Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

One of my favorite expression all kids use is: “I want a Do-Over.” I hear it after beating my kids in a fierce match of ping pong, or after one of my sons beats another in an intense game of basketball, or after Grace beats her brothers in a friendly (frequently turning violent) game of Sorry. It may sound childlike to insist on a “Do-Over,” but embracing the potential within the expression could be transformative for adults, too.  Let me explain.

Alex Sheen is on a mission to better humanity through promises made and promises kept. As the founder of the social movement and nonprofit “because I said I would,” Alex believes individuals can create a world where promises are kept, fostering trust, empathy, and positive change. Inspired by his father’s legacy, Alex has distributed more than 14 million “promise cards” to 178 countries with the intention of bridging the gap between intention and action. Today, Alex shares how his father’s accountability and commitment shaped him, how promises are more than just words—they are commitments that shape our character and define our relationships— and what it means for each of us. My friends, in a society where it’s easy to leave ourselves and others disappointed with broken commitments, this conversation will remind you of the life-changing impact we can make simply by keeping our word.

My friends, tomorrow you and I will have the opportunity to participate fully once again in life. March with me, will you? Choose to not merely watch passively, but to engage actively. Choose to put your swimsuit back on and jump into the pool. Choose to lift your voice, sing your song and march in your parade. Choose the joy you experienced as a kid! If you truly want to love life, determine to engage in it, give it all you’ve got and love it with a passion. Because life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it. Not just on the 4th of July, but every day of the year.

Greg LeMond has revolutionized the sport of cycling. As one of the most iconic cyclists in history, Greg is the sole American to clinch the Tour de France, not just once but three times. Today, Greg takes us on a journey behind the scenes of his life and career, unveiling his intense rivalries with cycling’s finest and how a near-fatal hunting accident reshaped his purpose both personally and professionally. And yet, Greg's quest for greatness extends far beyond personal triumph. He is a fierce advocate for the integrity of the sport—a visionary who calls for unyielding anti-doping measures. My friends, this conversation transcends the sport of cycling. Greg is a true champion that has rewritten the boundaries of what it means to be truly great. If you’re searching for an upstanding model of courage, resilience, integrity, determination, and overcoming all odds, this conversation is for you.

“Who’s your favorite?” Several years ago my boys asked me this question while I was driving them to school. They were talking about superheroes and sharing their favorites. The boys shared names like Green Lantern, Batman and a little rodent with a big mouth named Rocket Raccoon (don’t ask!). After sharing that mine was Superman, I was stunned to learn that the fellas had reached the ripe old ages of 7, 9 and 11 without watching this classic. That evening, we made popcorn and watched the movie as a family. The kids loved it – and him. Afterwards, they were all humming the Superman theme song as they flew down the hall toward their rooms. While watching the movie, I realized that Superman wasn’t just showing me how to fight crime in a fictional world, but how to parent, serve and lead in the one in which we live. Here are four lessons from Superman for parents (interchange “parents’ with friends, spouses, leaders) that apply to us all.

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.