Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Earlier this week, we officially cast votes in local + national elections. Regardless of our personal politics or if our candidates won the results of tomorrow’s election, this season has been nothing short of tumultuous. As we're reeling with elevated emotions, I wanted to make space for our Live Inspired Community to be present to the uncertainty that we are experiencing together. Today, I'm listening to your thoughts and questions and share my thoughts and hopefully, some inspired perspective. As bridge-builders, let's remember that we have the power to make a difference, things are far better than they seem and the best of our days remain in front of us.   SHOW NOTES: Catherine G. asked, "What are you doing with your kids during this time to make sure they are part of this season, yet not swallowed up by this season?" Give yourself grace. Have honest conversations about how to make a difference Dan R. asked, "What is your perspective on the current climate? Will your message change when we find out who has won the election?" Accept life's uncertainty. Love thy neighbor. Cliff shared, "I truly believe that regardless of who wins, our country moves forward by working together. One man in an office cannot change that." "Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi Rosemarie asked "With all the uneasiness going on between the pandemic and the election, what is your number one tip for finding peace through it all?" There is beauty when finding yourself living in the moment. This too shall pass. Kim asked, "How soon will YOU run for President?" We underate the ability we have to influence the lives of those around us. As a  bridge-builder, let's remember that we have the power to make a difference, things are far better than they seem and the best of our days remain in front of us. Join us in celebrating the half birthday of #1 National bestseller IN AWE with up to 50% off. Get your holiday shopping done early 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.

In the midst of this fractious season, I’m reminded of witnessing an alternative possibility at a burn camp for children decades ago. While there, I was reminded of the transformational possibility of coming together to heal wounds, unify differences and aspire to true greatness. As painful as physical recovery from a severe burn is, the assimilation into your “old life” can be even more difficult; having a strong community helps. As excruciatingly painful as burns, bandage changes, or therapy might be, physical pain can be masked with drugs, endured with grit, or overcome with time. The far greater challenge for a survivor is the emotional pain of the trauma. Away from my family and close friends for the first time, I tried to stay to myself, remain relatively quiet and felt rather uneasy. I didn’t know anyone else there and wasn’t sure I fit in with the group. One of the camp counselors, a larger than life firefighter named Charlie positively changed my perspective.

Just days away from what might be the most impactful American presidential election in history, in the midst of a pandemic, with high stakes + anxiety regardless the side of the aisle you sit on...  It’s all unprecedented.  Or is it? The headlines continue to refer to this election as “unprecedented” – but I’m not so sure it is! Join me and the host of the award-winning Presidential Podcast Lillian Cunningham for a bipartisan conversation about past elections, presidents, their legacies + what this lens means for us as we near our“unprecedented” election day 2020.   If you could use a reminder that the best days of our nation’s history remain in front of us, this episode is for you! SHOW NOTES: As life-longer learners, Lillian's parents instilled the importance of education both formally + by taking initiative to seek out knowledge. Fiction writer or astronaut? What drew Lillian to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago was their expectation of students to take classes in across a wide range of subjects. Prior to the 2016 Presidential election, Lillian sought to refresh her knowledge on past United States presidents by launching Presidential, a podcast that explores the character, leadership and legacy of each of the American presidents. Lillian shares the divisiveness of Rutherford B. Hayes election in 1876. "At early ages, they had to learn how to step into advanced leadership roles + roles of responsibility." - Lillian Cunningham on how many presidents were raised by strong mother figures because of absent fathers. Scandals of President hopefuls: While "scandal" may be synonymous with politics, Lillian notes Grover Cleveland was the first candidate during the modern era to face this type of backlash we're familiar with today. "There is something disturbing yet comforting about realizing  we've been through scandal, division and dark moments in our nation's history." Listen to Presidential podcast here. Learn more about Lillian Cunningham and her other award-winning podcasts here. LILLIAN CUNNINGHAM'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was very attuned + sensitive to things around me. 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? I keep a little white stone in my jewelry box that is symbolic to me. 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 paternal grandfather who passed away before I was born. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Work shouldn't feel like work. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Relax a little bit. Live in the present. 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? She made life more meaningful for other people.   *** 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. *** My new book IN AWE is now available… and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. Just a week before the election, in the midst of a pandemic, with recessionary winds blowing, and personal challenges mounting, so many of us are beginning to feel we’re trapped in an impossible situation.   