Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"Are you angry with the police?" Just days after Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back, Pastor James Ward, the pastor of Blake's mother, was asked this question by a reporter from a major cable news show. His response – one of grace, peace, forgiveness, and righteous indignation was a catalyst; drawing others into a critically important conversation as a nation. Today, Pastor James shares on the deeply rooted cultural and spiritual issues we're experiencing and gives concreted ideas on how we as individuals can begin to fix these. Join me in this incredibly timely, life-affirming conversation to help make our tomorrow far better than yesterday. SHOW NOTES: "My faith comes before my ethnicity." Thermostats versus thermometers. Thermometers reflect what's going on in the room whereas thermostats dictate. Growing up in Tuscaloosa, Ala. at the end of segregation, Pastor James expected hostility when his school system became integrated in third grade. Proverbs 4:23: Guard your heart, for out of it springs the issues of life. Power of inside-out living: "Our destiny is shaped more by the content of our heart and our mindset than external circumstances." "People are misguided in every area. Immorality does not discriminate because of socio-economic status, education, career or position in life." "It's easy to blame the system. It's more difficult for us to start work on our hearts and the hearts of others." "There are three types of laws that govern a nation: spiritual law, moral law and civil law. But we are only familiar with civil law. We are often ignorant of the ramifications of violating spiritual and moral law, which civil law alone can not remedy." Build capacity for change individually by being humble. "When you get rid of the moral standard of God's word, everything in society implodes." 5 practical tips to start a Zero Victim Mindset: Know your environment. Know your self. Continue to educate yourself. Pre-condition your mind. Envision your victory. Learn more about Pastor James Ward on his website here. Get a copy of Pastor James Ward book Zero Victim Mindset here. PASTOR JAMES WARD'S 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? The hospitality of the South. 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 because it's the pipeline to stay connected with others. 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 or Booker T. Washington. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? "The people that you love can do no wrong. The people that you hate can do no right." - Pastor Rob Thompson 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't compromise. 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? James Ward was a man of Christ-centered integreity, didn't comprised and lived a loved life. *** 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. *** 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!

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstance, to choose one's own way." – Viktor Frankl During a time when so many feel that life is out of control, overwhelmed with challenges, and trapped in isolation, let's choose to galvanize around an opportunity that is alive and well: To be love, to extend grace and to do life better, together. Learn more about our coaching program, virtual events and how we're here to serve you at JohnOLearyInspires.com. *** 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. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Does having the world at your fingertips 24/7 ever feel overwhelming? Do you ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, only to be left feeling anxious, frustrated and unproductive? Today, Tiffany Shlain, bestselling author of 24/6 and founder of the Webby Awards, shares her expertise on how to enjoy + leverage technology by first setting healthy boundaries with it! (After hearing the results of her brilliant tips, my entire team has adopted it!) For more than a decade, Tiffany and her family have practiced a "tech Sabbath" and today's conversation is packed with actionable tips that will help you reset + rebalance. If you find yourself connecting via technology more than ever during the pandemic… this episode is for you. 😉 SHOW NOTES: In response to her favorite question, "What are you passionate about?", Tiffany said she's interested in inspiring, informing, educating and lifting others to a higher place. Moments of crisis can be incredible opportunities to rethink and make changes in your life. Her father's love + attention helped develop Tiffany's confidence and she credits him with teaching her how to be present + live in the moment. Intentionally taking a weekly day of rest is Tiffany's rhythm and framework to living a good life. Tiffany shares how setting boundaries with technology during her morning routine + during dinner has been profoundly important. As a mother of two daughters, Tiffany finds that boundaries with techology have taught them how to entertain themselves and quiet the outside noise. "Be careful + intentional with who and what you let into your brain + give your brain breaks." To help maintain her daughter's childhoods, Tiffany took the Wait Until 8th pledge which delays providing a smart phone until they're in 8th grade. Learn more about the Wait Until 8th pledge here. Get more tips + resources on taking a disconnecting from technology at TiffanyShlain.com and at 24sixlife.com. Get a copy of Tiffany Shlain's bestselling book 24/6. TIFFANY SHLAIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Enthusiasm, which I still have a lot of today. I used to laugh a lot more as a child. 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? Photo albums and my dad's watch. 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 mom taught me to enjoy the process. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be patient. 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? Turn off screens one day every week to enjoy life to the fullest. *** 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. *** 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!

Last week, my wife Beth + I witnessed a microcosm of what happens every day in this country and around the world. People, living their lives the very best they can. Struggling. Dreaming. Striving. Hoping to provide for families, and run errands, and live their lives.... But when there is a need, when an individual is in pain, when someone regardless of their differences is in need of help, people step up. Turns out, during times of adversity our own arrogance and selfishness and political leanings fade as we realize we are all in the same family. And we do care. My friends, this too shall pass, we're truly in this together and the best is yet to come. The struggles of the world won't fade, but you'll be inspired and empowered to joyfully move forward, together.

Earlier this week, we officially cast votes in local + national elections. Regardless of our personal politics or if our candidates won the results of tomorrow's election, this season has been nothing short of tumultuous. As we're reeling with elevated emotions, I wanted to make space for our Live Inspired Community to be present to the uncertainty that we are experiencing together. Today, I'm listening to your thoughts and questions and share my thoughts and hopefully, some inspired perspective. As bridge-builders, let's remember that we have the power to make a difference, things are far better than they seem and the best of our days remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: Catherine G. asked, "What are you doing with your kids during this time to make sure they are part of this season, yet not swallowed up by this season?" Give yourself grace. Have honest conversations about how to make a difference Dan R. asked, "What is your perspective on the current climate? Will your message change when we find out who has won the election?" Accept life's uncertainty. Love thy neighbor. Cliff shared, "I truly believe that regardless of who wins, our country moves forward by working together. One man in an office cannot change that." "Be the change you want to see in the world." - Gandhi Rosemarie asked "With all the uneasiness going on between the pandemic and the election, what is your number one tip for finding peace through it all?" There is beauty when finding yourself living in the moment. This too shall pass. Kim asked, "How soon will YOU run for President?" We underate the ability we have to influence the lives of those around us. As a bridge-builder, let's remember that we have the power to make a difference, things are far better than they seem and the best of our days remain in front of us. Join us in celebrating the half birthday of #1 National bestseller IN AWE with up to 50% off. Get your holiday shopping done early here. *** 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.

