Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

At a time that many of us feel there is less to celebrate than usual, today’s guest reminds us that despite the challenges there is so much good! Even better, he shares tips so you can see it for yourself. Jarrett J. Krosoczka, New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator behind the wildly popular Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy series, wrote the graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo that moved me profoundly. In it, he shares about the gift of his grandparents, who raised him because of his mother’s heroin addict.   Today’s conversation will remind you that what you’ve weathered does not have to hinder your opportunity to live a better, bigger, bolder life now. SHOW NOTES: At 3 years old, Jarrett began being raised by his maternal grandparents while his mother was battling a heroin addiction. As the son of immigrants, Jarrett’s grandfather taught his children their lineage and the importance of hard work. Pandora’s Box: As a child, Jarrett used sketching as a way to process his unique situation yet it was when his wife wa

“To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible.”  ― Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach   "Is that all?" It’s an innocent enough question. Unless it’s being asked  by one of your kids on Christmas morning.   My friends, as you prepare for your holiday season, take pause to celebrate and rejoice in the amazing blessings already present in your life. Be in awe of the fact that the seemingly good and bad of your life have already lead you perfectly to where you are today and providentially to what’s possible tomorrow. And be convinced that the foundation is firm, 2020 almost behind us and the best is yet to come.

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp is one of the most successful artists in Christian music with forty #1 radio hits. Today, he is joined by his wife + fellow singer/songwriter Adrienne Camp as they share how they've found strength during life’s greatest heartbreaks. They share how their faith has provided guidance through the unusual circumstances of 2020, why Adrienne encourages Jeremy to share about his first wife's battle with ovarian cancer and the important role of transparency in their marriage. If you're seeking an honest perspective on how to face uncertainty with strength, optimism and hope, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Whatever May Come: “When the rug gets pulled out from underneath us, as Christians we turn to God and as musicians we turn to music.” Listen to Whatever May Come here.  “Through anything I face, running to the feet of Jesus brings healing.” – Jeremy Camp Adrienne grew up in a small South African town where her dad started a small multi-racial Christian school, th

“It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others.” – Dalai Lama This time of year, we frequently ask children, "what are you wishing for?" But what if the question was asked of you? What if you could arrange a safe, socially-distant, one-to-one meeting with Santa? Near the end of this wildly difficult year and in the midst of an array of personal challenges we face, I was reminded of a remarkable little boy’s answer to that question. *** Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

In 2019, there were 69 million files of child sexual abuse material reported to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. As CEO of Thorn, a non-profit founded by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Julie Cordua is driving innovation to connect the tech industry, law enforcement and government to end the viral distribution of abusive material and rescue children faster. Today, Julie shares how they are equipping the front lines and what we can all do to tackle this epidemic. SHOW NOTES: “I’m on a mission to end online child sexual abuse.” Thorn builds technology to end the trade on online child sexual abuse by changing the global systems that respond to this issue to create a safer world for our children. Growing up in a small farming community, Julie’s mom raised her to be independent, caring of others, especially those most vulnerable and with the belief that there is a bigger world to experience. After college, Julie worked with Bobby Shriver, co-founder of (RED) to use the brightest minds of the

“Live every day as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right.” - Muhammad Ali This ‘trivial exercise’ might be the push you need to start living your values and your best life. Assuming a lifespan of 75 years, you can look forward to living 27,375 days. If you’ve graduated high school, you’re down to 20,000. If you’re in your early 30s, you’ve got about 15,000 days left.  If you’re 60, a bit more than 5,000. Personally, I am counting down from 11,680. Being aware of how finite my life is isn’t depressing, but inspiring, convicting, and prods me daily to ensure my life is congruent with my personal values, passion and vocation. With the end in mind, are you letting go of fear, being bold, radiating love and realizing the profound grandeur and goodness of this moment? Are you living in such a manner that both reflects your gratitude for what you already have and your passion to realize even bigger things going forward? Why wait? The meter is running, life is fragile, every single day matters

