Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

We’re all familiar with the saying “it takes a village”—meaning that for children to grow in a safe and healthy environment, they need to feel supported by an entire community. Yet when the global lockdowns heightened feelings of loneliness and isolation, Florence Ann Romano had a realization: our villages take us well beyond our childhoods. In fact, it’s been found that those with a strong community and support system are living longer than those without. Today, Florence Ann guides us through how to build lasting and meaningful connections that define the grounding foundation in your village. You’ll leave this conversation inspired to build your village, let love in, and gain the courage to ask for help.

What is the first thing you look for in the morning? Reaching to hit snooze on an alarm likely ranks high on your list. Perhaps followed by reaching for that cell phone, grasping for those glasses, grabbing that robe, and stumbling into the kitchen for a coffee filter. All worthwhile things to seek in the morning. Two weeks ago, though, I met a woman who reminded me not only of the importance of seeking what truly matters most, but also the power of sharing it with others.

Today’s guest has arguably become the most famous Olympian to ever finish last in an Olympic race.  At the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Derek Redmond was amongst the favorites in the 400m semi-final. As he passed the 250m mark, the unthinkable happened: he tore his hamstring. Grabbing his leg and hobbling forward, Derek ultimately fell onto the track in agony. Determined to finish the race, he began to stumble towards the finish line, but not without the help of his father. Jim Redmond jumped over the stadium railing, dodged Olympic security, and raced to his son’s aid. With a crowd of 65,000-strong, this race became synonymous with one of the most inspirational moments in sports. Join us as Derek details that tumultuous journey that led to the iconic moment at the 1992 Olympics as well as the lessons he’s learned in perseverance, teamwork and self-belief.  This conversation will leave you inspired you to never give up and to finish strong.

Although marketers have simplified Valentine’s Day by focusing solely on romantic love, the day could be so much more. What if it wasn’t just couples celebrating their love with a box of chocolates, wrapped flowers, or dinner dates, but a day that animated real, unconditional love in every relationship in our life? My friends, for a moment put the paper down and imagine people holding doors for one another, looking others in the eye, greeting everyone with genuine smiles, putting others’ needs ahead of their own.

Have you ever unconsciously hurt someone's feelings by the words you chose? Whether managing diverse teams at work, navigating issues of inclusion at school or challenging biased comments at a family function, having constructive diversity and inclusion conversations is important. David Glasgow is the Executive Director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and an adjunct professor at NYU School of Law. As a practical, shame-free guide, David shares the skills to avoid common conversational pitfalls, disagree respectfully, apologize authentically and better support others. My friends, today’s conversation will help you listen to the perspective of others more generously and share your perspective more tentatively.

In our society today, it seems as if every topic immediately polarizes, fragments us and quickly leads to rigidly drawn lines between two opposing sides. Those on our perceived side are right, they’re our allies, the good guys. And those on the other side? They’re just wrong. They are to be pitied for their unawareness, canceled for their ignorance or attacked for their stupidity. So, what will be the result of this elevating anger? What happens as our media complicity sows seeds of outrage each day and our political leaders jam a larger wedge into society? What are the consequences if we choose to continue down the hostile, divisive path we’re on?

Adversity is much more common than we think. And yet, so is resilience, strength and tenacity. Dr. Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist and author of The Defining Decade and Superhuman. Specializing in adult development and in twentysomethings in particular, Meg joins us to explain our ability to overcome adversity, the power of being a support for others, and the courage to rise up above one’s circumstances. Whether you’re entering your 20s or the backside of your 70s, this conversation will empower you to face life’s uncertainties and its complex challenges.  

There is a significant gap between living from a place where we feel obligated to perform and living with a mindset that views service as an opportunity. I was reminded of this several years ago through the simple action and words of my wife. And with last week being her birthday, I wanted to share her awesome example with you this week.

It’s not uncommon for famous athletes to visit children in hospitals. Sometimes these visits are well publicized but many times it’s done quietly. Undoubtedly, it has a profound impact on the young patients and their families by providing joy, hope and positivity. As a young St. Louis Blues player, Gino Cavallini would repeatedly show up for the five months I was in the hospital, always smiling and bursting with encouragement. Sometimes he’d come with signed hockey tickets or seven-foot-tall stuffed bunny, and other times with pizza, soda, beer and his fellow Blues teammates. Regardless, every time this typical, Canadian tough-guy would brighten the dark, lonely days of my hospital stay. Today, it’s an honor to welcome on my friend and hero Gino Cavallini. Join me as we celebrate his story of humble beginnings to playing nine NHL seasons, why he decided to repeatedly visit a 9-year-old boy with burns on 100% of his body, and how he continues to make his career and life about something bigger than himself. My friends, this conversation will leave you asking yourself, “what more can I do?”

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” -Confucius Did you finish strong? Whether we view this question through the lens of how we conclude each of our days or how we cross the finish line at the end of our lives, finishing strong should be something for which we all strive. And one of the greatest examples I know of what it looks like to finish strong is British runner Derek Redmond. Let me explain...