Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

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 and at work. Join us to hear Ingrid's actionable tips to find joy all around you and to be reminded of the impact joy has on your health, resilience and well-being. SHOW NOTES: By nurturing her creative spirit, Ingrid credits her Nana as the reason she became inquisitive of the power within the physical world. “We think of joy as this light, fluffy, airy thing but joy is so integral to what it means to be a healthy, fulfilled human.” Moments of joy have a positive effect on physical health, productivity, creativity and resilience. What is joy? An intense momentary experience of positive emotion. When happiness is pin

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. Whether you're 17 or 70, today's conversation will inspire you to take the next right step in unlocking the joys that come with starting something new. SHOW NOTES: While at University of Wisconsin – Madison, Tom dropped out of the journalism department finding working at the school newspaper was the best way to learn the craft of journalism and allowing time to study other intriguing subjects. Tom’s work focuses on insightful research of everyday life such as design, technology, science, and culture and how things really work. New York Times bestseller Traffic is an eye-opening investigation at human behavior while driving.

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 full swing, this conversation  continues the celebration of inspiring moments in global sports. SHOW NOTES: Before becoming a 12-time Olympic medalist, Dara recognized her love for swimming at a YMCA competition at 12 years old. Caught up in excitement of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, her first, Dara recalls how rival Jill Sterkel helped her refocus after swimming poorly during qualifying. Heart-racing, thrilling, adrenaline-filled for days: Dara shares the indescribable feeling of winning her first gold in 1984 and her appreciation of her 2008 silver. At University of Florida, Dara earned 28 All-America

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 doing little things well greatly elevates the lives of those around you. *** This story was shared with me by my friend Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks. He saw Starbucks grow from a couple dozen stores to more than 15,000 around the world. How did he do it? By reminding his team they were in the People business serving coffee. Click here to hear my conversation with Howard on ep. 378.

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. Rewatch the livestream on Facebook or YouTube SHOW NOTES: At  15 years old, Howard's father left his family in Bulgaria to immigrant to Seattle where he saved his money from pushing carts in Pike Place Market to open a small grocery store. Not everything we do in life do you need to be paid for. By not charging a struggling family for strawberries, Howard's father taught him a valuable lesson that influenced how Howard began his work at Starbucks. Dreaming of the benefits he'd offer employees if he owned a company, Howard noticed how in sync they were with Howard Schultz, recognized as the modern-day founder of Starbuc

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. Then, he offers practical strategies to improve your relationships now. Today's conversation is a reminder that real change starts within each of us. Only then can our communities, nation and, ultimately, our world change. It starts with us. SHOW NOTES: One third of Americans believe we’re headed towards a second Civil War. Peter describes this current season of divisiveness and polarization as a “cold” social war, unlike the Civil War in the 1860s. During the global pandemic the usual large national events of sporting champions, awards shows that rallied us together were missing, causing politics to become a way of l

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, Susan O'Leary here.

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 moved me when he attributed his survival to his faith and ability to forgive. Today, I’m sharing a fresh cut of this episode with you because the lessons within it have never been more relevant: Purpose provides the strength to endure the unthinkable  Appreciating the value of challenge No matter how your 2021 has looked so far, Charlie’s story will remind you that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning The POWs held captive the longest came back with a lower rate of PTSD because great leadership unified u

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 has to offer now. As one the most-booked female speakers in the world and author of international bestselling book The 5 Second Rule, Mel educates, entertains and empowers others to live inspired. If you or someone you love is experiencing anxiety, fear, worry, self-doubt or overwhelm, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: "There is a very distinct gap between your instincts and impulse that will change your life and the excuses that stop you... and that gap is about five seconds long." The way that you change your life and discover the power inside you is you develop the clarity to hear what is inside you and develo

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 magic of vacation.

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 marriage, international adoption + career changes have brought him perspective and reminded him to celebrate the small steps along the way in achieving goals. Join us to hear the lessons Todd has learned and the strategies that continue to move him toward ever-present joy. SHOW NOTES: Grow Old With Me: Todd shares meeting his wife of two decades Brooke, the challenges early in their marriage and mending their relationship when it was seemingly broken beyond repair. “If love is all about you, it is not love.” Inspired from 2 Corinthians 4:17, Todd wrote in his journal, “your suffering is not forever and your suffering is no

"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 focus less on the challenges we face. Let’s focus more on celebrating what the opportunities we possess, those marching with us and the remarkable chance to be part of this orchestra of life.   [The essay shared on today's episode was first shared on USA Today.]

