Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

1.3 million Americans attempted to take their own life in 2016. 45,000+ of those lives were lost. [2019 CDC Report.] Nine years ago, if you’d searched for a community of suicide-attempt survivors, you couldn’t have found one. Our guest Dese'Rae Stage knows because she looked and, when her search came up empty, decided to do something about it. Dese’Rae is a photographer, two-time suicide survivor, just shy of having a Ph.D. in suicidology and psychology and the founder of Live Through This. She created this 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. In a season where suicide is on the rise (it's predicted that by 2020, someone will take their own life every 20 seconds), Dese’Rae is doing something about it. Join our important conversation.  SHOW NOTES: Dese'Rae pursued psychology, with an emphasis on suicide research, all the way through to a Ph.D. program before realizing she did not have faculty support on her topic. “Suicide was still too taboo, even for advanced programs,” Dese'Rae says. "As a culture, we are now more open to doing research on suicide and including people who have been personally affected by the loss of a loved one or from personal experience." Dese'Rae shares.  Why is suicide on the rise? There are numerous answers + Dese'Rae calls out that mental illness is often the most widely discussed, but it’s important to note that the CDC reports between 1999-2016, 54% of the people who took their lives in the United States did not have a known mental health diagnosis.  Other life events that are filled with pain, confusion, and hopelessness that could take people to the path of suicide: breakups, job loss, legal or financial issues. Dese'Rae found her value in a desperate moment. She's constantly making that choice to live. "The last few years have been about affirming her choice to live." Dese’Rae on what it’s like to live with chronic suicidal thoughts. Media focuses on those who have died by suicide instead of the people who have lived to tell the tale afterward. Live Through This: series of portraits and true stories of 186 suicide attempt survivors across the United States started as a personal photography project that turned into so much more. "I picked up my camera as a coping skill and it later became my career" She makes portraits of people in the world where they tried to take themselves out of. Used as a teaching tool for researchers + clinicians  Are you or someone you know struggling? Here are tips that Dese’Rae shared: Distract yourself: play with your dog, watch a movie, etc. Develop a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) Then, once you're beyond that critical point of panic, you can evaluate your needs. If you're emotionally available, willing, ready: Reach out to someone you know is struggling. Asking for help: We all struggle asking for help. Those who are suicidal or depressed are likely feeling ashamed and struggle even more at asking for help. We can all relate: We are all so different but we struggle with the same stuff -- pain and suffering. There is power in sharing our vulnerability. 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 Dennis Gillan shares the loss of two brothers to suicide. Listen to his story on ep. #46. Listen to comic Adam Cayton-Holland as he shares about losing his sister to suicide on Live Inspired Podcast ep. #99. DESE'RAE STAGE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? The persistence to seek out the things I am curious about. 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? It would have to do with photos. 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 wife. She's my favorite human being and we teach each other a lot. The older you get, the more complicated life gets and you don't get to have those moments as much as you used to. I would always welcome more time just talking to her. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Just keep going and trust your gut. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Your life is going to be a lot more interesting that you could have ever hoped for. 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 did good stuff.  *** 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.  

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I share the story of Laila Anderson, an 11-year-old St. Louis Blues fan. Since developing a friendship with her favorite Blues player, defenseman Colton Parayko, Laila has become an inspirational figure for the hockey team and fans alike. With Laila's encouraging words, this once-last place team has come back to compete for the Stanley Cup. Does Laila and Colton Parayko's story sound familiar? Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 11 when I share about my St. Louis Blues hero from my childhood, Gino Cavallini. Listen to ep. 11 here. If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love my Monday Morning Motivation email. Click here to subscribe. Photo credit: KPLR 11 *** 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.

