We often hear mantras urging us to “be in the present moment” or “appreciate what you have because it could all be gone tomorrow". While a part of us knows this to be true, we can still find ourselves stuck, focused on checking off our to-do lists, and laboring on the treadmill of work, believing that more money will lead to greater happiness.

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.

In the wake of the accident, Michael pleaded for a second chance at life. He promised himself that if he survived, he would live more authentically and stop chasing that elusive happiness. Escaping death marked what he calls “My Last Bad Day,” a turning point that forever altered his outlook on life. After enduring 13 surgeries and years of physical therapy, Michael made a profound shift in his perspective, fulfilling his promise to live a more inspired life.

Influenced by his various teachers and meditation practice, he came to realize that his accident had served as a catalyst for transformation—not only for himself but for those around him. In this episode, Michael shares his "cracking open" story and the struggles that led him to a more intentional life. He discusses finding peace in a chaotic world, discovering personal power amid challenges, and evaluating how our careers can bring happiness.

Today, Michael is an experienced meditation teacher, executive coach, and endurance athlete. He loves helping people accomplish difficult goals through mindfulness, hosts the heartwarming Kintsugi Podcast, and created the app Pause, Breathe, Reflect. In 2022, he rode his bike across America, harnessing the power of mindfulness along the way. Today, Michael helps others navigate life and business using G.R.A.C.E.(Gratitude, Reframing, Awareness, Community, and Energy). This framework assists individuals in building trustworthy support systems, creating fulfilling lives, and bringing out the best in themselves and others.

This heart-centered and tear-filled conversation is not to be missed, and it's an honor to now consider Michael a mentor and friend.

Love,
Molly

Learn more about Michael O'Brien and his work here
Listen to the Kintsugi Podcast here
Download the Pause Breathe Reflect meditation app here
Connect with Michael on LinkedIn


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Two weeks ago, I sent my first child off to college.

To say it’s been an adjustment is an understatement. I didn’t realize how deeply I would grieve not picking up his cheese wrappers, and smelly soccer cleats, or giving him a nightly hug. The silence at home is unnerving – I miss hearing him shout, “Mom, are you home?” and the chaos of soccer boys rummaging through the kitchen. And the bodily heartache around the passing of time or that our family of four is now a family of three.

This transition has given me time to reflect on my immense gratitude for all those who have supported my son, Tommy, through his journey—his coaches, teachers, and school administrators. They’ve taught him about respect, hard work, curiosity, teamwork, and most importantly, love. Tommy would not be the person he is today without their support.

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.

"We only have a short shelf life, a moment to make an impact. I was raised in the poorest district in the Bronx, so I saw inequities, but I saw love and understanding, so I lead with love.” ~ Rashid Davis

Rashid has dedicated his life to improving education and uplifting humanity. P-TECH, a groundbreaking model that spans grades 9-14, provides a pathway from high school to college and a career in industry. The first P-TECH school in Brooklyn partners with New York City College of Technology and IBM.

In 2013, P-TECH was highlighted by President Obama in the State of the Union and received a visit from him in October of that year. As of August 2021, P-TECH has expanded to 28 countries with over 200 school and college partners and more than 600 industry partners.

In 2016, Rashid was honored as a Legendary School Leader by the Black Caucus of CSA and Administrators and received proclamations from the City Council of New York, the State Assembly, and various Senate Districts. He was also named to City and State’s 2016 “Brooklyn Borough 50,” recognizing influential leaders in Brooklyn.

In this episode, Rashid shares his journey from growing up in the Bronx with a deep passion for education to obtaining multiple master’s degrees and dedicating his career to school development. He shares his invaluable wisdom, inspiring story, and open-hearted approach. Rashid imparts a powerful lesson: If you can open your heart and mind, you will see that everything is education. He emphasizes: “Love people the way that they know and experience love. And so, it really becomes a microcosm of society. And meet people where they are. And when I say love, it's not always the love that feels good, sometimes you have to do things for people to protect them.”

As we kick off a new back-to-school season, Rashid helps remind us of the importance of teachers and educators. I hold deep gratitude for individuals like Rashid who have played such a pivotal and positive role in the educational and growth journeys of so many children, including my son.

Love,
Molly


Learn more about P-Tech here
Connect with Rashid Davis on LinkedIn


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For me, this episode's timing could not be more perfect. I dropped off my first kiddo at college last weekend and that has brought with it a tidal wave of emotions – grief, sadness, tons of tears, and reflections on the passing of time, my marriage, and my identity as a mom. I have had to lean on my closest friends multiple times already, and I know that those friendships will continue to be a salvation to me in this new phase of life and letting go.

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.

However, there is much more to Charlotte than the jewels of long-standing friendship. She also comes to this conversation with a wealth of expertise in wellness and nutrition. With over 20 years of experience developing wellness and life-balance programming, Charlotte has worked with individuals, families, and organizations across the country. She brings her teachings into the homes of her clients, into studios, and on retreats in South Carolina, Costa Rica, Mexico, and at the creative and memorable Blackberry Farm hotel and wellness center in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee.

Charlotte's extensive knowledge is built on studies from around the world, including MA degrees in nutrition and early childhood development and over 100 dietary theories. Charlotte’s mentors include Dr. Andrew Weil from the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Katz from Yale University’s Prevention Research Center, and Dr. Walter Willett from Harvard University’s nutrition department, among many other leading health and wellness experts.

In our conversation, we delve into her vast experience in health and wellness, offering concrete tips and tools for living a more balanced and grounded life. We also get real about what we seek from friendships in our 50s, exploring the highs and lows that have sustained our bond for 30 years, while also discussing why female friendships are crucial for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. God knows they have saved my ass more than a few times!

Charlotte truly embodies the qualities of a “gold” friend — honest, loving, and authentic. I hope you come away from this episode feeling inspired to make healthy choices for your own life and feeling grateful for your own long-standing "gold" friendships.

Love,
Molly

P.S. As you may have noticed, our team has made some changes to the look of the Cracking Open podcast. As much as I loved the original design, it felt like the right time for a fresh new look. I love it and hopefully you do too!


Learn more about Charlotte Hardwick here
Register for Charlotte's next retreat at Blackberry Farm here
Follow Charlotte on Instagram



Molly's next 3-month Cracking Open group coaching program starts in September 2024! Learn more here.

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