Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Almost 13 years ago, I read Judith Shulevitz's New York Times article  Taking Back Sabbath and still today, it has a profound effect on me. As a society, we've put such an emphasis on work and being busy and this article reminds us of the importance of Sabbath, what "Sabbath" is and what it means in all of our lives – regardless of our faith background. Today, our conversation with Judith will cha...

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, we celebrate National Sibling's Day this Wednesday, April 10 by reaching out to your sibling (or chosen sibling!) to share your love + gratitude for them.  Listen to Live Inspired Podcast  ep. #88  to hear the heroic acts of my siblings that saved my life 30 years ago and three ways to enhance your adul...

I've been so eager to bring Sparsh Shah onto the Live Inspired Podcast since I was first introduced to him in March 2017.  Fifteen-year-old Sparsh shares about being born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or "Brittle Bone Disease", and how he hasn't let it define his life. Sparsh, also known by his rapper name Purythem, went viral with his rendition of Eminem's Not Afraid and since sang the National A...

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, I take pause to celebrate Doctor's Day and share the important role play in all our lives. With a special shout out to my childhood physician,  Dr. Tsifutis, who I recently got to have lunch with and thank in person. I reference the three lessons I learned from my burn doctors that I still live by today...

The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, is a series that follows Leon Logothetis as he travels the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways. Leon joins us to share how a once "lonely kid" grew up to be a successful stock broker and then, upon discovering his passion for human connection and kindness, has embarked on the adventure of a...

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments. Today, my friends, we are stepping into spring! Nature is blossoming in front of us; offering a reminder that the best in life is yet to come. Today, let's celebrate the three life lessons my beautiful magnolia tree offers. I promise, they will get you ready to launch into spring + beyond. Three lessons from ma...

"You can't imagine your life without it, but you desperately want to let it go." This is addiction as defined by today's guest, Fr. Tom Hoar, President + CEO of Enders Island Retreat Center, a treatment facility that helps addicted adults. More than seven million Americans struggle with some form of addiction. Today, Fr. Tom debunks an often-taboo topic by sharing stories of redemption and healing...

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. Today, I share a sneak peek from upcoming Live Inspired Podcast guest Fr. Tom Hoar and, his poignant question "have you had enough" + what asking it could mean in your life.  Thank you to my dear friend, Live Inspired community member Mary...

Michele Cushatt is a self-proclaimed expert of trauma, pain and the deep need for human connection. As a three-time cancer survivor, mother of six, author and speaker, Michele's warmth, strength and transparency will remind you that you're not alone. Michele shares her story, how hope got her through her struggles and how it will help you through yours. Today, you'll be reminded that your best day...

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. This week, I answer questions submitted from three Live Inspired community members. Tune in to hear my answers! Lisa K. asked:  Have you interviewed anyone that has left you speechless? You've had so many amazing guests. Whi...

During his eleven years as a business leader at Build-A-Bear Workshop, Manley Feinberg implemented solutions inspired by his extreme outdoor adventures in the Himalayas, Uzbekistan and El Capitan in Yosemite. Today, Manley shares compelling tales from the trails that led to lessons in leadership that will help you overcome your challenges and live more inspired. SHOW NOTES: Courage is contagious,...

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. Today, I share a story submitted by Mike F. of Alton, Illinois, one of our Live Inspired community members. Mike has done something truly amazing by applying the Live Inspired 7 – the questions we ask every guest at the end...

Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor – most notably is his Oscar-nominated role of Lieutenant Dan in  Forrest Gump. This role reshaped the trajectory of Gary's life; not because of the acclaim for the film, but because it ignited a relentless drive in him to champion veterans' sacrifices and ensure they're never forgotten. Gary's philanthropy has made him a beloved to countless and earned him pre...

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. I am honored to be joined by my dear friend Dennis Gillan to discuss a topic that desperately needs to be revisited: suicide prevention.  Today, we will break down the stigma around mental health and how to better care for o...

SoulPancake is an entertainment company with a mission to make the world a better place. How?  By creating content that explores meaningful topics with integrity, heart + humor. You've likely seen some of their viral hits (that have amassed nearly one billion views!) like  Kid President ,  Tell My Story  +  My Last Days .  Shabnam Mogharabi, co-founder, shares the best tips she's discovered while...

In honor of Valentine's Day I went deep into the vault -- we're over 100 episodes deep now! -- to feature one of our resident love experts Les Parrott. He'll give us practical tips to love (and live!) more inspired.  This episode originally aired in June 2017. Les is a co-creator of the match-making software behind eHarmony, psychologist, professor, author, husband, and father. He's shared his exp...

Are you ready to celebrate Valentine's Day  right this year?   This holiday is about so much more than Hallmark cards and boxes of heart-shaped chocolates. It's about the power of love - all love not just  romantic  love - in our lives.   I'll share two love letters I've written, the life-changing impact they've had and challenge you to write one, too. [The winner of the challenge will get a $100...

The book Proof of Heaven ignited a conversation around the globe about how heaven can be scientifically proven by examining near-death-experiences (NDE). It shared the NDE of the author, neurosurgeon Eben Alexander, MD, and it soared to the top of the New York Times bestsellers list. Today we are joined by Dr. Alexander to discuss his NDE, how it changed his understanding of science, the world we...

Embracing your emotions at work is the key to being more fulfilled, genuine + professional. Liz Fosslien, co-author + illustrator of the just-released book No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work ,   joins us to share how to recognize, understand + channel emotions to be the best versions of ourselves. This light-hearted conversation will help you value and feel your emoti...

True or false: The world is worse than ever before. FALSE. My friends, today's guest shares hard facts as to why this is the best time in human history. He'll expose which elements of your life are making you feel otherwise. Most importantly, he'll share the value of recapturing a true, positive perspective + what it could mean for your relationships, business, life + world. Gregg Easterbrook is t...

Today we discuss a topic that many families are dealing with quietly, quietly... 72,000 Americans died from drug overdose last year. That's a two-fold increase in a decade. I'm sure you've heard similar stats like this in the news, along with headlines including words such as "opioid crisis" + "heroine epidemic." Today, my friend Steve Grant joins us to share his story, how this epidemic has deepl...

Today's episode is about you. Specifically, how to make sure 2019 is absolutely your best year yet. I'll give you a peek at the exercise (created by Jinny Ditzler) I complete every year to ensure I have my best possible year. Since starting this process 10+ years ago, I've: Become more inspired + stayed focused on living inspired Improved my spiritual health + focused on my marriage Built a speaki...

Today we are going to talk about how you can get better results in life and business by activating your creativity. I first became aware of this concept when my book  ON FIRE made a must read list by The Business Journals along side the book of today's guest, Natalie Nixon. Natalie's book is called  Strategic Strategic Design Thinking .  Today, you'll learn how this concept will help you live more...

30 years ago I was burned on 100% of my body and not expected to survive. I beat the odds and recovered thanks to the care, encouragement + love of my family, friends, healthcare team, MLB baseball players and countless individuals I'll never know. From this, I have a profound sense of gratitude for my life + perspective on overcoming challenges. Today, I share 3 of the most formative lessons I le...

Today, we've got a really fun treat for you! An awesome lesson on love and how to fill your home with it just in time for the holidays... from HGTV stars, Erin + Ben Napier.  Erin + Ben share about their new book, Make Something Good Today , and how this motto has transformed their lives. My friends, rehabbing isn't just meant for homes, but more importantly, for our hearts, lives and towns, too....