Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Tom Logan and the Marion Medical Mission built 2,835 wells in rural Africa in 2017. Each well costs $400. Similar organizations need 10 times as much to produce the same results. How do they do it? "We provide the boots with the straps." Learn how Tom's program empowers Africans to develop the skills needed to maintain their wells and the health of their rural community. Get ideas on how to serve others + see how doing so will lead you to a more inspired life. SHOW NOTES: As a society we spend a lot of time talking about what is wrong. Tom Logan spends all of his time working on solutions. Learn more about Tom Logan's mentor; whom he called "the Mother Teresa of the time," Albert Schweitzer. "Sustainable drinking water" means that once a well is in, the local people can maintain it without any outside help. Being involved in the impossible is extraordinary. It drives me. Learn more about Marion Medical Mission. See the photo John mentions of a smiling man digging a well. Tom references this great video that

Andre Norman went from juvie, to jail to Harvard. Andre began selling marijuana in 6th grade to pay for pants so he wasn't seen as the "poor, smelly kid with only two pairs of pants." Vulnerable insights like this one from Andre will allow you to expand your humanity and understand the very real, everyday struggles that can snowball into time spent in jail. Join me for an amazing conversation that will shed light on an often forgotten part of our community... and share the redemption that can come with setting a lofty goal and sticking to it. From jail to Harvard, our friend Andre is here. Don't miss it. SHOW NOTES:  "Please speak kind words to your kids and never stop. The day I wanted to change my life, it was those kind words I was able to hold onto. I've seen people who wanted to change their lives, but they had nothing to hold onto so they got blown back in." "Every Wednesday, the rabbi taught me how to be a better person. He taught me things I'd never learned before; to say I'm sorry." If you want to g

People with ALS often lose their ability to move and speak. The Eyewriter technology allows them to communicate through writing with their eyes. Mick Ebeling and his team at Not Impossible Labs created the Eyewriter. Their mission is to create technology that helps people by "recognizing an absurdity [that limits people] and committing to figure it out." Mick's story, work and heart transformed the way I view life, business, relationships, challenges and possibility. Today, Mick will share how he turns the "impossible" into "possible" in his lab and how you can do it in your life. SHOW NOTES  Figure it out mode: Start talking to people and asking questions. The more questions you ask, the smarter you get and the more you realize who knows what they're doing. Maybe you've viewed it as being bad for too long and it's time to change your perspective. Instead of thinking of technology for the sake of making things pretty and entertaining, how about for the sake of humanity. Hear Not Impossible Podcast episode 7

Najwa Zebian, poet, advocate, author of the book Mind Platter and Lebanese Canadian, was recently thrown into the spotlight when her poetic #MeToo Tweet went viral via New York Times, CBS News, the Times of India. Today, Najwa shares her life, her incredibly moving poetry and an invitation to feel our feelings, own our stories and share our voices. SHOW NOTES: John mentions this Goalcast video that shares his story. John mentions hearing Najwa's story through her Goalcast video. Get Najwa's books Mind Platter and The Nectar of Pain. "When excluded from activities, I felt like it was my fault. This is something not only children internalize, but that adults do too." "I couldn't understand what I was going through. That pushed me to find other means to express myself." "Belonging is a basic human need." I had good grades, good manners. I convinced myself that settling for that was enough. There's no progressing in life if you don't come to terms with your story. Even the strongest of us go through moments wher

Charles Rosen started Ironbound Hard Cider to rekindle the Newark economy by hiring it's chronically unemployed, formerly incarcerated population. James Williams is one such employee who shares his passion for working as a crew chief on the cidery's orchard. Reimagine what's possible in business, life, community, social enterprise + sustainable agriculture on today's episode: NOTES: "The Ironbound Hard Cider community is blended, guys wearing 'Make America Great Again' hats sitting side-by-side with black gang members from Newark and they treat each other like brothers." This business is an unintentional exploration into how to address the biggest gap that exists in our country: Urban v. rural. "We are much stronger as a collective then when thinking only of our own individual pursuits." Helping people shift out of a state of chronic poverty takes time. I'm not seeing entities in any sector willing to put in that time. Instead of a winner take all approach to business, our approach is that my success shouldn

