Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

"Understand that failure is part of the process and when it's over, it's over." Scott Hamilton is a four-time World Champion, Gold Medal Winner at the 1984 Olympics in Saravejo, co-creator of Stars on Ice, commentator, performer, author and philanthropist.   Scott has had his fair share of setbacks. He suffered a misdiagnosed condition as a young boy, lost his mother to cancer, and had his battles with cancer as well. Yet, by his own calculation, he has fallen down 41,600 times and gotten back up 41,601 times. He used that metaphor to replace fear with courage and clarity of purpose.   Even though he is perhaps the most recognizable male figure skater in the world, his struggles and successes are entirely down to earth. Scott's message has humor and wisdom, delivering uplifting encouragement for us to get back up one more time and continue forward as a champion.  Today, Scott joins us to share his story of being adopted, his mother's fight with cancer and how he used her inspiration to reach the Olympics.  SH

"You are always only just beginning." Marc and Angel Chernoff didn't set out to create one of the most read blog sites online; it came to them over time. After losing a mutual friend with no warning and Angel's brother to suicide soon after, they began a blog to hold each other accountable. They had no idea the blog would resonate with others; it was simply a form of therapy, a coping mechanism, and a way to heal.  Fate it would seem had different plans. Soon, they began getting hundreds of visitors, then thousands, and in time what started as a side project began getting millions of visitors a month. Marc and Angel's blog Hack Life tackles the everyday issues we all face at one time or another in our lives. They cover what to do when everything goes wrong, how to be grateful for the things you have, tips for a strong relationship, and how to get toxic elements out of your life.    Today, Marc & Angel Chernoff join us to talk about the struggles of losing loved ones, relationship goals, and how to be more

"I go to bed feeling grateful and I wake up grateful."  Mike Mattingly is living life in reverse, and he couldn't be happier about it. Though he has always had a passion for music, it's never been his full-time gig. He plans to change that, though. Like the message in his song Growth, Peace & Gratitude, Mike continues to develop and change, experience life's ups and downs and with acceptance, find peace. Music has been a form of therapy for him. He was a self-described nervous child who battled anxiety. His mother introduced him to drums and through percussion, he found a sense of balance and peace. Mike and I are great friends. He has played at my Christmas party for the last 5 years. Last year, I hosted an event at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis and asked Mike to play there as well. In short, I like Mike a lot. Today, Mike joins us to share his experiences with anxiety, play some of his music for us, and offer advice on reinventing yourself at any age.  SHOW NOTES:  Mike started playing the drum

"Gratitude is a muscle we have to continue to build." Mike Robbins is the author of three books with a fourth out later this year. He has been featured in Forbes, the Wallstreet Journal, the Washington Post, Oprah radio network, ABC News and is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post. Mike also has a successful podcast and speaks to clients which include: Google, the NBA, State Farm, Chevron, the San Fransico Giants, Harvard University, and many more. He teaches emotional intelligence, teamwork and leadership. At the age of 17, Mike was drafted by the New York Yankees and turned them down in order to go to Stanford University. There he focused on playing baseball and getting a quality education. Once out of university, he was picked up by the Kansas City Royals, only to suffer a career-ending injury a few years later. He has lost his mother, father, and a sister to cancer. Yet, Mike is grateful every day. He is an inspiration and champion of conquering adversity. His positive attitude, motivation to kee

"Don't wait for others to join you. Because you might wait forever." Gretchen Rubin has sold nearly 3 million books worldwide and perhaps is best known for her books The Happiness Project & The Four Tendencies. She is a thought-provoking observer of human nature and happiness, or as her sister likes to describe her "a happiness bully." She has an incredibly interesting story to tell; a graduate of Yale Law School who clerked for the nation's first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor; the host of the Happier Podcast with Gretchen Rubin; interviewed by Oprah; walked with the Dalai Lama; and an answer to a Jeopardy question. She is a prolific researcher and note taker who is "subject to epiphany" and writes about issues simply because she finds them interesting. Her topics range from JFK & Winston Churchill to fame & money.  Today, Gretchen joins us to share her insights into happiness and how we too can capture more of it in our lives.  SHOW NOTES:  Gretchen is the author of 8 books: 

