Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Design expert Ingrid Fetell Lee has spent over a decade researching the relationship between happiness + our surroundings. She's worked with iconic brands such as Target and Kate Spade and her wildly popular TED Talk has been viewed more than 17 million times. Today's conversation will empower you to be more intentional on what joy means to you and dedicating yourself to finding more joy in life and at work. Join us to hear Ingrid's actionable tips to find joy all around you and to be reminded of the impact joy has on your health, resilience and well-being. SHOW NOTES: By nurturing her creative spirit, Ingrid credits her Nana as the reason she became inquisitive of the power within the physical world. “We think of joy as this light, fluffy, airy thing but joy is so integral to what it means to be a healthy, fulfilled human.” Moments of joy have a positive effect on physical health, productivity, creativity and resilience. What is joy? An intense momentary experience of positive emotion. When happiness is pinned to life’s milestones it can feel vague and amorphous yet designing more moments of joy in every day can be life-changing.   Aesthetics of Joy: Identifiable sensory qualities that have a distinct + universal connection to joy. For example, color is a suggestion of energy, ripeness + nourishment. A Japanese nursing home redesigned by the architect Emmanuelle Moureaux features an inviting common room with colorful balls hanging from the ceiling and bright springy green chairs. Since the redesign, families of residents spend more time visiting with their loved ones than before. Create repeatable moments of joy: Paint your front door with your favorite bold color, bring nature indoors with plants, wallpaper the inside of a closet or drawer with a bright pattern for a surprise burst of joy. Research shows numerous benefits to having moments of joy in our every day, including: A sense of trust, intimacy and connection when shared with others Better decision-making after considering more scenarios Increase of productivity by up to 12% “The thing about joy, in order to feel it fully, we must embrace our sadness too.” “Burnout often has as much boredom in it as it does exhaustion.” “The blossoming of the tree. The rising of the sun. The flow of the tides. These reoccurring events remind us of times circular nature and create an underlying cadence of joy that we can rely on.” Start your day with joy: Ingrid shares 10 ways to start your day with joy including reading a poem immediately after waking up and fixing a joyful breakfast. Learn the others here. Joy-spotting: Tuning your senses to joyful things in the world around you will help you reconnect + rediscover joy. INGRID FETELL LEE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Resilience. 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 box of photos that are really precious to me. 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 husband. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? From my dad: The only constant in life is change. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You don't have to have all the answers ever. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She made joy.

Tom Vanderbilt, New York Times bestselling author of Traffic, is known for writing about the mundane to the obscure, shedding light on surprising patterns of human behavior. Through his extensive research + first-hand experience, Tom shares the remarkable benefits of pursuing new skills and hobbies, the pressure-free approach we had as children and its transformative impact on our lives. Whether you're 17 or 70, today's conversation will inspire you to take the next right step in unlocking the joys that come with starting something new. SHOW NOTES: While at University of Wisconsin – Madison, Tom dropped out of the journalism department finding working at the school newspaper was the best way to learn the craft of journalism and allowing time to study other intriguing subjects. Tom’s work focuses on insightful research of everyday life such as design, technology, science, and culture and how things really work. New York Times bestseller Traffic is an eye-opening investigation at human behavior while driving. Get a copy here. Compliancy effect: There is a simple mantra you can carry about you in traffic: When a situation feels dangerous to you, it's probably more safe than you know; when a situation feels safe, that is precisely when you should feel on guard. Most crashes, after all, happen on dry roads, on clear, sunny days, to sober drivers. While writing Beginners, Tom visited the Infant Action Lab at New York University to see the pressure-free approach children have to learning. In his quest to learn new skills, Tom broaden his social circle and found inspiration from others in his community Falling in love with learning: Studies show that couples learning new skills together can reenergize a relationship. The only limit apart from your own body is your own imagination. We often interrupt people at the beginner stage, forgetting that talent can take time. TOM VANDERBILT'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life by William Finnegan. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? The promise of new chapters being written in life; endlessness. 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 family photo album. 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? Barrack Obama. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Don't try to write a book and have fun with it. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It will be okay. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He was a good listener.

