Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Lori Allen is one of the world's foremost experts on bridal couture and the central figure of TLC's longstanding reality show Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta. Today, Lori shares about owning Bridals by Lori for four decades, overcoming breast cancer and why she thinks marriages during the COVID-19 pandemic are among the strongest she's ever seen. SHOW NOTES: Growing up, Lori parents instilled strength, selflessness and self-sufficiency which created security. God's grace and Elmer's glue: In their 4 decades together, Lori and her husband Eddie have become a better team by dealing with life's challenges. Bridals by Lori: Inspired by her Aunt June, Lori has grown her own bridal shop by having an open mind + always looking to improve. "When you sit still, you fad away." "We gotta start loving ourselves." Lori shares the importance of taking care + living ourselves both internally + externally. As an empty nester, Lori has learned the importance of rediscovering what your personal passions are + reconnecting with your partner to fully enjoy the later years of life. In the 4 decades of working with brides, Lori feels fulfilled by giving brides a sliver of hope + joy, no matter their circumstances. "These are some of the most strong marriages I've ever seen." - Lori referring the weddings during a global pandemic Get a copy of Lori Allen's book Say Yes to What's Next. LORI ALLEN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was more fearless. I'm a bit more reserved today. 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 wedding pictures. 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? God. And I have a lot of questions! 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad: You got this. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be a little kinder to yourself + relax a little bit more. 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 her life. She never gave up. She did her best. *** 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. "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way." - Viktor E. Frankl My friend, as you step into your Monday and begin your week, determine to control what you can and let go of what you can't. As you prepare for the unknowns ahead, choose to unclench your fist, let go of your anxiety and open wide your heart. Recognize that powerlessness fades when we embrace the brilliance, the miracle, and the influence within our attitude, decisions and lives. This choice will fundamentally change your world. And in that, you'll be liberated to improve the larger world, 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.

Jillian Michaels is a world-renowned fitness expert, distinguished nutritionist and wellness entrepreneur. As one of the original trainers on the hit reality TV series The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels has built an empire in the health + wellness arena including being an 8-time New York Times bestselling author, publishing numerous successful fitness DVDs and launching the award-winning Jillian Michaels Fitness app. Today, Jillian opens up about her struggle with childhood obesity, facing ridicule from her peers and the infliction point that provided newfound confidence and triggered an appreciation for fitness to provide empowerment in all facets of life. You'll leave this conversation with a plethora of practical tips + step-by-step instructions that will inspire your mind + body. SHOW NOTES: Her parent's divorce sent 12-year-old Jillian into a spiral where she became obese + was ridiculed by her peers until karate became a powerful, positive force in her life. With newfound confidence after her passing her 2nd Degree Black Belt test, Jillian gradually began to appreciate fitness as a means to empower people in all facets of life. "Life doesn't stop kicking you. Fight your way out of the corner." When starting on The Biggest Loser, Jillian was hesitant of this unprecedented reality television format but saw it as a "life or death intervention" for contestants that were severely obese. Commitment to change: To trigger commitment, Jillian needs 3 things to occur with clients: Hit rock-bottom. Take responsibility. Experience success. "We don't engage in destructive behaviors because we're weak, lazy or stupid. We engage in that habit because it meant our psychological survival." "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." - Friedrich Nietzsche To find your "why", Jillian uses leading questions that ignite emotions to be a compass that wakes you from a comfortably numb state. Try this exercise: For two weeks, set an alarm to go off every hour to take inventory of what you're doing and how it makes you feel. In Jillian's formula for a healthy lifestyle, 7-8 hours of sleep is critical + uncompromisable, 12 hours a week is dedicated to emotional and physical well-being with the remainder for work + running a home. "When you fail, it's an opportunity to learn + is preparing you for the next person, place or thing waiting around the corner in life for me to be better." After failure, Jillian gives herself grace by reframing the negative as a positive, then identifies the lesson to incorporate into future growth. JILLIAN MICHAELS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? As a child, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, The Princess Bride by William Goldman and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. As an adult, Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, Physics of the Future and Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku and The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I had far fewer expectations 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? A necklace my daughter was wearing when I picked her up. 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? Albert Einstein. 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? I am a narrow conduit for something greater. *** 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 as I share this timely poem. May you know love. The kind that makes you better, that challenges you to grow. Walk in loving kindness and you will feel the invisible tether that connects us all. May you live a life of purpose. Seek knowledge from young and old. Different and same, gentle and sharp. Live with your eyes wide open. See the beauty, the goodness, the miracles but also the struggle. Dare yourself to make a difference in the world. May you notice divinity in unlikely places. May you stand in awe of the world around you. And find wisdom in both the sunshine and the rain. Pause. Breath. Listen. The trees will tell you secrets if you let them. Let them. - Unknown *** 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.

