Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Does your life look different than you imagined it would? In 2008, Katherine + Jay Wolf were newlyweds and parents to their six-month-old son when the unimaginable happened. Just 26 years old, Katherine suffered a massive brainstem stroke. After a rare, life-saving surgery, Katherine spent nearly two months in a coma-like state. With her faithful husband Jay by her side, Katherine had to relearn how to breathe, talk, eat... and eventually thrive. While no one wants terrible pain or unbearable tragedy, this couple is a tremendous example of finding hope in the midst of the storm. Today, Katherine + Jay Wolf remind us that suffering isn’t the end of our story, but the beginning of a new story. SHOW NOTES: At 22, Katherine + Jay tied the knot in an unusually perfect November day in Georgia before seeking adventure together in California.   April 21, 2008: When their first child was just 6 months old, Katherine suffers massive brain stem stroke without any warning and does not wake up from a coma-like state for

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Have you noticed it is frequently the people who say the least about themselves who have the most incredible stories to share? On this Memorial Day holiday I wanted to share one such example of a heroic, humble servant who never needed to tell you how great he was. In a world where we too frequently celebrate people based on their physical beauty, social following or professional successes, Bill Skinner reminds us what a true hero looks and acts like. [Click to tweet.] Today, make sure that the humility, sacrifice, life and death of these heroes continue to shine brightly through the lives of those of us lucky enough to live on. *** 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

Shannon Miller is widely recognized as one of the iconic gymnasts of USA's Magnificent Seven 1996 Olympic team. Two decades later, she remains as one of the most decorated American gymnast in history. Yet, even the greatest of champions face uncontrollable factors --  like a rare cancer diagnosis.  Today, this mother of two, author, sought-after speaker + survivor shares some of her contagious focus + determination. You'll learn her perspective on some of the most memorable moments of her gymnastics career, her devotion to advocating for women's health + how she empowers others to breakthrough personal challenges.  SHOW NOTES: "I didn't realize training 6-7 hours a day wasn't normal." - Shannon on growing up in Oklahoma. Shannon credits her parents in keeping her balanced + humbled while training. At 9-years-old, Shannon idolized the older gymnasts she trained alongside before learning about Mary Lou Retton and Nadia Comăneci. "I was never one of those kids that thought 'I want to be an Olympic gold medalist

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Have you ever noticed that the games we play as children can teach us profound lessons as adults? Join me as I share how my son Henry reminded me how we spend so much of our life blinking, missing the point or not being fully present. Today I challenge you to be fully present and fully engaged in all that you do.   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, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles including helplessness + isolation --  until he discovered his purpose. As a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur and father of four, Nick emphasizes that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome. Today, Nick shares his path to finding purpose, how sharing his struggles have inspired billions + what he's looking forward to. This conversation with an ambassador of hope will remind you that we all can rise above adversity and overcome every disability and live a life without limits. SHOW NOTES: The happiest people on earth are ones that are grateful. Before his birth, Nick's parents did not know he'd be born without limbs. It took his mom four months to come to terms  At a young age, Nick's parents encouraged him to do household chores for money which taught him goal-setting, dignity + appreciation and also have faith in God, know he is loved + to not li

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segment. As you may know, my second book IN AWE published last week... and it became an instant bestseller on Amazon! While our live in-person book launch party is postponed, we wanted to celebrate virtually.  Tens of thousands of people tuned in Friday evening to hear me brag on my beautiful bride, hear stories from my heroes (named Mom and Dad!) and hear this rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist".  Watch the Virtual IN AWE Book Launch party at ReadInAwe.com, YouTube or Facebook. Don't have a copy of IN AWE yet? Order from ReadInAwe.com or anywhere books are sold! *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history selling over 11 million records, earning five Grammy Awards and received a record-breaking 58 golden Dove trophies. Today, Steven joins us to share the inspiration behind his latest single "Together (We'll Get Through This)” with friends Brad Paisley, Lauren Alaina and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. When collaborating on the inspiring + uplifting project, Steven saw the need for a message that many of us are desperately seeking: we need each other + we will get through it as one. In addition, Steven shares the inspiration behind his music, how his family has found comfort after his daughter’s tragic death and the faith he instills in God. This uplifting + timely conversation will remind you that the best of our days do remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: Steven's first gig in music was with his brother at Opryland Park in Nashville, TN after high school. "A man with an experience is never at the mercy of

