Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

How do you handle situations that feel like massive setbacks? How do you react when you’re told, “it can’t be done,” "you’re not good enough," or "you’re destined to be a failure?" William Hung has received that harsh feedback many times. The most memorable was when he was laughed off the stage by American Idol judges for his rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”. Those that  laughed, judged + critiqued missed what was actually happening: the power of an individual believing in his dreams.  Today's conversation is truly heart-warming. William shares about taking chances, the courage to fail forward, and rising above cynics to become a champion by choice and smiling every step of the way. SHOW NOTES: William’s mother was very supportive + encouraged him to do his best in a school.  During high school, William excelled in math and science but struggled academically while studying civil engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. William won a talent show at UC Berkeley singing Ricky Martin’s "She Bangs", giving him the confidence to audition for American Idol days later. Recalling the 2004 American Idol audition, William knew he wouldn’t advance to the next round because of Randy Jackson’s immediate reaction. “I already gave my best. I have no regrets at all.”: William’s response after Simon Cowell’s comment, “You can’t sing. You can’t dance. What do you want me to say?” The primary motivations for continuing with his singing career was not money but defending who he is and counteract others making things up about him. William remembers watching other auditions from his season and seeing contestants getting so angry they’d throw water bottles. He understood that the judges were just playing their roles + doing their job and it was no reason to get upset. During a UC Berkeley volleyball game, a record company presented William a $25,000 check to record a record album. It went on to hit #1 on the independent charts. “It doesn’t matter if you have the most talent. It matters if you can bring happiness with your entertainment.” “You are already unique. You are already special. Keep believing in that truth. Do not give up and you will succeed.” “I’m infamous, and some people think, a joke. That doesn’t make me feel good because I am a genuine person. I don’t let it get to me because I am who I am.” “It’s not what they say. It’s what you choose to hear.” “Looking back on my American Idol experience, I realize Randy was smiling. Paula was smiling. Even Simon was smiling. I realize when people saw me, I freed them to smile.” Today, William is a professional motivational speaker + hopes his audiences choose to be happy in their lives “I don’t feel the need to justify my value.” Watch William Hung’s American Idol audition here. Listen to William Hung’s TEDx Talk here. William Hung’s latest book Champion by Choice inspires others to choose to be happy by rising above the haters. Get a copy here. If you enjoyed hearing William Hung's story, you'll love my conversation with Lizzie Velasquez. Lizzie shares her positivity, her life's work at spreading kindness, and how she's standing up to bullies. Listen on ep. 71. WILLIAM HUNG'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you’ve ever read? Tapping into Wealth by Margaret Lynch. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I still have that kid in me. 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 wallet. I’m very practical! 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? Ricky Martin. My first question would be, “What kind of impact do you want your music to make on others?” What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The only way you can fail is if you give up. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Find a true talent instead of randomly putting yourself out there on American Idol. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Live your best life and have no regrets.  *** 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 Moments” segments. “Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” – Julie Andrews Life innately involves failures and missteps along the way. Today, I want to share 4 steps to help you successfully fail forward. Know what you want. Risk becoming more. Embrace the gifts of failure. Resiliently bounce back and step forward. This week, enjoy the bumps, lessons, + clarity knowing along the way that the best is yet to come. *** 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.

