Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Recently, a dear friend shared the work of journalist Mike Max and his coverage of George Floyd's murder and the protests, destruction and marches in Minneapolis in the following days. Mike had covered the sports beat for 34 years at the CBS Minneapolis station and chose to use his longstanding relationship with the community to work to calm the hostile environment, spark meaningful conversations and capture the real-time experiences of the grieving community. Today, Mike shares his firsthand experience and what it was like to witness demonstrators and police officers respect for each other. Our conversation will remove the fog we often feel from politicized reporting and remind us of the good, humanity and of the possibility of us all coming together. SHOW NOTES: Growing up in a small Minnesota town, Mike credits his positive role models in building his fundamental foundation. Be thankful for what you did get to do.  As a former college athlete, Mike sees sports as a great meritocracy. In his 34 years in me

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. During this season of full of challenges, change and the unknown it's more important than ever to recognize that some of these difficulties can be used for new birth, reconciliation and hope for the future. Today, I share a poem written by Samuel Ullman that emphasizes the optimistic power of youth.  Youth by Samuel Ullman Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life. Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry,

When you flipped the calendar from December to January, what were you certain was going to happen this year? Maybe a family vacation, wedding, simply going to the store as often as you needed! And then...  Borders closed. Events were canceled. Online learning became the norm. Dining room tables, pets and children replaced offices and coworkers. Today, Janine Urbaniak Reid shares her own reluctant journey with unexpected chaos - hers is in the form of mothering a son with cancer. But the truth she shares is applicable to all of us navigating these uncertain times:   This crisis can pull away the distractions and leave you with focus on only the essentials; clarity on what truly matters.  Now that is a gift.  SHOW NOTES: At a young age, Janine learned to hide secrets of abuse + alcoholism from others.  "Every big transformative moment comes from the simple word help." Janine hoped that her overprotective parenting style would protect them from similar trauma she faced as a child while also re-parenting herself

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. How do I greet every person I meet? In silence to myself, I say, "I love you." Though spoken in silence, these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile my face and they echo in my voice. - Og Mandino After partnering with a couple of thousand organizations, we've learned how to improve top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability but also about the value of relationships. How do you greet every person you meet in life? Not just those you're trying to impress, inspire or lead... but everybody. Now more than ever, think through collaboratively of ways to come together, find the middle ground and build a brighter future. Today, I encourage you in silence and to yourself, to greet others with love, understanding and acceptance. *** 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, mean

As we're in the midst of the storm! COVID-19, economic recession, social unrest and injustices and yet... Today's guest is a welcomed reminder of the special people continuing to do extraordinary things every day. Dr. Art McCoy's radical yet practical intervention as Superintendent has transformed his district from a “dropout factory” to a 100% graduation rate This inspiring conversation will spark unity + offer you concrete ways to be a change agent in your community. SHOW NOTES: Through his parent's adversity, Art learned the importance of hard work, humility and perseverance.  "Your pain becomes your springboard for your purpose." In less than 2 decades, Jennings, a city in North St. Louis, MO, experienced white flight, was taken over of mediocrity, ignorance and apathy and its school faced losing accreditation. In the last decade, Art has worked as the school superintendent to reverse his hometown and establish enlightenment, empowerment and engagement. Dropout factory in a promise zone: When Art started

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. As we are facing uncertainty and adversity, I wanted to welcome back creativity strategist, speaker + author Natalie Nixon. Natalie shares her latest book The Creativity Leap and how the lessons outlined apply to today's chapter of life.  This timely conversation will inspire you to start your week in awe and on fire!  Buoyancy: To cope with current events, Natalie reminds herself + encourages others how important it is to keep showing up.  "Creativity is the engine for innovation." Natalie reminds us that during turbulent times is when embracing creativity is most important. "After we're able to zoom out of this conundrum, we will be aligned with the way of being and working that we've alienated from." To stay buoyant, Natalie finds forest bathing regenerative + restorative. Get Natalie Nixon's new book The Creativity Leap here. Natalie joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 118.

