Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Neal McDonough is an award-winning actor known for memorable roles in Band of Brothers, Justified, and Desperate Housewives, as well as more than 150 film and TV credits. Beyond his on-screen success, Neal is a devoted husband, father of five, and storyteller whose real-life journey rivals any script he’s ever brought to life. Today, Neal shares how a chance meeting with his wife, Ruvé, changed everything, why he walked away from roles that didn’t align with his values, and how losing nearly everything led him to a deeper faith, a stronger marriage, and a renewed purpose. You’ll also hear about the hard lessons he’s learned from Hollywood legends, the projects he’s now creating to inspire others, and why he believes resilience starts with knowing who you are. My friends, if you’ve ever faced setbacks, questioned your worth, or wondered how to start again, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a reminder that your values matter more than your circumstances, that love is worth fighting for, and that with faith and grit, there’s always a way forward.  

True value doesn’t come from how others see us; it comes from knowing who we are. Sometimes the most important lessons are taught in unexpected places, by unforeseen people and in unpredicted ways.  A recent experience provided such a reminder…even if it wasn’t a lesson I wanted to receive. Let me explain.

Dr. Rebecca Heiss, a stress physiologist and author of 'Springboard,' redefines stress as a tool for personal growth. She discusses how reframing stress can transform it from a source of anxiety into a motivating force for resilience. Through her inspiring personal stories, she illustrates how curiosity can ease anxiety and how significant stress often leads to profound connections and fulfillment. Emphasizing the importance of mindset, Rebecca encourages embracing stress as an opportunity to thrive and foster deeper relationships.

Earlier this summer, I sat next to my dad in a darkened movie theater. We shared some popcorn, fought over Milk Duds, and watched a movie together. The film we watched—a retelling of the life we’ve lived together, now stunningly portrayed on the big screen—was a powerful reminder: when intuition whispers, listen. Let me explain.

Former Governor John Kasich has spent his life bringing people together to tackle tough problems, guided by a deep belief that we all have a role to play in making the world a little better than we found it. As a former Ohio governor and four-time New York Times bestselling author, it’s his deep commitment to faith and building community that matters most to him. Today, John Kasich shares why he believes the antidote to our cultural division isn’t politics — it’s purpose. Hear John share about his working-class roots, how losing his parents to a drunk driver deepened his faith, and why he believes real change always begins from the bottom up. He also reveals the stories behind his new book Heaven Help Us, which highlights unsung heroes whose love, compassion, and faith are quietly transforming communities across the country. My friends, whether you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, Independent or something completely different, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave reminded that you matter, that your choices ripple, and that faith—when lived boldly and lovingly—can unite, heal, and change the world.

More than 20 years ago, my wife Beth and I volunteered to take on a Little Brother from our local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. We thought we would be helping a child who needed something we could give. What we didn’t expect was how much we’d grow—and how much that little boy would change our lives. You see, at the time, I was busy, distracted, stretched thin. But that small, consistent commitment turned into a life-giving friendship. And Beth and I learned an important lesson that still guides us today: that stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more. I was reminded of that lesson when I read the nomination for this month’s On Fire For Good honoree, Aimee Risser. Let me explain.

Jameson Reeder Sr. and his 10-year-old son, Jameson Jr., were swimming nine miles off the coast of Florida when a 9-foot bull shark appeared out of nowhere. In seconds, their peaceful snorkeling trip turned into a fight for life, and one that would test their faith, summon unexpected heroes, and reveal a little boy’s unshakable courage. Today, Jameson Sr. and Jameson Jr. share how a terrifying shark attack led to a series of undeniable miracles. You’ll hear how strangers leapt into action, how courage showed up in the most unexpected ways, and how just weeks after the attack, Jameson Jr. asked to return to the place of the attack to face his fear. My friends, if you need a reminder of the strength we carry, even in the most unthinkable moments, this conversation is for you. You’ll be moved by Jameson Jr.’s resilience and compassion in the face of pain, as he shows us what it means to be brave, how to forgive the unimaginable, and how to meet fear with courage, grit, and even joy.

In the early 2000s, I worked in residential construction. As a general contractor, my days were long, dusty, and jammed with deadlines difficult to hit. I rehabbed homes, managed teams, solved problems, raced the clock, and frequently fell short. On one specific job site, a man challenged me through his presence to slow down, celebrate the gift of the moment and authentically connect with others. Let me explain.

Cristina Baker is a speaker, author, and digital creator whose short videos have brought hope and encouragement to millions. And yet, before she became a voice of inspiration, she was a teen battling addiction, a young mother at rock bottom, and a woman who felt completely alone in the world. Today, Cristina shares what it was like growing up in a home filled with chaos and instability. She opens up about the choices that led her into a cycle of pain and self-destruction, and how small moments of compassion helped her begin the long road to healing. From a jail cell to a second chance, and eventually to a video that reached millions, Cristina’s story is filled with grit, resilience, and the power of being seen. My friends, if you’ve ever felt too far gone, too messed up, or too stuck to be used for something good, this conversation is for you. Cristina reminds us that change is possible, even from the lowest points. You’ll leave this episode with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper belief in second chances, and a powerful reminder that your past doesn’t define your future.  

"I do."  57 years ago, Mom spoke those words while holding Dad’s hands. I thought of their commitment to one another last week as I was seated across from her at breakfast. It was their 57th wedding anniversary. And her first without him. I expected our time together to be a bit downtrodden, quiet, sad. After all, how do you celebrate the thing you built your life around when the person you built it with is no longer there? But as we sipped a mimosa (Hey, it was their anniversary and I wasn’t going to have Mom celebrate by herself!), it was surprising that Mom wasn’t sad, wasn’t morose, wasn’t bitter. She was at peace. Let me explain