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segment. I never imagined releasing a book during a pandemic, yet could there be a better time to share a message about thinking differently, acting selflessly, dreaming mightily, connecting authentically and living joyfully? While this week may look a bit different than we planned, I see an even greater reason to apply the lessons I write about in the book. I’ve learned that true generosity isn’t about giving that which you won’t miss but recognizing the needs of another that are indeed far greater than yours. 100% of all profits from the pre-sale and first week of sales for In Awe are being donated to my favorite organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters. The profits from the 10,000 – 15,000 books sold during these weeks would have significantly helped me but will help the families within Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri far more. Let’s make the best of all we still have, instead of begrudging all we do

Diane Rehm spent almost four decades on-air interviewing iconic cultural + political figures on The Diane Rehm Show, and she represents the very sound of National Public Radio. Often described as the "diva of discussions", Diane has the unique ability to own a strong opinion on matters but also the uncommon ability to remain open to other's opinions. Naturally curious to others' perspective Diane possesses an amazing combination of steeliness + vulnerability. Today, Diane opens up about her latest book When My Time Comes + the opposing arguments for + against the right-to-die. You'll also learn about her longstanding career in radio, working through crippling anxiety early in her career, how she overcame debilitating neurological voice disorder and why she sees herself as the "luckiest person". SHOW NOTES: When Diane was 19, her 49-year-old mother died from liver disease. In her last of countless trips to the hospital, she begged to die in order to be released from the pain + suffering. Eleven months later,

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I welcome back New York Times bestselling author + leader of the hands-free revolution Rachel Macy Stafford. Rachel shares her latest book Live Love Now and tackles the biggest challenges facing kids today and equips adults to engage them with humanness and heart, compassion and honesty to discover the deep, life-giving connection everyone is longing for. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire!  "As parents, we can’t prevent the stress our kids experience at school or in society, but we CAN give them coping skills… we CAN allow for emotionally healthy experiences at home... we CAN emphasize meaningful measures of success despite the one the world shoves down their throat.”  "In a world that looks for the quick fix, that prefers to numb the pain rather than do the work to heal, that resists the need to talk about hard things like mental health, we often walk right past oursel

Lauren Daigle is the fastest-selling new artist in the Contemporary Christian genre of the last decade. Critically acclaimed for her unique, soulful + soaring vocals, the singer-songwriter is sincere, down-to-earth and has unwavering faith.  Today, the 2-time Grammy Award winner shares how her Louisiana-roots cultivated her appreciation for music, the uplifting inspiration behind her lyrics, and how rediscovering her childlike wonder helped her find greater joy in life. Lauren also shares how she previously embraced a period of stillness amidst a whirlwind of success, how it propelled her forward into her next fruitful season + what it could mean for you during the COVID-19 pandemic. SHOW NOTES: "We're on the precipice of something extraordinary. If the whole world is still and experiencing a level of silence, great things come on the other side of those experiences." “I need to learn to love change because it is inevitable.” Lauren grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana surrounded by a  culture of music, passion +

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Carol.  Carol asked: What keeps you grounded? I have a few key phrases that remind me of what is important — and what isn’t.  I love you… and there is nothing you can do about it. Thank you. This too shall pass. Tune in to hear how these phrases inspire me. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** 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, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of us in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. Sunday marks the 25-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.  Many of us were left searching for healing + hope after the deadliest domestic act of terrorism in our country's history. Two mired in darkness were Bud Welch, a father of one of the victims, and Bill McVeigh, the father of Timothy McVeigh. Before learning about the astonishing forgiveness that led to an extraordinary friendship between Bud + Bill, Jeanne Bishop shares her own transformative journey to reconciliation. Jeanne,  author + law reform advocate, details what led to finding forgiveness with the murderer of her sister + brother-in-law.  Today’s emotionally powerful episode will inspire you to see the hope, freedom + joy that comes from forgiveness + reconciliation.  SHO

