Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Lori Allen is one of the world's foremost experts on bridal couture and the central figure of TLC's longstanding reality show  Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. Today, Lori shares about owning Bridals by Lori for four decades, overcoming breast cancer and why she thinks marriages during the COVID-19 pandemic are among the strongest she’s ever seen. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Lori parents instilled strength, selflessness and self-sufficiency which created security. God's grace and Elmer's glue: In their 4 decades together, Lori and her husband Eddie have become a better team by dealing with life's challenges. Bridals by Lori: Inspired by her Aunt June, Lori has grown her own bridal shop by having an open mind + always looking to improve. "When you sit still, you fad away." "We gotta start loving ourselves." Lori shares the importance of taking care + living ourselves both internally + externally. As an empty nester, Lori has learned the importance of rediscovering what your personal passions are + reconnecting wit

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” - Viktor E. Frankl   My friend, as you step into your Monday and begin your week, determine to control what you can and let go of what you can’t. As you prepare for the unknowns ahead, choose to unclench your fist, let go of your anxiety and open wide your heart. Recognize that powerlessness fades when we embrace the brilliance, the miracle, and the influence within our attitude, decisions and lives.   This choice will fundamentally change your world. And in that, you’ll be liberated to improve the larger world, too. *** 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

Jillian Michaels is a world-renowned fitness expert, distinguished nutritionist and wellness entrepreneur. As one of the original trainers on the hit reality TV series The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels has built an empire in the health + wellness arena including being an 8-time New York Times bestselling author, publishing numerous successful fitness DVDs and launching the award-winning Jillian Michaels Fitness app. Today, Jillian opens up about her struggle with childhood obesity, facing ridicule from her peers and the infliction point that provided newfound confidence and triggered an appreciation for fitness to provide empowerment in all facets of life. You’ll leave this conversation with a plethora of practical tips + step-by-step instructions that will inspire your mind + body. SHOW NOTES: Her parent's divorce sent 12-year-old Jillian into a spiral where she became obese + was ridiculed by her peers until karate became a powerful, positive force in her life. With newfound confidence after her passing

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment as I share this timely poem. May you know love. The kind that makes you better, that challenges you to grow. Walk in loving kindness and you will feel the invisible tether that connects us all. May you live a life of purpose. Seek knowledge from young and old. Different and same, gentle and sharp. Live with your eyes wide open. See the beauty, the goodness, the miracles but also the struggle. Dare yourself to make a difference in the world. May you notice divinity in unlikely places. May you stand in awe of the world around you. And find wisdom in both the sunshine and the rain. Pause. Breath. Listen. The trees will tell you secrets if you let them. Let them. - Unknown *** 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? Subscri

In honor of the return of MLB baseball this week, we’re thrilled to have Major League Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. as our guest.  Cal is the epitome of dedication + perseverance. In his 21-year career, he earned his way into the record books numerous times, most notably when he broke Lou Gehrig's longstanding record of consecutive games played – with 2,130 games. Today, Cal is an author, speaker + philanthropist.   Our conversation will surprise you – we talk about baseball but even more about life outside of the ballpark. You’ll hear why Cal values persistently showing up despite difficulty and how he came to believe that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: September 6, 1995: Cal played in his 2,130-game to break Lou Gehrig's longstanding MLB record of consecutive games played. "There was a human connection between me and the people in the stand that was unlike anything else I've ever experienced." Cal believes that baseball nation applauded Cal's streak because everyone was looking for something

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson "It's not about you." These are the first four words of one of the bestselling books of all time. Through the principles put forward by Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life, we are reminded that to discover what most stirs our heart, ignites our passion and elevates our lives: We must begin with the surprising + unpopular truth that it’s not about us. In other words, to obtain the best of our lives we must... stop believing that it’s all about our lives. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 58, Matt Emerzian shared how he went from a senior vice president at a major music marketing company working with Hollywood's elite to shifting into a life of purpose. Hear how he made this shift, the impact it’s had and what it means for you here. Want to achieve greater success, impact more deeply and savor an even better life? Want more

“We have tremendous opportunity ahead to heal.” At seventeen years old, Brian Walsh found himself clinging to life after being caught in a burning building as a volunteer firefighter. Managing excruciating physical and mental pain for decades, today Brian is leading an inspired life as a financial planner, philanthropist, father and friend. In our conversation, Brian shares the quote above + what it means for all of us in this season of unyielding unrest. His hard-won resilience + tenacity will shift your perspective and help you see how you, too, can overcome the obstacles in your life today. SHOW NOTES: Growing in, Brian's middle-class blue-collar town expected young people to serve the community while his parents instilled the importance of hard work. At 17 years old, Brian started as a volunteer firefighter. October 24, 1981: After a freak flashover, Brian suffered such profound third-degree burns to his face that he was unidentifiable to his fellow firefighters.  "I was so consumed with healing, I didn'

