Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

In what aspect of your life do you “gotta figure that out?” Today, choose to stop blaming others for perceived slights or injustices, and begin embracing your role in making things better. Choose to vulnerably share with a friend what is going on and your need for help going forward. And choose to chart a new path, dream boldly and live intentionally to ensure far better days remain ahead.

What if the best thing that's going to happen in your life hasn't happened yet?  Antonio Neves, author of the bestselling book Stop Living on Autopilot, is an award-winning journalist and success coach known for asking tough questions. Today’s conversation is the perfect antidote to beat burnout and combat complacency. Prepare to leave reignited to boldly take action to live a life of happiness + fulfillment. SHOW NOTES: Professional question-asker: Growing up in a small, blue-collar Michigan town, Antonio faced challenges that motivated him to be more interested in others' stories than sharing his own. How would you introduce yourself to others if you couldn't reference your career? Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you're supposed to be doing it. While a successful sales rep, Antonio dreamt of working in the entertainment industry. With just a thousand dollars, he moved to New York City to work multiple jobs before getting his break years later with television network Nickelodeon. When moments of opportunity show up, you have to be ready. Setbacks are opportunities for comebacks. The pauses we don't orchestrate, if we allow, can catapult us in a new direction. No blue checkmark can verify who we are. That happens by God the day we are born. When you say you don't fit in, have you considered maybe you're not supposed to fit in? "Being non-traditional was my edge." Hoping vs. expecting: Have a mindset of expectation, not of privilege. If you've done the necessary work, you deserve to be somewhere.  No one who has accomplished anything of significance did it alone. During a period of struggle, Antiono recommitted to his life and sought community, took action on his ideas, focused on what's important and found opportunities to grow. Use some of Antiono's coaching strategies. Ask yourself: What role did I play in this? What goals have I achieved over the last 30 days? Attack the day with more joy. Your happiness hurts no one. The best thing that happened to you hasn't happened yet. "No one can, or will, care more about your life than you care about your life. So it's time to start acting like it." "You know man, it's just water." "If your life was a movie and the movie was halfway over, what would the lead character be doing right now to turn things around?” Get a copy of Antonio Neves' book Stop Living on Autopilot here. If you enjoyed this episode... You'll love hearing from legendary multi-faceted entertainer John Tesh. It will inspire you to move forward despite any setback you may receive in life + buy into the truth that the best of your journey remains in front of you. Listen to John Tesh on ep. 244 now. ANTONIO NEVES' LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Attack the day with more joy. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A. A classic, early 80's family photo. Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?  A. My dad. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  A. "If you're going to foul them, foul them," meaning if you're going to do something, do it 100%. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?  A. Your happiness hurts no one. Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  A. The best thing to happen to you hasn't happened yet.

Sometimes individuals with whom we think we have the least in common become our greatest teachers and dearest friends. Join me as I share Rudyard Kipling’s poem "If" and what it can teach us about facing adversity.

As a transformational teacher, Kute Blackson's mission is simple: To awaken and inspire people across the planet to access inner freedom, live authentically and fulfill their true life’s purpose. Kute's multicultural upbringing spanning four continents offers a unique foundation in his approach to breaking down barriers and unlocking an individual's true gifts and greatness. Modeling courage and resilience, hear Kute share his fresh look at spiritual awareness, practical ideas and soul-stirring wisdom that will ignite the heart and inspire courageous action. SHOW NOTES: "Being aware that you're going to die opens up the fierce urgency to really live." Kute describes a miracle as a shift in our attention and the willingness to see the magic in ordinary moments. Integrating the sacred and mundane: While his father was always on a path of his own mission, Kute is hopeful that future generations will have a better opportunity to balance the sacred and mundane moments of life. Afraid to lose what love + connection he received from his dad, Kute spent many years living forth the plan his dad set ahead of him instead of finding his true passion. Do I want to die holding back? Kute shares how a near-death experience in India allowed him to make peace with death. "It's not about what happens when we die. It's about how are we going to live this moment right now." In a moment of anxiety... take pause to recognize where your attention is directed, reframe the situation, focus on the present and break down actions into small, simple steps. Instead of overriding the feelings of exhaustion, listen to your bodies and discover ways to rest in order to feel rejuvenated. To combat isolation + loneliness, Kute encourages being intentional in cultivating community and connect with our true spirit. "You can be alone and not feel lonely. I've found when I feel lonely, I'm disconnected with myself." "Life itself is ultimately a process of surrender." Get a copy of Kute Blackson's book The Magic of Surrender here. KUTE BLACKSON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. I Am That by Nisargadatta Maharaj. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. I was a very fun-loving kid. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A. My three passports: UK, US and Ghanaian. Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?  A. My mother. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  A. God is in control. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?  A. Take more risks. Be bold. Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  A. He loved fully and fulfilled his soul's purpose.

