Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Jay Fantom is a persistent and passionate speaker, award-winning filmmaker and writer who strives to be the best, most authentic, honest, loving, kind, and excellent version of himself daily. As the host of the chart-topping podcast The Story Box, Jay calls upon his own vulnerability to unbox the stories of world-class thought leaders. Today, Jay shares how he learned to embrace the past with truth, courage, and sincerity and how he’s helping others find their worth. This conversation will remind you just how valuable and precious life is and offer the encouragement to live it fully. *** Cue the confetti! As we celebrate 500 Live Inspired Podcast episodes, we want to hear from YOU. What do you love? Who has been your favorite guest? What have you always wanted to know? Who do you want to see join in the next 500 episodes? Plus, learn how you can earn a $100 gift card!  Take the Short Survey Now.

“If you don’t change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” -Lao Tzu What truly matters most? As we race through life, it’s rare we pause long enough to honestly consider this question. A single conversation with a man I’d never met before – and would never see again – challenged me to not only ask the question, but attempt to live the answer.

Between a global pandemic, changes in financial markets, or entering new seasons of life, many of us are facing more anxiety for tomorrow than ever before. This increased anxiety is elevated for the more than 10 million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s Disease, their caregivers and their families. Today, Larry and Rebecca Gifford, hosts of the acclaimed When Life Gives You Parkinson's podcast, share how they're navigating the disease, raising awareness and giving a voice to others facing similar challenges. Much like my parents, this married couple refuses to let a lifelong degenerative condition stifle their lives and instead uses it as an excuse to begin truly living. If you or someone you love needs courage, hope and reason to believe that the best is yet to come, this conversation is for you.

For many, the start of school ushers in a welcome shift from summer. It means reunion with friends, the return of routine and the familiar sights, sounds and smells of the school building. Yes, we may miss the freedom of summer, but it’s certainly a joy to be surrounded by others and in places we feel welcome, are encouraged to learn, and fit in with others. For many this is a wonderful transition. For many. But not for all. We have a chance daily to make others feel welcomed and loved. We have an opportunity to remind them that they matter and that their life is a gift. It might, in fact, be the most important thing they learn this school year.

Recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of twenty speakers you shouldn't miss, Jeff Henderson is an expert at taking the next right step when life is uncertain. After leaving his marketing position at Chick-fil-A to start a church and nonprofit, and leaving his non-profit in the midst of a global pandemic, Jeff recognizes that navigating what's next in life--whether in your career, personal life, or relationships--often brings a level of uncertainty and anxiety. Today, Jeff shares the difference between success and excellence and outlines how to reduce the risk yet not be bounded by fear in a season of change. If you or someone you love is facing uncertainty and not sure what to do next, this conversation is for you.

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.