Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Have you ever noticed that the games we play as children can teach us profound lessons as adults? Join me as I share how my son Henry reminded me how we spend so much of our life blinking, missing the point or not being fully present. Today I challenge you to be fully present and fully engaged in all that you do.   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.

Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles including helplessness + isolation --  until he discovered his purpose. As a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur and father of four, Nick emphasizes that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome. Today, Nick shares his path to finding purpose, how sharing his struggles have inspired billions + what he's looking forward to. This conversation with an ambassador of hope will remind you that we all can rise above adversity and overcome every disability and live a life without limits. SHOW NOTES: The happiest people on earth are ones that are grateful. Before his birth, Nick's parents did not know he'd be born without limbs. It took his mom four months to come to terms  At a young age, Nick's parents encouraged him to do household chores for money which taught him goal-setting, dignity + appreciation and also have faith in God, know he is loved + to not limit himself. At 10 years old, while searching for his purpose and combating bullies, Nick attempted suicide. I don't need to hold their hand. I need to hold their heart. Never expected to be married or have children, Nick has four kids with his wife of eight years. "Life isn't always smooth. Life isn't always good. But, life overall is good." "We don't see the good that can come from broken pieces. We don't give any room for miracles. And when you don't get a miracle, you can still be a miracle for someone else." Nick has shared his life-giving message of hope to over 2 billion people. Australia's speaking industry was virtually nonexistent when Nick began his career. That + the worry that Nick would be influenced by other's opinions made his parents fearful. After two years, Nick's success + life-changing impact was apparent. "There is hope beyond the brokenness." "My joy is in my faith, family + friendship." Nick + I share how our children have learn their dads may not be like the other dads and how they've learned to bridge the gap through sharing that everyone has value. Looking forward, Nick is grateful + seeking balance. Learn more about Nick Vujicic here. Learn more about Nick Vujicic's ministry Life Without Limbs here. NICK VUJICIC'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible and Money Secrets of the Rich by John Burley. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Celebrate the good longer + more fully. 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 painting of 6 hands toasting to life with glasses of wine. My best friends have the same painting. 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? Oprah because I want her to know that Jesus loves her and heard her prayers when she was a child giving her the greatest pulpit in the world to preach the gospel unwaveringly. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Learn how to reverse engineer your goals + time prioritze. Stay humble. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Carve out one hour a day to sit in silence and think, read your Bible more and pray more. 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? An imperfect ambassador for perfect hope that had a heart bigger than Texas to help the world know that they are loved and never give up.  *** My new book IN AWE is now available! 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 Moment segment. As you may know, my second book IN AWE published last week... and it became an instant bestseller on Amazon! While our live in-person book launch party is postponed, we wanted to celebrate virtually.  Tens of thousands of people tuned in Friday evening to hear me brag on my beautiful bride, hear stories from my heroes (named Mom and Dad!) and hear this rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist".  Watch the Virtual IN AWE Book Launch party at ReadInAwe.com, YouTube or Facebook. Don't have a copy of IN AWE yet? Order from ReadInAwe.com or anywhere books are sold! *** 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.