Dara Torres made  history as the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games and again as the oldest swimmer to win an Olympic medal at age 41 in 2008.   Today, Dara shares the "heart-racing, thrilling" feeling of earning her first medal in 1984, what it felt like to defy expectations with two comebacks and how she balanced her career while being a mother.   With the 2020 Olympics in full swing, this conversation  continues the celebration of inspiring moments in global sports. SHOW NOTES: Before becoming a 12-time Olympic medalist, Dara recognized her love for swimming at a YMCA competition at 12 years old. Caught up in excitement of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, her first, Dara recalls how rival Jill Sterkel helped her refocus after swimming poorly during qualifying. Heart-racing, thrilling, adrenaline-filled for days: Dara shares the indescribable feeling of winning her first gold in 1984 and her appreciation of her 2008 silver. At University of Florida, Dara earned 28 All-American swimming honors – the maximum possible in a college career – yet she sees that time as a dark period in her life. Her underrated battled with bulimia: After five years, Dara sought help and set small, daily goals to overcome the disease. After three Olympics + four medals, Dara left the sport for seven years before making her first comeback at 33 at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Eight years later, now 41 and a mom, Dara returns for her second comeback at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Earning three silver medals, she became the oldest U.S. Olympic swimmer in history, the first American swimmer to appear in five Olympic Games and the oldest swimmer to win a medal in Olympic history. There is no “I” in team: Dara shares her gratitude for those who played a role in her accomplishments. DARA TORRES' LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Treating everyone equal. 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? Something that represents my family, like a photo album. 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? Jesse Owens to learn how he overcame adversity. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Treat everyone equal. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don’t worry what other people think of you. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Always on the go. Longevity in the sport.

Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far reaching effects that change the world. - Dalai Lama You won’t believe the impact the sweet, simple gift these Starbucks baristas gave had on their customer. This is beautiful reminder that you matter and your actions and words shape the lives of those around you. Don’t underestimate that doing little things well greatly elevates the lives of those around you. *** This story was shared with me by my friend Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks. He saw Starbucks grow from a couple dozen stores to more than 15,000 around the world. How did he do it? By reminding his team they were in the People business serving coffee. Click here to hear my conversation with Howard on ep. 378.

Howard Behar, retired president of Starbucks, joined the company when they had 28 stores and grew that number to over 15,000 during his tenure. A successful leader, speaker, author and mentor, Howard is best known for his generosity and integrity. Hear how Howard influenced the growth of Starbucks, his tips on how to be a servant leader + why leading with values is the best recipe for success. Rewatch the livestream on Facebook or YouTube SHOW NOTES: At  15 years old, Howard's father left his family in Bulgaria to immigrant to Seattle where he saved his money from pushing carts in Pike Place Market to open a small grocery store. Not everything we do in life do you need to be paid for. By not charging a struggling family for strawberries, Howard's father taught him a valuable lesson that influenced how Howard began his work at Starbucks. Dreaming of the benefits he'd offer employees if he owned a company, Howard noticed how in sync they were with Howard Schultz, recognized as the modern-day founder of Starbucks. Be one of the most well-known and respected organizations in the world known for nurturing + inspiring the human spirit. While a young professor at Stanford, Jim Collins joined to develop Starbucks iconic mission statement.  Howard Behar's 6 Ps: Purpose, Passion, Persistence, Patience, Performance and People “The person who sweeps the floor should pick the broom.“ “The enemy of life …. is indifference.” Get a copy of Howard Behar's bestselling books It's Not About the Coffee and The Magic Cup. Did you know the Live Inspired Podcast has nearly 5 million (!!!) downloads? Tune into the most downloaded episodes in 2021 featuring the inspiring stories of comic Sebastian Maniscalco, Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph, ABC New’s Paula Faris and more here! HOWARD BEHAR'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Be less serious. 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 photographs. 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? Desmond Tutu. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? You're capable. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Figure out who you are early. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He set out to nature + inspire the human spirit and guess what he did.