"Giving up is NEVER an option & it NEVER should be." Amberley Snyder lived in southern California with her five siblings during her father's career in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Her passion for riding horses manifested early in life when at the age of 3 she began riding lessons. When her father retired from baseball the family moved to Utah where her love for horses continued to inspire her.  In 2010, Amberley was driving to a rodeo in Denver, when she looked down at her map, lost control of her vehicle, rolled it and was ejected from her truck, slamming her into a metal post. She broke her back and immediately lost feeling in her legs. She refused to allow anything to get in the way of her one day getting back into the saddle. Her strength, faith, and love for horses is an inspiration to us all.  Today, Amberley joins us to share her struggles during recovering from her accident, her strong family bond, and turning tragedy into triumph.  SHOW NOTES:  She was ejected from her tru

"Don't forget what you learned in the light." Matt Manzari was a professional athlete sponsored by NIKE and traveling the world all by the age of 15. It seemed like everything was going according to plan and he had his path laid out before him. Until Matt felt a calling to ministry and suffered a horrible accident while competing. But his biggest challenge still laid ahead of him.  While trimming trees at a church, a power line arched over the metal bucket Matt was working in, sending 12,000 volts of electricity through his body. The electricity caused 4th and 5th-degree burns, which melted the skin off of most of his chest and arms. The burn went deep enough to kill muscle and bone. Yet, Matt is a survivor. He teaches us that at the top, it can still feel empty and through tragedy, we can find salvation.  Today, Matt joins us to share his story of faith, family, struggles and going all in on life. SHOW NOTES:  Matt has two kids, Justice & Trig and wife Bobby Jean. He went to University in Tennessee to b

"The first step is to believe you are this thing you want to be." Jeff Goins is a blogger, writer, musician, teacher, husband, father, and pursuer of dreams. He was the Communications Director for Adventures in Missions, a nonprofit organization. Yet, his true passion and calling was that of a writer.  He grew up in a small rural farming community and enjoyed playing in his band and acting. Always trying to find a creative, artistic way to express himself. He strongly believes we all have a creative gift worth sharing with the world. So, if you have a passion for creativity and changing the world, this is the podcast for you. Today, Jeff joins us to talk about his faith, life, writing and what it means to pursue your dreams. SHOW NOTES:  He is the author of four books including the national bestseller, The Art of Work, published in March of 2015. The Art of Work debuted on the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly bestsellers list. Prior to The Art of Work, Goins published The In-Between: Embracing the Tensi

"You shattered my darkness... I'm alive again." These are lyrics from Alive Again by Matt Maher. When clients ask Matt what "walk-on song" he wants playing when he goes on stage to speak, this is the song he picks. Matt is an internationally acclaimed Christian singer; earlier this year he performed at World Youth Day in Rio in front of 3 million people. Matt teaches us that faith exists so you come to know how loved you are...so that you might be motivated by that love to live a life of abundance, outwardly focused. He shows us that the moments that bring us to our knees can be our greatest teachers and when your interior needs are met, you're free to give of yourself. Today, he joins us to talk about his faith, life, music and what it means for your life. SHOW NOTES:  I never didn't believe in God, I just didn't believe how much God believed in me.  Choose wisely. We all tether ourselves to people and communities that inform our worldview & the way we look at things. We are at an amazing time in human

"What you put out in the world is what you get back." Becky James Hatter grew up in a small Louisiana town where she was surrounded by family, freedom and unconditional love. "That was an extraordinary gift to be given as a young person." Her entire career has been creating the same environment for underserved youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Today, Becky will share what it's like to have a personal + professional mission that is one (adults pouring love, goodness, experience, exposure, and support into the life of a child)... and what it means for your life, too. SHOW NOTES: Becky loved to get in trouble + work hard; her parents let her do both.  "To wake up every day and give away what I've been given makes so much sense. And really, it's all I've got." What you put out in the world is what you get back.  Becky believes every one of us has something to give. It may not be a million dollars or even a dollar, but a smile, story, love. And when you give it - they receive it and can then giv

