Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Don't give up. You are worthy of love. Your mistakes don't define you. These simple phrases launched a global movement. Overwhelmed by the staggering suicide rates in her small Oregon town, Amy Wolff was determined to support those struggling.  With her husband and two young daughters, Amy anonymously staked 20 yard signs with encouraging phrases across their community, never anticipating it would ignite a powerful + life-saving movement of hope, love and encouragement. Today, these phrases are displayed on yard signs, wristbands, stickers and cards across the United States and over 26 countries. After a year of uncertainty, struggle and unrest for so many, today's conversation will inspire you to be generous with love... for yourself and others. SHOW NOTES: "Your brother saved you and I couldn't save mine." As a teenager, Amy watched helplessly as her older brother Jeremy drowned teaching her purpose, perspective, fragility of life and urgency. Walk with others in their suffering by showing up, staying tend

As winter surrenders to spring and the number of those vaccinated soar, our office has been receiving far more requests for both live and virtual presentations including several as their commencement speaker. With less than ten minutes to speak with graduates who are turning the page on an important chapter of their lives, stepping into a post-pandemic world, and likely dealing with significant anxiety around what their life will be like next... what do I say? Today, I share the one sentence that reminds all of us, including today's graduates, where to find real success, recognizing what really matters, and embracing the awesome gift that this life is. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

Research suggests that our experiences in childhood will have a profound impact on the overall wellbeing + trajectory of our life. Never acknowledged by his father and abandoned by his mother at three years old, Steve Pemberton spent his childhood being shuffled through the foster care system where he was abused, neglected and forgotten. Yet small gestures of kindness from ordinary people helped Steve forge a new path that that led to personal and professional success. Today, Steve is a husband, father, bestselling author of A Chance in the World and a trail-blazing executive championing workplaces where employees feel recognized, respected, and appreciated for who they are and what they do. This conversation is a reminder that we’re all able to impact others simply by being a beacon of hope. SHOW NOTES: “Comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable.” As Chief Human Resources Officer for Workhuman, Steve champions leaders worldwide to build workplaces where every employee feels recognized, respected

It’s easy to not respond... to remain passive, indifferent, busy.   But as I was reminded last week, the most effective, transformational and life-giving leaders are the ones who respond and pay attention. They are the ones who step up and step forward. And, they aren’t always the individuals you thought they’d be.

In April 1994, nine-year-old Jeanne Celestine Lakin's parents and nearly all of her adult relatives were some of the one million people killed during the Rwandan government’s ethnic massacre. For 100 days, Jeanne and her three-year-old twin sisters hid in bushes to stay safe. Heartbreaking and unimaginable, Jeanne shares her harrowing story of survival, courage and strength. Jeanne reminds us that we all have the power to choose forgiveness, leave a legacy of peace and move forward. SHOW NOTES: "For nine years, my parents gave me the love to carry me to this day." In addition to having a large immediate + extended family, Jeanne felt closeness with many other families in her village. because of how welcoming her parents were. Power shift in the 1960s: While being colonized, Rwanda was divided into ethic groups with the largest being the Hutus (85%), frequently accompanied by Twa (1%) and the former ruling class of Tutsis (13-15%). April 7, 1994: The Rwandan government seals the border, preventing any Tutsis

As a child, I never understood why Jack Buck was so generous. Even after his death, I couldn’t comprehend why he did so much, so selflessly for some random little boy. Years later, his son Joe shared the reason... In a world where many look for evidence of things that divide, diminish, cause pain or excuse poor behavior, let’s seek to be the ones who unify, elevate, reflect hope and take positive action. The very act of showing up, sharing love, being kindness and offering encouragement will in fact change the world one life at a time. Want to see the heartwarming videos of Deyvion? Text VIDEO to 314-207-5010. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

In the span of a few weeks, Nora McInerny experienced three unimaginable losses: a miscarriage, the death of her father and the death of her husband. Yet in the wake of loss, Nora, host of the popular podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking and author of bestselling books No Happy Endings and The Young Hot Widows Club reminds us that we get to assemble something new from what is left behind. Today, Nora shares about the painful experiences we inevitably face, how to cope with the emotional aftermath and the important balance between finding happiness and holding space for the unhappy experiences that have shaped us. In a year riddled with painful losses, political divisiveness, social isolation, and so much more... This conversation is a reminder that life will have incomprehensible tragedy... And yet, the foundation is firm and the best of our days remain ahead.  SHOW NOTES: Fall 2014: October 3: Nora loses her pregnancy. October 8: Nora's father loses his battle with cancer. November 25: Aaron loses his ba

