Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, is a series that follows Leon Logothetis as he travels the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways. Leon joins us to share how a once “lonely kid” grew up to be a successful stock broker and then, upon discovering his passion for human connection and kindness, has embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. His new book, Go Be Kind, and this conversation will leave you ready to do exactly that. Join us to rekindle your belief in human kindness and its power to change the world… starting with your own. SHOW NOTES "We need at least one person to see us for who we truly are." For Leon, this was an after-school teacher Mrs. Mann. She changed his life profoundly. Watching The Motorcycle Diaries sparked Leon's courage to quit his job and follow his dream. First, Leon hitchhiked from Times Square to Hollywood Sign with just $5 a day, documented in The Amazing Adventures of a Nobody. During Season 1 of The Kindness Diaries, a homeless man taught Leon two lessons: True wealth is not in our wallets but in our hearts. Kindness is free. Kindness is a win-win. You win and the person you're being kind to wins. Your presence + kindness are the greatest gifts you can ever give. Until we are connected to our hearts, we are not living. Leon is filming Season 3 of The Kindness Diaries where he travels from Scotland to Singapore relying solely on the kindness of strangers. Leon Logothetis' latest book Go Be Kind is now available here. Watch Leon Logothetis' series The Kindness Diaries now streaming on Netflix. Learn more about Leon Logothetis on his website. I discovered Leon and his amazing story after I enjoyed his series streaming on Netflix. If you enjoyed hearing the story behind the series, check out Bill Courtney (ep. 28) from Undefeated, 2012 Oscar winner for Best Documentary and Jim Lovell (ep. 90) from Apollo 13. If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It’s my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist. LEON LOGOTHETIS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I am a child. Many of us lose our inner kid and I haven't.  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 passport. 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? Nelson Mandela and I'd ask, "How did you spend 27 years in prison and be kind to the people who put you in there?" I think his answer would be, "Love is the only way". 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? "Never, never, never give up" from Winston Churchill. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Keep going. It's all going to be okay. 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 came, he saw, and he loved. *** 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, my friends, we are stepping into spring! Nature is blossoming in front of us; offering a reminder that the best in life is yet to come. Today, let’s celebrate the three life lessons my beautiful magnolia tree offers. I promise, they will get you ready to launch into spring + beyond. Three lessons from magnolia trees: Life is seasonal. Loss is painful and leads to opportunities for growth. Life happens quickly. *** 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.  

“You can’t imagine your life without it, but you desperately want to let it go.” This is addiction as defined by today’s guest, Fr. Tom Hoar, President + CEO of Enders Island Retreat Center, a treatment facility that helps addicted adults. More than seven million Americans struggle with some form of addiction. Today, Fr. Tom debunks an often-taboo topic by sharing stories of redemption and healing – including his own. Don’t miss this critical conversation or the life-changing intent behind Fr. Tom’s poignant question "have you had enough?” SHOW NOTES Fr. Tom references Jean Valjean's story in Les Miserables and how it reminds us that the best days remain in front of us. We live in a society where we are too ready to judge others and write them off instead of allowing them to show us who they really are. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Be known for the content of your character. According to Cigna's Loneliness Index, almost half of Americans feel isolated or lonely, and those struggling with addiction or any mental challenge often feel alone in the room of a hundred people. To combat addiction, we need a healthy sense of self.  We've filled our lives with noise + stuff, but it's not the noise + stuff that gives us meaning. We've taken God and the sense of the sacred out of our society; causing a loss of inner self-awareness and contentment.  Genesis 1:26: Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. After Fr. Tom stopped drinking, he felt empty until being introduced to Alcoholic Anonymous.  Alcoholic Anonymous meetings offer a sense of authenticity + genuineness where people are sharing their story of experience, strength and hope. Addiction is a disease that has physical, emotional and spiritual components.  Allow people to grow, develop + learn. Accept them for who they are today.  Fr. Tom’s poignant question "have you had enough?": Are you ready to really let go of the way you've been living, thinking and really allow God's grace to bring you down a new path, a path of healing and hope? Read a Boston Globe article about Fr. Tom Hoar here. Learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous here. Thank you to my dear friend, Live Inspired community member Mary B. for recommending Fr. Tom Hoar! If you have questions or feedback, you can always send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. If you enjoyed today's episode, Live Inspired Podcast guests Teri Griege share her story of overcoming addition on ep. 2 and Fr. Jim Martin on discovering our best life on ep. 57. FR. TOM HOAR'S LIVE INSPIRED 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Gospel of Matthew. It challenges us not to live minimally but to strive for the life of virtue. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Curiosity.  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 pair of rosary beads my aunt Helen gave me on the day of my ordination. It represents my relationship with God through true prayer and my family.  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, of course. I'd ask, "Didn't your dad do a great job with this view?" 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Don't drink and go to meetings. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? There is nothing to be afraid of. 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 saw people in pain and tried to bring them a message of healing and hope. *** 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 during Monday Moments. Each week, I’ll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. Today, I share a sneak peek from upcoming Live Inspired Podcast guest Fr. Tom Hoar and, his poignant question "have you had enough" + what asking it could mean in your life.  Thank you to my dear friend, Live Inspired community member Mary B. for recommending Fr. Tom Hoar! If you have questions or feedback, you can always send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. *** 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.

