Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

For over a decade, Amy Roloff has welcomed millions of viewers to her sprawling 100-acre Oregon farm on TLC’s hit reality television show Little People, Big World. Today, Amy shares about growing up with achondroplasia dwarfism, how she learned to accept + love herself and how she’s embracing her “second act” after raising four children. This genuine and heartfelt conversation is for you if you want to hear about honoring your own version of perfection. SHOW NOTES Amy refused to go to school in fear that others would ridicule her for her dwarfism. Her dad recognized that others may be inconsiderate of her differences but reminded her she had the power to accept + embrace her differences. In first grade, Amy refused to engage with a boy that was taunting her and leading her to believe she wasn’t good enough. Amy's positive outlook is contagious: “I can get through this day because tomorrow may be different.” Motherhood encouraged Amy to release her inhibitions. Amy's has four children: twins Jeremy + Zach, Molly and Jacob. Zach has the same type of dwarfism as Amy. Little People, Big World: Amy was hesitant to partake in reality television fearing it would make her vulnerable to public scrutiny. She chose to embrace the platform to reveal how relatable her family is, despite their differences. Watch TLC’s Little People Big World here.  Get Amy Roloff’s new book A Little Me here. Thank you to our Live Inspired community member + friend Jeff B. for recommending Amy Roloff as a guest for the Live Inspired Podcast. Share your guest recommendations with us at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love hearing how Live Inspired Podcast guest Lizzie Velasquez embraced her differences + is inspiring kindness across the globe. Listen to ep. 71 here. AMY ROLOFF'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Little Me by Amy Roloff. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I tried different things. Now that my kids are adults, I am getting better at saying "yes" to different things. 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? Whatever photo albums I could get. Those are priceless. 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? One of the disciples, maybe even Paul, and learn to embrace disagreements with others. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Find something within yourself that allows you to believe in yourself, instead of looking to others for acceptance.  6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Why did you waste so much time worrying about what other people thought? You missed out on a lot.  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? Amy lived an honest, real, compassionate and loving life. *** Did you enjoy today's 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.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I welcome back Chris Norton to remind us that life's lowest moments can be the source of our greatest blessings. This conversation will give you hope + inspiration to help start your week on fire!  Get Chris Norton's book The Seven Longest Yards here. Chris first shared his journey on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 43. 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.

More than 1,700 people have jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge with the aim of taking their own life. Today's guest is one of the 25 known survivors.  Kevin Hines suffers from bipolar disorder with psychotic features. At 19, he was suffering silently and it resulted in his attempt to take his own life. Today, Kevin shares about “brain pain” or mental illness and his story of hope, faith, + thriving in spite of it. One of the most prominent suicide awareness and prevention activists, Kevin’s message of striving to live “mentally well” is an urgent one you must hear. SHOW NOTES: Kevin has built a close support network called his "personal protectors" aimed to keep him thriving and that will not let him fail or fall alone. Kevin finds to be a privilege to be able to defeat his mental illness, which he refers to as brain pain, daily. "My goal is to go around the world and help other people thrive, just as I am, even inside the pain." - Kevin on the importance of sharing his survival story. September 25, 2000: Kevin took a bus ride to the Golden Gate Bridge with the intention to end his life. After 40 minutes of walking the 1-mile suspension bridge, Kevin made the 4-second, 220 feet leap into the San Francisco Bay, immediately regretting his decision. "We are all in pain. You can let pain defeat you or you can let it build you." Kevin reminds those affected by suicide that they did not die because of you. They died of unrelenting, immeasurable lethal emotion pain that had nothing to do with them. Suicide has a ripple effect: Positive: the ability to reach people of despair and bring them back to safety through hard work Negative: after you lose someone you love, you feel so guilty you attempt or die by your own hands. Move beyond the negative ripple effect: Grieve together without blame or guilt. Bring others together that love that person as much as you do to celebrate them. Talking about the good times gives solace. "We can never move on from suicide. We can move forward through the pain and find hope if we just work hard enough." "Have faith in yourself to augment your destiny. Often times all people need is time to become rational + someone to support them." “I’ve had a major transformation, but it’s ongoing.” If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Live Inspired Podcast guest Dese'Rae Stage created a movement to capture portraits and stories of suicide attempt survivors and in doing so – change the conversation, culture, and resources around suicide prevention, awareness, and support. Listen to ep. 156 here. KEVIN HINES' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Rock Says by Dwayne Johnson 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Expressing my vulnerability more. 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 cross that was gifted to my mother-in-law and then my wife. 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? A young Jesus and tell him "thank you". 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Mom: Kind, compassionate, loving caring, empathetic and non-judgemental to every person I came in contact with no matter their behavior toward me. Dad: Hard work, because nothing good came without it. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You got this on lockdown. Keep moving forward 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? Kevin Hines suffered the pain. In spite of the pain, despite the pain, to thrive today so he could have the ability to just try to help other people.  *** Did you enjoy today's 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.  

