Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Annabelle Tometich is a med-school-reject-turned-food-critic and author of The Mango Tree. And her story is as layered and sweet as the tropical fruit at the heart of her family's saga. Today, Annabelle takes us on a journey through the cultural contrasts of her upbringing as a mixed-race Filipina, the heartbreak of her father's untimely death, and the strength of her mother's fiery spirit. When her mother's unexpected arrest for defending her beloved mango tree shakes their family to its core, Annabelle begins to see her world—and her family—through a lens of resilience, empathy, and ultimately, healing. My friends, this conversation is for anyone who's ever felt stuck in their circumstances or searched for meaning in life's messiest moments. Annabelle's story will inspire you to embrace the complexity of family, find strength in vulnerability, and discover beauty in unexpected places.

"My name is James." With that statement, the man in front of me smiled warmly, extended his hand, and shook mine firmly. And from this seemingly ordinary introduction launched a conversation with an amazing man who clearly lives in joy and radiates love. In hearing his story, though, it was impossible not to be moved profoundly by his journey and his desire to do more through his life. Let me explain.

Haven Shepherd, a courageous Paralympic swimmer and advocate for adaptive sports, shares her incredible journey from surviving a bomb explosion in Vietnam as a child to thriving in sports. She discusses how adversity shaped her strength and molded her perspective on life. Haven emphasizes the importance of grace in overcoming challenges and the joy she found in swimming and in family support. With a heartwarming take on resilience, she inspires listeners to appreciate their unique journeys and recognize the power of personal stories.

For an entire year now, you've shared stories with us of individuals in your world who embody what it means to be On Fire For Good. We've received almost 1,000 nominations, nearly all of them someone's parent, sibling, teacher, pastor, colleague or friend. But last month, one came in that caught my eye. It was in fact, celebrating someone the nominator didn't know at all but had admired from afar. It just so happens, however, that I know the person they described personally, and I was overjoyed to bestow this honor on my friend, the joyful Stephanie Szostak. Let me explain.

Rob Kenney, lovingly known as the "Dad of the Internet," created Dad, How Do I?, a YouTube channel that has grown to more than five million followers seeking practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and, of course, a steady dose of dad jokes. And yet, behind the laughter is a story of resilience, forgiveness, and showing up when it matters most. At just 14 years old, Rob's father walked out, leaving him and his seven siblings to figure out life on their own. Years later, Rob transformed that pain into purpose, using his platform to share how-to tips, hope and inspiration. Today, Rob shares how his faith gave him strength, how forgiving his father set him free, and why his mission to serve others continues to grow. My friends, you'll leave today's conversation with a renewed sense of hope, the courage to forgive, and maybe even the confidence to tie a tie or unclog a drain.

Toxic positivity. It's a term commonly used when someone invalidates negative emotions or expects unrealistic optimism from others. Undoubtedly, we need to hold space for grief, anger, and sadness. And yet, a woman several years ago provided a beautiful, practical and powerful example not of living in toxic positivity, but of choosing gratitude even in the midst of the storm. Let me explain.

Ben Tracy, an online safety speaker, is on a remarkable 120-day journey running across America, tackling the urgent issue of kids' safety online. He shares how losing his job over past social media posts ignited his mission. Listeners will hear poignant stories of families affected by online dangers and the realities of sextortion. Ben emphasizes the crucial role of parents in guiding children's digital interactions and discusses the need for open dialogue about social media risks, underlining that awareness and connection can turn adversity into action.

Yesterday marked the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Oorah! I've been enamored by the Marine Corps since childhood, and having the honor to serve their wounded veterans more than 50 times through my work with FOCUS Marines over the past decade has further galvanized my love of them. And yet, it was a relatively simple experience, witnessed by just a few others, that revealed, yet again, how remarkable they are. Let me explain.

Sergeant Kevin Briggs is a retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge. For more than 20 years, Kevin patrolled the Golden Gate Bridge, where he saved more than 200 people from suicide. Today, Kevin shares how his own battles with abuse, cancer, and depression gave him a unique compassion, and the unforgettable lessons he's learned from hundreds of conversations with those on the edge of despair. In a world where societal pressures and personal pain can drown out hope, Kevin's story reminds us that a simple, empathetic presence can rekindle the courage to choose life. My friends, as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there's light—and a way forward.

As an empty nester, Holly Schultz revisited a calling she had first heard as a busy mom to young kids. Although she didn't have time as a young mom, years later with her children grown, she finally had the opportunity to volunteer at a local service dog nonprofit. Dabbling first in fostering service puppies for the organization, Holly found the separation anxiety when the dogs went to their forever homes too much to bear. But caring for the mother dogs who delivered those puppies? That became Holly's sweet spot and eventually led to one specific mother dog who is helping to change lives in ways that Holly could never have imagined. Let me explain.