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” ― Roy T. Bennett How do you respond to those with differing views than yours?   As a society, we are choosing to self-isolate. And this began long before a global pandemic.    Most of us live near, worship with and socialize among individuals who are similar to us.  It’s no surprise when someone forms a differing opinion, we simply cancel them, right?   But is it right?  *** 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 P

Recently, a dear friend shared the work of journalist Mike Max and his coverage of George Floyd's murder and the protests, destruction and marches in Minneapolis in the following days. Mike had covered the sports beat for 34 years at the CBS Minneapolis station and chose to use his longstanding relationship with the community to work to calm the hostile environment, spark meaningful conversations and capture the real-time experiences of the grieving community. Today, Mike shares his firsthand experience and what it was like to witness demonstrators and police officers respect for each other. Our conversation will remove the fog we often feel from politicized reporting and remind us of the good, humanity and of the possibility of us all coming together. SHOW NOTES: Growing up in a small Minnesota town, Mike credits his positive role models in building his fundamental foundation. Be thankful for what you did get to do.  As a former college athlete, Mike sees sports as a great meritocracy. In his 34 years in me

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. During this season of full of challenges, change and the unknown it's more important than ever to recognize that some of these difficulties can be used for new birth, reconciliation and hope for the future. Today, I share a poem written by Samuel Ullman that emphasizes the optimistic power of youth.  Youth by Samuel Ullman Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life. Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry,

When you flipped the calendar from December to January, what were you certain was going to happen this year? Maybe a family vacation, wedding, simply going to the store as often as you needed! And then...  Borders closed. Events were canceled. Online learning became the norm. Dining room tables, pets and children replaced offices and coworkers. Today, Janine Urbaniak Reid shares her own reluctant journey with unexpected chaos - hers is in the form of mothering a son with cancer. But the truth she shares is applicable to all of us navigating these uncertain times:   This crisis can pull away the distractions and leave you with focus on only the essentials; clarity on what truly matters.  Now that is a gift.  SHOW NOTES: At a young age, Janine learned to hide secrets of abuse + alcoholism from others.  "Every big transformative moment comes from the simple word help." Janine hoped that her overprotective parenting style would protect them from similar trauma she faced as a child while also re-parenting herself

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. How do I greet every person I meet? In silence to myself, I say, "I love you." Though spoken in silence, these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile my face and they echo in my voice. - Og Mandino After partnering with a couple of thousand organizations, we've learned how to improve top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability but also about the value of relationships. How do you greet every person you meet in life? Not just those you're trying to impress, inspire or lead... but everybody. Now more than ever, think through collaboratively of ways to come together, find the middle ground and build a brighter future. Today, I encourage you in silence and to yourself, to greet others with love, understanding and acceptance. *** 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, mean

As we're in the midst of the storm! COVID-19, economic recession, social unrest and injustices and yet... Today's guest is a welcomed reminder of the special people continuing to do extraordinary things every day. Dr. Art McCoy's radical yet practical intervention as Superintendent has transformed his district from a “dropout factory” to a 100% graduation rate This inspiring conversation will spark unity + offer you concrete ways to be a change agent in your community. SHOW NOTES: Through his parent's adversity, Art learned the importance of hard work, humility and perseverance.  "Your pain becomes your springboard for your purpose." In less than 2 decades, Jennings, a city in North St. Louis, MO, experienced white flight, was taken over of mediocrity, ignorance and apathy and its school faced losing accreditation. In the last decade, Art has worked as the school superintendent to reverse his hometown and establish enlightenment, empowerment and engagement. Dropout factory in a promise zone: When Art started

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. As we are facing uncertainty and adversity, I wanted to welcome back creativity strategist, speaker + author Natalie Nixon. Natalie shares her latest book The Creativity Leap and how the lessons outlined apply to today's chapter of life.  This timely conversation will inspire you to start your week in awe and on fire!  Buoyancy: To cope with current events, Natalie reminds herself + encourages others how important it is to keep showing up.  "Creativity is the engine for innovation." Natalie reminds us that during turbulent times is when embracing creativity is most important. "After we're able to zoom out of this conundrum, we will be aligned with the way of being and working that we've alienated from." To stay buoyant, Natalie finds forest bathing regenerative + restorative. Get Natalie Nixon's new book The Creativity Leap here. Natalie joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 118.

