When you flipped the calendar from December to January, what were you certain was going to happen this year? Maybe a family vacation, wedding, simply going to the store as often as you needed! And then... Borders closed. Events were canceled. Online learning became the norm. Dining room tables, pets and children replaced offices and coworkers. Today, Janine Urbaniak Reid shares her own reluctant journey with unexpected chaos - hers is in the form of mothering a son with cancer. But the truth she...
Jul 02, 2020•58 min•Season 11Ep. 268
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. How do I greet every person I meet? In silence to myself, I say, "I love you." Though spoken in silence, these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile my face and they echo in my voice. - Og Mandino After partnering with a couple of thousand organizations, we've learned how to improve top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability but also about the value of relationsh...
Jun 29, 2020•4 min•Season 11Ep. 267
As we're in the midst of the storm! COVID-19, economic recession, social unrest and injustices and yet... Today's guest is a welcomed reminder of the special people continuing to do extraordinary things every day. Dr. Art McCoy's radical yet practical intervention as Superintendent has transformed his district from a "dropout factory" to a 100% graduation rate This inspiring conversation will spark unity + offer you concrete ways to be a change agent in your community. SHOW NOTES: Through his pa...
Jun 25, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Season 11Ep. 266
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. As we are facing uncertainty and adversity, I wanted to welcome back creativity strategist, speaker + author Natalie Nixon. Natalie shares her latest book The Creativity Leap and how the lessons outlined apply to today's chapter of life. This timely conversation will inspire you to start your week in awe and on fire! Buoyancy: To cope with current events, Natalie reminds herself + encourage...
Jun 22, 2020•11 min•Season 11Ep. 265
The career of Kurt Warner, Super Bowl and 2-time NFL MVPs, reads like a rags-to-riches fairytale. Yet his story off the field I've admired even more. Kurt's dignity and class are undeniable and his example of living faith boldly has changed my own faith walk. Today, Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look on the unlikely path to his countless accolades. His heartfelt words about his family and faith will absolutely take center stage. If you could use a dose of character, hope and humility, this epi...
Jun 18, 2020•57 min•Season 11Ep. 264
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segments. Today I share a story of one of my heroes, Amy Crawford. Amy is a 5th-grade teacher who has a profound way of elevating the kids in her classroom and inspiring others to recognize the meaning and power within their work. Cleaning her classroom before leaving for the weekend, Amy found a remarkable poem that would soon change her life. This poem was written by one of her troublesome students. I Am The Piece Tha...
Jun 15, 2020•8 min•Season 11Ep. 263
"You can't always choose the path that you walk in life but you can always choose the manner in which you walk it." - John O'Leary Rebekah Gregory is a shining example of not letting circumstances define our lives. Just feet away from 2013's Boston Marathon explosion, Rebekah was severely injured and spent the next 56 days in the hospital. Yet, she and her son Noah choose not to be left shattered and instead choose to live vibrantly. Refusing to be labeled a victim, Rebekah shares the challenges...
Jun 10, 2020•48 min•Season 11Ep. 262
My friends, as tension builds, as lines get drawn, as rhetoric intensifies – I beg you to no longer view it as someone else's problem or buy into the tired "you're either with us or you are against us" dialogue spewed for far too long by political leaders, media pundits and social influencers. There is a more nuanced perspective required to make the change so desperately needed. Several centuries after its inception, our nation continues to wrestle with its original sin: slavery. If we are going...
Jun 08, 2020•6 min•Season 11Ep. 261
Seventeen years ago, my wife Beth + I were seeking to make a difference in the community and could think of no better organization to serve with than Big Brothers Big Sisters. Soon after, we were connected with a little boy that would change our lives. In walked a 10-year-old boy, with a huge, goofy + joyful grin named Travion House. By serving with BBBS, we thought we'd be making a difference in someone else's life. Instead, it was our lives that were profoundly changed for the better as we wer...
