Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Political, spiritual, cultural and personal divides can at times seem insurmountable and far too complex for any one person to make a difference. But by choosing love over hate, understanding over prejudice, and dialogue over discord, we not only do what we can to honor the King legacy, but also fulfill the dream she shared with her husband.  A sword that heals—a force capable of mending the wounds of the past and shaping a future where justice, equality, and compassion reign supreme. Given the conflicts that have recently reared the grotesque head of violence around the world, savagely affecting innocent lives again, a long road remains in the pursuit of justice. Perhaps it’s time to reach for a sword that heals.

Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King are dedicated to continuing the philosophy set forth by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and promote peace, justice and equity for all. As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III is a thought leader on the world stage, a peacemaker, and a negotiator on some of today’s most critical national and international platforms for social change. Arndrea Waters King has dedicated herself to serving humanity as a passionate leader in the global fight against inequity, injustice, hate crimes, and all forms of pain. Throughout her life, Arndrea has consistently worked on behalf of those who have been marginalized by helping them find — and collectively use — their voices for change. Join us as Arndrea and Martin share how their continuing the King legacy, their work with the Drum Major Institute, and more. You’ll leave today’s conversation with a renewed sense of unity, faithfulness, togetherness, peace and ultimately forg

As a little boy, my dream was to fit in and be ordinary. Not to stand out, not to shine. I just wanted my scars to fade, fingers to grow back and normal life back. Which makes what I’m about to share even more stunning. If you would have asked 10-year-old John if he’d ever stand at the front of the room and talk about the most tender parts of his past in front of strangers, you would have gotten a hard no. Why would anyone want to hear it? If you’d asked if he would write a book about the hardest times in his life and the lessons learned? Again, no. Who would read it? What about turning his story into a movie? Nope. How would that even happen? And yet, my friends, the story of a little boy who should have died after being burned and then hid from those scars for decades has been shared thousands of times from the stage. It has inspired two best-selling books. And (are you sitting down?) is about to begin filming a full-length feature movie in my beloved hometown. Go ahead and read that again.  Yes, you read t

Dave Pelzer endured years of unimaginable child abuse inflicted by his own mother, and yet emerged from the depths of despair to become a beacon of hope and resilience. In 1995, Dave courageously shared his harrowing experiences in his memoir, A Child Called It, a book that not only touched the hearts of millions but also achieved an unprecedented feat by remaining a New York Times bestseller for an astounding six years. Today, Dave has made it his life's mission to empower others to discover their inner strength, persevere through adversity, and unlock their fullest potential. Join us as Dave shares about the unimaginable torment he endured during those years of abuse and the pivotal roles his teachers played in his path to survival. He also delves into the profound and transformative journey of forgiveness, illustrating the incredible power it holds in healing the wounds of the past. My friends, this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark your past may be, there is always a way to rewrite your o

Sometimes the moments when we disappoint those we cherish the most can teach us the significance and value of keeping our word. The death of my beloved grandmother, a mistake I made afterwards, and an important lesson taught by my dad left an indelible impact on my life. Applying the lesson in your life might elevate not only your life, but also those to whom you make promises. Let me explain.

Phil Keoghan is arguably the most traveled television host on the planet. As the host of The Amazing Race, the multiple Emmy Award-winning reality series where teams of two embark on a trek around the world, Phil has experienced a life full of travel and adventure. Today, fresh off the milestone 35th season premiere of The Amazing Race, Phil joins us to share how he’s been globetrotting since a young boy, how his working-class parents and grandparents inspired his other hit show Tough as Nails and so much more. My friends, today’s conversation will inspire you to take risks, accept and love all of those around you, and live life to the fullest.

"Sympathy is easy because it comes from a position of power. Empathy is getting down on your knees and looking someone else in the eye, and realizing that you could be them, and that all that separates you is luck." -Dennis Lahane While on my knees next to my fallen dad several years ago, I thought of this quote. Dad has been living with Parkinson’s disease for almost three decades. Over this time, he’s lost the ability to walk, drive and earn. It’s difficult for my dad to speak and lately, becoming more difficult to swallow. And yet today, Dad, seated in his trusty wheelchair, is the perfect embodiment of the joy we all wish we possessed. Let me explain.

Each day, more than 54 million Americans are responsible for serving as a caregiver for a loved one. Three decades with Parkinson’s disease has made movement for my father Denny O’Leary nearly impossible. But with the help of another person, guiding him from spot to spot, supporting him in the shower, assisting as he gets dressed, and guiding a wheelchair from room to room, the absolute impossible becomes possible. And this care happens all day, every day. For Dad, the person doing all that work is my mother, Susan O’Leary. She’s remarkable, and she’s not alone.  Often caregiving is a burden to bear and a problem to be solved. And yet as an expert in gerontology, Dr. Sarah Teten Kanter is on a mission to make caregiving and care receiving a time to savor and an opportunity for personal growth. Today, Sarah shares the simple activities, conversation-inspiring questions, and self-care practices designed to immerse caregivers and their care partners in gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, love, and awe. Why these fi

After years of traveling, hundreds of podcast interviews, and innumerable impromptu conversations on airplanes, I’ve met some of the most remarkably talented and inspirational people in the world. I’ve heard life stories that filled me with hope and reminded me we all have the potential to be used for good. To ensure we kick off the upcoming holiday season right, I’m hosting a live event that you can attend in my hometown of St. Louis or stream virtually anywhere around the world. The evening will be part storytelling, part concert, and all heart. It will bring together the very best of those I’ve met on one stage to remind the rest of us of our ability to positively change the world — starting with our own. This experience, On Fire For Good, will fill your heart with gratitude, prepare you for the coming holiday season, and remind you that your best is yet to come.  We want you to share it with us. Not sure if you can make it?  Not sure it will be worth your time? Not sure if the message will resonate with y

Kelly Corrigan is a celebrated storyteller and New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me More, Glitter and Glue, The Middle Place and more. As the host of PBS' Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan and the creator of the popular podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders, Kelly shares insightful conversations with thought leaders, pulling out poignant lessons others can use to find their own calling or better understand themselves. Today, Kelly joins us to share her heartfelt wisdom and profound lessons on love, parenting, self-discovery, and the importance of laughter in thoughtful reflection. Do you want to be inspired to think more, feel more, do more and be better? This conversation is for you.

