Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

What are you wishing for? It’s a question many of us ask our children this time of year. But what if the question was asked of you? What if you could arrange a one-to-one meeting with Santa? What would you wish for? Near the end of a tumultuous year for so many around the world and in the midst of an array of personal challenges so many face, I was reminded of a remarkable little boy’s answer to that question. Let me explain.

For the past five weeks, I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside hundreds of talented producers, stunt coordinators, set designers, production assistants, boom operators, award-winning actors, makeup artists… and so many other crucial contributors in bringing a feature-length film to life. Today, as we’re just two days from calling “it’s a wrap!” on filming of the On Fire movie, I invite you to join me in reflecting on some of the most incredible moments. We'll delve into behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions from our vibrant and loyal Live Inspired community, and provide you with a front-row seat to the magic of filmmaking. Yes, you heard it right – I recorded this episode right from the heart of the action on the set! My friends, I promised to bring you along for the ride, and today, you get an exclusive glimpse into the making of the On Fire movie.

Do you ever have days where you ask yourself the self-defeating question: Why do I even bother? Sure, sometimes it’s asked in different ways- Do I matter? Do I make a difference? Does my work here impact anything?- but we’ve all had those days. Last week, my friends from Hollywood filmed a scene for the On Fire movie that reminded me of the unseen impact we all have the potential to make- even if it takes 25 years to realize it. Let me explain.

In 1995, a 16-year-old Bobby Bostic found himself caught up in a series of poor choices including robbery and armed criminal action. Judge Evelyn Baker, convinced he was a lost cause, handed down a jaw-dropping 241-year sentence on him, parole only becoming a glimmer of hope at the ripe age of 112. While serving the longest sentence in Missouri for a non-homicide juvenile offense, Bobby didn't crumble. Instead, he evolved, showed significant remorse for his actions and began reshaping what his future could hold. Today, after serving 27 years of his sentence, Bobby is embracing his shot at redemption by teaching writing workshops at juvenile detention centers and using his story to mentor kids to keep them out of trouble. Join me as Bobby shares his journey in navigating an unlikely path to freedom, fostering a reconciling connection with the judge who initially sent him away, and revealing the transformative power that liberates us from the shackles of our mistakes. My friends, it’s easy to criticize others for their sins, crimes and missteps. And yet, when we delve into the narratives that precede those missteps, an empathic heart emerges. This episode is a reminder that our past doesn't have to be our defining chapter. And that even in the face of adversity, the best is yet to come.

Regardless of where the event is, how large the group is, or what the makeup of the crowd is, I love the audiences we get to serve. By the end of our brief time together, there is always a connection, always a bond. That shared experience and exchange of energy is what makes this work truly life-giving. It’s also why I leave each room with more friends than when I walked in. So to describe the feeling I had this weekend taking the stage at On Fire For Good, looking out at an audience that I ALREADY know and love as friends, and knowing that thousands more were watching from their own homes is difficult to put into words. But I’ll try. Friends, I love you and there is nothing you can do about it. Let’s continue the work of reminding the world that the most powerful weapon on earth is the human spirit on fire.

I consider Thanksgiving one of my favorite family holidays. It's certainly a wonderful time away from work, enjoying good food, viewing football, and taking inventory of the many blessings in life. Join me as I share a tradition I've been implementing at my family feast the last few years. Today's episode will ignite an abundance of gratitude and help you celebrate Thanksgiving on fire.

Are you a turkey person? And no, I’m not talking about the makeup of your Thanksgiving dinner plate this week. I’m talking about a question that when asked the first time went on to change the life of the individual that heard it. And years later when I heard it, did the same for me. It’s a question that’s poised to reframe not just our understanding of what it means to serve and love others but one that can transform the effort we bring to our relationships, our work and our purpose in the world. Think I’m exaggerating? Take a listen.

In 2007, Brad Formsma had an idea to inspire people around the globe to live generously. After selling his landscaping company, Brad became the Founder & President of I Like Giving, a movement which has inspired more than 125 million people in 170 countries to live generously. Today, Brad joins us to share practical ideas and inspiring stories on how we can use our thoughts, words, money, influence, time, attention, and belongings to live generously and create generosity ripples in our own community. My friends, you’ll leave this conversation inspired to become more others-focused, and be reminded of how simple actions will make a long-lasting impact in our lives.

Each year, my four children join their dad for one-to-one time on a work trip. It’s sacred time we get to spend together and is affectionately known as their “daddy trips.” Each child looks at my schedule, chooses where they want go, and plans out absolutely everything we do once we get there. Today, just a day before my oldest turns 18 years old, I  treasure important life lessons Jack has taught me, one of the most important being how much better life gets when I simply say “Yes” to the opportunities and experiences all around me.

Kwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times bestselling author of 39 books.  Known for his unique style of blending poetry and prose to create engaging and relatable stories for young readers, Kwame has earned countless awards including a Newbery Medal for The Crossover and The Caldecott Medal for The Undefeated - the two most prestigious honors for children’s authors! Today, Kwame joins us to share powerful excerpts from his most recent book, an intimate and non-traditional memoir titled Why Fathers Cry at Night. Hear lessons from his journey of learning how to love, how brokenness and beauty can play together as one and what that means in our story. My friends, this conversation will inspire bravery and vulnerability in all of us who have experienced the passion, heartbreak, failure, and joy of love.