Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Israa Nasir is a psychotherapist, speaker, writer, and the founder of WellGuide, a digital platform dedicated to making mental health tools accessible to all. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Time, and Harvard Business Review, and her new book, Toxic Productivity, helps readers reclaim their time and emotional energy in a world that constantly asks for more. Today, Israa shares how her own pursuit of achievement nearly cost her the things that mattered most. She opens up about growing up between cultures, how her family’s story shaped her understanding of success, and the moment she realized she needed to make a change. We also explore the concept of toxic productivity, why so many of us fall into it, and what it actually takes to break free. My friends, if you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, struggled to say no, or questioned your worth when you're not "doing enough," this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical tools to quiet your inner critic, make space for joy and rest, and define success on your own terms.

During five agonizing months in the hospital, physical pain, emotional anguish and unceasing monotony were constant companions. And yet, one thing I treasured was the sound of the door opening each afternoon with the hospital volunteer delivering mail. Over those months, I was blessed to receive hundreds of get-well cards, love notes and care packages. Sometimes I’d recognize the sender’s signature, but far more often the note of encouragement would come from someone I had never met. Each note though- whether from a friend or stranger- provided a lifeline to a world outside those four walls, reminding me that someone, somewhere, was thinking of me. It didn’t necessarily change my day, but it reminded me I wasn’t alone. I thought of that kindness when I read the story of this month’s On Fire For Good honoree. Let me explain.

Kyle Scheele is a speaker, author, content creator, and self-described “maker of weird stuff for the internet.” He’s built a Viking ship out of cardboard, faked a marathon that went viral, and inspired thousands to let go of regret. And yet it’s the heart behind it all that will move you most. Today, Kyle shares what it was like to grow up feeling like the “dangerous kid” no one wanted around, how one friend in fourth grade changed the course of his entire life, and why he believes creativity isn’t just for fun... it’s a lifeline. He opens up about the early pain that shaped him, the audacity that built his career, and the surprising ways silly ideas can lead to sacred moments. My friends, if you need a reminder that your story matters (even the weird, messy, unfinished parts!) this conversation is for you. You’ll leave it with a new way to see your past, your regrets, and your voice... And most importantly, the permission to try that bold idea you've been quietly dreaming about.

I don’t enjoy convertibles in August. Especially not in the southern Florida heat. I don’t typically eat at the Olive Garden. In particular, two nights in a row. It’s not the norm on a business trip for me to stay up late eating popcorn in bed while watching the Disney Channel. And I don’t often play mini golf, float on lazy rivers or go down a large waterslide repeatedly… all before a speaking event. But for a couple days each year, that’s exactly how my days are packed. Let me explain.

As a high-profile model and bestselling author, Christine Handy built a life that seemed picture-perfect as she graced campaigns for iconic brands like Pepsi, Victoria's Secret, and Budweiser. And yet behind the glamour was a woman facing unimaginable trials. A breast cancer diagnosis, along with a series of painful setbacks, would strip away her identity and force her to rebuild from the inside out. Today, Christine shares about the wrist injury that left her in chronic pain, the breast cancer diagnosis that upended her life, and the slow, sacred process of reclaiming her worth. Hear her open up about the emotional toll of losing her physical appearance, how her faith and friendships carried her through treatment, and what it means to truly see yourself (scars and all!) as beautiful. My friends, if you’ve ever struggled to feel worthy, battled a setback you didn’t see coming, or wondered if your story still matters, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a renewed belief in the power of hope, a reminder that real beauty comes from within, and the courage to keep going, no matter what life throws your way.

This weekend marked the first Father’s Day I’ve ever celebrated without my dad. It was a bittersweet milestone- filled with both gratitude for the way he shaped my life yet also an ache for his absence. As I reflected on his legacy yesterday, it’s not just his laughter, strength or faith that I carry with me most vividly- it’s the quiet, consistent way he loved. Let me explain.

Damon Dunn is a former NFL wide receiver, Stanford scholar, powerhouse entrepreneur, and a man who never forgot where he came from. Raised by his grandparents in a trailer with ten people, Damon grew up boiling bathwater on the stove, eating mayonnaise sandwiches, and sleeping three to a bed. Today, he’s a successful CEO, real estate developer, founder of multiple businesses, and a leader committed to serving those facing the same uphill battles he once did. In this conversation, Damon shares how watching a Dallas Cowboys game as an 8-year-old boy sparked a vision that carried him out of poverty and into a life of purpose. He opens up about growing up without his parents, losing family members to prison, and the hope that carried him through. He talks candidly about the identity crisis that followed his NFL career, how he rebuilt his career from the ground up, and the leadership values that continue to guide him as a father, CEO, and difference-maker. My friends, if you’ve ever felt stuck in your circumstances, like your dreams are too far out of reach… or if you're just ready for a shot of bold, heart-centered inspiration, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away feeling more hopeful, more focused, and more ready to chase what’s possible.

Do you think beautiful things can grow out of horrible events? Recently, I was introduced to a young man who exudes a youthful, happy energy, and whose mission in life-despite being rooted in an experience that is anything but—filled me with joy.  Let me explain.

Sister Monica Clare is a nun, author, and the Superior at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal convent in New Jersey. And yet, she didn’t answer the call to religious life until age 46, after a failed marriage, a successful career and years spent searching for where she truly belonged. Today, Sister Monica shares what it was like to grow up in chaos, endure a painful marriage to an atheist, and journey from comedy clubs and ad agencies to the quiet rhythms of convent life. With honesty and heart, she opens up about faith, imposter syndrome, resilience, and how even a moment in Walmart can become holy ground when you’re listening for God’s voice. Her story is packed with pain, humor, and sacred surprises. My friends, if you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unworthy of a fresh start, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away reminded that healing is possible, calling can come later, and there is beauty in becoming.  

Robert Irvine is a world-renowned chef, successful entrepreneur, and champion for our military and first responders. Perhaps most recognized from Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible and Restaurant: Impossible, Robert has helped transform over 300 failing restaurants, and more importantly, the lives of those behind them. Today, Robert shares how a childhood marked by poverty and homelessness shaped his view of leadership and service. He explains how food became his way to connect, serve and heal and how one unforgettable moment with a child on set changed everything. From peeling potatoes on warships to building a life of purpose, Robert’s story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. My friends, you’ll leave this episode with practical wisdom on leadership, empathy, and the quiet power of showing up for others. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, you can choose to lead with love, live with purpose, and make a difference... one meal, one moment, one life at a time.