Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"I go to bed feeling grateful and I wake up grateful."  Mike Mattingly is living life in reverse, and he couldn't be happier about it. Though he has always had a passion for music, it's never been his full-time gig. He plans to change that, though. Like the message in his song Growth, Peace & Gratitude, Mike continues to develop and change, experience life's ups and downs and with acceptance, find peace. Music has been a form of therapy for him. He was a self-described nervous child who battled anxiety. His mother introduced him to drums and through percussion, he found a sense of balance and peace. Mike and I are great friends. He has played at my Christmas party for the last 5 years. Last year, I hosted an event at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis and asked Mike to play there as well. In short, I like Mike a lot. Today, Mike joins us to share his experiences with anxiety, play some of his music for us, and offer advice on reinventing yourself at any age.  SHOW NOTES:  Mike started playing the drums in the 5th grade. His parents placed his and his brother's drum sets in the living room of their house and never once asked them not to play.  Unlike most musicians, it never really dawned on Mike to be "Johnny Rockstar." He just loved the songwriting process and sharing his songs with people.  He was a tennis pro and playing music 4 to 5 times a week. So, playing until 2 in the morning and up at 8 to teach people how to play tennis. It was not great for his health and anxiety.  His song: Growth, Peace, & Gratitude is about growing and changing, even when it isn't always fun. Mike's message is once you accept the challenges you find yourself at peace.  The same year his mother passed away, Mike's father was diagnosed with cancer. Towards the end of his father's life, Mike became his caregiver. Mike shared that his father was always in a great mood and was "the greatest guy I ever met." He met his wife in the 3rd grade. He describes her as "really smart, an artist, with cat-like eyes." He asked her out at 15.  You can listen to Mike's music for free on his website: mikemattinglymusic.com or iTunes.  MIKE MATTINGLY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Besides ON FIRE by John O'Leary? The Power of Now & A New Earth both are by Eckhart Tolle. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all debt, pay off my house, and take care of my family and friends.  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? All our DVDs and pictures. Perhaps my guitar "Marty" as well. 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 and dad. As far as a famous person, Prince.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad would always say, "right is right." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Everything is sound. 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?  Growth, Peace & Gratitude. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Gratitude is a muscle we have to continue to build." Mike Robbins is the author of three books with a fourth out later this year. He has been featured in Forbes, the Wallstreet Journal, the Washington Post, Oprah radio network, ABC News and is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post. Mike also has a successful podcast and speaks to clients which include: Google, the NBA, State Farm, Chevron, the San Fransico Giants, Harvard University, and many more. He teaches emotional intelligence, teamwork and leadership. At the age of 17, Mike was drafted by the New York Yankees and turned them down in order to go to Stanford University. There he focused on playing baseball and getting a quality education. Once out of university, he was picked up by the Kansas City Royals, only to suffer a career-ending injury a few years later. He has lost his mother, father, and a sister to cancer. Yet, Mike is grateful every day. He is an inspiration and champion of conquering adversity. His positive attitude, motivation to keep moving forward, and ability to escape the "trap of comparison" is a lesson for all of us. Today, Mike Robbins joins us to talk about his family, hardships, successes and how he maintains gratitude throughout it all. This is a podcast you won't want to miss.  SHOW NOTES:  Mike is the author of three books: Focus on the Good Stuff, Be Yourself Everyone Else Is Taken, and Nothing Changes Until You Do. He has a fourth book coming out in May 2018 titled Bring Your Whole Self to Work. He lives in California with his wife Michelle, and their two daughters Samantha and Annarose. "Give people permission to be who they are right now." Last year he lost his sister Laurie to cancer. She was only 45 and a single mom of an 11-year-old. His entire nuclear family is now gone. He describes it as "a hard time with lots of growth." He warns against what he calls, "the trap of comparison" where "we compare our insides to other's outside." When he went through a deep depression, he felt a void, and began asking, how do I heal? how do I change? He discovered healing is multi-layered. "Is there a connection between my body, mind, and heart? Yes, there is."  Raised by his mother, he credits her with teaching him determination and grit, also instilling him with passion and enthusiasm. "When we really care about each other, it makes a difference." MIKE ROBBINS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. Richard was one of the kindest and most authentic people I've ever met.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? It's amazing I was just thinking about this the other day. There is a part that wants to take care of everyone close to me. I thought about this for many years. I don't think I would do anything different. I would think "how can I best serve?" 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 computer. It has access to all the photos and videos.  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? There are a whole bunch of people that come to mind. The one that pops into my mind is Alexander Hamilton. I'd love his perspective on what is going on in our country right now. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Chris Anderson said to me once, "the most important job you have is to teach your daughter how to love herself. Love yourself, let her see that you do, and that is how she will learn."  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Just relax. Enjoy this as much as you possibly can.  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?  Be the change you wish to see in the world. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Don't wait for others to join you. Because you might wait forever." Gretchen Rubin has sold nearly 3 million books worldwide and perhaps is best known for her books The Happiness Project & The Four Tendencies. She is a thought-provoking observer of human nature and happiness, or as her sister likes to describe her "a happiness bully." She has an incredibly interesting story to tell; a graduate of Yale Law School who clerked for the nation's first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor; the host of the Happier Podcast with Gretchen Rubin; interviewed by Oprah; walked with the Dalai Lama; and an answer to a Jeopardy question. She is a prolific researcher and note taker who is "subject to epiphany" and writes about issues simply because she finds them interesting. Her topics range from JFK & Winston Churchill to fame & money.  Today, Gretchen joins us to share her insights into happiness and how we too can capture more of it in our lives.  SHOW NOTES:  Gretchen is the author of 8 books: The Happiness Project, The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, Happier At Home, Forty Ways to Look at JFK, Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchhill, Power Money Fame Sex,& Profane Waste. She grew up in Kansas City, MO and now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters. Gretchen says about her time clerking for the Supreme Court, "all of the justices are extremely earnest and sincere in trying to hold up the ideals of the United States of America. Everyone was trying to do their best work, every day." "All someone can do in this world is to try and do the right thing." "I never think of where I want to be in the future. I think what do I want to do now!" "I think the most important thing that I've learned is that: we can build a happy life only on the foundation of our own nature, our own values, our own interest and that there is no magic one size fits all solution." Her first commandment is "Be Gretchen" "The only person we can change is ourselves, often we can change a situation because we changed ourselves." GRETCHEN RUBIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? I never answer that question. I love books too much. (John finally gets her to offer one book: The Essays of George Orwell.)  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Probably nothing.  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 cell phone. 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? St. Therese of Lisieux, author of The Story of the Soul known as "the little flower." She is my spiritual master.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The best advice I ever received is from me, "Be Gretchen." I also like, "a strong voice repels as well as attracts."  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be Gretchen.  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 what she set out to do.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Giving up is NEVER an option & it NEVER should be." Amberley Snyder lived in southern California with her five siblings during her father's career in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Her passion for riding horses manifested early in life when at the age of 3 she began riding lessons. When her father retired from baseball the family moved to Utah where her love for horses continued to inspire her.  In 2010, Amberley was driving to a rodeo in Denver, when she looked down at her map, lost control of her vehicle, rolled it and was ejected from her truck, slamming her into a metal post. She broke her back and immediately lost feeling in her legs. She refused to allow anything to get in the way of her one day getting back into the saddle. Her strength, faith, and love for horses is an inspiration to us all.  Today, Amberley joins us to share her struggles during recovering from her accident, her strong family bond, and turning tragedy into triumph.  SHOW NOTES:  She was ejected from her truck at 70 miles per hour. The doctors told Amberley that had she been wearing a seat belt, she would still have the use of her legs. In 2009, during her senior year, she made it to the National High School Finals & at the National Little Britches finals, she took home the World All-Around Title. She got back onto a horse four months after the accident. Only 18 months after her accident she entered her first race. Amberley credits her faith with staying calm after the accident and the fear of the future once she learned the degree of her injuries. "You get to be sad, then you have to fix it." "There is so much life left to live." It was harder for her to deal with not riding, not taking care of her horses than it was for her to deal with not walking. She is the only paralyzed barrel racer in the United States. AMBERLEY SNYDER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Wonder by R.J. Palacio, I felt like it was just a great story of a kid with so much strength.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? The first thing is I want to start my own charity for kids and veterans, I'd get a ranch that was paved and accessible, and take care of my family. 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? If I have my horses and family outside already...(sigh), I'd need a cowboy hat and a saddle. 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 honestly would take one of my brothers with me, if I couldn't bring both. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Every day doesn't have to be "your day", just make sure the next one is. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? That's only six years ago and still after my accident. I'd say, "the ability to talk will be a blessing soon." 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?  There was no future in giving up on her life.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Don't forget what you learned in the light." Matt Manzari was a professional athlete sponsored by NIKE and traveling the world all by the age of 15. It seemed like everything was going according to plan and he had his path laid out before him. Until Matt felt a calling to ministry and suffered a horrible accident while competing. But his biggest challenge still laid ahead of him.  While trimming trees at a church, a power line arched over the metal bucket Matt was working in, sending 12,000 volts of electricity through his body. The electricity caused 4th and 5th-degree burns, which melted the skin off of most of his chest and arms. The burn went deep enough to kill muscle and bone. Yet, Matt is a survivor. He teaches us that at the top, it can still feel empty and through tragedy, we can find salvation.  