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. The Fourth of July likely rekindles memories in each of us from backyard barbeques, fireworks and funnel cakes. In a reflective mood this morning, I’d like to share one of my most memorable experiences from this day.  Who are you grateful for today and why? Don’t miss an opportunity to let your loved ones know that you are grateful for them and love them. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love my Monday Morning Motivation email. Click here to subscribe. *** 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.  

Molly Fletcher negotiated over $500 million in contracts + represented 100s of professional sports biggest stars before changing careers to have an even bigger impact on the lives of more people. Molly’s passion to better serve and love others will absolutely inspire you. Her energy, business acumen, relationship brilliance + unwavering optimism will propel you to live your life more ON FIRE today than ever before. I can’t wait to introduce you to my newest friend, entrepreneur, speaker and author, Molly Fletcher. SHOW NOTES "I lived in this apartment complex for free for nine years. It became the model I used when recruiting athletes" "Say yes, lean in and outwork everyone around me": Working at Super Bowl Host committee office created an opportunity to create connections with sports leaders in Atlanta. Grew her client list by over-delivering to her athletes, connecting authentically with prospects, and serving them in a way that was different than others. At one time, Molly represented nearly 300 athletes + coaches in various sports. "Everyone else is taken. I'm going to be me and see if being myself works." "Reframe those moments as gifts. As gifts that you're different, as an opportunity to serve whomever you serve in a way that is different than those you 'compete' with." In her 20 years of sports management, Molly learned from her athletes to: Embrace speedbumps and lean into the hiccups. Relationships matter most in business. "I don't want to go to my grave knowing I negotiated a billion dollar contract. I want to go to my grave knowing that I changed lives in a positive way." Thread every decision through your purpose. Clarity creates the platform in which to know what to say yes to and no to. The byproduct becomes the ability to live your purpose and living a life consistent with our values. Create structure or systems and the discipline to live by them to help manage your life. "My mission in life to inspire lead and connect with courage and optimize." When speaking, Molly's gives her audience the tools to leave the room a better person through a 5-step process to shift behavior in the absence of crisis.  Learn more about Molly Fletcher on her website. Molly Fletcher started her career as one of the first female sports agents. Tune into the sports personalities and athletes I've welcomed to the Live Inspired Podcast here!   MOLLY FLETCHER'S 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? The unharnessed, belly-laughing, go-for-it attitude. 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? Pictures and 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? My parents, sitting in northern Michigan 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom told me, "you can have it all but you just can't have it all at once." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Keep leaning in; keep leaning in fearless; go for it; 'no' is just another form of feedback. 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?  That she led and inspired others with courage and optimism.  *** Did you enjoy today's 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.  

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today, I reminisce on my false-summit during a trip the Maroon Bells in Colorado. My friends, I encourage us to remind ourselves that it's not always about reaching the summit but enjoying the journey to it. *** 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.  