"I. YOU. WE. MATTER." To the outside world, Matt Emerzian was living the “American Dream”. He was a gifted athlete, successful in the entertainment industry, hung out with famous people, and was living the “Hollywood lifestyle”. Until one Monday morning when it fell apart and his life changed forever. The author of Every Monday Matters, Matt tells his story of brokenness and the long process of rebuilding his spirit. He now shares his story and experiences around the country, speaking to people about depression, anxiety, and feeling unworthy, unappreciated, and unloved.    Join me and Matt as we talk about his journey back from the dark years to finding a calming and grounded existence. SHOW NOTES: Matt realized his “ladder was leaning against the wrong wall” and thought about taking his life because he felt he didn’t really matter. Get Matt's book, Every Monday Matters which offers 52 ideas for doing something positive. One of his father's favorite sayings is, “good for goodness’s sake” and it is now the mo

"Pay attention to the movements in your soul." Fr. Jim Martin is an author, speaker, editor for American Magazine, contributor to the New York Times, Jesuit priest and consultant to the Vatican. SO MUCH in the marketplace is secular so I know this may feel unfamiliar. Actually, question #13 on the survey I give clients to help me prepare my presentation is this: "What topic do you not want me to speak to?"  Nearly each of the 1,500+ presentations I've given I've received the same answer: Religion and politics. My friends, if we are unwilling to even whisper about religion and politics - we'll never find common ground or live our best lives. Today's episode is much less about religion and much more about discovery and how to live our best life going forward. Today, Fr. Jim will help us better understand the movements in our soul... and why it's critically important that we stop and listen to them. SHOW NOTES: Fr. Jim did not grow up in a religious household.  He studied finance + took a job with GE. The first

“I wanted the same opportunities as the next person. I was no different, other than skin color.” In 1954, the Supreme Court decided with Brown vs. Board of Education that separate schools for black and white students were unconstitutional. In the spring of 1957, Little Rock, Arkansas was the epicenter of racial tension as Little Rock Central High School prepared for the integration of its first nine students of color.  Carlotta Walls LaNier was a member of the "Little Rock Nine." In the decades since, Carlotta was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a US citizen can receive, for championing freedom and persevering in the face of bigotry to earn equal rights for herself and others.  Join me and Carlotta to talk about her historic role in school integration and how she has been an inspirational leader for so many despite the challenges she faced. SHOW NOTES:  In the spring of 1957, at the age 14, she was the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine. Brown vs. Board of education (1954) was ta

"Success leaves a blueprint." My friends success leaves a blueprint and we are lucky to have 10 amazing guests who shared their blueprint - trials, errors, challenges, wins, successes, joys - with us this season. Learning from their model, we will become more inspired in the way we lead our lives. I can't believe we get to hang out with these amazing friends. II’ll recap my favorite lessons, so you can be reminded and/or encouraged to go back to the episodes that are most relevant for you; so that you can live your most inspired life with a little help from our friends. SHOW NOTES: Ep. #45: SALLY HOGSHEAD, listen here. Sally typically shares her expertise on branding with major brands like Nike, Ikea and Target. On this episode, she helps us identify our best qualities, and those of our businesses, so we can better connect with others and live inspired. You'll love the simple Fascination Quiz she shares so you can dig deeper after the episode. Sally also told a story she doesn't often share, during which s

"We are so much more than mortals suffering on this planet." Each of the 50+ episodes of the Live Inspired Podcast I end by asking our guest the "Live Inspired 7 Questions." The first - What is your favorite book? - has been answered SO MANY times with: Johnathan Livingston Seagull.  So intrigued by the impact this little book had on so many of our amazing guests (and from a little research quickly learned on millions worldwide since it was published in 1970) I knew we had to have the author on the show. The beloved author, Richard Bach, has written 30 book, is a pilot, philosopher, seeker of love and doesn't often grant interviews. I am so honored to have him joining us to share about his writing, the accident that nearly cost his life and the nearly 8 decades of inspired living he's been granted thus far. Join me and Richard Bach today to talk about listening to the voice that calls out to you and a little seagull named Johnathan. SHOW NOTES: "When we ask we receive." Describing his famous book, "here is a

