Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

“If you don’t change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” -Lao Tzu What truly matters most? As we race through life, it’s rare we pause long enough to honestly consider this question. A single conversation with a man I’d never met before – and would never see again – challenged me to not only ask the question, but attempt to live the answer.

Between a global pandemic, changes in financial markets, or entering new seasons of life, many of us are facing more anxiety for tomorrow than ever before. This increased anxiety is elevated for the more than 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s Disease, their caregivers and their families. Today, Larry and Rebecca Gifford, hosts of the acclaimed When Life Gives You Parkinson's podcast, share how they're navigating the disease, raising awareness and giving a voice to others facing similar challenges. Much like my parents, this married couple refuses to let a lifelong degenerative condition stifle their lives and instead uses it as an excuse to begin truly living. If you or someone you love needs courage, hope and reason to believe that the best is yet to come, this conversation is for you.

For many, the start of school ushers in a welcome shift from summer. It means reunion with friends, the return of routine and the familiar sights, sounds and smells of the school building. Yes, we may miss the freedom of summer, but it’s certainly a joy to be surrounded by others and in places we feel welcome, are encouraged to learn, and fit in with others. For many this is a wonderful transition. For many. But not for all. We have a chance daily to make others feel welcomed and loved. We have an opportunity to remind them that they matter and that their life is a gift. It might, in fact, be the most important thing they learn this school year.

Recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of twenty speakers you shouldn't miss, Jeff Henderson is an expert at taking the next right step when life is uncertain. After leaving his marketing position at Chick-fil-A to start a church and nonprofit, and leaving his non-profit in the midst of a global pandemic, Jeff recognizes that navigating what's next in life--whether in your career, personal life, or relationships--often brings a level of uncertainty and anxiety. Today, Jeff shares the difference between success and excellence and outlines how to reduce the risk yet not be bounded by fear in a season of change. If you or someone you love is facing uncertainty and not sure what to do next, this conversation is for you.

As schools prepare to open, it’s a great time to reflect on some highlights from summer before it fades. For me, the list includes morning walks with Beth, a slower pace at work, evening swims with Grace, playing cards with my boys and family vacations to Michigan and Florida. One highlight, however, started as a bad experience, became even worse and through a new friend’s generosity was transformed into a highlight.

Jenna Kutcher is a born-and-raised Minnesota wife, mother, and entrepreneur who aims for two things daily: helping others wake up to life and staying in comfy pants. Creator and host of the top-rated Goal Digger Podcast, she’s helped thousands redefine success and chase bold dreams through her decade-long work as a leading online personality and educator. And just a few weeks ago, Jenna’s debut book How Are You Really? became a New York Times bestseller. Today, Jenna shares how she learned to value experiences over “things”, the ongoing journey of self-love and how she protects her most valuable asset: time. If you’re looking to truly enjoy being alive and not merely suffering through it, this episode is for you.

Kyle Petty was born into racing royalty. As a third-generation driver and the only son of NASCAR’s winningest driver ever Richard Petty, Kyle spent decades competing at motorsports’ highest divisions earning a reputation as a classy competitor and one of the greatest philanthropists that NASCAR has ever known. For more than 20 years, Kyle has hosted the annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to raise more than $20 million for Victory Junction. Founded in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction is a year-round camp that exists to enrich the lives of children, ages six to 16, with chronic and serious medical conditions. Today, Kyle shares an insider's perspective on stock-car racing’s rise in popularity in American culture, how he weathered the untimely death of his son and how he uses his platform to provide life-changing and life-giving experiences for others.

Have you ever silenced an idea, worried it would be rejected or thought it wasn’t as good? Have you ever sidelined an opportunity to speak up because you were worried you wouldn’t measure up to others? Have you ever stifled an ‘I love you’ or an ‘I’m sorry’ because it was too late to matter to someone else? Often, we think our own words, ideas and actions won’t make a difference. We listen to the voice of fear whispering we’re just one person, we’re too inexperienced, too insignificant. We clam up when it’s our turn to share. We play small instead of taking a risk. We stay quiet when our words could change everything. And in doing so we fail to recognize that the contribution we see as insignificant is oftentimes life changing. Possibly even world changing.

