Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

At a time that many of us feel there is less to celebrate than usual, today's guest reminds us that despite the challenges there is so much good! Even better, he shares tips so you can see it for yourself. Jarrett J. Krosoczka, New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator behind the wildly popular Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy series, wrote the graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo that moved me profoundly. In it, he shares about the gift of his grandparents, who raised him because of his mother's heroin addict. Today's conversation will remind you that what you've weathered does not have to hinder your opportunity to live a better, bigger, bolder life now. SHOW NOTES: At 3 years old, Jarrett began being raised by his maternal grandparents while his mother was battling a heroin addiction. As the son of immigrants, Jarrett's grandfather taught his children their lineage and the importance of hard work. Pandora's Box: As a child, Jarrett used sketching as a way to process his unique situation yet it was when his wife was pregnant with their first child that talk therapy helped him better understand his past. "My grandfather once said I was sickeningly well-behaved as a kid. Part of that was fear losing stability." Hey, Kiddo: In Jarrett's award-winning young adult memoir, he candidly shares his unconventional childhood, the nightmares that haunted him and how drawing became his outlet to express himself. In 2012, Jarrett openly shared about his childhood for the first time publicly during a TED Talk. This allowed him to find the balance of sharing his story, hearing other's stories and self-care to prepare him to write Hey, Kiddo. Watch his TED Talk here. In the audio-version of Hey, Kiddo, the influential teachers in Jarrett's life voiced their parts of the story. While working at Camp Sunshine, a family camp for critically and terminally ill children, Jarrett was inspired to create more tender stories for a younger audience. Jarrett's second graphic novel Sunshine will be published in 2021 and details the life-changing story of a Camp Sunshine camper + the profound impact it had on his life. Raising compassionate kids: "As parents, we lead by example. We suspect our kids aren't paying attention but they will remember the way we behaved more so than the way we talked." Two-year process: Receiving dozens of rejection letters from publishers, Jarrett figured they favored his illustrations over his writing. Every week, he'd send new artwork to publishers which led to a publishing deal for his first book Good Night, Monkey Boy. In his wildly successful Lunch Lady series, Jarrett highlights the often-overlooked and underappreciated workforce of those serving children. Get Jarrett J. Krosoczka's book Hey, Kiddo here. Pre-order Jarrett J. Krosoczka's second graphic novel Sunshine here. Learn more about Jarrett J. Krosoczka here. JARRETT J. KROSOCZKA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I wish I still had that level of imagination. 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 flat files that have the artwork from all of my 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 grandfather and we'd feed Stanley and Leroy the seagulls. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Whenever someone wronged me, my grandmother would say, "tell them to $h!t in their hat," and my grandfather would say, "sometimes when you talk to a-holes, you get $h!t on." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? I wouldn't tell my younger self anything because that younger self needed to not know that things were 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? Are you sure I could only have one sentence? Just read the books. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

"To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible." ― Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach "Is that all?" It's an innocent enough question. Unless it's being asked by one of your kids on Christmas morning. My friends, as you prepare for your holiday season, take pause to celebrate and rejoice in the amazing blessings already present in your life. Be in awe of the fact that the seemingly good and bad of your life have already lead you perfectly to where you are today and providentially to what's possible tomorrow. And be convinced that the foundation is firm, 2020 almost behind us and the best is yet to come.