Today, on this 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks , choose to treasure the simple moments, celebrate our shared humanity, and act with a bit more kindness, compassion, and hope in a global marketplace that still aches for it. Choose to recognize the immeasurable value of your life - and the lives of those you encounter. And choose to believe the little things you do matter. Because, ultimately, our children will receive the future we’ll be giving.

Over the past four decades, Jeff Allen has been recognized for his clean, family-friendly comedy celebrating everyday life, the ups & downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, the bliss of the empty nest, the joys of being a grandparent and more. Known for coining the phrase "happy wife, happy life," Jeff believes that his story, though not without its challenges, can provide hope and encouragement to those who feel frustrated, empty, and unfulfilled. Today, Jeff candidly shares some of his darkest moments, his journey to hitting rock bottom and how he overcome addiction and despair to find the joy in life and a strengthened relationship with God. My friends, this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark and difficult life may seem, there is always hope that the best of our days remain ahead of us.

At age 10, a painful experience revealed how broken, disabled, and imperfect I was. A conversation with my mother afterward, though, challenged me to never believe lies that cheapen the blessing of my life. And heeding her advice positively changed my life. Let me explain.

Zach Anner is an award-winning comedian, TV writer, disability advocate and viral sensation (with over 100 millions views on social media!). After winning "Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" competition, Zach hosted a travel show called Rollin' with Zach on the OWN network. In the show, he traveled around the United States, exploring different cities and engaging with the local culture and activities. Today, Zach shares how he’s learned to not let his cerebral palsy define him or his goals, how he faces his numerous challenges with the utmost resilience and positivity, and so much more. If you’re looking for an uplifting conversation packed with humor, heart, edginess and determination, this episode is for you.

It is in our smallest gestures that the biggest difference can sometimes be seen. This week, look for a chance to do something for someone who can never repay you. Pay attention at the grocery store, at work, in the school pickup line or across your fence and wait for that ripple effect.

For more than two decades, Bruce Feiler has explored the intersection of families, relationships, health, and happiness, and is one of America’s most thoughtful voices on contemporary life. He is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including Life is in the Transitions, The Secrets of Happy Families, and Council of Dads. His three TED Talks have been viewed more than four million times. Known for living the experiences he writes about, Bruce shares his timeless wisdom and timely knowledge to allow each of us to live with more meaning, passion, and joy.  My friends, today’s conversation truly has something for everyone, no matter where you are on the wave of constant change.

After a summer of buses and teachers and students hibernating, can we create the space where our young people share more honestly and expansively their experiences, their thoughts, and their feelings? How can we connect more closely with the little ones that matter most to us, and in doing so reinforce within them the priceless value of their life? Instead of asking how their day was, consider a nightly routine of asking these four questions. Let me explain.

As the New York Times bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety and The Craving Mind, Dr. Jud Brewer is an expert in addiction, anxiety and modifying unhealthy behaviors to establish new, positive habits. With more than 20 years of rigorous research at Brown University, Dr. Jud uses his proven, evidence-based guidance to those struggling with unwanted behaviors and “everyday addictions.” Passionate about understanding how our brains work, Dr. Jud has collaborated with U.S. Olympic athletes and coaches, foreign government ministers and corporate leaders to help make deep, permanent change in their lives. Today, Dr. Jud joins us to explain why our habits are hard to overcome and the clear, solution-oriented steps we can implement to conquer them. Using curiosity and kindness, Dr. Jud shares how to break the cycle of worry and fear that drives anxiety and addictive tendencies. Whether you or someone you love is struggling with compulsively checking social media, binge eating, smoking, excessive drinking… or any ot

Eight years ago, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Brené Brown and speaking to the leadership team at Southwest Airlines. Visiting with Brené was a once in a lifetime experience. Having lunch with Southwest President and CEO Herb Kelleher was an honor. But one of the greatest gifts from that day was a friendship that was planted and blossomed afterwards. Let me explain.

Country music star Granger Smith is known for his chart-topping hits that include “Backroad Song” and “Happens Like That”, but on a sunny June day in 2019, Granger faced a devastating loss that is every parent’s worst nightmare. While outside playing with his three children, Granger’s youngest son three-year-old River wandered off. Moments later, Granger found River face down in their pool, unconscious. Although they were able to revive his heart, the oxygen deprivation damaged little River’s brain beyond hope. Soon after burying his youngest child, images of the tragedy haunt Granger as he faced debilitating parenting guilt. Although he found himself in a dark pit of grief, that’s not where his story ends. Today, Granger joins us to share how he found himself caught in a runaway river of grief that he could not escape and how he discovered the purpose of his suffering: to bring comfort, hope, and encouragement to anyone who has ever suffered. My friends, through Granger's vulnerability, we're reminded that l