Michele Cushatt is a self-proclaimed expert of trauma, pain and the deep need for human connection. As a three-time cancer survivor, mother of six, author and speaker, Michele's warmth, strength and transparency will remind you that you're not alone. Michele shares her story, how hope got her through her struggles and how it will help you through yours. Today, you'll be reminded that your best days remain in front of you to live a more inspired life.  SHOW NOTES: Fear + worry give a false sense of control. Acknowledge the reality but don't ruminate. Learn to laugh + gravitate towards other who do, too. How do we show up for loved ones with cancer (or other big things) Show support + be willing to do it wrong. Be willing to carry a measure of pain yourself. Hope gives meaning to life: We need to know there is meaning on the other side of pain and these challenges are not going to be wasted. The worst thing that can happen doesn't need to be the end of your life. If we are victims to our circumstances, we don't have a hand free to lend to anyone else. We're too busy trying to save ourselves. How to heal after trauma: Make a list and grieve. Acknowledge what you lost + what opportunities you have as a direct result of your loss. Healing is not done in isolation. Get emotional health and wholeness with help from a counselor, pastor or someone in that space. Find people who would want you to step in and do live with them. Hope is critical. Michele reminds herself daily that no matter what happens today, it can only get better from here. Live with compassion rather than constant disappointment. To overcome trauma, Michele suggested the book Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and Dr.  Daniel J. Siegel work. Get Michele Cushatt's book Undone here. Get Michele Cushatt's book I Am here. Thank you Live Inspired Podcast listener + community member Jennifer K. for recommending Michele Cushatt! Have someone you want to hear on the show? Email me at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. We've welcome other guests onto the Live Inspired Podcast that have overcome cancer diagnoses and are living inspired. Listen to author Christine Cain on ep. 82, Olympic figure skater Scott Hamilton on ep. 68 and author Edie Little Sundby on ep. 51.   MICHELE CUSHATT'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering by Timothy Keller and  The Inner Voice of Love by Henri Nouwen. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was very playful and full of imagination. I've lost some innocence and natural playfulness and I miss that. I'm trying to rediscover play, joy and laughter. 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. I used my Bible through the darkest days of my life. I wrote all the ugly, hard questions in there and have become part of my journey. It's evidence of the grace that got me through. 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 would love to pick the  brain of Henri Nouwen and all he experienced. The other would be my dad. He died of terminal pancreatic cancer eight weeks before my third diagnosis. I would love to hear him share how all the different pieces of his hard life came together. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? You're not failing, you're learning. I was frustrated that I allowed my emotional triggers to get the best of me. It's changed how I talk to myself and how I approach all my children and to teach them that they're going to make mistakes. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Sister, you're in for a long road. It's going to be harder than you can possibly imagine. It's going to take you to a point where you're not sure you're going to want to live. But I promise you, if you hang in there and keep making the choice to wake up and live you're going to be so glad that you did. 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 never stopped believing that love would win. *** 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.

