Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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.

Twenty years ago, Greg Holder left corporate America because of an unyielding ache to make a difference. Since then, Greg has been lead pastor of The Crossing, non-denominational church, passionately calling tens of thousands of people from a diverse spiritual backgrounds to consider what it means to follow Jesus in today's world. Today, Greg shares how many slowly, over-time begin to lead less satisfying, less fulfilling, less hopeful lives and how to break that cycle.   This conversation will remind you that your life has significance and you have the potential to change the world through your life’s impact. SHOW NOTES: Over 20 years ago, Greg left corporate after being called to be a pastor because of a longing desire to make a difference. We're living in a VUCA - volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguious - world. “People are longing for a world view that gives us a way out of a VUCA world, while acknowledging we’re in it.” Here I stand, I can do no other. Greg leans on his trusted community to collaborate when he’s being called into something more. Faith is not living in denial. Desire to flourish yet accept settling: We play it safe and surround ourselves with people exactly like us and attempt to blend in by being ghosts of ourselves because we forget we were made to make a difference. It’s not doubt that’s toxic to faith. It’s silence. By getting permission to ask hard questions, particularly in faith, Greg has been able to explore the answers, even when their may not be “answers”. “My dad left a legacy that I don’t think he fully appreciated. He set off so many chain reactions of love and goodness.” Spend less, give more. As part of Advent Conspiracy movement, thousands of people have chosen to celebrate Christmas in a counter-cultural way. Greg shares the story of a son who gifted his dad coffee beans with a note requesting they only drink the coffee together while having meaningful conversations. The open-handed generosity + hospitality Greg recieved while doing mission work around the globe has been life-changing for him. "I’ve been on the receiving end of meals that I know cost more than any meal I’ve served to a guest. That’s as humbling as it gets." Cultivate a culture of listening. In these particular days, Greg seeks to continue to learn by having conversations where truth can be spoken and where we listen to each other.  Learn more about Greg Holder here. Get a copy of Greg Holder's book Never Settle. GREG HOLDER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman and the Bible. [John asked Greg what book of the Bible he recommends for listeners. If you’re looking to get familiar with the voice of Jesus, Greg recommends Matthew, Mark, Luke or John of the New Testament, or the Book of Philippians.] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Be less self-conscious + be freer. 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? Two journals I kept from my daughters first year away at college. 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? C.S. Lewis  and I'd ask him to tell me about his writing process. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Lean into the gifts you have and stop trying to be someone you’re not. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Trust Him sooner. Jump into the story with both feet 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 followed Jesus fully and loved his friends with all his heart. *** 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. I’ve interviewed and met some of the most remarkable recording artists in the world. I’ve never met an artist with a heart as beautiful as Eric Genuis' nor heard a song as beautiful as the one he composed for his daughter Anastasia. While waiting for her to recover from one of her early surgeries, he opened his journal and wrote his commitment, prayer, promise, lyrics – a song he could serenade his little girl with as she recovered. Watch Eric perform Here I Am. Hear more about Anastasia + Eric Genuis on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 290. Eric and Anastasia’s story reminds us we can absolutely learn to love what we once feared. We can find peace where we once felt sadness. We can find magnificent beauty in what we once viewed as imperfect. In that awakening, not only can we transform into a far better, more accepting, human being,  but we’ll empower others to do the same in their lives, too. In a season of so much anger, perhaps we should begin sowing seeds of love. *** 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.

