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 as I share this timely poem. May you know love. The kind that makes you better, that challenges you to grow. Walk in loving kindness and you will feel the invisible tether that connects us all. May you live a life of purpose. Seek knowledge from young and old. Different and same, gentle and sharp. Live with your eyes wide open. See the beauty, the goodness, the miracles but also the struggle. Dare yourself to make a difference in the world. May you notice divinity in unlikely places. May you stand in awe of the world around you. And find wisdom in both the sunshine and the rain. Pause. Breath. Listen. The trees will tell you secrets if you let them. Let them. - Unknown *** 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 honor of the return of MLB baseball this week, we’re thrilled to have Major League Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. as our guest.  Cal is the epitome of dedication + perseverance. In his 21-year career, he earned his way into the record books numerous times, most notably when he broke Lou Gehrig's longstanding record of consecutive games played – with 2,130 games. Today, Cal is an author, speaker + philanthropist.   Our conversation will surprise you – we talk about baseball but even more about life outside of the ballpark. You’ll hear why Cal values persistently showing up despite difficulty and how he came to believe that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: September 6, 1995: Cal played in his 2,130-game to break Lou Gehrig's longstanding MLB record of consecutive games played. "There was a human connection between me and the people in the stand that was unlike anything else I've ever experienced." Cal believes that baseball nation applauded Cal's streak because everyone was looking for something to believe in and everyone can relate to a streak. Do your job and do it well. Umpire attendant Ernie Tyler did not miss a home game for 31 years and worked 3,819 consecutive games. He missed his first game to attend Cal's National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. I share a portion of Cal's gracious speech. Watch it in its entirety here. "Once your confidence develops you'll start to see your true potential." During his rookie season, manager Earl Weaver and player Reggie Jackson were empathic to Cal and helped him build his confidence. "My dad kept me grounded by saying 'you're an all-star player now, but the true test is over time."  All good things come to an end: Cal voluntarily ended his streak at 2,632. 9/11 happened during Cal's last year in professional baseball and helped put things into perspective. Cal shares how Curtis Martin's story moved + inspired him. Watch Curtis' Hall of Fame speech. Take a general feeling of help and focus it in a direction that is important. Learn more about the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. CAL RIPKEN JR.'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Passion and immersion.  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? A letter I wrote to myself in September 1987 when my consecutive inning streak was stopped. 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? Lou Gehrig. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? You belong. Believe in yourself. You have the power to do whatever you want.  6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry so much. Try things. Experience things. 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? To be remembered at all is pretty good. Be remembered as gamer. *** 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.

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson "It's not about you." These are the first four words of one of the bestselling books of all time. Through the principles put forward by Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life, we are reminded that to discover what most stirs our heart, ignites our passion and elevates our lives: We must begin with the surprising + unpopular truth that it’s not about us. In other words, to obtain the best of our lives we must... stop believing that it’s all about our lives. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 58, Matt Emerzian shared how he went from a senior vice president at a major music marketing company working with Hollywood's elite to shifting into a life of purpose. Hear how he made this shift, the impact it’s had and what it means for you here. Want to achieve greater success, impact more deeply and savor an even better life? Want more vibrancy and joy? It turns out the greatest returns in life are rarely discovered in what we receive, but in what we give. Because, ultimately, we don’t long to be merely happy, busy or successful. We desire to be useful, honorable, and compassionate. We yearn to make a difference, to belong to a community and to share love with others. In a world as divided and negative as ours, what better time to start than now. *** 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.

