Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Today I welcome back Gregg Easterbrook, New York Times bestselling author + guest on one of the most popular Live Inspired Podcast episodes of all time.  When Gregg joined us in January 2019, the market, health + longevity were at all-time highs, unemployment at all-time lows and really no reason for fear... Yet we were drowning in fear. My friends, as we are inundated with fear-driven headlines + media coverage about the coronavirus, Gregg once again reminds us that the world is better than it looks. Today's conversation is packed with reassuring fact-based optimism that will inspire a positive perspective during today's pandemic... and whatever challenges tomorrow may bring. SHOW NOTES: Pollution, discrimination, rate of heart disease + cancer are trending down. Life expectancy, education, living standards, middle-class income, human freedom are trending up. "Being an optimistic is not being a Pollyanna. A Pollyanna believes there are no problems. An optimist believes that problems can be solved." "I’m opt

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. What week, out of any that I can remember, could we need a bit more meaning, inspiration and joy? Watch residents in Italy have shown their gratitude to health personnel on the coronavirus frontline by applauding from their windows here. Residents in Spain + Portugal did something similar and these events were coordinated in the locked-down countries through social media. 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 enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Ins

How can I have optimism, happiness and social connectivity during the coronavirus pandemic?    Acclaimed happiness expert Shawn Achor reminds us that it’s in the darkest times that we need optimism, gratitude and social connection the most.   After spending 12 years at Harvard earning dozens of distinguished teaching awards, Shawn went on to become a New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and Big Potential, deliver a TEDx with over 19 million views and work with 30+ Fortune 100 companies.   Today, Shawn joins me to talk about coronavirus and what you can do to be happy and feel connected during this season of unprecedented adversity. You’ll leave today’s conversation with research-based reasoning to be optimistic and 3 practical tips to increase during any season of uncertainty. SHOW NOTES: During high school, Shawn recalls the Branch Davidians + how the Waco siege gave him insight and compassion for people trying to understand conflicts.  Shawn is fascinated by how some people can rise

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. We are living in a divisive era and it’s never been easier to build walls that divide us. As a member of the Live Inspired community, I urge you to be a bridge builder and find ways to connect with others. But how? Today, I share three simple strategies to help elevate our conversations and build relationships regardless of our differences: Own the conversation from the start (Don’t wait!) Actively listen as if they are the only person (They are!) Be passionately curious as if their opinion actually matters (It does!) My friends, the future belongs to the bridge builders. [Tweet this.] History teaches that unity is strength and the way forward requires coming together to overcome differences in the quest for common goals. So, love others from the start, put distractions down, and curiously ask questions.  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Live

It's hard to believe it's been four years since my first national bestselling book On Fire hit bookshelves. Since then, it's sold more 200,000 copies, been translated into more than a dozen languages and touched, impacted + elevated lives across the world... but it's individual stories of impact that ignite me the most. To celebrate, I want to share two stories On Fire has blessed me with in the last four years. The first being one of the countless experiences that dramatically touched me and the second being a question I am frequently asked about the many stories featured in the book.  I hope that today's episode will remind you of the gift and liberating freedom of unconditional love. SHOW NOTES: Like my mom, I share how one dad chose love, crediting On Fire. After his daughter read On Fire, she's convinced and convicted in choosing life. "I didn't write On Fire to be on airport bookshelves. I wrote On Fire to remind one person at a time that they have the ability to change the world." "It's not called On

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. Recently, I had numerous Live Inspired community members, friends and family share the heartwarming story of loving note of encouragement a daughter carved out of snow for her mom. This story touched me greatly because it reminded me of my brother Jim and how he carved a note of encouragement during my recovery. You're going to love this story! *** 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.

Is this good enough for me to stay the same? This is the life-saving question Laura McKowen, author of We Are the Luckiest + one of the foremost voices in the modern recovery movement, asked herself. From a horrific DWI to the painful incident that left her 4-year-old daughter in danger, Laura shares her personal journey in choosing sobriety with the utmost vulnerability + candor.   But this is more than just one person's journey of using addiction as an invitation to living more intentionally. Today's powerful and thought-provoking conversation will inspire you to practice self-forgiveness and free yourself of shame and guilt.  SHOW NOTES: Writing a letter to "2012 Laura": Laura started blogging about her journey to sobriety, not for others but to heal herself. During her college going-away party, Laura recalls freely drink around her family and how the buzz finally allowed her to cope with the struggles she was facing. Laura would chase opportunities and social situations to drink and even gravitated towar

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. Last week I challenged you to do a random act of kindness, then take it a step further and share it with me. I was in awe of the responses and want to share one that particularly moved me. Hear how Live Inspired community member Jenn is healing her heart by helping others. *** 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.

Ever had the feeling that you're not enough or get beat down by monotony, adversity, loneliness or pace of every day? Melanie Shankle has a beautiful way of speaking to these expected bouts with humor, authenticity and insight. In addition to being a devoted wife, mom and dear friend, Melanie is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcast host.  Today's down-to-earth and relatable conversation will remind you to step away from comparison and towards finding joy in life's ordinary moments.  SHOW NOTES: Her parent's divorce exacerbated her people-pleasing nature, until her pivotal time at Texas A&M where she found faith, family, friends + football. Broken beyond repair: At a low point in college, Melanie attended Breakaway Bible Study which helped her find grace, love and redemption.  Melanie's down-to-earth and humorous personality shines brightly in her writing. If there is any good there, it's worth fighting for. In The Antelope in the Living Room, Melanie shares how her marriage

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. “There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it.” - James A. Garfield, 20th US President What random act of kindness can you do for someone else today? If you need some inspiration, visit Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's website for ideas! On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 136, I welcomed Leon Logothetis of The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, to share his journey of traveling the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers. His message is powerful, and it's going to change the world. Listen to ep. 136 here. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily

What’s your fear? Is that fear serving you or hindering you? Evy Poumpouras is one of the world’s leading experts of fear. As a former Secret Service Special Agent, multi-platform journalist and star of Bravo’s Spy Games, Evy has worked protective detail for four U.S. Presidents and is trained by the Department of Defense in the art and science of lie detection, human behavior and cognitive influence. Today, Evy is going to share her resilient + courageous journey from finding her purpose, nearly dying on 9/11 + beyond, and what it means to truly live fearlessly. This conversation will spark inspiration to find the strongest, fearless version of yourself. SHOW NOTES: Evy was raised in Harlem by hardworking Greek immigrant parents. During summers, Evy + her brother would return to her grandparents' small Greek village teaching her humility, appreciation and Greek culture. We have to listen to ourselves: Her parents didn’t initially understand Evy choosing a career in law enforcement. “If you go through your e

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I welcome back Matt Emerzian, author, speaker + founder of Every Monday Matters, a non-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Matt shares his latest book You Matter and simple tips to find meaning and live fully―and change the world while doing so. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire!  Get Matt Emerzian's new book You Matter here. Matt joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 58. He shared his story of finding a calm and grounded existence, and his first book Every Monday Matters. Listen here. *** 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.

Relationships are hard. Amber + Guy Lia, owners of faith-and family-friendly production company Storehouse Media Group, join us to share practical advice on some of the most common issues that trigger friction in partnerships. Married for 14 years, Amber + Guy are proof that a typical couple can break the reactionary cycle of outbursts and embrace the opportunity for growth as individuals and as a couple. Whether it's poor communication, busy schedules, different parenting styles, or another culprit, this husband-wife team offers easy-to-apply advice to counter adverse reactions to these triggers.  Today's conversation will offer hope that anger + frustration can shift into peace + joy -- and it's not as hard as you think! SHOW NOTES: Find a rhythm that works for you. To balance writing with raising their four children, Guy + Amber carved dedicated time to work together by waking up at 2 a.m. Although Amber's first childhood memories were positive, she recalls dark periods which she attributes to her parents

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 Mike M.  Mike M. asked: It seems like our world is in turmoil every time I turn around! What can I do to help ease the turmoil AND my nerves about the world we live in? Tune in to hear my answer. 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.

Bethenny Frankel is the Founder & CEO of Skinnygirl, a lifestyle brand offering practical solutions to everyday problems, which has grown from sensible, low-calorie cocktails into a branding empire that including clothing, vitamins, skincare and more. In addition to her long-standing role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny has been a guest shark on ABC's critically-acclaimed series Shark Tank, and runner-up in The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005. Today, Bethenny is focused on raising her young daughter and establishing her worldwide disaster relief initiative bstrong. This program provides much-needed real-time relief to disaster-stricken areas across the United States and beyond. While assessing and delivering supplies to the Australian bushfire crisis, her team has continued their support in Puerto Rico, which has been named one of the largest privately-run humanitarian efforts in US history. Bethenny shares how she balances motherhood, her Skinnygirl empire, the critical impact her phi

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Today I share the amazing story and life of a humble man named Ben Fainer. At nine years old, Ben's town of Będzin, Poland was overtaken by Nazis. He told few people of the horror he endured during those 2,000+ days, often wearing long sleeves to cover up the number tattooed on his arm. Slowly, Ben began to share his story. We all have stories. They may not be tattoos or scars but we all have stories that are worthy of being lifted up, embraced and shared. *** 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.

Human trafficking is a massive, worldwide problem. It's estimated that 20-40 million people are victims of this form for modern slavery, and our communities are not exempt. Today I welcome survivor Rebecca Bender to share her harrowing journey from being human trafficked for nearly six years to now helping other survivors escape + rebuild their lives. In Rebecca's story, you're going to hear what she's been through, what she learned along the way and most importantly that you're not defined by what you've been through.  My friends, today's conversation is incredibly emotional, important and timely. Human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking is a topic we seldom talk or think about, but one that's happening, quietly, all around us. SHOW NOTES: Rebecca grew up in the Pacific Northwest as a typical  "small-town farm kid" until her parents divorced when her father became an alcoholic and her mother became involved in a series of unhealthy relationships. Wanted + engaged: In high school, Rebecca was not cons

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of this great man’s birthday and national holiday, I am sharing an excerpt from my first book ON FIRE that best demonstrates the immense power of love in my own life + the three simple words that changed my life. Not read ON FIRE yet? The first three people to email me at Podcast@JohnOLearyInspires.com will receive a personalized copy! *** 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.

Rudy Pérez is the definition of a music legend and has earned international success by shining the spotlight on others. He's written + produced hundreds of chart-topping songs for superstars like Beyoncé, Julio Iglesias and Christina Aguilera and has earned five Grammy Awards. As the first Latin music artist to win Billboard Magazine's Producer of the Decade, Rudy candidly shares about fleeing Cuba under Fidel Castro's reign and surviving a street gang. He also shares how he learned to embrace his talents and behind-the-scenes stories of his unprecedented career.  Today's conversation will remind you that with hard work, dedication and faith, anything is possible.  SHOW NOTES: Rudy grew up in Cuba during the 1960s when Fidel Castro came into power before escaping to Miami on one of the last Freedom Flights. It takes a village: Rudy's life was shaped by his parents + grandparents but he credits his uncle Enrique for his love of music. His mother taught him the importance of hard work in order to purchase his

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Robert.  Robert asked: In your life, you've had to cross that bridge of acceptance. Was there a moment, another event, a six-month, one-year or multi-year turning point? Can you say what moved your mindset forward? Tune in to hear my answer. 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.