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



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