Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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.

Have you noticed it is frequently the people who say the least about themselves who have the most incredible stories to share? On this Memorial Day holiday, I wanted to share one such example of a heroic, humble servant who never needed to tell you how great he was.

Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries, Necessary Endings, and more than 40 other life-changing books that have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. For the past four decades, Henry has coached CEOs, guided families, and walked alongside everyday people in their most vulnerable moments to help them grow, heal, and lead. Today, Henry shares what it means to rise through pain, reframe failure and rewire the way we grow. You'll hear how his mother’s tough love (and a trusted friend named Emmet) gave him the strength to rise after every fall—literally, how he lost his sense of purpose in college and the unexpected moment a stranger inspired him to change his life forever. Together, we explore boundaries, endings, vision, relationships, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when life feels heavy. My friends, you'll leave today's conversation with renewed hope, practical wisdom, and a deeper understanding of why the right people in your life can make all the difference. You’ll be reminded that the most important work we’ll ever do is in relationships—with ourselves, with others, and with the future we dare to believe is still possible.

Thirteen years ago, I was invited to visit a critically ill man in a hospital. All I knew was the hospital where he was being treated, his room number, that his first name was David and that he was dying.  What happened during that visit, and over the years since, impacted my life.  In reading about it today, it’s my hope it impacts yours, too.

Jessica Cox was born without arms, but she’s never let that stop her from soaring. A certified pilot, fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, author, global speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, Jessica is also the visionary behind The Impossible Airplane, a first-of-its-kind aircraft designed to be flown entirely by foot. Her life is a powerful reminder that our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves. Today, Jessica shares how she turned “Why me?” into “Why not me?” She opens up about her journey to becoming the world’s first armless pilot, the faith that helped her push past fear, and the creativity required to thrive in a world not built for her body. She talks about the love story that began in a martial arts class, the plane she’s building to inspire kids around the world, and the freedom that comes from radical self-acceptance. My friends, if you’ve ever doubted your worth or felt held back by fear, this conversation is for you. Jessica’s story will reignite your belief in what’s possible. You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of courage, fresh perspective on your own challenges, and the reminder that with faith, resilience, and a little ingenuity, nothing is out of reach.