Dr. Laurie Nadel, a psychologist specializing in overcoming trauma, has helped people impacted by the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Sandy and, most recently, the mass shooting in Parkland, FL. Today, Laurie joins us to talk about how to live inspired after our personal tragedies. Whether divorce, bankruptcy, a natural disaster or anything in between: A "trauma" is anything that leaves you feeling like you've lost your control, your safety or your identity. My friends, we've all had challenges. Today's episode will directly help you overcome yours. SHOW NOTES: 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. Dr. Laurie Nadel shared how she was able to better relate to her mother after learning about the Myers Briggs personality types. Dr. Laurie Nadel's first book was a 4-time bestseller + on Oprah's book club twice: Sixth Sense: The Whole-Brain Book

Captain Jim Lovell was the Spacecraft Commander of Apollo 13. The mission was meant to be the third moon landing attempt, but  infamously was cut short when a tank exploded. Don’t miss hearing this epic piece of history from the man who lived it. Jim Lovell also shares how he attained his dream of becoming an astronaut in spite of growing up poor and fatherless during the Great Depression. Jim’s unfiltered look at what it was like aboard Apollo 13, what it took to get there and what it took to get back to earth safely will unearth keys to live inspired as a leader, team player and dreamer. Don’t miss this episode. SHOW NOTES: Read Jim Lovell's book Apollo 13. Check out the Apollo 13 movie by Ron Howard. How did you keep a right mind individually and as a team in the face of so many challenges? "We had no solutions, all we knew was we'd lose oxygen soon. Any situation like this, you have to keep your cool and keep a positive attitude. If I had curled up and waited for the emergency to happen, I’d still be th

The Miracle Season is a major motion picture based on the true story of Coach Kathy Bresnahan (played by Helen Hunt) leading her volleyball team, against all odds, to a state championship after their captain and all-star player, Caroline Found, passed away tragically before the season began. That time you wished you were seeing the movie in the PREVIEW instead of the one you were there to actually see... Has this ever happened to you? I was so moved by the preview for The Miracle Season, I made a date to take my whole family to see it when it came out in April. See the preview here. Today, I get to introduce you to Kathy Bresnahan. Coach Kathy will sheds light on grieving, leading and what it means to "live like line" - the slogan + motivation, created in memory of their lost teammate Caroline. Don't miss this episode. It's my most emotional to date; because there are so many lessons to not only live more inspired, but to #LiveLikeLine. SHOW NOTES: Check out the HBO special here. Get a copy of Kathy Bresnaha

Today, I share a story I don't often get to tell. The story of my siblings and their heroic acts that saved my life 30 years ago. Even more relevant: the 3 things we do that allow us to remain close as we get older. My friend, in honor of my parents 50th wedding anniversary, I'm sharing an intimate look at my family, what we've been through, what we've learned + what it might mean for you. SHOW NOTES: As promised during this episode, here are a few past episodes on which we discussed depression and mental health: Episode #46 with Dennis Gillan: Break down the stigma around mental health to better care for yourself, those you love + those in the wake of suicide. Dennis shares how mental health claimed the life of his brothers + what he's doing about it today. Episode #73 with Sue Klebold: Sue is the mother of Dylan Klebold, a shooter at Columbine High School in 1999. You'll be amazed by how much you can relate to Sue, her family + her story. Sue shares ideas to better manage mental health so we don't have

Mel Robbins is the author of The 5 Second Rule, the #1 audio book in the world. She is also the most booked female speaker in the world and hosts the Audible Original series Kick Ass With Mel Robbins. Today, Mel shares how she has helped millions of people transform their lives by simplifying their biggest challenges into a 5-second solution. Possibly even more impactful: She shares how her 5-second rule originated as a tool to overcome the anxiety and malaise that was crushing her life. Today, Mel is ON FIRE for life, and is offering an amazing tool to help us all live more inspired. Don't miss this amazing episode.  SHOW NOTES: Get your copy of The 5 Second Rule here. "Break the patterns that you think in and your entire life will change." The 5-second rule is a ritual to interrupt your bad thoughts, habits and patterns. It's a way to self coach. Try the 5-second rule to see "not just how often you live in a negative mental state, but how easy it is to redirect it." There is a distinct gap between your wil

