"Things work out best for those who make the best of how things work out." - John Wooden Life will happen, challenges will mount, headwind will blow, difficulties will arise and the year ahead will become far different than the one you currently imagine. And yet, the power of one reminds us that although we cannot always choose the path we walk in life, we are always free to choose the manner in which we walk it. The choice we make makes a mighty difference in our lives – and the lives of those ...
Jan 03, 2022•7 min•Season 13Ep. 425
In 2021, we've encountered challenges, experienced cheerfulness and witnessed change, together. As we celebrate over four million downloads, I'm incredibly grateful for our Live Inspired community. Whether subscribing to the show on Apple Podcasts , Spotify or another listening platform, sharing episodes with friends + family or engaging with us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter or LinkedIn , this milestone would have been reached without you. Today, join me as I recap the most downloaded episod...
Dec 30, 2021•38 min•Season 12Ep. 424
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." - Helen Keller What can a basketball team in southwest Texas teach us about real victory? It turns out real victory isn't merely about what we can do for ourselves and get for our team, but ultimately what we can invest into others and achieve together. Watch the video of Coronado High School's Marcus Mitchell here .
Dec 27, 2021•7 min•Season 12Ep. 423
"To be content with little is hard; to be content with much, impossible." - Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach In the midst of this holiday season, what better time to take pause and celebrate the amazing blessings already present in our lives. For the past five years, every podcast guest has been asked a series of rapid-fire questions known as the Live Inspired 7. The third question is: Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. Wh...
Dec 23, 2021•42 min•Season 12Ep. 422
"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when [adults] are afraid of the light." - Plato Many people send out Christmas cards this time of year. These cards typically feature pictures of smiling kids, happy couples, cute dogs, new homes. Many cards include images of beautiful Christmas trees, Santa leaving gifts, Snoopy driving sleighs, or nativity scenes. But several years ago, it was a seemingly bland card, with a seemingly odd message, that most de...
Dec 20, 2021•4 min•Season 12Ep. 421
Fr. Ray Kelly, affectionally known as the singing Irish priest from Britain's Got Talent , became a worldwide sensation. The video of him singing a touching rendition of "Hallelujah" went viral with more than 80 million views. With an astonishing ability to connect with others through his remarkable singing, Fr. Ray joins us to share his fascinating journey from parish priest to Britain's Got Talent fame. Today's episode is an early Christmas blessing that's sure to delight. SHOW NOTES: Moving f...
Dec 16, 2021•49 min•Season 12Ep. 420
In what aspect of your life do you "gotta figure that out?" Today, choose to stop blaming others for perceived slights or injustices, and begin embracing your role in making things better. Choose to vulnerably share with a friend what is going on and your need for help going forward. And choose to chart a new path, dream boldly and live intentionally to ensure far better days remain ahead.
Dec 13, 2021•6 min•Season 12Ep. 419
What if the best thing that's going to happen in your life hasn't happened yet? Antonio Neves, author of the bestselling book Stop Living on Autopilot, is an award-winning journalist and success coach known for asking tough questions. Today's conversation is the perfect antidote to beat burnout and combat complacency. Prepare to leave reignited to boldly take action to live a life of happiness + fulfillment. SHOW NOTES: Professional question-asker: Growing up in a small, blue-collar Michigan tow...
Dec 08, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 12Ep. 418
Sometimes individuals with whom we think we have the least in common become our greatest teachers and dearest friends. Join me as I share Rudyard Kipling's poem "If" and what it can teach us about facing adversity.
Dec 06, 2021•6 min•Season 12Ep. 417
As a transformational teacher, Kute Blackson's mission is simple: To awaken and inspire people across the planet to access inner freedom, live authentically and fulfill their true life's purpose. Kute's multicultural upbringing spanning four continents offers a unique foundation in his approach to breaking down barriers and unlocking an individual's true gifts and greatness. Modeling courage and resilience, hear Kute share his fresh look at spiritual awareness, practical ideas and soul-stirring ...
