Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Alison Levine knows what it’s like to survive in the world’s toughest environments. She served as team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition, scaled the "Seven Summits," and skied to the North and South Poles. Join us to hear Alison recount her history-making expeditions, the lessons in leadership they've taught her and how you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. SHOW NOTES: “Technique and ability alone do not get you to the top—it is the willpower that is the most important. This willpower you cannot buy with money or be given by others—it rises from your heart.” “We can’t control the environment; all we can control is the way we react to it.” Adventure Grand Slam: Alison served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on each continent and skied to both the North and South Poles—a feat known as the Adventure Grand Slam, which only twenty people in the world have achieved. Alison is the first American to complete a 600-mile tr

After yet another catastrophe devastating our neighbors in Haiti, I wanted to share with you the amazing work being done by an organization striving to make a difference there. Today, I share a story was shared with me by last week's Live Inspired Podcast guest Tim Brand, Founder of Many Hands for Haiti. They are making a profound, positive impact during a time when need is so overwhelming. It’s a message that will remind you of the ripple effect of your life. Even when you don’t see it. Learn more about Tim Brand + the life-changing work his organization is doing in Haiti on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 388 here.

Headlines often leave us feeling overwhelmed and like we can’t make a positive impact. Today's guest reminds us that we can absolutely make a transformative impact through love in action. Tim Brand founded Many Hands for Haiti after a life-changing mission trip to the small, tropical country. A decade later, they've served 7.5 million meals, educated 1,200 children, constructed 990 safe homes... and so much more. His strategy focuses on six key elements in order to bring about lasting change: education leadership development agronomy (soil management and crop production) safe homes medical assistance economic development Don’t miss this conversation. It will inspire you to join me in supporting this organization that is caring for our neighbors after yet another devastating earthquake again this month. SHOW NOTES If you didn't grow up with a strong foundation, are you going to be that for your family and those in your community? At 18 years old, Tim planned his first mission trip to Haiti after being inspi

“When he worked, he really worked. But when he played, he really, really PLAYED!”― Dr. Seuss My friends, doesn’t it seem children have more fun than adults? They smile far more often, skip more frequently, laugh a bit louder and enjoy life a lot more.  Today, I share how my daughter reminded me how fun travel can be and how good life still is during our annual tradition.

Jim McCloskey founded Centurion Ministries, the first organization devoted to exonerating wrongfully convicted prisoners serving life sentences or sentenced to death. Jim has helped free 65 innocent people. Today, Jim shares how his path was first one of destruction, followed by redemption and only then was he able to begin his amazing, life-giving work. Tune in for Jim’s awe-inspiring reflections on the emotional responses from his clients. In hearing his telling of the laborious process of re-investigating cases, you will be reminded of the value of hope and sacrifice. Don’t miss my conversation with this dedicated advocate for justice. SHOW NOTES: The National Registry of Exonerations tracks over 2,800 cases of individuals who were wrongly convicted of crimes, based on new evidence. Centurion Ministries has taken on over 80 cases, freeing 66 people.  Collectively, these individuals have served 1,488 years in prison. When Jim's mother contracted polio in 1947, his father modeled the importance of respondin

As the school year begins, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate a teacher taught me invaluable lessons on school and life. Mrs. Cathy Collins showed me that regardless the subject we may teach, there is no finer foundation, no clearer lesson plan, and no more effective motivation than love.

Design expert Ingrid Fetell Lee has spent over a decade researching the relationship between happiness + our surroundings. She's worked with iconic brands such as Target and Kate Spade and her wildly popular TED Talk has been viewed more than 17 million times. Today's conversation will empower you to be more intentional on what joy means to you and dedicating yourself to finding more joy in life and at work. Join us to hear Ingrid's actionable tips to find joy all around you and to be reminded of the impact joy has on your health, resilience and well-being. SHOW NOTES: By nurturing her creative spirit, Ingrid credits her Nana as the reason she became inquisitive of the power within the physical world. “We think of joy as this light, fluffy, airy thing but joy is so integral to what it means to be a healthy, fulfilled human.” Moments of joy have a positive effect on physical health, productivity, creativity and resilience. What is joy? An intense momentary experience of positive emotion. When happiness is pin

