Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

I've been so eager to bring Sparsh Shah onto the Live Inspired Podcast since I was first introduced to him in March 2017.  Fifteen-year-old Sparsh shares about being born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or "Brittle Bone Disease", and how he hasn't let it define his life. Sparsh, also known by his rapper name Purythem, went viral with his rendition of Eminem's Not Afraid and since sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden. He radiates positivity while owning his disability with awe-inspiring grace.  Today's conversation is beaming with contagious optimism + resilience that will leave you inspired. SHOW NOTES Sparsh was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone Disease.  Sparsh has suffered almost 130 fractures, including his skull. "I've dissed my disability." There is always a valley before the hill. Sometimes the deeper the valley, the higher the hill. Ragarap: Sparsh began studying classical Indian + Western vocal music, blending aspects of each into his performances and creating

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, I take pause to celebrate Doctor's Day and share the important role play in all our lives. With a special shout out to my childhood physician,  Dr. Tsifutis, who I recently got to have lunch with and thank in person. I reference the three lessons I learned from my burn doctors that I still live by today. Hear about these and how they apply in your life on one of our most listened to episodes: Live Inspired Podcast ep. #117. *** 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.

The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, is a series that follows Leon Logothetis as he travels the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways. Leon joins us to share how a once “lonely kid” grew up to be a successful stock broker and then, upon discovering his passion for human connection and kindness, has embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. His new book, Go Be Kind, and this conversation will leave you ready to do exactly that. Join us to rekindle your belief in human kindness and its power to change the world… starting with your own. SHOW NOTES "We need at least one person to see us for who we truly are." For Leon, this was an after-school teacher Mrs. Mann. She changed his life profoundly. Watching The Motorcycle Diaries sparked Leon's courage to quit his job and follow his dream. First, Leon hitchhiked from Times Square to Hollywood Sign with just $5 a day, documented in The Amazing Adventures of a Nobody. During Season 1 of The Kindness D

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, my friends, we are stepping into spring! Nature is blossoming in front of us; offering a reminder that the best in life is yet to come. Today, let’s celebrate the three life lessons my beautiful magnolia tree offers. I promise, they will get you ready to launch into spring + beyond. Three lessons from magnolia trees: Life is seasonal. Loss is painful and leads to opportunities for growth. Life happens quickly. *** 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 can’t imagine your life without it, but you desperately want to let it go.” This is addiction as defined by today’s guest, Fr. Tom Hoar, President + CEO of Enders Island Retreat Center, a treatment facility that helps addicted adults. More than seven million Americans struggle with some form of addiction. Today, Fr. Tom debunks an often-taboo topic by sharing stories of redemption and healing – including his own. Don’t miss this critical conversation or the life-changing intent behind Fr. Tom’s poignant question "have you had enough?” SHOW NOTES Fr. Tom references Jean Valjean's story in Les Miserables and how it reminds us that the best days remain in front of us. We live in a society where we are too ready to judge others and write them off instead of allowing them to show us who they really are. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Be known for the content of your character. According to Cigna's Loneliness Index, almost half of Americans feel isolated or lonely, and those struggling with addiction or any mental

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I’ll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. Today, I share a sneak peek from upcoming Live Inspired Podcast guest Fr. Tom Hoar and, his poignant question "have you had enough" + what asking it could mean in your life.  Thank you to my dear friend, Live Inspired community member Mary B. for recommending Fr. Tom Hoar! If you have questions or feedback, you can always send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. *** 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.

Michele Cushatt is a self-proclaimed expert of trauma, pain and the deep need for human connection. As a three-time cancer survivor, mother of six, author and speaker, Michele's warmth, strength and transparency will remind you that you're not alone. Michele shares her story, how hope got her through her struggles and how it will help you through yours. Today, you'll be reminded that your best days remain in front of you to live a more inspired life.  SHOW NOTES: Fear + worry give a false sense of control. Acknowledge the reality but don't ruminate. Learn to laugh + gravitate towards other who do, too. How do we show up for loved ones with cancer (or other big things) Show support + be willing to do it wrong. Be willing to carry a measure of pain yourself. Hope gives meaning to life: We need to know there is meaning on the other side of pain and these challenges are not going to be wasted. The worst thing that can happen doesn't need to be the end of your life. If we are victims to our circumstances, we d

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. This week, I answer questions submitted from three Live Inspired community members. Tune in to hear my answers! Lisa K. asked: Have you interviewed anyone that has left you speechless? You’ve had so many amazing guests. Which has been your favorite, and why? And who are some of your “dream” guests? Chris F. asked: Do you have a dog? You seem like a person who one of my best friend's, my dog, would love! What lessons could dogs teach humans? Alison J. asked: I don't have a lot of free time. What are some small things I can do day-to-day to help others? Lisa K. shared her favorite Live Inspired Podcast was ep. #87 with guest Mel Robbins. Listen here. Chris F. mentioned his favorite Live Inspired Podcast guests have been Ozzie Smith from ep. # 28 and Coach Bill Courtney from ep. 53. Alison J. enjoys Live Inspired Podcast episodes that feat

