Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Does it seem like people are quick to anger these days? For many, it’s as if they go around seeking reasons to be disappointed, upset or infuriated. What happens, though, when an individual who has every right to be upset chooses instead to respond with grace? Years ago on an early morning Southwest Airlines flight I had such an experience. Let me explain.

As a seasoned Human Resources expert with more than 30 years of experience, April Simpkins is a powerhouse in the realm of mental health advocacy. With relentless determination, she has tirelessly championed the cause and became an even more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA 2019) who battled depression for many years. Today, April shares her professional journey, her unexpected path into pageantry and life as a mother of six. Equally important, she shares about the accomplishments of her late daughter Cheslie, the struggles Cheslie silently face, and how she continues to keep Cheslie's legacy alive. My friends, with September being National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, I hope today’s conversation will provide hope and guidance for you to continue forward boldly in your journey.

In June of 2021, I flew to Los Angeles and interviewed a Hollywood director. No sound was recorded, no video was captured, no notes were taken. But what he shared, the way he shared it, and what happened because of it positively changed my life.  Let me explain.

Director Sean McNamara is the force behind such films as Spare Parts, The Miracle Season, Soul Surfer, and the recently released Reagan. His creative prowess, directorial skills, and even more so, his humble nature, have gained him a reputation in the industry as “an actor’s director.” Six and a half years ago, Sean read the script for a film called ON FIRE, fell in love with it and has been steadfast in bringing it to life. Today, Sean shares insight from the filming of ON FIRE the film. But more importantly, he shares what it was like growing up in a large Irish family, how his parents challenged him to do mighty things, his journey from starting as a Production Assistant delivering scripts to directing box-office hits, and so much more. My friends, you’ll leave this conversation- with my friend Sean McNamara- full of joy, hope and excitement for what’s to come not just for On Fire the film, but for your lives.

A wonderful perk of my business is getting to share the stage with some of the most remarkable, eloquent, and impactful speakers alive.  To grow in this career, I’ve studied many of the greatest orators ever born. And yet, the greatest speech I ever witnessed wasn’t on some big stage, delivered by someone famous, wearing some fancy suit.  No, it was a far more modest setting, delivered by a far less trained speaker, representing a far more powerful message.  Let me explain.

Kristen Faulkner is the American cyclist that shocked the world when she won a gold medal in the women’s road race at the 2024 Paris Olympics — an event she wasn’t even supposed to compete in. In a field of veteran riders, Kristen became the first American woman in 40 years to earn Team USA a gold medal in that sport. Today, Kristen shares how she carries the lessons she learned while growing up in Homer, Alaska, how she celebrated what made her different than her classmates after she moved to a boarding school on the East Coast, and what moments led her to leave her career as a venture capitalist to pursue a career in professional cycling. Plus, Kristen shares her 2024 Paris Olympics experience and how she carefully analyzed the course, her competitors, and her ability to confidently race across the finish line. My friends, if you need a reminder that with passion, dedication and focus, you can accomplish monumental things, this conversation is for you.

With the opening ceremony of the Olympics occurring on July 26th and the Paralympics concluding September 8th, we’ve been treated to more than a month of remarkable stories and incredible competitions. While our family may have missed some of the events, there was one my daughter Grace insisted we watch: Gymnastics. And as remarkable as their athletic ability clearly was, it was a question Grace shared at the end that moved me most. Let me explain.

Jon Acuff, a New York Times bestselling author and professional encourager, shares insights on personal growth infused with humor and hope. He discusses how his father's curiosity fuels his inspiration and offers strategies to overcome limiting beliefs. The conversation highlights the significance of encouragement and the impact of a positive mindset in career transitions. Jon also shares a touching story about supporting his daughter in running a marathon, emphasizing the joys of fostering passion and setting meaningful goals.

Jason Watson was born with a knack for connecting easily with others, influencing those around him, and exhibiting a resourceful mentality. The youngest of 10 siblings to an addicted mother and a deceased father, Jason grew up in an impoverished neighborhood. Nearly all his neighbors shared the tragic bonds of being completely broke and of having incarcerated family members. As a young boy, Jason remembers not having Christmas presents under the tree yet not feeling bad about it because neither did most of his friends. But what Jason remembers most poignantly from childhood wasn’t a lack of material possession, it was a profound lack of hope. Let me explain.

Rich Diviney is a leadership and human performance expert, and retired Navy SEAL commander.  As the officer in charge of training for a specialized command, Rich was intimately involved in an extremely specialized SEAL selection process, which pared down a group of exceptional candidates to a small cadre of the most elite optimal performers. Today, Rich shares how in working with and selecting top special operators for decades, there are hidden drivers of performance beyond the obvious skills. These attributes, including adaptability, courage and perseverance, shape how we perform as individuals and as part of a team. My friends, if you want to learn how to develop these key attributes and perform optimally, at any time, in any situation, this conversation is for you.