Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

New York Times calls Sebastian Maniscalco “the hottest comic in America". With sold-out comedy shows, hit television specials and interviews on all the major late-night talk shows, Sebastian's distinct style of stand-up comedy has struck a chord, bringing joy to millions during the pandemic. Today, Sebastian shares how perseverance and hustle have been the key ingredients to attaining the success he once only dreamed of, the challenges that come with it and where he finds inspiration. If you're looking for a good laugh or a bit of joy, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: While spending most of 2020 forming unbreakable bonds with his two children + wife, Sebastian is eager to return to stand-up with a deeper appreciation. Pillars of strength: Admiring his parents for their unrelenting work ethic, Sebastian credits them to his success and often includes his dad Sal in his acts. Growing up, Sebastian masked sadness with humor. Often shy, he came to life with his humor while in front of others. Practice, patience and repetition: After failing his first act miserably at Northern Illinois University, he focused on refining his craft. Understanding the importance of timing in comedy, Sebastian also strives to master the silence like his idol Johnny Carson. As he become more confident onstage, Sebastian’s comedy evolved to be more expressive + more aligned to who he is off-stage. Sebastian often breaks the “fourth wall” to captivate + hold the attention of the audience. Dealing with “cancel culture”: Sebastian’s acts generally poke fun at those close to him, avoiding political and current events yet believes audiences can appreciate the fearlessness of some other comedians. Overnight success a decade in the making: Moving to Los Angeles in 1998, Sebastian didn’t have a back-up plan if comedy didn’t pan out, so he became a workhorse, performing as much as possible – including a laundromat! “I never want to say ‘I’ve made it’ because I feel like there is always something more I’m trying to do.” What keeps Sebastian motivated? “As good as the people feel laughing, I feel ten times as good.” Pre-pandemic, Sebastian would record his nightly performances when testing new material. Today, he leans on his podcast co-host Pete Correale and his mother when developing new material. Taste of success: Sebastian feels the pressure to remain on top is twice as hard as it was to reach the top. Sebastian turned the tables and asked me, “if it wasn’t for Jack Buck, would you have survived?” Learn more about Sebastian Maniscalco, including his podcast The Pete and Sebastian Show here. SEBASTIAN MANISCALCO'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Open by Andre Agassi. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I wasn’t so weary of others. I wish was more open to people and not making quick judgements. 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? There is a photo of my wife and daughter coming on stage in Toronto but if everyone is safe, I’d print off a new photo from the Cloud. So maybe some cheese? I go for the food. 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? Mohammad Ali because of his inspirational stories and sense of humor. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My father says, “you can’t pay attention to what others are doing. The only control you have is what you’re doing.” 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don’t worry so much. You’ll find your way even though you may not have a career path after college. You have the ability work hard and once you find your passion, you’ll explode. 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? He never gave up. *** 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.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller   Jimmy Choi is an accomplished marathon runner, triathlete and participant on American Ninja Warrior. Remarkably, he’s done all of this after his diagnose of early onset Parkinson’s disease. During an emotional inflection point a decade ago, Jimmy Choi made a a promise to his family that he’d no longer simply surrender his life to a disease. What he’s learned since is that the daily decisions we make profoundly influence the life we live. That while we can’t always choose the path we walk, we can always choose the manner in which we walk it. He’s also learned that by himself he could do so little. Together, driven by a compelling purpose and cheered by a generous community, we can do so much. Valuable lessons we all must remember in the race of life. Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.   