“During a period of personal heartache, professional adversity and societal upheaval, I’ve been encouraged by the words you speak, stories you share and impact your organization is part of. Thank you.” - Mark W., Live Inspired Together Community Member Years ago our Live Inspired team went through the process of clarifying why we do the work we do, what we stand for, and what we hope to achieve through our efforts. In understanding the True North of our business and creating our manifesto, we became clear on what to say yes to, and what to say no to. I hope our manifesto empowers you, enlightens your spirit, refocuses you on what is important and helps you take your next right step. Hope is not a plan; use this manifesto to live your best life. But hope is not a plan, is it? That is why we are going to start gathering once a month, so we can support each other in living this manifesto. So beginning this Saturday, March 27th from 9 – 9:30 AM CT, join me and our community for a webcast! Click here to add it to

Can you imagine losing your ability to see? At 20 years old, this became Christine Ha’s reality. Instead of losing faith or focusing on what she had lost, she used it as her inspiration to pursue her life’s passion: cooking. Christine joined the competitive cooking reality TV show Masterchef, hosted by notoriously hard-to-please celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. Christine won MasterChef Season 3, has hosted her own show, opened her own restaurant, written a New York Times bestseller Recipes from my Home Kitchen and so much more. In a season of great uncertainty for many of us, Christine's story of resilience, courage and passion will speak to your soul. SHOW NOTES: As an only Christine struggled to balance embracing her American roots and her family’s heritage. Growing up as a first-generation Vietnamese-American, Christine struggled yet is now grateful for an enriched childhood. While losing her mom at 14, Christine maintained a strong connection to her mom’s culture by living with her grandparents + extended

“We get so wrapped up in numbers in our society. The most important thing is that we are able to be one-to-one, you and I with each other at the moment. If we can be present to the moment with the person that we happen to be with, that’s what’s important.” ― Fred Rogers It’s easy to simply race through the day, check off the to-do-list, go to bed exhausted, wake up tired, wash and repeat. We seldom pause and ask the question, “What truly matters most right now?” The global pandemic over the past year has taught us much. One vital lesson we would be wise to remember is the fragility and preciousness of life. Sometimes we can only recognize the grandeur of that miracle by slowing down long enough to take inventory of our blessings, the gift of relationships and the power of love. And one of the best ways to celebrate those blessings is to choose to be fully present with the individuals who matter most. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** Did you enjoy this episod

Paula Faris spent two decades ascending to two of the most coveted jobs in broadcast journalism: co-anchor on Good Morning America + co-host on The View. Yet burnt out + frustrated, Paula walked away... and was left unsure of her identity outside of her career. Today, Paula shares the success she achieved professionally, the chaos that came with it + how embracing her fear of failure brought her peace. This conversation is a reminder that we're worth so much more than our work. Join us in this episode to find more peace, purpose, and balance in your day-to-day life. SHOW NOTES: After leaving Good Morning America + The View at the height of her career, Paula went through a season of introspection, solidifying her identity + worth beyond what she does for a living. Dedicated to her father, her book Called Out explores finding the immoveable, unrouteable parts of ourselves that we can cling to. “I want to leave the legacy of being. Investing in what’s important, living a life of impact and a life of purpose.”

We live in a marketplace that feels so isolated, stressed and divided. At age 10 a painful experience revealed how broken, disabled, and imperfect I was, and it's a lesson we can all benefit from today. Today, I invite you to view your painful experiences as a gift preparing you for something bigger. You will not find peace, acceptance or joy in someone else’s opinion of you, but by choosing to love yourself. Approach friends, acquaintances and strangers with confidence, love and an open embrace. Accepting this challenge is certain to elevate the way we feel about our own lives. It will also liberate us to extend our hands and hearts to those still desperately seeking acceptance in theirs. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