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history selling over 11 million records, earning five Grammy Awards and received a record-breaking 58 golden Dove trophies. Today, Steven joins us to share the inspiration behind his latest single "Together (We'll Get Through This)” with friends Brad Paisley, Lauren Alaina and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. When collaborating on the inspiring + uplifting project, Steven saw the need for a message that many of us are desperately seeking: we need each other + we will get through it as one. In addition, Steven shares the inspiration behind his music, how his family has found comfort after his daughter’s tragic death and the faith he instills in God. This uplifting + timely conversation will remind you that the best of our days do remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: Steven's first gig in music was with his brother at Opryland Park in Nashville, TN after high school. "A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument." The inspiration for Steven's hit "Cinderella" came after tucking his two youngest daughters into bed - despite their protests to stay up and dance -  reminding him to cherish those little, meaningful moments. Steven shares the touching story of how his oldest daughter Emily's prayers were answered when they welcomed three adopted children into their family 20 years ago. Recognizing a need, Steven + his family created Show Hope to help families with the financial burden of adopting children. Learn more about Show Hope + the over 7,000 families they've helped here. "You only have so many moments with your Cinderella." A year and a half after writing "Cinderella", 5-year-old Maria passed away in a car accident. Steven has settled that God was + is there in every dark moment of our lives. "God, at times, restrains even himself from charging in and ending every evil + wrong thing." "God wept greater than we ever could have imagined weeping because God created the life of Maria and knew the devastation." "The hope + belief that God is with us has sustained us." The Chapman family made the difficult decision to keep Maria's legacy alive by speaking of her often and even creating Maria's Big House of Hope, an orphanage that cared for thousands of children that are medically fragile in China. Steven enlisted friends Brad Paisley, Lauren Alaina and Tasha Cobbs Leonard to release "Together (We'll Get Through This)." Proceeds from the inspiring and uplifting collaboration will benefit the Opry Trust Fund and Gospel Music Association to assist those who've been gravely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to stream and download. STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible and Loving God by Chuck Colson. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Wonder. It's probably why I started playing music and writing songs. 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 guitar. I process everything with a guitar in my hand and I have more things I need to process. 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 bride of 36 years Mary Beth Chapman and Corrie ten Boom + her story of The Hiding Place. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Bloom where you're planted. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Take your time + try to enjoy the moments because they are going to go by way quicker than you can ever imagine. 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 faithful. *** My new book IN AWE is now available! 100% of the proceeds from all books presold and sold the first week of publication are being donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. So don’t wait! 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 Moment segment. I never imagined releasing a book during a pandemic, yet could there be a better time to share a message about thinking differently, acting selflessly, dreaming mightily, connecting authentically and living joyfully? While this week may look a bit different than we planned, I see an even greater reason to apply the lessons I write about in the book. I’ve learned that true generosity isn’t about giving that which you won’t miss but recognizing the needs of another that are indeed far greater than yours. 100% of all profits from the pre-sale and first week of sales for In Awe are being donated to my favorite organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters. The profits from the 10,000 – 15,000 books sold during these weeks would have significantly helped me but will help the families within Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri far more. Let’s make the best of all we still have, instead of begrudging all we don’t. Let’s remind individuals of the profound blessing within their lives and the possibilities that remain alive within each day. [Click to tweet.] Learn how you can get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters here. Order your copy of IN AWE 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.

Diane Rehm spent almost four decades on-air interviewing iconic cultural + political figures on The Diane Rehm Show, and she represents the very sound of National Public Radio. Often described as the "diva of discussions", Diane has the unique ability to own a strong opinion on matters but also the uncommon ability to remain open to other's opinions. Naturally curious to others' perspective Diane possesses an amazing combination of steeliness + vulnerability. Today, Diane opens up about her latest book When My Time Comes + the opposing arguments for + against the right-to-die. You'll also learn about her longstanding career in radio, working through crippling anxiety early in her career, how she overcame debilitating neurological voice disorder and why she sees herself as the "luckiest person". SHOW NOTES: When Diane was 19, her 49-year-old mother died from liver disease. In her last of countless trips to the hospital, she begged to die in order to be released from the pain + suffering. Eleven months later, Diane's father died of a broken heart. "We are all going to die. It's part of the life circle. Accepting that, planning for it, talking about what it is that you want at the end of life is what I am encouraging people to do." As a Serbian Orthodox, Diane felt pressure to marry an Arab just months before her mother's death. Feeling relief + freedom after her father died, Diane got a divorce. After stumbling into radio, Diane experienced severe anxiety daily for nearly 2 years until her bosses uplifting + encouraging messages gave her the confidence. Diane has interviewed countless political and cultural figures including Fred Rogers, Bill + Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. "When each person comes into the studio, what I see is not a bigger-than-life human being but rather a human being." In 1998, Diane was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that affects the quality of her voice. Ten years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Diane's husband of 54 years John Rehm expressed his need to die. For 10 days, he stopped eating, drinking + taking his medication before passing. Right-to-die advocate: Diane encourages individuals to move past the fear of death to have conversations about end-of-life care. "Find your own passion. Be open + ready to the possibilities." "He was one of if not the greatest teachers of humankind that I've seen in my lifetime." Diane shares that her interview with Fred Rogers was her most memorable interview. Listen here. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? I have received the greatest love from so many people in my life that I am the luckiest person in the world. Learn more about Diane Rehm here. Get a copy of Diane Rehm's book When My Time Comes. We are just days away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy 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. Today I welcome back New York Times bestselling author + leader of the hands-free revolution Rachel Macy Stafford. Rachel shares her latest book Live Love Now and tackles the biggest challenges facing kids today and equips adults to engage them with humanness and heart, compassion and honesty to discover the deep, life-giving connection everyone is longing for. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire!  "As parents, we can’t prevent the stress our kids experience at school or in society, but we CAN give them coping skills… we CAN allow for emotionally healthy experiences at home... we CAN emphasize meaningful measures of success despite the one the world shoves down their throat.”  "In a world that looks for the quick fix, that prefers to numb the pain rather than do the work to heal, that resists the need to talk about hard things like mental health, we often walk right past ourselves and our loved ones in times of struggle. When we do, we forfeit the chance to connect, heal, and strengthen through a loving response." "The truth is not the end. The truth is the beginning." Get Rachel Macy Stafford's new book Live Love Now here. Rachel joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 9. She shared her insight + tips on how to stop managing life and start living it. Listen here. *** We are just days away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy 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.

Lauren Daigle is the fastest-selling new artist in the Contemporary Christian genre of the last decade. Critically acclaimed for her unique, soulful + soaring vocals, the singer-songwriter is sincere, down-to-earth and has unwavering faith.  Today, the 2-time Grammy Award winner shares how her Louisiana-roots cultivated her appreciation for music, the uplifting inspiration behind her lyrics, and how rediscovering her childlike wonder helped her find greater joy in life. Lauren also shares how she previously embraced a period of stillness amidst a whirlwind of success, how it propelled her forward into her next fruitful season + what it could mean for you during the COVID-19 pandemic. SHOW NOTES: "We're on the precipice of something extraordinary. If the whole world is still and experiencing a level of silence, great things come on the other side of those experiences." “I need to learn to love change because it is inevitable.” Lauren grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana surrounded by a  culture of music, passion + creativity. Music was a formative way of learning, a way of life + a way to come out of hard, dark times. As a teenager, Lauren was homebound because of the immunocompromising virus cytomegalovirus and music became a way to stay motivated and out of depression.  "Being still showed me the future." "My life experiences allow a texture, tone or an emotion to come out in my voice." After high school, Lauren helped build a church on a mission trip to Brazil. While there, she saw how religion can separate others + learned to see people for who they are versus what they believe in. "There are so many things in life that make us more alike than different." Before becoming an award-winning singer, Lauren wanted to pursue a career in doing pro-bono law for human trafficking victims.   "If you're in a place in life where you have dreams, things you're hoping or longing for and they don't seem to be in close proximity, surround yourself with as much influence as you can while being diligent and persistent in the work before you." Lauren shares the meaning behind some of the lyrics to "This Girl", "Look Up Child" and "You Say". December 25, 2017: After working herself into exhaustion, and many would say at the height of her career, Lauren took close to a year off of work to "be still". Lauren relates that period to pulling back a slingshot before being propelled forward + fruitful in the next season of her life. As her world tour is on pause because of the coronavirus, Lauren again plans to get lost in the stillness to let her mind, heart + spirit be refreshed + revived. Learn more about Lauren Daigle here. LAUREN DAIGLE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Love Does by Bob Goff. [Listen to Bob Goff on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 115!] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Climb trees better and get lost in wonder more frequently. 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 first thought once all people that matter to me are safe, I don't care. Let's roast marshmallows. My second thought is a $100 bill my grandfather gave me as he was passing away + giving the advice "you better know who you, whose you are and where you are." My third thought is a letterbox filled with letters from my childhood until now. 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 grandfather because I miss him. Also, Quincy Jones to learn + engulf myself in stories of his career and his personal pains + hardships. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Bob Goff told me to always remember who my 8-year-old self is. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Steady the course, stay focused, keep moving forward and when you think you've lost yourself, God will always direct you back to who you are. 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? Lauren Daigle was a woman who loved well, loved rich and loved deep.  *** We are just days away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy 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 “Monday Moment” segment. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Carol.  Carol asked: What keeps you grounded? I have a few key phrases that remind me of what is important — and what isn’t.  I love you… and there is nothing you can do about it. Thank you. This too shall pass. Tune in to hear how these phrases inspire me. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** 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.

