Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

I am honored to welcome one of the most successful gospel singers of all time, Mrs. Erica Campbell, onto the show. Her achievements, voice, sense of self and faith are profound. Yet it’s her story, first finding her angelic voice at the age of five at church in an impoverished California neighborhood, that will blow you away. Erica is part of the hit group Mary Mary, solo artist, wife, mother, Christian and as of very recently, author. In our conversation, Erica radiates positivity, hope + optimism – and it’s infectious. You can’t listen to this episode and not live inspired. SHOW NOTES Falling in love with Jesus allowed her to understand the importance + meaning of the word “love”. Tough love: Erica's father prepared her for the harshness of the entertainment industry. Erica was just six-years-old when her brother Andre Lovell Adkin, who had Downs syndrome, passed away. Erica began singing around 12 years old in church + with a group called The Young Annonited but stopped singing after forgetting the words

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today, I welcome back productivity expert, author + speaker Tonya Dalton. Tonya's work provides actionable strategies to help discover your purpose, clarify your priorities, simplify your life, and achieve true harmony by embracing the ‘unbalance’ that is inherent in our lives. This energetic conversation will help start your week on fire!  Get Tonya Dalton's latest book The Joy of Missing Out here. Tonya first joined us on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 106 to empower ourselves through productivity and shared three ways to do less + produce more. Listen to Tonya's episode here. *** 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.

Student loan and credit card debt are at epidemic levels. It's weighing us down and stealing our freedom.  Today, Anthony ONeal shares how to get through college debt-free and debunks most of our misbeliefs around finance and success. If you or your loved one need help thinking through smart decision-making around money – you don’t want to miss Anthony’s incredible story. From college drop-out and $35,000 in debt to living 100% debt-free, Anthony’s written the playbook and today, he shares it with you. SHOW NOTES: Anthony's latest book Debt-Free Degree teaches parents how to get their kids into + through college 100% debt-free. Get a copy here.  Growing up in a strict conservative family, Anthony focused on going to school + church and was not taught about finance, building wealth or manage + control money. Free pizza + t-shirt: Anthony maxed out his credit card within 13 hours, First day in college, Anthony signed up for a credit card for free pizza and t-shirt. In his first year of college, Anthony racked

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 MacKenzie.  MacKenzie asked: What's the biggest mistake you've ever made? 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.

Are you sick of hearing about the “divisive” time we live in? Me too! Tarek Mounib shares how to foster sincere dialogue and better understand people with viewpoints different than your own. Tarek’ tips were learned on his journey with an unlikely group of US travelers to the Middle East. He captured this experience in his film Free Trip to Egypt to help people see the power sincere listening and simple human connection have in overcoming “divisive” worldviews. Today's conversation will not only inspire you but give you the tools to become part of the solution. SHOW NOTES: Tarek is focused on working on meaningful projects that bring people together + influence humanity in a positive way. Tarek's love of arts came from his mom while his love of science + logic came from his dad. At nine years old, a teacher emanated kindness and empathy towards Tarek, leaving a lasting impact on his life. Instead of unity, Tarek believes that September 11 created a false division and was not addressing the true enemy of fear

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo Buscaglia Today, I invite you to view others, challenges, and meltdowns through the lens of compassion. When others put their heads down and step away, be encouraged instead to lift yours and step forward. Realize not only the profound magnitude of generosity but the truth that you can be its epicenter. *** 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.  

“There are no quick wins in business or life – it takes years to become an overnight success." This quote from entrepreneur Richard Branson is a great reminder of the value of hard work and the importance of not comparing ourselves to others’ supposed “overnight” success. Today’s guest’s story reiterates this truth. Jake McEntire dedicated 14 years to writing his script for Run the Race. He finally saw it become a feature film produced by Tim Tebow earlier this year. Today, Jake joins us to shine a light on how to uncover what we are called to do in life and how to steadfastly pursuit it. SHOW NOTES: As a child, Jake fell in love with the art of storytelling, inspiring him to move hearts as movies did for his family. All for one, one for all: Jake's father encouraged a close bond between Jake and his five siblings. Growing up in a small, north Texas town allowed Jake to experience a variety of clubs + sports, including football and acting. After tearing his ACL, Jake played Randle in One Flew Over the Cuckoo

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. “You may not control all of the events that happened to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou Today, I share the story of Marguerite Ann Johnson, better known as Maya Angelou. Maya endured horrific adversity as a child before finding her voice which has been heard all over the world. We have all endured our own challenges and there is no doubt we will face more. When the next challenge arises, remember this: “you may not control all of the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” *** 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 your boulder? The obstacle blocking you from becoming the best version of yourself? Joe De Sena is the founder + CEO of Spartan Race, the global leader in obstacle course racing. He has a vision of empowering over 100 million people to change their life for the better through camaraderie and competition. Today's conversation will encourage you to conquer life's obstacles and push past your comfort zone to achieve more than you thought possible. SHOW NOTES: Spartan has engaged hundreds of thousands of people through 275 events in 42 countries. Most people need a partner to hold you accountable to be the best version of yourself. Game changers in Joe's youth: After hours of unsuccessfully trying to move a boulder for his dad, Joe told him that he'd find someone that could. While purchasing a car, Joe's mom reminded him that he could buy a fancy car if he worked for it. With the encouragement + guidance of his neighbor, Joe started a pool cleaning business that grew to 700 customers. After fighting

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly" ― Bobby Kennedy Today, I share a story of the heroic acts of a young man after a passenger ship collided with another vessel on Lake Michigan in September 1860. Let this serve as a reminder that with every day, and every interaction, provides the opportunity to make a difference. by daring greatly to do your best. *** 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, we’ll discuss groundbreaking research that illustrates how love, friendship, environment and a sense of purpose have a greater impact on our health than the care we receive from our doctors. Astounding – and true! Dr. Kelli Harding joins us to share about her new book The Rabbit Effect which makes a compelling case for treating others with kindness and living inspired (hey, your health depends on it!). Don’t miss this fun, warm and life-changing conversation. SHOW NOTES: As a child, Kelli loved science + helping others which led her to pursue medicine.  During medical school, Kelli became intrigued with what was going on inside the body and the environment it was surround by and how that affected health. The Rabbit Effect: Dr. Robert Nerem's experiment involving genetically similar rabbits fed the same high-fat diet inspired Kelli because the kindness + company of a lab researcher kept one group healthier. Bella + Daisy: One paper, Bella is on death's door yet is functioning well when you meet her whe

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. 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. 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.