Dec 02, 2021•1 hr•Season 11Ep. 416
Anticipation of pleasure is a pleasure in itself." - Sylvia Townsend Warner Entering into this advent season we look forward to the joy of the holidays, the gift of Christmas and the promise of a New Year by sharing a reminder of the power of joyful awaiting. Today, join me as I share a short excerpt from my instant #1 national bestselling book IN AWE .
Nov 29, 2021•7 min•Season 12Ep. 415
"History teaches us that unity is strength, and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals." -Haile Selassie While the tradition of Thanksgiving began around 1621, it wasn't declared a national holiday for another 242 years. And why is this significant? In 1863, Abraham Lincoln was President in the middle of the Civil War, a chaotic crisis with profound divisiveness and great uncertainty of our nation. It was then he declared a day to pause and give thanks...
Nov 25, 2021•17 min•Season 12Ep. 414
Death is the destiny of everyone, and the living must take this to heart. - Ecclesiastes Today, join me in celebrating those we've lost by living passionately alive. Knowing that tomorrow is not promised, let's actively, vibrantly, faithfully and joyfully live this day. And let's keep those enduring heartache both in our prayers and memorialize them through the manner in which we lead our lives.
Nov 22, 2021•7 min•Season 12Ep. 413
We all have stories, and yet frequently, they're not the ones we share with the world. After being burned on 100% of my body, spending five and a half months in the hospital and losing my fingers to amputation, my dream was not to stand out, but to disappear and be ordinary. Bonnie Gray spent 39 years hiding her story, too. Growing up as the Chinese American daughter of a mail-order bride and a busboy in San Francisco's Chinatown, Bonnie's childhood was far from idyllic. Join us as Bonnie shares...
Nov 18, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 12Ep. 412
"The wise do not lay up their own treasures. The more they give to others, the more they have for themselves." — Lao Tzu My friends, what should we do with the gifts we've received? How should we use our treasures? What do we do with all the trophies we collect? For three decades, I've stored a bunch of them on a shelf in my house. Maybe it's time to stop laying up our treasures. Maybe the truly rich are aware that the more they give to others, the more they have for themselves....
Nov 15, 2021•8 min•Season 12Ep. 411
One of my favorite groups to partner with each year is FOCUS Marines Foundation. FOCUS does an amazing job providing coping skills, relationship guidance, goal creation and career advancement to wounded veterans struggling with physical ailments, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and various other challenges. Among the remarkable servants I've met through this organization is retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch. Wounded in action, Nick was struck in the head by an enemy rocket-propelled ...
Nov 11, 2021•59 min•Season 12Ep. 410
"Out of difference can come the reinforcement of two important values. One is tolerance and the other is awareness that people who disagree over the things they hold dear really can live together in love and respect." - Fred Rogers Arguments and disagreements are part of all relationships. But the negativity so often echoed during them doesn't have to be. On today's Monday Moment, join me as I share five comments we'd all be far better never muttering. A divided nation might benefit from this re...
Nov 08, 2021•7 min•Season 12Ep. 409
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 12 years of earning dozens of distinguished teaching awards at Harvard University, Shawn became a New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential , delivered a TEDx with over 19 million views and has worked with over 30 Fortune 100 companies. As we celebrate a season of thankfulness, today's conversation will give y...
Nov 04, 2021•39 min•Season 12Ep. 408
After finishing dinner last Sunday, the boys asked if we could all see a movie. They knew their grandpa wanted to see the new James Bond movie and asked if we could take him to it. And so, for the first time since February of 2020, we visited a movie theater. The last 20 months have reminded all of us of the unpredictability and fragility of life. If we've been living intentionally, though, they've also served as a powerful reminder that although we can't always choose the path we walk in life, ...
Nov 01, 2021•4 min•Season 12Ep. 407
Amanda Gore is a global teacher of joy and one of only four Australians inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame. As one of the most admired speakers, Amanda's action-packed presentations are rooted in science-based tools to equip others to better handle change and create deep, lasting relationships with customers, colleagues and families. Today Amanda joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about addressing our core fears, discovering who we are at our essence and her own personal journey i...
Oct 28, 2021•43 min•Season 12Ep. 406
"Conversation means being able to disagree and still continue the discussion." ― Dwight MacDonald Is it possible that rather than avoiding discussions around faith and spirituality, we might actually benefit from choosing to listen, prod, ask, debate, disagree and have healthy, constructive and mutually enriching conversations together?
Oct 25, 2021•5 min
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...
Oct 21, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Season 12Ep. 404
"We do not have to love. We choose to love." ― M. Scott Peck There is a significant gap between living from a place where we feel obligated to perform and living with a mindset that views service as an opportunity. Today, I share how I was reminded of this through the simple action and words of my wife.
Oct 18, 2021•5 min•Season 12Ep. 403
Lt. Col. (ret.) Waldo Waldman is a Hall of Fame leadership speaker and New York Times bestselling author of Never Fly Solo. After overcoming his massive claustrophobia and fear of heights, Waldo became a highly experienced and decorated combat veteran, with over 2,650 flight hours and 65 real-world combat missions. Today, Waldo shares tools and techniques to overcome obstacles, break performance barriers, and take charge during times of change. This episode will leave you ready to recommit yours...
Oct 13, 2021•49 min•Season 12Ep. 402
"Forecasting is very difficult, especially when it involves the future." - Yogi Berra Research shows that 94% of news stories are negative. Twenty-four hours a day our friends in the media proclaim the end is near, the other side is out to get us, and if our agenda doesn't advance, the best days are behind us. In the midst of all these challenges, how do we move forward? Join me to hear how you can view your life through a different, healthier, more accurate lens. It will inspire you to spend fa...
Oct 11, 2021•6 min•Season 12Ep. 401
According to a recent Monster.com survey, 95% of workers are thinking about quitting their jobs. Coined as "the Great Resignation", millions of Americans are searching for more happiness, fulfillment and flexibility after facing burnout and lack of growth opportunities. Ken Coleman, bestselling author of From Paycheck to Purpose and career expert, shares how to discover meaningful work and practical steps to make it a reality. If you or someone you know is looking to go from a day job to a dream...
Oct 07, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Season 12Ep. 400
The key to real happiness, true contentment, and a continual state of joy has nothing to do with getting more. It's the moment-by-moment choice to be grateful for what we have, selfless in what we do, connected with why we're here, and focused on becoming the best version of ourselves. What we should strive for is not happiness, but an enduring state of joy. Joy is a condition that isn't dependent on things going our way. It's not reliant on getting what we want. Joy is the ability to be lit up ...
Oct 04, 2021•6 min•Season 12Ep. 399
Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. He's captivated the hearts of millions with his poetic storytelling and homespun humor. Join us as Max shares a timely message of hope and encouragement for a society still reeling from racial divides, political strife and a global pandemic. SHOW NOTES: As a teenager + young adult, Max was on a prodigal path. For decades, Max didn't share about the sexual abuse he experienced as a child because he felt healed shortly after t...
Sep 30, 2021•51 min•Season 12Ep. 398
When fires ignite, cancers attack, or tragedies strike, we lean into our community for support, prayers and love. But often when the invisible challenges of depression, bipolar disorder, or mental illness arise, we feel we've got to quietly shoulder the weight alone. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. And because my family, the families of my co-workers, and the families of innumerable friends have been directly impacted by both mental health challenges and suicide, we wanted to br...
Sep 27, 2021•9 min•Season 12Ep. 397
Mike Kai is a pastor, leadership expert and host of the Pound for Pound Leader podcast. From humble + challenging beginnings, Mike learned firsthand that in order to lead a team, cultivating a healthy culture is key. Whether you're leading a small family or large company, today's conversation will help you practice excellence ( not perfection! ), move forward with intention and build sustainable change in order to leave a lasting legacy. Join us to learn real-life examples and practical principl...
Sep 23, 2021•40 min•Season 12Ep. 396