Recently a video of Jimmy Choi went viral on video-sharing social network TikTok in which he was having a hard time opening his pill bottle because of his early-onset Parkinson’s. The TikTok community rallied around Jimmy. The result? So inspiring: An “accessible” bottle was created that Jimmy can now open with ease. So honored to have Jimmy on the show to share the story behind the video, what it was like to be diagnosed with the disease at 27, the eight years of denial after the diagnosis + ALL that he has accomplished since: completing the Chicago Marathon competing four times on American Ninja Warrior breaking a Guinness World Record for most chest-to-ground burpees in one minute raising over $500,000 for Parkinson's research. If you could use an uplifting reminder of the power of community, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: “Life is going to throw obstacles at you. You never know in what form and in which way. It’s going to be tough, but there is always a way around it.” After moving to Chicago from Taiwan at 10 years old, Jimmy struggled to adapt to a new culture yet found kindness, math + sports as gateways to adjusting. At 27 years old, Jimmy could explain away his quirky symptoms yet a nurse performing a routine physical saw concerning behaviors. Months after being diagnosed and only after deciding to take medication did Jimmy tell Cherryl, his wife + high school sweetheart. For eight years, Jimmy ignored his disease, his body constantly adapting to a new normal and became isolated and inactive. “I was active because I thought everything was normal. After I was given the diagnosis, it’s like someone flipped the switch.” Jimmy’s inflection point came in 2010 after he tumbled down the stairs with his 10-month-old son. Seeking a cure, Jimmy began participating in clinical trials regardless of its simplicity or risk. One more step: Noticing the benefits from physical activity, Jimmy went from walking once around the block with a cane to running the Chicago Marathon with the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Becoming involved with the Michael J. Fox Foundation provided Jimmy found a community of support. Through proper diet + exercise, Jimmy learned how much stronger he is despite Parkinson’s. “Exercise has become medication.” The Fox Ninja: Trying to teach his daughter face adversity, Jimmy applies + is accepted to compete on NBC's American Ninja Warrior in 2017 where he represented the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Since his appearance on ANW, Jimmy has raised over $500,000 for Parkinson’s research. Instead of posting a video of an incredible physical feat, Jimmy shared a now-viral video of him struggling to take his 3mm pills which inspired the TikTok community.  Brian Aldridge created a 3D rendering of a pill bottle that would isolate + administer a single pill. Once finalized, Brian plans to keep the drawing available to the public free of charge. David Exler stepped in to 3D print the bottles and will up to 50 free bottles to anyone with proof of donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation. “One of the reasons I work so hard to do things for myself is so I can remain independent.” How can you use your weaknesses to your advantage and turn those into strengths? In Jimmy’s case, he used burpees as an opportunity to learn a survival skill and it turned into him breaking the World Record for number of burpees in 1 minute in August 2020. JIMMY CHOI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Living With a SEAL by Jesse Itzler. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Sense of adventure. 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 wall of accomplishments because they represent the milestones in life I was able to achieve during a dark time in my life. 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? Michael J. Fox and Bruce Lee  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad’s mantra: Be above average. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be patient. Progress and change doesn’t come overnight. 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? You came at me hard but my family was there to push back against you. *** 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.