"Hard work and applying yourself to be the very best you can be everyday: That is what life is all about." Today my boyhood hero joins us. Introducing him as a friend is a dream come true. Ozzie Smith is a 13-time, MLB Gold-Glove-winning short stop for the St. Louis Cardinals. When I was burned as a 9-year-old, Cardinals' announcer Jack Buck promised me John O'Leary Day at the Ballpark when I recovered. At John O'Leary Day: I got to meet Ozzie for the first time. This summer, on the 30th anniversary of that day, Ozzie and I reconnected. Join me and Ozzie as we talk about humility, being a role model, baseball and how each has allowed him to lead an inspired life. SHOW NOTES: "People are looking up at you, they are watching. Give them an example that is worthy. Make sure you leave people better when they walk away from you then they were when they walked towards you." Watch Ozzie interview John on Cardinals' Insider here. From growing up in a single-parent home, to being the only African American player o

"Are you sewing seeds for 50-year relationships or 5-minute relationships?" John Ruhlin grew up 1 of 6 kids on a farm in Ohio. He learned first hand that, when you're poor - generosity does not go unnoticed. When working his way through college, he met a mentor who shaped the trajectory of his life. The foundation for success in his mentor's relationships, business and life was: Generosity. Today, 15 years later, John teaches generosity as a competitive advantage in business for clients like NASCAR and the Miami Dolphins and is the author of Giftology.  With the holidays around the corner, join me and John to learn how to give more inspired gifts this year and always. SHOW NOTES: Are you sewing seeds for 50-year relationships or 5-minute relationships? When someone continues to do nice things for us with no strings attached, it is in our nature to want to reciprocate. We are all born with a gratitude muscle, some are bigger than others, you can work to grow it every day. John Ruhlin references 5 Love Languag

"I'd rather die on a mule in Mexico then on a bed at home." Edie Littlefield Sundby had just mortgaged her home to start a new business when she received a diagnosis of stage 4 gallbladder cancer. After months of treatment, she decided she needed to take a walk to "pour out her overflowing emotions.” She set out on the impossible: Walking the entire 1,600 miles of El Camino Real "Mission" trail from Mexico to California. Edie trekked - dodging drug smugglers, rattlesnakes, mountain lions and scorpions - and concluded with a new perspective that allowed her to see every new day as a bonus. Walk for a moment with Edie and me to hear her amazing lessons on living life, even one with devastating challenges, inspired. NOTES: Look at every day as a bonus. Refuse to live a diminished life. Get a copy of Edie's newly released book The Mission Walker  What do you do when life throws a devastating challenge your way? When Edie was given a grim prognosis; she knew she had to do something extraordinary to continue livin

Every 6 minutes people check their phones. Married adults spend more time online than with their spouse. People spend 1 - 4 hours loafing on the internet during a work day. Wow -- it's easy to see the problem! But today, we're talking about solutions so you can live inspired in this tech-centered world. Curt Steinhorst shares hacks to better focus and communicate regardless of tech distractions and insights from his new book, Can I Have Your Attention? SHOW NOTES: Order Curt's new book Can I Have Your Attention? here. Our most precious resource, our attention, is divided because our brains are wired to say, "What will make me feel good now [and everything is at our fingertips on our phones]. " Set barriers to the access so you have reasonable time to be disconnected / focused on the important areas in life. Did you know that when you're away from tech for 5 days, your empathy levels go up? Don't allow tech to push you away from intentional moments with people you love. The "barriers" at our house: Hide

"Profits are the applause you get for taking care of your employees and customers." Dina Dwyer-Owens learned this lesson early when she took her first job working at her father's car wash at age 13. Years later, she took her lessons from the car wash and a leap of faith to drop out of college and join her dad at his new company: The Dwyer Group. She has never looked back. Today, Dina is co-chairwoman, has more than 3,000 franchisees across North America and appeared on the CBS hit Undercover Boss. On Live Inspired Podcast Episode #49, learn how Dina runs her business by focusing on clients, employees and an clear core value system. Even better: Apply this 3-part focus in your life so you can live and work inspired. SHOW NOTES: Lessons Dina learned from working with her dad: Never be afraid to ask. Always be honest with people. "Have clear goals and go for them. He squeezed 100 years of life into his 60 years because of this." To keep the special culture her dad created alive, they established, operational