Anticipation of pleasure is a pleasure in itself.” - Sylvia Townsend Warner Entering into this advent season we look forward to the joy of the holidays, the gift of Christmas and the promise of a New Year by sharing a reminder of the power of joyful awaiting. Today, join me as I share a short excerpt from my instant #1 national bestselling book IN AWE.

“History teaches us that unity is strength, and cautions us to submerge and overcome our differences in the quest for common goals.” -Haile Selassie While the tradition of Thanksgiving began around 1621, it wasn't declared a national holiday for another 242 years. And why is this significant? In 1863, Abraham Lincoln was President in the middle of the Civil War, a chaotic crisis with profound divisiveness and great uncertainty of our nation. It was then he declared a day to pause and give thanks for the many blessings in our lives that we share. In a season where it’s easy to further build the walls that divide us, tune in to hear three simple tips that will allow us to focus on the things that unify, bind and heal. SHOW NOTES: Read Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation here. Three ways to build connections: Own the conversation from the start. And I’m not suggesting to get the first word in, be more adamant, and set the stage for winning the debate. Instead, start conversations by speaking (or silently if you prefer!) these words: “I love you. And, no, there is nothing you can do about it.” Actively listen as if they are the only person. Busy with the unimportant, we lessen our ability to connect in positive ways with our children (negatively affecting their self-esteem), with our partners (negatively affecting intimacy and connectivity), and with ourselves (negatively affecting our sense of who we are and what actually matters). Be passionately curious as if their opinion actually matters... because it does! Ask elucidating questions if you need clarifying information or perspective from another point of view. This allows for the opportunity to elaborate, be heard, educate and perhaps even persuade another. Far from dividing, it actually serves as an awesome opportunity to unite. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love learning the longstanding tradition Live Inspired community member Rona’s family does before their Thanksgiving meal. Listen to ep. 206 here.

Death is the destiny of everyone, and the living must take this to heart. - Ecclesiastes Today, join me in celebrating those we've lost by living passionately alive. Knowing that tomorrow is not promised, let’s actively, vibrantly, faithfully and joyfully live this day. And let’s keep those enduring heartache both in our prayers and memorialize them through the manner in which we lead our lives.