The career of Kurt Warner, Super Bowl and 2-time NFL MVPs, reads like a rags-to-riches fairytale. Yet his story off the field I've admired even more. Kurt's dignity and class are undeniable and his example of living faith boldly has changed my own faith walk. Today, Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look on the unlikely path to his countless accolades. His heartfelt words about his family and faith will absolutely take center stage. If you could use a dose of character, hope and humility, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Practice shapes us. In the NFL, you get 16 opportunities to be under the lights. So that means that 99% if your life is practice. 99% of the impression you leave on people comes from practice... to show people what they are going to get if they show up, you have to show them in practice. Apply this in parenting, work, life - it's all about practice. It's what shapes you and allows you to lead when you need to get on a soapbox or under the lights as a parent of an athlete. Sometimes you

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Today I share a story of one of my heroes, Amy Crawford. Amy is a 5th-grade teacher who has a profound way of elevating the kids in her classroom and inspiring others to recognize the meaning and power within their work. Cleaning her classroom before leaving for the weekend, Amy found a remarkable poem that would soon change her life. This poem was written by one of her troublesome students. I Am The Piece That Never Fits I am the piece that never fits. I wonder why people hate me for who I am I hear the cry of loneliness that comes from me I see my sad, strange, different self in the mirror I want someone on my side I am the piece that never fits. I pretend that words can never hurt me I feel the urge to run away from myself I touch the wet tear from my eye-rolling down my face I worry my future will be me, myself, and I I cry because I am the cheese; everyone is the mouse I am the piece that never fits. I understand that

"You can't always choose the path that you walk in life but you can always choose the manner in which you walk it." - John O'Leary Rebekah Gregory is a shining example of not letting circumstances define our lives. Just feet away from 2013's Boston Marathon explosion, Rebekah was severely injured and spent the next 56 days in the hospital. Yet, she and her son Noah choose not to be left shattered and instead choose to live vibrantly. Refusing to be labeled a victim, Rebekah shares the challenges she's overcome since that life-changing moment and how in the midst of overwhelming pain, there is still hope to be found on the other side of tragedy. Her resilience, faith and courage will remind you that our best days remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: As a child, Rebekah's biological father was an Evangelic preacher yet abusive to her + her mom, teaching her to rise above trauma for a better purpose. "Obedient preacher's daughter" mask: Rebekah learned the importance of making herself happy before she could make

My friends, as tension builds, as lines get drawn, as rhetoric intensifies – I beg you to no longer view it as someone else’s problem or buy into the tired “you’re either with us or you are against us” dialogue spewed for far too long by political leaders, media pundits and social influencers. There is a more nuanced perspective required to make the change so desperately needed. Several centuries after its inception, our nation continues to wrestle with its original sin: slavery. If we are going to eradicate inequality and end the racial divide, we must first confront the system and the bigoted history that fostered it. While it’s common to see signs in yards or posts on social media, the real work entails learning about the inequalities that grew out of the old system that still directly impacts our current one. It requires improving our education system that is failing many in our urban communities; transforming our penal system that delivers harsher punishments to people of color; elevating the education a

Seventeen years ago, my wife Beth + I were seeking to make a difference in the community and could think of no better organization to serve with than Big Brothers Big Sisters. Soon after, we were connected with a little boy that would change our lives. In walked a 10-year-old boy, with a huge, goofy + joyful grin named Travion House. By serving with BBBS, we thought we'd be making a difference in someone else's life. Instead, it was our lives that were profoundly changed for the better as we were taught about resiliency, courage, love + life really looked like. Today, as our communities across the United States are fighting for equality, Travion will shine a light on where we're broken, where we've been redeemed... and how we as individuals can choose to make a difference today. This is an urgent + important conversation that will inspire you to take action + be a change agent in our world. SHOW NOTES: I found someone like me. I found people that were different. Travion grew up the youngest of six with a sin

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. “A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true.” - Martin Luther King, Jr My friends, our very lives begin to end the moment we stay silent about things that matter. The only way we begin to achieve true inclusion, diversity and justice is by taking a stand against what remains an utterly broken system for so many; to see with new eyes what we’ve far too long chosen to ignore; and to raise our voice boldly, courageously, loudly against hatred - ALL hatred - spewed from both sides of disagreements. Yes, even when it means losing advantages we’ve enjoyed or status we’ve been given because of it. We do this important, life-giving work one person, one conversation, and one action at a time. We do it when we seek to understand and not simply judge. We do it when we step in with love rather than