Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Lauren Daigle is the fastest-selling new artist in the Contemporary Christian genre of the last decade. Critically acclaimed for her unique, soulful + soaring vocals, the singer-songwriter is sincere, down-to-earth and has unwavering faith.  Today, the 2-time Grammy Award winner shares how her Louisiana-roots cultivated her appreciation for music, the uplifting inspiration behind her lyrics, and how rediscovering her childlike wonder helped her find greater joy in life. Lauren also shares how she previously embraced a period of stillness amidst a whirlwind of success, how it propelled her forward into her next fruitful season + what it could mean for you during the COVID-19 pandemic. SHOW NOTES: "We're on the precipice of something extraordinary. If the whole world is still and experiencing a level of silence, great things come on the other side of those experiences." “I need to learn to love change because it is inevitable.” Lauren grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana surrounded by a  culture of music, passion + creativity. Music was a formative way of learning, a way of life + a way to come out of hard, dark times. As a teenager, Lauren was homebound because of the immunocompromising virus cytomegalovirus and music became a way to stay motivated and out of depression.  "Being still showed me the future." "My life experiences allow a texture, tone or an emotion to come out in my voice." After high school, Lauren helped build a church on a mission trip to Brazil. While there, she saw how religion can separate others + learned to see people for who they are versus what they believe in. "There are so many things in life that make us more alike than different." Before becoming an award-winning singer, Lauren wanted to pursue a career in doing pro-bono law for human trafficking victims.   "If you're in a place in life where you have dreams, things you're hoping or longing for and they don't seem to be in close proximity, surround yourself with as much influence as you can while being diligent and persistent in the work before you." Lauren shares the meaning behind some of the lyrics to "This Girl", "Look Up Child" and "You Say". December 25, 2017: After working herself into exhaustion, and many would say at the height of her career, Lauren took close to a year off of work to "be still". Lauren relates that period to pulling back a slingshot before being propelled forward + fruitful in the next season of her life. As her world tour is on pause because of the coronavirus, Lauren again plans to get lost in the stillness to let her mind, heart + spirit be refreshed + revived. Learn more about Lauren Daigle here. LAUREN DAIGLE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Love Does by Bob Goff. [Listen to Bob Goff on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 115!] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Climb trees better and get lost in wonder more frequently. 3. 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? My first thought once all people that matter to me are safe, I don't care. Let's roast marshmallows. My second thought is a $100 bill my grandfather gave me as he was passing away + giving the advice "you better know who you, whose you are and where you are." My third thought is a letterbox filled with letters from my childhood until now. 4. 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? My grandfather because I miss him. Also, Quincy Jones to learn + engulf myself in stories of his career and his personal pains + hardships. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Bob Goff told me to always remember who my 8-year-old self is. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Steady the course, stay focused, keep moving forward and when you think you've lost yourself, God will always direct you back to who you are. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Lauren Daigle was a woman who loved well, loved rich and loved deep.  *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

“We do not have to love. We choose to love.”  ― M. Scott Peck There is a significant gap between living from a place where we feel obligated to perform and living with a mindset that views service as an opportunity. Today, I share how I was reminded of this through the simple action and words of my wife. 

Lt. Col. (ret.) Waldo Waldman is a Hall of Fame leadership speaker and New York Times bestselling author of Never Fly Solo. After overcoming his massive claustrophobia and fear of heights, Waldo became a highly experienced and decorated combat veteran, with over 2,650 flight hours and 65 real-world combat missions. Today, Waldo shares tools and techniques to overcome obstacles, break performance barriers, and take charge during times of change. This episode will leave you ready to recommit yourself to excellence, to diligently prepare for every mission and collaborate with others through trust, mutual support, and courage. SHOW NOTES: Courage-monger: champion for those who want to take action in their lives when feeling debilitated by fear, doubt and uncertainty. Even terrified of heights and small spaces, Waldo knew he wanted to fly planes after visiting his dad at work as an airplane mechanic. Passion has to be greater than fear. Make your friends your mentors and your mentors your friends. Instead of being fearful of those that are better than him, Waldo chooses to befriend them and model after them. In spite of his fear of heights and claustrophobia, Waldo became Instructor Pilot of the Year out of 308 others. Responsibility trumps passion. When faced with adversity, distract yourself from yourself by focusing on the win and those who are depending on you. Ask with honor. Take with honor. "You can't coach the uncommitted." "Your comfort zone is your danger zone." LT. COL. WALDO WALDMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Sense of silliness. 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 harddrive . 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 twin brother Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A. Be careful with who you spend time with. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? A. You're on the right path. It's okay to take the road less traveled and face your fears. 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 gave people wings to fly.  

“Forecasting is very difficult, especially when it involves the future.” - Yogi Berra Research shows that 94% of news stories are negative. Twenty-four hours a day our friends in the media proclaim the end is near, the other side is out to get us, and if our agenda doesn’t advance, the best days are behind us. In the midst of all these challenges, how do we move forward? Join me to hear how you can view your life through a different, healthier, more accurate lens. It will inspire you to spend far less time worrying about the negativity others proclaim and far more time actually leading a life that positively matters.