In honor of the return of MLB baseball this week, we're thrilled to have Major League Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. as our guest. Cal is the epitome of dedication + perseverance. In his 21-year career, he earned his way into the record books numerous times, most notably when he broke Lou Gehrig's longstanding record of consecutive games played – with 2,130 games. Today, Cal is an author, speaker + philanthropist. Our conversation will surprise you – we talk about baseball but even more about life outside of the ballpark. You'll hear why Cal values persistently showing up despite difficulty and how he came to believe that the best is yet to come. SHOW NOTES: September 6, 1995: Cal played in his 2,130-game to break Lou Gehrig's longstanding MLB record of consecutive games played. "There was a human connection between me and the people in the stand that was unlike anything else I've ever experienced." Cal believes that baseball nation applauded Cal's streak because everyone was looking for something to believe in and everyone can relate to a streak. Do your job and do it well. Umpire attendant Ernie Tyler did not miss a home game for 31 years and worked 3,819 consecutive games. He missed his first game to attend Cal's National Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. I share a portion of Cal's gracious speech. Watch it in its entirety here. "Once your confidence develops you'll start to see your true potential." During his rookie season, manager Earl Weaver and player Reggie Jackson were empathic to Cal and helped him build his confidence. "My dad kept me grounded by saying 'you're an all-star player now, but the true test is over time." All good things come to an end: Cal voluntarily ended his streak at 2,632. 9/11 happened during Cal's last year in professional baseball and helped put things into perspective. Cal shares how Curtis Martin's story moved + inspired him. Watch Curtis' Hall of Fame speech. Take a general feeling of help and focus it in a direction that is important. Learn more about the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. CAL RIPKEN JR.'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Passion and immersion. 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? A letter I wrote to myself in September 1987 when my consecutive inning streak was stopped. 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? Lou Gehrig. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? You belong. Believe in yourself. You have the power to do whatever you want. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry so much. Try things. Experience things. 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? To be remembered at all is pretty good. Be remembered as gamer. *** 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.

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson "It's not about you." These are the first four words of one of the bestselling books of all time. Through the principles put forward by Rick Warren in The Purpose Driven Life, we are reminded that to discover what most stirs our heart, ignites our passion and elevates our lives: We must begin with the surprising + unpopular truth that it's not about us. In other words, to obtain the best of our lives we must... stop believing that it's all about our lives. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 58, Matt Emerzian shared how he went from a senior vice president at a major music marketing company working with Hollywood's elite to shifting into a life of purpose. Hear how he made this shift, the impact it's had and what it means for you here. Want to achieve greater success, impact more deeply and savor an even better life? Want more vibrancy and joy? It turns out the greatest returns in life are rarely discovered in what we receive, but in what we give. Because, ultimately, we don't long to be merely happy, busy or successful. We desire to be useful, honorable, and compassionate. We yearn to make a difference, to belong to a community and to share love with others. In a world as divided and negative as ours, what better time to start than now. *** 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 have tremendous opportunity ahead to heal." At seventeen years old, Brian Walsh found himself clinging to life after being caught in a burning building as a volunteer firefighter. Managing excruciating physical and mental pain for decades, today Brian is leading an inspired life as a financial planner, philanthropist, father and friend. In our conversation, Brian shares the quote above + what it means for all of us in this season of unyielding unrest. His hard-won resilience + tenacity will shift your perspective and help you see how you, too, can overcome the obstacles in your life today. SHOW NOTES: Growing in, Brian's middle-class blue-collar town expected young people to serve the community while his parents instilled the importance of hard work. At 17 years old, Brian started as a volunteer firefighter. October 24, 1981: After a freak flashover, Brian suffered such profound third-degree burns to his face that he was unidentifiable to his fellow firefighters. "I was so consumed with healing, I didn't want to look back, relive it and have it as an excuse or crutch." Three weeks after the accident, Brian credits his inner strength from fighting not to live but fighting not to die, giving him the perseverance to thrive. During recovery, Brian wore a compression face mask to reduce scarring which brought unwelcomed attention yet it's during that time he met his wife of 35 years. Foxhole friends: Brian encourages his three children to have spirited generosity, loyalty + compassion for others. "What mental torture is the person next to me going through that is invisible? What scar isn't physical? "We have tremendous opportunity ahead to heal with each other." Get of a copy of Brian Walsh's Beyond the Mask. BRIAN WALSH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible, The E-Myth by Michael Gerber and The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Exuberance. 