We all have stories, and yet frequently, they're not the ones we share with the world. After being burned on 100% of my body, spending five and a half months in the hospital and losing my fingers to amputation, my dream was not to stand out, but to disappear and be ordinary. Bonnie Gray spent 39 years hiding her story, too. Growing up as the Chinese American daughter of a mail-order bride and a busboy in San Francisco's Chinatown, Bonnie's childhood was far from idyllic. Join us as Bonnie shares the journey that led to understanding her own identity and what it means to be loved. Today's episode is a reminder that in boldly owning, embracing and celebrating our stories, we are gifted the chance to live authentically and breathe life and possibility into others. SHOW NOTES Bonnie's mother was sent from Hong Kong to America to marry a man 10 years older and serve the family. An unintentional vow: After Bonnie's father left, she made an unintentional vow to not ask about things she cannot change and stay quiet unless she&s able to add peace and joy. Without support from her parents, other mentors in Bonnie's life helped shine a light on her full potential, provide support and guide her forward. l'm here for you. After being assaulted, Bonnie's former youth counselor gave her comfort + security. All of us have a defining moment where something happened that we did not plan. We long for love. Were tempted to hide our brokenness. I carried that until I realized that sharing my story is going to draw others closer. Amidst life difficulties, Bonnie's place of safety was her journal because using words was the key to unlocking her heart. Her future husband Eric captured her heart with a month-long series of emails. Bonnie shares an excerpt from Sweet Like Jasmine depicting a toxic conversation she had with her mother. Learn more about Bonnie on her website here. Get a copy of Bonnie Gray's book Sweet Like Jasmine here. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love Brian Walsh. At 17 years old, Brian found himself clinging to life after being caught in a burning building. His hard-won resilience + tenacity will shift your perspective and help you see how you, too, can overcome the obstacles in your life today. Listen to Brian Walsh on ep. 272. BONNIE GRAY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. The Color of Water by James McBride. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. My artistic self. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A. My journals. Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?  A. Jesus. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  A. Whenever I feel lost, I try to embrace that I'm right where I need to be. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?  A. Choose your path now. Don't edit yourself. You cannot live someone else's story. Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  A. You are beloved.

“The wise do not lay up their own treasures. The more they give to others, the more they have for themselves.” — Lao Tzu My friends, what should we do with the gifts we’ve received? How should we use our treasures? What do we do with all the trophies we collect? For three decades, I’ve stored a bunch of them on a shelf in my house. Maybe it’s time to stop laying up our treasures. Maybe the truly rich are aware that the more they give to others, the more they have for themselves.

One of my favorite groups to partner with each year is FOCUS Marines Foundation. FOCUS does an amazing job providing coping skills, relationship guidance, goal creation and career advancement to wounded veterans struggling with physical ailments, PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and various other challenges.   Among the remarkable servants I’ve met through this organization is retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch. Wounded in action, Nick was struck in the head by an enemy rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), resulting in numerous shrapnel wounds to the head and neck which left him legally blind and partially deaf in his right ear. In honor of Veteran's Day, Nick joins us to share his inspirational story of courage, combat and recovery. SHOW NOTES: Nick Popaditch earned numerous military awards including a Silver Star and Purple Heart. "If you don't quit on us, we will never quit on you." The power of inertia: The greatest difficulty always arises in the beginning. As a drill sergeant, Nick learned that everything was trained in the antithesis. Courage was trained by fear, honor by unfair treatment and commitment by failing. April 9, 2003: An AP photographer captures a striking image seen around the world of Nick smoking a victory cigar in his tank with the haunting statue of Saddam Hussein hovering in the background, immortalizing him forever as "The Cigar Marine." April 6, 2004: During the battle for Fallujah, Nick suffers grievous head wounds that leave him legally blind and partially deaf. Nick and his wife April would sign every letter during his multiple deployments with Romans 1:11: For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. Learn more about FOCUS Marines Foundation here. Get a copy of Nick Popaditch's book Once a Marine here. If you enjoyed this episode, Hear from award-winning actor Gary Sinise. As one of America’s favorite, heart-led leaders Gary shares lessons on gratitude, service, and how his role in Forrest Gump as Lt. Dan led him to celebrate America’s defenders, veterans, and first responders. Listen to Gary Sinise on ep. 128. GYSGT NICK POPADITCH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. It Doesn't Take a Hero by General Norman Schwarzkopf. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Be positively motivated just because. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A. My drill instructor hat called a Campaign Cover. Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?  A. Avigdor Kahalani, an Israeli battalion commander, who saved the entire country of Israel in the Valley of Tears. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  A. My father told me to treat people with respect and hold them accountable. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?  A. I wouldn't change a thing. Every mistake made me who I am now. Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  A. I'd like it to say, "the world was a better place because I was here."