Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Britt Frank is a trauma specialist, licensed psychotherapist, and author of The Science of Stuck. Committed to unraveling the myths that keep us stuck and stressed, Britt offers a fresh perspective on mental health and well-being. Drawing from her personal story of struggle, insightful clinical research, and the powerful concept of “micro-yesses,” Britt joins us for a down-to-earth conversation that will boldly inspire you to break through whatever is holding you back in life. My friends, no matter how successful or high achieving, everyone experiences moments of stagnation or feelings of being stuck in our lives—in our relationships, careers, our bodies, habits, and more. This conversation is for you.

“An arch consists of two weaknesses, which, leaning on each other becomes a strength.” -Leonardo da Vinci With yesterday’s celebration of Father’s Day, I’d like to celebrate the man who was strength for me when I was weak, the model of love he radiated so brilliantly and the reason my family and I are more certain than ever that our Dad really is a superhero. Let me explain.

Chris Didier is turning his own heartbreak and pain into heartfelt purpose. In 2020, Chris’ son Zach was a 17-year-old star athlete, exceptional student, friend to everyone, and above all, a loving son. After being contacted by a drug dealer on the social media app Snapchat, Zach consumed what he thought was be a legitimate pharmaceutical grade pill. Instead, Zach had unknowingly ingested a counterfeit pill made with a lethal amount of fentanyl. Today, Chris works tirelessly in his advocacy to bring awareness and education of the dangers of illicit synthetics. He has partnered with numerous school districts, and state and federal agencies across the United States in an effort to saves lives. Join us as Chris brings life-saving awareness to fentanyl’s deadly role in our communities, and learn how by dedicating himself to advocacy, it has helped Chris navigate his grief, find healing, and bring about meaningful change. My friends, with the CDC calling illicit fentanyl the leading cause of death to Americans aged 18-45, this conversation has the ability to save lives and is a conversation for us all.

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.” -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle What are you most looking forward to this season of summer? Big moments worthy of celebrating, indeed. Yet, as we step into this season of summer and further down the path through life, recognize the gift of the ordinary.

Aiming to serve others, Scott Brickell has spent more than three decades guiding some of my favorite artists to develop successful and long-lasting careers. From successful Christian bands like MercyMe and Switchfoot to solo artists like Phil Wickham, Micah Tyler and Matthew West, Scott’s artists have more than fifty number one singles, numerous gold, platinum, and multi-platinum records, and multiple Grammy, Dove, and American Music awards. Today, Scott shares his accidental introduction to the music industry and the journey from unpaid road manager to launching his own management company, BrickHouse Entertainment. My friends, if you’ve ever wanted a behind-the-scenes peek into the innerworkings of the music industry, this conversation is for you.

If you know my story, you know baseballs carry a special meaning to me. It seems whenever a baseball shows up in my life, it brings with it a lesson to apply. Such was the case earlier this year, when yet another ball landed in my mailbox. This one wasn’t off the bat of a major leaguer or signed by a Hall of Fame inductee. Instead, it was signed by a D2 baseball team in northeast Tennessee that you’ve likely never heard of, but one that I have grown to love. Friends, our successes, our failures and our stories are all connected. And it is in this connection that is born the opportunity to transform hearts and lives.

Ivan Maisel is a longtime sports journalist for ESPN known for his insightful analysis, compelling storytelling, and in-depth knowledge. With his ability to blend statistical analysis while highlighting the human side of the game and capturing the emotions and experiences of athletes, coaches, and fans, Ivan has earned a loyal following and widespread acclaim. Yet, when his 21-year-old son Max went missing, Ivan soon learned he’d have to accept the incomprehensible. Although not evident, the years of mental illness became too much to sustain and Max ended his life. Today, Ivan joins us to share his profoundly human and deeply empathetic story of a father’s relationship with his son, of its complications, and of the struggle so many parents face with their children— the struggle to connect. My friends, let this conversation serve as a beacon of hope, guiding us to embrace the joys and challenges that come our way, inspiring us to live each day boldly, and reminding us that even in the face of darkness, there is always the possibility of finding light.

“Here men endured that a nation might live.” -Herbert Hoover Although all of us will enjoy celebrating the federal holiday of Memorial Day today, many of us may not know the origin of it. Understanding it reminds us not only of the profound sacrifice others made for our country in the past, but stokes within us greater gratitude for the blessings we have in the present.

Dr. Marc Schulz is the author New York Times bestseller The Good Life and associate director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, the longest scientific study of happiness ever conducted. Since 1938, this study has tracked three generations of families to uncover what contributed to their happiness surrounding relationships, money, success and what really leads to a happy life. The simple but surprising answer is: relationships. The stronger our relationships, the more likely we are to live happy, satisfying, and overall healthier lives. Today, Marc helps us understand how relationships in all their forms—friendships, romantic partnerships, families, coworkers, tennis partners, book club members, Bible study groups—all contribute to a happier, healthier life. My friends, in a world faced with unprecedented levels of unhappiness and loneliness, Marc empowers us through actionable guidance that it’s never too late to strengthen the relationships you have, and never too late to build new ones.

Over the weekend, I had the immense honor of delivering the commencement address for the Class of 2023 at my alma mater, Saint Louis University. As I watched the graduates cross the stage full excitement, trepidation, nerves and ultimately hope, I couldn’t help but think back to my own graduation. Let me explain.