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? An ashtray from my grandfather. 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? Abraham Lincoln and ask where he got the strength in so many different situations. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad: Never lose your sense of humor. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be a foxhole friend. 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? A man who loved, generous in spirit, generous indeed and love his family very much. *** 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 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. "Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don't listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don't listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what's behind the words." ― Roy T. Bennett How do you respond to those with differing views than yours? As a society, we are choosing to self-isolate. And this began long before a global pandemic. Most of us live near, worship with and socialize among individuals who are similar to us. It's no surprise when someone forms a differing opinion, we simply cancel them, right? But is it right? *** 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.

Recently, a dear friend shared the work of journalist Mike Max and his coverage of George Floyd's murder and the protests, destruction and marches in Minneapolis in the following days. Mike had covered the sports beat for 34 years at the CBS Minneapolis station and chose to use his longstanding relationship with the community to work to calm the hostile environment, spark meaningful conversations and capture the real-time experiences of the grieving community. Today, Mike shares his firsthand experience and what it was like to witness demonstrators and police officers respect for each other. Our conversation will remove the fog we often feel from politicized reporting and remind us of the good, humanity and of the possibility of us all coming together. SHOW NOTES: Growing up in a small Minnesota town, Mike credits his positive role models in building his fundamental foundation. Be thankful for what you did get to do. As a former college athlete, Mike sees sports as a great meritocracy. In his 34 years in media, Mike insatiable appetite for his work + the process of sharing stories of others. Although Minneapolis had a history of racial tension and Mike expected turmoil after viewing George Floyd's murder, he didn't anticipate it growing into a global movement for social change. From covering area high school + professional sports for many years, Mike leaned into his diverse network, especially his Black friends to learn and gain a critical perspective. While reporting on the demonstrators' perspective and their hopes for the demonstrations, Mike – a white man - began to understand the impact police brutality had had on the Black community in Minneapolis. Mike observed humanity and respect as demonstrators and officers began to understand each other after they spent long hours and days together "He's got a family. He's got friends. I've got a family. I've got friends. We just want to go home to the people we love."A quote from one of the demonstrators, sharing what it was like to talk with one of the officers at a demonstration. MIKE MAX'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey Mackay. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I cared more about people + trusted much more. 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 cellphone and the pictures of my family + friends. 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? Any President or Johnny Carson. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Hard work always pays off. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't get so uptight about things that don't matter. 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 gave it his best shot. *** My new book IN AWEis 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 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. During this season of full of challenges, change and the unknown it's more important than ever to recognize that some of these difficulties can be used for new birth, reconciliation and hope for the future. Today, I share a poem written by Samuel Ullman that emphasizes the optimistic power of youth. Youth by Samuel Ullman Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life. Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust. Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being's heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing child-like appetite of what's next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the infinite, so long are you young. When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty. *** 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.