“We have tremendous opportunity ahead to heal.” At seventeen years old, Brian Walsh found himself clinging to life after being caught in a burning building as a volunteer firefighter. Managing excruciating physical and mental pain for decades, today Brian is leading an inspired life as a financial planner, philanthropist, father and friend. In our conversation, Brian shares the quote above + what it means for all of us in this season of unyielding unrest. His hard-won resilience + tenacity will shift your perspective and help you see how you, too, can overcome the obstacles in your life today. SHOW NOTES: Growing in, Brian's middle-class blue-collar town expected young people to serve the community while his parents instilled the importance of hard work. At 17 years old, Brian started as a volunteer firefighter. October 24, 1981: After a freak flashover, Brian suffered such profound third-degree burns to his face that he was unidentifiable to his fellow firefighters.  "I was so consumed with healing, I didn't want to look back, relive it and have it as an excuse or crutch." Three weeks after the accident,  Brian credits his inner strength from fighting not to live but fighting not to die, giving him the perseverance to thrive. During recovery, Brian wore a compression face mask to reduce scarring which brought unwelcomed attention yet it's during that time he met his wife of 35 years. Foxhole friends: Brian encourages his three children to have spirited generosity, loyalty + compassion for others.  "What mental torture is the person next to me going through that is invisible? What scar isn't physical? "We have tremendous opportunity ahead to heal with each other." Get of a copy of Brian Walsh's Beyond the Mask.  BRIAN WALSH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, The E-Myth by Michael Gerber and The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Exuberance. 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? An ashtray from my grandfather. 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? Abraham Lincoln and ask where he got the strength in so many different situations. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad: Never lose your sense of humor. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be a foxhole friend. 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? A man who loved, generous in spirit, generous indeed and love his family very much. *** 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 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. “Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” ― Roy T. Bennett How do you respond to those with differing views than yours?   As a society, we are choosing to self-isolate. And this began long before a global pandemic.    Most of us live near, worship with and socialize among individuals who are similar to us.  It’s no surprise when someone forms a differing opinion, we simply cancel them, right?   But is it right?  *** 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.

Recently, a dear friend shared the work of journalist Mike Max and his coverage of George Floyd's murder and the protests, destruction and marches in Minneapolis in the following days. Mike had covered the sports beat for 34 years at the CBS Minneapolis station and chose to use his longstanding relationship with the community to work to calm the hostile environment, spark meaningful conversations and capture the real-time experiences of the grieving community. Today, Mike shares his firsthand experience and what it was like to witness demonstrators and police officers respect for each other. Our conversation will remove the fog we often feel from politicized reporting and remind us of the good, humanity and of the possibility of us all coming together. SHOW NOTES: Growing up in a small Minnesota town, Mike credits his positive role models in building his fundamental foundation. Be thankful for what you did get to do.  As a former college athlete, Mike sees sports as a great meritocracy. In his 34 years in media, Mike insatiable appetite for his work + the process of sharing stories of others. Although Minneapolis had a history of racial tension and Mike expected turmoil after viewing George Floyd's murder, he didn't anticipate it growing into a global movement for social change. From covering area high school + professional sports for many years, Mike leaned into his diverse network, especially his Black friends to learn and gain a critical perspective. While reporting on the demonstrators' perspective and their hopes for the demonstrations, Mike – a white man - began to understand the impact police brutality had had on the Black community in Minneapolis. Mike observed humanity and respect as demonstrators and officers began to understand each other after they spent long hours and days together "He's got a family. He's got friends. I've got a family. I've got friends. We just want to go home to the people we love."A quote from one of the demonstrators, sharing what it was like to talk with one of the officers at a demonstration. MIKE MAX'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey Mackay.  2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I cared more about people + trusted much more. 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 and the pictures of my family + friends. 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? Any President or Johnny Carson. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Hard work always pays off. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't get so uptight about things that don't matter. 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 gave it his best shot. *** My new book IN AWEis 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 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. During this season of full of challenges, change and the unknown it's more important than ever to recognize that some of these difficulties can be used for new birth, reconciliation and hope for the future. Today, I share a poem written by Samuel Ullman that emphasizes the optimistic power of youth.  Youth by Samuel Ullman Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life. Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust. Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being's heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing child-like appetite of what's next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the infinite, so long are you young. When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty. *** 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.

