Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment. We are living in a divisive era and it’s never been easier to build walls that divide us. As a member of the Live Inspired community, I urge you to be a bridge builder and find ways to connect with others. But how? Today, I share three simple strategies to help elevate our conversations and build relationships regardless of our differences: Own the conversation from the start (Don’t wait!) Actively listen as if they are the only person (They are!) Be passionately curious as if their opinion actually matters (It does!) My friends, the future belongs to the bridge builders. [Tweet this.] History teaches that unity is strength and the way forward requires coming together to overcome differences in the quest for common goals. So, love others from the start, put distractions down, and curiously ask questions.  *** 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.

It's hard to believe it's been four years since my first national bestselling book On Fire hit bookshelves. Since then, it's sold more 200,000 copies, been translated into more than a dozen languages and touched, impacted + elevated lives across the world... but it's individual stories of impact that ignite me the most. To celebrate, I want to share two stories On Fire has blessed me with in the last four years. The first being one of the countless experiences that dramatically touched me and the second being a question I am frequently asked about the many stories featured in the book.  I hope that today's episode will remind you of the gift and liberating freedom of unconditional love. SHOW NOTES: Like my mom, I share how one dad chose love, crediting On Fire. After his daughter read On Fire, she's convinced and convicted in choosing life. "I didn't write On Fire to be on airport bookshelves. I wrote On Fire to remind one person at a time that they have the ability to change the world." "It's not called On Fire because I got burned. It's called On Fire because of every single thing that happened after the explosion. It's a reminder of grace." Get a copy of On Fire here. *** 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 “Monday Moment” segment. Recently, I had numerous Live Inspired community members, friends and family share the heartwarming story of loving note of encouragement a daughter carved out of snow for her mom. This story touched me greatly because it reminded me of my brother Jim and how he carved a note of encouragement during my recovery. You're going to love this story! *** 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.

Is this good enough for me to stay the same? This is the life-saving question Laura McKowen, author of We Are the Luckiest + one of the foremost voices in the modern recovery movement, asked herself. From a horrific DWI to the painful incident that left her 4-year-old daughter in danger, Laura shares her personal journey in choosing sobriety with the utmost vulnerability + candor.   But this is more than just one person's journey of using addiction as an invitation to living more intentionally. Today's powerful and thought-provoking conversation will inspire you to practice self-forgiveness and free yourself of shame and guilt.  SHOW NOTES: Writing a letter to "2012 Laura": Laura started blogging about her journey to sobriety, not for others but to heal herself. During her college going-away party, Laura recalls freely drink around her family and how the buzz finally allowed her to cope with the struggles she was facing. Laura would chase opportunities and social situations to drink and even gravitated towards a career in the booze-laden advertising industry. While not always problematic, drinking allowed Laura be free and get the love + attention she wanted. The wake-up call: It wasn't after a horrific DWI, but when Laura left her 4-year-old daughter alone in a hotel room overnight that Laura knew she had to make a change.  The natural question with alcohol addiction is “Is this bad enough that I have to change?” but Laura feels the question should be "Is this good enough for me to stay the same?", followed by "Are you free?" "My worst nightmares happened and I created them." Laura shares how she's been able to move past shame + guilt towards mercy. Our pain, obstacles, and struggles are invitations to a bigger life. If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you. - Gospel of Thomas Be honest: Laura encourages those struggling with addiction to share their struggle with another person. Get Laura McKowen's We Are the Luckiest here. If you found today's episode inspiring, you'll enjoy my conversation with Fr. Tom Hoar. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 134, Fr. Tom shares his own stories of redemption + healing - including his own - through the poignant question "have you had enough?" LAURA MCKOWEN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Playfulness. 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 from my late-grandma. 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? Poet Mary Oliver. She was the master of paying attention and exquisite way of turning the very mundane into the profound. Her poems have saved my life. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  It's okay to practice. You're not performing all the time. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? My instinct is to say, "you don't need to drink" but I'm so grateful I went down the path I did. I'd tell her "you're going to be loved." 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? Less me. More God.  *** 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 “Monday Moment” segment. Last week I challenged you to do a random act of kindness, then take it a step further and share it with me. I was in awe of the responses and want to share one that particularly moved me. Hear how Live Inspired community member Jenn is healing her heart by helping others. *** 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.