Today, Matt joins us to share his story of faith, family, struggles and going all in on life. SHOW NOTES:  Matt has two kids, Justice & Trig and wife Bobby Jean. He went to University in Tennessee to become a Minister.  He is currently working on a book. The working title is, "Unfair God." "If we would just look beyond our walls, we would see the creator of it all. You." "We create walls around us and we can't see beyond them. We build walls for many reasons, mostly fear. Beyond the Burn. Everybody is broken. Everyone is facing challenges. Look beyond our walls." Doctors told Matt that the amount of electricity that went through him was equivalent to being strapped to 6 electric chairs. "We live in a broken world, but one day we will have salvation." Matt encourages people to start "choosing to be more than anyone else is telling you is possible." MATT MANZARI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell & Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I love digging wells. I work with World Vision. I'd give some to them. Buy a classic truck. Lastly, I've always wanted to build a rehab center. Lost my leg but gained my life.  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 first reaction would be "let it burn." After that...my dad's tools.   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? Anne Frank. "How did she do it?" 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The difference between good and great isn't much. But there is a difference. Also, "find out what it is in this world that breaks your heart and spend the rest of your life trying to fix that."   6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Remember when we were little kids and you would hear something in the room and go flip the lights on and see that everything is fine and there's nothing there. Then you turn the light off and get back into bed. Pretty soon your mind starts playing tricks on you again. In the darkness you forget what you learned in the light. What's planned is bigger than you can imagine, so just hold on.  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?  Matt went all in.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"The first step is to believe you are this thing you want to be." Jeff Goins is a blogger, writer, musician, teacher, husband, father, and pursuer of dreams. He was the Communications Director for Adventures in Missions, a nonprofit organization. Yet, his true passion and calling was that of a writer.  He grew up in a small rural farming community and enjoyed playing in his band and acting. Always trying to find a creative, artistic way to express himself. He strongly believes we all have a creative gift worth sharing with the world. So, if you have a passion for creativity and changing the world, this is the podcast for you. Today, Jeff joins us to talk about his faith, life, writing and what it means to pursue your dreams. SHOW NOTES:  He is the author of four books including the national bestseller, The Art of Work, published in March of 2015. The Art of Work debuted on the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly bestsellers list. Prior to The Art of Work, Goins published The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing, Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life, and You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One), Real Artist Don't Starve. "Depravity is realizing exactly how horrible of a person you could become." He got a job with CTI Music Ministries and traveled all across America in schools, churches, and prisons playing music and lifting spirits.  "The moments with people are the best ones." The worst place for us to be in the world is comfortable. Because if your job sucks or your current situation is unbearable...that's actually a good place to be because you know something has to change. If you want big things out of your life and to live an inspired life and your comfortable, that is the scariest place to be, because there is nothing forcing you out of that place.  "There was a creative thread throughout my life."  "What's your dream?" "Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I need to listen to my life telling me who I am." "If you think you can't, you won't" "Every story of success is a story about community. The self-made man is a myth." "You can join the scene or you can create it." "Success is the gradual realization of a goal." JEFF GOINS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Both books that come to mind are by the author, Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak & A Hidden Wholeness.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would take some of it and pay off my house, then with the rest, I'd put it into a charitable endowment fund.  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 laptop, no...this painting that my grandfather did of me. He's the one relative I'm most like.  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? C.S. Lewis. I think he is one of the smartest thinkers to walk the planet.  5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 7: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he", or "find a group of friends who are not impressed by who you are."  6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Start Blogging and also go to counseling. If we can become aware of it, we can work 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?  He lived a life worth writing about.  ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"You shattered my darkness... I'm alive again." These are lyrics from Alive Again by Matt Maher. When clients ask Matt what "walk-on song" he wants playing when he goes on stage to speak, this is the song he picks. Matt is an internationally acclaimed Christian singer; earlier this year he performed at World Youth Day in Rio in front of 3 million people. Matt teaches us that faith exists so you come to know how loved you are...so that you might be motivated by that love to live a life of abundance, outwardly focused. He shows us that the moments that bring us to our knees can be our greatest teachers and when your interior needs are met, you're free to give of yourself. Today, he joins us to talk about his faith, life, music and what it means for your life. SHOW NOTES:  I never didn't believe in God, I just didn't believe how much God believed in me.  