Have you ever thought about how much your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions influence your days, health and ability to heal? From years spent studying cutting edge science, ancient medicine, and spiritual practices, Kelly Noonan Gores has discovered that we have far more control over our well-being, health + life than we tend to believe. Her documentary Heal, streaming on Netflix, was so popular, it was recently turned into a book. Today, Kelly joins us to share how to choose love over fear + gives concrete tips on how to make strides in your personal wellness journey. SHOW NOTES: The teachings of Bruce Lipton, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, among others inspired Kelly to create the documentary and book Heal. While dealing with depression in college, Kelly was given Marianne Willamson's book A Return to Love which guided her in finding a grounding force.  Fear + love: Kelly sees fear every day but has spiritual practices to avoid being taken over by fear. "You do not have to be a victim to your genes." Epigenetics: Our DNA is a blueprint and our lifestyle choices are the triggers that turn on or off our genes.  Chemical, emotional + physical stress has an incredible impact on our health. Kelly reduces stress in her life by practicing meditation, earthing/grounding, and gratitude.  Placebo Effect: when we have a belief or expectation that something is going to help us 50-75% is has a positive effect. Grammy-winning singer John Legend performed All of Me at her wedding.  Watch Kelly Noonan Gores' documentary Heal on Netflix. Get Kelly Noonan Gores' book Heal: Discover Your Unlimited Potential and Awaken the Powerful Healer Within here. If you enjoyed hearing about how your environment can have an effect on your health, you'll love my conversation with Dr. Kelli Harding. Kelli shares her groundbreaking research + the importance of treating others with kindness on ep. 180. KELLY NOONAN GORES' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was sassy + witty. I still have a quick wit but I've toned down the sass. 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? Old photo albums from the 1970s + 1980s. 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? Jesus and I'd ask him, "please tell me everything. Can you tell me everything?" 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Remembering that the universe, or God, has your back. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Anything is possible and follow your heart. In every oak tree, there is an acorn. 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 took the leap, she was terrified on the way down, but she had a lot of fun along the way. *** 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 Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Christine.  Christine asked: How should I deal with negativity at work? 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.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of nine-year-old Kim Phuc running away from her village, naked and severely burned is one of the most iconic images of all time.  Today, we are joined by Kim to hear the story behind the photo. Taken just months before the US pulled out of the Vietnam War, the image captures the catastrophic effect the war was having on civilians. Kim, also known as “Napalm girl,” shares what she has learned on her journey from tragedy to triumph and what it means for us. SHOW NOTES Growing up, the Vietnam War seemed far away from Kim’s carefree + joyful life in the village of Trảng Bàng. June 8, 1972: Kim watched as the planes flew overhead, dropping napalm bombs. Instantly, her clothes burned off + her left arm caught fire. She knew she’d no longer be “normal” and be viewed differently. As they were running from their burning village, a solider gave Kim water to drink + poured water over her skin. Three days after the bombing, her parents found her in the morgue of the hospital. Uncle Ut: Nick Ut is the photographer that captured the iconic photo + took Kim her to a nearby hospital. Kim spent 14 months in the hospital receiving 17 surgical procedures. The compassion and readiness of the doctors and nurses that treated Kim inspired her. While in medical school, the Vietnamese government arranged for journalists around the world to interview her which interrupted her studies leading her to have to drop out. The Girl in the Picture: While in the hospital, Kim was unaware the photograph existed. When she finally saw it, she was embarrassed that someone took her photo, naked and in agony. Later in life, the picture evoked emotion, motivating Kim to help children that are suffering. Finding peace: Kim has now learned to accept the picture + use it to promote peace. At 19 years old, Kim dealt with hatred, bitterness, pain, loss, negativity + hopelessness which was harder than dealing with the physical pain caused by napalm. Seeking purpose: Kim's physical suffering motivated her to find a purpose in religion. "Forgiveness made me free from hatred. I still have many scars on my body and severe pain most days but my heart is cleansed." "Naplam is very powerful but faith, forgiveness, and love are much more powerful. We would not have war at all if everyone could learn to live with true love, hope + forgiveness." "And if that little girl in the picture can find love, hope, and forgiveness. Then ask yourself, can you?" If you enjoyed hearing about Kim Phuc's story, you'll love my conversation with Carlotta Walls LaNier. As the youngest member of the "Little Rock Nine", Carlotta shares about her historic role in school integration + how she's been an inspirational leader for so many. Listen to Carlotta on ep. 56. Thank you to our Live Inspired community member + friend Marianne K. for recommending Kim Phuc as a guest for the Live Inspired Podcast. Share your guest recommendations with us at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. KIM PHUC'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A princess! 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 Bible. 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 Lord. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Love His love. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You love everything, but when you have God’s love you will have everything. 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? We cannot change history, but with love, we can heal the future.  *** 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 Moments” segments. "Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music" - Angela Monet The more we experience events, the easier it is to take them for granted. Today, I invite you to look more closely at the joy + beauty in each day. *** 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.  