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp is one of the most successful artists in Christian music with forty #1 radio hits. Today, he is joined by his wife + fellow singer/songwriter Adrienne Camp as they share how they've found strength during life's greatest heartbreaks. They share how their faith has provided guidance through the unusual circumstances of 2020, why Adrienne encourages Jeremy to share about his first wife's battle with ovarian cancer and the important role of transparency in their marriage. If you're seeking an honest perspective on how to face uncertainty with strength, optimism and hope, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Whatever May Come: "When the rug gets pulled out from underneath us, as Christians we turn to God and as musicians we turn to music." Listen to Whatever May Come here. "Through anything I face, running to the feet of Jesus brings healing." – Jeremy Camp Adrienne grew up in a small South African town where her dad started a small multi-racial Christian school, the first of its kind at the time. Jeremy's younger brother was born with Down syndrome and taught him how to love wholeheartedly. While his first love was sports, Jeremy's dad taught him a few chords on the guitar which ignited his love for music. Learning the song Set Me Free helped him rediscover his love for God. Just months after getting married, Jeremy's first wife Melissa died of ovarian cancer at just 21 years old. "If I die from this cancer and one person gives their life to Jesus and their life is changed because what I've gone through, it's all worth it." – Melissa Camp When she first met Jeremy, Adrienne admired how his unwavering + authentic faith when sharing about Melissa + her battle. After they became deeply connected, Adrienne never wanted to stand in the way of Jeremy sharing God's message of hope. Adrienne shares that it's during life's greatest heartbreaks where she feels closest with God and finds comfort in scripture. I'll be with you during hard times. During the hopelessness of today, Jeremy + Adrienne are even more inspired to share the hope of Jesus. Long suffering: During Melissa's tumultuous battle with ovarian cancer, Jeremy wrote the emotional + raw song I Still Believe as part of his healing process. Watch the music video here. Jeremy + Adrienne Camp inspire others to live a life with transparency within beautiful brokenness while turning to God. Just days before the pandemic, I Still Believe was released in theaters which shares the story of Jeremy + his first wife Melissa's battle with cancer. Find where to watch I Still Believe here. Get a copy of Adrienne Camp's children's book Even Me here. JEREMY + ADRIENNE CAMP'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Adrienne: Anything from Ravi Zacharias because he's good at asking the hard questions and coming up with good answers. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Jeremy: Courage and fearless. 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? Adrienne: Passports. 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? Jeremy: Besides Adrienne, David from the Bible and ask him, "what brought you to be a man after God's heart and how did you get so distracted?" 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Adrienne: Humility breeds healthy relationships. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Jeremy: Just know that all things work out to good, even if it seems like the darkest hour. Just endure. 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?Adrienne: She gave everything she had. Jeremy: He was wholehearted in everything that they did. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

"It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others." – Dalai Lama This time of year, we frequently ask children, "what are you wishing for?" But what if the question was asked of you? What if you could arrange a safe, socially-distant, one-to-one meeting with Santa? Near the end of this wildly difficult year and in the midst of an array of personal challenges we face, I was reminded of a remarkable little boy's answer to that question. *** Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

In 2019, there were 69 million files of child sexual abuse material reported to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children. As CEO of Thorn, a non-profit founded by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Julie Cordua is driving innovation to connect the tech industry, law enforcement and government to end the viral distribution of abusive material and rescue children faster. Today, Julie shares how they are equipping the front lines and what we can all do to tackle this epidemic. SHOW NOTES: "I'm on a mission to end online child sexual abuse." Thorn builds technology to end the trade on online child sexual abuse by changing the global systems that respond to this issue to create a safer world for our children. Growing up in a small farming community, Julie's mom raised her to be independent, caring of others, especially those most vulnerable and with the belief that there is a bigger world to experience. After college, Julie worked with Bobby Shriver, co-founder of (RED) to use the brightest minds of the private sector to donate millions of dollars to end AIDS in the developing world. When overwhelmed by the sheer scale of global issues, Julie simplifies it be asking, "Are you changing the systems that will create long-term positive change? How is this affecting individuals?" In addition to sweeping successes, Julie finds motivation by focusing on the individuals taken out harm. While working at (RED), Julie was introduced to Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore who started Thorn. Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse share frequently share their stories with Julie, often reminding her that the documentation (images or videos) of that abuse still exists on the internet. In 2019, there were 69 million files of child sexual abuse material reported to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in the United States. Tip of the iceberg. When tech companies come across child sexual abuse material, they're required to alert the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, yet only a few tech companies proactively look for this material. "It's not going to be easy but it's not impossible." Three steps Thorn is taking: Find the children in these images faster + stop the abuse by building better software for law enforcement with extensive intelligence at their fingertips Stop the production and viral spread of the content by removing perpetrators from society and requiring companies that host materials to proactively detect material. Changing the conversation with children about self-generated materials. Understanding what's driving the demand for this type of content will help end it. Clinical issue Personality types that seek out destructive behavior like drug + alcohol addiction. The slippery slope of online pornography addiction Internet normalizes almost any behavior Thorn has identified over 10,000 children and given them a second opportunity at life through rehabilitation. In the last year, Thorn has over 100,000 abuse images have been removed by working with tech companies. Keep the children in your life safe by having very factual, open conversations about very uncomfortable topics. Get resources to have these conversations at Thorn's Stop Sextortion website. "I'm speaking for kids that can't speak for themselves." Take every day as a new day and purposefully focusing on the potential. Not everything is going to be perfect and how we will be able to move forward is being totally comfortable with not being perfect. "It's okay to be scared. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to not know what you're doing. It's the forward momentum of not giving up that is important." Learn more about ending online child sexual abuse at Thorn.org. JULIE CORDUA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Daredevil. 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? Nothing. 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 maternal grandfather. I wish I understood the knowledge behind his lessons. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? The only way to the other side is through. After having my first child, my best friend shared, "Just remember everything is a phase. It may be a one day phase or a five year phase but everything is a phase." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Take more risks based on your principals. 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 loved deeply and worked hard to make the world a better place. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

