Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Jeremy Cowart is the most influential photographer on the internet by Huffington Post. His photographs of Sting, the Obamas and Taylor Swift are fantastic, but what’s truly remarkable is how he’s using his photography for social good through programs like Help-Portrait and Voices of Reconciliations.  As a speaker + author, Jeremey shares his journey from “normal, quiet kid” to internet fame by “exploring the intersection of creativity and empathy” through photography. He has spoken for the United Nations, TEDx and today – for us.  Jeremy is a creative entrepreneur making real, sustainable change. If you’d like to be reminded of the power one person has to change the world, don’t miss this conversation. SHOW NOTES "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13 was a running theme in his life, taught by his parents. Stay curious + jump into fear: Take safe risks. Jeremy shares that he took advantage of an opportunity to get a now-iconic portrait of Sting. In addition to photographin

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed. - Linda Wooten My mother has played such an important role in my life. The greatest examples of leadership and love are from her. Today, I share how she so generously loved to me, my siblings, my father and so many more. I mentioned my mother was the first guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. Listen to our conversation on ep. 000 here. On Thursday, award-winning photographer, artist and entrepreneur Jeremy Cowart joins us to share how he's using his influence to change lives across the world. 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

What drives happiness? Actually, what is happiness? It sounds so vague, like “puppy dogs and rainbows,” doesn’t it? Well, today, we're going to define it, get our hands wrapped around how you measure it + see what the key drivers for happiness really are. Our guest Meik Wiking is the founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute, is improving the quality of life across the globe and has consulted with the Danish government and the city of Goyang in South Korea among others to increase key drivers of happiness in their countries.  When Meik realized his native Denmark is routinely ranked the highest in the United Nations Happiness Report, it sent him on a mission to unlock what drives (and what prohibits) human happiness. Meik’s insights are fascinating and will give you practical steps to live a happier, more inspired life today.   SHOW NOTES The Happiness Research Institute is taking a scientific approach to answer these questions: How do you measure happiness? Why are some people happier than others?

We've been producing these Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segments for two months. I hope they're giving you a quick burst of inspiration to start your week ON FIRE. Today I share a preview of this Thursday's guest Meik Wiking, founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute. Meik’s native Denmark routinely ranks highest in United Nations Happiness Report, inspiring his six-year journey to discover what drives human happiness + how to increase it around the globe. On Thursday, Meik joins us to share how the Danes embrace what they call 'hygge' and what practical steps you can take to live a happier + more inspired life. The conversation is one of my favorite to date, so I invited Miek back to join me 5/20 for an exclusive webcast for Live Inspired IN STUDIO, my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration for IN STUDIO is opening soon! Join the waitlist now. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts

Singer-songwriter Walker Hayes shares his unlikely path to the top of the Country Music Billboard Charts. You’ll hear the stories behind the songs on his latest album, boom., like platinum-hit You Broke Up with Me about losing a record deal and Craig, which is a tribute to a life-changing friendship. More exceptional than hearing “behind the scenes” stories of big Nashville country music are the raw conversations Walker and I have in between – about life, loss, love, sobriety, failing and trying again. Many say Walker broke into the mainstream by sounding different than anyone else; our conversation is a reminder that to live inspired, we must be ourselves. If you could use a reminder that the path to "success" isn’t always easy, but is always worth it – this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES "It hasn't always made sense. I've had a lot of arguments with my dreams." The song Craig was Walker's personal "thank you" note to a dear friend who selflessly gave and inspired him to do things like that for others. Whi

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, I share a story submitted by Grace M. of Naperville, IL, a listener + Live Inspired community member.  Grace shared that some of her favorite Live Inspired Podcast guests include 5x New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown (ep. 103) and lawyer-turned-bestselling author Bob Goff (ep. 115). 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. If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It’s my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist. *** 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.

