Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

If you needed a motto to tell the world what matters most to you, what would it say? If a single tattoo could articulate what guides your life, how would it read? After returning safely from his first tour in Iraq, Cpl. Todd Nicely pondered these questions and then engraved a permanent reminder of lessons he had learned: Your choices change lives.   My friends, these words are a good reminder for a Marine preparing for a second tour of duty, an overwhelming injury, an agonizing recovery, and an ultimately redemptive life story. It’s also an important reminder for the rest of us as we step into the challenges and opportunities replete in each day. Choose wisely.

Six months into his second deployment, Corporal Todd Nicely of the United States Marine Corps stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) during a routine security patrol. The squad leader is one of only two modern day veterans that have endured battlefield injuries resulting in the loss of all four limbs and survived. Immediately after enduring the horrific blast and suffering massive injuries, his first two thoughts were of others: getting back to his wife and not frightening the young Marines he was responsible for. Today, Todd works to help and motivate other fellow disabled veterans through their life struggles and hardships. My friends, this conversation is undeniably painful. Yet it’s also a story of redemption and finding purpose from a hero with a resilient spirit, infectious enthusiasm, positive outlook, and a strength of mind and character that is second to none.

Over the past two months, I’ve had the honor of speaking to healthcare leaders across different disciplines, employed by different hospital systems, located in different geographic regions and serving very different populations. Regardless their size, geography, or patient population served, though, I’ve reminded these leaders of the profound impact in seemingly small acts of kindness. From the welcome desk to the C-suite, they possess the power to make mighty, positive and lasting effect on the lives of those in need. As evidence of this truth, let me share a sweet story from my book IN AWE about a young man, doing an ordinary job, who aided mightily in my recovery.  

Studies show that more than one out of every five students will be bullied this year. Chances are this is happening to someone you know and care about. With October being National Bullying Prevention Month, today’s guest is a reminder that everyone’s actions matter and we all have a role to play in bullying prevention. Tina Meier’s life changed on October 16, 2006 when her 13-year-old daughter Megan took her own life following a cruel cyberbullying hoax. On a mission to support and inspire actions to end bullying, cyberbullying and suicide since Megan's death, Tina founded Megan Meier Foundation. By empowering our society to celebrate individuality and the acceptance of others, Tina believes we can work together to make a difference and create a safer and kinder world. Today, Tina shares how she took her vengeance and turned it into a purposeful mission that’s making an impact.

Fear and love are the two great motivators. While fear suffocates, love liberates. With which lens do you most frequently choose to see the world? With so much negativity, violence and brokenness in the world, it’s common to grasp onto and utilize the perspective of fear to view the world. Fear of others. Fear of the unknown. Fear of tomorrow. Fear of life. Today, I share one of my favorite quotes on the power of our perspective today determining what happens tomorrow was written by Pedro Arrupe.

When Adam Robarts was asked by a family member what he would choose to do for a career if he were not an architect. Without hesitation he replied: A hospice nurse. It was just five years earlier that he had a profound experience accompanying his father through the final weeks of life before he died of cancer in Uganda. And yet, Adam could not have imagined then that nine months after that conversation with his family, he would begin to accompany his 19-year-old son Haydn through a battle with a rare and aggressive brain cancer. My friends, today Adam joins us to share how Haydn’s dignified response to his own suffering provides essential wisdom and hopeful possibilities for each of our lives. This conversation will renew your mindset to live this precious life with purpose and clarity.

My friends, I don’t remember what hotel I stayed while in Las Vegas last week. I don’t recall if I rented a car or took an Uber. I didn't have any interest in gaming or going out; I didn't have time for meals or shows. In other words, so much of my experience in Las Vegas is already a blur further validating the slogan that what happens there, stays there. But I do remember Steve. Let me explain...

Does money buy happiness? According to Harvard Business School professor Michael Norton, yes… if you’re spending it right. Named by Wired Magazine as one of '50 People Who Will Change the World', Michael has spent decades uncovering the fascinating human truths that influence our relationship with money, social norms and political correctness. Today, Michael joins us to share how smarter spending can lead to happier, more fulfilling lives. Using numerous real-life examples and three specific practices, this conversation reimagines how to buy happiness.

“What advice would you give yourself at age 20?” It’s a question I’ve asked every single guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. And after 500 episodes, the answers always move me. As the interviewer, I always learn something from the answer. But it wasn’t until the tables were turned and I was asked that question that I realized the true power of taking a moment to consider the answer in our own life. It forces us to take stock of both who we are today and revisit who we were.

It's been five years, 11 months and four days since the Live Inspired Podcast launched and 499 episodes later, I'm in awe that the Live Inspired movement has grown to hundreds of thousands of weekly listeners from all 50 states and more than 115 countries across the world. It's been an honor to have you alongside me as I had some of the most life-giving and life-changing conversations with luminaries and thought-leaders including New York Times bestselling authors, Hall of Fame athletes, Grammy-winning recording artists, and literally a man who traveled to the moon TWICE! When deciding how to celebrate this special occasion, my team and I had some pretty grandiose ideas yet nothing seemed as meaningful and full circle as handing the microphone over to the person who was there when it all got started. Join me as Susan O'Leary, my mom and our very first guest, takes the reins to interview me with unexpected and hard-hitting questions, including for the first time ever -- the Live Inspired 7.  Whether you're brand new or helped build the community from the ground up, this episode is for you.