Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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.

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.