Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

With the constant pace of change, dramatic shifts societally and significant challenges we face both locally and globally, a perspective of navigating these difficult days thoughtfully is critically important. Few offer a better example of serving others, leading effectively and living well than my grandfather. Grandpa was my hero growing up. Although he became a successful attorney, the lessons he learned growing up on a farm, enduring the Great Depression, and fighting for his country in World War II kept him humble, generous and shaped his worldview.   Today, as you scroll through social media or watch mainstream media, you’ll likely be repulsed to imagine that half your neighbors could feel differently about the issues you passionately support in tomorrow's midterm election. You’ll be stunned to imagine living in a country so different than you. You’ll be told by the channels you tune into that the very life of the country hangs in the balance. But even if we adamantly disagree with how he voted, I think

Duane Lee Chapman, more commonly known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, spent most of the first 23 years of his life on the wrong side of the law. It wasn’t until he was serving an 18-month prison sentence for a murder he didn’t commit that he recommitted to his faith and turned his life around. Considered by many to be the world’s greatest bounty hunter, Dog became famous for capturing fugitives on his iconic and top-rated television show Dog the Bounty Hunter.  Today, Dog shares how he turned his life around and went from ex-con to American icon before joining forces with his wife Francie. Francie shares how, through the DOG Foundation, they’re providing housing, counseling, training and intervention services to victims of sex trafficking. From troubled beginnings and tragedy to triumph and transformation, you’re going to love this conversation.

I love Halloween. And I love getting dressed up for it. But for many of us, masking our true selves isn’t reserved for once a year. For many, it’s Halloween all the time. We wear masks in seeking approval from others. We may mold our words, our opinions and even our appearance to fit whatever room we’re in. And in trying to fit in, we may go along with things we disagree with and pretend to be who we’re not. Removing the mask of inauthenticity, however, liberates us to fully embrace who we are, whose we are, why we’re here, and what matters most.

We all have moments of trauma, abuse, childhood wounds, or toxic relationships that have broken us. And yet, our past brokenness doesn’t have to stand in the way of a life of filled with hope, joy and peace.   In sharing her own journey of processing brokenness, Toni Collier reminds each of us of the bright light that stands on the other side of healing from shame and suffering.     As a speaker, author and leader of Broken Crayons Still Color ministry, Toni wants others to not only face our demons, but to quash the illusion of our brokenness and live the most colorful life possible.   Today’s conversation will reinspire the belief that you can be broken and worthy.

If you needed a motto to tell the world what matters most to you, what would it say? If a single tattoo could articulate what guides your life, how would it read? After returning safely from his first tour in Iraq, Cpl. Todd Nicely pondered these questions and then engraved a permanent reminder of lessons he had learned: Your choices change lives.   My friends, these words are a good reminder for a Marine preparing for a second tour of duty, an overwhelming injury, an agonizing recovery, and an ultimately redemptive life story. It’s also an important reminder for the rest of us as we step into the challenges and opportunities replete in each day. Choose wisely.

Six months into his second deployment, Corporal Todd Nicely of the United States Marine Corps stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) during a routine security patrol. The squad leader is one of only two modern day veterans that have endured battlefield injuries resulting in the loss of all four limbs and survived. Immediately after enduring the horrific blast and suffering massive injuries, his first two thoughts were of others: getting back to his wife and not frightening the young Marines he was responsible for. Today, Todd works to help and motivate other fellow disabled veterans through their life struggles and hardships. My friends, this conversation is undeniably painful. Yet it’s also a story of redemption and finding purpose from a hero with a resilient spirit, infectious enthusiasm, positive outlook, and a strength of mind and character that is second to none.

Over the past two months, I’ve had the honor of speaking to healthcare leaders across different disciplines, employed by different hospital systems, located in different geographic regions and serving very different populations. Regardless their size, geography, or patient population served, though, I’ve reminded these leaders of the profound impact in seemingly small acts of kindness. From the welcome desk to the C-suite, they possess the power to make mighty, positive and lasting effect on the lives of those in need. As evidence of this truth, let me share a sweet story from my book IN AWE about a young man, doing an ordinary job, who aided mightily in my recovery.  

Studies show that more than one out of every five students will be bullied this year. Chances are this is happening to someone you know and care about. With October being National Bullying Prevention Month, today’s guest is a reminder that everyone’s actions matter and we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Tina Meier’s life changed on October 16, 2006 when her 13-year-old daughter Megan took her own life following a cruel cyberbullying hoax. On a mission to support and inspire actions to end bullying, cyberbullying and suicide since Megan's death, Tina founded Megan Meier Foundation. By empowering our society to celebrate individuality and the acceptance of others, Tina believes we can work together to make a difference and create a safer and kinder world. Today, Tina shares how she took her vengeance and turned it into a purposeful mission that’s making an impact.

Fear and love are the two great motivators. While fear suffocates, love liberates. With which lens do you most frequently choose to see the world? With so much negativity, violence and brokenness in the world, it’s common to grasp onto and utilize the perspective of fear to view the world. Fear of others. Fear of the unknown. Fear of tomorrow. Fear of life. Today, I share one of my favorite quotes on the power of our perspective today determining what happens tomorrow was written by Pedro Arrupe.

