Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Composer and pianist Eric Genuis began his music career with a simple philosophy: never say no to an opportunity to perform. Today, he has played for millions of captivated audiences around the world and reaches even more hearts and ears through the music he writes for film and television. What do I admire most about Eric? ...That he chooses to share his amazing talent to bring joy, grace and dignity to people in prisons, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes and inner-city schools through his foundation Concerts For Hope Eric's heart, courageous mission and beautiful music will breathe light into your day. SHOW NOTES: Before composing, Eric was a math + physics teacher.  Within the first 20 seconds of his first performance in a prison, Eric recalls the profound positive impact he had on the audience. "My hope is not to entertain. My hope is to provide dignity." "If we all collectively take our little gifts, we can make the world a better place." To learn more about Eric Genuis + Concerts For Hope, visi

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Twenty years ago Bill Clinton was in office, Mark Zuckerberg was in high school, Amazon was a forest in South America and John O'Leary was a single man having dinner with an old friend. An old friend that would someday become my beautiful wife, Beth. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Mary Marantz would have been her family’s third generation of loggers in rural West Virginia; an impoverished life filled with days of hard, dangerous work. But, one choice Mary’s father made sparked a much different path for her: He used what little money he had to buy learning materials to prepare her for school as he saw education as her opportunity to lead a big, beautiful life of her choosing. Mary joins us today – a Yale graduate and recent author of the book Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful – sharing what it was like to grow up in a deteriorating, single-wide trailer and, more importantly, with a father who would sacrifice it all to ensure she had a bright future.   Today's conversation is beaming with resilience and hope and will inspire you to find comfort and appreciation in your roots. SHOW NOTES: Giant tin can: Mary grew up in a deteriorating single-wide trailer with a leaky roof, mushrooms growing out of the carpet and missing floorboards. One part firecracker, one p

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Only through our connectedness to others can we really know and enhance ourselves. And only through working on ourselves can we begin to enhance our connectedness to others.”  – HG Lerner Have you ever visited with someone you expected to be completely different from you, but soon discovered great similarities, the feeling of connectedness, and the gift of a budding friendship? I experienced this during a visit with someone from a dramatically different background than mine, Laila Ali. As we conversed, though, it was clear that what unites us is so much more significant than anything that separates us. In the face of so much divisiveness, it’s important to remember that what unites us remains far more significant than anything that divides us. With so much negativity, it’s important to know that there remains reason for hope. And with so much outward anger, it’s worth knowing that love still wins. Hear

Are you facing obstacles that seem impossible? Have you made so many mistakes that forgiveness seems unreasonable? Have you lost hope that you can pull yourself back up? Today’s episode is for you. Just three months after her first sip of alcohol, Tiffany Jenkins was on her way to a decade long opioid addiction. From varsity cheerleader to high school dropout; dating a sheriff to committing two dozen felonies: Tiffany shares her hard-won journey to redemption and sobriety. This emotional conversation  breaks through the stigma surrounding the Opioid crisis and offers hope and encouragement to anyone who is battling addiction or loves someone who is. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Tiffany + her sister were frequently left alone leading to unhealthy eating habits + self-deprecating humor. Epitome of success: After unexpectedly making the cheerleading team, outwardly Tiffany was viewed as attractive yet she still felt ugly inside + out of place. Within three months of taking her first drink of alcohol, Tiffany d

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment Today, every topic broached is immediately polarizing and leads to rigidly drawn lines between two opposing sides. Join me as I share how to veer away from this hostile, divisive path and instead draw a new inclusive one. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

We've all heard laughter is the best medicine, and according to Forbes, laughing has science-based benefits that stimulate healing, strengthen relationships and promote brain activity. As we're facing headwinds of divisiveness, negative headlines and mounting stress, comedian Trey Kennedy brings some much-needed reprieve. You may be familiar with his tasteful humor + poignant parodies like “couples during quarantine”, “millennials at a hardware store” and “moms pre-pandemic” that have earned tens of millions of video views. Making some of today’s struggles relatable + humorous, Trey reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously that we cannot find joy in the moment. Today’s episode is sure to uplift as Trey shares how his career exploded as a social media sensation, what inspires his humor and his pride in delivering clean laughter that can be enjoyed by all. SHOW NOTES: Sometimes shy + reserved, Trey has gained confidence through his humor. Getting his start on the now-defunct video-based social media app V