In the midst of this fractious season, I'm reminded of witnessing an alternative possibility at a burn camp for children decades ago. While there, I was reminded of the transformational possibility of coming together to heal wounds, unify differences and aspire to true greatness. As painful as physical recovery from a severe burn is, the assimilation into your "old life" can be even more difficult; having a strong community helps. As excruciatingly painful as burns, bandage changes, or therapy might be, physical pain can be masked with drugs, endured with grit, or overcome with time. The far greater challenge for a survivor is the emotional pain of the trauma. Away from my family and close friends for the first time, I tried to stay to myself, remain relatively quiet and felt rather uneasy. I didn't know anyone else there and wasn't sure I fit in with the group. One of the camp counselors, a larger than life firefighter named Charlie positively changed my perspective.

Just days away from what might be the most impactful American presidential election in history, in the midst of a pandemic, with high stakes + anxiety regardless the side of the aisle you sit on... It's all unprecedented. Or is it? The headlines continue to refer to this election as "unprecedented" – but I'm not so sure it is! Join me and the host of the award-winning Presidential Podcast Lillian Cunningham for a bipartisan conversation about past elections, presidents, their legacies + what this lens means for us as we near our"unprecedented" election day 2020. If you could use a reminder that the best days of our nation's history remain in front of us, this episode is for you! SHOW NOTES: As life-longer learners, Lillian's parents instilled the importance of education both formally + by taking initiative to seek out knowledge. Fiction writer or astronaut? What drew Lillian to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago was their expectation of students to take classes in across a wide range of subjects. Prior to the 2016 Presidential election, Lillian sought to refresh her knowledge on past United States presidents by launching Presidential, a podcast that explores the character, leadership and legacy of each of the American presidents. Lillian shares the divisiveness of Rutherford B. Hayes election in 1876. "At early ages, they had to learn how to step into advanced leadership roles + roles of responsibility." - Lillian Cunningham on how many presidents were raised by strong mother figures because of absent fathers. Scandals of President hopefuls: While "scandal" may be synonymous with politics, Lillian notes Grover Cleveland was the first candidate during the modern era to face this type of backlash we're familiar with today. "There is something disturbing yet comforting about realizing we've been through scandal, division and dark moments in our nation's history." Listen to Presidential podcast here. Learn more about Lillian Cunningham and her other award-winning podcasts here. LILLIAN CUNNINGHAM'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was very attuned + sensitive to things around me. 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? I keep a little white stone in my jewelry box that is symbolic to me. 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 paternal grandfather who passed away before I was born. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Work shouldn't feel like work. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Relax a little bit. Live in the present. 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 made life more meaningful for other people. *** 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. *** 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!

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. Just a week before the election, in the midst of a pandemic, with recessionary winds blowing, and personal challenges mounting, so many of us are beginning to feel we're trapped in an impossible situation. It is more important than ever to remember that impossible is just a word thrown around by people who find it easier to live in the world they've been given, rather than to explore the power they have to change it. Use this season to be reminded of the limitless possibility within your life. It will change your world. And the world. *** 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. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

What would you do if you weren't afraid? Kara Goldin left her Vice President job at AOL to launch Hint Water with one simple goal: Make water that tastes great. Finding herself overweight, with low energy + adult acne, Kara discovered her diet soda habit was the culprit. To entice herself to drink water in its place, she added "hints" of fruit flavor to plain water. This was the inspiration behind the fastest growing, #1 flavored water in America: Hint. Today, Kara shares how she uses rejection as motivation, balances work with raising her four children and how "success" looks different for each of us. Get your favorite Hint Water ready because this conversation will have you racing forward with ferocious optimism! SHOW NOTES: Huffington Post listed her as one of six disruptors in business, alongside Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Teamwork: Growing up with five siblings, two over 15 years older than her, she had great role models. As a leader in the community, Kara's mother taught her to "love what you're doing" while her dad was an innovator for the brand Healthy Choice. "Just go for it. Stop worrying about what could happen. Instead, enjoy the journey." Kara encourages us all to look at our accomplishments to be reminded of our own success, including friendships. "Passion trumps experience." Learn more about Hint Water. Get a copy of Kara Goldin's book Undaunted. KARA GOLDIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Originals by Adam Grant. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Curiousity. 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 13-years-old, my mom kept a journal of her experience during the Depression. 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? Ruth Bader Ginsburg. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? While moving to New York, my dad asked me, "what's the worst that could happen?" 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It's okay to not know what you ultimately want to do. 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 pursued a life of purpose + passion, was a great parent + friend and enjoyed life. *** 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. *** Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book's release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple 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 Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment. "Were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?" As a 20-year old college finance major, I had an amazing opportunity to work at a world-class financial service firm. When a successful adviser called asking me, "were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?" I was startled. Although the conversation rattled me as an intern, the reason I am rehashing the story is less about my hurt feelings or someone's assessment of my intelligence, and much more about my manager Don Embree's response and what it means for all of us today. *** 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. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.