Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Are you a turkey person? And no, I'm not talking about the makeup of your Thanksgiving dinner plate this week. I'm talking about a question that when asked the first time went on to change the life of the individual that heard it. And years later when I heard it, did the same for me. It's a question that's poised to reframe not just our understanding of what it means to serve and love others but o...

In 2007, Brad Formsma had an idea to inspire people around the globe to live generously. After selling his landscaping company, Brad became the Founder & President of I Like Giving, a movement which has inspired more than 125 million people in 170 countries to live generously. Today, Brad joins us to share practical ideas and inspiring stories on how we can use our thoughts, words, money, influenc...

Each year, my four children join their dad for one-to-one time on a work trip. It's sacred time we get to spend together and is affectionately known as their "daddy trips." Each child looks at my schedule, chooses where they want go, and plans out absolutely everything we do once we get there. Today, just a day before my oldest turns 18 years old, I  treasure important life lessons Jack has taught...

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times bestselling author of 39 books.  Known for his unique style of blending poetry and prose to create engaging and relatable stories for young readers, Kwame has earned countless awards including a Newbery Medal for The Crossover and The Caldecott Medal for The Undefeated - the two most prestigious honors for children's authors! Today, Kwame joi...

It's been a seven-year journey. Constant challenges and significant setbacks. An amazing community of friends showing up right on time with their financial investments, their connections, their ideas, their prayers and their encouragement to propel the effort forward. Today, at 9 a.m., on the set of the forthcoming feature film On Fire, Director Sean McNamara will bark out for the first time the w...

As a psychotherapist and relationship expert, Dr. Morgan Cutlip is on a mission to help women feel empowered in all of their relationships so that they feel whole, light, and deeply connected to those they love. To date, Morgan has helped more than 100,000 moms regain their sanity and prevent burnout. Today, Morgan shares her wisdom around how to prioritize your life, the myth around a permanent r...

This time of year, masks are mainstream for kids and adults alike. Halloween gives us an excuse to lean into childlike playfulness, get dressed up for a night and be someone radically different than we typically are. 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. Let me expla...

Arthur Smith is famous for his innovation and audacity, and as the man behind some of the longest-running unscripted series in television history. His groundbreaking hit  Hell's Kitchen  forged the modern food competition reality genre, while his Emmy-nominated  American Ninja Warrior  has spawned a cultural movement, with Ninja-inspired gyms in every major American city. Today, Arthur shares adve...

On the afternoon of May 20, several thousand St. Louis University graduates would receive their diplomas. Thousands of parents, siblings and loved ones would fill an arena cheering for them. Everyone in the arena excitedly looking forward to this day they've worked a lifetime to achieve.  Everyone except one: The commencement speaker. Although I've delivered thousands of keynotes, each time I deal...

Willie Robertson is a remarkable example of entrepreneurship and dedication built on hard work, faith, and family. Serving as CEO of Duck Commander and Buck Commander and star of A&E's Duck Dynasty , Willie has expanded his family companies from a living room operation to a multi-million-dollar enterprise and destination for all things outdoors. Today, Willie shares how his father Phil overcame th...

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 wound...

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 int...

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...

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...

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...

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...

"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...

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...

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...

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 bet...

Today, on this 22 nd anniversary of the September 11 th 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,...

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...

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 acti...