Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

It is in our smallest gestures that the biggest difference can sometimes be seen. This week, look for a chance to do something for someone who can never repay you. Pay attention at the grocery store, at work, in the school pickup line or across your fence and wait for that ripple effect.

For more than two decades, Bruce Feiler has explored the intersection of families, relationships, health, and happiness, and is one of America's most thoughtful voices on contemporary life. He is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including Life is in the Transitions , The Secrets of Happy Families , and Council of Dads. His three TED Talks have been viewed more than four million time...

After a summer of buses and teachers and students hibernating, can we create the space where our young people share more honestly and expansively their experiences, their thoughts, and their feelings? How can we connect more closely with the little ones that matter most to us, and in doing so reinforce within them the priceless value of their life? Instead of asking how their day was, consider a n...

As the New York Times bestselling author of Unwinding Anxiety and The Craving Mind , Dr. Jud Brewer is an expert in addiction, anxiety and modifying unhealthy behaviors to establish new, positive habits. With more than 20 years of rigorous research at Brown University, Dr. Jud uses his proven, evidence-based guidance to those struggling with unwanted behaviors and "everyday addictions." Passionate...

Eight years ago, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Brené Brown and speaking to the leadership team at Southwest Airlines. Visiting with Brené was a once in a lifetime experience. Having lunch with Southwest President and CEO Herb Kelleher was an honor. But one of the greatest gifts from that day was a friendship that was planted and blossomed afterwards. Let me explain.

Country music star Granger Smith is known for his chart-topping hits that include "Backroad Song" and "Happens Like That", but on a sunny June day in 2019, Granger faced a devastating loss that is every parent's worst nightmare. While outside playing with his three children, Granger's youngest son three-year-old River wandered off. Moments later, Granger found River face down in their pool, uncons...

"Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far reaching effects that change the world" -Dalai Lama Today, be reminded of the magnificent power of your life to influence change for good. It turns out regardless of our age, status or job title, that the ripples created by our actions truly do have the ability to impact lives around the...

Lara Love Hardin is a four-time New York Times bestselling collaborative writer… yet for years, she lived in constant fear that someone would Google her and uncover her checkered past. When a worsening addiction from prescribed painkillers lead to smoking heroin, Lara began stealing neighbors' credit cards and other identifying information to buy groceries and gas after her cash went to buying dru...

For those desiring it, evidence is everywhere of heroes, of possibility, of beauty, and of the power of a unified community being used for good. Flourishing individually, encouraging others, and connecting in community is what we strive to foster at Live Inspired. It is likely why you listen to our podcasts, read our materials, and share our posts. And it's why we want to give you an exciting oppo...

Travel journalist Jeff Jenkins didn't step foot on a plane until he was 20 years old, but once he did, he started living by his mantra: "Life begins where your comfort zone ends." As the host of the new National Geographic show Never Say Never , Jeff travels the world testing the limits of his physical abilities -- from attempting to climb 70-foot mountain faces, to rafting class 5 rapids, to sail...

"What's the kindest thing someone did for you…who didn't even know you?" I was asked this unusual question during a recent interview.  Although the interviewer likely thought I'd share some story from my time in the hospital, the answer that came to mind actually occurred a decade after the accident. The undeserved and overwhelming generosity that was offered to me though, is something we can all...

Katie Collier is a renowned chef, entrepreneur and true visionary behind the award-winning Italian concept restaurant known as Katie's Pizza and Pasta Osteria. At 24 years old, Katie fearlessly embarked on a mission to introduce handcrafted, artisanal Neapolitan pizza to the vibrant city and her hometown of St. Louis. And yet personally, addiction had taken hold of her life, threatening to shatter...

Brené Brown reminds us that the willingness to show up changes us by making us a little braver each time. It also makes us a little more compassionate to others, a little more grateful for gifts and a little more cognizant of what matters most. My friends, I can't say no to my mom. And that's a good thing because every time I'm with her it's obvious to me – and now, after this episode, to you- how...