When you flipped the calendar from December to January, what were you certain was going to happen this year? Maybe a family vacation, wedding, simply going to the store as often as you needed! And then...  Borders closed. Events were canceled. Online learning became the norm. Dining room tables, pets and children replaced offices and coworkers. Today, Janine Urbaniak Reid shares her own reluctant journey with unexpected chaos - hers is in the form of mothering a son with cancer. But the truth she shares is applicable to all of us navigating these uncertain times:   This crisis can pull away the distractions and leave you with focus on only the essentials; clarity on what truly matters.  Now that is a gift.  SHOW NOTES: At a young age, Janine learned to hide secrets of abuse + alcoholism from others.  "Every big transformative moment comes from the simple word help." Janine hoped that her overprotective parenting style would protect them from similar trauma she faced as a child while also re-parenting herself. Her youngest, Mason, was in kindergarten when his hand began to shake before suffering migraine headaches. They'd later learn this neurologist misdiagnosed this "normal tremor". Boze Grozi: What did you do to make God so mad at you?  Tree roots under a sidewalk: Mason's slow-growing tumor had wrapped itself around essential brain structures making it irremovable.  "We are ordinary people called to do extraordinary things and push beyond our limits." "I'd rather be anything but powerless." While orbiting an unpredictable tumor, Mason faced numerous setbacks and Janine saw it as a balance board of surrender yet do everything possible. Courage is not feeling like Wonder Woman. Courage is asking for help, surrendering and prayer. "I don't want to live a life I hate while living circumstances that I do." Instead of waiting for a crisis to be over, Janine found simple ways to find God + take care of herself including calling friends + going on walks. "Love is always enough. Strength is enough. You are enough." Get Janine Urbaniak Reid's book The Opposite of Certainty. JANINE URBANIAK REID'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Willams and anything by Anne Lamott. 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? The painting that became the cover The Opposite of Certainty. 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? Mary, mother of Jesus. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? "You're doing it. You don't think you can do it, but you're doing it," and "Don't give up." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't be so afraid of making mistakes. 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? God is good and life is good. *** 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 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. How do I greet every person I meet? In silence to myself, I say, "I love you." Though spoken in silence, these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile my face and they echo in my voice. - Og Mandino After partnering with a couple of thousand organizations, we've learned how to improve top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability but also about the value of relationships. How do you greet every person you meet in life? Not just those you're trying to impress, inspire or lead... but everybody. Now more than ever, think through collaboratively of ways to come together, find the middle ground and build a brighter future. Today, I encourage you in silence and to yourself, to greet others with love, understanding and acceptance. *** 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.

As we're in the midst of the storm! COVID-19, economic recession, social unrest and injustices and yet... Today's guest is a welcomed reminder of the special people continuing to do extraordinary things every day. Dr. Art McCoy's radical yet practical intervention as Superintendent has transformed his district from a “dropout factory” to a 100% graduation rate This inspiring conversation will spark unity + offer you concrete ways to be a change agent in your community. SHOW NOTES: Through his parent's adversity, Art learned the importance of hard work, humility and perseverance.  "Your pain becomes your springboard for your purpose." In less than 2 decades, Jennings, a city in North St. Louis, MO, experienced white flight, was taken over of mediocrity, ignorance and apathy and its school faced losing accreditation. In the last decade, Art has worked as the school superintendent to reverse his hometown and establish enlightenment, empowerment and engagement. Dropout factory in a promise zone: When Art started as a superintendent, homelessness, teenage pregnancy birthrates, highschool dropouts and unemployment were at all-time highs. In an effort to reverse the statistics of the failing district, Art started a radical reinvention throughout the entire system including parents, teachers and pre-K students. "Hope is your superpower. The second you get destroyed by hopelessness is when  you're tricked by the enemy or yourself."  Art shares the heartwarming story of how a Somalian refugee learned to shed his darkness and bring the hope of life. Every kid + every person wants the three S's: Be seen, supported, affirmed to know they are sufficient. Moving beyond the need to create centers of engagement: To overcome societal deficits, Jennings offers two health-based clinics that covering mental + physical wellbeing, immunizations + dental work, homeless shelters and grocery stores. How Michael Brown death sparked change: His sister Deja Brown led a protest to connect + build relationships with local law enforcement. His mother Lezley McFadden partnered with Art and local law enforcement to launch a foundation in his memory. Through their College + Career Prep Academy, students partner with local law enforcement officers that mentor to enlighten, empower + engage change in the community. "No one needs fewer cops. We need better cops. We need cops that care about us. Many of them are good and you need to grow the good." How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Give your mind, body + spirit, time + space to recharge. How can I be a change agent for good? Grow up, show up sometimes act up, love up and lift up. DR. ART MCCOY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck. [To learn more about privilege versus oppression + the journey of healing, Art recommends  Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy.] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Courage to go bigger. 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? A collage of my great, great, great grandmothers who were slaves. 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? Myself 10 minutes before death. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My brother's last words to me were "Keep doing what you're doing." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be faithful to what you know is true and follow your heart. Sometimes you have to go through it to grow through it. 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? SAGES: Severing achievement gaps that exist in students + severing attainment gaps that exist in society. *** 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 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.