Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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 innumerab...

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 c...

Thebest and most meaningful aspects of our lives are discovered in the seemingly ordinary experiences, tender moments of grace, and ordinary human interactions with others throughout the day. Today, I share the story of a young girl I met at a burn camp, and the reminder I shared that the beauty of scars, the resiliency they possess, and ultimately, that she is being prepared for something bigger...

Ever feel over-scheduled, over-committed and over-tired in today's world? That we do so much, yet somehow, feel we're not doing enough? Christy Wright, bestselling author of Take Back Your Time and host of The Christy Wright Show, is an expert in cultivating balance, ditching distractions and prioritizing what actually matters. If you or someone you know is seeking a guilt-free tool to cut out wha...

The most important aspect of any work is seeing how it serves the larger community. Join me as I share about a cherished, irreplaceable colleague and the reminder that leaders impact most by showing others they matter. And today, my friends, I remind you of the fact that you, too, are absolutely irreplaceable. Your work matters, your dreams matter, your prayers matter, your words matter, your acti...

Bob Costas has earned 29 Emmy awards - more than any other sports broadcaster. He is also the only person to have won in news, sports and entertainment. So, what do Bob and I have in common? Bob was mentored by my dear friend, Jack Buck. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation as Bob reflects on his humble beginnings + his most iconic interviews and memorable moments from 25 years of covering the g...

Recently, I was nearing the end of hectic week of speaking events and it was obvious I was getting sick with a sinus infection. What began as a raspy voice when I started the speech turned into a whisper by the end of it. By the time I got home that evening, my voice was completely gone. What started as a sinus infection, manifested into a double ear infection, lead to swollen, irritated throat an...

Alison Levine knows what it's like to survive in the world's toughest environments. She served as team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition, scaled the "Seven Summits," and skied to the North and South Poles. Join us to hear Alison recount her history-making expeditions, the lessons in leadership they've taught her and how you can achieve more than you ever thought possible. SH...

After yet another catastrophe devastating our neighbors in Haiti, I wanted to share with you the amazing work being done by an organization striving to make a difference there. Today, I share a story was shared with me by last week's Live Inspired Podcast guest Tim Brand, Founder of Many Hands for Haiti. They are making a profound, positive impact during a time when need is so overwhelming. It's a...

Headlines often leave us feeling overwhelmed and like we can't make a positive impact. Today's guest reminds us that we can absolutely make a transformative impact through love in action. Tim Brand founded Many Hands for Haiti after a life-changing mission trip to the small, tropical country. A decade later, they've served 7.5 million meals, educated 1,200 children, constructed 990 safe homes... a...

"When he worked, he really worked. But when he played, he really, really PLAYED!" ― Dr. Seuss My friends, doesn't it seem children have more fun than adults? They smile far more often, skip more frequently, laugh a bit louder and enjoy life a lot more.  Today, I share how my daughter reminded me how fun travel can be and how good life still is during our annual tradition.

Jim McCloskey founded Centurion Ministries, the first organization devoted to exonerating wrongfully convicted prisoners serving life sentences or sentenced to death. Jim has helped free 65 innocent people. Today, Jim shares how his path was first one of destruction, followed by redemption and only then was he able to begin his amazing, life-giving work. Tune in for Jim's awe-inspiring reflections...

As the school year begins, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate a teacher taught me invaluable lessons on school and life. Mrs. Cathy Collins showed me that regardless the subject we may teach, there is no finer foundation, no clearer lesson plan, and no more effective motivation than love.

Design expert Ingrid Fetell Lee has spent over a decade researching the relationship between happiness + our surroundings. She's worked with iconic brands such as Target and Kate Spade and her wildly popular TED Talk has been viewed more than 17 million times. Today's conversation will empower you to be more intentional on what joy means to you and dedicating yourself to finding more joy in life a...

Tom Vanderbilt,  New York Times bestselling author of  Traffic , is known for writing about the mundane to the obscure, shedding light on surprising patterns of human behavior. Through his extensive research + first-hand experience, Tom shares the remarkable benefits of pursuing new skills and hobbies, the pressure-free approach we had as children and its transformative impact on our lives. Whethe...

Dara Torres made  history as the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games and again as the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal at age 41 in 2008.   Today, Dara shares the "heart-racing, thrilling" feeling of earning her first medal in 1984, what it felt like to defy expectations with two comebacks and how she balanced her career while being a mother.   With the 2020 Olympics in f...

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 You won't believe the impact the sweet, simple gift these Starbucks baristas gave had on their customer. This is beautiful reminder that you matter and your actions and words shape the lives of those around you. Don't underestimate that...

Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks, joined the company when they had 28 stores and grew that number to over 15,000 during his tenure. A successful leader, speaker, author and mentor, Howard is best known for his generosity and integrity. Hear how Howard influenced the growth of Starbucks, his tips on how to be a servant leader + why leading with values is the best recipe for success. Rew...

From shaming and shunning to mocking and ridiculing, it's stunning how many relationships have been damaged amongst people with opposing political views in recent years. To begin healing and finding meaningful ways to move forward together, we've invited Apolitical unification expert Peter Montoya to join us. First, Peter shares the facts and landscape for what has led us to the growing divide. Th...

In the midst of managing the complexities of life, what we often need most is a reminder that there is reason for hope. Today, John shares a much-needed reminder from someone who may have needed it even more than him. If you have challenges, this reminder will help you prosper and see the good to come. Learn more about resilience, faith, courage, redemption, family, love and life from John's mom,...

Former Navy fighter pilot Captain Charlie Plumb is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Scheduled to be his 75th and final mission in Vietnam, Charlie's F-4 Phantom Jet was shot down + captured. He'd spend the next 2,103 days isolated + tortured in North Vietnamese Prisoner of War camps. Four years ago I had the honor of having Charlie on the show + during our conversation, he deeply m...

According to Kaiser Family Foundation , about 40% of Americans have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, a 30% increase from 2019. Today, I revisit my most popular episode to date: My conversation with Mel Robbins. Mel's proven + simple strategy interrupts negative thought patterns so you can win the mental game and experience the joy + opportunity life...

As vacation season is upon us, it might be worth considering what a truly perfect one looks like. While the places we go and the people we meet certainly matter, what matters even more is often less noteworthy and perhaps more important. The most remarkable of vacations are the ones where you are fully present with the ones you love most. Today, I share the lesson my son taught me of the real magi...

Despite no music or vocal training, Todd Tilghman made it through NBC's The Voice blind audition ( with all four celebrity judges vying to coach him! ) and went on to win season 18, becoming the oldest winner in show history. Drawn to his tremendous joy onstage, fans gravitated to his much-needed inspiration when facing challenges. Today, Todd shares how decades of unrelenting challenges in marria...

"Love is the fuel that overcomes the fear of penalty; moves the obligation of duty into opportunity to serve; is energizing and never ends."  – Edie Varley   Love allows us to rise above our challenges – and it empowers us to help others rise above theirs, too. In honor of Father's Day, I share a remarkable story of a father exemplifying the one thing needed to overcome adversity. Today, let's foc...