Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Captain Jim Lovell has travelled further into space than any other person and is one of only three to travel to the moon twice. Possibly even more profound, he has witnessed more than 260 sunrises from space.  Infamously the mission meant to be his third trip to the moon, Apollo 13, was cut short when a tank exploded. When I first spoke to Jim in July of 2018, I was in awe – he has been a hero of mine since I was a boy. Today, I revisit parts of that historic conversation because it has never been more relevant. As we're each faced with our own unique challenges today, let Jim’s guidance on staying mentally strong in the face of unforeseen adversity inspire you. SHOW NOTES: When the odds are that long, how do you respond? “We thought about what we had to overcome, specifically: We had to figure out how to get back on course to get home. We had to decide what we had to turn off to save critical energy. We had to realize that each time we, we were slowly poisoning ourselves with carbon dioxide. We had to learn how to connect our current system to the old one because they weren’t built to connect. Did you enjoy Jim Lovell's adventurous spirit? Listen to our entire conversation including what inspired his dream of going to space, meeting his wife and so much more on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 90.

“The very thing you take for granted, others are praying for.” – Marlan Rico Lee Few of us ponder honestly the profound fragility and beauty of life at any age. Today I share an experience from my time as a hospital chaplain that woke me up to be far more intentional in savoring the profound gift of each day. The goal of life isn’t to number the days to keep score, but in order to live them passionately, faithfully, intentionally, and lovingly. I encourage you to choose to number your days. Rejoice in what you have and those gathered around you. And in the midst of the anxiety, difficulty and unknowns of this day, remain confident that this day remains a gift and even better days are yet to come.

Struggle. Financial setbacks. Loneliness. Constant stress. Uncertainty.  These are some of the words audience members recently  shared when I asked them to describe the last 14 months. That is exactly why today's episode is so important: Join me to be reminded that, regardless of your challenges, hope is not canceled. Love wins. And the best of your life is yet to come. I’ll share just how mind-boggling the miracle of your life is as evidenced through a special friend of mine, 8-year-old Curtis. You won’t believe: the impact the healing power of love and hope had on his life the impact it can have on yours and the practical tips to cultivate hope in your life right now. SHOW NOTES: You are a miracle: The chance of you being born is less than 1 in 400 trillion. The likelihood of you developing from the first single-celled organism is less than 1 in 10 to the 390th power. “My life is a miraculous gift and I choose to live like it is.” John shares his serendipitous role with 8-year-old Curtis + his recovery from a devastating car accident. Watch the pure, unscripted and unconditional love when Curtis was able to embrace his younger siblings in this video. Name one person in your life that reminds you that you’re loved, valued and your life has meaning. Love → Optimism → Faithfulness → Action → Results “Hope can be taught. Hope leads to resiliency.” Three steps to build hope: Focus on one specific goal Plan your next right step Strengthen the agency + belief in yourself “Learned helplessness is our default. We can’t be hopeful and depressed at the same time. The more we focus on building hope, we’re able to break free from negative patterns.” Join the next Live Inspired Together webcast on June 19 at 9am CT where we unapologetically celebrate change, the struggles it presents and the gift of doing it. Add next month’s webcast to your calendar or learn more about the Live Inspired Together community here.

Thirty years ago, Bill Johnson was walking to an Atlanta subway station with two colleagues when his world went dark. A bullet entered one temple and exited the other, leaving him permanently blind. With optimism, honesty + joy, Bill shares his extraordinary journey of learning to navigate in a new, dark world. Hear Bill share how he began to: accept his new reality embrace new ways of doing things and find wholeness and healing in the midst of struggle Rewatch the Bill Johnson's livestream on Facebook or YouTube. If you enjoyed hearing about Bill's resilience... You’re going to love professional barrel racer Amberley Snyder’s story. After a devastating accident left her unable to walk, she was determined to the saddle. Be inspired by Amberley's strength, faith and ability to turn tragedy into triumph Listen now. BILL JOHNSON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Willingness to learn. 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 device called a Victor Reader Stream which is a digital book reader. 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 boss Tony who was killed. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A. Don't worry about what other people think. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? A. Be challenged with getting an education in a field that interests me the most. 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 gave life 100 percent.

Scott Stratten is president of UnMarketing and was named “Top Five Social Media Influencers in the World” by Forbes.com. Co-author of six bestselling books with his business partner and wife Alison, Scott helps organizations see their business through his unconventional + disruptive “unmarketing” lens. Today, Scott reveals the power of having others believe in you, tips you can apply that have helped him evolve as a presenter, and what he recommends you "unlearn."  This conversation will motivate you to rise above limiting beliefs and take the next best step in your life. SHOW NOTES Captivated by motivational speaker Les Brown, Scott dreamt of using his energy, passion, knowledge and humor to inspire others. [Just as Scott admired Les Brown as a child, hearing Capitan Charlie Plumb's story left me mesmerized. Hear Charlie share how forgiveness + discipline helped him survive six years as POW on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 31] High school teachers Mr. Penman and Mr. Bearagen had such a positive effect on Scott, he credits them as the reason he graduated. Put the work in. Get the reps. Scott shares how he's evolved as a presenter and how comedians influence his delivery. Watch Scott's now-viral piece on Millennial bias here. "If they're laughing, they're listening. If they're listening, that's when they're evolving." Scott shares the meaning behind some of this tattoos including "unlearn" and Gandi's quote "my life is my message." "It's not mandatory. You have the right to close these things off and pull away if it's no longer serving a purpose." - Scott's social media philosophy "My job isn't to rehabilitate jerks online. I'm not the jackass whisperer." "Every success in business and life is a combination of luck, timing, skill and effort -- and you can only control two of those." "If you believe business is built on relationships, then make building relationships your business." Get Scott Stratten's popular bestselling book UnMarketing here and his latest bestselling book The Jackass Whisperer here. SCOTT STRATTEN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and Permission Marketing by Seth Godin. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Curiosity.  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 family's passports because traveling together and being able to experience things is everything. 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 didn't ask him everything I wish I had. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Just keep going. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It would be encouragement to follow the path of passion, hard work and time. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Treat others how you liked to be treated.

Commitment is an act, not a word. - Jean-Paul Sartre Last week I saw first-hand the selflessness and commitment of caregiving from two shining examples. In addition to watching my mom prepare my dad for surgery, I interviewed Richard Lui, NBC News journalist who was prepared to put his 30-year career on hold to care for his father with Alzheimer’s. Today, let’s recognize that the work of a committed caregiver can be wildly isolating and absolutely exhausting. Let’s let them know we are aware of all they do and inspired by their love in action. Even more, let’s choose to ask how we can assist them. [Tune into my conversation with Richard Lui on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 358 to hear us celebrate the hidden joys and gifts within caregiving.] *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 54 million Americans give care for an ill or disabled family member. Five years ago, NBC News journalist Richard Lui found himself in this group as his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Today, Richard shares about preparing to leave his 30-year career to care for his father and how the prolonged illness taught him the power of selflessness. While caring for others has profound difficulties, Richard shows us how it can also offer an abundance of purpose + joy.   Did you enjoy this episode? You'll love hearing from my mom Susan O'Leary. After selflessly raising six children, I believe she's doing her finest work today as a caregiver for my father with Parkinson's. Listen to Susan O'Leary on ep. 000 now. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** 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.

Did you hear last week's Live Inspired Podcast with Seth Godin? When I asked one of the greatest marketers, thought leaders and influencers of our time how he wants to be remembered he said: "Someone who made a ruckus. To shine a light; do generous, remarkable work; teach people to teach other people; and leave things better than they found them." Be a ruckus-maker: Do little things consistently well and use your talents in ways that amplify others. Listen to Seth Godin on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 356. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

Renowned marketing expert Seth Godin shares profound life reflections on success, failure, and settling for remarkable. Highlights include importance of learning from losses, redefining success measures, and supporting work that matters. Insights on changing educational systems, overcoming rejection, and striving for impact are thought-provoking and inspiring.

The approval ratings in which we view our photos, actions, thoughts and lives is a broken system. A week ago a friend sent me a hilariously negative review he found on Amazon regarding my book On Fire. We spend significant time rating others and ingesting their judgment of us. The goal of our lives is not status or ease, but leading, serving, elevating and inspiring in such a manner that other lives are better because we were part of it. *** Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.