Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

What We Seek, We Find (Monday Moment ep. 515)

Surrounded by so much divisiveness, anger and cynicism, it's easy to be overwhelmed with despair and to focus on the negative. It's common to lose hope in humanity and believe things have never been so bad. Yet in the midst of a recent tragedy that rocked my hometown, it's important to not only share the calamity that occurred, but the heroes who leapt into action ensuring it wouldn't be far worse. In witnessing the selfless love within this tragedy, perhaps we can choose to model it in our ordi...

Unexpecting: Real Talk on Pregnancy Loss with Rachel Lewis (ep. 514)

Even though pregnancy and infant loss are common, society often shrouds them in secrecy and sometimes even shame—starving grieving women and their partners of much-needed support. Women may leave the hospital feeling like strangers in their own bodies, facing postpartum life without a baby in their arms. And like many faced with grief, the well-intentioned but hurtful comments from loved ones may make them feel lonelier than ever. Today, we're joined by Rachel Lewis, the friend bereaved mothers ...

Can We Get Back to Living? (Monday Moment ep. 513)

With the constant pace of change, dramatic shifts societally and significant challenges we face both locally and globally, a perspective of navigating these difficult days thoughtfully is critically important. Few offer a better example of serving others, leading effectively and living well than my grandfather. Grandpa was my hero growing up. Although he became a successful attorney, the lessons he learned growing up on a farm, enduring the Great Depression, and fighting for his country in World...

Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman (ep. 512)

Duane Lee Chapman, more commonly known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, spent most of the first 23 years of his life on the wrong side of the law. It wasn't until he was serving an 18-month prison sentence for a murder he didn't commit that he recommitted to his faith and turned his life around. Considered by many to be the world's greatest bounty hunter, Dog became famous for capturing fugitives on his iconic and top-rated television show Dog the Bounty Hunter. Today, Dog shares how he turned his life...

Do You Only Wear Masks on Halloween? (Monday Moment ep. 511)

I love Halloween. And I love getting dressed up for it. But for many of us, masking our true selves isn't reserved for once a year. For many, it's Halloween all the time. We wear masks in seeking approval from others. We may mold our words, our opinions and even our appearance to fit whatever room we're in. And in trying to fit in, we may go along with things we disagree with and pretend to be who we're not. Removing the mask of inauthenticity, however, liberates us to fully embrace who we are, ...

Brave Enough to Be Broken | Toni Collier (ep. 510)

We all have moments of trauma, abuse, childhood wounds, or toxic relationships that have broken us. And yet, our past brokenness doesn't have to stand in the way of a life of filled with hope, joy and peace. In sharing her own journey of processing brokenness, Toni Collier reminds each of us of the bright light that stands on the other side of healing from shame and suffering. As a speaker, author and leader of Broken Crayons Still Color ministry, Toni wants others to not only face our demons, b...

How to Face Challenges (Monday Moment ep. 509)

If you needed a motto to tell the world what matters most to you, what would it say? If a single tattoo could articulate what guides your life, how would it read? After returning safely from his first tour in Iraq, Cpl. Todd Nicely pondered these questions and then engraved a permanent reminder of lessons he had learned: Your choices change lives. My friends, these words are a good reminder for a Marine preparing for a second tour of duty, an overwhelming injury, an agonizing recovery, and an ul...

Your Choices Change Lives | Cpl. Todd Nicely (ep. 508)

Six months into his second deployment, Corporal Todd Nicely of the United States Marine Corps stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) during a routine security patrol. The squad leader is one of only two modern day veterans that have endured battlefield injuries resulting in the loss of all four limbs and survived. Immediately after enduring the horrific blast and suffering massive injuries, his first two thoughts were of others: getting back to his wife and not frightening the young Mar...

Whose Life Are You Impacting? (Monday Moment ep. 507)

Over the past two months, I've had the honor of speaking to healthcare leaders across different disciplines, employed by different hospital systems, located in different geographic regions and serving very different populations. Regardless their size, geography, or patient population served, though, I've reminded these leaders of the profound impact in seemingly small acts of kindness. From the welcome desk to the C-suite, they possess the power to make mighty, positive and lasting effect on the...

How to Stop Bullying | Tina Meier (ep. 506)

Studies show that more than one out of every five students will be bullied this year. Chances are this is happening to someone you know and care about. With October being National Bullying Prevention Month, today's guest is a reminder that everyone's actions matter and we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Tina Meier's life changed on October 16, 2006 when her 13-year-old daughter Megan took her own life following a cruel cyberbullying hoax. On a mission to support and inspire actio...

Fear or Love? (Monday Moment ep. 505)

Fear and love are the two great motivators. While fear suffocates, love liberates. With which lens do you most frequently choose to see the world? With so much negativity, violence and brokenness in the world, it's common to grasp onto and utilize the perspective of fear to view the world. Fear of others. Fear of the unknown. Fear of tomorrow. Fear of life. Today, I share one of my favorite quotes on the power of our perspective today determining what happens tomorrow was written by Pedro Arrupe...

What Death Taught Adam J.T. Robarts About Living (ep. 504)

When Adam Robarts was asked by a family member what he would choose to do for a career if he were not an architect. Without hesitation he replied: A hospice nurse. It was just five years earlier that he had a profound experience accompanying his father through the final weeks of life before he died of cancer in Uganda. And yet, Adam could not have imagined then that nine months after that conversation with his family, he would begin to accompany his 19-year-old son Haydn through a battle with a ...

What Happens in Vegas... (Monday Moment ep. 503)

My friends, I don't remember what hotel I stayed while in Las Vegas last week. I don't recall if I rented a car or took an Uber. I didn't have any interest in gaming or going out; I didn't have time for meals or shows. In other words, so much of my experience in Las Vegas is already a blur further validating the slogan that what happens there, stays there. But I do remember Steve. Let me explain...

Can Money Buy Happiness? | Micheal Norton (ep. 502)

Does money buy happiness? According to Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton, yes… if you're spending it right. Named by Wired Magazine as one of '50 People Who Will Change the World', Michael has spent decades uncovering the fascinating human truths that influence our relationship with money, social norms and political correctness. Today, Michael joins us to share how smarter spending can lead to happier, more fulfilling lives. Using numerous real-life examples and three specific pra...

What Advice Would You Give to Your 20-Year-Old Self? (Monday Moment ep. 501)

"What advice would you give yourself at age 20?" It's a question I've asked every single guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. And after 500 episodes, the answers always move me. As the interviewer, I always learn something from the answer. But it wasn't until the tables were turned and I was asked that question that I realized the true power of taking a moment to consider the answer in our own life. It forces us to take stock of both who we are today and revisit who we were....

Celebrating 500 Episodes with Special Guest Interviewer Susan O'Leary

It's been five years, 11 months and four days since the Live Inspired Podcast launched and 499 episodes later, I'm in awe that the Live Inspired movement has grown to hundreds of thousands of weekly listeners from all 50 states and more than 115 countries across the world. It's been an honor to have you alongside me as I had some of the most life-giving and life-changing conversations with luminaries and thought-leaders including New York Times bestselling authors, Hall of Fame athletes, Grammy-...

What Do You See? (Monday Moment ep. 499)

When you look at your life, what do see? When you read the headlines, what leaps off at you? While you visit with family, or work with colleagues or commute through life, what do you see? What we seek, we find. Choosing to see life like this doesn't make challenges fade. It just ensures the next time you glance into a mirror, struggle in a relationship or feel discouraged by life you can honestly proclaim, "It may be red, it may be bumpy, it may be ridgy, it may be far from perfect…but I love it...

St. Louis Cardinals General Manager Mike Girsch (ep. 498)

The race to the Major League Baseball post-season is on… and it's heating up as teams are looking for a path to victory. The players you know are on the teams you love because of those 30 individuals sitting in the General Manager's office. Today, as my favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals make their push to the postseason, I'm joined by their Vice President and General Manager, Mike Girsch. While visiting at Busch Stadium, Mike shares seldom-told stories about his journey from an Amateur Scou...

How to Make Sense of a Tragic Loss (Monday Moment ep. 497)

How do you cope when things go wrong…even when we do everything right? Today, learn about Ryan Jastrzembski, a vivacious, playful and joy-filled boy. Last week, on Friday, September 2, 2022, Ryan went home... Just not at all the home any of us had been praying for.

