Today I welcome back Gregg Easterbrook, New York Times bestselling author + guest on one of the most popular Live Inspired Podcast episodes of all time. When Gregg joined us in January 2019, the market, health + longevity were at all-time highs, unemployment at all-time lows and really no reason for fear... Yet we were drowning in fear. My friends, as we are inundated with fear-driven headlines + media coverage about the coronavirus, Gregg once again reminds us that the world is better than it l...
Mar 19, 2020•24 min•Season 11Ep. 238
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. What week, out of any that I can remember, could we need a bit more meaning, inspiration and joy? Watch residents in Italy have shown their gratitude to health personnel on the coronavirus frontline by applauding from their windows here . Residents in Spain + Portugal did something similar and these events were coordinated in the locked-down countries through social media. To help combat fear, isolation and oth...
Mar 16, 2020•5 min
How can I have optimism, happiness and social connectivity during the coronavirus pandemic? Acclaimed happiness expert Shawn Achor reminds us that it's in the darkest times that we need optimism, gratitude and social connection the most. After spending 12 years at Harvard earning dozens of distinguished teaching awards, Shawn went on to become a New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential , deliver a TEDx with over 19 million views and work with 30+ Fortune 100...
Mar 12, 2020•54 min•Season 11Ep. 236
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. We are living in a divisive era and it's never been easier to build walls that divide us. As a member of the Live Inspired community, I urge you to be a bridge builder and find ways to connect with others. But how? Today, I share three simple strategies to help elevate our conversations and build relationships regardless of our differences: Own the conversation from the start ( Don't wait! ) Actively listen as ...
Mar 09, 2020•9 min•Season 11Ep. 235
It's hard to believe it's been four years since my first national bestselling book On Fire hit bookshelves. Since then, it's sold more 200,000 copies, been translated into more than a dozen languages and touched, impacted + elevated lives across the world... but it's individual stories of impact that ignite me the most. To celebrate, I want to share two stories On Fire has blessed me with in the last four years. The first being one of the countless experiences that dramatically touched me and th...
Mar 05, 2020•20 min•Season 11Ep. 234
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. Recently, I had numerous Live Inspired community members, friends and family share the heartwarming story of loving note of encouragement a daughter carved out of snow for her mom. This story touched me greatly because it reminded me of my brother Jim and how he carved a note of encouragement during my recovery. You're going to love this story! *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on App...
Mar 02, 2020•6 min•Season 11Ep. 233
Is this good enough for me to stay the same? This is the life-saving question Laura McKowen, author of We Are the Luckiest + one of the foremost voices in the modern recovery movement, asked herself. From a horrific DWI to the painful incident that left her 4-year-old daughter in danger, Laura shares her personal journey in choosing sobriety with the utmost vulnerability + candor. But this is more than just one person's journey of using addiction as an invitation to living more intentionally. To...
Feb 27, 2020•41 min•Season 11Ep. 232
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. Last week I challenged you to do a random act of kindness, then take it a step further and share it with me. I was in awe of the responses and want to share one that particularly moved me. Hear how Live Inspired community member Jenn is healing her heart by helping others. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Live Inspired with John da...
Feb 24, 2020•4 min•Season 11Ep. 231
Ever had the feeling that you're not enough or get beat down by monotony, adversity, loneliness or pace of every day? Melanie Shankle has a beautiful way of speaking to these expected bouts with humor, authenticity and insight. In addition to being a devoted wife, mom and dear friend, Melanie is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcast host. Today's down-to-earth and relatable conversation will remind you to step away from comparison and towards finding joy in life's or...
Feb 20, 2020•44 min•Season 11Ep. 230
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. "There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it." - James A. Garfield, 20th US President What random act of kindness can you do for someone else ...
Feb 17, 2020•4 min•Season 11Ep. 229
What's your fear? Is that fear serving you or hindering you? Evy Poumpouras is one of the world's leading experts of fear. As a former Secret Service Special Agent, multi-platform journalist and star of Bravo's Spy Games , Evy has worked protective detail for four U.S. Presidents and is trained by the Department of Defense in the art and science of lie detection, human behavior and cognitive influence. Today, Evy is going to share her resilient + courageous journey from finding her purpose, near...
Feb 13, 2020•58 min•Season 11Ep. 228
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I welcome back Matt Emerzian, author, speaker + founder of Every Monday Matters, a non-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Matt shares his latest book You Matter and simple tips to find meaning and live fully―and change the world while doing so. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire! Get Matt Em...
Feb 10, 2020•13 min•Season 11Ep. 227
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 cul...
Feb 06, 2020•59 min•Season 11Ep. 226
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...
Feb 03, 2020•4 min•Season 11Ep. 225
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...
Jan 30, 2020•29 min•Season 11Ep. 224
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 ...
Jan 27, 2020•6 min•Season 11Ep. 223
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 w...
Jan 23, 2020•57 min•Season 11Ep. 224
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....
Jan 20, 2020•6 min•Season 11Ep. 221
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 h...
Jan 16, 2020•47 min•Season 11Ep. 220
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 ...
Jan 13, 2020•3 min•Season 11Ep. 219
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 rece...
Jan 09, 2020•58 min•Season 11Ep. 218
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...
Jan 06, 2020•5 min•Season 11Ep. 217
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 hav...
Jan 02, 2020•35 min•Season 11Ep. 216
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 episod...
Dec 30, 2019•7 min•Season 10Ep. 215
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...
Dec 26, 2019•58 min•Season 10Ep. 214
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 r...
Dec 23, 2019•5 min•Season 10Ep. 213
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 ...
Dec 19, 2019•47 min•Season 10Ep. 212
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 fe...
Dec 16, 2019•7 min•Season 10Ep. 211
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 ...
Dec 12, 2019•52 min•Season 10Ep. 210
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 fami...
Dec 09, 2019•4 min•Season 10Ep. 209
