Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Fear and love are the two great motivators. While fear suffocates, love liberates. With which lens do you most frequently choose to see the world? With so much negativity, violence and brokenness in the world, it’s common to grasp onto and utilize the perspective of fear to view the world. Fear of others. Fear of the unknown. Fear of tomorrow. Fear of life. Today, I share one of my favorite quotes on the power of our perspective today determining what happens tomorrow was written by Pedro Arrupe.

When Adam Robarts was asked by a family member what he would choose to do for a career if he were not an architect. Without hesitation he replied: A hospice nurse. It was just five years earlier that he had a profound experience accompanying his father through the final weeks of life before he died of cancer in Uganda. And yet, Adam could not have imagined then that nine months after that conversation with his family, he would begin to accompany his 19-year-old son Haydn through a battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer. My friends, today Adam joins us to share how Haydn’s dignified response to his own suffering provides essential wisdom and hopeful possibilities for each of our lives. This conversation will renew your mindset to live this precious life with purpose and clarity.

My friends, I don’t remember what hotel I stayed while in Las Vegas last week. I don’t recall if I rented a car or took an Uber. I didn't have any interest in gaming or going out; I didn't have time for meals or shows. In other words, so much of my experience in Las Vegas is already a blur further validating the slogan that what happens there, stays there. But I do remember Steve. Let me explain...

Does money buy happiness? According to Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton, yes… if you’re spending it right. Named by Wired Magazine as one of '50 People Who Will Change the World', Michael has spent decades uncovering the fascinating human truths that influence our relationship with money, social norms and political correctness. Today, Michael joins us to share how smarter spending can lead to happier, more fulfilling lives. Using numerous real-life examples and three specific practices, this conversation reimagines how to buy happiness.

“What advice would you give yourself at age 20?” It’s a question I’ve asked every single guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. And after 500 episodes, the answers always move me. As the interviewer, I always learn something from the answer. But it wasn’t until the tables were turned and I was asked that question that I realized the true power of taking a moment to consider the answer in our own life. It forces us to take stock of both who we are today and revisit who we were.

It's been five years, 11 months and four days since the Live Inspired Podcast launched and 499 episodes later, I'm in awe that the Live Inspired movement has grown to hundreds of thousands of weekly listeners from all 50 states and more than 115 countries across the world. It's been an honor to have you alongside me as I had some of the most life-giving and life-changing conversations with luminaries and thought-leaders including New York Times bestselling authors, Hall of Fame athletes, Grammy-winning recording artists, and literally a man who traveled to the moon TWICE! When deciding how to celebrate this special occasion, my team and I had some pretty grandiose ideas yet nothing seemed as meaningful and full circle as handing the microphone over to the person who was there when it all got started. Join me as Susan O'Leary, my mom and our very first guest, takes the reins to interview me with unexpected and hard-hitting questions, including for the first time ever -- the Live Inspired 7.  Whether you're bra

When you look at your life, what do see? When you read the headlines, what leaps off at you? While you visit with family, or work with colleagues or commute through life, what do you see? What we seek, we find. Choosing to see life like this doesn’t make challenges fade. It just ensures the next time you glance into a mirror, struggle in a relationship or feel discouraged by life you can honestly proclaim, “It may be red, it may be bumpy, it may be ridgy, it may be far from perfect…but I love it.” And that kind of perspective not only changes what you see, but also what happens next in life.

The race to the Major League Baseball post-season is on… and it’s heating up as teams are looking for a path to victory.    The players you know are on the teams you love because of those 30 individuals sitting in the General Manager’s office.   Today, as my favorite team, the St. Louis Cardinals make their push to the postseason, I’m joined by their Vice President and General Manager, Mike Girsch. While visiting at Busch Stadium, Mike shares seldom-told stories about his journey from an Amateur Scouting Coordinator to one of the most coveted and elite jobs in professional sports. While today’s conversation may seemingly focus on baseball, it’s actually so much more. Hear Mike share how to… Courageously take risks in pursuit of a dream Manage a losing streak  Celebrate the relationships that matter most Trust the timing of life   Mike is a dear friend, and while his team is closing in on another playoff birth, this conversation will remind all of us it’s never too late to pursue a dream.

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 and transition, Amy’s practical and insightful work has been crucial in helping others navigate life’s toughest times. Amy’s groundbreaking work on grief, including loss that others may not deem worthy of grief, will liberate you to heal, dare you to fully live and love fiercely. If you’ve ever been left to cope with death, the end of a relationship, loss or faced disappointment, today’s conversation is for you.

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 truth, courage, and sincerity and how he’s helping others find their worth. This conversation will remind you just how valuable and precious life is and offer the encouragement to live it fully. *** Cue the confetti! As we celebrate 500 Live Inspired Podcast episodes, we want to hear from YOU. What do you love? Who has been your favorite guest? What have you always wanted to know? Who do you want to see join in the next 500 episodes? Plus, learn how you can earn a $100 gift card!  Take the Short Survey Now.

“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 podcast, share how they're navigating the disease, raising awareness and giving a voice to others facing similar challenges. Much like my parents, this married couple refuses to let a lifelong degenerative condition stifle their lives and instead uses it as an excuse to begin truly living. If you or someone you love needs courage, hope and reason to believe that the best is yet to come, this conversation is for you.

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. For many. But not for all. We have a chance daily to make others feel welcomed and loved. We have an opportunity to remind them that they matter and that their life is a gift. It might, in fact, be the most important thing they learn this school year.

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 life, or relationships--often brings a level of uncertainty and anxiety. Today, Jeff shares the difference between success and excellence and outlines how to reduce the risk yet not be bounded by fear in a season of change. If you or someone you love is facing uncertainty and not sure what to do next, this conversation is for you.

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 transformed into a highlight.

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 book How Are You Really? became a New York Times bestseller. Today, Jenna shares how she learned to value experiences over “things”, the ongoing journey of self-love and how she protects her most valuable asset: time. If you’re looking to truly enjoy being alive and not merely suffering through it, this episode is for you.

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 America to raise more than $20 million for Victory Junction. Founded in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction is a year-round camp that exists to enrich the lives of children, ages six to 16, with chronic and serious medical conditions. Today, Kyle shares an insider's perspective on stock-car racing’s rise in popularity in American culture, how he weathered the untimely death of his son and how he uses his platform to provide life-changing and life-giving experiences for others.