Ever had the feeling that you're not enough or get beat down by monotony, adversity, loneliness or pace of every day? Melanie Shankle has a beautiful way of speaking to these expected bouts with humor, authenticity and insight. In addition to being a devoted wife, mom and dear friend, Melanie is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcast host.  Today's down-to-earth and relatable conversation will remind you to step away from comparison and towards finding joy in life's ordinary moments.  SHOW NOTES: Her parent's divorce exacerbated her people-pleasing nature, until her pivotal time at Texas A&M where she found faith, family, friends + football. Broken beyond repair: At a low point in college, Melanie attended Breakaway Bible Study which helped her find grace, love and redemption.  Melanie's down-to-earth and humorous personality shines brightly in her writing. If there is any good there, it's worth fighting for. In The Antelope in the Living Room, Melanie shares how her marriage to Perry is her greatest blessing + greatest challenge. "The most important thing we do is pour into our kids." A friend advised Melanie to show up, listen and let your young child be heard if you want open communication when they're older. Melanie's latest book On the Bright Side is a reminder to look for joy in ordinary days and step away from comparison + competition.  Sharing her fears aloud helps Melanie avoid spiraling and hearing how absurd they sound. "One of the greatest tricks the enemy can play on us is to convince us nothing is worth the fight." Connect Melanie on her website, Instagram and Twitter. Get Melanie Shankle's book On the Bright Side here. Melanie shares how she turned opportunities down in order to be a mom to her daughter Caroline. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 216, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, daughter of Steve Jobs, shared how she'd trade some of his iconic inventions for extra time with him. Listen to our conversation here. MELANIE SHANKLE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Total freedom. 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? Photo albums.  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? Mother Teresa because her mission and the way she was able to live her life is amazing, or Alexander Hamilton because I'm reading a book + intrigued about his story.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Sometimes the best part of staying married is being glad later that you did.  6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Hang on, it gets better. 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 was full of joy and showed it to everyone around her. *** 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 “Monday Moment” segment. “There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it.” - James A. Garfield, 20th US President What random act of kindness can you do for someone else today? If you need some inspiration, visit Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's website for ideas! On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 136, I welcomed Leon Logothetis of The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, to share his journey of traveling the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers. His message is powerful, and it's going to change the world. Listen to ep. 136 here. *** 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’s your fear? Is that fear serving you or hindering you? Evy Poumpouras is one of the world’s leading experts of fear. As a former Secret Service Special Agent, multi-platform journalist and star of Bravo’s Spy Games, Evy has worked protective detail for four U.S. Presidents and is trained by the Department of Defense in the art and science of lie detection, human behavior and cognitive influence. Today, Evy is going to share her resilient + courageous journey from finding her purpose, nearly dying on 9/11 + beyond, and what it means to truly live fearlessly. This conversation will spark inspiration to find the strongest, fearless version of yourself. SHOW NOTES: Evy was raised in Harlem by hardworking Greek immigrant parents. During summers, Evy + her brother would return to her grandparents' small Greek village teaching her humility, appreciation and Greek culture. We have to listen to ourselves: Her parents didn’t initially understand Evy choosing a career in law enforcement. “If you go through your entire career and never once use your weapon, you’ve had an awesome, productive career. [Your mouth] is far more powerful than [your weapon].” - Sergeant Corrigan of NYPD Get people to comply without force by learning how to properly communicate. Beyond earning her spot among the most elite, Evy had to prove her talents to earn the respect + acceptance of her male peers. “How you define yourself is your choice. How others define you is their choice. It’s up to decide which definition you prefer.” Objectively seek the truth: As an interrogator for the U.S. Secret Service, Evy learned to be less judgmental. Evy touts the importance and power of active listening in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. I will not die afraid: Evy was awarded the Secret Service Medal of Valor Award for her heroism on September 11, 2001. Pain is inevitable in life. It’s how you take your pain and turn it into light. Finding meaning in tragedy helps us heal. Live fearlessly: Understand that it’s okay to be afraid, but don’t become paralyzed by fear. If you look at the obstacles you have to overcome, you’ll kill your dream before it ever had a chance to exist. Don’t tell me why it can’t be done. Tell me how it can be done. Pre-order a copy of Evy Poumpouras’ book Becoming Bulletproof here. If you loved hearing from a military hero, you'll love my Military + First Responder playlist!  Hear how Forrest Gump continues to influence Gary Sinise, Jim Lovell's journey to the dark side of the moon and how one veteran embraces unexpected challenges. Listen to the Military + First Responder playlist. EVY POUMPOURAS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Circe by Madeline Miller. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Lightness, focusing on what you can control. 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 dad. I’d want to know what it’s like where he is now and tell him that he did a good job. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? How are we going to win this fight if we let it crush us? 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don’t worry about it, everything always works out. 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? Don’t tell me why it can’t be done. Tell me how it can be done. *** 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. Today I welcome back Matt Emerzian, author, speaker + founder of Every Monday Matters, a non-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Matt shares his latest book You Matter and simple tips to find meaning and live fully―and change the world while doing so. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire!  Get Matt Emerzian's new book You Matter here. Matt joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 58. He shared his story of finding a calm and grounded existence, and his first book Every Monday Matters. Listen here. *** 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.