As co-founder and founding CEO of Netflix, Marc Randolph laid much of the groundwork for the streaming service that’s grown to 150 million subscribers, and fundamentally altered how the world experiences media. With over 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, Marc has built six other successful companies, mentored hundreds of early stage entrepreneurs, and invested in dozens of successful tech ventures. Today, Marc reveals seldom-shared anecdotes about Netflix including how the iconic brand got its name and their David versus Goliath story with Blockbuster. Yet it's Marc's unconventional definition of success (hint: it's not money or fame!) and how creating positive workplace culture starts with the leaders that's most intriguing. This episode will inspire you to take action to make your next big idea or lofty dream a reality and remind you that while it may not be easy, it's always possible. SHOW NOTES: “It’s what I did, not who I am.” – on not wanting to be typecast as “the Netflix guy” The defining chara

After delivering more than 2,000 speeches and speaking live to several million people, I have been honored to not only hear amazing stories from audience members, but on occasion to receive gifts from them. Today, I share a few of the most memorable gifts received and why the audacity of giving is more important than the gift itself. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

In 2006, Ben Nemtin and three childhood friends started The Buried Life: a list of 100 things to do before you die. For every item on the list they accomplished, they helped a stranger cross something off their bucket list. Ben has crossed off 93 including write a New York Times bestselling book What Do You Want to Do BeforeYou Die?, make a TV show, be interviewed by Oprah (who called their mission “truly inspiring") and play basketball with President Obama (who said Ben is an “inspiration for a new generation”). Today, Ben shares what inspired the bucket list quest, its impact on millions to thrive personally and professionally and the practical steps you can take to create your bucket list today. SHOW NOTES: Growing up in Pleasantville: Although Victoria, British Columbia + his childhood was idyllic, Ben put unsurmountable pressure on himself leading to anxiety and crippling depression as a young adult. After being dropped from the national rugby team, Ben dropped out of school and became isolated. Redisco

"The dreams we chase, the goals we set, and the prayers we request say much about the lives we lead." Today I share the story of two incredible parents who when faced with the unimaginable, chose to offer up their pain for a cause even greater than themselves. I hope this serves as a reminder of the importance of the dreams and goals we choose to chase in life and legacy... and how one life indeed can make a difference. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.    These 

New York Times calls Sebastian Maniscalco “the hottest comic in America". With sold-out comedy shows, hit television specials and interviews on all the major late-night talk shows, Sebastian's distinct style of stand-up comedy has struck a chord, bringing joy to millions during the pandemic. Today, Sebastian shares how perseverance and hustle have been the key ingredients to attaining the success he once only dreamed of, the challenges that come with it and where he finds inspiration. If you're looking for a good laugh or a bit of joy, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: While spending most of 2020 forming unbreakable bonds with his two children + wife, Sebastian is eager to return to stand-up with a deeper appreciation. Pillars of strength: Admiring his parents for their unrelenting work ethic, Sebastian credits them to his success and often includes his dad Sal in his acts. Growing up, Sebastian masked sadness with humor. Often shy, he came to life with his humor while in front of others. Practice, patie

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller   Jimmy Choi is an accomplished marathon runner, triathlete and participant on American Ninja Warrior. Remarkably, he’s done all of this after his diagnose of early onset Parkinson’s disease. During an emotional inflection point a decade ago, Jimmy Choi made a a promise to his family that he’d no longer simply surrender his life to a disease. What he’s learned since is that the daily decisions we make profoundly influence the life we live. That while we can’t always choose the path we walk, we can always choose the manner in which we walk it. He’s also learned that by himself he could do so little. Together, driven by a compelling purpose and cheered by a generous community, we can do so much. Valuable lessons we all must remember in the race of life. Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Recently a video of Jimmy Choi went viral on video-sharing social network TikTok in which he was having a hard time opening his pill bottle because of his early-onset Parkinson’s. The TikTok community rallied around Jimmy. The result? So inspiring: An “accessible” bottle was created that Jimmy can now open with ease. So honored to have Jimmy on the show to share the story behind the video, what it was like to be diagnosed with the disease at 27, the eight years of denial after the diagnosis + ALL that he has accomplished since: completing the Chicago Marathon competing four times on American Ninja Warrior breaking a Guinness World Record for most chest-to-ground burpees in one minute raising over $500,000 for Parkinson's research. If you could use an uplifting reminder of the power of community, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: “Life is going to throw obstacles at you. You never know in what form and in which way. It’s going to be tough, but there is always a way around it.” After moving to Chicago fro

Last week I was invited to speak for the United States Men’s National Soccer team and answer the question: How do you achieve something as a team far greater than what could be accomplished as a disjoined collection of individuals? Tune in to hear my response and my take on their three core values: Relentless, Brave and Unity. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.