Sara Evans is a fan-favorite, multi-platinum country artist with hits like Born to Fly and Suds in the Bucket spanning decades. Today, Sara shares about her simple, idyllic childhood on her family’s tobacco farm, a tragic accident that grew her faith and a look behind-the-scenes at the inspiration for her new book and her most iconic songs. Her genuine and resilient spirit will leave you inspired. SHOW NOTES: Sara grew up on her family's tobacco farm in the rural Missouri town of New Franklin where she describes her childhood as idyllic yet simple "Family is the most important thing in the world, besides a relationship with God."  Understanding God's protection: At 8 years old, Sara was struck by a car, thrown 80 feet and suffered multiple broken bones and head trauma. As a mom, Sara made sacrifices in her career to be present in her children's life including not missing a Friday night football game of her son's. "Whenever possible, put your family first." Her song Letting You Go was written about watching her oldest son, who now plays guitar in her band, grow into an adult.  Sara credits her resiliency to her relationship with God and standing up for her beliefs while still showing love. Watch Sara Evan's Born to Fly and Suds in the Bucket videos. Get Sara Evans' book Born to Fly. SARA EVANS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? East of Eden by John Steinbeck. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? More optimism. 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 cellphone because it's my connection to my family. 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 Granny. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom was the perfect example of hardworking. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be more careful with your heart. 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? There is nothing greater in the world, and nothing more true, than the love a mother has for her children. *** 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. My friend, many of us today find ourselves in a less than ideal reality. It’s true. But that doesn’t concern me – I’ve endured far worse. What does concern me is that we are beginning to risk losing the brilliant, galvanizing power of a collective hope in tomorrow. We’re overlooking our greatest strengths, namely personal accountability, collective diversity and ferocious optimism. We’ve been distracted by trying to attain “beautiful, normal, successful and desirable” for so long that many of us were exhausted trying to attain these unrealistic standards before the epic untethering of 2020. And now that the world is changing, we feel like we just might be toppled by it. My friend, the good news is we’ve got the remedy from that transformational wisdom my mom uncovered decades ago: It is our great opportunity to rewrite the script. Imperfection isn’t something that we must hide, fear, or feel repulsed and divided by. To the contrary, when our flaws are genuinely embraced and authentically shared they can humanize, connect and inspire. *** 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.

Composer and pianist Eric Genuis began his music career with a simple philosophy: never say no to an opportunity to perform. Today, he has played for millions of captivated audiences around the world and reaches even more hearts and ears through the music he writes for film and television. What do I admire most about Eric? ...That he chooses to share his amazing talent to bring joy, grace and dignity to people in prisons, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes and inner-city schools through his foundation Concerts For Hope Eric's heart, courageous mission and beautiful music will breathe light into your day. SHOW NOTES: Before composing, Eric was a math + physics teacher.  Within the first 20 seconds of his first performance in a prison, Eric recalls the profound positive impact he had on the audience. "My hope is not to entertain. My hope is to provide dignity." "If we all collectively take our little gifts, we can make the world a better place." To learn more about Eric Genuis + Concerts For Hope, visit EricGenuis.com. ERIC GENUIS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis. 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 computer + the original photograph of my parents. 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 or Father Damien who served those in a leper colony. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? We all have shortcomings. Get back on the horse.  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 measured success and yet in showing up + serving, he showed us what success looked like. *** 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. Twenty years ago Bill Clinton was in office, Mark Zuckerberg was in high school, Amazon was a forest in South America and John O'Leary was a single man having dinner with an old friend. An old friend that would someday become my beautiful wife, Beth. *** 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.

