Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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

John Register is a two-time Paralympian, a silver medalist, a Persian Gulf War veteran, and a TEDx motivational speaker. He’s also someone who knows what it means to lose everything you planned for, and build something even more meaningful in its place. A rising Olympic hopeful, John’s dreams were shattered by a training accident that led to the amputation of his left leg. What followed wasn’t just recovery but a reinvention of his identity, purpose, and impact. Today, John shares how he “amputated the fear” of disability, found new purpose, and learned to thrive in a life he never expected. His experiences challenge us to reflect on how we respond to life’s inevitable curveballs and how we can still become the best versions of ourselves, even when the path forward looks nothing like we imagined. My friends, if you’ve ever faced an unexpected detour or felt like your best days were behind you, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave it with renewed hope, a fresh mindset, and a reminder that your scars might just be the beginning of your greatest legacy.

Remember being little, and how natural it was to dive fully into life? We raised our hands when questions were asked, made best friends with everyone on the playground and were the first ones in and last ones out of the pool. Then we got a bit older. We stopped raising our hands quite as much. We stopped opening up to others. Heck, not only did we stop being the first one in the pool, we stopped even wearing our swimsuits to pool parties! We started making more excuses and stopped being as active. Today's Monday Motivation will remind you of the boldness of youth, the joy of participation and the power of showing up with heart.

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.