Officer Mike Flamion was a nine-year law enforcement veteran when a routine traffic stop changed the trajectory of his life forever. Through their unwavering love, hope and spirit, Mike and his wife Sarah share how they've embraced a new normal + find joy and adventure in every day. Today's conversation will show you that in the midst of the storm, you can choose to dance. SHOW NOTES: July 8, 2016: While making a traffic stop, Mike was shot from behind leaving him paralyzed. Mike miraculously survived thanks to the quick thinking of others immediately after the incident.  There weren't any lonely nights: Prayer, family, friends and the support from law enforcement gave the Flamions comfort. Gary Sinise Foundation: St. Louis businessman Jim Shubert is on the Board of Directors at the Gary Sinise Foundation. After Jim's wife learned of the incident, he jumped at the chance to help the Flamions. In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation built the Flamions a state-of-the-art smart home that provides Mike some independence. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 128, Gary Sinise shares about his support for those who sacrifice on our behalf. Listen to ep. 128 here. Physically, Mike still suffers from nerve pain and emotionally it bothers him to rely so much on Sarah, but he has hopes that one day he will be able to dance with Sarah again. Although things have changed, what attracted them to each other hasn't: their personalities and sense of humor are still intact. The Flamions continue to live life to the fullest by sharing their story to remind other's in similar situations that just because you were hurt, doesn't mean you have to stop doing things (they just returned from a trip to Florida!). Sarah feels they owe it those who supported to know how thankful they are. It's their support and those foundations have made their lives easier and they want them to know about how thankful they are. Backstoppers: an organization that provides needed financial assistance to the spouses and dependent children of all first responders who lose their lives or suffer a catastrophic injury in the line of duty in 18 counties in Missouri and Illinois. To learn more or donate, visit their website. What's the best thing that has come out of the "upside down" moment? Sarah: We were moving into a dark time for law enforcement. After this happened, and the community showed such great support, it showed the officers they were appreciated.  Mike: Pushed me to see how mentally strong I was to deal with it. It made me realize that I can still go on. Live Inspired Podcast guest Janine Shepard was an Olympic-bound skier before her life-altering accident. Like Mike, Janine too has found a deeper purpose and learned to embrace new possibilities. Meet Janine + hear her story on ep. 53. Live Inspired Podcast guest Christine Caine is a survivor of both sexual abuse and cancer. At 32, she found out she was adopted. She shares how she let go of her history to step into her destiny. Listen to Christine on ep. 82. OFFICER MIKE AND SARAH FLAMION'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Sarah: Since Mike's injury Why Forgive by Johann Christoph Arnold. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Sarah: In general, faith and trust come easy to kids. Mike: As a kid, it was easy to hold someone close to you. When you work in law enforcement it's hard to break that barrier.  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? Mike: Engagement picture or the cross we bought on vacation. 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? Mike: A military member that has passed away and tell them how much I appreciate what they've done. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Sarah: My cousin Shelly, shared a lot of marriage and relationship advice like the importance of communication and how loving each other will get us through life's tough times.  6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Mike: Have fun. Enjoy life because things change. 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? Sarah: They kept pushing forward. Mike: Look at us now. We're still having fun. *** 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 “Monday Moments” segments. Today, in honor of Memorial Day, I share a story I seldom share that continues to have a powerful effect on my life today. For America by Jack Buck  Since this nation was founded under God, More than 200 years ago, We’ve been the bastion of freedom, The light which keeps the free world aglow. We do not covet the possessions of others, We are blessed with the bounty we share. We have rushed to help other nations, Anything... Anytime...Anywhere. War is just not our nature. We won’t start, but we will end the fight. If we are involved, We shall be resolved, To protect what we know is right. We’ve been challenged by a cowardly foe, Who strikes and then hides from our view. With one voice, we say there’s no choice today, There is only one thing to do. Everyone is saying the same thing, And praying that we end these senseless moments we are living. As our fathers did before, we shall win this unwanted war. As our children will enjoy the future we’ll be giving. Listen to past Live Inspired Podcast guests and military veterans Sergeant Rocky Sickmann from ep. 18, Capitan Charlie Plumb from ep. 31, Capitan Jim Lovell from ep. 90 and Marine Jake Harriman from ep. 114. 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.  