What happens when we die? Is there another life? Why are we here? These are questions we've wrestled with since the dawn of humanity. As the author of the New York Times bestselling book Imagine Heaven , John Burke has spent more than three decades studying firsthand accounts of individuals who've returned from the brink of death. These awe-inspiring experiences have been shared by people of all a...

One of my favorite expression all kids use is: "I want a Do-Over." I hear it after beating my kids in a fierce match of ping pong, or after one of my sons beats another in an intense game of basketball, or after Grace beats her brothers in a friendly (frequently turning violent) game of Sorry. It may sound childlike to insist on a "Do-Over," but embracing the potential within the expression could...

Alex Sheen is on a mission to better humanity through promises made and promises kept. As the founder of the social movement and nonprofit "because I said I would,"  Alex believes individuals can create a world where promises are kept, fostering trust, empathy, and positive change. Inspired by his father's legacy, Alex has distributed more than 14 million "promise cards" to 178 countries with the...

My friends, tomorrow you and I will have the opportunity to participate fully once again in life. March with me, will you? Choose to not merely watch passively, but to engage actively. Choose to put your swimsuit back on and jump into the pool. Choose to lift your voice, sing your song and march in your parade. Choose the joy you experienced as a kid! If you truly want to love life, determine to e...

Greg LeMond has revolutionized the sport of cycling. As one of the most iconic cyclists in history, Greg is the sole American to clinch the Tour de France, not just once but three times. Today, Greg takes us on a journey behind the scenes of his life and career, unveiling his intense rivalries with cycling's finest and how a near-fatal hunting accident reshaped his purpose both personally and prof...

"Who's your favorite?" Several years ago my boys asked me this question while I was driving them to school. They were talking about superheroes and sharing their favorites. The boys shared names like Green Lantern, Batman and a little rodent with a big mouth named Rocket Raccoon (don't ask!). After sharing that mine was Superman, I was stunned to learn that the fellas had reached the ripe old ages...

Britt Frank is a trauma specialist, licensed psychotherapist, and author of The Science of Stuck . Committed to unraveling the myths that keep us stuck and stressed, Britt offers a fresh perspective on mental health and well-being. Drawing from her personal story of struggle, insightful clinical research, and the powerful concept of "micro-yesses," Britt joins us for a down-to-earth conversation t...

"An arch consists of two weaknesses, which, leaning on each other becomes a strength." -Leonardo da Vinci With yesterday's celebration of Father's Day, I'd like to celebrate the man who was strength for me when I was weak, the model of love he radiated so brilliantly and the reason my family and I are more certain than ever that our Dad really is a superhero. Let me explain.

Chris Didier is turning his own heartbreak and pain into heartfelt purpose. In 2020, Chris' son Zach was a 17-year-old star athlete, exceptional student, friend to everyone, and above all, a loving son. After being contacted by a drug dealer on the social media app Snapchat, Zach consumed what he thought was be a legitimate pharmaceutical grade pill. Instead, Zach had unknowingly ingested a counte...

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important." -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle What are you most looking forward to this season of summer? Big moments worthy of celebrating, indeed. Yet, as we step into this season of summer and further down the path through life, recognize the gift of the ordinary.

Aiming to serve others, Scott Brickell has spent more than three decades guiding some of my favorite artists to develop successful and long-lasting careers. From successful Christian bands like MercyMe and Switchfoot to solo artists like Phil Wickham, Micah Tyler and Matthew West, Scott's artists have more than fifty number one singles, numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records, and mult...

If you know my story, you know baseballs carry a special meaning to me. It seems whenever a baseball shows up in my life, it brings with it a lesson to apply. Such was the case earlier this year, when yet another ball landed in my mailbox. This one wasn't off the bat of a major leaguer or signed by a Hall of Fame inductee. Instead, it was signed by a D2 baseball team in northeast Tennessee that yo...