Rosie Rivera is one of the most influential and inspirational Latinas in the world. As the bestselling author of God is Your Defender, an international speaker and co-host of marriage podcast The Power of Us, Rosie uses her voice to give hope to fellow survivors of sexual abuse. Today, Rosie shares her painful journey and how she found serenity including: the tragic loss of her beloved sister, internationally acclaimed singer Jenni Rivera the trauma of being sexually abused as a child finding peace in surrendering pain This conversation will empower you to face life’s minor or most hurtful situations with courage, compassion + perseverance. SHOW NOTES: As a family of eight living in a two-bed one-bath home, Rosie didn’t recognize how poverty-stricken until she was blessed later in life. Jenni Rivera is known as the most important female figure and top selling female artist in Regional Mexican music, and the first to sell out Los Angeles’ Staple Center. Robbed of her voice: At nine, and overcome with anger

Constant exposure to the often negative 24-hour news cycle can adversely influence our mental health and overall well-being. Today, I share an excerpt for my instant bestselling book IN AWE to ignite our wonder for life + the limitless possibility for our days ahead. Want to learn how to see the possibilities around every corner? Enjoy an 80% discount on the IN AWE ebook when you order through my publisher by this Wednesday, June 16th here.  

Captain Jim Lovell has travelled further into space than any other person and is one of only three to travel to the moon twice. Possibly even more profound, he has witnessed more than 260 sunrises from space.  Infamously the mission meant to be his third trip to the moon, Apollo 13, was cut short when a tank exploded. When I first spoke to Jim in July of 2018, I was in awe – he has been a hero of mine since I was a boy. Today, I revisit parts of that historic conversation because it has never been more relevant. As we're each faced with our own unique challenges today, let Jim’s guidance on staying mentally strong in the face of unforeseen adversity inspire you. SHOW NOTES: When the odds are that long, how do you respond? “We thought about what we had to overcome, specifically: We had to figure out how to get back on course to get home. We had to decide what we had to turn off to save critical energy. We had to realize that each time we, we were slowly poisoning ourselves with carbon dioxide. We had to lear

“The very thing you take for granted, others are praying for.” – Marlan Rico Lee Few of us ponder honestly the profound fragility and beauty of life at any age. Today I share an experience from my time as a hospital chaplain that woke me up to be far more intentional in savoring the profound gift of each day. The goal of life isn’t to number the days to keep score, but in order to live them passionately, faithfully, intentionally, and lovingly. I encourage you to choose to number your days. Rejoice in what you have and those gathered around you. And in the midst of the anxiety, difficulty and unknowns of this day, remain confident that this day remains a gift and even better days are yet to come.

Struggle. Financial setbacks. Loneliness. Constant stress. Uncertainty.  These are some of the words audience members recently  shared when I asked them to describe the last 14 months. That is exactly why today's episode is so important: Join me to be reminded that, regardless of your challenges, hope is not canceled. Love wins. And the best of your life is yet to come. I’ll share just how mind-boggling the miracle of your life is as evidenced through a special friend of mine, 8-year-old Curtis. You won’t believe: the impact the healing power of love and hope had on his life the impact it can have on yours and the practical tips to cultivate hope in your life right now. SHOW NOTES: You are a miracle: The chance of you being born is less than 1 in 400 trillion. The likelihood of you developing from the first single-celled organism is less than 1 in 10 to the 390th power. “My life is a miraculous gift and I choose to live like it is.” John shares his serendipitous role with 8-year-old Curtis + his recovery f

Thirty years ago, Bill Johnson was walking to an Atlanta subway station with two colleagues when his world went dark. A bullet entered one temple and exited the other, leaving him permanently blind. With optimism, honesty + joy, Bill shares his extraordinary journey of learning to navigate in a new, dark world. Hear Bill share how he began to: accept his new reality embrace new ways of doing things and find wholeness and healing in the midst of struggle Rewatch the Bill Johnson's livestream on Facebook or YouTube. If you enjoyed hearing about Bill's resilience... You’re going to love professional barrel racer Amberley Snyder’s story. After a devastating accident left her unable to walk, she was determined to the saddle. Be inspired by Amberley's strength, faith and ability to turn tragedy into triumph Listen now. BILL JOHNSON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish

Scott Stratten is president of UnMarketing and was named “Top Five Social Media Influencers in the World” by Forbes.com. Co-author of six bestselling books with his business partner and wife Alison, Scott helps organizations see their business through his unconventional + disruptive “unmarketing” lens. Today, Scott reveals the power of having others believe in you, tips you can apply that have helped him evolve as a presenter, and what he recommends you "unlearn."  This conversation will motivate you to rise above limiting beliefs and take the next best step in your life. SHOW NOTES Captivated by motivational speaker Les Brown, Scott dreamt of using his energy, passion, knowledge and humor to inspire others. [Just as Scott admired Les Brown as a child, hearing Capitan Charlie Plumb's story left me mesmerized. Hear Charlie share how forgiveness + discipline helped him survive six years as POW on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 31] High school teachers Mr. Penman and Mr. Bearagen had such a positive effect on Scot