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment.   We see things not as they are, but as we are." - Immanuel Kant The above is one of my favorite quotes and comes from a poet who wrote eloquently and extensively on living a more meaningful, impactful and worthwhile life regardless of the challenges around us. With all the challenges we face as individuals and as a society, I thought today might be a good day not only to send our own children back to school, but for us to get a refresher on what remains possible in our lives, too. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motiv

Patricia Heaton is one of TV’s most recognizable and beloved female leads from her role as Debra Barone on the long-standing comedy Everybody Loves Raymond. Today, the three-time Emmy winner shares about the unexpected + sudden loss of her mother as a child, the pockets of hope that kept her acting dream alive + how she's thriving in her "second act" of life as an ambassador for World Vision. This warm conversation will remind you that no matter what stage of life you're in, crisis can serve as a golden opportunity for reinvention.  SHOW NOTES: After reeling from the unexpected death of her mother, Patricia's father found ways to be loving + supportive. For nearly a decade of working odd jobs in New York City, enough meaningful encouragement came along the way to keep Patricia's hope of becoming an actor alive. Using the residuals from a commercial, Patricia produced and starred in a play in Hollywood where casting directors came + she started getting auditions. After a short mission trip, Patricia refocused

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others. - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Today I share an open letter of gratitude to teachers, who have historically been selfless in serving youth, and today more than ever. My friends, our educators have demonstrated repeatedly in the midst of turmoil, natural disasters, human tragedies and ordinary life their commitment to the children in their classroom. And yet, as summer fades to fall, as a nation remains on edge, and as schools navigate wildly difficult circumstances, let’s have confidence that the same profession that has served nobly in the past will be effective, instructive and invaluable during these times, too. Be assured that the light will shine, we’ll get through this together and the best days remain ahead.  *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike

Dr. Gary Chapman is just the man to turn to for help on strengthening our most important relationships. Two decades after publishing his continuous New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages, millions of readers credit him with saving their relationships by providing simple and practical ways to communicate their love. As we face great uncertainty, there is a profound need for love in our life. Today's encouraging conversation will inspire you to better express your love + develop stronger relationships. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Gary's parents worked opposite shifts at the local textile mill to ensure someone was home with the children. As his dad was serving in WWII, Gary recalls how every generation faces challenges + how fragile life is. In its first year, The Five Love Languages only sold 4,000 copies. Today it's sold more than 13 million and has been on the New York Times bestseller list since 2007. "The deepest emotional need we have is the need the feel love by the significant people in our lives."

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I share about the difficult times we’re experiencing and how it’s easy to get stuck in the negativity. You'll hear what it means to actually live and learn one simple thing to reestablish meaning in your life. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Lori Allen is one of the world's foremost experts on bridal couture and the central figure of TLC's longstanding reality show  Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. Today, Lori shares about owning Bridals by Lori for four decades, overcoming breast cancer and why she thinks marriages during the COVID-19 pandemic are among the strongest she’s ever seen. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Lori parents instilled strength, selflessness and self-sufficiency which created security. God's grace and Elmer's glue: In their 4 decades together, Lori and her husband Eddie have become a better team by dealing with life's challenges. Bridals by Lori: Inspired by her Aunt June, Lori has grown her own bridal shop by having an open mind + always looking to improve. "When you sit still, you fad away." "We gotta start loving ourselves." Lori shares the importance of taking care + living ourselves both internally + externally. As an empty nester, Lori has learned the importance of rediscovering what your personal passions are + reconnecting wit

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” - Viktor E. Frankl   My friend, as you step into your Monday and begin your week, determine to control what you can and let go of what you can’t. As you prepare for the unknowns ahead, choose to unclench your fist, let go of your anxiety and open wide your heart. Recognize that powerlessness fades when we embrace the brilliance, the miracle, and the influence within our attitude, decisions and lives.   This choice will fundamentally change your world. And in that, you’ll be liberated to improve the larger world, too. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this