Jun 04, 2020•40 min•Season 11Ep. 260
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segments. "A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true." - Martin Luther King, Jr My friends, our very lives begin to end the moment we stay silent about things that matter. The only way we begin to achieve true inclusion, diversity and justice is by taking a stand against what remain...
Jun 01, 2020•5 min•Season 11Ep. 259
Does your life look different than you imagined it would? In 2008, Katherine + Jay Wolf were newlyweds and parents to their six-month-old son when the unimaginable happened. Just 26 years old, Katherine suffered a massive brainstem stroke. After a rare, life-saving surgery, Katherine spent nearly two months in a coma-like state. With her faithful husband Jay by her side, Katherine had to relearn how to breathe, talk, eat... and eventually thrive. While no one wants terrible pain or unbearable tr...
May 28, 2020•59 min•Season 11Ep. 258
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segments. Have you noticed it is frequently the people who say the least about themselves who have the most incredible stories to share? On this Memorial Day holiday I wanted to share one such example of a heroic, humble servant who never needed to tell you how great he was. In a world where we too frequently celebrate people based on their physical beauty, social following or professional successes, Bill Skinner remind...
May 25, 2020•5 min•Season 11Ep. 257
Shannon Miller is widely recognized as one of the iconic gymnasts of USA's Magnificent Seven 1996 Olympic team. Two decades later, she remains as one of the most decorated American gymnast in history. Yet, even the greatest of champions face uncontrollable factors -- like a rare cancer diagnosis. Today, this mother of two, author, sought-after speaker + survivor shares some of her contagious focus + determination. You'll learn her perspective on some of the most memorable moments of her gymnasti...
May 21, 2020•50 min•Season 11Ep. 256
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segments. Have you ever noticed that the games we play as children can teach us profound lessons as adults? Join me as I share how my son Henry reminded me how we spend so much of our life blinking, missing the point or not being fully present. Today I challenge you to be fully present and fully engaged in all that you do. My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover y...
May 18, 2020•3 min•Season 11Ep. 255
Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles including helplessness + isolation -- until he discovered his purpose. As a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur and father of four, Nick emphasizes that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome. Today, Nick shares his path to finding purpose, how sharing his struggles have inspired billions + what he's looking forward to. This conversatio...
May 14, 2020•58 min•Season 11Ep. 254
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segment. As you may know, my second book IN AWE published last week... and it became an instant bestseller on Amazon! While our live in-person book launch party is postponed, we wanted to celebrate virtually. Tens of thousands of people tuned in Friday evening to hear me brag on my beautiful bride, hear stories from my heroes ( named Mom and Dad! ) and hear this rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist...
May 11, 2020•7 min•Season 11Ep. 253
In a career spanning more than 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history selling over 11 million records, earning five Grammy Awards and received a record-breaking 58 golden Dove trophies. Today, Steven joins us to share the inspiration behind his latest single "Together (We'll Get Through This)" with friends Brad Paisley, Lauren Alaina and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. When collaborating on the inspiring + uplifting project, Steven saw the need for a message t...
May 07, 2020•54 min•Season 11Ep. 252
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segment. I never imagined releasing a book during a pandemic, yet could there be a better time to share a message about thinking differently, acting selflessly, dreaming mightily, connecting authentically and living joyfully? While this week may look a bit different than we planned, I see an even greater reason to apply the lessons I write about in the book. I've learned that true generosity isn't ab...
May 04, 2020•7 min•Season 11Ep. 251
Diane Rehm spent almost four decades on-air interviewing iconic cultural + political figures on The Diane Rehm Show , and she represents the very sound of National Public Radio. Often described as the "diva of discussions", Diane has the unique ability to own a strong opinion on matters but also the uncommon ability to remain open to other's opinions. Naturally curious to others' perspective Diane possesses an amazing combination of steeliness + vulnerability. Today, Diane opens up about her lat...
Apr 30, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Season 11Ep. 250
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I welcome back New York Times bestselling author + leader of the hands-free revolution Rachel Macy Stafford. Rachel shares her latest book Live Love Now and tackles the biggest challenges facing kids today and equips adults to engage them with humanness and heart, compassion and honesty to discover the deep, life-giving connection everyone is longing for. This inspiring conversation w...