Let's talk about how to simplify life so you can live inspired. If you’ve enjoyed the 80+ episodes of the podcast, you're in for a treat. Instead of interviewing a special guest, I'm focusing on YOU: Your story, successes, failures, life. Get ready for an exclusive peek into my private Live Inspired IN STUDIO membership community - like-minded friends who join me via live-webcast once a month. (I absolutely love our podcast; and IN STUDIO is even better. Find out why.) My friend, get a snapshot of one of the most popular IN STUDIO webcasts to date: How to simplify life. SHOW NOTES: Find out what IN STUDIO members are saying and be the first to hear when In STUDIO registration re-opens:* JohnOLearyInspires.com/Studio.   Additional resources, check out: Live Inspired Podcast Ep. #50 with Curt Steinhorst to reflect on how to simplify life through not being reactive. Live Inspired Podcast Ep. #82 with Christine Caine to reflect on how to simplify life by truly living your purpose. *Registration only opens

Ben and Amy Wright own the wildly successful Bitty & Beau’s Coffee shop, which proudly employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The shop is named after their children who have Down Syndrome. Ben and Amy Wright are combatting the staggering 80% unemployment rate for people with disabilities + using their shop as a platform to share this truth: “We all have different abilities. There’s room for everyone; we just have to see it that way.” Join me and the Wrights as they thoughtfully share questions (if you don’t have a disability/know someone who does) and answers (if you do) to everything you’ve ever wanted to ask or tell on this subject. SHOW NOTES: Amy + Ben are the founders of Bitty & Beau's Coffee in Wilmington, NC that proudly employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. "Typically developing guests who come in experience a transformation, a new perspective. It was important to create the jobs, but even more important is that we change the way peopl

In 1972 there was a historic plane crash; the only one in which the plane was flying at both cruising speed + altitude and had survivors. One of the survivors was Nando Parrado. In street clothes and without food, Nando survived the winter in the Andes. His story was told in the 1993 movie, Alive. He was played by Ethan Hawke. Today, we’re joined by Nando. He is one of my heroes and the most courageous survivor I’ve met. Don’t miss this unbelievable story of leadership and drive in the face of dire adversity. SHOW NOTES I was angry, but I couldn't feel pain or sorrow. In a survival situation, something is triggered to protect you because if you suffer that pain, it'd be too much to survive. Winter in the Andes: There's snow everywhere. There's nothing and no one coming. All the born leaders died, [so new] leaders emerged. It's the most fantastic leadership story ever told. I tried to leave. I'd walk 8 paces and I'd sink all the way to my waste in deep snow. What kept you going? "The only thing I knew was tha

Rachel Cruze helps people learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. Her new book Love Your Life, Not Theirs guides readers to live an inspired life, within their means and without the comparison game. Rachel shares that, "Money is a topic so many people have lost hope over. I give a clear path to help you win, gain control and lower stress around personal finances." My friends, join me and Rachel to get great tips on how to better manage your finances and more importantly: Love YOUR life. SHOW NOTES:  Despited being the daughter of financial guru Dave Ramsey, Rachel did not grow up extravagantly. In fact, the Ramsey family filed for bankruptcy the year before she was born. "My parents taught me that work is a verb. We never had allowance as kids, we worked on commission." We had to get jobs/responsibilities outside of the house. Looking back, it was such a gift. As a mom, I get that its exhausting to have kids do things they don't want to do. But man it pays off! I've met 20, 30, 40 year ol

Christine Caine's hurdles may seem insurmountable: She is a survivor of both sexual abuse and cancer. At 32, she found out she was adopted.  Yet, she is living a profoundly inspired life. Christine leads a global anti human-trafficking movement and was honored with the 2017 Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice. Have you ever felt like your story was derailed by unexpected or unwanted news? Christine's story and tips will show you how to "let go of your history so you can step into your destiny." SHOW NOTES:  John was determined to have Christine on the show after being shocked when a man recently shared that he'd been taken from his home in Africa to be a slave in the US. Christine's organization A21 is currently helping 28 adult victims + 14 children in the US alone. Learn more about A21 Campaign and 21 steps you can take to abolish slavery here.  Christine’s passion to help victims stems from being sexually abused for more than a decade during her youth. You can rise above the adversity of you