The odds of surviving a plane crash resulting in one or more fatalities is one in 3.4 million. Today's guest survived two, the odds of which are one in more than 11 quadrillion. In the span of eight years, Austin Hatch survived two plane crashes that claimed five people closest to him. In 2003, eight-year-old Austin Hatch lost his mother, younger brother, and older sister in a plane crash that he survived. In 2011, just days after making his commitment to play basketball at University of Michigan, he survived a second plane crash on which he lost his dad and step-mom. The second left him with brain damage and doctors feared he'd never walk again. And yet, Austin continued to defy odds and went on to play Division I basketball. Today's conversation is a poignant story of thriving through tragedy. If you could use an example of perseverance in action - this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: "I've had two really bad days in my life. I can't let those two days outshine all the other great days." September 1, 2003:

“Being resentful is like taking poison…. and waiting for the other person to die.”  – Nelson Mandela My friends, how long should you stay mad? I must admit that in my life, and perhaps you’ve found in yours, that even with the door open and the bridge of reconciliation available, I tug on my jacket, turn around in anger, and walk into the cold rain by myself. But going forward, let’s determine to let go of our ego. Let’s choose to ring the bell, meet their smile with ours, and come back into the house. Let’s set down the poison, reenter relationship, and realize the gift of doing life, together. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Every Thursday for the last five weeks we’ve shared interviews full of tips + inspiring conversations as part of our Electing Gratitude series. This special series was designed to help you navigate + find joy within the complexities of life this year. Today's episode serves as a guide to living inspired while navigating holiday stress + winter blues. I share much-needed perspective + practical tips from past Live Inspired Podcast guests to help stay inspired throughout the season. The foundation is firm and the best of our days remain in front of us. Gregg Easterbrook, New York Times bestselling author of the book It’s Better Than It Looks shared hard facts as to why this is the best time in human history. He exposed which elements of your life are making you feel otherwise and most importantly, shared the value of recapturing a true, positive perspective + what it could mean for your relationships, business, life + world.  Listen to ep. 121 and ep. 238. When you know your why, you can endure any how. Th

As this week ushers us toward my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I wanted to say to try to help reduce the anxiety, divisiveness, anger and general exhaustion you may be feeling.   It’s been a profoundly difficult year. The need to slow down, count blessings and come together not only as a family around a Thanksgiving meal, but as a nation, is critical. [I had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Jackson’s pastor of more than 30 years on our most recent Live Inspired Podcast episode. Pastor James Ward profoundly influenced Ms. Jackson’s life. When you listen, he’ll undoubtedly influence yours, too. Listen here.] Let’s use this important season to come together and rejoice in our gifts, challenges we’ve endured, lessons we’ve learned, and in the truth that in spite of our many mistakes and differences, that we are indeed better together, we are made for greatness and that the best is yet to come. Enjoy your Thanksgiving week. Lower your voices. Open your hearts. *** My new bo

"Are you angry with the police?”   Just days after Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back, Pastor James Ward, the pastor of Blake’s mother, was asked this question by a reporter from a major cable news show. His response – one of grace, peace, forgiveness, and righteous indignation was a catalyst; drawing others into a critically important conversation as a nation.   Today, Pastor James shares on the deeply rooted cultural and spiritual issues we’re experiencing and gives concreted ideas on how we as individuals can begin to fix these.   Join me in this incredibly timely, life-affirming conversation to help make our tomorrow far better than yesterday. SHOW NOTES: "My faith comes before my ethnicity." Thermostats versus thermometers. Thermometers reflect what's going on in the room whereas thermostats dictate. Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Ala. at the end of segregation, Pastor James expected hostility when his school system became integrated in third grade. Proverbs 4:23: Guard your heart, for out of it sp

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstance, to choose one’s own way.” – Viktor Frankl During a time when so many feel that life is out of control, overwhelmed with challenges, and trapped in isolation, let’s choose to galvanize around an opportunity that is alive and well: To be love, to extend grace and to do life better, together. Learn more about our coaching program, virtual events and how we're here to serve you at JohnOLearyInspires.com. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, You

Does having the world at your fingertips 24/7 ever feel overwhelming? Do you ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, only to be left feeling anxious, frustrated and unproductive? Today, Tiffany Shlain, bestselling author of 24/6 and founder of the Webby Awards, shares her expertise on how to enjoy + leverage technology by first setting healthy boundaries with it! (After hearing the results of her brilliant tips, my entire team has adopted it!)  For more than a decade, Tiffany and her family have practiced a "tech Sabbath" and today's conversation is packed with actionable tips that will help you reset + rebalance. If you find yourself connecting via technology more than ever during the pandemic… this episode is for you.