Have you ever felt stuck? That you’re “just” a teacher, dad, stay-at-home mom, accountant… That there’s more for you to achieve? Or are you achieving what you set out for, but still don’t feel fulfilled? My guest today reminds us that your definition of success needs to change with you and with time… + will give you tips on how to get “unstuck” today. Laura Gassner Otting is the author of Limitless: How to Ignore Everybody, Carve Your Own Path and Live Your Best Life. Our conversation will free you to see the endless possibilities within your life + give you tips to uncover them. Entrepreneur, executive headhunter, nonprofit developer + past White House appointee, Laura shares energetic insights from her experience that will help you redefine success + live inspired. SHOW NOTES What does success mean for you?  We feel the need to justify our decisions because we are limited by other's definition of success. Figure out what success means for you + lean into that with everything you have. We judge our life bloopers by looking at everyone's highlight reels on social media. Limitless: when you're at your very best; when everything that you've been called upon is solving the problem at hand; when you're in alignment. Confidence is harmony: what you do matches who you are. Work/Life Alignment: you can be the person that you are in all parts of your life. Your definition of success must change along with you + with time. Learn your definition of success with Laura's Limitless Life Assessment. Four areas of confidence make you feel limitless: Calling Connection Contribution Control Connection: is your daily work leading you to your calling? Do you have sightlines as to why the work you're doing matters?  If your work is not matching your calling, ask yourself, "what needs to happen?" If you don't have sightlines to your calling, find ways to gain a deeper connection. Lean in:  Do everything you possibly can to be successful. More importantly, realize you can redefine success. Create space to define what success means for you by prioritizing your need for calling, connection, contribution, and control at every stage of life. Embrace "sidequests".  Small things that are not on the route to your main quest prepare you for your main quest. Builds confidence through competence. Laura shares how Joshua Mantz, Iraqi military serviceman, achieved limitlessness because he let go of other's expectations for him to become the person he was born to be. Listen to his TEDx here. Failure is not the finale. Failure is the fulcrum. Get Laura Gassner Otting's book Limitless here. If you enjoyed this episode, check out my conversation with Rory Vaden from Live Inspired Podcast ep. 5 where he shares that success "is something you figure out along the way" and reminds us to focus on progress instead of perfection. Listen to ep. 5 here. You'll also like Amy Jo Martin from Live Inspired Podcast ep. 97 where she shares on what can happen when we stop asking for permission and choose significance over "success". Listen to ep. 97 here. LAURA GASSNER OTTING'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I talked to strangers more often. I was more extroverted. 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 husband writes me a letter every year on our anniversary. They are a chronical of our 23 years together. 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 children's future selves, the people that they've become after I'm long dead. I want to know how the story turns out. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? "You're just not that important." I was working hard to be all things to all people and not actually being present for anybody. You're not that important to everything. Figure out where you are that important and double down there instead. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Write your plans in pencil, because even if you think you know yourself (and you don't!), the world around you is going to change, be flexible.  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? My life was better because she was part of it.  *** 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 “Monday Moments” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Dave from Indianapolis, Indiana.  Dave asked: What are your summer plans with your family? Tune in for my answer + an opportunity to reflect on how to make your summer inspired.  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.  

Jeremy Cowart is the most influential photographer on the internet by Huffington Post. His photographs of Sting, the Obamas and Taylor Swift are fantastic, but what’s truly remarkable is how he’s using his photography for social good through programs like Help-Portrait and Voices of Reconciliations.  As a speaker + author, Jeremey shares his journey from “normal, quiet kid” to internet fame by “exploring the intersection of creativity and empathy” through photography. He has spoken for the United Nations, TEDx and today – for us.  Jeremy is a creative entrepreneur making real, sustainable change. If you’d like to be reminded of the power one person has to change the world, don’t miss this conversation. SHOW NOTES "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13 was a running theme in his life, taught by his parents. Stay curious + jump into fear: Take safe risks. Jeremy shares that he took advantage of an opportunity to get a now-iconic portrait of Sting. In addition to photographing celebrities, Jeremy's philanthropic projects include: Help-Portrait: a global movement to give, not take, pictures of people who otherwise couldn’t afford photography, a chance to capture a moment, a memory + a whole lot more. Voices of Haiti: After hearing endless media reports on the "devastation", Jeremy's photo essay wanted to capture individual people + their stories from the 2010 earthquake. Voices of Reconciliation: project showing survivors + perpetrators of genocide who have reconciled and are living life together peacefully in the same community. The Poza Project: Through art therapy, rescued child soldiers and children orphaned by war share the pain of their past + dreams of their future. The Purpose Hotel: a 250-hotel to be built in Nashville, TN where everything from soap to internet fees are connected to a cause or non-profit, allowing guests to "change the world in your sleep". In addition to needing humanitarian organization, Jeremy shares that we need new, creative ideas to rebuild after a disaster.  Leave a legacy of knowledge. Learn more about Jeremy's See University here. Ideas lead to ideas: If you're too afraid to pursue your first idea, you might be prohibiting a lifetime of ideas. Get Jeremy's latest book I'm Possible: Jumping into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose here. If Jeremy's humanitarian efforts inspired you, you'll enjoy Live Inspired Podcast guest and charity: water founder Scott Harrison on ep. 104. Get ideas on how to serve others with Live Inspired guest Tom Logan and the Marion Medical Mission on ep. 96. JEREMY COWART'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Confidence. 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 hard drive. My life's work is on my hard drive. I don't want to lose all the things I've created in the last few decades. 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? Outside of Jesus himself. A lot of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Billy Graham, Bono, and Pablo Picasso.   5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A friend of mine told me I should quit my job and work for myself. Then two years later he said I should buy a camera and start shooting. In addition to my dad and Philippians 4:13. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't be afraid. You got to go for it. You've got a lot of ideas and a lot of creativity. Just believe in yourself. Even if you fail, you're still going to learn. 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 made the world just a little bit better. *** 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 “Monday Moments” segments. Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed. - Linda Wooten My mother has played such an important role in my life. The greatest examples of leadership and love are from her. Today, I share how she so generously loved to me, my siblings, my father and so many more. I mentioned my mother was the first guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. Listen to our conversation on ep. 000 here. On Thursday, award-winning photographer, artist and entrepreneur Jeremy Cowart joins us to share how he's using his influence to change lives across the world. 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.  