It is more important than ever to remember that impossible is just a word thrown around by people who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given, rather than to explore the power they have to change it.  Use this season to be reminded of the limitless possibility within your life. It will change your world. And the world. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?  Kara Goldin left her Vice President job at AOL to launch Hint Water with one simple goal: Make water that tastes great.  Finding herself overweight, with low energy + adult acne, Kara discovered her diet soda habit was the culprit. To entice herself to drink water in its place, she added “hints” of fruit flavor to plain water. This was the inspiration behind the fastest growing, #1 flavored water in America: Hint. Today, Kara shares how she uses rejection as motivation, balances work with raising her four children and how “success” looks different for each of us. Get your favorite Hint Water ready because this conversation will have you racing forward with ferocious optimism! SHOW NOTES: Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg.  Teamwork: Growing up with five siblings, two over 15 years older than her, she had great role models. As a leader in the community, Kara's mother taught her to "love what you're doing" while her dad was an innovator for the brand Healthy Choice. "Just go for it. Stop worrying about what could happen. Instead, enjoy the journey." Kara encourages us all to look at our accomplishments to be reminded of our own success, including friendships. "Passion trumps experience." Learn more about Hint Water. Get a copy of Kara Goldin's book Undaunted. KARA GOLDIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Originals by Adam Grant. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Curiousity.  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? At 13-years-old, my mom kept a journal of her experience during the Depression. 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? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? While moving to New York, my dad asked me, "what's the worst that could happen?" 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It's okay to not know what you ultimately want to do. 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? She pursued a life of purpose + passion, was a great parent + friend and enjoyed life. *** 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.  *** Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.  *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. “Were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?” As a 20-year old college finance major, I had an amazing opportunity to work at a world-class financial service firm. When a successful adviser called asking me, “were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?” I was startled. Although the conversation rattled me as an intern, the reason I am rehashing the story is less about my hurt feelings or someone’s assessment of my intelligence, and much more about my manager Don Embree's response and what it means for all of us today. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

After the sudden death of her 12-year-old son Jack, Anna Whiston-Donaldson felt lonely, heavy with guilt and uncertain if she could ever be happy again. Anna began to courageously share her family’s tragedy + the puzzling, unclear territory of grief in hopes of helping others, first through her blog and then her New York Times bestselling book Rare Bird and children’s book A Hug From Heaven. Writing has helped Anna find comfort + strength.   Today, Anna shares how to find hope within impossible circumstances, positive ways to cope with grief and support others navigating darkness. If you’re grieving a loss, or love someone who is, this conversation is for you. SHOW NOTES: After Jack's death, Anna was unable to find resources for her grieving daughter Margaret. This inspired Anna to write children's book A Hug From Heaven.  While home from college, Anna's mother unexpectedly died from a brain hemorrhage and although she was the "heart of the home", her family was unsure how to process the grief. "When you have community around you, willing to acknowledge your loss, that helps strengthen you." Anna leaned into her faith as a way to be close to her mom. Isaiah 43: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. "Life is full of "and". Sadness and joy." Helping others who are grieving: The most important thing Anna + her family received after Jack's death was acknowledgment of their grief. Fearing that Jack died alone, Anna met the paramedic that stayed with Jack until he was taken away from the scene, recalling the singing birds from the trees. Luke 1:37: For nothing is impossible with God. Against the odds, Anna unexpectedly finds out she's pregnant with a healthy boy named Andrew Luke. Anna's advice to those who feel hopeless: I made a concerted effort to let myself feel, acknowledge + live with pain. While that was happening, gratitude found it's way in. Real joy + real hope are possible in every circumstance. Get Anna Whiston-Donaldson's New York Times bestseller Rare Bird and her children's book A Hug From Heaven.  ANNA WHISTON-DONALDSON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Open to possibilities. 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? Nothing. 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 mom so I could acknowledge her as a wife + mom. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom told me, "Don't be afriad to leave anyone at the alter," because she's know's I'm a people-pleaser. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be more playful and don't take life so seriously. Relax. 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? She loved + she didn't give 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.  *** Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.  *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. "Don’t walk in front of me… I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me… I may not lead. Walk beside me… just be my friend.” - Albert Camus Today I share the profound impact my friend Rusty Keeley had on my life. He was encouragement when I needed a lift. Sage advice when I needed wisdom. A connector when I needed a new opportunity, a pat on the back when I needed approval and frequently a kick in the pants when I needed to take action, be brave and grow. In other words, over the past 15 years, Rusty has been my friend. In the marketplace we all find ourselves in today, we long for friends. In the divisive, negative, and isolating world we find ourselves in, we desire authentic relationship. With the stress we’re experiencing as we try to manage the complexities of our lives, we are starved for genuine friendship. With 61% of us feeling as if we had no one to really share our hearts and truth with before the pandemic, can you think of a better time to step forward and be that kind of friend for someone else than now? It will change their world. P.S. As our brand has grown in influence in the marketplace, we’ve been approached by many organizations interested in sponsoring our work. While we appreciated the support and interest, we were looking for  a partner with a uniquely mission heart… Well, it should come as little surprise that we chose Keeley as the first sponsor of our Live Inspired Podcast. We can continue to do our great work because of their support. Learn more about what Keeley Co. does and why Keeley’ns love their work here. Listen to the Podcast here or anywhere you stream your podcasts. P.P.S. Yes! I mentioned virtual coaching above. Learn more about what we’ve created, the impact we’re witnessing and how it might elevate your organization here. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

In my late twenties, I did not believe in myself. Before I realized I had a story worth sharing – or in the truth that we all have a story worth sharing – my longtime friend, Rusty Keeley, believed enough to invest in having me speak to his company. He was my first client. That inflection point launched my speaking career. He then directly and indirectly introduced me to more than 100 speaking clients. He wanted nothing out of these introductions other than to see a life-giving story spread into a marketplace. Subsequently, he’s challenged me as a friend and board member to dramatically grow as a speaker and business owner, not for my own self interest, but to better the lives of others.  It’s no surprise, then, that Rusty, CEO of Keeley Companies which does $500 million in revenue, describes his job as: “I get to make sure there is food on the table for the families of 1,800 Keeley’ns. I take that very seriously.” It’s his people-first mentality that has both grown his company’s bottom line 100x during his tenure + that has built the unmatchable culture that keep “Keeley’ns” thriving. It’s also why we chose to partner with Keeley Co. as our first ever sponsor of the Live Inspired Podcast.  Today, I'm grateful to share with you Rusty's generous heart, caring spirit + business intel that will inspire you to choose significance over success. SHOW NOTES: What's a Keeley'n? Keeley Companies are dedicated to the safety, well-being, and career growth of every employee, called Keeley'n, and continuing to strengthen the culture his father Larry Keeley instilled when starting the construction arm of the business in 1976.  At 27 years old, Rusty joined the Keeley team and today is blessed to work with both his father + father-in-law. Julie Keeley, Rusty's wife of 25 years, continually inspires him to pivot success into significance including their work with World Pediatric Project, an organization that heals critically ill children around the world. Heal a child, change the world. Through WPP, the Keeley family welcome a young Jamaican boy named Ryan into their family and provided him with life-saving medical treatment, love + education. Find the opportunity: During difficult times, Rusty seeks opportunities to make an impact including partnering with the Urban League to provide tens of thousands of St. Louis families with food throughout the summer. KeeleyCares, the philanthropic arm of the business, focuses on children, health, community and education while creating a close-knit culture within the organizations. Learn more about Keeley Companies. RUSTY KEELEY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read?  Business: Growing Pains by Eric Flamholtz Relationally: The 5 Love Languages by Dr. Gary Chapman Stories of overcoming: Overwhelming Odds by Susan and Denny O'Leary, On Fire and In Awe by John O'Leary Others: One Last Strike by Tony La Russa and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fearlessness. 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 backpack and a few watches. 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 wife Julie, my mom Jacqueline and Jan Torrisi-Mokwa. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? "Fail often, fail fast, fail forward," or "It's hard to beat someone that never gives up" by Babe Ruth. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't take yourself too seriously, enjoy the moments and lighten up. 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? Leave the world a better place. Make a difference in someone's life. *** 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.  *** Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.  *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”― Isaac Asimov Our assumptions of others say far more about us than they do about the person or group of people we are judging. In a darkened marketplace with so much negativity and certainty of opinion, maybe living with a little more humility and acting a little less on assumptions will provide some desperately needed light. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!  *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.  Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.