Choose wisely. We all tether ourselves to people and communities that inform our worldview & the way we look at things. We are at an amazing time in human history with so many opportunities, but also the most individualistic and lonely time. You can't change anybody but yourself. Even that you can't do alone; you'll have to tap into something bigger than just you. Have the courage to admit your weakness + powerlessness to make yourself available for a strength much bigger than yourself. God is not a hall monitor with a checklist to tell me what I'm doing wrong. He's a father who is so incredibly proud of the gifts I have and the imperfect ways in which I use them. When you are in a place of influence, are you working for the good of the whole or based on your fears and insecurities? Live life abundantly, not for the short term. Writing is mostly about living life and being fully in the moment. I am always listening to the world around me. "I hope my music lets people know how much they are loved and accepted by The Creator of the universe." Sometimes our feelings don't align with our beliefs because we aren't perfect. We are loved and because we are loved we can share it with others. MATT MAHER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Grief Observed by CS Lewis, which is the journal entries after the death of his wife. It revealed to me that I didn't know how to love and that I wanted to love a woman like that. For me, it is so hopeful and beautiful because it led me to my wife. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all my families' debts and set up a foundation. I contracted Hep C when I was 13 getting a blood transfusion. I was cured 3 years ago because of medical advancement. I want to help kids who have blood disorders and aren't able to have a normal life because of it. 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? One of my guitars a youth minister gave me - a 1964 Gibson J45 that belonged to his grandfather. 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? Tom Petty. He's the one who pops into my head. You might think, what about Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul? But no. It's Tom Petty! 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? I once heard someone ask how to become a better songwriter. The response was: Go get your heart broken. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Stop talking. Listen to the world around you. Older people, like my grandpa, had a greater appreciation for the stillness in life. I wish I'd had more time with him. 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 finished well. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"What you put out in the world is what you get back." Becky James Hatter grew up in a small Louisiana town where she was surrounded by family, freedom and unconditional love. "That was an extraordinary gift to be given as a young person." Her entire career has been creating the same environment for underserved youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Today, Becky will share what it's like to have a personal + professional mission that is one (adults pouring love, goodness, experience, exposure, and support into the life of a child)... and what it means for your life, too. SHOW NOTES: Becky loved to get in trouble + work hard; her parents let her do both.  "To wake up every day and give away what I've been given makes so much sense. And really, it's all I've got." What you put out in the world is what you get back.  Becky believes every one of us has something to give. It may not be a million dollars or even a dollar, but a smile, story, love. And when you give it - they receive it and can then give it to. Always try to be the coach and not the boss. A coach is a mentor. When you are a coach, you listen more + people want to do well. Relationships are powerful. They're the only thing that makes life better or harder. Collect amazing people around you. The human spirit survives on love and struggles without it. Little moments, they accumulate. 4 hours a month volunteered with a child through BBBS literally transforms their life.  Be curious and courageous. When you meet someone who doesn't believe in the same things or see the world, in the same way, this is an opportunity to learn. Ask questions. BECKY JAMES HATTERS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Professionally, anything Peter Drucker or Jim Collins. Personally, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Create an endowment for BBBSEMO. 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 book case with all of my favorite books. 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 husband. We would talk about everything. We are just good together. My buddy. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad said, "You might want to go hide behind a garbage can and watch yourself walk by." Which meant, we all have struggles and you shouldn't talk badly about others' hardships. My dad was never a man who told you what to do - he always gave amazing lessons. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Relax and have more fun.  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? Lucky: To have been born, to the family she was born into, in the place she grew up. She was just really lucky. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"I. YOU. WE. MATTER." To the outside world, Matt Emerzian was living the “American Dream”. He was a gifted athlete, successful in the entertainment industry, hung out with famous people, and was living the “Hollywood lifestyle”. Until one Monday morning when it fell apart and his life changed forever. The author of Every Monday Matters, Matt tells his story of brokenness and the long process of rebuilding his spirit. He now shares his story and experiences around the country, speaking to people about depression, anxiety, and feeling unworthy, unappreciated, and unloved.    Join me and Matt as we talk about his journey back from the dark years to finding a calming and grounded existence. SHOW NOTES: Matt realized his “ladder was leaning against the wrong wall” and thought about taking his life because he felt he didn’t really matter. Get Matt's book, Every Monday Matters which offers 52 ideas for doing something positive. One of his father's favorite sayings is, “good for goodness’s sake” and it is now the motto Matt lives by. He grew up playing competitive soccer and even got to play in Germany until he blew out his knee. After that, he picked up water polo and was eventually recruited by UCLA. After graduation, he became a band manager in LA. He was having the time of his life. He met and ended up getting hired on the spot by Robert Kardashian. Robert owned one of the largest music marketing companies in LA. His definition of success was cliché: be rich, hang out with famous people, be single, etc. Matt "had it all" One Monday morning, getting ready for work, his chest started hurting and thought he was going to have a heart attack. A doctor visit confirmed he was having a very severe panic attack.  “It’s not about you!” His therapist shared this with him and he credits this saying with saving his life. Matt’s therapist helped him overcome his panic attacks and unhappiness – and self-acknowledge selfish lifestyle – by spending time each week volunteering. It changed his life and became his favorite part of the week. He created a youth curriculum for educators focused on the principles of: “I matter. You matter. We matter.”  MATTHEW EMERZIAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Man's Search for Meaning, that book just speaks to me. A Purpose Driven Life, the first line of the book was profound to me. Where the Red Fern Grows, it is a story of love, compassion, and heartbreak. It made me feel deeper than I ever imagined before. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? My wife and I would love to own our first home together. Then it would be how can I put those dollars to use to have an impact on communities and people. Along the line of the work I currently do. It would be invested in social good. 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 wife’s childhood blanket. It was a gift from her father. 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 Bono. I see us talking about where it all went wrong and how we can change it. By "it" I mean humanity & our culture. I think Jesus would say, it is time for us to love our neighbors more. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Listen first. I really try to be a good listener and be super present. To learn, yet also to honor whoever I’m talking to. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? The road might get bumpy, but have faith. It is OK if your story doesn’t turn out exactly like you thought it would. 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?Matt Emerzian lived a life that mattered. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Pay attention to the movements in your soul." Fr. Jim Martin is an author, speaker, editor for American Magazine, contributor to the New York Times, Jesuit priest and consultant to the Vatican. SO MUCH in the marketplace is secular so I know this may feel unfamiliar. Actually, question #13 on the survey I give clients to help me prepare my presentation is this: "What topic do you not want me to speak to?"  Nearly each of the 1,500+ presentations I've given I've received the same answer: Religion and politics. My friends, if we are unwilling to even whisper about religion and politics - we'll never find common ground or live our best lives. Today's episode is much less about religion and much more about discovery and how to live our best life going forward. Today, Fr. Jim will help us better understand the movements in our soul... and why it's critically important that we stop and listen to them. SHOW NOTES: Fr. Jim did not grow up in a religious household.  He studied finance + took a job with GE. The first years were exciting: A yuppy with good money in New York. After a few years, he felt trapped, asking: How am I going to get out of this? He went to a psychologist to deal with the stress and also began reading the writings of Thomas Merton.  After a year, the therapist asked: What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to do? Every young person should be asked this question. Answering this question is how you make the leap from being miserable into discovering a new calling. He joined the seminary and 10 years later was ordained a priest and assigned to America Magazine where he's been since. He had no clue what he was getting into and his parents and friends were a mix of horrified and upset. A year later they got it. "God works through your desires. There's a push and pull to something else." "Desiring something more fulfilling, satisfying? Pay attention to those movements in your soul. That's the call." What do I want to do with my life? That's something everyone struggles with; if we let ourselves. Allow yourself to answer that question. "The hardest part of leaving the corporate structure is the money. But its ultimately really freeing." "The most freeing and fun thing is being able to be myself." Think of times you've felt moved. Everyone has these but they aren't encouraged to reflect on them, name them as God. Holding your first child, feeling the undeniable love and not knowing where it comes from? That's God awakening His love in you. Wanting more in life. That's God calling to you. Falling in love with your spouse. That's God calling you together. Fr. Jim has written 10 books, including: Searching for God at Ground Zero  Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect... My Life with the Saints  Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and the Saints. What do you say to people lukewarm to faith? The first step in the spiritual life for lukewarm people is the insight that the desire for God is actually God calling you. When you can at least consider that, it changes everything. It's not just a weird feeling. "That which you seek is seeking you." - Rumi Fr. Jim Martin's Live Inspired 7  1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The 7 Story Mountain changed my life. The story of Thomas Merton, an American raised in France and the UK, who finds true meaning in a Trappist Monastery.  2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I'd turn the check right over to the Jesuits! 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? At the day of our vows, we're giving a medal cross, we keep it our whole lives and we are buried with it. I'd get my vow cross. 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! My first question would be, what would my life have been like if I didn't join the Jesuits. And I'd want to ask what was life like in Nazareth growing up - there is not a lot mentioned about his childhood. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Don't let anyone prevent you from becoming the person you want to be. A lot of times we react to people or try to be a person that is liked. That's not the person we're meant to be. We're meant to be ourselves. Trying to be the person everybody likes, that is useless. Be yourself. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be yourself. Stop trying to be what other people want you to be.  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 good Jesuit. ***  If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning