Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Mary Marantz would have been her family's third generation of loggers in rural West Virginia; an impoverished life filled with days of hard, dangerous work. But, one choice Mary's father made sparked a much different path for her: He used what little money he had to buy learning materials to prepare her for school as he saw education as her opportunity to lead a big, beautiful life of her choosing. Mary joins us today – a Yale graduate and recent author of the book Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful – sharing what it was like to grow up in a deteriorating, single-wide trailer and, more importantly, with a father who would sacrifice it all to ensure she had a bright future. Today's conversation is beaming with resilience and hope and will inspire you to find comfort and appreciation in your roots. SHOW NOTES: Giant tin can: Mary grew up in a deteriorating single-wide trailer with a leaky roof, mushrooms growing out of the carpet and missing floorboards. One part firecracker, one part sassafrass: Mary attributes her stubborn determination to her grandma Goldie who cinderblock by cinderblock singlehandedly took down a garage on their land. Mary was healed from a lifetime of hurt and estrangement by her mother while writing her book Dirt. Mary + her father had a complex relationship but he dreamt of her life beyond rural West Virginia. Highlighting her once-shameful trailer and her father's calloused hands were symbolic and purposeful. While on the trajectory to follow in her family's logging footsteps, Mary instead became the first to attend college and went on to graduate from Yale Law School. The spark that changed a generation: At 4 years old, Mary's father wanted her prepared for kindergarten so he purchased homework books and encyclopedias on an installment plan. "I'm living proof that education and just one adult believing something better for you can change everything." Mary chose to honor her father's sacrifice by finding significance over success. Get a copy of Mary Marantz's book Dirt. Watch the MLB Network video when Mary refers to my story. TIFFANY JENKINS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Ability to be free + happy. 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, which is very defining because I worked so hard to have "stuff". 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 grandma Goldie and ask about heaven. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Treat people like people. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Assume it works out so then you can enjoy the journey. 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? Slow growth equals strong roots. *** 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 Moments segment. "Only through our connectedness to others can we really know and enhance ourselves. And only through working on ourselves can we begin to enhance our connectedness to others." – HG Lerner Have you ever visited with someone you expected to be completely different from you, but soon discovered great similarities, the feeling of connectedness, and the gift of a budding friendship? I experienced this during a visit with someone from a dramatically different background than mine, Laila Ali. As we conversed, though, it was clear that what unites us is so much more significant than anything that separates us. In the face of so much divisiveness, it's important to remember that what unites us remains far more significant than anything that divides us. With so much negativity, it's important to know that there remains reason for hope. And with so much outward anger, it's worth knowing that love still wins. Hear my conversation with Laila Ali on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 29. *** 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.

Are you facing obstacles that seem impossible? Have you made so many mistakes that forgiveness seems unreasonable? Have you lost hope that you can pull yourself back up? Today's episode is for you. Just three months after her first sip of alcohol, Tiffany Jenkins was on her way to a decade long opioid addiction. From varsity cheerleader to high school dropout; dating a sheriff to committing two dozen felonies: Tiffany shares her hard-won journey to redemption and sobriety. This emotional conversation breaks through the stigma surrounding the Opioid crisis and offers hope and encouragement to anyone who is battling addiction or loves someone who is. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Tiffany + her sister were frequently left alone leading to unhealthy eating habits + self-deprecating humor. Epitome of success: After unexpectedly making the cheerleading team, outwardly Tiffany was viewed as attractive yet she still felt ugly inside + out of place. Within three months of taking her first drink of alcohol, Tiffany dropped out of school + became addicted to opioids. To celebrate graduating rehab, Tiffany got drunk. While dating a Sheriff Deputy, Tiffany relapsed with opioids, became an expert at manipulation + lying and took drastic steps to support her habit. "I didn't want to die. I felt like I had to. I wasn't strong enough to deal with the consequences of my actions." On Christmas morning, Tiffany's father visited her in jail which gave her hope that life after addiction is possible. While living in a halfway house, Tiffany became pregnant. Within two years of leaving rehab, she was a married mom of three. "I would have taken the small amount of time we had together sober over the life before that." - Tiffany on the cherished time with her father before his passing. For the first time in my life, I was being accepted. Tiffany became candidly sharing her sober life, being a wife + mother on social media. "Reaching out for help was the greatest gift I gave my future self." If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, visit Nar-Anon. Follow Tiffany Jenkins on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Get a copy of Tiffany Jenkins' book High Achiever. TIFFANY JENKINS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. [Listen to Mitch Albom on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 81 and ep. 199!] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Ability to see the good in everyone. 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 dad's ashes. 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. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My mom told me to stop meeting my problems halfway and wait for them to come all the way. My dad told me to look down at my feet to keep me present. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Give her a hug, tell her she's loved. And tell her to hug her mom a couple more times. 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? It didn't play out the way I thought it would and that ended up being the greatest blessing of all. *** 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 Moments segment Today, every topic broached is immediately polarizing and leads to rigidly drawn lines between two opposing sides. Join me as I share how to veer away from this hostile, divisive path and instead draw a new inclusive one. *** 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.

