Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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 Mike M.  Mike M. asked: It seems like our world is in turmoil every time I turn around! What can I do to help ease the turmoil AND my nerves about the world we live in? Tune in to hear my answer. 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.

Bethenny Frankel is the Founder & CEO of Skinnygirl, a lifestyle brand offering practical solutions to everyday problems, which has grown from sensible, low-calorie cocktails into a branding empire that including clothing, vitamins, skincare and more. In addition to her long-standing role on Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny has been a guest shark on ABC's critically-acclaimed series Shark Tank, and runner-up in The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005. Today, Bethenny is focused on raising her young daughter and establishing her worldwide disaster relief initiative bstrong. This program provides much-needed real-time relief to disaster-stricken areas across the United States and beyond. While assessing and delivering supplies to the Australian bushfire crisis, her team has continued their support in Puerto Rico, which has been named one of the largest privately-run humanitarian efforts in US history. Bethenny shares how she balances motherhood, her Skinnygirl empire, the critical impact her philanthropy is providing worldwide and will ignite the question, "what more can I do?" SHOW NOTES: Always a survivor: Bethenny's turbulent childhood taught her life-long lessons of dedication and determination. "Coming in second place doesn't count. Ironically, I came in second on The Apprentice: Martha Stewart and it was the best thing." "Win. Don't complain or explain." Playing chess > grand plans: Bethenny notes she looks at her business + professional life as a game of chess rather than having one grand plan. Bethenny went from being a participant of Mark Burnett's The Apprentice to recently partnering with him + MGM Television on producing female-centric programs. Naively, Bethenny hoped in winning The Apprentice she'd democratize health the way Martha Stewart democratized style. Bethenny was cast as the oddball character on Real Housewives of New York, and she committed to being vulnerable and her authentic self, focusing on the opportunity it provided to launch her Skinnygirl empire. bstrong: Bethenny directly oversees her worldwide philanthropic initiative that provides real-time emergency assistance to individuals and their families after impacted by disaster with much-needed gift cards, bank cards and critical supplies. "What’s better? Pick up a broom and help clean up a mess or complain and look at the mess?" "You’re pretty blessed if the people you love are alive." To learn more or donate to Bethenny Frankel's philanthropy B Strong, visit their website. If you enjoyed learning from a female entrepreneur, you'll love my conversation with Dina Dwyer-Owens. Dina shares a three-part focus that has led to an incredibly successful business + inspired life. Listen to Dina Dwyer-Owens on ep. 49. BETHENNY FRANKEL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer, Bright, Precious Days by Jay McInerney, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and by Rhonda Byrne. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Not worrying so much. 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 tray of watches because they all have different memories from different times in my life, and my pictures are on my phone. 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? Mark Zuckerberg and I'd ask, "how did you have the courage at a young age to turn down a billion dollars for your brand?" 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Don't buy into the love and don't buy into the hate. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? I need to find a way to make her understand to absolutely not worry at all about relationships and just have fun. 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? I only sweat the small stuff.  *** 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” segments. Today I share the amazing story and life of a humble man named Ben Fainer. At nine years old, Ben's town of Będzin, Poland was overtaken by Nazis. He told few people of the horror he endured during those 2,000+ days, often wearing long sleeves to cover up the number tattooed on his arm. Slowly, Ben began to share his story. We all have stories. They may not be tattoos or scars but we all have stories that are worthy of being lifted up, embraced and shared. *** 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.