Apr 27, 2020•10 min•Season 11Ep. 249
Lauren Daigle is the fastest-selling new artist in the Contemporary Christian genre of the last decade. Critically acclaimed for her unique, soulful + soaring vocals, the singer-songwriter is sincere, down-to-earth and has unwavering faith. Today, the 2-time Grammy Award winner shares how her Louisiana-roots cultivated her appreciation for music, the uplifting inspiration behind her lyrics, and how rediscovering her childlike wonder helped her find greater joy in life. Lauren also shares how she...
Apr 23, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 11Ep. 248
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 Carol. Carol asked: What keeps you grounded? I have a few key phrases that remind me of what is important — and what isn't. I love you… and there is nothing you can do about it. Thank you. This too shall pass. Tune in to hear how these phrases inspire me. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, ...
Apr 20, 2020•6 min•Season 11Ep. 247
My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of us in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. Sunday marks the 25-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Many of us were left searching for healing + hope after the deadliest domestic act of terrorism in our country's history. Two mired in darkness were Bud Welch, a fa...
Apr 16, 2020•57 min•Season 11Ep. 246
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. "Don't expect a great day; create one." [ Click to tweet. ] - Bob Proctor With so many restrictions on where we can go, who we can see and what we can do, it feels like we're in the movie "Groundhog Day". You know, that movie where a cynical, insolent, self-centered weatherman named Phil Connors (played perfectly by Bill Murray), is doomed to repeat the same day of his life. After days + weeks of monotony, Phil...
Apr 13, 2020•7 min•Season 11Ep. 245
My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to be that reprieve, instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. John Tesh has spent more than 45 years as a multi-faceted internationally recognized journalist, composer, broadcaster and concert pianist. Yet it's his incredible story of courage, resiliency, relentlessness, faith,...
Apr 09, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 11Ep. 244
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. "Whatever you water grows. Whatever you pay attention to and focus on gets bigger. Attend to what you want, not what you fear or despise." – Dr. Henry Cloud There is no denying that we're in the midst of a crisis. Don't believe me? Turn on your nightly news. Yet, a bit of context around our media is important to understand. In 2017, Harvard Business Review reported that 19 out of 20 stories shared by the media ...
Apr 06, 2020•9 min•Season 11Ep. 243
Cathy Heller is igniting a movement of helping people everywhere find a deeper sense of purpose and encouraging us to make a soulful contribution to the world. In addition to being a wife + mother, Cathy is a business + life coach, musician, author and host of the wildly popular Don't Keep Your Day Job podcast. When I first asked Cathy to meet with me, I expected to spend the majority of our time sharing her expertise on how to shift into more meaningful, fulfilling work. And then life happened....
Apr 02, 2020•55 min•Season 11Ep. 242
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. In spite of adversity, there remains reason for hope, truth and even joy. Today, I share a recent social media post that has resonated with our online community, and it's a reminder we all need to hear. Also, if you or your organization are seeking hope, perspective + confidence to fight through this season, let us help you. For a dozen years, we've created virtual video programming for our clients. If we can b...
Mar 30, 2020•6 min•Season 11Ep. 241
My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to be that reprieve, instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. Dick Vitale became a legendary voice in college basketball through his charisma, drive, and passion. As one of the pioneers of ESPN, Dick has been inducted to 14 Hall of Fames, is recognized for his trademark vernacu...
Mar 26, 2020•53 min•Season 11Ep. 240
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. My forthcoming book IN AWE has been in the work for several years. A few weeks ago I was able to share a few advance reader copies with a few business leaders, mentors + friends I deeply admire. Today I share a short message my dear friend Don asked me to share with the Live Inspired community after he finished reading IN AWE . "It's vintage O'Leary - priceless stories, the inclusion of the reader in the journe...
Mar 23, 2020•9 min•Season 11Ep. 239