Mitch Albom, author of the bestselling memoir of all time, Tuesdays with Morrie, never meant to be a writer. Hear the unlikely way Mitch found himself writing his beloved professor's memoir; and what it means for your unfulfilled dreams. (Hint, there just might be a silver lining!) Hear what it was like to learn Morrie's life lessons, from Morrie himself - first as a student in his classroom and, ultimately, as a friend in his hospital room. My friends, 15 million have read the book. Countless have watched the movie (produced by Oprah!). Today, we will hear the story behind the wisdom Morrie shared 20+ years ago. Don't miss this world-class episode.  SHOW NOTES:  "You know you've done a lot, when you realize how little you've done." The first time Mitch met his professor, Morrie Schwartz, he wanted to drop his class. Listen to find out what made him stay. "Morrie opened my eyes to being a whole person - and that, that was an accomplishment in it of itself. He made me think in terms of being multi-dimensional

"It was good until it wasn't." Erik Wahl valued hard work and success. Achievement + money were his measurement and, by his early 30s, he was very successful in corporate America. Until he wasn't. During the dot-com bust in 2000, Erik lost the "financial fortress" he'd built and his identity along with it. This led him to ask the life-changing question:"Who were you before the world told you who you should be?" Erik answered this question, made BIG changes in his life + redefined success. Now, as a performance graffiti artist, he helps clients like IBM, Microsoft and Disney answer this bold question, too. Today, we're going to "unearth great things lying dormant inside" of you. Join us!  SHOW NOTES: Watch the entire episode on YouTube. Often we're rewarded based on the 3 Deadly P's: Power, prestige + possession.   Our script for how to live is off, we tend to live with a scarcity mindset. "I must secure what's mine so I can build; there's not enough available." Choose abundance instead. When you're rocked at

"Don't think of your age." When asked how to actively age, 87-year-old Sister Madonna Buder, nicknamed "The Iron Nun" in her 2016 Nike Ad, shared the above. She continued with, "Just keep moving." Sr. Buder began running at 48. She has since completed 45+ ironman races, 300+ triathlons and won her age group dozens of times. My friends, if you think you’re too old, too late, too inexperienced, too anything, to embrace a new dream in your life... then you absolutely cannot miss today’s episode.  Sr. Madonna Buder, the Iron Nun, will encourage you to go ALL IN for your dreams, no matter your age or perceived limitation. Join us! SHOW NOTES:  Everyone was expecting her to announce her engagement; instead she announced that she was entering the convent. Began running at 48 and became a world-class athlete, completing in more than 300+ triathlons. "Running harmonizes mind, body and soul." These words, shared by a priest, inspired Sr. Buder to start running. "You have to run for 5 weeks before you get the runner's

"When God takes something away, He gives a double dose of something else." Tommy Spaulding jokes that he had a 4.0 - if you add his high school and college GPAstogether... His dream was to become a lawyer; but he was rejected by the 30 law schools to which he applied. Fast forward:This once, less-than-stellar student is now a bestselling author and his "failed dream" led him directly to the successful career he has today.  Don't miss Tommy's amazing story! He helps clients like Starbucks + General Electric leverage their "double dose," grow deeper relationships and succeed in work + life. Today, he will help us do the same. Join us! SHOW NOTES:  At the end of the day, ask: Who did I bless? Who did I help? "When God takes something away, he gives you a double dose of something else." Tommy's book It's Not Just Who You Know - challenges corporate America to focus on relationships, not transactions. Tommy's 2nd bestselling book The Heart-Led Leader - shows readers how + why we must bring love to the workplac

"When you accept the worst case scenario, it has no power over you." Hal Elrod, international bestselling author of The Miracle Morning, established a miracle equation that helped him overcome two near-death experiences + build a highly successful business.   Hear Hal's amazing story and how to apply his equation so you can "divide odds and create miracles in your marriage, business and life." Now THAT sounds like living inspired! Join us. SHOW NOTES:  Hal's book The Miracle Morning has sold 600,000+ copies The Miracle Morning documentary is coming soon! "Take an adversity + turn it into an advantage by helping other people with it." At 20, he was hit by a drunk driver and not expected to walk. "When you accept the worst case scenario, it has no power over you. I thought, I'll be the most grateful human you've ever met in a wheel chair, because I'm in one either way. Putting energy into wishing it wasn't so would be futile." Hal's Miracle Equation [to divide odds + create miracles in marriage, business, life