Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Relationships are hard. Amber + Guy Lia, owners of faith-and family-friendly production company Storehouse Media Group, join us to share practical advice on some of the most common issues that trigger friction in partnerships. Married for 14 years, Amber + Guy are proof that a typical couple can break the reactionary cycle of outbursts and embrace the opportunity for growth as individuals and as a couple. Whether it's poor communication, busy schedules, different parenting styles, or another culprit, this husband-wife team offers easy-to-apply advice to counter adverse reactions to these triggers.  Today's conversation will offer hope that anger + frustration can shift into peace + joy -- and it's not as hard as you think! SHOW NOTES: Find a rhythm that works for you. To balance writing with raising their four children, Guy + Amber carved dedicated time to work together by waking up at 2 a.m. Although Amber's first childhood memories were positive, she recalls dark periods which she attributes to her parents

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Mike M.  Mike M. asked: It seems like our world is in turmoil every time I turn around! What can I do to help ease the turmoil AND my nerves about the world we live in? Tune in to hear my answer. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** 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.

Bethenny Frankel is the Founder & CEO of Skinnygirl, a lifestyle brand offering practical solutions to everyday problems, which has grown from sensible, low-calorie cocktails into a branding empire that including clothing, vitamins, skincare and more. In addition to her long-standing role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny has been a guest shark on ABC's critically-acclaimed series Shark Tank, and runner-up in The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005. Today, Bethenny is focused on raising her young daughter and establishing her worldwide disaster relief initiative bstrong. This program provides much-needed real-time relief to disaster-stricken areas across the United States and beyond. While assessing and delivering supplies to the Australian bushfire crisis, her team has continued their support in Puerto Rico, which has been named one of the largest privately-run humanitarian efforts in US history. Bethenny shares how she balances motherhood, her Skinnygirl empire, the critical impact her phi

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Today I share the amazing story and life of a humble man named Ben Fainer. At nine years old, Ben's town of Będzin, Poland was overtaken by Nazis. He told few people of the horror he endured during those 2,000+ days, often wearing long sleeves to cover up the number tattooed on his arm. Slowly, Ben began to share his story. We all have stories. They may not be tattoos or scars but we all have stories that are worthy of being lifted up, embraced and shared. *** 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.

Human trafficking is a massive, worldwide problem. It's estimated that 20-40 million people are victims of this form for modern slavery, and our communities are not exempt. Today I welcome survivor Rebecca Bender to share her harrowing journey from being human trafficked for nearly six years to now helping other survivors escape + rebuild their lives. In Rebecca's story, you're going to hear what she's been through, what she learned along the way and most importantly that you're not defined by what you've been through.  My friends, today's conversation is incredibly emotional, important and timely. Human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking is a topic we seldom talk or think about, but one that's happening, quietly, all around us. SHOW NOTES: Rebecca grew up in the Pacific Northwest as a typical  "small-town farm kid" until her parents divorced when her father became an alcoholic and her mother became involved in a series of unhealthy relationships. Wanted + engaged: In high school, Rebecca was not cons

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of this great man’s birthday and national holiday, I am sharing an excerpt from my first book ON FIRE that best demonstrates the immense power of love in my own life + the three simple words that changed my life. Not read ON FIRE yet? The first three people to email me at Podcast@JohnOLearyInspires.com will receive a personalized copy! *** 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.

Rudy Pérez is the definition of a music legend and has earned international success by shining the spotlight on others. He's written + produced hundreds of chart-topping songs for superstars like Beyoncé, Julio Iglesias and Christina Aguilera and has earned five Grammy Awards. As the first Latin music artist to win Billboard Magazine's Producer of the Decade, Rudy candidly shares about fleeing Cuba under Fidel Castro's reign and surviving a street gang. He also shares how he learned to embrace his talents and behind-the-scenes stories of his unprecedented career.  Today's conversation will remind you that with hard work, dedication and faith, anything is possible.  SHOW NOTES: Rudy grew up in Cuba during the 1960s when Fidel Castro came into power before escaping to Miami on one of the last Freedom Flights. It takes a village: Rudy's life was shaped by his parents + grandparents but he credits his uncle Enrique for his love of music. His mother taught him the importance of hard work in order to purchase his

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Robert.  Robert asked: In your life, you've had to cross that bridge of acceptance. Was there a moment, another event, a six-month, one-year or multi-year turning point? Can you say what moved your mindset forward? Tune in to hear my answer. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** 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.