"Live every day as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right." - Muhammad Ali This 'trivial exercise' might be the push you need to start living your values and your best life. Assuming a lifespan of 75 years, you can look forward to living 27,375 days. If you've graduated high school, you're down to 20,000. If you're in your early 30s, you've got about 15,000 days left. If you're 60, a bit more than 5,000. Personally, I am counting down from 11,680. Being aware of how finite my life is isn't depressing, but inspiring, convicting, and prods me daily to ensure my life is congruent with my personal values, passion and vocation. With the end in mind, are you letting go of fear, being bold, radiating love and realizing the profound grandeur and goodness of this moment? Are you living in such a manner that both reflects your gratitude for what you already have and your passion to realize even bigger things going forward? Why wait? The meter is running, life is fragile, every single day matters, and you are a gift. It's time to act like it. *** Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

The odds of surviving a plane crash resulting in one or more fatalities is one in 3.4 million. Today's guest survived two, the odds of which are one in more than 11 quadrillion. In the span of eight years, Austin Hatch survived two plane crashes that claimed five people closest to him. In 2003, eight-year-old Austin Hatch lost his mother, younger brother, and older sister in a plane crash that he survived. In 2011, just days after making his commitment to play basketball at University of Michigan, he survived a second plane crash on which he lost his dad and step-mom. The second left him with brain damage and doctors feared he'd never walk again. And yet, Austin continued to defy odds and went on to play Division I basketball. Today's conversation is a poignant story of thriving through tragedy. If you could use an example of perseverance in action - this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: "I've had two really bad days in my life. I can't let those two days outshine all the other great days." September 1, 2003: Austin + his father survived the crash that claimed the life of his mom Julie , little brother Ian and older sister Lindsay. After the accident, Austin + his father formed an even closer, inseparable bond, usually over basketball. June 15, 2011: After finishing his sophomore year of high school, Austin committed to playing for his family-favorite University of Michigan. June 24, 2011: While Austin survived the crash that claimed Austin's father Steve and his "second mom" Kim, he was in a two-month coma with severe injuries and doctors were uncertain if he'd be able to walk again. "Dwelling on events I couldn't change wasn't going to help me overcome. I had to shift my mindset." "I have a greater appreciation for things. I never take anything for granted." According to MIT statistician Arnold Barnett, the odds of surviving a plane crash with one fatality involved is one-in-3.4 million. Surviving two is a one-in-11 quadrillion and 560 trillion. Unable to play, Michigan's Head Coach John Beilein honored Austin's scholarship and made him feel like an intergral part of the team. Watch the emotional video of Austin + Abby's wedding day here. AUSTIN HATCH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Malcolm Gladwell's The Outliers. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Infectiously optimistic. 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? Pictures of 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? My dad. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad said, "I believe the reason I am sucessful is that I'm loved by my family + friends, I'm admired by my peers and because I consistently use my God-given talents constructively to improve civilization. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Keep getting after it. Show up and do the work. 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? Austin Hatch is someone who used his experiences and God-given abilities constructively to make the world a better place. He left every place and every person a little better than he found it. *** About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