Bethany Hamilton was just 13 years old when she became a household name after being attacked by a shark while surfing. She lost her arm and nearly her life, but just one month after the attack, returned to surfing. Today, 15 years later, Bethany is a professional surfer, contestant on Amazing Race, wife, mother and role model. Her amazing story has been shared in the award-winning biopic Soul Surfer and her new documentary Unstoppable. Today, Bethany shares her inspiring story with us firsthand. If you ever face a challenge (and we all do, right?) this episode is for you – Bethany will show you how to overcome with faith and gratitude. SHOW NOTES: The up-close and personal documentary Unstoppable was released in July 2019 and covers Bethany’s incredible journey from a girl through becoming a woman, a resilient athlete and mom. Watch the trailer here. Bethany and her husband Adam finished third in season 25 of CBS's reality television show Amazing Race and enjoyed tackling challenges together.  Bethany's mo

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 Michael S.  Michael S. asked: I am struggling to connect with my 16-year-old daughter. Any advice on a good book to read? Beneath that snarky teenage attitude, remains your little girl, desperately seeking approval, figuring out who she is, what matters to her, how she best fits in and how she can push the boundaries as far as possible.  Rather than providing a single book, I’d consider checking out any of the following ranging from very conservative to a bit more liberal, and from books for dads to one from a mother’s perspective: Be the Dad She Needs by Kevin Leman Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker Dial down the Drama by Collen O'Grady But Dad! (Gross) by Margaret E. Gross 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 t

I loved today's conversation. Joe Koenig, President of World Wide Technology, shares how he grew it from a few million dollars and a couple dozen employees to several billion dollars and 6,000 leaders. Even more impactful, you'll hear the humility behind the mission and the love story of Joe and his wife Kim. They share about a cancer diagnosis, the journey that followed, and a love and faith that continues to guide their way. Today, hear how they have transcended the big diagnosis and how they're choosing to lead their lives to serve others. SHOW NOTES: The gift of grit: Kim moved nine times before high school giving her the skills to not feel scared or intimidated walking into new situations later in life. When Joe started at World Wide Technology, a technology solution provider, in 1993 when it was a young, start-up with 15 employees and $8 million in revenue. By 2018, it's grown to over 6,000 employees and over $11 billion in revenue.  THE PATH: The core values at WWT are Trust, Humility, Embrace change,

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. "Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day." - Henri Nouwen Tune in to hear how my son Henry recently reminded me of the importance of this quote.  *** 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.    

Keah Brown, the journalist behind the viral #DisabledandCute, exudes pride, confidence, and humor – but that’s not always been the case.  Through years of introspect, Keah has learned to celebrate her cerebral palsy and strives to bring awareness to the struggles and triumphs of persons with disabilities. Her new book The Pretty One explores her journey to self-love and what it means for you. This candid conversation explores how to better accept, love, and empower ourselves and each other. SHOW NOTES: During her adolescence, others began calling attention to Keah's disability, leading her to believe it as negative. Keah has reformed a friendship with her non-disabled twin sister Leah after a season of resentment in high school.  Keah put the view of her self in the hands of others. "Insecurity is often the catalyst that sparks the most judgment." Every day, Keah would remind herself four things that she loved about herself allowing her to accept + love herself. #DisabledAndCute: To celebrate her self-love,

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 Simon.  Simon asked: How would you describe success? 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.

Greg Matthews has spent most of his life serving our nation. Looking at any one of his very long list of accomplishments would equate to more significance and impact than many of us could hope to amass in a lifetime. And yet, Greg never felt it was enough. He was incredibly driven… for all the wrong reasons. Until a gruesome, nearly fatal encounter with a grizzly bear gave him an unexpected encounter with God and an inflection point that completely changed his life. Greg joins us to share how past hurts can be healed and today can be more impactful and joy-filled than you ever thought possible. SHOW NOTES: For over 27 years Greg is protecting and serving, currently as Anti-Terrorism Officer for Army Corps of Engineers. Greg recalls a vivid + emotional memory of loading boxes into his father’s car. This shattered his foundation, leading him to believe he was unworthy and unlovable. Greg shares horrific stories from the search of his NYFD Rescue 5 friend Andre Fletcher at Ground Zero after 9/11. Every year, Gr

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Are you wealthy? I asked a friend this question several years ago as we sat in his large, beautiful kitchen surrounded by lavish furnishings. Turns out, he'd over-spent during the good times and was behind on his house payments. He went on to say, “It’s not our home and it’s just a matter of time before we are asked to leave it. I've got nothing." After listening, asking a few questions, giving him a hug and telling him I was sorry, it was time to shift gears. I asked him four questions I once used in a leadership discussion about real wealth, true success and proper perspective. Answer the question: Are you wealthy? Make a list of everything that truly matters to you. Circle every item on that list you still have (or could earn, enjoy, experience again). Finally, answer this question: So, are you wealthy? We too frequently confuse status or square footage or retirement accounts as wealth. This question doesn’t ignore th