Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Former Navy fighter pilot Captain Charlie Plumb is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Scheduled to be his 75th and final mission in Vietnam, Charlie's F-4 Phantom Jet was shot down + captured. He'd spend the next 2,103 days isolated + tortured in North Vietnamese Prisoner of War camps. Four years ago I had the honor of having Charlie on the show + during our conversation, he deeply moved me when he attributed his survival to his faith and ability to forgive. Today, I’m sharing a fresh cut of this episode with you because the lessons within it have never been more relevant: Purpose provides the strength to endure the unthinkable  Appreciating the value of challenge No matter how your 2021 has looked so far, Charlie’s story will remind you that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning The POWs held captive the longest came back with a lower rate of PTSD because great leadership unified u

According to Kaiser Family Foundation, about 40% of Americans have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, a 30% increase from 2019. Today, I revisit my most popular episode to date: My conversation with Mel Robbins. Mel’s proven + simple strategy interrupts negative thought patterns so you can win the mental game and experience the joy + opportunity life has to offer now. As one the most-booked female speakers in the world and author of international bestselling book The 5 Second Rule, Mel educates, entertains and empowers others to live inspired. If you or someone you love is experiencing anxiety, fear, worry, self-doubt or overwhelm, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: "There is a very distinct gap between your instincts and impulse that will change your life and the excuses that stop you... and that gap is about five seconds long." The way that you change your life and discover the power inside you is you develop the clarity to hear what is inside you and develo

As vacation season is upon us, it might be worth considering what a truly perfect one looks like. While the places we go and the people we meet certainly matter, what matters even more is often less noteworthy and perhaps more important. The most remarkable of vacations are the ones where you are fully present with the ones you love most. Today, I share the lesson my son taught me of the real magic of vacation.

Despite no music or vocal training, Todd Tilghman made it through NBC’s The Voice blind audition (with all four celebrity judges vying to coach him!) and went on to win season 18, becoming the oldest winner in show history. Drawn to his tremendous joy onstage, fans gravitated to his much-needed inspiration when facing challenges. Today, Todd shares how decades of unrelenting challenges in marriage, international adoption + career changes have brought him perspective and reminded him to celebrate the small steps along the way in achieving goals. Join us to hear the lessons Todd has learned and the strategies that continue to move him toward ever-present joy. SHOW NOTES: Grow Old With Me: Todd shares meeting his wife of two decades Brooke, the challenges early in their marriage and mending their relationship when it was seemingly broken beyond repair. “If love is all about you, it is not love.” Inspired from 2 Corinthians 4:17, Todd wrote in his journal, “your suffering is not forever and your suffering is no

"Love is the fuel that overcomes the fear of penalty; moves the obligation of duty into opportunity to serve; is energizing and never ends." – Edie Varley   Love allows us to rise above our challenges – and it empowers us to help others rise above theirs, too.In honor of Father's Day, I share a remarkable story of a father exemplifying the one thing needed to overcome adversity. Today, let’s focus less on the challenges we face. Let’s focus more on celebrating what the opportunities we possess, those marching with us and the remarkable chance to be part of this orchestra of life.   [The essay shared on today's episode was first shared on USA Today.]

Rosie Rivera is one of the most influential and inspirational Latinas in the world. As the bestselling author of God is Your Defender, an international speaker and co-host of marriage podcast The Power of Us, Rosie uses her voice to give hope to fellow survivors of sexual abuse. Today, Rosie shares her painful journey and how she found serenity including: the tragic loss of her beloved sister, internationally acclaimed singer Jenni Rivera the trauma of being sexually abused as a child finding peace in surrendering pain This conversation will empower you to face life’s minor or most hurtful situations with courage, compassion + perseverance. SHOW NOTES: As a family of eight living in a two-bed one-bath home, Rosie didn’t recognize how poverty-stricken until she was blessed later in life. Jenni Rivera is known as the most important female figure and top selling female artist in Regional Mexican music, and the first to sell out Los Angeles’ Staple Center. Robbed of her voice: At nine, and overcome with anger

Constant exposure to the often negative 24-hour news cycle can adversely influence our mental health and overall well-being. Today, I share an excerpt for my instant bestselling book IN AWE to ignite our wonder for life + the limitless possibility for our days ahead. Want to learn how to see the possibilities around every corner? Enjoy an 80% discount on the IN AWE ebook when you order through my publisher by this Wednesday, June 16th here.  

