Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

A tent in Colorado A canoe in Georgia Friend’s couch Church pew Airplane seat ER waiting room Classroom desk This is a truncated list of places I dozed off as a child. Regardless of where I fell asleep, though, I always had the certainty of ultimately going back to my house, my room, my bed. But many children do not sleep with that same certainty.  When Luke Mickelson learned this reality, he began to do something about it. And what he did changed not only his life, but his entire community. In learning about his story, I believe your life will be positively changed, too. Let me explain.  

Luke Mickelson is the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that has built and delivered more than 300,000 beds to children in need across the world. With nothing but hope, hammers, and heart, Luke traded his corporate success for a movement rooted in dignity, compassion, and community. Today, Luke shares how one “tiny moment” changed everything. From witnessing a little girl named Haley receive her very first bed to walking away from a steady career to serve full time, Luke proves that a willing heart and a power drill can change lives... starting with your own. My friends, if you need a reminder that purpose can begin with the simplest of actions, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave this episode with a deeper belief that your tiny moments matter, and that one small "yes" can transform a community.  

A couple of years ago, I had the immense honor of delivering the commencement address for the Class of 2023 at my alma mater, Saint Louis University. (Believe me, the only people more surprised than I that O’Leary was the commencement speaker…. were the professors who taught me back in the late 1990s!) As I watched the graduates cross the stage full of excitement, trepidation, nerves and ultimately hope, I couldn’t help but think back to the miracle that appeared the night of my own graduation. Let me explain.

Kim Becking, a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Unstoppable Momentum Movement, shares her inspiring journey from a trailer in Missouri to overcoming breast cancer at 30. She discusses the delicate balance of resilience and grace, emphasizing that grit without grace can lead to burnout. Listeners will discover how to embrace emotional expression, the vital role of community support during adversity, and practical tools for building resilience. Kim's insights remind us that personal struggles can become stepping stones toward growth.

Several years ago, I was getting ready for work when my oldest son, Jack, walked into the bathroom as I was shaving. Just five years old at the time, he stood next to me for a while pretending that he, too, was getting rid of the “stubble” on his cheeks. But then he stopped pretending and began gently touching the scars that cover my torso. These are the deep red scars, with ridges and lumps that traverse my stomach. These are the scars that remind me of all I went through and would rather forget. They’re the scars that even today I avoid looking at because they’re just too painful. But on this day Jack traced those scars with his little finger. What he said next changed how I saw everything.  

Dr. Blaise Aguirre is a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist who has dedicated his life to helping thousands of young people struggling with thoughts of suicide and self-hatred. As a father of four and the author of I Hate Myself, Blaise brings both clinical expertise and a compassionate presence to his work by offering hope and healing to those navigating deep emotional pain. Today, Blaise shares why self-hatred isn't something we're born with, but rather a story we learn through life's painful seasons, why simply listening without judgment can be more healing than any advice, and how the erosion of extended families and supportive communities has left many of us feeling isolated and alone in our struggles. My friends, if you've ever felt "not enough" or battled that critical voice in your head, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical tools to shift your inner narrative, and the courage to offer yourself more grace in the moments you need it most.  

So many powerful stories go untold. Most books are never read, most scripts never make it to screen, and most independent films never find distribution.  That’s why we’re especially excited to share the news about the SOUL ON FIRE movie... let me explain.

Diane Kahn, a former elementary school teacher and founding member of Humans of San Quentin, passionately advocates for second chances and shared humanity. She discusses her transformative work in California's notorious prison, emphasizing the power of storytelling to heal and humanize those incarcerated. Diane highlights moments of surprising kindness and the importance of empathy in addressing the challenges of the criminal justice system. Her insights inspire listeners to confront their own biases and foster a deeper connection with others, celebrating shared humanity.

It can be rare to receive – or maybe more importantly to give – meaningful recognition for the important work being done all around us. In our race to the next activity, next location, next appointment, we often hurry right past the individuals providing worthy service directly in front of us. Rarely do we pause and thank the janitor for the clean bathroom, the cashier for taking the order, the driver for safe transport, or the hotel clerk for working the night shift. By contrast, through a lot of grace, a ton of help from others and a bit of luck, I stumbled into a profession where I am frequently thanked with fancy dinners, standing ovations, and long lines with hugs and handshakes. This encouragement from others adds joy to my life and a reminder that my work matters. Let me explain.  

Jeff Glasbrenner is a three-time Paralympian, two-time wheelchair basketball world champion, 25-time Ironman finisher, and the first American amputee to summit Mount Everest. And yet, beyond the titles and the records, Jeff is a man who’s said yes to life again and again, even when the odds were stacked against him. Today, Jeff shares what it really means to overcome adversity, achieve the impossible, and say yes to big, mighty goals. He opens up about the farm accident that took his leg at age eight, the lessons from his father, the gift of finding purpose through sport, and resilience he’s learned from his daughter Grace in the face of her own medical challenges. From breaking sports records to skiing to the South Pole, Jeff’s story is packed with powerful lessons... and a whole lot of heart. My friends, if you’ve ever felt held back by your circumstances and seek to find significance in the struggle, this conversation is for you. Jeff reminds us that we each have our own Everest, and with enough courage, community, and belief, we’re capable of climbing it.