When Adam Robarts was asked by a family member what he would choose to do for a career if he were not an architect. Without hesitation he replied: A hospice nurse. It was just five years earlier that he had a profound experience accompanying his father through the final weeks of life before he died of cancer in Uganda. And yet, Adam could not have imagined then that nine months after that conversation with his family, he would begin to accompany his 19-year-old son Haydn through a battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer. My friends, today Adam joins us to share how Haydn’s dignified response to his own suffering provides essential wisdom and hopeful possibilities for each of our lives. This conversation will renew your mindset to live this precious life with purpose and clarity.

My friends, I don’t remember what hotel I stayed while in Las Vegas last week. I don’t recall if I rented a car or took an Uber. I didn't have any interest in gaming or going out; I didn't have time for meals or shows. In other words, so much of my experience in Las Vegas is already a blur further validating the slogan that what happens there, stays there. But I do remember Steve. Let me explain...

Does money buy happiness? According to Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton, yes… if you’re spending it right. Named by Wired Magazine as one of '50 People Who Will Change the World', Michael has spent decades uncovering the fascinating human truths that influence our relationship with money, social norms and political correctness. Today, Michael joins us to share how smarter spending can lead to happier, more fulfilling lives. Using numerous real-life examples and three specific practices, this conversation reimagines how to buy happiness.

“What advice would you give yourself at age 20?” It’s a question I’ve asked every single guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. And after 500 episodes, the answers always move me. As the interviewer, I always learn something from the answer. But it wasn’t until the tables were turned and I was asked that question that I realized the true power of taking a moment to consider the answer in our own life. It forces us to take stock of both who we are today and revisit who we were.

It's been five years, 11 months and four days since the Live Inspired Podcast launched and 499 episodes later, I'm in awe that the Live Inspired movement has grown to hundreds of thousands of weekly listeners from all 50 states and more than 115 countries across the world. It's been an honor to have you alongside me as I had some of the most life-giving and life-changing conversations with luminaries and thought-leaders including New York Times bestselling authors, Hall of Fame athletes, Grammy-winning recording artists, and literally a man who traveled to the moon TWICE! When deciding how to celebrate this special occasion, my team and I had some pretty grandiose ideas yet nothing seemed as meaningful and full circle as handing the microphone over to the person who was there when it all got started. Join me as Susan O'Leary, my mom and our very first guest, takes the reins to interview me with unexpected and hard-hitting questions, including for the first time ever -- the Live Inspired 7.  Whether you're bra

When you look at your life, what do see? When you read the headlines, what leaps off at you? While you visit with family, or work with colleagues or commute through life, what do you see? What we seek, we find. Choosing to see life like this doesn’t make challenges fade. It just ensures the next time you glance into a mirror, struggle in a relationship or feel discouraged by life you can honestly proclaim, “It may be red, it may be bumpy, it may be ridgy, it may be far from perfect…but I love it.” And that kind of perspective not only changes what you see, but also what happens next in life.

The race to the Major League Baseball post-season is on… and it’s heating up as teams are looking for a path to victory.    The players you know are on the teams you love because of those 30 individuals sitting in the General Manager’s office.   Today, as my favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals make their push to the postseason, I’m joined by their Vice President and General Manager, Mike Girsch. While visiting at Busch Stadium, Mike shares seldom-told stories about his journey from an Amateur Scouting Coordinator to one of the most coveted and elite jobs in professional sports. While today’s conversation may seemingly focus on baseball, it’s actually so much more. Hear Mike share how to… Courageously take risks in pursuit of a dream Manage a losing streak  Celebrate the relationships that matter most Trust the timing of life   Mike is a dear friend, and while his team is closing in on another playoff birth, this conversation will remind all of us it’s never too late to pursue a dream.

How do you cope when things go wrong…even when we do everything right? Today, learn about Ryan Jastrzembski, a vivacious, playful and joy-filled boy. Last week, on Friday, September 2, 2022, Ryan went home... Just not at all the home any of us had been praying for.

At 25 years old, Amy Florian tragically lost her husband, leaving her widowed with a seven-month-old baby. While surrounded by a multitude of others who were loving and well-intentioned, she felt isolated and alone. Determined to heal, Amy began her lifelong mission to help others recover from life’s crushing losses. As a certified thanatologist and a leading expert on death, loss, grief, aging and transition, Amy’s practical and insightful work has been crucial in helping others navigate life’s toughest times. Amy’s groundbreaking work on grief, including loss that others may not deem worthy of grief, will liberate you to heal, dare you to fully live and love fiercely. If you’ve ever been left to cope with death, the end of a relationship, loss or faced disappointment, today’s conversation is for you.

We don't know exactly where Rembrandt is buried. We do, however, have the masterpiece he produced at the end of his life as an example of the perfect acceptance and love still possible in our lives.

Jay Fantom is a persistent and passionate speaker, award-winning filmmaker and writer who strives to be the best, most authentic, honest, loving, kind, and excellent version of himself daily. As the host of the chart-topping podcast The Story Box, Jay calls upon his own vulnerability to unbox the stories of world-class thought leaders. Today, Jay shares how he learned to embrace the past with truth, courage, and sincerity and how he’s helping others find their worth. This conversation will remind you just how valuable and precious life is and offer the encouragement to live it fully. *** Cue the confetti! As we celebrate 500 Live Inspired Podcast episodes, we want to hear from YOU. What do you love? Who has been your favorite guest? What have you always wanted to know? Who do you want to see join in the next 500 episodes? Plus, learn how you can earn a $100 gift card!  Take the Short Survey Now.