Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary Gary Sinise: Grateful American (ep. #128)
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 school's production of West Side Story initiated his passion for acting.
- Steppenwolf Theatre Company was formed with his three friends in 1974, subsequently becoming the nation's premiere ensemble theatre.
- Of Mice and Men: Gary directed + starred in Of Mice and Men, fulfilling a life-long dream leading to his opportunity to audition for Forrest Gump.
- Forrest Gump: Gary had a deep affection to veterans his entire life and felt compelled to play Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump.
- The scene with Lieutenant Dan shouting on top of the shrimp boat is pivotal because he's fighting his demons, overcoming guilt and PTSD from war, eventually allowing him to make peace. Making peace is something the Gary Sinise Foundation strives for all veterans.
- Turning point: The commitment to serve and honor veterans began before Forrest Gump. September 11th was an inflection point deepened that devotion.
- The Gary Sinise Foundation supports those who sacrifice on our behalf including active duty, veterans, first responders + their families. Learn more here.
- Get Gary Sinise’s New York Times bestselling book Grateful American.
- I shared my essay on my dear friend and former US Navy SEAL Scott Wirtz. Read it here.
Listen to more Life Inspired Podcast episodes celebrating veterans with Rocky Sickmann from ep. #16 and Jim Lovell from ep. #90.
LIVE INSPIRED 7To shine light on veterans, Gary asked me to share responses to the Live Inspired 7 from past guests who served our country. Enjoy Captain Charlie Plumb, Vietnam Navy veteran and Prison Of War, from ep. # 31 and Jake Harriman, Marine veteran, from ep. #114 answers.
Charlie Plumb's Live Inspired 71. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, chapter of Job. Unbroken, it epitomizes your philosophy and mine on winning through adversity.
2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?Bolder Crest supports vets with PTSD to expand their reach bc they’re doing a lot of good for veterans.
3. 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? A tin cup with holes in it that I brought back from the prison camp. I keep that cup just to remind me of the challenges I face and the value of the challenge.
4. 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?My mother. She endured so much while I was over there, but never placed blame. I never heard her say a bad word about anyone. The longer I live, the more I appreciate her approach to forgiveness. I’d love to talk to her about how to forgive the unforgivable.
5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A coach told me it wasn’t the things around me that would change my life, it’s the choices you make about the things around you. You can choose to be a loser or a winner or choose to give away that choice.
6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Believe in a purpose as the highest priority.
7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He was a servant.
Jake Harriman Live Inspired 71. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Dreaming! I could dream big. I tried to do crazy stuff as a kid. We made a potion out of crayons and dirt to make me fly. Then, I put on a cape and jumped into cow manure!
3. 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? A medallion that I carried in combat. It says: [Joshua 1:9] “Be strong, courageous and remember that the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” It sealed my faith + gave me courage. I gave it to the love of my life when we got engaged. When she has to go into dark places, I wanted her to have the same medallion with her.
4. 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? Abraham Lincoln. I’d ask: How in the world did you get through that time? And hold everything together with a nation that was literally pulling itself a part? I think he’d say “Find commonality – there are threads and values that run through all of us. Get back to those basics.” I think that is what he did and succeeded.
5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Never say you can’t do something, you have to believe in yourself and those who love you.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It’s going to be dark. You are going to have a lot of really horrific moments that you didn’t even know were possible. But in those moments, know that there is light coming. There is truth and love in people in this world. There is more light and hope than darkness. Never forget that.
7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He learned to love and learned to leave by serving others.
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