Relationships are hard. Amber + Guy Lia, owners of faith-and family-friendly production company Storehouse Media Group, join us to share practical advice on some of the most common issues that trigger friction in partnerships. Married for 14 years, Amber + Guy are proof that a typical couple can break the reactionary cycle of outbursts and embrace the opportunity for growth as individuals and as a couple. Whether it's poor communication, busy schedules, different parenting styles, or another culprit, this husband-wife team offers easy-to-apply advice to counter adverse reactions to these triggers.  Today's conversation will offer hope that anger + frustration can shift into peace + joy -- and it's not as hard as you think! SHOW NOTES: Find a rhythm that works for you. To balance writing with raising their four children, Guy + Amber carved dedicated time to work together by waking up at 2 a.m. Although Amber's first childhood memories were positive, she recalls dark periods which she attributes to her parents being raised in a strict separatist cult. “In the midst of all the conflict, my parents were incredibly devoted and exceedingly generous.” Guy’s parents were in a car accident when he was a child, causing conflicts in their relationship. After a massive heart attack, his parents learned a new way to love each other and present a better model of parenting. "I thought I was getting Prince Charming and he thought he was getting Princess Perfect and we were both falling short of that idea." From marriage to parenting within three months: Not having an opportunity to solidify the foundation of their friendship and marriage relationship caused stumbling blocks early in their marriage. Having been around kids her entire life, Amber did not expect the internal identity crisis she faced. Triggers will always be there. Stop reacting in anger and frustration, and start responding in more gentle, Biblical responses. When you're no longer friends... To rediscover why she fell in love with Guy, Amber wrote down one thing that she appreciated and valued about him.  When you're weary and exhausted... being involved in their community eases the burdens Amber + Guy carries. When your marriage ebbs and flows... commit to "check-ups" with your significant other once or twice a month to openly communicate needs and problems. "Being proactive in our marriages prevents us from being reactive in our marriages." "Making our spouses happy is not our job but should be our delight." "Some of our biggest marriage triggers don't result from what we do but from what we neglect to do." "There is nothing anger can do that love can't do better" Get a copy of Amber and Guy Lia's book Marriage Triggers here. If you loved hearing from a married couple, then you’ll love hearing from Smitty and Louise Harris! Married for 60 years, this love story of a decorated POW hero + his wife is truly remarkable. Listen to Smitty + Louise on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 210. AMBER AND GUY LIA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Amber: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Guy: I wish I could have the balance, joy, and purposefulness today that I did as a child. 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? Amber: My Bible. I’ve read it every year cover-to-cover since 2000. 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? Guy: My father passed away shortly after I graduated college. I never got to have an adult conversation with him. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Amber: You don’t have to figure this all out today. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Guy: Love the people who are in your life, not worry so much about what tomorrow is going to bring, and focus on what to do today to make it fantastic for me and those around me. 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?Amber: She loved God and she loved others; Guy: Happiness in life is not found in the destination but through the journey. *** 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.