Find Healing with Grief Expert Amy Florian (ep. 496)

At 25 years old, Amy Florian tragically lost her husband, leaving her widowed with a seven-month-old baby. While surrounded by a multitude of others who were loving and well-intentioned, she felt isolated and alone. Determined to heal, Amy began her lifelong mission to help others recover from life's crushing losses. As a certified thanatologist and a leading expert on death, loss, grief, aging and transition, Amy's practical and insightful work has been crucial in helping others navigate life's...

The Return of the Prodigal Son (Monday Moment ep. 495)

We don't know exactly where Rembrandt is buried. We do, however, have the masterpiece he produced at the end of his life as an example of the perfect acceptance and love still possible in our lives.

Every Story Matters | Jay Fantom (ep. 494)

Jay Fantom is a persistent and passionate speaker, award-winning filmmaker and writer who strives to be the best, most authentic, honest, loving, kind, and excellent version of himself daily. As the host of the chart-topping podcast The Story Box, Jay calls upon his own vulnerability to unbox the stories of world-class thought leaders. Today, Jay shares how he learned to embrace the past with truth, courage, and sincerity and how he's helping others find their worth. This conversation will remin...

What Matters Most? (Monday Moment ep. 493)

"If you don't change direction, you may end up where you are heading." -Lao Tzu What truly matters most? As we race through life, it's rare we pause long enough to honestly consider this question. A single conversation with a man I'd never met before – and would never see again – challenged me to not only ask the question, but attempt to live the answer.

When Life Gives You Parkinson's | Larry and Rebecca Gifford (ep. 492)

Between a global pandemic, changes in financial markets, or entering new seasons of life, many of us are facing more anxiety for tomorrow than ever before. This increased anxiety is elevated for the more than 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson's Disease, their caregivers and their families. Today, Larry and Rebecca Gifford, hosts of the acclaimed When Life Gives You Parkinson's podcast, share how they're navigating the disease, raising awareness and giving a voice to others facing...

Welcome Back! (Monday Moment ep. 491)

For many, the start of school ushers in a welcome shift from summer. It means reunion with friends, the return of routine and the familiar sights, sounds and smells of the school building. Yes, we may miss the freedom of summer, but it's certainly a joy to be surrounded by others and in places we feel welcome, are encouraged to learn, and fit in with others. For many this is a wonderful transition. For many. But not for all. We have a chance daily to make others feel welcomed and loved. We have ...

Uncertain? Take the Next Right Step with Jeff Henderson (ep. 490)

Recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of twenty speakers you shouldn't miss, Jeff Henderson is an expert at taking the next right step when life is uncertain. After leaving his marketing position at Chick-fil-A to start a church and nonprofit, and leaving his non-profit in the midst of a global pandemic, Jeff recognizes that navigating what's next in life--whether in your career, personal life, or relationships--often brings a level of uncertainty and anxiety. Today, Jeff shares the differenc...

No Ice Cream Until....(Monday Moment ep. 489)

As schools prepare to open, it's a great time to reflect on some highlights from summer before it fades. For me, the list includes morning walks with Beth, a slower pace at work, evening swims with Grace, playing cards with my boys and family vacations to Michigan and Florida. One highlight, however, started as a bad experience, became even worse and through a new friend's generosity was transformed into a highlight.

Jenna Kutcher: How Are You, Really? (ep. 488)

Jenna Kutcher is a born-and-raised Minnesota wife, mother, and entrepreneur who aims for two things daily: helping others wake up to life and staying in comfy pants. Creator and host of the top-rated Goal Digger Podcast, she's helped thousands redefine success and chase bold dreams through her decade-long work as a leading online personality and educator. And just a few weeks ago, Jenna's debut book How Are You Really? became a New York Times bestseller. Today, Jenna shares how she learned to va...

Grace and Serenity (Monday Moment ep. 487)

NASCAR Legend Kyle Petty (ep. 486)

Kyle Petty was born into racing royalty. As a third-generation driver and the only son of NASCAR's winningest driver ever Richard Petty, Kyle spent decades competing at motorsports' highest divisions earning a reputation as a classy competitor and one of the greatest philanthropists that NASCAR has ever known. For more than 20 years, Kyle has hosted the annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to raise more than $20 million for Victory Junction. Founded in honor of his son Adam, Victory Jun...