Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

As schools prepare to open, it’s a great time to reflect on some highlights from summer before it fades. For me, the list includes morning walks with Beth, a slower pace at work, evening swims with Grace, playing cards with my boys and family vacations to Michigan and Florida. One highlight, however, started as a bad experience, became even worse and through a new friend’s generosity was transformed into a highlight.

Jenna Kutcher, a Minnesota-based entrepreneur and bestselling author, shares her insights on pursuing experiences over possessions. She discusses her transformative journey of self-love and how a hurtful comment reshaped her self-worth. With relatable anecdotes, Jenna emphasizes the value of genuine connections and slowing down to appreciate life's moments. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their intrinsic value and draw inspiration from personal stories that resonate deeply, aiming for a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Kyle Petty was born into racing royalty. As a third-generation driver and the only son of NASCAR’s winningest driver ever Richard Petty, Kyle spent decades competing at motorsports’ highest divisions earning a reputation as a classy competitor and one of the greatest philanthropists that NASCAR has ever known. For more than 20 years, Kyle has hosted the annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to raise more than $20 million for Victory Junction. Founded in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction is a year-round camp that exists to enrich the lives of children, ages six to 16, with chronic and serious medical conditions. Today, Kyle shares an insider's perspective on stock-car racing’s rise in popularity in American culture, how he weathered the untimely death of his son and how he uses his platform to provide life-changing and life-giving experiences for others.

Have you ever silenced an idea, worried it would be rejected or thought it wasn’t as good? Have you ever sidelined an opportunity to speak up because you were worried you wouldn’t measure up to others? Have you ever stifled an ‘I love you’ or an ‘I’m sorry’ because it was too late to matter to someone else? Often, we think our own words, ideas and actions won’t make a difference. We listen to the voice of fear whispering we’re just one person, we’re too inexperienced, too insignificant. We clam up when it’s our turn to share. We play small instead of taking a risk. We stay quiet when our words could change everything. And in doing so we fail to recognize that the contribution we see as insignificant is oftentimes life changing. Possibly even world changing.

Take a moment to inventory every commitment you’re making in your life. Of those commitments, what are you doing with actual generosity and what are you doing out of sheer obligation? Terri Cole is a licensed psychotherapist, global relationship and empowerment expert, and the author of the book Boundary Boss. With actionable strategies, Terri empowers others to consciously take control of every aspect of their emotional, spiritual, physical, personal, and professional life. Today’s conversation reminds each of us that we hold the ability the create more satisfaction, deeper relationships and a more joy-filled life. If you or someone you love is exhausted from over-giving, overdoing, and even over-feeling, this episode is for you.  

“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.” – R.M. Hensel John O'Leary reminds us why accepting help is not a sign of weakness on today's Monday Moments segment.

Kelvin Beachum is a 2-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. After being drafted in the seventh round in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelvin will start his ninth NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals next month. While he plays football professionally, it’s Kelvin’s passion and purpose that is making a positive impact both on and off the gridiron that I find most intriguing. As the oldest of four siblings in rural Texas, Kelvin grew up in a family hovering around the national poverty level. Yet, with his parents’ guidance, he learned to share whatever excess they’d have with the community. Today, you’ll hear a bit about his role as an offensive lineman and far more about his gratitude toward society and compassion towards others. If you're looking to hear from a catalyst for positive change, this episode is for you.  

When we give of our time, our talent or our treasure we feel amazing and the outcome contributes to the greater good. And yet, many times when faced with the opportunity to live generously, we hesitate to do so. A conversation with a new friend last week about the levity that results from practicing radical generosity reminded me of a story about my son, Patrick. I first recounted the story in my book IN AWE. I hope this memory serves as a reminder that when it comes to generosity, the best results happen when we give our all.

Did you know that one single act of generosity ripples out to four degrees of separation? Ami Campbell is the author of Love Let Go and champions generosity to help others rediscover their giving selves. She has led stewardship classes at LaSalle Street Church for over a dozen years. Today, Ami shares how generosity frees us from the grip that fear and insecurity have on us. You’ll leave this conversation ready to transform your community, live generously and to love and let go.