Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Dr. Philip Fidler is a trauma and burn surgeon who has dedicated his life to healing others. From humble beginnings to becoming a pioneering force in burn care, Philip’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of joy in healing, and the profound impact one person can have on countless lives. Today, Philip shares how one pivotal conversation set him on the path to medicine. He also shares how his innovative approach to patient care—including founding the REACH Burn Foundation—is changing lives far beyond the operating room, from providing adaptive sports experiences to supporting international medical missions. My friends, if you want to hear how, with heart and humility, we can turn life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for growth, this episode is for you.

What makes someone a truly great leader? Is it their resume? Their resolute stance on an issue? How articulate they can share it? The influence they can wield? The results they get?  Although the answer is nuanced, while being driven back to the airport last week I saw clearly what it means to embody true greatness. Let me explain.

Cara Finger is the founder of My Bag My Story. Inspired by her own adoption journey and her experience as a foster parent, Cara was shocked to see children arriving with their belongings in trash bags. This simple yet powerful observation sparked her mission to create meaningful change. Today, Cara shares her journey in establishing her social enterprise, offers practical ways we can support those in the foster care communities and beyond. And she reminds us how seemingly small gestures, like providing a quality bag, can significantly elevate a child's self-esteem and sense of normalcy during tumultuous times. My friends, if you’re seeking a heartfelt example of the transformative power of empathy, community, and action, this conversation is for you.

Amy Crawford’s life is evidence that to become a spark for good we must first recognize that in the face of things that seem impossible, we can always start by doing something. In her nearly four decades working as an educator, Amy has joyfully guided the children in her classroom to not only enjoy a subject, but to recognize the value of their lives. She savored being an educator and the chance to encourage kids. And yet, Amy realized it wasn’t just the children in her classroom that needed to be inspired, but also the teachers who taught them. Let me explain.

Rather than letting a traumatic ATV accident where he lost both of his hands cast a shadow on his future, Jason Koger has used the 2008 accident as a guiding light. And he became the first bilateral arm amputee to be fitted with multi-articulating bionic hands in the world. Today, Jason shares the pivotal role his resilient parents and hardworking grandfather played in shaping his indomitable spirit, the immense physical and emotional challenges he faced and how he turned these obstacles into a driving force to help others. Plus, he shares the unexpected journey to becoming an ambassador for the manufacture of his hands… it’s truly remarkable. My friends, Jason's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, faith, and the unwavering human spirit. If you need a reminder of the importance of living a purpose-driven life, regardless of the hurdles, this episode is for you.

Few stories move me as powerfully as Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Set in the midst of a revolution in France, it’s a deeply moving portrait of individuals from various walks of life wrestling with grace, meaning, redemption, love and loss. Last month while watching this play with my wife, it became clear to me that the main character from Les Misérables illuminates not only how we should live as individuals, but also how we must move forward as a nation. And the character that modeled this example to me might not be who you expect. Let me explain.

In our polarized world, Rabbi Susan Talve stands as a beacon of hope, dedicating her life to building relationships across divides. As the founding rabbi of Central Reform Congregation, Susan has inspired a movement of community and connection, reminding us of the beautiful interconnectedness of humanity. Today, Susan shares how an archeological dig in Israel opened her heart and mind to a life of spiritual leadership, how she channels the grief of losing her daughter Adina into creating positive change and her mission of "Tikkun Olam" – repairing the world. My friends, this conversation is a testament to the power of faith, humility and the truth that listening, understanding and building  bridges have the power to heal the world.

Hollywood has a reputation of attracting individuals capable of portraying one version of themselves in front of a camera … and a very different version when no one is watching. Perhaps that’s why when people learn a movie was made about my life, and they hear about the actors who participated in the film, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “So, what are they really like?”  After spending months with some well-known actors, producers, directors and leaders in the industry, my answer typically surprises them. Let me explain.

Randy Gravitt is an author, speaker and coach who dedicates his life to empowering leaders to achieve greatness both at work and at home. As a devoted husband, father to four daughters, and grandfather to six, Randy understands the delicate dance between professional responsibilities and personal commitments. His life is a testament to the power of nurturing meaningful relationships while pursuing excellence in one’s career. And his wisdom goes beyond mere strategies — he offers practical steps to create a life rich with purpose, personal growth, and positive impact. My friends, whether you’re leading a family unit, a church group, or a large corporation, this conversation is a reminder to shift our focus from external achievements to internal fulfillment, building connections that matter, investing in the people we love, and living a life that truly inspires.

What do we do with memories that sear? How do we cope with losses from our past? And how do we heal from scars we still bear? After returning from war, Bill Goodreau wrestled with these questions. In discovering an answer, he ultimately discovered not only a good life for himself, but one that could be used for good to elevate others.  Let me explain.