You know the beloved children's classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? Today we talk with the amazing author, Judith Viorst! Judith shares her warmth, wisdom + cheeky humor about what it’s like to write books across genres for more than six decades – and what it was like not getting published for her first three decades! In honor of national poetry month, Judith will read an excerpt from her “decades series” most recent is her book Nearing Ninety: And Other Comedies of Late Life. Judith’s perspective on the joys + tribulations of life will remind you that laughter is truly the best medicine, at any age, to live an inspired life. SHOW NOTES:  As a young girl, Judith began writing as poetry felt like a natural second language to her. Her first piece was published in her 30s. Say yes and we'll figure it out. Advice from her husband before being published for the first time. The capacity for child-like wonder lives inside a lot of us, even as we get to be a middle-aged person. [clic

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  We've had nearly 120 guests on the Live Inspired Podcast. As you know, at the end of the interview, each guest answers the Live Inspired 7 questions, with the first question being: What’s the best book you’ve ever read? As we gear up to celebrate World Book Day, I want to share the most mentioned books by our guests. The Bible has been mentioned by 11 guests including my mentor Brian Buffini from ep. 1 and human rights activist Christine Caine from ep. 82. A Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Franklin has been mentioned by “expectation hangover” expert Christine Hassler from ep. 26 and author Matthew Emerzian from ep. 58. (It's my favorite book, too!) And we have a TIE for the third favorite book!  Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach has not only been mentioned by five guests but we had the author Richard Bach on ep. 54! My book ON FIRE has been mentioned by comedian Kathy Buckley from ep. 7, Sergeant Rocky Sic

We live, play and work at an ever-increasing pace, amidst a lot of noise – yelling, fear, anxiety, texting, streaming, email. In this environment, we long for hope and humanity, but often give more reactive responses than ever.  Today, we identify how we can influence our daily moments to make them more inspired. Rand Stagen, Managing Director of Stagen Leadership Academy, joins us to share how to create a little space between key stimuli – think of your triggers: a colleague’s sarcasm, your spouse leaving dishes in the sink, morning traffic – and our responses to them. Whether you're leading a large corporation, stuck in carpool traffic, or both: Today's conversation will give you tips and motivation to live a more inspired life – one intentional interaction at a time.  SHOW NOTES: Stagen Leadership Academy strives to link the soft side of leadership with the pragmatic side.  Leaders get the organizations and the families they deserve: Leadership is oriented around a sense of identity + taking responsibilit

I had so much fun talking with my new friend + country music star Walker Hayes, that we stayed on the phone for two hours! We only had 45 minutes scheduled for his interview. That, my friends, has never happened before. I couldn’t wait to share a little of the fun with you. So today, you get a preview! Get the entire conversation on upcoming Live Inspired Podcast ep. 146. *** 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.

Almost 13 years ago, I read Judith Shulevitz's New York Times article Taking Back Sabbath and still today, it has a profound effect on me. As a society, we've put such an emphasis on work and being busy and this article reminds us of the importance of Sabbath, what “Sabbath” is and what it means in all of our lives – regardless of our faith background. Today, our conversation with Judith will challenge you to build a pause into your week, nourish your community and remember that you are so much more than what you do. SHOW NOTES Judaism is an "orthopractic religion" (right living, not right belief) and the culture puts ritual, community + study above faith which is referred to as "practice." Judith references Derek Thompson's Atlantic article about our society making a religion out of work or "work-ism". Read it here. Depression + a sense that something was missing brought Judith back to practicing Judaism through the Sabbath. Sabbath: a day of religious observance and abstinence from work. Simply a day when

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, we celebrate National Sibling's Day this Wednesday, April 10 by reaching out to your sibling (or chosen sibling!) to share your love + gratitude for them.  Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. #88 to hear the heroic acts of my siblings that saved my life 30 years ago and three ways to enhance your adult sibling relationships. *** 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.

I've been so eager to bring Sparsh Shah onto the Live Inspired Podcast since I was first introduced to him in March 2017.  Fifteen-year-old Sparsh shares about being born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or "Brittle Bone Disease", and how he hasn't let it define his life. Sparsh, also known by his rapper name Purythem, went viral with his rendition of Eminem's Not Afraid and since sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden. He radiates positivity while owning his disability with awe-inspiring grace.  Today's conversation is beaming with contagious optimism + resilience that will leave you inspired. SHOW NOTES Sparsh was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone Disease.  Sparsh has suffered almost 130 fractures, including his skull. "I've dissed my disability." There is always a valley before the hill. Sometimes the deeper the valley, the higher the hill. Ragarap: Sparsh began studying classical Indian + Western vocal music, blending aspects of each into his performances and creating

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, I take pause to celebrate Doctor's Day and share the important role play in all our lives. With a special shout out to my childhood physician,  Dr. Tsifutis, who I recently got to have lunch with and thank in person. I reference the three lessons I learned from my burn doctors that I still live by today. Hear about these and how they apply in your life on one of our most listened to episodes: Live Inspired Podcast ep. #117. *** 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.

