Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

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 voice of fear whispering we’re just one person, we’re too inexperienced, too insignificant. We clam up when it’s our turn to share. We play small instead of taking a risk. We stay quiet when our words could change everything. And in doing so we fail to recognize that the contribution we see as insignificant is oftentimes life changing. Possibly even world changing.

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 aspect of their emotional, spiritual, physical, personal, and professional life. Today’s conversation reminds each of us that we hold the ability the create more satisfaction, deeper relationships and a more joy-filled life. If you or someone you love is exhausted from over-giving, overdoing, and even over-feeling, this episode is for you.  

“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 siblings in rural Texas, Kelvin grew up in a family hovering around the national poverty level. Yet, with his parents’ guidance, he learned to share whatever excess they’d have with the community. Today, you’ll hear a bit about his role as an offensive lineman and far more about his gratitude toward society and compassion towards others. If you're looking to hear from a catalyst for positive change, this episode is for you.  

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 book IN AWE. I hope this memory serves as a reminder that when it comes to generosity, the best results happen when we give our all.

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 conversation ready to transform your community, live generously and to love and let go.

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 authenticity and steadfast support, Zibby reminds us that wherever you are in life, you haven’t missed the boat and today is the day to take the next right step.

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, generosity, and empathy, Jason shares his secrets to cultivating character-building behaviors that are critical for both personal and professional success.   If you’re looking for the framework to build meaningful relationships in all aspects of your life, this conversation is for you.

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, leaning on each other becomes a strength.

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 Easter shares how we can leverage the life-enhancing power of discomfort in our daily lives to relieve tension, lower the risk of disease and dramatically improve our overall well-being.   If you're looking to find real connection in our world, today’s conversation will help you to embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy and healthy self.

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 to strive to be a source of inspiration for others.

David Horsager hopes to make a dent in the global trust crisis by developing trusted leaders and organizations.   As the bestselling author of The Trust Edge, David is the CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute and director of one of the nation's foremost trust studies: The Trust Outlook.   With decades of research and by working with organizations including FedEx and Toyota, global governments, the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security, David has captured the full picture of leadership both personally and professionally.   If you’re looking to grow as a leader, today’s conversation is for you.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness.- Victor Hugo Today, John shares how a ticket agent's small act of kindness had a tremendous impact. 

Catherine Price is an award-winning science journalist, screen/life balance expert and the author of books including The Power of Fun and How to Break Up with Your Phone.   In our always-on, productivity-addicted lifestyles, we tend to think of the pursuit of fun as being indulgent or even childish. We claim not to have time for it even as we spend hours a day engaging in what today’s guest calls “Fake Fun”—binge-watching Netflix, endlessly scrolling through Twitter, or indulging our FOMO on Instagram, all in hopes of filling some of the emptiness we feel inside.    Today, Catherine shares her evidence-backed resources to help others design lives in which they control their technology, rather than the other way around—with the ultimate goal of increasing happiness, productivity, creativity, health and wellbeing.   This conversation will empower each of us to scroll less, live more, and have fun.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

“You can easily tell the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Years ago, I ran a small construction company. Continuously running material, picking up tools, and dropping lumber, I spent significant time in a truck with my General Contractor, Harold Stewart.   Working together for almost a decade, Harold certainly taught me much about framing, wiring, plumbing and painting. The greatest lesson, though, was the power of consistent generosity.   My friends, there are so many examples of selfish people, tragic events and senseless violence today. In a world as broken as ours we often wonder what we can do to make a difference.   The example my friend- my brother- Harold models is a simple solution to the profound challenges we face today: Love people.   Choose to be kind to the one in front of you. Choose to invest in relationships for the long term. And choose to be generous to those who can’t repay it.   It may not change the entire world, but unqu

Today’s guest is an Emmy award-winning journalist, reinvention expert and intelligent risk-taker.   With a successful television career that spanned 28 years, some of Liz Brunner’s most memorable highlights involve exclusive interviews with prominent figures and cultural icons including President Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey.   After leaving a successful career as co-anchor of Boston’s #1 rated newscast, Liz is now dedicated to helping others find their authentic voice, tell their story and lead with presence.   Today, Liz leads us through a number of her career chapters that include High School Music teacher and entrepreneur with the intention of inspiring others to transform their lives.   This conversation will give you permission to discover your authentic self and remind you that no knowledge, obstacle or experience is ever wasted.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

“In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen For more than a decade I’ve worked with the FOCUS Marines Foundation. This organization hosts struggling veterans for week-long retreats designed to provide support for complex physical and emotional issues related to military service.   On this Memorial Day, I share the story of how the simple act cooking a meal can come to mean so much more. For nearly a decade, four military moms - all of whose lives have been impacted by veteran suicide - pour their hearts into a homemade meal for groups of veterans seeking support for the complex and often traumatic emotional burdens resulting from deployment.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

I’m honored to share a story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up with how we look on the outside rather than seeing that our true value is within.   When Kechi Okwuchi was 16 years old, she was one of just two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed more than 100 people, many of them her classmates.   Spending months in hospital recovering from the third-degree burns that covered more than 65% of her body, Kechi learned the power of perseverance, unrelenting faith and music’s profound ability to heal.   With courage, honesty and wit, Kechi shares her journey of healing, her fortitude in becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent and her boldness in choosing to not be defined by her scars.   This conversation will give you the hope, strength and boldness to face life’s challenges directly.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.