Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

In 2018, John Cronin was a 22-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome who had a dream to create something life-changing, purposeful and filled with joy. Together with his father Mark, they turned that dream into the world’s largest sock store – John’s Crazy Socks. And yet, John’s Crazy Socks is more than just a business. It’s a mission-driven movement that employs individuals of all abilities and shows the world what’s possible when you focus on inclusion, kindness, and joy. Today, John and Mark share how they bootstrapped their business into a multi-million dollar venture, advocate tirelessly for people with differing abilities and continue to spread happiness by giving back more than $750,000 to their charity partners. My friends, you’ll walk away from this conversation with the reminder that small acts of love often make the biggest impact, and that sometimes, a simple pair of socks can change the world.

Last weekend, I attended the funeral of a dear family friend. Her life was an example of living joyfully, loving family passionately and serving others unfailingly. As emotional as the service, music and eulogy were, it was a tender moment between two of her grandchildren that brought me to tears. Let me explain.

Nic Sheff is the bestselling author behind Tweak, and he is the subject of his father’s memoir Beautiful Boy, which was adapted into an award-winning film in 2018. After taking his first drink at just 11 years old, Nic spiraled into addictions to hard drugs and entered his first rehab at 19. And yet, Nic’s story isn’t just about addiction—it’s about finding hope, resilience, and the strength to rebuild when everything seems lost. Today, Nic shares what led to his battle with substance abuse, the tumultuous road to recovery and how, after 13 years of sobriety, he’s a passionate voice for mental health and addiction recovery. My friends, whether you or someone you love has been impacted by addiction, this conversation is a reminder about the power of second chances and the understanding that even in our darkest moments, we’re never truly alone.

Amidst continuous tragedies globally and complexities of life individually, we often need a reminder that there is reason for hope. Several years ago, I needed that reminder, too. And perhaps surprisingly, I received it from someone who needed it even more than I did. Let me explain.

In 2012, Andrew Oberle’s life changed in an instant when a chimpanzee attack left him fighting for survival. But that’s just the beginning of his story. Today, Andrew opens up about the passion that led him to study chimpanzees, the brutal attack that nearly took his life, and the long road to recovery—one that required over 28 surgeries and a world of support. More than just surviving, Andrew found a new purpose: helping trauma survivors heal, using his own journey to inspire others. My friends, whether you’re dealing with a challenge of your own or simply need a reminder of the power of resilience, Andrew’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

“Of course I will, Dad.” These were the last words Dave Gibbons ever shared with his father. Given their past, the fact he spoke them at all was surprising. But even more extraordinary was what he was agreeing to do. Let me explain.

Dave Gibbons, a leader and author of "The Shape of My Eyes," shares his compelling life journey as he navigates the complexities of identity and forgiveness. He reflects on his father's betrayal and how it shaped his understanding of family dynamics. The discussion dives into the importance of resilience, the transformative power of love, and finding beauty in life's hardest moments. Listeners will appreciate insights on healing, empathy, and cultivating an unoffendable heart amidst personal and societal challenges.

In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts we possess, assuming they’re too ordinary to share. Many times, however, these gifts are the very essence of what we’re meant to give to the world. For me, it was in embracing my story that my life felt transformed and my purpose revealed. For Maria A. Ellis, it was her passion for music that not only changed her life but the lives of countless others. Let me explain.

At almost 97 years old, Dr. Edith Eger is a Holocaust survivor, renowned psychologist, and author of the bestselling and award-winning memoir The Choice. In 1944 as a Jewish teenager living in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe, Edith was sent to Auschwitz where she endured the most unimaginable hardships. And yet, rather than being defined by the trauma of her past, she’s chosen to rise above it – and inspires others to do the same. Today, Edith is joined by her grandson Jordan. Together, they share a story of love, loss, survival, and most importantly, the freedom found in choosing how we respond to life’s greatest challenges. Edith’s journey is a reminder that we can’t always choose the path that we walk in life, but we can always choose the manner in which we walk it. My friends, if you’re in need of a message of hope and the reminder that, in spite of the headwinds, the best is yet to come, this conversation is for you.

Does it seem like people are quick to anger these days? For many, it’s as if they go around seeking reasons to be disappointed, upset or infuriated. What happens, though, when an individual who has every right to be upset chooses instead to respond with grace? Years ago on an early morning Southwest Airlines flight I had such an experience. Let me explain.