Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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.

My friends, yesterday we celebrated Easter. In the ultimate revelation of love, we rejoiced in the stunning victory over death. And it reminded me of all I had learned by attending three funerals a couple of weeks ago.   At the first funeral, I was reminded to live in such a way that I can die with no regrets. At the second, to endure the unfathomable heartache of loss with honesty, with patience, and with a heart opened to blessings in the midst of the storm. And at the third, that even in the midst of divisive times or at the end a long, successful life, that phone calls reminding others of their value matter to them. And speak volumes about the individuals choosing love.

Craig Groeschel, senior pastor of Life.Church and creator of the free YouVersion Bible App, shares his unlikely journey to discovering his faith and strategies for staying hopeful in challenging times. The podcast discusses the transformative power of small acts of kindness and faithfulness, the importance of hope in the face of darkness, creating a vision and living with intention, overcoming bitterness, balancing roles while raising six children, and the power of gratitude and hope.

"Dad, you're so lucky." I heard these words while preparing for a business trip. Recognizing the truth within them transformed the way I saw myself that day. Embracing the truth within them will elevate the way you view yourself today. Let me explain.