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. This week, I answer questions submitted from three Live Inspired community members. Tune in to hear my answers! Lisa K. asked: Have you interviewed anyone that has left you speechless? You’ve had so many amazing guests. Which has been your favorite, and why? And who are some of your “dream” guests? Chris F. asked: Do you have a dog? You seem like a person who one of my best friend's, my dog, would love! What lessons could dogs teach humans? Alison J. asked: I don't have a lot of free time. What are some small things I can do day-to-day to help others? Lisa K. shared her favorite Live Inspired Podcast was ep. #87 with guest Mel Robbins. Listen here. Chris F. mentioned his favorite Live Inspired Podcast guests have been Ozzie Smith from ep. # 28 and Coach Bill Courtney from ep. 53. Alison J. enjoys Live Inspired Podcast episodes that feature guests who've changed the course of their life and are helping others do the same, like Scott Harrison with charity:water from ep. #104 and Jill Blashack Strahan of Tastefully Simple from ep. #18. If you ever have questions or feedback, you can always send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. *** If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

During his eleven years as a business leader at Build-A-Bear Workshop, Manley Feinberg implemented solutions inspired by his extreme outdoor adventures in the Himalayas, Uzbekistan and El Capitan in Yosemite. Today, Manley shares compelling tales from the trails that led to lessons in leadership that will help you overcome your challenges and live more inspired. SHOW NOTES: Courage is contagious, a lesson Manley learned early from his mom and lives by today. Get On Belay! A belay is a tool used in climbing to protect each climber. Tips to be a great belayer on the mountain or a leader climbing mountains in life: Be present + encouraging. Don't give too much slack (don't avoid important, uncomfortable conversations). Don't hold the rope back (don't micromanage / hold someone back). Lock the rope off (immediately recognize / engage others). Failing does not mean falling: If you're pushing yourself, you're going to fall occasionally. Make meaningful, intentional connections. Ask:  Who do I need on belay (who do I need support from)? Who needs me on belay(who needs support from me)? Overcome a fear: Write down a plan to get an objective lens. Stop chasing behaviors and start challenging beliefs.  Build momentum towards your goal by celebrating successes no matter how small.  Get Manley Feinberg's book Reaching Your Next Summit: 9 Vertical Lessons for Leading with Impact  and his Momentum Planner and Journal. Did you enjoy hearing Manley rock out LIVE? You'll love hearing Jonathon Cain of JOURNEY perform on episode #100 here.   MANLEY FEINBERG'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Jonathon Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, Untethered Soul by Michael Singer, The War of Art by Sun Tzu and The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch. [Listen to Richard Bach on ep. #54 of the Live Inspired Podcast.] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? My endless, boundless energy level. 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 couple of guitars my mother bought me when she passed away. 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 mother. It's been 18 years since we've had a physical conversation and we have a lot to catch up on. I miss most her unwavering, relentless enthusiasm and  encouragement, commitment and love.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mother always told me I could do anything I wanted to do, and believed in me. She always reminded me I have an amazing purpose in this world. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry about what people think. I'd tell my 46-year-old self the same thing. 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? Manley was an amazing father, husband and friend to everyone he met with no exceptions, loved them and they knew it. *** If you enjoyed 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.

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. Today, I share a story submitted by Mike F. of Alton, Illinois, one of our Live Inspired community members. Mike has done something truly amazing by applying the Live Inspired 7 – the questions we ask every guest at the end of our Live Inspired Podcast episodes – to his own life... You’ll love the result. Ask your loved ones the Live Inspired 7: What is the best book you’ve ever read? Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? 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? 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? What is the best advice you’ve ever received?  Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  Listen to last week's Monday Moments with Dennis Gillan on ep. #127 on the Live Inspired Podcast. *** If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.  

Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor – most notably is his Oscar-nominated role of Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. This role reshaped the trajectory of Gary’s life; not because of the acclaim for the film, but because it ignited a relentless drive in him to champion veterans’ sacrifices and ensure they’re never forgotten. Gary’s philanthropy has made him a beloved to countless and earned him prestigious awards including: Presidential Citizens Medal, Honorary Battalion Chief by New York City Fire Department, George Catlett Marshall Medal by US Army and Honorary Marine. Today, Gary joins us as part of his media tour for his book: Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service. It’s already a New York Times best seller and after hearing our conversation… you’ll understand why. Join us to for one of America’s favorite, heart-led leaders. You’ll get lessons on gratitude, service, celebrate America’s defenders, veterans, first responders and so much more. SHOW NOTES: His role as a gang member in his high school's production of West Side Story initiated his passion for acting. Steppenwolf Theatre Company was formed with his three friends in 1974, subsequently becoming the nation's premiere ensemble theatre. Of Mice and Men: Gary directed + starred in Of Mice and Men, fulfilling a life-long dream leading to his opportunity to audition for Forrest Gump. Forrest Gump: Gary had a deep affection to veterans his entire life and felt compelled to play Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. The scene with Lieutenant Dan shouting on top of the shrimp boat is pivotal because he's fighting his demons, overcoming guilt and PTSD from war, eventually allowing him to make peace. Making peace is something the Gary Sinise Foundation strives for all veterans. Turning point: The commitment to serve and honor veterans began before Forrest Gump. September 11th was an inflection point deepened that devotion. The Gary Sinise Foundation supports those who sacrifice on our behalf including active duty, veterans, first responders + their families. Learn more here. Get Gary Sinise’s New York Times bestselling book Grateful American. I shared my essay on my dear friend and former US Navy SEAL Scott Wirtz. Read it here. Listen to more Life Inspired Podcast episodes celebrating veterans with Rocky Sickmann from ep. #16 and Jim Lovell from ep. #90. LIVE INSPIRED 7 To shine light on veterans, Gary asked me to share responses to the  Live Inspired 7 from past guests who served our country. Enjoy Captain Charlie Plumb, Vietnam Navy veteran and Prison Of War, from ep. # 31 and Jake Harriman, Marine veteran, from ep. #114 answers. Charlie Plumb's Live Inspired 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, chapter of Job. Unbroken, it epitomizes your philosophy and mine on winning through adversity. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?Bolder Crest supports vets with PTSD to expand their reach bc they’re doing a lot of good for veterans. 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 tin cup with holes in it that I brought back from the prison camp. I keep that cup just to remind me of the challenges I face and the value of the challenge. 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 mother. She endured so much while I was over there, but never placed blame. I never heard her say a bad word about anyone. The longer I live, the more I appreciate her approach to forgiveness. I’d love to talk to her about how to forgive the unforgivable. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A coach told me it wasn’t the things around me that would change my life, it’s the choices you make about the things around you. You can choose to be a loser or a winner or choose to give away that choice. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Believe in a purpose as the highest priority. 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 a servant. Jake Harriman 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? Dreaming! I could dream big. I tried to do crazy stuff as a kid. We made a potion out of crayons and dirt to make me fly. Then, I put on a cape and jumped into cow manure! 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 medallion that I carried in combat. It says: [Joshua 1:9] “Be strong, courageous and remember that the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” It sealed my faith + gave me courage. I gave it to the love of my life when we got engaged. When she has to go into dark places, I wanted her to have the same medallion with her. 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? Abraham Lincoln. I’d ask: How in the world did you get through that time? And hold everything together with a nation that was literally pulling itself a part? I think he’d say “Find commonality – there are threads and values that run through all of us. Get back to those basics.” I think that is what he did and succeeded. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Never say you can’t do something, you have to believe in yourself and those who love you. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It’s going to be dark. You are going to have a lot of really horrific moments that you didn’t even know were possible. But in those moments, know that there is light coming. There is truth and love in people in this world. There is more light and hope than darkness. Never forget that. 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 learned to love and learned to leave by serving others. *** If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.  

Every Monday moving forward, join me for a quick burst of inspiration during Monday Moments. Each week, I'll cover a different topic that will spark you to live more inspired. I am honored to be joined by my dear friend Dennis Gillan to discuss a topic that desperately needs to be revisited: suicide prevention.  Today, we will break down the stigma around mental health and how to better care for ourselves + others who are struggling or suffering with suicide. Take this powerful episode as reminder that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES I share a poem written by 10-year boy titled I Am the Piece That Never Fits.  Dennis Gillan lost two brothers to suicide. Listen to his story on ep. #46 of the Live Inspired Podcast. Comic Adam Cayton-Holland shares about losing his sister to suicide on ep. #99 of the Live Inspired Podcast. If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). ### If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday! Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.