Last week I was invited to speak for the United States Men’s National Soccer team and answer the question: How do you achieve something as a team far greater than what could be accomplished as a disjoined collection of individuals? Tune in to hear my response and my take on their three core values: Relentless, Brave and Unity. *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Depression, anxiety and other mental health issues have skyrocketed among kids, teens and young adults; and this is long before pandemic-related isolation. Dr. Tim Jordan is a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, helping children and their families navigate development and maintain strength, happiness and fulfillment. Dr. Jordan shares his common-sense approach that enables parents to: be more confident and effective reduce conflict and drama remain a strong influence throughout their children’s adolescence   Regardless of the role you play in a child's life, today's conservation will equip you with practical advice to build closer relationships based on trust and understanding. SHOW NOTES: Alongside his wife Anne, Tim founded Camp Weloki for Girls as a safe haven for girls can be heard, be authentic and enhance their social-emotional intelligence. Greater hope or greater despair? While it saddens him that kids go through so much adversity, Tim has hope when he can remove children from their childhood baggage and prepare them to become thriving adults. Young women struggle statistically significant more with mental health, including overwhelming anxiety and loneliness, than young men. Being driven by external motives like money, looks or being famous will lead to less happiness, unfulfilled and with poor relationships. Tim frequently asks young people, “What percentage of people between 22-35 years old have a 4-year degree?” Typical answers are between 60-70% when in reality it’s about 30%. Ask for, listen for and mirror back your child’s intrinsic, internal motivation. Ask children, “What does success look like to you?” By shrinking the geographic freedom of children, Tim believes we’ve forced them to congregate online + increased their dependency on technology. “We blame social media for bullying. It didn’t start there. It just magnifies there.” “You have to earn the next freedom and the next privilege. You earn it by your behavior over time.” Challenges young girls face: 12.3 years old: average age bulimia + anorexia sets in for girls, which is on pace for the average age when girls are gaining natural weight because of puberty. Educate girls to be image + media savvy on what’s real and what’s been altered. “I teach my young girls that consumer brands aren’t selling you a product. They’re selling that you’re not good enough unless you have this particular product.” Comparison trap: Encourage children to gauge their wellness by looking internally, not by comparing themselves to others. When children face adversity, encourage heartfelt conversations about how they feel, help them reframe the experience so they don’t internalize it. While not always negative, anxiety is nature’s natural warning sign and an opportunity to check-in with yourself and utilize the skills to cope with it. How to have meaningful conversations with children, regardless of their openness: Find the right context. Boys share better shoulder-to-shoulder versus girls share better in circles. Find the key to their doorway. Some children communicate better in writing. Don’t blow the opportunity. Be fully present. Do the best you can. Understand they may connect with one parent more than another Tim shares the relatable “turtle + the hail storm” metaphor + the responsibilities of both parents + children. She Leads: We don’t recognize leadership in our daughters enough. Tim encourages parents to recognize when daughters show courage + leadership by standing up for their friends at school, handling conflicts with other directly, being inclusive by uniting others and the other more traditionally recognized leadership roles. Questions from the  Live Inspired Community Abby R. asked: With all the noise around everything you “have to do” for your kids in their early years to ensure they’re ready for school, what are the most important things to focus on? When you’re with them, be fully present. When they’re young, they learn best while playing. Matt asked: How do we get parents to truly listen? Besides it’s the right thing, if you want to be an influence now and forever, learn to be there for them, even in the small things, when they’re younger. Sandy asked: How do we help children navigate these unusual, complex times? Socially: Work together to find what’s enough time to stay connected with friends through technology + find socially-distance + safe ways to connect. Academics: Find a tutor or someone to help them they adjust to the untraditional learning style. Overall: In addition to practicing gratitude + gratitude journaling, help them focus on what they have control over that may also bring joy + fulfillment. DR. TIM JORDAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Awareness by Anthony De Mello and Supernormal by Dr. Meg Jay 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Taking time with friends. 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? Pictures. 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? Besides John O’Leary and my wife, Anthony De Mello. I’d ask him where he found all his stories. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? At a point in my life when I felt stuck, my mentor Bill told me, “your problem isn’t what you’re doing, it’s why you’re doing it.” 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Find your own reasons for doing things. You don’t need to please everybody. 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? The same as my high school yearbook: Great is the man which never loses the heart of a child. *** 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.  

Life, like the weather, is hard to predict. In a marketplace addicted to the 24/7 connectivity through cable news or social media feeds, consider taking a break that will free you to control the things you can, let go of what you can’t and celebrate the unexpected along the way. We too often confuse knowledge with wisdom and conflate someone else telling us what matters with embracing the things that actually do. *** Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

How can you boldly walk forward from unfathomably challenging circumstances? Jonathan Pitts, pastor, author and father of four joins us to share how he did exactly this after he tragically lost his wife. Jonathan vulnerably shares his journey of loving Wynter, how he coped with losing her, and how he continues to find peace, strength, and hope in keeping her legacy alive. Our encouraging conversation will remind you that even in the most difficult times, the best of our days remain ahead. SHOW NOTES: Jonathan’s mom, a White German-American, met his dad, a Black man, at a music school in New Jersey. Having an Identity: Growing up in a bi-racial family, Jonathan is thankful his parents raised him with faith as it provided him strength.  As a member of the ROTC program at Drexel University, Jonathan expected to serve his country yet met + quickly fell in love with his wife, Wynter Evans. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 Raising four girls five years old and younger + seeking a greater purpose, Wynter started For Girls Like You, a magazine that evolved into devotionals, books and many other tools for girls and their parents. Learn more here. July 24, 2018: 3:45pm: Jonathan approved the manuscript of their book Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage, which he now gratefully calls a "time capsule of our marriage". 7:44pm: Unexpectedly, Winter makes her quick + quiet entry into Heaven. Opposites compliment: Jonathan shares the differences that caused struggles early in their marriage were the things they most loved, appreciated + admired later. Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8) Why are dark moments holy moments? (C.S. Lewis) Jonathan shares the emotional, sacred and deeply personal moment surrounding Wynter's passing in hopes of showing that death isn't scary. Have no fear of sudden disasteror of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared. (Proverbs 3:25) Solace in solitude: While grieving, Jonathan's learned to embrace stillness and credits it in healing his mind, heart and faith. Get a copy of Wynter + Jonathan Pitt's book Emptied: Experiencing the Fullness of a Poured-Out Marriage here. Get a copy of Jonathan Pitt's book My Wynter Season here. JONATHAN PITTS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Dr. Meg Meeker and Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? More hopeful + optimistic. 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? Photos speak so much to me so an album of my family over the years. 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? Tiger Woods. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad would always say, “all you have is your name,” as a reminder to maintain a good reputation. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Just relax. Everything is going to be okay. 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? Act 13:36 - David served the purposes of God for his generation and then he fell asleep. *** 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.

“Sympathy is easy because it comes from a position of power. Empathy is getting down on your knees and looking someone else in the eye, and realizing that you could be them, and that all that separates you is luck.” - Dennis Lahane   For almost three decades, my dad has been living with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Over this time, he’s lost the ability to walk, drive, and earn. It’s difficult for my dad to speak and lately, becoming more difficult to swallow.   I obviously suspected it was hard, but staying with my dad and caring for him in my mother’s absence gave me a totally different understanding.   In this perplexing season, I encourage you to truly embrace what the world – pain, struggle, dreams, aspirations, wisdom – might look like for those around you.   Sympathy, indifference, despair and anger are common emotions these days. The way to understand, then heal and finally unite requires that we first empathize. *** Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Are you hoping to be rich in significance + success in 2021? Who isn't, right? My friend, this episode is for you. Over three years ago I started my membership community, Live Inspired IN STUDIO -  community of like-minded friends who join me monthly via webcast to do life together + make the world better, starting with our own. This month’s discussion topic is so relevant, impactful + life-giving that I needed to make sure everyone has access to it!  Today we walk through a step-by-step process (created by my friend + past Live Inspired Podcast guest Jinny Ditzler) that I have completed at the beginning of every year for more than a decade. You'll leave this episode with clear priorities and commitments to achieve significance + success in all aspects of your life this year.   SHOW NOTES: “Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" - Martin Luther King Jr. Instead of reflecting on what's going on around us by being a temperature gauge, Bernice King encourages us to lead others by setting the temperature like a thermostat.  Make 2021 Your Best Year Yet: Inspired by my friend and Live Inspired Podcast guest Jon Gordon, what's your word? What's one word to describe your 2020? What's one word that will guide you in 2021? [Hear Jon Gordon share inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories from his bestselling book The Energy Bus on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 13.] Make a circle with 6 equal parts: professional, financial, spiritual, emotional, physical, relational, personal. Ask yourself: What did I accomplish in 2020? What were my biggest disappointments in 2020? What did I learn? What advice would you give yourself? How did I limit myself? Who am I at my best? Who am I afriad to be? What masks do I wear? I am: __________ What are your personal values? What roles do you play? What are you job titles for life? In a few, broad words, what are your goals for each role Circle only three roles you want to focus on in 2021. What are three SMART goals you want to accomplish in your three priority roles in 2021? On a single piece of paper, write: What advice do you need to be reminded of in 2021? I am: ________ What are the three roles you want to focus on in 2021? What are three SMART goals you want to accomplish in your three priority roles in 2021? Learn more about my dear friend and architect of Best Year Yet Jenny Ditzler on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 12. Do life with us. Together. It’s easy to feel a rush of motivation and say you’re ready to embrace life’s full potential, but not so easy to follow through. Join our community of friends to gather and grow from exclusive conversations as we continue our journeys together. Learn 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.  

Empathy doesn’t excuse poor behavior. Rather, it seeks to understand it and strives to redeem it. Today, as we continue to navigate a global pandemic, face challenges professionally + personally, I encourage you to draw from my grandpa’s wisdom: Surrender yourself for the betterment of someone else. Let go of your former life as individuals and embrace a unified one, together. Be fused fully to whether storms, chart dreams and achieve goals. *** Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.