Captain Jim Lovell has travelled further into space than any other person and is one of only three to travel to the moon twice. Possibly even more profound, he has witnessed more than 260 sunrises from space.  Infamously the mission meant to be his third trip to the moon, Apollo 13, was cut short when a tank exploded. When I first spoke to Jim in July of 2018, I was in awe – he has been a hero of mine since I was a boy. Today, I revisit parts of that historic conversation because it has never been more relevant. As we're each faced with our own unique challenges today, let Jim’s guidance on staying mentally strong in the face of unforeseen adversity inspire you. SHOW NOTES: When the odds are that long, how do you respond? “We thought about what we had to overcome, specifically: We had to figure out how to get back on course to get home. We had to decide what we had to turn off to save critical energy. We had to realize that each time we, we were slowly poisoning ourselves with carbon dioxide. We had to lear

“The very thing you take for granted, others are praying for.” – Marlan Rico Lee Few of us ponder honestly the profound fragility and beauty of life at any age. Today I share an experience from my time as a hospital chaplain that woke me up to be far more intentional in savoring the profound gift of each day. The goal of life isn’t to number the days to keep score, but in order to live them passionately, faithfully, intentionally, and lovingly. I encourage you to choose to number your days. Rejoice in what you have and those gathered around you. And in the midst of the anxiety, difficulty and unknowns of this day, remain confident that this day remains a gift and even better days are yet to come.

Struggle. Financial setbacks. Loneliness. Constant stress. Uncertainty.  These are some of the words audience members recently  shared when I asked them to describe the last 14 months. That is exactly why today's episode is so important: Join me to be reminded that, regardless of your challenges, hope is not canceled. Love wins. And the best of your life is yet to come. I’ll share just how mind-boggling the miracle of your life is as evidenced through a special friend of mine, 8-year-old Curtis. You won’t believe: the impact the healing power of love and hope had on his life the impact it can have on yours and the practical tips to cultivate hope in your life right now. SHOW NOTES: You are a miracle: The chance of you being born is less than 1 in 400 trillion. The likelihood of you developing from the first single-celled organism is less than 1 in 10 to the 390th power. “My life is a miraculous gift and I choose to live like it is.” John shares his serendipitous role with 8-year-old Curtis + his recovery f

Thirty years ago, Bill Johnson was walking to an Atlanta subway station with two colleagues when his world went dark. A bullet entered one temple and exited the other, leaving him permanently blind. With optimism, honesty + joy, Bill shares his extraordinary journey of learning to navigate in a new, dark world. Hear Bill share how he began to: accept his new reality embrace new ways of doing things and find wholeness and healing in the midst of struggle Rewatch the Bill Johnson's livestream on Facebook or YouTube. If you enjoyed hearing about Bill's resilience... You’re going to love professional barrel racer Amberley Snyder’s story. After a devastating accident left her unable to walk, she was determined to the saddle. Be inspired by Amberley's strength, faith and ability to turn tragedy into triumph Listen now. BILL JOHNSON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish

Scott Stratten is president of UnMarketing and was named “Top Five Social Media Influencers in the World” by Forbes.com. Co-author of six bestselling books with his business partner and wife Alison, Scott helps organizations see their business through his unconventional + disruptive “unmarketing” lens. Today, Scott reveals the power of having others believe in you, tips you can apply that have helped him evolve as a presenter, and what he recommends you "unlearn."  This conversation will motivate you to rise above limiting beliefs and take the next best step in your life. SHOW NOTES Captivated by motivational speaker Les Brown, Scott dreamt of using his energy, passion, knowledge and humor to inspire others. [Just as Scott admired Les Brown as a child, hearing Capitan Charlie Plumb's story left me mesmerized. Hear Charlie share how forgiveness + discipline helped him survive six years as POW on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 31] High school teachers Mr. Penman and Mr. Bearagen had such a positive effect on Scot

