Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

By 28, David Vincent had been arrested over 30 times, faced 18 felonies, and was staring down a 15-year sentence. Raised in the streets of Memphis by a mother who taught him to steal and a violent stepfather, his future seemed set—until he cried out for another chance. Today, he's the founder and CEO of the Warrior Center, a faith-based rehabilitation program that helps men, women, and veterans battling homelessness and addiction find hope, healing, and a new future. Join me as David shares his remarkable road to redemption—from a childhood of crime and survival to a life transformed by faith and purpose. He opens up about the moment everything changed, the miracles that led to his early release from prison, and how he turned his second chance into a mission to serve others. My friends, you'll leave this conversation with a renewed belief in grace, the power of purpose, and the truth that your story isn't over yet.

Why me? This was the question I wrestled with frequently after getting burned. When I was finally able to communicate with my parents after more than a month, the first question I asked wasn't "When will I get out of here?" or "What's next?" or "Who is watching my siblings while you sit at my bedside around the clock?" No, it was simply, "Why me?" Let me explain.

Orphaned at eight years old, Orv Kimbrough spent his childhood navigating the foster care system, facing setbacks that could have defined his future. And yet, he instead chose a different path. Today, he's the chairman and CEO of Midwest BankCentre, leading with purpose and creating opportunities for others to thrive. Join me as Orv shares how he refused to let his circumstances determine his future, the mindset shifts that helped him break generational cycles, and the power of choosing resilience—even when the odds are stacked against you. He opens up about faith, leadership, and the lessons he's learned as a husband, father, and business leader. My friends, if you've ever felt like life was working against you, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away inspired to see obstacles as stepping stones, embrace your own story, and take bold steps toward the life you're meant to live.

Each summer I have the honor of speaking at a camp for children who have one thing in common. No, it isn't a political party or a shared ethnicity. It's not a singular sex nor a similar economic background. What galvanizes the children at Midwest Children's Burn Camp is the shared experience of being burned. One of the most difficult aspects of enduring a fire is the lifelong mark embossed on a survivor's skin. These scars serve as a visible reminder not only of the agonizing struggle endured, but of how different we remain from others because of it. The scars can make us feel less than, set apart, totally isolated. Which is why an activity I witnessed at camp several years ago not only helped elevate the lives of participating campers but carries a lesson that may elevate your life today. Let me explain.

Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to more than 25 million individuals around the world. Gina Jernukian is the founder of Soul Survivor Ink, a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking and former gang affiliation heal from the pain of their past by assisting them in the removal of "branding" tattoos and scars. Through this work, she helps survivors reclaim their identities, dignity, and freedom. Today, Gina shares the moment that shifted her purpose forever, the incredible journey of launching Soul Survivor Ink, and the profound impact of helping survivors erase the painful reminders of their past. She reminds us that while our past may shape us, it does not have to define us—and that healing, hope, and new beginnings are always within reach. My friends, if you need a reminder that one person can make an extraordinary difference, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode with a deeper understanding of the hidden crisis of human trafficking, the power of small acts of kindness, and the unwavering truth that no matter where you've been, freedom and healing are always possible.

Life's most beautiful moments are often wrapped in imperfection. We all wonder if we are enough and worry about the opinion of others. Reading a book recently reminded me that the most beautiful things are often imperfect. Let me explain.

Scott LeRette is a husband, father, and author of The Unbreakable Boy, the book that inspired the feature-length film of the same name. At its heart, his story is about one family's journey through brokenness, healing, and embracing life's messy, beautiful moments. Today, Scott shares what it was like raising a son with brittle bone disease and autism, how his own battle with alcoholism nearly tore his family apart, and the moments of grace that changed everything. He opens up about his mother's tough love, the lessons his son Austin teaches him daily, and the journey from brokenness to faith. With honesty, humor, and deep reflection, Scott reminds us that life's hardships don't define us—our response to them does. My friends, if you need a reminder that life's most beautiful moments are often wrapped in imperfection, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper appreciation for the people in your life, and the encouragement to embrace every day—challenges and all—with gratitude.

Briana Morales was ready to give up. Although it was the Christmas season, she felt defeated, hopeless and absent of joy. The high school teacher was sitting at the bedside of a former student who had been shot. Having already lost more than a dozen current and former students to gun violence in the past few years, this was not an unfamiliar scenario for her. As she held vigil at that former student's bedside, she received a phone call that another beloved student, a young girl named Da'Miya, had been killed in a car accident. All of a sudden, the losses felt like too much and she began to question if her work was worth the effort. Let me explain.

Jason Wahler, an addiction and mental health advocate, shares his remarkable journey from the pressures of reality TV to a life of recovery. He candidly discusses his struggles with OCD and how they led to substance abuse. Wahler emphasizes the importance of faith, making amends, and personal accountability in the recovery process. His inspiring transformation showcases the power of redemption and his commitment to helping others rewrite their stories, proving that even from the depths of despair, hope and healing are possible.

Long before Steve Jobs put a device in our hands that lets us mindlessly tap away - giving the illusion of purpose while we wait and a tool to avoid any interaction whatsoever with strangers – I found myself seated alone at a lunch counter awkwardly waiting for my burger, fries and root beer. While watching the cook throw burgers on the grill, I heard behind me the unmistakable and unparalleled voice of Jack Buck belt out: "I didn't know you had such a refined palate." Jack was a Hall of Fame broadcaster, the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals and the biggest celebrity in our city. Additionally, he was a significant reason I survived a fire as a child, had been incredibly generous to me in the years since it and undoubtedly had altered the entire course of my life. He walked over, patted me on the back, asked if the stool next to me was taken and sat down. And so began this unexpected lunch with my hero. Let me explain.