My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of us in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. Sunday marks the 25-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.  Many of us were left searching for healing + hope after the deadliest domestic act of terrorism in our country's history. Two mired in darkness were Bud Welch, a father of one of the victims, and Bill McVeigh, the father of Timothy McVeigh. Before learning about the astonishing forgiveness that led to an extraordinary friendship between Bud + Bill, Jeanne Bishop shares her own transformative journey to reconciliation. Jeanne,  author + law reform advocate, details what led to finding forgiveness with the murderer of her sister + brother-in-law.  Today’s emotionally powerful episode will inspire you to see the hope, freedom + joy that comes from forgiveness + reconciliation.  SHOW NOTES: Jeanne's Story April 7, 1990: "I'll see you tomorrow," were the last words Jeanne said to her younger sister Nancy before she was tragically murdered along with her husband + unborn child. Love is stronger than death. In Nancy's final moments, she drug herself towards her husband, using her own blood to write "Love You" which gives Jeanne peace, knowing that she died in love. Hating someone else is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Wanting Nancy's memory to be life-saving + life-giving, Jeanne forgave the killer in order to free herself. After 22 years, Jeanne wrote the killer a letter expressing her forgiveness + offering to visit him in prison. He wrote back sharing his remorse + showing how he grasped the enormity of his crimes, giving Jeanne justice. From murderer to friend: Jeanne has formed a bond with her family's killer, having hope + expectation that he passes along every bit of good he can do whether he's in prison the rest of his life or not. "The more I get to know them from you, the worse I feel about what I did." - Nancy's killer to Jeanne. Bill McVeigh + Bud Welch's Story: April 19, 1995: A truck bomb placed by Timothy McVeigh exploded outside Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people including 23-year-old Julie Welch, making it the deadliest domestic terror attack in US history. Sister Roz, a Catholic nun who councils prisoners at the infamous Attica Prison, introduced Bud Welch (Julie's father) to Bill McVeigh (Timothy's father). Realizing the hate Bud harbored for Timothy was not healing him, he sought to break the cycle of retaliation, revenge and bloodshed.  "Vengeance begets vengeance; hate breeds more hate. Reconciliation is altogether different; it changes us and changes the world, one human heart at a time." "We will only defeat evil with the amazing, forgiving reconciling love of God." The Survivor Tree: Julie would park under the only tree that would provide relief from the sweltering Oklahoma summers + it survived the attack. Bud sees that tree as a living symbol of Julie. Learn more about the tree here. Do you cry? Not feeling that he deserved to cry over the loss of his son, Bill finally felt free to cry after Bud acknowledged his son's humanity. "There is hope. There is light. You don’t have to be mired in darkness. You don’t have to be pinned under a rock of defeat, hate, anger + disappointment. God wants to lift you into a life of freedom + joy." Get a copy of Jeanne Bishop's book Grace from the Rubble. Get a copy of Jeanne Bishop's book Change of Heart. JEANNE BISHOP'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I used to see stories in my head, write poetry, make up songs, see magic in the forest. 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? Nancy's cross. She had a beautiful gold cross on a single gold chain that laid against her heart as it stopped beating. 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 grandfathers. They had so much wisdom and I was too little to know it. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Pastor John Boyle asked me, "What are you waiting for?"  6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Listen to the still, small voice of God before it has to become a megaphone. 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?  Give your life away. To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** We are just a few short weeks away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy 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.