The career of Kurt Warner, Super Bowl and 2-time NFL MVPs, reads like a rags-to-riches fairytale. Yet his story off the field I've admired even more. Kurt's dignity and class are undeniable and his example of living faith boldly has changed my own faith walk. Today, Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look on the unlikely path to his countless accolades. His heartfelt words about his family and faith will absolutely take center stage. If you could use a dose of character, hope and humility, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Practice shapes us. In the NFL, you get 16 opportunities to be under the lights. So that means that 99% if your life is practice. 99% of the impression you leave on people comes from practice... to show people what they are going to get if they show up, you have to show them in practice. Apply this in parenting, work, life - it's all about practice. It's what shapes you and allows you to lead when you need to get on a soapbox or under the lights as a parent of an athlete. Sometimes you

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Today I share a story of one of my heroes, Amy Crawford. Amy is a 5th-grade teacher who has a profound way of elevating the kids in her classroom and inspiring others to recognize the meaning and power within their work. Cleaning her classroom before leaving for the weekend, Amy found a remarkable poem that would soon change her life. This poem was written by one of her troublesome students. I Am The Piece That Never Fits I am the piece that never fits. I wonder why people hate me for who I am I hear the cry of loneliness that comes from me I see my sad, strange, different self in the mirror I want someone on my side I am the piece that never fits. I pretend that words can never hurt me I feel the urge to run away from myself I touch the wet tear from my eye-rolling down my face I worry my future will be me, myself, and I I cry because I am the cheese; everyone is the mouse I am the piece that never fits. I understand that

"You can't always choose the path that you walk in life but you can always choose the manner in which you walk it." - John O'Leary Rebekah Gregory is a shining example of not letting circumstances define our lives. Just feet away from 2013's Boston Marathon explosion, Rebekah was severely injured and spent the next 56 days in the hospital. Yet, she and her son Noah choose not to be left shattered and instead choose to live vibrantly. Refusing to be labeled a victim, Rebekah shares the challenges she's overcome since that life-changing moment and how in the midst of overwhelming pain, there is still hope to be found on the other side of tragedy. Her resilience, faith and courage will remind you that our best days remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: As a child, Rebekah's biological father was an Evangelic preacher yet abusive to her + her mom, teaching her to rise above trauma for a better purpose. "Obedient preacher's daughter" mask: Rebekah learned the importance of making herself happy before she could make

My friends, as tension builds, as lines get drawn, as rhetoric intensifies – I beg you to no longer view it as someone else’s problem or buy into the tired “you’re either with us or you are against us” dialogue spewed for far too long by political leaders, media pundits and social influencers. There is a more nuanced perspective required to make the change so desperately needed. Several centuries after its inception, our nation continues to wrestle with its original sin: slavery. If we are going to eradicate inequality and end the racial divide, we must first confront the system and the bigoted history that fostered it. While it’s common to see signs in yards or posts on social media, the real work entails learning about the inequalities that grew out of the old system that still directly impacts our current one. It requires improving our education system that is failing many in our urban communities; transforming our penal system that delivers harsher punishments to people of color; elevating the education a

Seventeen years ago, my wife Beth + I were seeking to make a difference in the community and could think of no better organization to serve with than Big Brothers Big Sisters. Soon after, we were connected with a little boy that would change our lives. In walked a 10-year-old boy, with a huge, goofy + joyful grin named Travion House. By serving with BBBS, we thought we'd be making a difference in someone else's life. Instead, it was our lives that were profoundly changed for the better as we were taught about resiliency, courage, love + life really looked like. Today, as our communities across the United States are fighting for equality, Travion will shine a light on where we're broken, where we've been redeemed... and how we as individuals can choose to make a difference today. This is an urgent + important conversation that will inspire you to take action + be a change agent in our world. SHOW NOTES: I found someone like me. I found people that were different. Travion grew up the youngest of six with a sin

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.” - Martin Luther King, Jr My friends, our very lives begin to end the moment we stay silent about things that matter. The only way we begin to achieve true inclusion, diversity and justice is by taking a stand against what remains an utterly broken system for so many; to see with new eyes what we’ve far too long chosen to ignore; and to raise our voice boldly, courageously, loudly against hatred - ALL hatred - spewed from both sides of disagreements. Yes, even when it means losing advantages we’ve enjoyed or status we’ve been given because of it. We do this important, life-giving work one person, one conversation, and one action at a time. We do it when we seek to understand and not simply judge. We do it when we step in with love rather than

Does your life look different than you imagined it would? In 2008, Katherine + Jay Wolf were newlyweds and parents to their six-month-old son when the unimaginable happened. Just 26 years old, Katherine suffered a massive brainstem stroke. After a rare, life-saving surgery, Katherine spent nearly two months in a coma-like state. With her faithful husband Jay by her side, Katherine had to relearn how to breathe, talk, eat... and eventually thrive. While no one wants terrible pain or unbearable tragedy, this couple is a tremendous example of finding hope in the midst of the storm. Today, Katherine + Jay Wolf remind us that suffering isn’t the end of our story, but the beginning of a new story. SHOW NOTES: At 22, Katherine + Jay tied the knot in an unusually perfect November day in Georgia before seeking adventure together in California.   April 21, 2008: When their first child was just 6 months old, Katherine suffers massive brain stem stroke without any warning and does not wake up from a coma-like state for