Most people know today's guest as the award-winning actor in ABC's The Good Doctor or from his nine years on CSI: NY. But Hill Harper is also a four-time New York Times bestselling author + trailblazing humanitarian focusing on financial literacy and mentorship. Hear Hill share seldom-told stories about his selfless passion for empowering underprivileged youth, his friendship with Barack Obama and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Today's inspiring, down-to-earth conversation is for you if you would like to hear what is right in the world, and get ideas for how you can make it even better. SHOW NOTES "It’s our responsibility to make the world a better place." Hill shares about his friendship with Barack Obama and a seldom-told story about when Hill took him to a prison to play basketball with inmates when they were classmates at Harvard Law School. Hill shares an exclusive story on his passion for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Find your local BBBS office here. Learn more about Hill's Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through mentorship, scholarship and grant programs here. Learn more about Experian Boost here. Get Hill Harper's New York Times bestseller The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place here. Hill Harper starred alongside award-winning actor, philanthropist and past Live Inspired Podcast guest Gary Sinise. As one of America’s favorite, heart-led leaders, Gary shares lessons on gratitude, service, celebrating America’s defenders, veterans, first responders and so much more. Listen to Gary Sinise on ep. 128 here. We've welcomed other New York Times bestselling authors like Brené Brown and Judith Viorst onto the Live Inspire Podcast. Listen to all of those episodes here! HILL HARPER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fearlessness. When I was a kid, they'd say, "he'll do anything." 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 poetry book from when I was 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? Jesus and I would chop it up. I'd ask, "why do we allow children to suffer?" 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Every idea or impulse you have, act on it. Don't sit on it. 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? Dedicated his life to impact and legacy in a positive way. *** Did you enjoy today's 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.

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 Andy Andrews to share the inspiration behind his latest book The Bottom of the Pool, why it took him 20 years to write this book and more. This energetic conversation will help start your week on fire!  Get Andy Andrew's latest book The Bottom of Pool here. Andy shared his incredible life story and his journey from homelessness to a bestselling author on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 25. 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.  

The plight of the refugee is both timely and timeless. Often when covered in the news, headlines focus on the sheer number of refugees in the Middle East, North Africa, Central America… The number is so vast, it can be hard to relate to and even dehumanizing. Today, you’ll hear the story of one little boy. First, how his life was interrupted and shattered as he was displaced from his home. Then, how his hope drove him and his decedents to an inspired life. This episode is for you if you could stand to better understand the plight of individual refugees or if you could use inspiration to reach beyond your current circumstance to something higher. SHOW NOTES "Like most first-generation immigrants from war-torn, impoverished countries, my father overcame great struggles when coming to the United States." Sometimes obstacles are incredible opportunities. It took a long time for Bassam to recognize the hero in his father because he was so humble and didn't share his story. United Nations Resolution 181 created Isreal, carving out land to place displaced Jewish people after World War II. Learn more here. The most memorable story his father shares is watching the destruction of his town of Lydda through a blitzkrieg-style attack. Days later, his family was marched out at gunpoint for 20+ miles, barefoot with only the belongings they were able to carry. Bassam's father remembers his father taking the key to their home promising they'd return. They never returned but the key represented what they lost. How did your father imagine a world better than the one that currently exists? Partially from his life in his former town, partially from his readings but really a belief deep inside. Bassam's grandfather + father disagreed for decades. His grandfather, a realist, wasn't trying to take away a dream but was trying to provide for his family + a realistic future for his oldest son. Ripple Effect: Bassam's grandfather didn't understand the ripple effect of putting positive thoughts in those around you. You're not stuck. You can do anything you image How you act and what you do affects everyone around you. Bassam's father worked hard to beat the odds, earning the top score on the high school exit exam in the Kingdom of Jordan and a scholarship to the American University of Beruit to study Medicine. You can't measure the heart inside oneself. After immigrating to the United States, Bassam's father became a proud citizen of "the country that gave him a chance." Before his death, his grandfather finally told his father he was proud of him. "Live the world through their eyes. Everyone should be understood in their circumstances." Without hope, you don't go anywhere. You have to have hope and a belief. Aspire to aim higher. Get Dr. Bassam Hadi's book about the life of his father The Road to Nablus here.   DR. BASSAM HADI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Innocense. 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? Jesus and I'd ask, "could you please tell me what would unite the three major religions?" He may respond, "does it matter what or who I am? Love another, worship the Lord, and do good." 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Always try to see the world through the other person's eyes. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You're not as great of a person as you think you are and you're going to need a lot of help along the way. 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? Redemption. *** Did you enjoy today's 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.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. “Never let your current situation, whatever circumstances you’re going through, be a mountain that you can’t climb.” Today I share the story + inspiring words of 17-year-old Tupac Mosley out of Memphis, Tennessee. While grieving the loss of his father, Tupac was named valedictorian while homeless, earning $3M in scholarships. *** 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.