"Being resentful is like taking poison…. and waiting for the other person to die." – Nelson Mandela My friends, how long should you stay mad? I must admit that in my life, and perhaps you've found in yours, that even with the door open and the bridge of reconciliation available, I tug on my jacket, turn around in anger, and walk into the cold rain by myself. But going forward, let's determine to let go of our ego. Let's choose to ring the bell, meet their smile with ours, and come back into the house. Let's set down the poison, reenter relationship, and realize the gift of doing life, together. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Every Thursday for the last five weeks we've shared interviews full of tips + inspiring conversations as part of our Electing Gratitude series. This special series was designed to help you navigate + find joy within the complexities of life this year. Today's episode serves as a guide to living inspired while navigating holiday stress + winter blues. I share much-needed perspective + practical tips from past Live Inspired Podcast guests to help stay inspired throughout the season. The foundation is firm and the best of our days remain in front of us. Gregg Easterbrook, New York Times bestselling author of the book It's Better Than It Looks shared hard facts as to why this is the best time in human history. He exposed which elements of your life are making you feel otherwise and most importantly, shared the value of recapturing a true, positive perspective + what it could mean for your relationships, business, life + world. Listen to ep. 121 and ep. 238. When you know your why, you can endure any how. The spirit of Captain Charlie Plumb captivated me, and he's someone who inspired me vulnerably share my own story. On his 75th mission over North Vietnam, and just five days before his tour was scheduled to end, his plane was shot down. He spent 2,103 days as a POW, yet by choosing not to be bitter saved him. As many of us may feel imprisoned in our own homes during the global pandemic, I hope my conversation with Charlie Plumb will give you perspective. Listen to ep. 31. Practical tips you can implement in your life today. Happiness expert Shawn Achor reminded us that it's in the darkest times that we need optimism, gratitude and social connection the most. If you're feeling less connected, isolated and unhappy during this challenging time, Shawn's researched based reasoning + practical tips will have a profound impact. Listen to ep. 236. If you've got nothing to be grateful for, stay in bed. I share one of my favorite Thanksgiving memories from growing up and how it continues to remind me of all I have to be grateful for. Learn more about the special Electing Gratitude series: 'Unprecedented. Never been so nasty. Never been anything like it.' We hear these statements about Election 2020 – but are they true? Join me + award-winning Presidential podcast host, Lillian Cunningham to find out. Our thoughtful, bipartisan discussion will remind you that the best days for our nation still remain ahead. Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 302 here. Regardless of how you voted, hear my perspective and hope on where we are today regardless of who takes office in January 2021. I answered questions from listeners about the election, the future and other topics on their heart right now. Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 304 here. For more than a decade, Tiffany Schlain and her family turn off all screens from Friday to Saturday as a way to rebalance from the frantic, "always-on" culture we live within. Learn practical tips on how to reset before the holidays from the person Newsweek named as one of the "Women Shaping the 21st Century." Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 306 here. Pastor James Ward shares a universal principle that has fueled his success in every area of life—the development of a Zero Victim mindset. By empowering others to be their best, this conversation will set you free from your days of fear, depression, and discouragement. Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 308 here. Have you enjoyed our special Electing Gratitude Series? Share your thoughts in this quick survey and you'll be entered to win a free autographed copy of my latest bestseller IN AWE!

As this week ushers us toward my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, I've been thinking a lot about what I wanted to say to try to help reduce the anxiety, divisiveness, anger and general exhaustion you may be feeling. It's been a profoundly difficult year. The need to slow down, count blessings and come together not only as a family around a Thanksgiving meal, but as a nation, is critical. [I had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Jackson's pastor of more than 30 years on our most recent Live Inspired Podcast episode. Pastor James Ward profoundly influenced Ms. Jackson's life. When you listen, he'll undoubtedly influence yours, too. Listen here.] Let's use this important season to come together and rejoice in our gifts, challenges we've endured, lessons we've learned, and in the truth that in spite of our many mistakes and differences, that we are indeed better together, we are made for greatness and that the best is yet to come. Enjoy your Thanksgiving week. Lower your voices. Open your hearts. *** My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! *** Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.