In his three-decade-long NASCAR career, Kenny Wallace has competed in over 900 races, earned nine wins, and was named Most Popular Driver three times. Yet, he hasn't let this hard-earned success change who he is. Today, Kenny shares the snapshots that changed his life forever, including the death of his brother Mike Wallace's young son + helping Dale Earnhardt Sr. win the last race of his life. You're going to love this hearing his humble roots shaped him, the passion he has for racing, his recent self-reflection and how he strives every day to be his iconic, happy, fun-loving self. SHOW NOTES: Family affair: Growing up, racing was something that brought Kenny's family together. Kenny has been married to his high school sweetheart Kim for over 30 years. “Kim is all Kenny all the time. It would crush me to let her down.” Trials + tribulations: Kenny opens up about the death of his brother Mike Wallace’s son and how it’s helped him appreciate moments with his children and grandchildren Today, Mike is paying it

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. “It’s not only the scenery you miss by going fast. You also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” – Eddie Cantor All the buzz and excitement, planning and time away from work, exchanging gifts and catching up with loved ones... and now it's over. We're headed back to work, to school... to real life. Today I share the sage advice from my grandmother: slow down and not miss the gifts that are in front of you right now. *** 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.

Steve Jobs is widely recognized as one of the most influential inventors of our time, pioneering the personal computer, the iPod and iPhone. Yet his eldest daughter Lisa Brennan-Jobs often remembers a painful childhood spent seeking recognition, acceptance and approval from Apple's visionary leader. Today, Lisa courageously opens up about the complicated relationship with her iconic father, how taking a decade to write her memoir Small Fry was therapeutic and what she wishes her father would have told her before his death. SHOW NOTES: Lisa's mother, artist Chrisann Brennan, insisted that Lisa understand her story to prevent repeating it. "I found solace in writing things I wanted no one ever to know about." Lisa shares that the memories of her childhood were deeply woven in with emotions and had to first process those feelings before she was factually clear on events. The relationship between her mother and father was just ending when Lisa was born. Case 239948: The state ordered Steve to pay for back welfar

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”– Melody Beattie How can you ensure that 2020 is your best year yet? Follow these 4 simple tips: Take off the restrictor plate.  Do NOT be reasonable.  Connect your dreams with your purpose – so your dreams can become a reality.   Don’t set goals in a vacuum.  *** 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.

Today I’m excited to welcome someone who had a profound influence on me in my late twenties. Patrick Lencioni is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and has sold over 6 million copies around the world. He also launched The Table Group, which has pioneered the organizational health movement. Pat is a polished author and speaker, but today we discuss topics he seldom shares: his childhood, his marriage, parenting. You’re going to hear some of the mistakes he’s made, the lessons he’s learned, and what it means for you. You are going to leave today’s conversation with new insight and understanding of leadership, having courageous conversations, and life. SHOW NOTES: Pat founded The Table Group, a company dedicated to helping organizations get healthy and helping employees feel fulfilled in their work. "Meetings are not the problem. Bad meetings are the problem." Perfectionism: Growing up, Pat struggled with the constant worry of being perfect. Pat's relat

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. This time of year often creates stress and disappointment for so many. We're focused on the stuff -- parties, food, presents -- and missing out on the things that really matter.  The true joy, peace, and love that are often born in the least likely of places. This Christmas week, I challenge you to take pause. Take time to celebrate the amazing gifts of your life. It’s the greatest gift you’ll ever open: that regardless of what you encounter today or face tomorrow, there is reason to rejoice, celebrate and sing out. [Tweet this.] I wish each of you a healthy and happy holiday, a very merry Christmas and a joy-filled New Year. The best is yet to come. *** 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.