Human trafficking is a massive, worldwide problem. It's estimated that 20-40 million people are victims of this form for modern slavery, and our communities are not exempt. Today I welcome survivor Rebecca Bender to share her harrowing journey from being human trafficked for nearly six years to now helping other survivors escape + rebuild their lives. In Rebecca's story, you're going to hear what she's been through, what she learned along the way and most importantly that you're not defined by what you've been through.  My friends, today's conversation is incredibly emotional, important and timely. Human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking is a topic we seldom talk or think about, but one that's happening, quietly, all around us. SHOW NOTES: Rebecca grew up in the Pacific Northwest as a typical  "small-town farm kid" until her parents divorced when her father became an alcoholic and her mother became involved in a series of unhealthy relationships. Wanted + engaged: In high school, Rebecca was not considered "at-risk" because she was a varsity athlete and even graduated high school as a junior. Unexpectedly, Rebecca became a teen mom, pivoting from attending Oregon State University to staying in her small town for community college.   "It was all a trick." Rebecca moved to Las Vegas with her boyfriend where immediately their relationship drastically changed.  "You think your situation is different the whole time until you meet other girls just like you." Power + control wheel: Rebecca refers to domestic human trafficking as a mixture of domestic violence, cult-like behavior, and prostitution.  "If you give me the same amount of time you gave the enemy, I will never be outdone." Rebecca's advice for anyone feeling hopeless: There is nothing that you have been through or done that can't be undone and redone. Redemption is available for everyone; start today.  Have grace for yourself and others. "I want people to know they are more than what they've been through." After Rebecca escaped, she created Elevate Academy and has helped hundreds of survivors of the commercial sex trade industry by providing resources to explore new careers and professional development. Learn more about Elevate Academy here. "There are 25 different forms of human trafficking and it's happening in every community in America." Today, Rebecca is married with four daughters and through the Rebecca Bender Initiative, works with law enforcement, FBI, Homeland Security and aftercare programs to provide expert testimony, trainings and consultation across the globe. Get a copy of Rebecca Bender's book In Pursuit of Love here. Get help: Confidentially call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text 233733 or chat online on their website. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 82, I welcomed Christine Caine to share her story. As a global anti-human-trafficking abolitionist, Christine was honored with the 2017 Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice for her work. Listen to Christine Caine on ep. 82. 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.  REBECCA BENDER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? God's Leading Lady by T.D. Jakes. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Innocence and trust. I wish I walked into situations almost more expecting the good. 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 Bible from when I got saved 17 years ago. It has every note and every promise God has ever given me, highlighted and dated. 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? Martin Luther King Jr. and I'd ask how he got through the pressure, how he radically changed a nation, where did he start... I have so many questions! 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? "Run now, you can do it." If I couldn't run, I'd say, "It's going to be okay. You're going to be okay. Your daughter is going to be okay. You're going to get through this." 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? Against all odds, I will shine. *** Did you enjoy today’s episode? 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” segments. “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In honor of this great man’s birthday and national holiday, I am sharing an excerpt from my first book ON FIRE that best demonstrates the immense power of love in my own life + the three simple words that changed my life. Not read ON FIRE yet? The first three people to email me at Podcast@JohnOLearyInspires.com will receive a personalized copy! *** 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.

Rudy Pérez is the definition of a music legend and has earned international success by shining the spotlight on others. He's written + produced hundreds of chart-topping songs for superstars like Beyoncé, Julio Iglesias and Christina Aguilera and has earned five Grammy Awards. As the first Latin music artist to win Billboard Magazine's Producer of the Decade, Rudy candidly shares about fleeing Cuba under Fidel Castro's reign and surviving a street gang. He also shares how he learned to embrace his talents and behind-the-scenes stories of his unprecedented career.  Today's conversation will remind you that with hard work, dedication and faith, anything is possible.  SHOW NOTES: Rudy grew up in Cuba during the 1960s when Fidel Castro came into power before escaping to Miami on one of the last Freedom Flights. It takes a village: Rudy's life was shaped by his parents + grandparents but he credits his uncle Enrique for his love of music. His mother taught him the importance of hard work in order to purchase his first guitar and amp at 13 years old. The Vulcan Gang: During one of his first tasks as a gang member, Rudy was caught and sent to juvenile detention, teaching him a lesson in true friendship. "Be the artist." This heartfelt wisdom from Ronaldo Lluis made a profound impact on a young Rudy + has continued to inspire him to provide opportunities for other young musicians. Rudy + music legend David Foster wrote Latin superstar Luis Miguel's hit Ayer, and inspiration came after watching a movie with his wife Betsy. Ayer became a chart-topper and sold over 11 million copies. Rudy and Academy Award winner Burt Bacharach produced Live to See Another Day, dedicated to survivors of school gun violence. Watch the incredible video here. Get Rudy Pérez's book The Latin Hit Maker here. If you enjoyed hearing from a Grammy Award winner, you'll love my conversation with gospel singer Erica Campbell. Erica shares her journey of finding her angelic voice, becoming a wife + mother and her faith in God. Listen to Erica on ep. 190. RUDY PÉREZ LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, specifically the book of Job. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? My tenacity and curiosity. Curiosity is so important and I wish young musicians today would be more curious about the greats of the past. 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 guitar my wife bought me. 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? Beethoven, Bach or one of those geniuses.   5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Happy wife, happy life! 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Love. Love everyone. 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 was the guy that did everything and never said he did anything. *** Did you enjoy today’s episode? 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 Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Robert.  Robert asked: In your life, you've had to cross that bridge of acceptance. Was there a moment, another event, a six-month, one-year or multi-year turning point? Can you say what moved your mindset forward? Tune in to hear my answer. 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.

