Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Retired Navy SEAL Captain John Doolittle dedicated 25 years of service to the United States of America, embodying resilience, determination, faithfulness and humility. Today, John shares his incredible journey of becoming a Navy SEAL, the struggles he faced and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. Plus, the importance of camaraderie, the power of leaning on others, the immense strength found in mental toughness, how these qualities shaped his path and what it can do for you as you navigate your path forward. My friends, this conversation is a reminder that life is a series of challenges, and developing the strength to rise again and again can make a difference for ourselves and those that we are called to serve.

For the past six summers, all four of my kids have been able to pick a work trip they wanted to join their dad for. They look through my schedule. They pick the location, anywhere in the country. And other than the time I’m speaking, they determine what we do when we get there. My job is simple: say "yes" to whatever ideas they come up with while we are together. They affectionally call it “The Daddy Trip.” They think it’s for them. Selfishly, it's an excuse for me to spend focused one-on-one time with each of my kids. And it’s my favorite trip of the year. Let me explain.

Patric Young, a former basketball star and two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, faced an unimaginable challenge in 2022 when a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Once a towering force on the court, Patric now embarks on a journey of resilience, faith, and rediscovery, confronting the depths of his identity and strength. Today, Patric shares his journey as he faces adversity and embraces his renewed purpose in life. This story is a guiding light, reminding us to focus on what we can control and to find joy in life's simplest moments. My friends, if you’ve ever wondered how to remain steadfast in the midst of a storm, this conversation is for you.

“Do you ever have bad days?” While speaking with a group of college interns for a large insurance agency last week, I was asked this question. My answer surprised them. In sharing it with you, I hope it offers some encouragement for you. Let me explain.

Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge has led some of the world’s most iconic brands. And yet, it’s what she uncovered about her family's past that’s most incredible. After discovering that her great-great-great-grandmother had been enslaved in Missouri, wrongfully convicted of a crime, and denied the justice she so deserved, Pamela eagerly sought to learn more about her family’s heritage. My friends, today’s episode goes beyond Pamela’s journey as we celebrate unity, collaboration and how we can’t change the past, but we can certainly learn from it.

Every day offers the same opportunity: To invest in activities, efforts, work and conversations that build others up or to choose attitudes, words and actions that push others down. The choice we make profoundly influences how we feel about our lives and our capacity to positively impact the lives of those around us. Let me explain.  

At the tender age of nine, Kim Meeder faced an unimaginable tragedy when she lost both her parents in a matter of minutes. Though losing her parents in such a horrific way could have shattered her spirit forever, she discovered strength in her faith and solace in the company of horses. It was in taking care of, riding, and simply being in the presence of these majestic animals that she found her path to healing. Today, Kim shares how she transformed her pain into a life filled with purpose and joy, and how she shares this freedom with others, encouraging them to find their own paths to healing through Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch. My friends, if you want to hear a story of what being open to the unexpected can bring, and how to turn an evil tragedy into a life of beautiful healing, this conversation is for you.

“I'm losing it. These were the final words spoken by the great singer, Frank Sinatra. The man who spent his life performing at sold-out theaters and proudly proclaiming he did it his way recognized at the end of his life that none of us are totally in control. Emily Dickinson offered a more poetic reflection as death approached. She looked past those gathered in the room and spoke these words, "I must go in, the fog is rising." "Go on, get out! Last words are for fools who haven't said enough."  Karl Marx shared this sentiment as he prepared to die. Even though he felt he’d said enough, they unintentionally became the last words he ever spoke. Fools or not, at some point we all speak words which will become our last. Have you ever considered what your final words might be? Have you ever heard someone share theirs?  As we savor the last summer before taking our oldest son to college, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on some last words shared with me. Let me explain.

Christina Rasmussen is an acclaimed grief educator who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the often misunderstood and silent struggles of everyday loss. Her mission is to guide others to living life fully and joyously. Today, Christina shares how she overcame her fears and limitations while growing up in Greece, how she confronted the profound grief of losing her husband to cancer at a young age and how she’s helping others navigate their journeys with loss and grief. My friends,  if you’re looking for a conversation that underscores resilience, the power of community, and how to embrace life’s fullest potential, this episode is for you.

With intensifying conflicts around the world, ever-amplifying political tension in the United States, and persistent personal challenges we all deal with daily, it’s easy to feel lost in the seemingly growing shadow of darkness. And yet, there are examples around us of individuals who survive unspeakable heartache, remarkably heal, and today reflect light into a world longing for it. Few individuals personify this more brilliantly than my friend, Kim Meeder.