Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

“It’s not my job…” This is a sentence my children are not allowed to utter when asked to do a chore around the house. It’s also a sentence you will not hear from a small business owner striving to claw their way forward, or a committed employee trying to make a difference, or a community member striving to lift up others. And for Susan Clift Gislason, it’s a sentence she refuses to utter because she’s far more interested in living her vocation than merely doing some job. Let me explain.

Molly Stillman is a podcast host, community leader and author of the forthcoming book If I Don’t Laugh I’ll Cry. She has a deep passion for inspiring others to know they were created on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose. Today, Molly shares her journey of growing up the daughter of a Vietnam Army nurse, losing her mother at age 17, and squandering an unexpected quarter of- a-million-dollar inheritance in less than two years while desperately trying to find her place in the world. Through faith, humor and finding moments of joy even in the most trying of circumstances, Molly was able to rediscover her purpose in life. My friends, this conversation will inspire you to see your own life through a lens of redemption and possibility… while also reminding you to not be afraid to laugh at yourself every once in a while!

With the slate of NCAA tournament teams finalized yesterday, hardcore fans and bandwagon followers everywhere now turn to the task of filling out their bracket, predicting which of the teams will advance throughout the 67 game, three-week long tournament. Represented in the mix, of course, are this season’s dominant teams and perennial powerhouses. Alongside those favorites are, in my opinion, the very reason March Madness worms its way into our consciousness each year: the Cinderella teams!

Dr. Nick Fuhrman, also known as Ranger Nick, shares his journey from performer to professor and the impact of exceptional teachers. He discusses using injured birds in educational presentations, transitioning to animal-assisted learning, embracing mistakes, and celebrating teachable moments. Reflecting on teacher uniforms and sentimental items, he emphasizes the importance of passion, authenticity, and recognizing the value teachers bring to students' lives.

As the On Fire movie team rolls into its third month of the painstaking post-production work, I am gradually beginning to recognize the remarkable complexity of creating a film. These months of post-production work follow weeks of an intense shooting schedule. And that follows years of planning. My friends, in the next year we’ll have an opportunity to go to theaters and watch as our wonderful actors bring to life brilliantly the story of On Fire. They’ll have us laughing and crying and applauding and utterly convicted that we can make a mighty difference through our lives for others. And yet, in thinking about the actors on screen, my mind races to the tireless work of those behind the scenes. Let me explain.

Learn how to empower and uplift teenagers in a society that often underestimates them, by engaging in meaningful conversations and tackling tough topics with honesty. Discover the importance of nurturing confidence, resilience, and authenticity in teenagers' lives.

After feeling extremely fortunate to spend almost every night at home in January, the work schedule shifted and launched us into a wildly busy and deeply meaningful month of February.  Taking full advantage of the extra day this year, we traveled to 14 cities and spoke with 18 different groups. (An added bonus, we are now on a first name basis with most of the St. Louis airport staff!) On one of the few days I worked from our office last month, we were able to hang a piece of art in our lobby. As beautiful as it is, it’s the process of how it was created and the story of the artist who brought it to life that is most meaningful to me. Let me explain.

When it’s common to feel jaded and unexcited in the monotony of our day-to-day lives, Cass Sunstein explores how we can begin noticing the wonderful things that spark meaning and joy. Cass is the nation’s most-cited legal scholar and is at the forefront of behavioral economics. For nearly two decades, he has served in the US government in multiple capacities and worked with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. He’s written hundreds of articles and dozens of books about society and culture. Today, Cass joins us to share his groundbreaking study of how disrupting our well-worn routines - both good and bad - can rejuvenate our days and reset our brains to allow us to live happier and more fulfilling lives. My friends, if you or someone you love is years into a dream job, a happy relationship, or a beloved home and beginning to feel ho hum, this conversation will awaken you to feel happier, healthier and more alive… in other words, ‘resparkle’!

Once a month this year, we’re celebrating individuals who are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do, and positively changing the world one life at a time in our On Fire For Good campaign. Many of those nominated this month were dutiful, soft-spoken, and rule-following. The one we chose, however, was not. Now, if you didn’t peg a 77-year-old Catholic nun and Army Lieutenant Colonel as a rule-breaking, noisemaking, trouble-finding type of person, you haven’t met Sister Doris Jo Rak. Let me explain.

Sloane Crosley is a New York Times bestselling author of essay collections I Was Told There’d Be Cake and How Did You Get This Number, and is known for her sharp wit, keen observations and relatable humor. Today, Sloane joins us to discuss her latest book Grief is For People, and shares her personal journey through loss after a close friend’s suicide. Through her unique storytelling, she navigates the complicated and painful process of grief, offering solace and challenge to those grappling with loss. My friends, if you or someone you love is in need of healing, this conversation will provide hope and guidance.