During his eleven years as a business leader at Build-A-Bear Workshop, Manley Feinberg implemented solutions inspired by his extreme outdoor adventures in the Himalayas, Uzbekistan and El Capitan in Yosemite. Today, Manley shares compelling tales from the trails that led to lessons in leadership that will help you overcome your challenges and live more inspired. SHOW NOTES: Courage is contagious, a lesson Manley learned early from his mom and lives by today. Get On Belay! A belay is a tool used in climbing to protect each climber. Tips to be a great belayer on the mountain or a leader climbing mountains in life: Be present + encouraging. Don't give too much slack (don't avoid important, uncomfortable conversations). Don't hold the rope back (don't micromanage / hold someone back). Lock the rope off (immediately recognize / engage others). Failing does not mean falling: If you're pushing yourself, you're going to fall occasionally. Make meaningful, intentional connections. Ask:  Who do I need on belay (wh

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. Today, I share a story submitted by Mike F. of Alton, Illinois, one of our Live Inspired community members. Mike has done something truly amazing by applying the Live Inspired 7 – the questions we ask every guest at the end of our Live Inspired Podcast episodes – to his own life... You’ll love the result. Ask your loved ones the Live Inspired 7: What is the best book you’ve ever read? Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  Looking

Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor – most notably is his Oscar-nominated role of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. This role reshaped the trajectory of Gary’s life; not because of the acclaim for the film, but because it ignited a relentless drive in him to champion veterans’ sacrifices and ensure they’re never forgotten. Gary’s philanthropy has made him a beloved to countless and earned him prestigious awards including: Presidential Citizens Medal, Honorary Battalion Chief by New York City Fire Department, George Catlett Marshall Medal by US Army and Honorary Marine. Today, Gary joins us as part of his media tour for his book: Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service. It’s already a New York Times best seller and after hearing our conversation… you’ll understand why. Join us to for one of America’s favorite, heart-led leaders. You’ll get lessons on gratitude, service, celebrate America’s defenders, veterans, first responders and so much more. SHOW NOTES: His role as a gang member in his high schoo

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. I am honored to be joined by my dear friend Dennis Gillan to discuss a topic that desperately needs to be revisited: suicide prevention.  Today, we will break down the stigma around mental health and how to better care for ourselves + others who are struggling or suffering with suicide. Take this powerful episode as reminder that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES I share a poem written by 10-year boy titled I Am the Piece That Never Fits.  Dennis Gillan lost two brothers to suicide. Listen to his story on ep. #46 of the Live Inspired Podcast. Comic Adam Cayton-Holland shares about losing his sister to suicide on ep. #99 of the Live Inspired Podcast. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). ### If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on

SoulPancake is an entertainment company with a mission to make the world a better place. How? By creating content that explores meaningful topics with integrity, heart + humor. You've likely seen some of their viral hits (that have amassed nearly one billion views!) like Kid President, Tell My Story + My Last Days.  Shabnam Mogharabi, co-founder, shares the best tips she's discovered while curating the signature SoulPancake content for 10 years. SHOW NOTES It doesn’t matter what you do, just try to be of service to the world. Take it offline: Use relationships formed online to initiate offline experiences in order to build deeper connections.  Be present: The internet makes us feel more connected but, we're forgetting to actually show up in a real way for others outside of social media. Counteract negativity by embracing joy: Build a practice: Shift your brain to reinforce positive reactions. Express gratitude: Regularly expressing gratitude for others, without any strings attached, has a profound impact on

In honor of Valentine's Day I went deep into the vault -- we're over 100 episodes deep now! -- to feature one of our resident love experts Les Parrott. He'll give us practical tips to love (and live!) more inspired. This episode originally aired in June 2017. Les is a co-creator of the match-making software behind eHarmony, psychologist, professor, author, husband, and father. He’s shared his expertise with Oprah, Barbara Walters, and Tom Brokaw and today he shares it with us.  Are you ready to improve, maintain and ignite all of your relationships to live more inspired? SHOW NOTES: Fight Night – the event Les and Leslie (his wife) host where couples talk about their conflict and how to leverage it to bring them closer together. Saving Your Marriage before It Starts is their most popular book. We aren’t entitled and don’t always get what we feel we deserve – so we must learn how to adjust to the things beyond our control. Have you faced marriage myths with honesty? Ex: This person should make me whole. We’r