Jess Ekstrom, founder + CEO of Headbands of Hopes, has had a front-row seat in finding inspiration in frustration. As Bernie Madoff's great-niece, Jess channeled the embarrassment of that highly-publicized scandal into the reason she's changing the world, one headband to a child fighting life-threatening illness at a time. Today’s episode will warm your heart, spark motivation, and have you asking yourself, "what more can I do?" SHOW NOTES: For every headband sold, Headbands of Hope donates one to a child with cancer. Since launching in 2012, they’ve donated over a half-million headbands to every children’s hospital in America and 15 countries! Front row seat to watching ambition: Jess’s mother + father inspired her in business + life. Make the ask: Jess’s grandfather reminds her it’s okay to throw out the plan and ask for what you want.  Entrepreneur at heart: Jess got her start in business by selling American Girl Dolls on eBay. "We can’t always control what happens but we can control the meaning we give t

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. It's easy to get so overwhelmed by what is on our agenda that we forget to enjoy any of it, especially during this time of year. Today I share 4 things I do to keep myself and my family present during this holiday season: Make a list each. Each morning, I make a list of the three most important things I need to do. Make a list of what’s most important for you; then be bold enough to do it. Set an alarm. One feature, perhaps surprisingly, I use with great effectiveness is the alarm. When it goes off, it is my reminder to refocus on what actually matters. I have it set to go off at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Regardless of what I am doing, I step away for 60 seconds of quiet reflection; quiet time helps me to be thankful for what matters. This allows me to step back into “work” with renewed focus. Forget your phone on purpose. When I get home at the end of a trip or at the end of the day, I put my phone o

Colonel Carlyle Smith “Smitty” Harris spent 2,871 days (that’s nearly 8 years!) as Vietnam POW. At the same time, his beautiful bride Louise was courageously raising three young children while becoming an advocate and role model. Today, Smitty + Louise take us on a 60-year journey that’s packed with love, but also the horrors of a North Vietnam prison and how a forgotten military code changed everything. If you’re looking for a story of forgiveness from a decorated war hero or a romantic love story filled with drive, sacrifice and compassion, you’re going to love today’s episode. SHOW NOTES: Smitty + Louise have been married for over 60 years. On April 4, 1965, Smitty became the sixth POW captured in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. For nearly 8 years, Smitty and hundreds of other American POWs, including John McCain and George “Bud” Day, suffered torture, solitary confinement and abuse at the infamous Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Louise returned to America to raise her three young child

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member CB.  CB asked: My brother and I were best friends growing up. Now it’s been years since we’ve even spoken. Any suggestions on reconnecting when it’s been so long? Tune in to hear my answer. Then, listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 88 where I share the heroic acts of my siblings did that saved my life. Have you successfully reconnected with a family member or friend after months or years of not talking? If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** 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.

What is the hard-to-define, touchy-feely idea of empathy and why is it so important?   Business expert Michael Brenner joins us to share how empathy, kindness + self-reflection can save us both professionally and personally.   You will leave today’s conversation understanding how being kind, cool + being yourself is the best path to happiness + success. SHOW NOTES: Is society meaner? A recent University of Michigan study shows a 40 point drop in empathy in the last 20 years. Michael's parents were ultimate examples of empathy and it teaches him to be the same way with his kids. Of his 53 jobs, Michael shares about being let go from one, only to be hired back weeks later.  Bullseye: What's in it for the customer or person we are serving? "Bureaucracy kills good ideas." Break down the walls that divide us by using Michael's Pushback method: Who is this for? What is the impact it's going to create for them? How do we measure it? "Behind every bad idea is an executive that asked for it." "The customer is not alw

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, I share some very exciting news around my new book In Awe, the inspiration behind its mission and even an exclusive excerpt. In Awe hits bookshelves in May 2020, but I want to give Live Inspired Podcast listeners the first opportunity to pre-order a copy. Visit ReadInAwe.com to order a copy of In Awe and gain access to bonus features like the In Awe Playbook. This 20-page, full-color Playbookwill introduce you to the basic concepts of the book, show you how you can begin to apply them in your life and give you something tangible to enjoy (or gift!) in time for the holidays. *** 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.