The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, is a series that follows Leon Logothetis as he travels the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways. Leon joins us to share how a once “lonely kid” grew up to be a successful stock broker and then, upon discovering his passion for human connection and kindness, has embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. His new book, Go Be Kind, and this conversation will leave you ready to do exactly that. Join us to rekindle your belief in human kindness and its power to change the world… starting with your own. SHOW NOTES "We need at least one person to see us for who we truly are." For Leon, this was an after-school teacher Mrs. Mann. She changed his life profoundly. Watching The Motorcycle Diaries sparked Leon's courage to quit his job and follow his dream. First, Leon hitchhiked from Times Square to Hollywood Sign with just $5 a day, documented in The Amazing Adventures of a Nobody. During Season 1 of The Kindness D

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, my friends, we are stepping into spring! Nature is blossoming in front of us; offering a reminder that the best in life is yet to come. Today, let’s celebrate the three life lessons my beautiful magnolia tree offers. I promise, they will get you ready to launch into spring + beyond. Three lessons from magnolia trees: Life is seasonal. Loss is painful and leads to opportunities for growth. Life happens quickly. *** 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.  

“You can’t imagine your life without it, but you desperately want to let it go.” This is addiction as defined by today’s guest, Fr. Tom Hoar, President + CEO of Enders Island Retreat Center, a treatment facility that helps addicted adults. More than seven million Americans struggle with some form of addiction. Today, Fr. Tom debunks an often-taboo topic by sharing stories of redemption and healing – including his own. Don’t miss this critical conversation or the life-changing intent behind Fr. Tom’s poignant question "have you had enough?” SHOW NOTES Fr. Tom references Jean Valjean's story in Les Miserables and how it reminds us that the best days remain in front of us. We live in a society where we are too ready to judge others and write them off instead of allowing them to show us who they really are. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Be known for the content of your character. According to Cigna's Loneliness Index, almost half of Americans feel isolated or lonely, and those struggling with addiction or any mental

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I’ll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. Today, I share a sneak peek from upcoming Live Inspired Podcast guest Fr. Tom Hoar and, his poignant question "have you had enough" + what asking it could mean in your life.  Thank you to my dear friend, Live Inspired community member Mary B. for recommending Fr. Tom Hoar! If you have questions or feedback, you can always send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. *** 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.

Michele Cushatt is a self-proclaimed expert of trauma, pain and the deep need for human connection. As a three-time cancer survivor, mother of six, author and speaker, Michele's warmth, strength and transparency will remind you that you're not alone. Michele shares her story, how hope got her through her struggles and how it will help you through yours. Today, you'll be reminded that your best days remain in front of you to live a more inspired life.  SHOW NOTES: Fear + worry give a false sense of control. Acknowledge the reality but don't ruminate. Learn to laugh + gravitate towards other who do, too. How do we show up for loved ones with cancer (or other big things) Show support + be willing to do it wrong. Be willing to carry a measure of pain yourself. Hope gives meaning to life: We need to know there is meaning on the other side of pain and these challenges are not going to be wasted. The worst thing that can happen doesn't need to be the end of your life. If we are victims to our circumstances, we d

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. This week, I answer questions submitted from three Live Inspired community members. Tune in to hear my answers! Lisa K. asked: Have you interviewed anyone that has left you speechless? You’ve had so many amazing guests. Which has been your favorite, and why? And who are some of your “dream” guests? Chris F. asked: Do you have a dog? You seem like a person who one of my best friend's, my dog, would love! What lessons could dogs teach humans? Alison J. asked: I don't have a lot of free time. What are some small things I can do day-to-day to help others? Lisa K. shared her favorite Live Inspired Podcast was ep. #87 with guest Mel Robbins. Listen here. Chris F. mentioned his favorite Live Inspired Podcast guests have been Ozzie Smith from ep. # 28 and Coach Bill Courtney from ep. 53. Alison J. enjoys Live Inspired Podcast episodes that feat