Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Child abuse survivor, Dave Pelzer, shares his unimaginable ordeal during years of abuse inflicted by his mother and how he rose above it. He highlights the pivotal role of teachers in his survival and the power of forgiveness. This conversation reminds us that we can rewrite our own narrative and find resilience even in the darkest of pasts.

Sometimes the moments when we disappoint those we cherish the most can teach us the significance and value of keeping our word. The death of my beloved grandmother, a mistake I made afterwards, and an important lesson taught by my dad left an indelible impact on my life. Applying the lesson in your life might elevate not only your life, but also those to whom you make promises. Let me explain.

Phil Keoghan is arguably the most traveled television host on the planet. As the host of The Amazing Race, the multiple Emmy Award-winning reality series where teams of two embark on a trek around the world, Phil has experienced a life full of travel and adventure. Today, fresh off the milestone 35th season premiere of The Amazing Race, Phil joins us to share how he’s been globetrotting since a young boy, how his working-class parents and grandparents inspired his other hit show Tough as Nails and so much more. My friends, today’s conversation will inspire you to take risks, accept and love all of those around you, and live life to the fullest.

"Sympathy is easy because it comes from a position of power. Empathy is getting down on your knees and looking someone else in the eye, and realizing that you could be them, and that all that separates you is luck." -Dennis Lahane While on my knees next to my fallen dad several years ago, I thought of this quote. Dad has been living with Parkinson’s disease for almost three decades. Over this time, he’s lost the ability to walk, drive and earn. It’s difficult for my dad to speak and lately, becoming more difficult to swallow. And yet today, Dad, seated in his trusty wheelchair, is the perfect embodiment of the joy we all wish we possessed. Let me explain.

Each day, more than 54 million Americans are responsible for serving as a caregiver for a loved one. Three decades with Parkinson’s disease has made movement for my father Denny O’Leary nearly impossible. But with the help of another person, guiding him from spot to spot, supporting him in the shower, assisting as he gets dressed, and guiding a wheelchair from room to room, the absolute impossible becomes possible. And this care happens all day, every day. For Dad, the person doing all that work is my mother, Susan O’Leary. She’s remarkable, and she’s not alone.  Often caregiving is a burden to bear and a problem to be solved. And yet as an expert in gerontology, Dr. Sarah Teten Kanter is on a mission to make caregiving and care receiving a time to savor and an opportunity for personal growth. Today, Sarah shares the simple activities, conversation-inspiring questions, and self-care practices designed to immerse caregivers and their care partners in gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, love, and awe. Why these five specific emotions? By exuding these positive emotions, it’s been shown to improve health, reduce stress and create meaning in daily life in the relationships of caregivers and care receivers. My friends, this conversation reminds us to embrace the full gift of life at every stage and every age.

The podcast discusses personal stories of transformation and announces a live event called 'On Fire for Good' which aims to inspire positive change through storytelling, music, and heartwarming moments.

Kelly Corrigan is a celebrated storyteller and New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me More, Glitter and Glue, The Middle Place and more. As the host of PBS' Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan and the creator of the popular podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders, Kelly shares insightful conversations with thought leaders, pulling out poignant lessons others can use to find their own calling or better understand themselves. Today, Kelly joins us to share her heartfelt wisdom and profound lessons on love, parenting, self-discovery, and the importance of laughter in thoughtful reflection. Do you want to be inspired to think more, feel more, do more and be better? This conversation is for you.

Today, on this 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks , choose to treasure the simple moments, celebrate our shared humanity, and act with a bit more kindness, compassion, and hope in a global marketplace that still aches for it. Choose to recognize the immeasurable value of your life - and the lives of those you encounter. And choose to believe the little things you do matter. Because, ultimately, our children will receive the future we’ll be giving.

Over the past four decades, Jeff Allen has been recognized for his clean, family-friendly comedy celebrating everyday life, the ups & downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, the bliss of the empty nest, the joys of being a grandparent and more. Known for coining the phrase "happy wife, happy life," Jeff believes that his story, though not without its challenges, can provide hope and encouragement to those who feel frustrated, empty, and unfulfilled. Today, Jeff candidly shares some of his darkest moments, his journey to hitting rock bottom and how he overcome addiction and despair to find the joy in life and a strengthened relationship with God. My friends, this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark and difficult life may seem, there is always hope that the best of our days remain ahead of us.

At age 10, a painful experience revealed how broken, disabled, and imperfect I was. A conversation with my mother afterward, though, challenged me to never believe lies that cheapen the blessing of my life. And heeding her advice positively changed my life. Let me explain.