I am honored to welcome one of the most successful gospel singers of all time, Mrs. Erica Campbell, onto the show. Her achievements, voice, sense of self and faith are profound. Yet it’s her story, first finding her angelic voice at the age of five at church in an impoverished California neighborhood, that will blow you away. Erica is part of the hit group Mary Mary, solo artist, wife, mother, Christian and as of very recently, author. In our conversation, Erica radiates positivity, hope + optimism – and it’s infectious. You can’t listen to this episode and not live inspired. SHOW NOTES Falling in love with Jesus allowed her to understand the importance + meaning of the word “love”. Tough love: Erica's father prepared her for the harshness of the entertainment industry. Erica was just six-years-old when her brother Andre Lovell Adkin, who had Downs syndrome, passed away. Erica began singing around 12 years old in church + with a group called The Young Annonited but stopped singing after forgetting the words at a big event. Mary Mary: After filling in for her sister's absent singing partner, Erica + Tina began singing together as Mary, Mary and earned four Grammys. "There are some things that have been said about me that are harsh. But when they said it, I didn’t lose my gift, my ability to sing." "Everyone can’t be #1. If I’m #5, I am going to cheer on #1 because I know my time is coming." Erica is proud to have her daughter Christa in featured on Grammy-winning track Help. Erica’s book More than Pretty was inspired by her inner-journey of finding herself. "You have to learn to find your own confidence." Erica met her now-husband Warryn Campbell when he was working at Death Row records with rappers Snoop Dogg and Tupac. "If you don’t have confidence in private, you will not have power in public." Get a copy of Erica Campbell's book More than Pretty here. If Erica's positivity and optimism inspired you, you'll love hearing from Journey's Jonathan Cain. Jonathan shares about his life, his inspiration behind the song Don’t Stop Believin’ and so much more. Listen to Jonathan on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 100. ERICA CAMPBELL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? God is Able by Priscilla Shirer. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I think I still have it! It’s the ability to be optimistic. 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 picture books of my kids. 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 daddy and I would tell him, “I was listening,” and that his words hit my heart and I’m doing my best to carry out everything that he taught me. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mother said, “you can live anything down.” 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Erica, you are going to be amazing. Just don’t quit. Don’t let self-esteem take you down. Don’t make poor body image make you hide in the dark. Don’t think that there is always somebody better than you. Stay focused. Don’t take people personally. Don’t hold grudges. Forgive easy and quickly. Love fiercely. 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 loved God and she loved people. *** 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 productivity expert, author + speaker Tonya Dalton. Tonya's work provides actionable strategies to help discover your purpose, clarify your priorities, simplify your life, and achieve true harmony by embracing the ‘unbalance’ that is inherent in our lives. This energetic conversation will help start your week on fire!  Get Tonya Dalton's latest book The Joy of Missing Out here. Tonya first joined us on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 106 to empower ourselves through productivity and shared three ways to do less + produce more. Listen to Tonya's episode 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.

Student loan and credit card debt are at epidemic levels. It's weighing us down and stealing our freedom.  Today, Anthony ONeal shares how to get through college debt-free and debunks most of our misbeliefs around finance and success. If you or your loved one need help thinking through smart decision-making around money – you don’t want to miss Anthony’s incredible story. From college drop-out and $35,000 in debt to living 100% debt-free, Anthony’s written the playbook and today, he shares it with you. SHOW NOTES: Anthony's latest book Debt-Free Degree teaches parents how to get their kids into + through college 100% debt-free. Get a copy here.  Growing up in a strict conservative family, Anthony focused on going to school + church and was not taught about finance, building wealth or manage + control money. Free pizza + t-shirt: Anthony maxed out his credit card within 13 hours, First day in college, Anthony signed up for a credit card for free pizza and t-shirt. In his first year of college, Anthony racked up $15,000 in credit card debt. After being kicked out of college + losing his work-study job Anthony was up to $35,000 in credit card debt. Over 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. Read a Forbes article here. At 19 years old, Anthony was living out of his car. After months of living in a car, his father brought him back into their house. Anthony's father gave him 6 months to budget + work on getting debt-free from the principals of Dave Ramsey. "When the mind plays tricks on me, I remember where I was, where I do not want to go and how I’m helping people." Tough love + train up: Allow your child to fall in your presence, then you don't pick them up but you show them how to get up. Say no to student loans: The average student will graduate with $30,000 worth of debt, paying nearly 15% of their take-home-pay back to student loans and living paycheck to paycheck. Step toward financial freedom: Choose an affordable school. Choose an in-state school. Drive to school, rather than live on campus. Purchase recycled textbooks. Apply for grants + scholarships. "It's not about where you go [to college] but about who you become." "The choices you make today determine the caliber of your future." Follow Anthony on Instagram @anthonyoneal. Tune into my conversation with Dave Ramsey on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 6. If you enjoyed learning about how to earn financial independence, you'll love my conversation with Rachel Cruze. Rachel gives a clear path to help you win, gain control and lower stress around personal finances. Listen to Rachel on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 83. ANTHONY ONEAL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Smiling and being a people person. 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 my mother gave men when I preached my first sermon. 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, “what made you want to become the man you became?” 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Stop downloading what the world wants you to do and download what God wants you to do. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Leave that girl alone. 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? Anthony ONeal loved people and he wanted to help everyone become debt-free and build wealth.  *** 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 Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member MacKenzie.  MacKenzie asked: What's the biggest mistake you've ever made? 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.