Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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.

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 an...

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.

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 trut...

"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.

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 podc...

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...

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 lif...

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 transform...

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 bo...

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 Americ...

Have you ever silenced an idea, worried it would be rejected or thought it wasn't as good? Have you ever sidelined an opportunity to speak up because you were worried you wouldn't measure up to others? Have you ever stifled an 'I love you' or an 'I'm sorry' because it was too late to matter to someone else? Often, we think our own words, ideas and actions won't make a difference. We listen to the...

Take a moment to inventory every commitment you're making in your life. Of those commitments, what are you doing with actual generosity and what are you doing out of sheer obligation? Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of the book Boundary Boss . With actionable strategies, Terri empowers others to consciously take control of every...

"There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more." – R.M. Hensel John O'Leary reminds us why accepting help is not a sign of weakness on today's Monday Moments segment.

Kelvin Beachum is a 2-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. After being drafted in the seventh round in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelvin will start his ninth NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals next month. While he plays football professionally, it's Kelvin's passion and purpose that is making a positive impact both on and off the gridiron that I find most intriguing. As the oldest of four sibli...

When we give of our time, our talent or our treasure we feel amazing and the outcome contributes to the greater good. And yet, many times when faced with the opportunity to live generously, we hesitate to do so. A conversation with a new friend last week about the levity that results from practicing radical generosity reminded me of a story about my son, Patrick. I first recounted the story in my...

Did you know that one single act of generosity ripples out to four degrees of separation? Ami Campbell is the author of Love Let Go and champions generosity to help others rediscover their giving selves. She has led stewardship classes at LaSalle Street Church for over a dozen years. Today, Ami shares how generosity frees us from the grip that fear and insecurity have on us. You'll leave this conv...

St. Francis of Assisi reminds us somewhat paradoxically that it is in giving that we receive. Therefore, for more meaningful victories, our focus must shift from how we can use our gifts for our success to instead how our lives can be used to positively impact others.

Zibby Owens is the host of Moms Don't Have Time to Read Books podcast and founder of Zibby Owens Media, a privately-held media company designed to help busy people live their best lives by connecting to books and each other.   Today, Zibby reveals the loves and losses that have shaped her life and discovers what it means to truly find your place in the world.   With infectious energy, tasteful aut...

As we celebrate another 4th of July packed with mouth-watering BBQ, refreshing pools, and awe-inspiring fireworks, I can't help but think back to one of my most memorable experiences from this day- and to share why it matters to you. While silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone, shared gratitude sets others on fire for life.

We often think of the word persuasion as corrupt, shady or untrustworthy. And while it may have that connotation, Jason Harris sees it differently.   Jason is co-founder & CEO of award-winning creative advertising agency Mekanism and bestselling author of The Soulful Art of Persuasion . Blending soul and science, Jason helps iconic brands like Peloton and Ben & Jerry's thrive.   Using originality,...

My friends, while Dad spent the majority of his life working hard, being kind and making a profound difference in the lives of others, he's spent the last several decades accepting help from others, embracing the life that is his and continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of others.   In a fractured and polarized world, Dad reminds us that an arch consists of two weaknesses, which,...

In many ways, we're living more comfortable lives than ever before. We can drift through life while almost never being too hot, too old, too hungry, too physically exhausted, too dirty, or even too bored?   Yet, could the modernization of cars, computers, climate control and processed foods be chipping away at our physical, mental and emotional health?   Investigative health journalist Michael Eas...

Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be. - Ralph Waldo Emerson The first week of May this year was a bit exhausting for me. That week, I entered Immaculate Conception school physically in pain, emotionally drained and professionally wiped out. And yet, it was one of the most surprising - and humbling - moments I've had as a speaker. Today, I encourage all of us...