From shaming and shunning to mocking and ridiculing, it’s stunning how many relationships have been damaged amongst people with opposing political views in recent years. To begin healing and finding meaningful ways to move forward together, we’ve invited Apolitical unification expert Peter Montoya to join us. First, Peter shares the facts and landscape for what has led us to the growing divide. Then, he offers practical strategies to improve your relationships now. Today's conversation is a reminder that real change starts within each of us. Only then can our communities, nation and, ultimately, our world change. It starts with us. SHOW NOTES: One third of Americans believe we’re headed towards a second Civil War. Peter describes this current season of divisiveness and polarization as a “cold” social war, unlike the Civil War in the 1860s. During the global pandemic the usual large national events of sporting champions, awards shows that rallied us together were missing, causing politics to become a way of life. Turn off the 24-hour news: In the mid-1990s, a shift occurred when news organizations began to sensualize stories to draw a larger audience to sell more advertising. While it’s our innate desire to keep ourselves + our tribe safe by staying well informed, constant access to too much information too often is harmful to our mental health + well-being including increased stress + anxiety. “Propaganda is a monologue that is not looking for an answer but an echo.” Peter mentions that elected officials have become psychologic + symbolic avatars of status and representing the “good” team. Cancel culture or mob character assassination is when groups rally together in disapproval to take away their influence, power or position. Virtue signaling, the public expression of a moral viewpoint with the intent of communicating one's own good character, is often viewed as insincere yet Peter believes it’s our basic instinct to belong. People debate to figure out who is right. People discuss to find out what is right. When with a good thought-partner with differing opinions, Peter discusses ideas or policies under the mutual understanding that there isn’t a “winner” and each are not trying to change the other’s mind. Attack ideas, not people. Instead of demonizing others for their differing creed, belief or opinion, focus on developing a relationship built on empathy and understanding. “Intolerance is to stand alone. Tolerance is to stumble separately and inclusion is to walk together.” Solutions to implement to make our lives better and heal our nation: Treat your phone like a toothbrush: Use it briefly and only as a utility. Scroll less, read more: retrain your brain to consume long-form writing Be more mindful, less reactional Play a different game: Don’t be a pawn on someone else’s chess board. Be a true Patriot: small sacrifices to benefit others. Pre-order a copy of Peter Montoya’s book The Second Civil War here.

In the midst of managing the complexities of life, what we often need most is a reminder that there is reason for hope. Today, John shares a much-needed reminder from someone who may have needed it even more than him. If you have challenges, this reminder will help you prosper and see the good to come. Learn more about resilience, faith, courage, redemption, family, love and life from John's mom, Susan O'Leary here.

Former Navy fighter pilot Captain Charlie Plumb is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Scheduled to be his 75th and final mission in Vietnam, Charlie's F-4 Phantom Jet was shot down + captured. He'd spend the next 2,103 days isolated + tortured in North Vietnamese Prisoner of War camps. Four years ago I had the honor of having Charlie on the show + during our conversation, he deeply moved me when he attributed his survival to his faith and ability to forgive. Today, I’m sharing a fresh cut of this episode with you because the lessons within it have never been more relevant: Purpose provides the strength to endure the unthinkable  Appreciating the value of challenge No matter how your 2021 has looked so far, Charlie’s story will remind you that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” ― Viktor E. Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning The POWs held captive the longest came back with a lower rate of PTSD because great leadership unified us under a mission statement: Return with honor. Charlie mentions past guest Michaela Haas and how we can actually cultivate resilience through post traumatic grown. Learn more on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 4 here. Against therapists advice, Charlie was never bitter about his first wife filing for divorce without his knowledge and instead chose to appreciate how it fueled his hope to survive. Captain Charlie Plumb's advice for those who feel imprisoned: Look at the value of challenge. Adversity is a horrible thing to waste. Take a risk + get outside your comfort zone. Build a community of support. My conversation with Captain Charlie Plumb first aired in May 2017. Listen to that here.  

According to Kaiser Family Foundation, about 40% of Americans have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic, a 30% increase from 2019. Today, I revisit my most popular episode to date: My conversation with Mel Robbins. Mel’s proven + simple strategy interrupts negative thought patterns so you can win the mental game and experience the joy + opportunity life has to offer now. As one the most-booked female speakers in the world and author of international bestselling book The 5 Second Rule, Mel educates, entertains and empowers others to live inspired. If you or someone you love is experiencing anxiety, fear, worry, self-doubt or overwhelm, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: "There is a very distinct gap between your instincts and impulse that will change your life and the excuses that stop you... and that gap is about five seconds long." The way that you change your life and discover the power inside you is you develop the clarity to hear what is inside you and develop the skill of courage. Everything is changing around us. You can’t control that. You can control what you think and do. Respond instead of react.   My conversation with Mel Robbins first aired in June 2018. Listen to that here, then check out the Most Popular Episodes playlist including Mel, Grammy winner Lauren Daigle, HGTV's Erin + Ben Napier and more here. *** 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.

As vacation season is upon us, it might be worth considering what a truly perfect one looks like. While the places we go and the people we meet certainly matter, what matters even more is often less noteworthy and perhaps more important. The most remarkable of vacations are the ones where you are fully present with the ones you love most. Today, I share the lesson my son taught me of the real magic of vacation.