According to a recent Monster.com survey, 95% of workers are thinking about quitting their jobs. Coined as "the Great Resignation", millions of Americans are searching for more happiness, fulfillment and flexibility after facing burnout and lack of growth opportunities. Ken Coleman, bestselling author of From Paycheck to Purpose and career expert, shares how to discover meaningful work and practical steps to make it a reality. If you or someone you know is looking to go from a day job to a dream job, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Get clear with what you were born to do by aligning your talent, passion and mission. Develop a purpose statement. It provides clarity, confidence and courage to be what you were meant to be.  "When we find opportunities to serve others, we are making investments with no idea of the return. Look for opportunities to pour into the lives of others." Seven stages to discovering and doing work that gives you both a great income and big impact: Get clear  Get qualified  Get connected Get started  Get promoted  Get your dream job Give yourself away to work like no one else Get a copy of Ken Coleman's From Paycheck to Purpose here and The Proximity Principle here. KEN COLEMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty by Harvey Mackay. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Curiosity. 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 childhood Bible or the portrait of my wife from our wedding day. 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. Theodore Roosevelt. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A. Be patient. Learn the value and discipline of patience. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? A. Be patient. 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 served his God. He served his family. He served his fellow man with everything he had.

The key to real happiness, true contentment, and a continual state of joy has nothing to do with getting more. It’s the moment-by-moment choice to be grateful for what we have, selfless in what we do, connected with why we’re here, and focused on becoming the best version of ourselves.   What we should strive for is not happiness, but an enduring state of joy. Joy is a condition that isn’t dependent on things going our way. It’s not reliant on getting what we want. Joy is the ability to be lit up each day despite the challenges, despite the setbacks, despite the struggle. And it’s a choice. So how can we achieve a state of joy? Tune in to hear the four things the most joy-filled people I know have in common.

Join Max Lucado, a bestselling author and pastor, as he shares a message of hope and encouragement for a society grappling with racial divides, political strife, and a global pandemic. Max discusses his personal journey of healing from sexual abuse, the high levels of anxiety in today's society, the importance of self-esteem based on God's view, and the power of leadership and making difficult decisions. He also reflects on relationships and offers wisdom on prioritizing a life lived for Christ.

When fires ignite, cancers attack, or tragedies strike, we lean into our community for support, prayers and love. But often when the invisible challenges of depression, bipolar disorder, or mental illness arise, we feel we’ve got to quietly shoulder the weight alone. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. And because my family, the families of my co-workers, and the families of innumerable friends have been directly impacted by both mental health challenges and suicide, we wanted to bring to light what too often remains castigated to the dark. Listen to Dennis Gillan's story on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 46 here. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Mike Kai is a pastor, leadership expert and host of the Pound for Pound Leader podcast. From humble + challenging beginnings, Mike learned firsthand that in order to lead a team, cultivating a healthy culture is key. Whether you're leading a small family or large company, today's conversation will help you practice excellence (not perfection!), move forward with intention and build sustainable change in order to leave a lasting legacy. Join us to learn real-life examples and practical principles that will inspire you to grow in any season of life and be reminded that the best of our days remain ahead. SHOW NOTES: The only astronaut from Hawaii, Ellison Onizuka, inspired Mike to pursue his dream to be a fighter pilot. Mike's kuleana: After learning he was becoming a young father, Mike abandoned his dream to provide for his family, losing sight of his purpose.  How Mike grew during a turbulent season: Discovered a relationship with God, cultivating self-worth and pursued a purpose, read dozens of books including Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino, and Tough Times Never Last but Tough People Do by Robert Schuller. Believe in hope. Mike's pain turned into anger as he developed homicidal + suicidal thoughts. Mike's advice from 28 years of marriage: Forgive quickly and freely, fight for unity and continue to date one another. To lead a team of any size, Mike builds like Soloman and sees like Sheba. Build better to finish better. Excellence is an accelerator, elevator, separator, and income generator. "Sometimes excellence gets a bad rap because people think it's another word for perfection, but it's not. Excellence is doing the very best you can with what you've been given."  Learn more about Mike Kai, including his Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast here. Get a copy of Mike Kai's book It Doesn't Just Happen here. If you enjoyed this episode... You'll love my conversation with Seth Godin. As a 20-time bestselling author, distinguished speaker and shares brilliant insights on life, success, failure, and the “audacity to settle for anything less than remarkable”. Listen to the ep. 356 Seth Godin now. MIKE KAI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Curiosity. 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. As many photo albums as I can. 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. Coach John Wooden and Reverend Titus Cohen who pastored in Hawaii from 1840s-1870s and ask how the revival happen. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A. My pastor told me, "Don't buy the brand new car. Pay cash for everything. Save your money for a house." Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? A. Don't be so emotional and be run by your feelings. 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. Whoever he was with, wherever he was, he loved people to the fullest.

Thebest and most meaningful aspects of our lives are discovered in the seemingly ordinary experiences, tender moments of grace, and ordinary human interactions with others throughout the day. Today, I share the story of a young girl I met at a burn camp, and the reminder I shared that the beauty of scars, the resiliency they possess, and ultimately, that she is being prepared for something bigger and better than she can currently fathom. As you prepare to sprint into your day, land the mighty projects, race the kids out the door, or successfully check off that long to-do list, don’t miss the fact that the real gift of this day isn’t found in getting through it. The best of this day will be realized in slowing down long enough to savor the experiences, conversations, and moments that actually matter throughout it.