Mary Marantz would have been her family’s third generation of loggers in rural West Virginia; an impoverished life filled with days of hard, dangerous work. But, one choice Mary’s father made sparked a much different path for her: He used what little money he had to buy learning materials to prepare her for school as he saw education as her opportunity to lead a big, beautiful life of her choosing. Mary joins us today – a Yale graduate and recent author of the book Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful – sharing what it was like to grow up in a deteriorating, single-wide trailer and, more importantly, with a father who would sacrifice it all to ensure she had a bright future.   Today's conversation is beaming with resilience and hope and will inspire you to find comfort and appreciation in your roots. SHOW NOTES: Giant tin can: Mary grew up in a deteriorating single-wide trailer with a leaky roof, mushrooms growing out of the carpet and missing floorboards. One part firecracker, one part sassafrass: Mary attributes her stubborn determination to her grandma Goldie who cinderblock by cinderblock singlehandedly took down a garage on their land. Mary was healed from a lifetime of hurt and estrangement by her mother while writing her book Dirt. Mary + her father had a complex relationship but he dreamt of her life beyond rural West Virginia.  Highlighting her once-shameful trailer and her father's calloused hands were symbolic and purposeful. While on the trajectory to follow in her family's logging footsteps, Mary instead became the first to attend college and went on to graduate from Yale Law School. The spark that changed a generation: At 4 years old, Mary's father wanted her prepared for kindergarten so he purchased homework books and encyclopedias on an installment plan. "I'm living proof that education and just one adult believing something better for you can change everything." Mary chose to honor her father's sacrifice by finding significance over success. Get a copy of Mary Marantz's book Dirt. Watch the MLB Network video when Mary refers to my story. TIFFANY JENKINS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Ability to be free + happy. 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, which is very defining because I worked so hard to have "stuff". 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 grandma Goldie and ask about heaven. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Treat people like people. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Assume it works out so then you can enjoy the journey. 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? Slow growth equals strong roots. *** 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. “Only through our connectedness to others can we really know and enhance ourselves. And only through working on ourselves can we begin to enhance our connectedness to others.”  – HG Lerner Have you ever visited with someone you expected to be completely different from you, but soon discovered great similarities, the feeling of connectedness, and the gift of a budding friendship? I experienced this during a visit with someone from a dramatically different background than mine, Laila Ali. As we conversed, though, it was clear that what unites us is so much more significant than anything that separates us. In the face of so much divisiveness, it’s important to remember that what unites us remains far more significant than anything that divides us. With so much negativity, it’s important to know that there remains reason for hope. And with so much outward anger, it’s worth knowing that love still wins. Hear my conversation with Laila Ali on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 29. *** 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.

Are you facing obstacles that seem impossible? Have you made so many mistakes that forgiveness seems unreasonable? Have you lost hope that you can pull yourself back up? Today’s episode is for you. Just three months after her first sip of alcohol, Tiffany Jenkins was on her way to a decade long opioid addiction. From varsity cheerleader to high school dropout; dating a sheriff to committing two dozen felonies: Tiffany shares her hard-won journey to redemption and sobriety. This emotional conversation  breaks through the stigma surrounding the Opioid crisis and offers hope and encouragement to anyone who is battling addiction or loves someone who is. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Tiffany + her sister were frequently left alone leading to unhealthy eating habits + self-deprecating humor. Epitome of success: After unexpectedly making the cheerleading team, outwardly Tiffany was viewed as attractive yet she still felt ugly inside + out of place. Within three months of taking her first drink of alcohol, Tiffany dropped out of school + became addicted to opioids. To celebrate graduating rehab, Tiffany got drunk. While dating a Sheriff Deputy, Tiffany relapsed with opioids, became an expert at manipulation + lying and took drastic steps to support her habit. "I didn't want to die. I felt like I had to. I wasn't strong enough to deal with the consequences of my actions." On Christmas morning, Tiffany's father visited her in jail which gave her hope that life after addiction is possible. While living in a halfway house, Tiffany became pregnant. Within two years of leaving rehab, she was a married mom of three. "I would have taken the small amount of time we had together sober over the life before that." - Tiffany on the cherished time with her father before his passing. For the first time in my life, I was being accepted. Tiffany became candidly sharing her sober life, being a wife + mother on social media. "Reaching out for help was the greatest gift I gave my future self." If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, visit Nar-Anon. Follow Tiffany Jenkins on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Get a copy of Tiffany Jenkins' book High Achiever. TIFFANY JENKINS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. [Listen to Mitch Albom on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 81 and ep. 199!] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Ability to see the good in everyone. 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 dad's ashes. 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. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom told me to stop meeting my problems halfway and wait for them to come all the way. My dad told me to look down at my feet to keep me present. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Give her a hug, tell her she's loved. And tell her to hug her mom a couple more times. 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? It didn't play out the way I thought it would and that ended up being the greatest blessing of all.  *** 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.