We've all heard laughter is the best medicine, and according to Forbes, laughing has science-based benefits that stimulate healing, strengthen relationships and promote brain activity. As we're facing headwinds of divisiveness, negative headlines and mounting stress, comedian Trey Kennedy brings some much-needed reprieve. You may be familiar with his tasteful humor + poignant parodies like "couples during quarantine", "millennials at a hardware store" and "moms pre-pandemic" that have earned tens of millions of video views. Making some of today's struggles relatable + humorous, Trey reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously that we cannot find joy in the moment. Today's episode is sure to uplift as Trey shares how his career exploded as a social media sensation, what inspires his humor and his pride in delivering clean laughter that can be enjoyed by all. SHOW NOTES: Sometimes shy + reserved, Trey has gained confidence through his humor. Getting his start on the now-defunct video-based social media app Vine, Trey has spent a decade creating content for over eight million online followers. After going "viral", Trey was turned down for numerous social media + marketing positions, inspiring him to focus on his own brand. John 3:30: He must increase, but I must decrease. Do less. God bless. In his personal + professional life, Trey prioritizes quality over quantity. Watch some of Trey's most recognized videos: Couples during quarantine Girls be like... Millennials at a hardware store Moms pre-pandemic vs. post-pandemic Follow Trey Kennedy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter + YouTube. Listen to Trey Kennedy's Correct Opinions and Do Less God Bless podcasts here. TREY KENNEDY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Abba's Child by Brennan Manning. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Stressless joy. 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? When I was 18 years old, my mom gifted me with journals she had been writing the details of my life. 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? Professionally Steven Martin. Relationally Brennan Manning. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad always told me to do my best and have fun. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Believe in yourself + be confident. 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 guy who didn't seek his own glory. He just wanted to provide joy to those around him. *** 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 Moments segment. We see things not as they are, but as we are." - Immanuel Kant The above is one of my favorite quotes and comes from a poet who wrote eloquently and extensively on living a more meaningful, impactful and worthwhile life regardless of the challenges around us. With all the challenges we face as individuals and as a society, I thought today might be a good day not only to send our own children back to school, but for us to get a refresher on what remains possible in our lives, too. *** 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.

Patricia Heaton is one of TV's most recognizable and beloved female leads from her role as Debra Barone on the long-standing comedy Everybody Loves Raymond. Today, the three-time Emmy winner shares about the unexpected + sudden loss of her mother as a child, the pockets of hope that kept her acting dream alive + how she's thriving in her "second act" of life as an ambassador for World Vision. This warm conversation will remind you that no matter what stage of life you're in, crisis can serve as a golden opportunity for reinvention. SHOW NOTES: After reeling from the unexpected death of her mother, Patricia's father found ways to be loving + supportive. For nearly a decade of working odd jobs in New York City, enough meaningful encouragement came along the way to keep Patricia's hope of becoming an actor alive. Using the residuals from a commercial, Patricia produced and starred in a play in Hollywood where casting directors came + she started getting auditions. After a short mission trip, Patricia refocused her commitment to God and then became a successful actor. God gave her both. Today, Patrica is an ambassador for World Vision, where she travels around the globe to witness firsthand their impact in developing countries. "Being completely away from the entertainment business + being completely of service to others, cleared my soul and cleared my mind." Humanitarian work gives Patricia her sense of peace, purpose and value. Because of the unpredictability of acting, Patricia has adjusted the way she looks at life and appreciates that reality. "There are three things Jesus is telling us to do: help the poor, help the poor and help the poor." - Kathryn Compton, World Vision In her book Your Second Act, Patricia shares her stories + those of numerous others that have been faced adversity + have now found their true calling. Patricia celebrated two years sober in July. Get Patricia Heaton's book Your Second Act. PATRICIA HEATON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fearlessness. 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 KitchenAid mixer. 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. I didn't get to know her as her own person. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? "There are three things Jesus is telling us to do: help the poor, help the poor and help the poor." - Kathryn Compton, World Vision 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Stop drinking and be more disciplined. 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? Well done my good and faithful servant. *** 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 Moments segment. A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others. - Mustafa Kemal Atatürk Today I share an open letter of gratitude to teachers, who have historically been selfless in serving youth, and today more than ever. My friends, our educators have demonstrated repeatedly in the midst of turmoil, natural disasters, human tragedies and ordinary life their commitment to the children in their classroom. And yet, as summer fades to fall, as a nation remains on edge, and as schools navigate wildly difficult circumstances, let's have confidence that the same profession that has served nobly in the past will be effective, instructive and invaluable during these times, too. Be assured that the light will shine, we'll get through this together and the best days remain ahead. *** 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.

Dr. Gary Chapman is just the man to turn to for help on strengthening our most important relationships. Two decades after publishing his continuous New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages, millions of readers credit him with saving their relationships by providing simple and practical ways to communicate their love. As we face great uncertainty, there is a profound need for love in our life. Today's encouraging conversation will inspire you to better express your love + develop stronger relationships. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Gary's parents worked opposite shifts at the local textile mill to ensure someone was home with the children. As his dad was serving in WWII, Gary recalls how every generation faces challenges + how fragile life is. In its first year, The Five Love Languages only sold 4,000 copies. Today it's sold more than 13 million and has been on the New York Times bestseller list since 2007. "The deepest emotional need we have is the need the feel love by the significant people in our lives." "What makes one person feel loved does not make the other person feel loved." People express + receive love through one of the five languages: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, physical touch. "Love is an attitude that is the opposite of selfishness." "Every couple will have conflict. As a culture, we will always have conflict because we're not always going to agree on everything. But we can treat people with dignity and respect." What's your love language? Take The 5 Love Languages quiz! Get a copy of Dr. Gary Chapman's bestseller The 5 Love Languages. DR. GARY CHAPMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Choose Greatness: 11 Wise Decisions that Brave Young Men Make by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Clarence Schuler. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Carefree. 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 Bible I'm currently reading. 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? Dawson Trotman, the founder of The Navigators. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Recognize that if you're going to accomplish anything worthwhile in life, there will be opposition. Treat them with kindness + dignity, listen to them and learn from them. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Make the most of where you are. Don't wait to serve people. 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? Faithful onto death. 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 Moments segment. Today I share about the difficult times we're experiencing and how it's easy to get stuck in the negativity. You'll hear what it means to actually live and learn one simple thing to reestablish meaning in your life. *** 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.