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Have you noticed it is frequently the people who say the least about themselves who have the most incredible stories to share? On this Memorial Day holiday I wanted to share one such example of a heroic, humble servant who never needed to tell you how great he was. In a world where we too frequently celebrate people based on their physical beauty, social following or professional successes, Bill Skinner reminds us what a true hero looks and acts like. [Click to tweet.] Today, make sure that the humility, sacrifice, life and death of these heroes continue to shine brightly through the lives of those of us lucky enough to live on. *** 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

Shannon Miller is widely recognized as one of the iconic gymnasts of USA's Magnificent Seven 1996 Olympic team. Two decades later, she remains as one of the most decorated American gymnast in history. Yet, even the greatest of champions face uncontrollable factors --  like a rare cancer diagnosis.  Today, this mother of two, author, sought-after speaker + survivor shares some of her contagious focus + determination. You'll learn her perspective on some of the most memorable moments of her gymnastics career, her devotion to advocating for women's health + how she empowers others to breakthrough personal challenges.  SHOW NOTES: "I didn't realize training 6-7 hours a day wasn't normal." - Shannon on growing up in Oklahoma. Shannon credits her parents in keeping her balanced + humbled while training. At 9-years-old, Shannon idolized the older gymnasts she trained alongside before learning about Mary Lou Retton and Nadia Comăneci. "I was never one of those kids that thought 'I want to be an Olympic gold medalist

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Have you ever noticed that the games we play as children can teach us profound lessons as adults? Join me as I share how my son Henry reminded me how we spend so much of our life blinking, missing the point or not being fully present. Today I challenge you to be fully present and fully engaged in all that you do.   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.

Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles including helplessness + isolation --  until he discovered his purpose. As a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur and father of four, Nick emphasizes that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome. Today, Nick shares his path to finding purpose, how sharing his struggles have inspired billions + what he's looking forward to. This conversation with an ambassador of hope will remind you that we all can rise above adversity and overcome every disability and live a life without limits. SHOW NOTES: The happiest people on earth are ones that are grateful. Before his birth, Nick's parents did not know he'd be born without limbs. It took his mom four months to come to terms  At a young age, Nick's parents encouraged him to do household chores for money which taught him goal-setting, dignity + appreciation and also have faith in God, know he is loved + to not li

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segment. As you may know, my second book IN AWE published last week... and it became an instant bestseller on Amazon! While our live in-person book launch party is postponed, we wanted to celebrate virtually.  Tens of thousands of people tuned in Friday evening to hear me brag on my beautiful bride, hear stories from my heroes (named Mom and Dad!) and hear this rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist".  Watch the Virtual IN AWE Book Launch party at ReadInAwe.com, YouTube or Facebook. Don't have a copy of IN AWE yet? Order from ReadInAwe.com or anywhere books are sold! *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history selling over 11 million records, earning five Grammy Awards and received a record-breaking 58 golden Dove trophies. Today, Steven joins us to share the inspiration behind his latest single "Together (We'll Get Through This)” with friends Brad Paisley, Lauren Alaina and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. When collaborating on the inspiring + uplifting project, Steven saw the need for a message that many of us are desperately seeking: we need each other + we will get through it as one. In addition, Steven shares the inspiration behind his music, how his family has found comfort after his daughter’s tragic death and the faith he instills in God. This uplifting + timely conversation will remind you that the best of our days do remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: Steven's first gig in music was with his brother at Opryland Park in Nashville, TN after high school. "A man with an experience is never at the mercy of

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segment. I never imagined releasing a book during a pandemic, yet could there be a better time to share a message about thinking differently, acting selflessly, dreaming mightily, connecting authentically and living joyfully? While this week may look a bit different than we planned, I see an even greater reason to apply the lessons I write about in the book. I’ve learned that true generosity isn’t about giving that which you won’t miss but recognizing the needs of another that are indeed far greater than yours. 100% of all profits from the pre-sale and first week of sales for In Awe are being donated to my favorite organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters. The profits from the 10,000 – 15,000 books sold during these weeks would have significantly helped me but will help the families within Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri far more. Let’s make the best of all we still have, instead of begrudging all we do