In his three-decade-long NASCAR career, Kenny Wallace has competed in over 900 races, earned nine wins, and was named Most Popular Driver three times. Yet, he hasn't let this hard-earned success change who he is. Today, Kenny shares the snapshots that changed his life forever, including the death of his brother Mike Wallace's young son + helping Dale Earnhardt Sr. win the last race of his life. You're going to love this hearing his humble roots shaped him, the passion he has for racing, his recent self-reflection and how he strives every day to be his iconic, happy, fun-loving self. SHOW NOTES: Family affair: Growing up, racing was something that brought Kenny's family together. Kenny has been married to his high school sweetheart Kim for over 30 years. “Kim is all Kenny all the time. It would crush me to let her down.” Trials + tribulations: Kenny opens up about the death of his brother Mike Wallace’s son and how it’s helped him appreciate moments with his children and grandchildren Today, Mike is paying it forward including supporting former NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart. Dale Earnhardt Sr. and his brother Rusty Wallace gave Kenny his first-ever NASCAR start at Martinsville Speedway in 1988. Career highlight: “It’s not the wins, the Most Popular Driver awards, not some of my favorite trophies. It has to be helping Dale Earnhardt, Sr. win the last race of his life, and I finished second, at 2000 Winston 500 at Talladega Speedway. Herman the German: Kenny’s nickname came from his father Russ winning races at St. Louis-area dirt tracks. Out of sight, out of mind: Recently Kenny brought out old NASCAR trophies in a moment of self-reflection + forgiveness, and shared with his fans. Watch that video here. “Being happy is abnormal. People should work at being happy – not mask it.” Did hearing from a professional sports athlete inspired you? You'll love our Sports + Athletes playlist! From Olympic medalist Scott Hamilton to undefeated boxing champion Laila Ali, our Sports + Athlete playlist will inspire you to step off the sideline + get back into the game of life. Listen to our Sports + Athlete playlist here. KENNY WALLACE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Walk This Way by Aerosmith. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? It’s not that I talk, it’s that I break the silence. 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? This tiny picture of my dad as a kid. 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 ask him things that I never had enough nerve to ask him like, “why was I never good enough for you?” I’d think his answer would be, “I didn’t mean it that way. I just wanted to know so I could tell my friends.” 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Rusty Wallace told me, "Hope for the best; prepare for the worst." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Calm down! 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? Excessive happiness. *** 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. “It’s not only the scenery you miss by going fast. You also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” – Eddie Cantor All the buzz and excitement, planning and time away from work, exchanging gifts and catching up with loved ones... and now it's over. We're headed back to work, to school... to real life. Today I share the sage advice from my grandmother: slow down and not miss the gifts that are in front of you right now. *** 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.

Steve Jobs is widely recognized as one of the most influential inventors of our time, pioneering the personal computer, the iPod and iPhone. Yet his eldest daughter Lisa Brennan-Jobs often remembers a painful childhood spent seeking recognition, acceptance and approval from Apple's visionary leader. Today, Lisa courageously opens up about the complicated relationship with her iconic father, how taking a decade to write her memoir Small Fry was therapeutic and what she wishes her father would have told her before his death. SHOW NOTES: Lisa's mother, artist Chrisann Brennan, insisted that Lisa understand her story to prevent repeating it. "I found solace in writing things I wanted no one ever to know about." Lisa shares that the memories of her childhood were deeply woven in with emotions and had to first process those feelings before she was factually clear on events. The relationship between her mother and father was just ending when Lisa was born. Case 239948: The state ordered Steve to pay for back welfare payments and child support. After months of delays, Steve suddenly agreed to pay a larger monthly allowance just days before Apple went public, and Steve became worth over $200 million. Longing to belong: "When he was in a good space, he was so sweet. It's hard to balance all the cruelty and difficulty with his sweetness."  At 27, Lisa learned that the Apple Lisa was, in fact, named after her, something Steve denied for years. "I'd take five extra really good hours with my father over the iPhone." Even if you can't change someone's perspective, acknowledge it. Get a copy of Lisa Brennan-Jobs' memoir Small Fry here. If you enjoyed today's episode, listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 19 with William Paul Young. Paul shares he moved past his trauma and learned to embrace his faults. Listen to ep. 19 here. LISA BRENNAN-JOBS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was bossier then. 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? One of my mother’s paintings. 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? I’d have one more conversation with my father. Not because he was famous. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? “Go all out,” from my therapist when I was younger. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Keep on working in the direction of what you love. No shortcuts. Make lots of new friends. Date kind men. 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 big-hearted, powerful, a force! She contributed greatly to the lives of many many people, including huge numbers of children. *** 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.