Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

In his three-decade-long NASCAR career, Kenny Wallace has competed in over 900 races, earned nine wins, and was named Most Popular Driver three times. Yet, he hasn't let this hard-earned success change who he is. Today, Kenny shares the snapshots that changed his life forever, including the death of his brother Mike Wallace's young son + helping Dale Earnhardt Sr. win the last race of his life. You're going to love this hearing his humble roots shaped him, the passion he has for racing, his recent self-reflection and how he strives every day to be his iconic, happy, fun-loving self. SHOW NOTES: Family affair: Growing up, racing was something that brought Kenny's family together. Kenny has been married to his high school sweetheart Kim for over 30 years. “Kim is all Kenny all the time. It would crush me to let her down.” Trials + tribulations: Kenny opens up about the death of his brother Mike Wallace’s son and how it’s helped him appreciate moments with his children and grandchildren Today, Mike is paying it

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. “It’s not only the scenery you miss by going fast. You also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” – Eddie Cantor All the buzz and excitement, planning and time away from work, exchanging gifts and catching up with loved ones... and now it's over. We're headed back to work, to school... to real life. Today I share the sage advice from my grandmother: slow down and not miss the gifts that are in front of you right now. *** 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.

Steve Jobs is widely recognized as one of the most influential inventors of our time, pioneering the personal computer, the iPod and iPhone. Yet his eldest daughter Lisa Brennan-Jobs often remembers a painful childhood spent seeking recognition, acceptance and approval from Apple's visionary leader. Today, Lisa courageously opens up about the complicated relationship with her iconic father, how taking a decade to write her memoir Small Fry was therapeutic and what she wishes her father would have told her before his death. SHOW NOTES: Lisa's mother, artist Chrisann Brennan, insisted that Lisa understand her story to prevent repeating it. "I found solace in writing things I wanted no one ever to know about." Lisa shares that the memories of her childhood were deeply woven in with emotions and had to first process those feelings before she was factually clear on events. The relationship between her mother and father was just ending when Lisa was born. Case 239948: The state ordered Steve to pay for back welfar

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals.”– Melody Beattie How can you ensure that 2020 is your best year yet? Follow these 4 simple tips: Take off the restrictor plate.  Do NOT be reasonable.  Connect your dreams with your purpose – so your dreams can become a reality.   Don’t set goals in a vacuum.  *** 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.

Today I’m excited to welcome someone who had a profound influence on me in my late twenties. Patrick Lencioni is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and has sold over 6 million copies around the world. He also launched The Table Group, which has pioneered the organizational health movement. Pat is a polished author and speaker, but today we discuss topics he seldom shares: his childhood, his marriage, parenting. You’re going to hear some of the mistakes he’s made, the lessons he’s learned, and what it means for you. You are going to leave today’s conversation with new insight and understanding of leadership, having courageous conversations, and life. SHOW NOTES: Pat founded The Table Group, a company dedicated to helping organizations get healthy and helping employees feel fulfilled in their work. "Meetings are not the problem. Bad meetings are the problem." Perfectionism: Growing up, Pat struggled with the constant worry of being perfect. Pat's relat

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. This time of year often creates stress and disappointment for so many. We're focused on the stuff -- parties, food, presents -- and missing out on the things that really matter.  The true joy, peace, and love that are often born in the least likely of places. This Christmas week, I challenge you to take pause. Take time to celebrate the amazing gifts of your life. It’s the greatest gift you’ll ever open: that regardless of what you encounter today or face tomorrow, there is reason to rejoice, celebrate and sing out. [Tweet this.] I wish each of you a healthy and happy holiday, a very merry Christmas and a joy-filled New Year. The best is yet to come. *** 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.

Jess Ekstrom, founder + CEO of Headbands of Hopes, has had a front-row seat in finding inspiration in frustration. As Bernie Madoff's great-niece, Jess channeled the embarrassment of that highly-publicized scandal into the reason she's changing the world, one headband to a child fighting life-threatening illness at a time. Today’s episode will warm your heart, spark motivation, and have you asking yourself, "what more can I do?" SHOW NOTES: For every headband sold, Headbands of Hope donates one to a child with cancer. Since launching in 2012, they’ve donated over a half-million headbands to every children’s hospital in America and 15 countries! Front row seat to watching ambition: Jess’s mother + father inspired her in business + life. Make the ask: Jess’s grandfather reminds her it’s okay to throw out the plan and ask for what you want.  Entrepreneur at heart: Jess got her start in business by selling American Girl Dolls on eBay. "We can’t always control what happens but we can control the meaning we give t

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. It's easy to get so overwhelmed by what is on our agenda that we forget to enjoy any of it, especially during this time of year. Today I share 4 things I do to keep myself and my family present during this holiday season: Make a list each. Each morning, I make a list of the three most important things I need to do. Make a list of what’s most important for you; then be bold enough to do it. Set an alarm. One feature, perhaps surprisingly, I use with great effectiveness is the alarm. When it goes off, it is my reminder to refocus on what actually matters. I have it set to go off at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Regardless of what I am doing, I step away for 60 seconds of quiet reflection; quiet time helps me to be thankful for what matters. This allows me to step back into “work” with renewed focus. Forget your phone on purpose. When I get home at the end of a trip or at the end of the day, I put my phone o

Colonel Carlyle Smith “Smitty” Harris spent 2,871 days (that’s nearly 8 years!) as Vietnam POW. At the same time, his beautiful bride Louise was courageously raising three young children while becoming an advocate and role model. Today, Smitty + Louise take us on a 60-year journey that’s packed with love, but also the horrors of a North Vietnam prison and how a forgotten military code changed everything. If you’re looking for a story of forgiveness from a decorated war hero or a romantic love story filled with drive, sacrifice and compassion, you’re going to love today’s episode. SHOW NOTES: Smitty + Louise have been married for over 60 years. On April 4, 1965, Smitty became the sixth POW captured in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. For nearly 8 years, Smitty and hundreds of other American POWs, including John McCain and George “Bud” Day, suffered torture, solitary confinement and abuse at the infamous Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Louise returned to America to raise her three young child

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member CB.  CB asked: My brother and I were best friends growing up. Now it’s been years since we’ve even spoken. Any suggestions on reconnecting when it’s been so long? Tune in to hear my answer. Then, listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 88 where I share the heroic acts of my siblings did that saved my life. Have you successfully reconnected with a family member or friend after months or years of not talking? 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.

What is the hard-to-define, touchy-feely idea of empathy and why is it so important?   Business expert Michael Brenner joins us to share how empathy, kindness + self-reflection can save us both professionally and personally.   You will leave today’s conversation understanding how being kind, cool + being yourself is the best path to happiness + success. SHOW NOTES: Is society meaner? A recent University of Michigan study shows a 40 point drop in empathy in the last 20 years. Michael's parents were ultimate examples of empathy and it teaches him to be the same way with his kids. Of his 53 jobs, Michael shares about being let go from one, only to be hired back weeks later.  Bullseye: What's in it for the customer or person we are serving? "Bureaucracy kills good ideas." Break down the walls that divide us by using Michael's Pushback method: Who is this for? What is the impact it's going to create for them? How do we measure it? "Behind every bad idea is an executive that asked for it." "The customer is not alw

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, I share some very exciting news around my new book In Awe, the inspiration behind its mission and even an exclusive excerpt. In Awe hits bookshelves in May 2020, but I want to give Live Inspired Podcast listeners the first opportunity to pre-order a copy. Visit ReadInAwe.com to order a copy of In Awe and gain access to bonus features like the In Awe Playbook. This 20-page, full-color Playbookwill introduce you to the basic concepts of the book, show you how you can begin to apply them in your life and give you something tangible to enjoy (or gift!) in time for the holidays. *** 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.

I consider Thanksgiving one of my favorite family holidays. It's certainly a wonderful time away from work, enjoying good food, viewing football, and taking inventory of the many blessings in life. Join me as I share the original reason for this holiday + a new tradition I'll be implementing at my family feast. Today's episode will ignite an abundance of gratitude and help you celebrate Thanksgiving on fire. SHOW NOTES: Read Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation here. I share a longstanding tradition Live Inspired community member Rona's family does before their Thanksgiving meal. Download + print the Meal Tickets I'm using with my family here. Five-time New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown shares how practicing gratitude enables you to pivot away from negativity and towards hope + courage. Listen to our conversation on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 103. *** Did you enjoy today’s episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Link

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. “Every solution to every problem is simple. It’s the distance between the two where the mystery lies.” – Derek Landy Being a good friend, courteous neighbor, helpful coworker, visionary leader or humble servant are all challenging roles, and every worthy relationship is certain to endure periods of tension. Whatever challenge you're facing, I’m convinced that these questions and the honest answers to them can ignite reconciliation and rebirth.  If this meeting was extremely successful, what would I want to achieve? When things were better, what were we doing and how did we interact and feel? What changed that lead us to where we are today? What could a super healthy, engaged relationship achieve? What am I willing to do to bring about the desired change? In order to bring about the desired change so we can move forward, together, I am asking that you… *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple

Did you know that almost three-quarters of us find meetings ineffective or unproductive, and they waste more than $37 billion dollars every year? Elise Keith, CEO and co-founder of Lucid Meetings, joins us to share about her expertise and her mission to make it easy for teams to run successful meetings every day, in the business world + in life outside of work. Whether you’re leading a meeting at your child's school or an executive at a Fortune 500 boardroom, Elise is here to share real-life examples + practical methods that will lead to more productive + effective meetings and happier participants. SHOW NOTES: "Every meeting is walking into another room with another group of individuals that aren't the same as you, and hopefully having a moment to connect and create something great." Get curious: Productive meetings happen when individuals can treat each other with respect, let their voices be heard and their opinions valued without judgment. Meetings aren't just transactional. It's about being successful w

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I welcome back three-time cancer survivor, author, speaker, and self-proclaimed expert in trauma Michele Cushatt. Michele shares her latest book Relentless and simple tips to respond to our circumstances in a more positive manner.  This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire!  Are we going to let our lives be bigger than our diagnosis, divorce, grief, or are we going to let it define us? Choose how you respond to your circumstances: You can let your circumstances: Define you, derail you, or develop you. Often we feel being “relentless” is something done to us; but what if we choose to be relentless in overcoming + moving forward? “When I decide to reach out of my own pain and connect with somebody else’s, then we both experience redemption. We both experience healing. That’s beauty.” "Healing happens in relationships. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation." "Pain and suffering is

Ten years ago, Susannah Cahalan's life pivoted rapidly in a radically different direction. Recounted in her New York Times bestseller Brain on Fire, Susannah bravely shares her harrowing story of being diagnosed with a rare + newly discovered neurological disease. Fully recovered + thriving, Susannah calls in from the tour of her newest book, The Great Pretender. It dives deep into an investigation of Stanford psychologist David Rosenhan + his landmark 1970s study which led many to question the validity of psychiatric diagnoses. If you’re seeking a miraculous story of triumph, this episode is for you. Susannah will articulately show you how to overcome with gratitude, grace + tenacity. SHOW NOTES: In 2009, 24-year-old Susannah was working as a tabloid reporter for the New York Post when what seemed like depression rapidly morphed into psychosis, paranoia + hallucinations. Various diagnoses were presented during her month-long hospitalization including alcohol withdrawal, bipolar, schizoaffective disorder bef

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Recently I had the honor of speaking at a Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC) event. Afterward, I had the opportunity to speak with incredible leaders and surprisingly, the most emotional conversations were not with the soldiers but with the spouses of those soldiers. As we celebrate Veteran's Day today, let's be mindful of the sacrifices being made for our freedom by the soldiers + their spouses courageously serve their households. *** 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.

There are many adversities we face in life. Some of outward-facing while many are scars we carry on the insides of our hearts. Today's guest can speak to both. Jonathan Lopez is an Army Infantry veteran + member of Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW). OEW is a veteran-founded non‐profit whose mission is to honor, empower, and motivate our nation’s wounded military and law enforcement veterans through physical, mental and emotional rehabilitation. Jonathan joins us for a raw, emotional and honest conversation about serving our country, learning how to accept unexpected circumstances + challenges in life and inspiring others to do the same. (Thank you to Live Inspired community member Martina for sharing her special relationship Jonathan, his connection her late son Thomas + the work OEW is doing in our communities. Share your guest recommendations with us at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com) SHOW NOTES: According to the 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, more than 16 United States veterans die

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I am honored to welcome back international bestselling author Mitch Albom. Mitch shares the heartwarming + emotional story about a young girl who taught him the true meaning of family. This conversation will remind you the importance of family, regardless of how they're made. Chika was born into extreme poverty three days before the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. After being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, Mitch and his wife Janine brought 5-year-old Chika to America in search of quality medical care. Finding Chika: Chika enjoyed playing hide-and-seek but it was an eloquent question that inspired the name of the book. "We didn't lose a child. We were given one." Proceeds from Finding Chika go to the Have Faith Haiti Orphanage. Learn more here. Get Mitch's new book Finding Chika here. Mitch joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 81. He shared about his relationship with