Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

In many ways, we’re living more comfortable lives than ever before. We can drift through life while almost never being too hot, too old, too hungry, too physically exhausted, too dirty, or even too bored?   Yet, could the modernization of cars, computers, climate control and processed foods be chipping away at our physical, mental and emotional health?   Investigative health journalist Michael Easter shares how we can leverage the life-enhancing power of discomfort in our daily lives to relieve tension, lower the risk of disease and dramatically improve our overall well-being.   If you're looking to find real connection in our world, today’s conversation will help you to embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy and healthy self.

Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be. - Ralph Waldo Emerson The first week of May this year was a bit exhausting for me. That week, I entered Immaculate Conception school physically in pain, emotionally drained and professionally wiped out. And yet, it was one of the most surprising - and humbling - moments I’ve had as a speaker. Today, I encourage all of us to strive to be a source of inspiration for others.

David Horsager hopes to make a dent in the global trust crisis by developing trusted leaders and organizations.   As the bestselling author of The Trust Edge, David is the CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute and director of one of the nation's foremost trust studies: The Trust Outlook.   With decades of research and by working with organizations including FedEx and Toyota, global governments, the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security, David has captured the full picture of leadership both personally and professionally.   If you’re looking to grow as a leader, today’s conversation is for you.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness.- Victor Hugo Today, John shares how a ticket agent's small act of kindness had a tremendous impact. 

Catherine Price is an award-winning science journalist, screen/life balance expert and the author of books including The Power of Fun and How to Break Up with Your Phone.   In our always-on, productivity-addicted lifestyles, we tend to think of the pursuit of fun as being indulgent or even childish. We claim not to have time for it even as we spend hours a day engaging in what today’s guest calls “Fake Fun”—binge-watching Netflix, endlessly scrolling through Twitter, or indulging our FOMO on Instagram, all in hopes of filling some of the emptiness we feel inside.    Today, Catherine shares her evidence-backed resources to help others design lives in which they control their technology, rather than the other way around—with the ultimate goal of increasing happiness, productivity, creativity, health and wellbeing.   This conversation will empower each of us to scroll less, live more, and have fun.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

“You can easily tell the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Years ago, I ran a small construction company. Continuously running material, picking up tools, and dropping lumber, I spent significant time in a truck with my General Contractor, Harold Stewart.   Working together for almost a decade, Harold certainly taught me much about framing, wiring, plumbing and painting. The greatest lesson, though, was the power of consistent generosity.   My friends, there are so many examples of selfish people, tragic events and senseless violence today. In a world as broken as ours we often wonder what we can do to make a difference.   The example my friend- my brother- Harold models is a simple solution to the profound challenges we face today: Love people.   Choose to be kind to the one in front of you. Choose to invest in relationships for the long term. And choose to be generous to those who can’t repay it.   It may not change the entire world, but unquestionably it will change the life of the one you serve. And perhaps that's how we begin making the actual change the world longs for today.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

Today’s guest is an Emmy award-winning journalist, reinvention expert and intelligent risk-taker.   With a successful television career that spanned 28 years, some of Liz Brunner’s most memorable highlights involve exclusive interviews with prominent figures and cultural icons including President Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey.   After leaving a successful career as co-anchor of Boston’s #1 rated newscast, Liz is now dedicated to helping others find their authentic voice, tell their story and lead with presence.   Today, Liz leads us through a number of her career chapters that include High School Music teacher and entrepreneur with the intention of inspiring others to transform their lives.   This conversation will give you permission to discover your authentic self and remind you that no knowledge, obstacle or experience is ever wasted.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

“In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen For more than a decade I’ve worked with the FOCUS Marines Foundation. This organization hosts struggling veterans for week-long retreats designed to provide support for complex physical and emotional issues related to military service.   On this Memorial Day, I share the story of how the simple act cooking a meal can come to mean so much more. For nearly a decade, four military moms - all of whose lives have been impacted by veteran suicide - pour their hearts into a homemade meal for groups of veterans seeking support for the complex and often traumatic emotional burdens resulting from deployment.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

I’m honored to share a story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up with how we look on the outside rather than seeing that our true value is within.   When Kechi Okwuchi was 16 years old, she was one of just two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed more than 100 people, many of them her classmates.   Spending months in hospital recovering from the third-degree burns that covered more than 65% of her body, Kechi learned the power of perseverance, unrelenting faith and music’s profound ability to heal.   With courage, honesty and wit, Kechi shares her journey of healing, her fortitude in becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent and her boldness in choosing to not be defined by her scars.   This conversation will give you the hope, strength and boldness to face life’s challenges directly.   Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

“Just because I am happy and loved, doesn’t mean everyone else is. I know someone might be walking behind me who doesn’t feel happy and doesn’t feel loved. Maybe I can help them.” – Evan Ernst   While we’re thrilled our Live Inspired Podcast has been downloaded nearly 5,000,000 times, it’s the stories of impact from individual listeners that most inspire our efforts. And there is something particularly special when one of the lives being impacted is a 12-year-old boy from South Dakota. Today, I share the story of Evan Ernst.