Tom Vanderbilt, New York Times bestselling author of Traffic, is known for writing about the mundane to the obscure, shedding light on surprising patterns of human behavior. Through his extensive research + first-hand experience, Tom shares the remarkable benefits of pursuing new skills and hobbies, the pressure-free approach we had as children and its transformative impact on our lives. Whether you're 17 or 70, today's conversation will inspire you to take the next right step in unlocking the joys that come with starting something new. SHOW NOTES: While at University of Wisconsin – Madison, Tom dropped out of the journalism department finding working at the school newspaper was the best way to learn the craft of journalism and allowing time to study other intriguing subjects. Tom’s work focuses on insightful research of everyday life such as design, technology, science, and culture and how things really work. New York Times bestseller Traffic is an eye-opening investigation at human behavior while driving.

Dara Torres made  history as the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games and again as the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal at age 41 in 2008.   Today, Dara shares the "heart-racing, thrilling" feeling of earning her first medal in 1984, what it felt like to defy expectations with two comebacks and how she balanced her career while being a mother.   With the 2020 Olympics in full swing, this conversation  continues the celebration of inspiring moments in global sports. SHOW NOTES: Before becoming a 12-time Olympic medalist, Dara recognized her love for swimming at a YMCA competition at 12 years old. Caught up in excitement of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, her first, Dara recalls how rival Jill Sterkel helped her refocus after swimming poorly during qualifying. Heart-racing, thrilling, adrenaline-filled for days: Dara shares the indescribable feeling of winning her first gold in 1984 and her appreciation of her 2008 silver. At University of Florida, Dara earned 28 All-America

Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far reaching effects that change the world. - Dalai Lama You won’t believe the impact the sweet, simple gift these Starbucks baristas gave had on their customer. This is beautiful reminder that you matter and your actions and words shape the lives of those around you. Don’t underestimate that doing little things well greatly elevates the lives of those around you. *** This story was shared with me by my friend Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks. He saw Starbucks grow from a couple dozen stores to more than 15,000 around the world. How did he do it? By reminding his team they were in the People business serving coffee. Click here to hear my conversation with Howard on ep. 378.

Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks, joined the company when they had 28 stores and grew that number to over 15,000 during his tenure. A successful leader, speaker, author and mentor, Howard is best known for his generosity and integrity. Hear how Howard influenced the growth of Starbucks, his tips on how to be a servant leader + why leading with values is the best recipe for success. Rewatch the livestream on Facebook or YouTube SHOW NOTES: At  15 years old, Howard's father left his family in Bulgaria to immigrant to Seattle where he saved his money from pushing carts in Pike Place Market to open a small grocery store. Not everything we do in life do you need to be paid for. By not charging a struggling family for strawberries, Howard's father taught him a valuable lesson that influenced how Howard began his work at Starbucks. Dreaming of the benefits he'd offer employees if he owned a company, Howard noticed how in sync they were with Howard Schultz, recognized as the modern-day founder of Starbuc

From shaming and shunning to mocking and ridiculing, it’s stunning how many relationships have been damaged amongst people with opposing political views in recent years. To begin healing and finding meaningful ways to move forward together, we’ve invited Apolitical unification expert Peter Montoya to join us. First, Peter shares the facts and landscape for what has led us to the growing divide. Then, he offers practical strategies to improve your relationships now. Today's conversation is a reminder that real change starts within each of us. Only then can our communities, nation and, ultimately, our world change. It starts with us. SHOW NOTES: One third of Americans believe we’re headed towards a second Civil War. Peter describes this current season of divisiveness and polarization as a “cold” social war, unlike the Civil War in the 1860s. During the global pandemic the usual large national events of sporting champions, awards shows that rallied us together were missing, causing politics to become a way of l

In the midst of managing the complexities of life, what we often need most is a reminder that there is reason for hope. Today, John shares a much-needed reminder from someone who may have needed it even more than him. If you have challenges, this reminder will help you prosper and see the good to come. Learn more about resilience, faith, courage, redemption, family, love and life from John's mom, Susan O'Leary here.

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.