Jillian Michaels is a world-renowned fitness expert, distinguished nutritionist and wellness entrepreneur. As one of the original trainers on the hit reality TV series The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels has built an empire in the health + wellness arena including being an 8-time New York Times bestselling author, publishing numerous successful fitness DVDs and launching the award-winning Jillian Michaels Fitness app. Today, Jillian opens up about her struggle with childhood obesity, facing ridicule from her peers and the infliction point that provided newfound confidence and triggered an appreciation for fitness to provide empowerment in all facets of life. You’ll leave this conversation with a plethora of practical tips + step-by-step instructions that will inspire your mind + body. SHOW NOTES: Her parent's divorce sent 12-year-old Jillian into a spiral where she became obese + was ridiculed by her peers until karate became a powerful, positive force in her life. With newfound confidence after her passing

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment as I share this timely poem. May you know love. The kind that makes you better, that challenges you to grow. Walk in loving kindness and you will feel the invisible tether that connects us all. May you live a life of purpose. Seek knowledge from young and old. Different and same, gentle and sharp. Live with your eyes wide open. See the beauty, the goodness, the miracles but also the struggle. Dare yourself to make a difference in the world. May you notice divinity in unlikely places. May you stand in awe of the world around you. And find wisdom in both the sunshine and the rain. Pause. Breath. Listen. The trees will tell you secrets if you let them. Let them. - Unknown *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscri

In honor of the return of MLB baseball this week, we’re thrilled to have Major League Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. as our guest.  Cal is the epitome of dedication + perseverance. In his 21-year career, he earned his way into the record books numerous times, most notably when he broke Lou Gehrig's longstanding record of consecutive games played – with 2,130 games. Today, Cal is an author, speaker + philanthropist.   Our conversation will surprise you – we talk about baseball but even more about life outside of the ballpark. You’ll hear why Cal values persistently showing up despite difficulty and how he came to believe that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: September 6, 1995: Cal played in his 2,130-game to break Lou Gehrig's longstanding MLB record of consecutive games played. "There was a human connection between me and the people in the stand that was unlike anything else I've ever experienced." Cal believes that baseball nation applauded Cal's streak because everyone was looking for something

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson "It's not about you." These are the first four words of one of the bestselling books of all time. Through the principles put forward by Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life, we are reminded that to discover what most stirs our heart, ignites our passion and elevates our lives: We must begin with the surprising + unpopular truth that it’s not about us. In other words, to obtain the best of our lives we must... stop believing that it’s all about our lives. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 58, Matt Emerzian shared how he went from a senior vice president at a major music marketing company working with Hollywood's elite to shifting into a life of purpose. Hear how he made this shift, the impact it’s had and what it means for you here. Want to achieve greater success, impact more deeply and savor an even better life? Want more

“We have tremendous opportunity ahead to heal.” At seventeen years old, Brian Walsh found himself clinging to life after being caught in a burning building as a volunteer firefighter. Managing excruciating physical and mental pain for decades, today Brian is leading an inspired life as a financial planner, philanthropist, father and friend. In our conversation, Brian shares the quote above + what it means for all of us in this season of unyielding unrest. His hard-won resilience + tenacity will shift your perspective and help you see how you, too, can overcome the obstacles in your life today. SHOW NOTES: Growing in, Brian's middle-class blue-collar town expected young people to serve the community while his parents instilled the importance of hard work. At 17 years old, Brian started as a volunteer firefighter. October 24, 1981: After a freak flashover, Brian suffered such profound third-degree burns to his face that he was unidentifiable to his fellow firefighters.  "I was so consumed with healing, I didn'

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” ― Roy T. Bennett How do you respond to those with differing views than yours?   As a society, we are choosing to self-isolate. And this began long before a global pandemic.    Most of us live near, worship with and socialize among individuals who are similar to us.  It’s no surprise when someone forms a differing opinion, we simply cancel them, right?   But is it right?  *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple P