Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

The plight of the refugee is both timely and timeless. Often when covered in the news, headlines focus on the sheer number of refugees in the Middle East, North Africa, Central America… The number is so vast, it can be hard to relate to and even dehumanizing. Today, you’ll hear the story of one little boy. First, how his life was interrupted and shattered as he was displaced from his home. Then, how his hope drove him and his decedents to an inspired life. This episode is for you if you could stand to better understand the plight of individual refugees or if you could use inspiration to reach beyond your current circumstance to something higher. SHOW NOTES "Like most first-generation immigrants from war-torn, impoverished countries, my father overcame great struggles when coming to the United States." Sometimes obstacles are incredible opportunities. It took a long time for Bassam to recognize the hero in his father because he was so humble and didn't share his story. United Nations Resolution 181 created Is

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Never let your current situation, whatever circumstances you’re going through, be a mountain that you can’t climb.” Today I share the story + inspiring words of 17-year-old Tupac Mosley out of Memphis, Tennessee. While grieving the loss of his father, Tupac was named valedictorian while homeless, earning $3M in scholarships. *** 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.

1.3 million Americans attempted to take their own life in 2016. 45,000+ of those lives were lost. [2019 CDC Report.] Nine years ago, if you’d searched for a community of suicide-attempt survivors, you couldn’t have found one. Our guest Dese'Rae Stage knows because she looked and, when her search came up empty, decided to do something about it. Dese’Rae is a photographer, two-time suicide survivor, just shy of having a Ph.D. in suicidology and psychology and the founder of Live Through This. She created this movement to capture portraits and stories of suicide attempt survivors and in doing so – change the conversation, culture, and resources around suicide prevention, awareness, and support. In a season where suicide is on the rise (it's predicted that by 2020, someone will take their own life every 20 seconds), Dese’Rae is doing something about it. Join our important conversation.  SHOW NOTES: Dese'Rae pursued psychology, with an emphasis on suicide research, all the way through to a Ph.D. program before re

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I share the story of Laila Anderson, an 11-year-old St. Louis Blues fan. Since developing a friendship with her favorite Blues player, defenseman Colton Parayko, Laila has become an inspirational figure for the hockey team and fans alike. With Laila's encouraging words, this once-last place team has come back to compete for the Stanley Cup. Does Laila and Colton Parayko's story sound familiar? Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 11 when I share about my St. Louis Blues hero from my childhood, Gino Cavallini. Listen to ep. 11 here. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love my Monday Morning Motivation email. Click here to subscribe. Photo credit: KPLR 11 *** 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.

Officer Mike Flamion was a nine-year law enforcement veteran when a routine traffic stop changed the trajectory of his life forever. Through their unwavering love, hope and spirit, Mike and his wife Sarah share how they've embraced a new normal + find joy and adventure in every day. Today's conversation will show you that in the midst of the storm, you can choose to dance. SHOW NOTES: July 8, 2016: While making a traffic stop, Mike was shot from behind leaving him paralyzed. Mike miraculously survived thanks to the quick thinking of others immediately after the incident.  There weren't any lonely nights: Prayer, family, friends and the support from law enforcement gave the Flamions comfort. Gary Sinise Foundation: St. Louis businessman Jim Shubert is on the Board of Directors at the Gary Sinise Foundation. After Jim's wife learned of the incident, he jumped at the chance to help the Flamions. In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation built the Flamions a state-of-the-art smart home that provides Mike some indepen

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, in honor of Memorial Day, I share a story I seldom share that continues to have a powerful effect on my life today. For America by Jack Buck  Since this nation was founded under God, More than 200 years ago, We’ve been the bastion of freedom, The light which keeps the free world aglow. We do not covet the possessions of others, We are blessed with the bounty we share. We have rushed to help other nations, Anything... Anytime...Anywhere. War is just not our nature. We won’t start, but we will end the fight. If we are involved, We shall be resolved, To protect what we know is right. We’ve been challenged by a cowardly foe, Who strikes and then hides from our view. With one voice, we say there’s no choice today, There is only one thing to do. Everyone is saying the same thing, And praying that we end these senseless moments we are living. As our fathers did before, we shall win this unwanted war. As our children wi

Have you ever felt stuck? That you’re “just” a teacher, dad, stay-at-home mom, accountant… That there’s more for you to achieve? Or are you achieving what you set out for, but still don’t feel fulfilled? My guest today reminds us that your definition of success needs to change with you and with time… + will give you tips on how to get “unstuck” today. Laura Gassner Otting is the author of Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path and Live Your Best Life. Our conversation will free you to see the endless possibilities within your life + give you tips to uncover them. Entrepreneur, executive headhunter, nonprofit developer + past White House appointee, Laura shares energetic insights from her experience that will help you redefine success + live inspired. SHOW NOTES What does success mean for you?  We feel the need to justify our decisions because we are limited by other's definition of success. Figure out what success means for you + lean into that with everything you have. We judge our life

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 Dave from Indianapolis, Indiana.  Dave asked: What are your summer plans with your family? Tune in for my answer + an opportunity to reflect on how to make your summer inspired.  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.  

Jeremy Cowart is the most influential photographer on the internet by Huffington Post. His photographs of Sting, the Obamas and Taylor Swift are fantastic, but what’s truly remarkable is how he’s using his photography for social good through programs like Help-Portrait and Voices of Reconciliations.  As a speaker + author, Jeremey shares his journey from “normal, quiet kid” to internet fame by “exploring the intersection of creativity and empathy” through photography. He has spoken for the United Nations, TEDx and today – for us.  Jeremy is a creative entrepreneur making real, sustainable change. If you’d like to be reminded of the power one person has to change the world, don’t miss this conversation. SHOW NOTES "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13 was a running theme in his life, taught by his parents. Stay curious + jump into fear: Take safe risks. Jeremy shares that he took advantage of an opportunity to get a now-iconic portrait of Sting. In addition to photographin

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed. - Linda Wooten My mother has played such an important role in my life. The greatest examples of leadership and love are from her. Today, I share how she so generously loved to me, my siblings, my father and so many more. I mentioned my mother was the first guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. Listen to our conversation on ep. 000 here. On Thursday, award-winning photographer, artist and entrepreneur Jeremy Cowart joins us to share how he's using his influence to change lives across the world. 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

What drives happiness? Actually, what is happiness? It sounds so vague, like “puppy dogs and rainbows,” doesn’t it? Well, today, we're going to define it, get our hands wrapped around how you measure it + see what the key drivers for happiness really are. Our guest Meik Wiking is the founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute, is improving the quality of life across the globe and has consulted with the Danish government and the city of Goyang in South Korea among others to increase key drivers of happiness in their countries.  When Meik realized his native Denmark is routinely ranked the highest in the United Nations Happiness Report, it sent him on a mission to unlock what drives (and what prohibits) human happiness. Meik’s insights are fascinating and will give you practical steps to live a happier, more inspired life today.   SHOW NOTES The Happiness Research Institute is taking a scientific approach to answer these questions: How do you measure happiness? Why are some people happier than others?

We've been producing these Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segments for two months. I hope they're giving you a quick burst of inspiration to start your week ON FIRE. Today I share a preview of this Thursday's guest Meik Wiking, founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute. Meik’s native Denmark routinely ranks highest in United Nations Happiness Report, inspiring his six-year journey to discover what drives human happiness + how to increase it around the globe. On Thursday, Meik joins us to share how the Danes embrace what they call 'hygge' and what practical steps you can take to live a happier + more inspired life. The conversation is one of my favorite to date, so I invited Miek back to join me 5/20 for an exclusive webcast for Live Inspired IN STUDIO, my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration for IN STUDIO is opening soon! Join the waitlist now. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts

Singer-songwriter Walker Hayes shares his unlikely path to the top of the Country Music Billboard Charts. You’ll hear the stories behind the songs on his latest album, boom., like platinum-hit You Broke Up with Me about losing a record deal and Craig, which is a tribute to a life-changing friendship. More exceptional than hearing “behind the scenes” stories of big Nashville country music are the raw conversations Walker and I have in between – about life, loss, love, sobriety, failing and trying again. Many say Walker broke into the mainstream by sounding different than anyone else; our conversation is a reminder that to live inspired, we must be ourselves. If you could use a reminder that the path to "success" isn’t always easy, but is always worth it – this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES "It hasn't always made sense. I've had a lot of arguments with my dreams." The song Craig was Walker's personal "thank you" note to a dear friend who selflessly gave and inspired him to do things like that for others. Whi

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, I share a story submitted by Grace M. of Naperville, IL, a listener + Live Inspired community member.  Grace shared that some of her favorite Live Inspired Podcast guests include 5x New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown (ep. 103) and lawyer-turned-bestselling author Bob Goff (ep. 115). 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. If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It’s my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist. *** 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.

You know the beloved children's classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day? Today we talk with the amazing author, Judith Viorst! Judith shares her warmth, wisdom + cheeky humor about what it’s like to write books across genres for more than six decades – and what it was like not getting published for her first three decades! In honor of national poetry month, Judith will read an excerpt from her “decades series” most recent is her book Nearing Ninety: And Other Comedies of Late Life. Judith’s perspective on the joys + tribulations of life will remind you that laughter is truly the best medicine, at any age, to live an inspired life. SHOW NOTES:  As a young girl, Judith began writing as poetry felt like a natural second language to her. Her first piece was published in her 30s. Say yes and we'll figure it out. Advice from her husband before being published for the first time. The capacity for child-like wonder lives inside a lot of us, even as we get to be a middle-aged person. [clic

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  We've had nearly 120 guests on the Live Inspired Podcast. As you know, at the end of the interview, each guest answers the Live Inspired 7 questions, with the first question being: What’s the best book you’ve ever read? As we gear up to celebrate World Book Day, I want to share the most mentioned books by our guests. The Bible has been mentioned by 11 guests including my mentor Brian Buffini from ep. 1 and human rights activist Christine Caine from ep. 82. A Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Franklin has been mentioned by “expectation hangover” expert Christine Hassler from ep. 26 and author Matthew Emerzian from ep. 58. (It's my favorite book, too!) And we have a TIE for the third favorite book!  Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach has not only been mentioned by five guests but we had the author Richard Bach on ep. 54! My book ON FIRE has been mentioned by comedian Kathy Buckley from ep. 7, Sergeant Rocky Sic

We live, play and work at an ever-increasing pace, amidst a lot of noise – yelling, fear, anxiety, texting, streaming, email. In this environment, we long for hope and humanity, but often give more reactive responses than ever.  Today, we identify how we can influence our daily moments to make them more inspired. Rand Stagen, Managing Director of Stagen Leadership Academy, joins us to share how to create a little space between key stimuli – think of your triggers: a colleague’s sarcasm, your spouse leaving dishes in the sink, morning traffic – and our responses to them. Whether you're leading a large corporation, stuck in carpool traffic, or both: Today's conversation will give you tips and motivation to live a more inspired life – one intentional interaction at a time.  SHOW NOTES: Stagen Leadership Academy strives to link the soft side of leadership with the pragmatic side.  Leaders get the organizations and the families they deserve: Leadership is oriented around a sense of identity + taking responsibilit

I had so much fun talking with my new friend + country music star Walker Hayes, that we stayed on the phone for two hours! We only had 45 minutes scheduled for his interview. That, my friends, has never happened before. I couldn’t wait to share a little of the fun with you. So today, you get a preview! Get the entire conversation on upcoming Live Inspired Podcast ep. 146. *** 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.

Almost 13 years ago, I read Judith Shulevitz's New York Times article Taking Back Sabbath and still today, it has a profound effect on me. As a society, we've put such an emphasis on work and being busy and this article reminds us of the importance of Sabbath, what “Sabbath” is and what it means in all of our lives – regardless of our faith background. Today, our conversation with Judith will challenge you to build a pause into your week, nourish your community and remember that you are so much more than what you do. SHOW NOTES Judaism is an "orthopractic religion" (right living, not right belief) and the culture puts ritual, community + study above faith which is referred to as "practice." Judith references Derek Thompson's Atlantic article about our society making a religion out of work or "work-ism". Read it here. Depression + a sense that something was missing brought Judith back to practicing Judaism through the Sabbath. Sabbath: a day of religious observance and abstinence from work. Simply a day when

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, we celebrate National Sibling's Day this Wednesday, April 10 by reaching out to your sibling (or chosen sibling!) to share your love + gratitude for them.  Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. #88 to hear the heroic acts of my siblings that saved my life 30 years ago and three ways to enhance your adult sibling relationships. *** 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.