Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Jade Warshaw is on top of the world and she’s bringing others up with her. Yet that wasn’t always the case. At 23 years old, Jade and her husband found themselves drowning in almost half a million dollars of debt. Between student loans, credit cards, two cars they couldn’t afford, and a small townhome, these newlyweds were blissfully ignorant about just how big of problem they were in. By taking responsibility for their decisions and using the guidance of legendary eight-time national bestselling author and personal finance and retirement expert Dave Ramsey, they were able to find financial freedom in seven and a half years. I want to repeat that – In just seven and half years, they clawed their way out of a staggering $460,000 in debt. Today, Jade joins us to share her journey to becoming debt-free including the sacrifices they had to make and the old habits they had to shake. Plus, learn the tools and money-management plans to embark on your own path to achieving financial peace. My friends, this episode is not just about finances; it's about confronting those daunting, lurking problems that we often choose to ignore. Whether it's a challenging relationship, a stagnating career, or personal struggles, today's conversation will ignite you to take charge.

Jaycen McBride didn’t set out to become an example of hope. He didn’t set out to become a voice for mental wellness in his school. He didn’t long to be seen as an ally for those experiencing personal challenges and wrestling with self-worth. But in quietly struggling with these realities in his own life, he decided he wanted to be there for others who might be struggling in theirs. Let me explain.

As a hospice chaplain, Kerry Egan quickly realized she’d been granted an invaluable chance to witness firsthand what she calls the “spiritual work of dying”—the work of finding or making meaning of one’s life. In her years spent working in hospice care, Kerry has listened to patients reflect on feelings of hope and regret, shame and pride, mystery and revelation and secrets held too long. Most of all, though, she listened as her patients talked about love—love for their children and partners and friends; love they didn’t know how to offer; love they gave unconditionally; love they, sometimes belatedly, learned to grant themselves. My friends, this conversation is not about dying. It’s about how to live boldly, love fiercely and dream extraordinarily. Join us as Kerry shares how to find courage in the face of fear, the strength to make amends, and how to be profoundly compassionate and incredibly empathetic.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” -William Arthur Ward To all the teachers who step into children’s lives daily, regardless the challenges in front of you, we thank you for your effort. For believing in your kids when others may not, loving them when they so desperately need to know that everything will be alright. And thanks for dropping pebbles of encouragement, inspiration, knowledge, passion, and humor into their life. As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s take a moment to celebrate the teachers who have most profoundly influenced us. 

Caroline Gaynor is a testament to the power of dedication, compassion, and human connection. As an accomplished triathlete, Caroline dedicates her talents to guiding athletes who are blind or visually impaired. Acting as their eyes during a race, Caroline spends upwards of 16 hours tethered to a blind or visually impaired athlete keeping them safe while swimming, cycling and running (and often isn’t credited in the results of the competition!).   Today, Caroline shares her journey in completing ten Ironmans as a guide, yet her story doesn’t end there. Hear Caroline explain how serving as an endurance athlete has helped her in her career, in raising her daughter, in caring for her mother with Parkinson’s disease and in loving others as they are.   My friends, let this conversation serve as a reminder that in life, sometimes you’re the guide to others, but other times, it’s someone else taking your hand and guiding you forward Yet, what we know to be true is that we can’t do life by ourselves.

It can be rare to receive -or more importantly give- meaningful recognition for the important work being done. As we race to our next activity or task, we hurry right past the individuals providing worthy services directly in front of us. Today, rather than waiting to be recognized for something we’ve done well, let’s strive to seek opportunities to acknowledge and encourage someone else. That simple act of being seen and appreciated is certain to elevate their day. And in observing their reaction, it will positively change your day, too.

When Stephan Wolfert was 24 years old, he found himself at a crossroad. After serving as a medic and infantry officer in the US Army, Stephan’s lifetime of grief and trauma became overwhelming. Drunk and suicidal, Stephan wandered into a random theatre’s production of “Richard: III” where his life was transformed when he recognized himself as a misfit like the main character. After choosing to leave the service, Stephan began examining Shakespeare from a military veteran’s perspective, working with fellow military veterans and scientists, and using Shakespeare’s text and classical actor training to heal trauma and to aid in the transition from military service back into life as a civilian. Today, Stephan powerfully shares his story in order to broaden the understanding of PTSD and other mental health challenges faced by our veterans through his theatre-therapy network DE-CRUIT. My friends, if you or someone you love is seeking to understand trauma and how to start coming back from it, this conversation is for you.

Listening to the radio a couple weeks ago, I came across an interview discussing the 25 recordings the US Library of Congress had selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry this year. Among this list were some familiar sounds like Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville,” Mariah Carey’s omnipresent “All I Want for Christmas is You,” John Lennon’s “Imagine” and the theme song for the Super Mario Brothers Game- which immediately took me back to many Saturday mornings trying to save Princess Peach and collect as many gold coins as possible. But there was one recording that I was especially excited to hear had been selected. It’s the recording of “Pale Blue Dot” by Carl Sagan. You see, the photo of the Pale Blue Dot hangs in my office. And I believe it is the single most important photograph taken in the history of the world. Let me explain.

Survivor of Columbine High School shooting, Craig Scott, shares his emotional journey and mission to prevent similar tragedies. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, healing, and promoting values like compassion and kindness in education.

One of my favorite poems is titled The Bridge Builder and was written by Will Allen Dromgoole. This poem challenges us to realize we can make a mighty difference regardless of our age. It prompts us to look for opportunities to empower others to achieve greatness in their lives. And it reminds us that, despite mighty needs in the world today- and there are many- the time has never been better to knock down walls that separate in order to build up bridges that unite. Today, let’s pause and give thanks to those who came, who risked, who built and who invested in us. We certainly could not have “crossed the chasm vast and deep and wide” without them.