Take a moment to inventory every commitment you’re making in your life. Of those commitments, what are you doing with actual generosity and what are you doing out of sheer obligation? Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of the book Boundary Boss. With actionable strategies, Terri empowers others to consciously take control of every aspect of their emotional, spiritual, physical, personal, and professional life. Today’s conversation reminds each of us that we hold the ability the create more satisfaction, deeper relationships and a more joy-filled life. If you or someone you love is exhausted from over-giving, overdoing, and even over-feeling, this episode is for you.  

“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.” – R.M. Hensel John O'Leary reminds us why accepting help is not a sign of weakness on today's Monday Moments segment.

Kelvin Beachum is a 2-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. After being drafted in the seventh round in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelvin will start his ninth NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals next month. While he plays football professionally, it’s Kelvin’s passion and purpose that is making a positive impact both on and off the gridiron that I find most intriguing. As the oldest of four siblings in rural Texas, Kelvin grew up in a family hovering around the national poverty level. Yet, with his parents’ guidance, he learned to share whatever excess they’d have with the community. Today, you’ll hear a bit about his role as an offensive lineman and far more about his gratitude toward society and compassion towards others. If you're looking to hear from a catalyst for positive change, this episode is for you.  

When we give of our time, our talent or our treasure we feel amazing and the outcome contributes to the greater good. And yet, many times when faced with the opportunity to live generously, we hesitate to do so. A conversation with a new friend last week about the levity that results from practicing radical generosity reminded me of a story about my son, Patrick. I first recounted the story in my book IN AWE. I hope this memory serves as a reminder that when it comes to generosity, the best results happen when we give our all.

Did you know that one single act of generosity ripples out to four degrees of separation? Ami Campbell is the author of Love Let Go and champions generosity to help others rediscover their giving selves. She has led stewardship classes at LaSalle Street Church for over a dozen years. Today, Ami shares how generosity frees us from the grip that fear and insecurity have on us. You’ll leave this conversation ready to transform your community, live generously and to love and let go.

St. Francis of Assisi reminds us somewhat paradoxically that it is in giving that we receive. Therefore, for more meaningful victories, our focus must shift from how we can use our gifts for our success to instead how our lives can be used to positively impact others.

Zibby Owens is the host of Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books podcast and founder of Zibby Owens Media, a privately-held media company designed to help busy people live their best lives by connecting to books and each other.   Today, Zibby reveals the loves and losses that have shaped her life and discovers what it means to truly find your place in the world.   With infectious energy, tasteful authenticity and steadfast support, Zibby reminds us that wherever you are in life, you haven’t missed the boat and today is the day to take the next right step.

As we celebrate another 4th of July packed with mouth-watering BBQ, refreshing pools, and awe-inspiring fireworks, I can’t help but think back to one of my most memorable experiences from this day- and to share why it matters to you. While silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone, shared gratitude sets others on fire for life.

We often think of the word persuasion as corrupt, shady or untrustworthy. And while it may have that connotation, Jason Harris sees it differently.   Jason is co-founder & CEO of award-winning creative advertising agency Mekanism and bestselling author of The Soulful Art of Persuasion. Blending soul and science, Jason helps iconic brands like Peloton and Ben & Jerry’s thrive.   Using originality, generosity, and empathy, Jason shares his secrets to cultivating character-building behaviors that are critical for both personal and professional success.   If you’re looking for the framework to build meaningful relationships in all aspects of your life, this conversation is for you.

My friends, while Dad spent the majority of his life working hard, being kind and making a profound difference in the lives of others, he’s spent the last several decades accepting help from others, embracing the life that is his and continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of others.   In a fractured and polarized world, Dad reminds us that an arch consists of two weaknesses, which, leaning on each other becomes a strength.

In many ways, we’re living more comfortable lives than ever before. We can drift through life while almost never being too hot, too old, too hungry, too physically exhausted, too dirty, or even too bored?   Yet, could the modernization of cars, computers, climate control and processed foods be chipping away at our physical, mental and emotional health?   Investigative health journalist Michael Easter shares how we can leverage the life-enhancing power of discomfort in our daily lives to relieve tension, lower the risk of disease and dramatically improve our overall well-being.   If you're looking to find real connection in our world, today’s conversation will help you to embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy and healthy self.