What drives happiness? Actually, what is happiness? It sounds so vague, like “puppy dogs and rainbows,” doesn’t it? Well, today, we're going to define it, get our hands wrapped around how you measure it + see what the key drivers for happiness really are. Our guest Meik Wiking is the founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute, is improving the quality of life across the globe and has consulted with the Danish government and the city of Goyang in South Korea among others to increase key drivers of happiness in their countries.  When Meik realized his native Denmark is routinely ranked the highest in the United Nations Happiness Report, it sent him on a mission to unlock what drives (and what prohibits) human happiness. Meik’s insights are fascinating and will give you practical steps to live a happier, more inspired life today.   SHOW NOTES The Happiness Research Institute is taking a scientific approach to answer these questions: How do you measure happiness? Why are some people happier than others? How can we improve the quality of life? Happiness often feels vague and soft. The institute breaks happiness down into two components: Overall life satisfaction + immediate satisfaction. Capture happiness: By following large groups of people over time, they see how life events impact emotions and happiness. The Happiness Research Institute has served cities, governments + organizations globally, impacting their policies + infrastructures, allowing their citizens to flourish.   Meik refers to Denmark as the "least unhappy country":  Since "genetics" plays a small role in someone's level of happiness,  the main explanation is the Nordic way of life. Policies + infrastructure are in place in Scandinavian countries to reduce causes of unhappiness: unemployment, lack of access to healthcare, paid university-level education. Meik's book The Little Book Hygge details the Danish national culture of art of creating a nice atmosphere:  Hygge is the idea of feeling relaxed, at peace, a sense of togetherness and enjoying simple pleasures. It's a key success parameter when socializing in Denmark. Light a candle: Meik shares a fascinating story of a Canadian family making the simple environmental change of eating dinner in candlelight that led to a longer, more enjoyable experience for the entire family.  Happiness-suicide paradox: It's more difficult to be unhappy in happy country. Why? Our satisfaction is impacted by how we see others (and social comparison). Increasing wealth does not correlate with increased happiness because we increase our expectations, creating a new benchmark for happiness. The Little Book of Lykke is Meik's global treasure hunt for happiness, covering 6 topics: togetherness, money, health, freedom, trust, and kindness. Hear more about each of these in our Live Inspired IN STUDIO membership community*. If you enjoyed hearing practical tips to be happier in your work + life, listen to Gretchen Rubin, New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project & The Four Tendencies on ep. 64 and Liz Fosslien, co-author + illustrator of the just-released book No Hard Feelings: The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work on ep. 122 of the Live Inspired Podcast. * Hear more on Meik's global treasure hunt for happiness by joining IN STUDIO, my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. I'll share his practical tips + proven real-life examples from The Little Book of Lykke. Registration is open now for less than 48 hours. Register today! MEIK WIKING'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Factualness by Hans Rosling. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Optimism. 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 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 mom. died at 49 nice things to say to her. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? John Helliwell,  Editor of World Happiness Report in reference to the work we do: Let the data shape the signs but let the story spread the signs. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It's all going to be fine. 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? Just happy.  *** 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  

We've been producing these Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segments for two months. I hope they're giving you a quick burst of inspiration to start your week ON FIRE. Today I share a preview of this Thursday's guest Meik Wiking, founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute. Meik’s native Denmark routinely ranks highest in United Nations Happiness Report, inspiring his six-year journey to discover what drives human happiness + how to increase it around the globe. On Thursday, Meik joins us to share how the Danes embrace what they call 'hygge' and what practical steps you can take to live a happier + more inspired life. The conversation is one of my favorite to date, so I invited Miek back to join me 5/20 for an exclusive webcast for Live Inspired IN STUDIO, my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration for IN STUDIO is opening soon! Join the waitlist 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.