Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Eight years ago, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Brené Brown and speaking to the leadership team at Southwest Airlines. Visiting with Brené was a once in a lifetime experience. Having lunch with Southwest President and CEO Herb Kelleher was an honor. But one of the greatest gifts from that day was a friendship that was planted and blossomed afterwards. Let me explain.

Country music star Granger Smith shares his journey of surrender, redemption, and the power of faith after the tragic loss of his son. He discusses grappling with guilt and grief, the birth of his miracle baby, and navigating tragedy together with his wife. Through vulnerability, he inspires listeners to find hope and healing in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

"Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far reaching effects that change the world" -Dalai Lama Today, be reminded of the magnificent power of your life to influence change for good. It turns out regardless of our age, status or job title, that the ripples created by our actions truly do have the ability to impact lives around the world, across the street and across the aisle. Not sure when to start? Start today. Not sure where to start? Start with the reflection in the mirror.

Lara Love Hardin is a four-time New York Times bestselling collaborative writer… yet for years, she lived in constant fear that someone would Google her and uncover her checkered past. When a worsening addiction from prescribed painkillers lead to smoking heroin, Lara began stealing neighbors’ credit cards and other identifying information to buy groceries and gas after her cash went to buying drugs. Caught, Lara was convicted of 32 felonies and was sent to a year in County Jail, drug treatment and supervised probation. Today, Lara joins us to share her downward spiral from soccer mom to opioid addict to jailhouse shot-caller and her unlikely comeback as a highly successful ghostwriter. Hear Lara share how she learned to forgive herself and others, navigate life as a felon on probation, prove to herself that she is more good than bad, and much more. My friends, today’s conversation is about lying and stealing. But more importantly it’s about healing, redemption and how we all have the power to rewrite our narratives to embrace the many lives we're meant to live.

Explore the power of doing small acts of good and the impact it can have on communities. Reflect on the impact of selfless actions and love from others. Join the Live Inspired Together Community to connect, find inspiration, and make a difference.

Travel journalist Jeff Jenkins didn't step foot on a plane until he was 20 years old, but once he did, he started living by his mantra: "Life begins where your comfort zone ends." As the host of the new National Geographic show Never Say Never, Jeff travels the world testing the limits of his physical abilities -- from attempting to climb 70-foot mountain faces, to rafting class 5 rapids, to sailing in a windstorm at the end of the world. Throughout his global odyssey Jeff makes deep connections with locals and learns not just about the world, but also about himself. Today, Jeff shares his personal transformation from a novice traveler to a globetrotting journalist. His heartfelt story and infectious enthusiasm will leave you believing in your own potential and eager to embark on new adventures. My friends, leave your passports behind as Jeff takes us on an amazing adventure, reminding us all that life's greatest joys lie beyond our comfort zones.

“What’s the kindest thing someone did for you…who didn’t even know you?” I was asked this unusual question during a recent interview.  Although the interviewer likely thought I’d share some story from my time in the hospital, the answer that came to mind actually occurred a decade after the accident. The undeserved and overwhelming generosity that was offered to me though, is something we can all learn from today. Let me explain.

Katie Collier is a renowned chef, entrepreneur and true visionary behind the award-winning Italian concept restaurant known as Katie's Pizza and Pasta Osteria. At 24 years old, Katie fearlessly embarked on a mission to introduce handcrafted, artisanal Neapolitan pizza to the vibrant city and her hometown of St. Louis. And yet personally, addiction had taken hold of her life, threatening to shatter her dreams and everything she had built. Feeling broken and alone, Katie reached out for help, determined to reclaim her life and reignite the fire within her. Today, Katie is celebrating more than 12 years of sobriety, three successful Katie’s Pizza and Pasta locations and a booming national frozen pizza delivery service. Join us as Katie shares her incredible journey to recovery, the pivotal role her family has played in her success and her unwavering commitment to creating moments of joy and connection through her culinary creations and warm hospitality. My friends, this conversation is reminder of the transformative power of second chances and that no matter how dire the circumstances, the best is yet to come.

Brené Brown reminds us that the willingness to show up changes us by making us a little braver each time. It also makes us a little more compassionate to others, a little more grateful for gifts and a little more cognizant of what matters most. My friends, I can’t say no to my mom. And that’s a good thing because every time I’m with her it’s obvious to me – and now, after this episode, to you- how our lives are so much richer when we say yes to doing a little more and loving the one in front of us.

What happens when we die? Is there another life? Why are we here? These are questions we’ve wrestled with since the dawn of humanity. As the author of the New York Times bestselling book Imagine Heaven, John Burke has spent more than three decades studying firsthand accounts of individuals who’ve returned from the brink of death. These awe-inspiring experiences have been shared by people of all ages and cultures, including doctors, college professors, and bank presidents, revealing striking commonalities. Today, John joins us to share his journey from being a skeptical agnostic to a firm believer, along with numerous gripping stories of near-death experiences and what they mean for us. Whether you have pondered the mysteries of life after death or seek solace after the loss of a loved one, this conversation is for you.