforms where these pills are sold, they chose to lead with education and empathy—working to save other families from the same heartbreak.

Scott Anderson is the author of You’re Not Toast and founder of DoubleDare, a coaching organization helping high-achieving professionals break free from burnout. With 30+ years of business ownership, therapy training, and ICF coaching credentials, Scott’s work blends business acumen with a deep understanding of the emotional and mental toll burnout takes.