Commitment is an act, not a word. - Jean-Paul Sartre Last week I saw first-hand the selflessness and commitment of caregiving from two shining examples. In addition to watching my mom prepare my dad for surgery, I interviewed Richard Lui, NBC News journalist who was prepared to put his 30-year career on hold to care for his father with Alzheimer’s. Today, let’s recognize that the work of a committed caregiver can be wildly isolating and absolutely exhausting. Let’s let them know we are aware of all they do and inspired by their love in action. Even more, let’s choose to ask how we can assist them. [Tune into my conversation with Richard Lui on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 358 to hear us celebrate the hidden joys and gifts within caregiving.] *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 54 million Americans give care for an ill or disabled family member. Five years ago, NBC News journalist Richard Lui found himself in this group as his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Today, Richard shares about preparing to leave his 30-year career to care for his father and how the prolonged illness taught him the power of selflessness. While caring for others has profound difficulties, Richard shows us how it can also offer an abundance of purpose + joy.   Did you enjoy this episode? You'll love hearing from my mom Susan O'Leary. After selflessly raising six children, I believe she's doing her finest work today as a caregiver for my father with Parkinson's. Listen to Susan O'Leary on ep. 000 now. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking cu

Did you hear last week's Live Inspired Podcast with Seth Godin? When I asked one of the greatest marketers, thought leaders and influencers of our time how he wants to be remembered he said: "Someone who made a ruckus. To shine a light; do generous, remarkable work; teach people to teach other people; and leave things better than they found them." Be a ruckus-maker: Do little things consistently well and use your talents in ways that amplify others. Listen to Seth Godin on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 356. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

Seth Godin is one of the world’s most renowned marketing experts, 20-time bestselling author, distinguished speaker and writer of one of the most popular blogs on the Internet. Seth is also one of the most humble people I’ve ever spoken with + shared profound yet simple, thought-provoking life reflections I can’t stop thinking about. Seth’s brilliant insights on life, success, failure, and the “audacity to settle for anything less than remarkable” are a treasure you won’t want to miss. SHOW NOTES: In coaching kid's sports team, Seth found they learned, played and engaged more when losing than if they were winning.  "If it's easy to measure and easy to gain, it's not a useful measure. And if the measure profits someone else more than it profits you, you're working for them and the measure." Stop stealing dreams: On his blog, Seth shares his beliefs in needing to change the current educational system to address the needs of the future, not the needs of the past. Read it here. In the year Seth received 800 reje

The approval ratings in which we view our photos, actions, thoughts and lives is a broken system. A week ago a friend sent me a hilariously negative review he found on Amazon regarding my book On Fire. We spend significant time rating others and ingesting their judgment of us. The goal of our lives is not status or ease, but leading, serving, elevating and inspiring in such a manner that other lives are better because we were part of it. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

Celebrating National Siblings Month, my sister Susan O'Leary Ciapciak joined me via livestream for this special episode. We discuss her life-saving role the day of my fire, the challenges of being a working mother of five during a global pandemic, and more! Watch a replay of the livestream on Facebook or YouTube! If you enjoy this episode... You'll love hearing my episode about adult sibling relationships. I share three things we do to stay close as adults! Don’t miss it, listen to ep. 88 here. SUSAN O'LEARY CIAPCIAK'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. On Fire by John O'Leary. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Carefree, relaxed mentality. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A. Because I'm an organized person, I own a business, have five children and work, a box of all our important documents. Q. You are sit

Studies show that Americans work longer hours and have more stress-related illnesses than their European and Japanese counterparts.  Bucking this statistic Megan Hyatt Miller is chief executive officer at Michael Hyatt & Co., recently named a 2020 Best Workplace by Inc. Magazine, a ranking of American companies’employee engagement. Megan and her father New York Times bestselling author + leadership expert Michael Hyatt wrote Win at Work and Succeed at Life to coach leaders through the principles that helped them rethink work and productivity to discover the "double win" —a perspective that sees work and life in partnership, not opposition.  Today's conversation is full of practical tips that will help you break free from the cult of overwork. Join us to rebalance, reprioritize and reimagine what success looks like for you. SHOW NOTES: "We either have regret or fear having regret." "We cannot do it all and have it all. What we can have and do are the most important things." To avoid being swept away by li

Amy Wolff did everything wrong... and yet it worked. With more than 1,000,000 "tokens of encouragement" displayed across the United States and in over 26 countries, Amy's desire to make a difference is life-saving.  Today, remember that you may get everything wrong. But the simple act of courageously taking the next right step may lead to significance and impact you can’t yet imagine. Amy Wolff shared what ignited this global movement. Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 350 here. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.