Last week, my wife Beth + I witnessed a microcosm of what happens every day in this country and around the world. People, living their lives the very best they can. Struggling. Dreaming. Striving. Hoping to provide for families, and run errands, and live their lives.... But when there is a need, when an individual is in pain, when someone regardless of their differences is in need of help, people step up. Turns out, during times of adversity our own arrogance and selfishness and political leanings fade as we realize we are all in the same family. And we do care. My friends, this too shall pass, we’re truly in this together and the best is yet to come. The struggles of the world won’t fade, but you’ll be inspired and empowered to joyfully move forward, together.

Earlier this week, we officially cast votes in local + national elections. Regardless of our personal politics or if our candidates won the results of tomorrow’s election, this season has been nothing short of tumultuous. As we're reeling with elevated emotions, I wanted to make space for our Live Inspired Community to be present to the uncertainty that we are experiencing together. Today, I'm listening to your thoughts and questions and share my thoughts and hopefully, some inspired perspective. As bridge-builders, let's remember that we have the power to make a difference, things are far better than they seem and the best of our days remain in front of us.   SHOW NOTES: Catherine G. asked, "What are you doing with your kids during this time to make sure they are part of this season, yet not swallowed up by this season?" Give yourself grace. Have honest conversations about how to make a difference Dan R. asked, "What is your perspective on the current climate? Will your message change when we find out

In the midst of this fractious season, I’m reminded of witnessing an alternative possibility at a burn camp for children decades ago. While there, I was reminded of the transformational possibility of coming together to heal wounds, unify differences and aspire to true greatness. As painful as physical recovery from a severe burn is, the assimilation into your “old life” can be even more difficult; having a strong community helps. As excruciatingly painful as burns, bandage changes, or therapy might be, physical pain can be masked with drugs, endured with grit, or overcome with time. The far greater challenge for a survivor is the emotional pain of the trauma. Away from my family and close friends for the first time, I tried to stay to myself, remain relatively quiet and felt rather uneasy. I didn’t know anyone else there and wasn’t sure I fit in with the group. One of the camp counselors, a larger than life firefighter named Charlie positively changed my perspective.

Just days away from what might be the most impactful American presidential election in history, in the midst of a pandemic, with high stakes + anxiety regardless the side of the aisle you sit on...  It’s all unprecedented.  Or is it? The headlines continue to refer to this election as “unprecedented” – but I’m not so sure it is! Join me and the host of the award-winning Presidential Podcast Lillian Cunningham for a bipartisan conversation about past elections, presidents, their legacies + what this lens means for us as we near our“unprecedented” election day 2020.   If you could use a reminder that the best days of our nation’s history remain in front of us, this episode is for you! SHOW NOTES: As life-longer learners, Lillian's parents instilled the importance of education both formally + by taking initiative to seek out knowledge. Fiction writer or astronaut? What drew Lillian to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago was their expectation of students to take classes in across a wide

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. Just a week before the election, in the midst of a pandemic, with recessionary winds blowing, and personal challenges mounting, so many of us are beginning to feel we’re trapped in an impossible situation.   It is more important than ever to remember that impossible is just a word thrown around by people who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given, rather than to explore the power they have to change it.  Use this season to be reminded of the limitless possibility within your life. It will change your world. And the world. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter,

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?  Kara Goldin left her Vice President job at AOL to launch Hint Water with one simple goal: Make water that tastes great.  Finding herself overweight, with low energy + adult acne, Kara discovered her diet soda habit was the culprit. To entice herself to drink water in its place, she added “hints” of fruit flavor to plain water. This was the inspiration behind the fastest growing, #1 flavored water in America: Hint. Today, Kara shares how she uses rejection as motivation, balances work with raising her four children and how “success” looks different for each of us. Get your favorite Hint Water ready because this conversation will have you racing forward with ferocious optimism! SHOW NOTES: Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.  Teamwork: Growing up with five siblings, two over 15 years older than her, she had great role models. As a leader in the community, Kara's mother taught her to "love what you'r

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. “Were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?” As a 20-year old college finance major, I had an amazing opportunity to work at a world-class financial service firm. When a successful adviser called asking me, “were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?” I was startled. Although the conversation rattled me as an intern, the reason I am rehashing the story is less about my hurt feelings or someone’s assessment of my intelligence, and much more about my manager Don Embree's response and what it means for all of us today. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on F