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. "Don't expect a great day; create one." [Click to tweet.] - Bob Proctor With so many restrictions on where we can go, who we can see and what we can do, it feels like we're in the movie "Groundhog Day". You know, that movie where a cynical, insolent, self-centered weatherman named Phil Connors (played perfectly by Bill Murray), is doomed to repeat the same day of his life. After days + weeks of monotony, Phil feels isolated, lost, hopeless. Today, let's not only expect a great day, but let’s strive to actually create one. Also, to help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the

My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to be that reprieve, instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. John Tesh has spent more than 45 years as a multi-faceted internationally recognized journalist, composer, broadcaster and concert pianist. Yet it's his incredible story of courage, resiliency, relentlessness, faith, achieving and humility that I gravitate towards. Join me as John shares inspirational stories + insightful wisdom on overcoming life's biggest challenges, including a terminal cancer diagnosis. Today's conversation will inspire you to move forward despite any setback you may receive in life + buy into the truth that the best of your journey remains in front of you. SHOW NOTES: "I didn't get a trophy for just participating... I tried harder because I respected my dad." John's reflects on band teacher Dr. Thomas Wagner

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. "Whatever you water grows. Whatever you pay attention to and focus on gets bigger. Attend to what you want, not what you fear or despise." – Dr. Henry Cloud There is no denying that we're in the midst of a crisis. Don't believe me? Turn on your nightly news. Yet, a bit of context around our media is important to understand. In 2017, Harvard Business Review reported that 19 out of 20 stories shared by the media are negative... and that's unemployment was at all-time lows and markets at historic highs, not during the midst of a global pandemic. We know that what we focus on grows in our consciousness so it's expected that depression + isolation will rise, triggered by the 24-hour negative news cycle. And yet, there is so much good in this world. Today, let's focus on that. We can choose to not only can flatten the curve but create a movement that reminds the world: In spite of today’s adversity, there are helpers showing up, t

Cathy Heller is igniting a movement of helping people everywhere find a deeper sense of purpose and encouraging us to make a soulful contribution to the world. In addition to being a wife + mother, Cathy is a business + life coach, musician, author and host of the wildly popular Don't Keep Your Day Job podcast. When I first asked Cathy to meet with me, I expected to spend the majority of our time sharing her expertise on how to shift into more meaningful, fulfilling work. And then life happened... the world is now in a radically different place and yet I find this a divine appointment. Cathy often says “purpose is the opposite of depression” and she is truly lifting up others to be the happiest version of themselves. Today, Cathy shares her story of courageously taking control of her destiny and how you can, too. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Cathy was surrounded by trauma, violence and instability - leading her to question her worth. As an aspiring singer-songwriter, Cathy moved to Los Angeles + landed a record d

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. In spite of adversity, there remains reason for hope, truth and even joy. Today, I share a recent social media post that has resonated with our online community, and it's a reminder we all need to hear. Also, if you or your organization are seeking hope, perspective + confidence to fight through this season, let us help you. For a dozen years, we've created virtual video programming for our clients. If we can be part of the solution for you, email Heather@johnolearyinspires.com. To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.  *** Did you

My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to be that reprieve, instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. Dick Vitale became a legendary voice in college basketball through his charisma, drive, and passion. As one of the pioneers of ESPN, Dick has been inducted to 14 Hall of Fames, is recognized for his trademark vernacular and exuberates an unrivaled enthusiasm that truly sets him apart. Today, Dick shares the challenges he's had to overcome, his focus and attention on his family, and his passion for advocating for cancer research through The V Foundation.  This conversation reminded me and will remind you, that we are called to be a champion. SHOW NOTES: Dick's parents were uneducated factory workers that worked hard and gave him love, direction and guidance. "Richie, don't ever believe in can't. You can be what you want to be." "

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. My forthcoming book IN AWE has been in the work for several years. A few weeks ago I was able to share a few advance reader copies with a few business leaders, mentors + friends I deeply admire. Today I share a short message my dear friend Don asked me to share with the Live Inspired community after he finished reading IN AWE.   "It's vintage O'Leary - priceless stories, the inclusion of the reader in the journey and the encouragement to overcome malaise, self-doubt and cynicism."  "IN AWE gets us beyond surviving and to thriving." Tune in to hear more from Don. To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features