Are you ready to celebrate Valentine's Day right this year?   This holiday is about so much more than Hallmark cards and boxes of heart-shaped chocolates. It's about the power of love - all love not just romantic love - in our lives.   I'll share two love letters I've written, the life-changing impact they've had and challenge you to write one, too. [The winner of the challenge will get a $100 gift card to take their loved-one to their favorite restaurant.] Today's episode will leave you ready to live (and love!) inspired on Valentine's Day... and everyday.   Will you accept the #LoveLetterChallenge?   SHOW NOTES How to Accept the Love Letter Challenge: 1. Identify someone in your life that inspires you + write him/her a love letter. It can be your partner, spouse, child,  parent, loved one, neighbor, colleague, friend, coach, anyone! 2. Take a picture (of you and your loved one, you holding a pen about to write, of your letter, whatever you choose). 3. Post + tag me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and with

The book Proof of Heaven ignited a conversation around the globe about how heaven can be scientifically proven by examining near-death-experiences (NDE). It shared the NDE of the author, neurosurgeon Eben Alexander, MD, and it soared to the top of the New York Times bestsellers list. Today we are joined by Dr. Alexander to discuss his NDE, how it changed his understanding of science, the world we live in today, the life beyond it and what it means in your inspired life.  SHOW NOTES Dr. Alexander was agnostic + studied neuroscience until falling into coma from meningitis, leading to a NDE, which he should not have survived. This incident completely changed his world view.  Today, he shares what NDE can teach us about consciousness and researches how elements of science and spirituality intersect. Learn more about 2 NED cases Dr. Alexander mentioned: Anita Moorjani wrote Dying to Be Me after being treated for advanced lymphoma in February 2006.  Dr. Mary C. Neal, orthopedic surgeon, wrote To Heaven and Back

Embracing your emotions at work is the key to being more fulfilled, genuine + professional. Liz Fosslien, co-author + illustrator of the just-released book No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work,  joins us to share how to recognize, understand + channel emotions to be the best versions of ourselves. This light-hearted conversation will help you value and feel your emotions so you can live + work more inspired. SHOW NOTES:  Suppressing emotions is not sustainable. Processing your emotions will allow you to feel better. Currently we (1) seek jobs we're passionate about + (2) our work is literally in our hands (via phone) 24/7. Therefore, our self worth is tied more closely to the work we do. Combat the stress + burnout that come from caring about work "too much" by intentionally striking a balance between work and home + feeling your feelings. Tips to Embrace Your Emotions: Engage in what's happening in the moment to ignite happiness. A wandering mind leads to obsessively thinking

True or false: The world is worse than ever before. FALSE. My friends, today’s guest shares hard facts as to why this is the best time in human history. He’ll expose which elements of your life are making you feel otherwise. Most importantly, he'll share the value of recapturing a true, positive perspective + what it could mean for your relationships, business, life + world. Gregg Easterbrook is the New York Times Bestselling author of the book It’s Better Than It Looks: Reasons for Optimism in an Age of Fear.  Today, he reminds us that it’s great day and the best is truly yet to come. SHOW NOTES The United States is in its best condition it’s ever been: Pollution, discrimination, rate of heart disease + cancer are trending down. Life expectancy, education, living standards, middle class income, human freedom are trending up. Globally, we are better off: Global malnutrition and extreme poverty are at the lowest levels in history. Twenty five years ago, 40% of the global population was malnourished. Twenty fi

Today we discuss a topic that many families are dealing with quietly, quietly... 72,000 Americans died from drug overdose last year. That’s a two-fold increase in a decade. I’m sure you’ve heard similar stats like this in the news, along with headlines including words such as “opioid crisis” + “heroine epidemic.” Today, my friend Steve Grant joins us to share his story, how this epidemic has deeply touched his life + what it means for you on your journey to live inspired. SHOW NOTES: Learn more about Chris + Kelly's Hope here. Read the original essay I wrote when I first met Steve here. The original essay was part of our Monday Motivation. Sign up to receive Monday Motivation each week in your inbox here. "An issues so many families are dealing with quietly, quietly..." "I have grief, but I don't have guilt. I did everything I could. If I could re-do something, I'd send him to a 12 - 16 month rehab program. He needed to be rewired." What tips would Steve give to parents? When friends come: No back packs up

Today's episode is about you. Specifically, how to make sure 2019 is absolutely your best year yet. I'll give you a peek at the exercise (created by Jinny Ditzler) I complete every year to ensure I have my best possible year. Since starting this process 10+ years ago, I've: Become more inspired + stayed focused on living inspired Improved my spiritual health + focused on my marriage Built a speaking business Written ON FIRE, which became a #1 national bestseller + has been translated into 12 languages Launched the Live Inspired Podcast, of which you are a part! Grown top line revenue + bottom line profitability for my organization My friends, these are just a few of the goals I set and then achieved thanks to this process. Join me to get clear on what you want to achieve personally and professionally in 2019 + set yourself up to make this your best year yet. SHOW NOTES: Goals must not just be set, but lived into every day. Have you identified what worked (and did NOT work) last year?  Your best is within r