Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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.

Earlier this month I had the honor of recording a live podcast with legendary actor William H. Macy at his home. While his house was stunning, the view of the mountains was magnificent, and the evidence of a wildly successful career was scattered throughout the house, it wasn’t any of that stuff that impressed me. Instead, what fascinated me most from our visit is something desperately needed from our leaders today. Let me explain.

Jodi Wellman is a positive psychology expert in pursuit of igniting others to lead a zero-regret life. As the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, Jodi shines light on the scarcity of time and how we have the power to lead squander-free lives with urgency and meaning. With the average life expectancy being 80 years, we get roughly 4,000 Mondays in our lifetime. Today, Jodi joins us to share how her mother’s death jostled her awake, how we’re in control of how we spend our days, and the practical, small changes we can make to rekindle our passion and curiosity for life. My friends, this conversation will help us get out of autopilot and build more vitality and meaning into our lives.

Last week, country music lost one of its most iconic stars. Over the course of several decades, Toby Keith’s perfectly deep, rich voice belted out 42 songs that became top-10 on the Billboard Country chart. While many of those songs were about bars, or girls, or his love for his country, it is one of his most gentile songs that remains not only one of my favorite songs, but an anthem we should try to live out loud throughout our lives. And the backstory of the song is as inspiring as the song itself.

Comedian Paul Ollinger dives into his pursuit of financial success and the realization that money isn't the key to happiness. He shares how childhood beliefs shaped his outlook, the risks of early retirement, and the importance of personal growth beyond wealth. The conversation explores the complexities of finding fulfillment and the value of experiences over material possessions.