Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

When you flipped the calendar from December to January, what were you certain was going to happen this year? Maybe a family vacation, wedding, simply going to the store as often as you needed! And then... Borders closed. Events were canceled. Online learning became the norm. Dining room tables, pets and children replaced offices and coworkers. Today, Janine Urbaniak Reid shares her own reluctant journey with unexpected chaos - hers is in the form of mothering a son with cancer. But the truth she shares is applicable to all of us navigating these uncertain times: This crisis can pull away the distractions and leave you with focus on only the essentials; clarity on what truly matters. Now that is a gift. SHOW NOTES: At a young age, Janine learned to hide secrets of abuse + alcoholism from others. "Every big transformative moment comes from the simple word help." Janine hoped that her overprotective parenting style would protect them from similar trauma she faced as a child while also re-parenting herself. Her youngest, Mason, was in kindergarten when his hand began to shake before suffering migraine headaches. They'd later learn this neurologist misdiagnosed this "normal tremor". Boze Grozi: What did you do to make God so mad at you? Tree roots under a sidewalk: Mason's slow-growing tumor had wrapped itself around essential brain structures making it irremovable. "We are ordinary people called to do extraordinary things and push beyond our limits." "I'd rather be anything but powerless." While orbiting an unpredictable tumor, Mason faced numerous setbacks and Janine saw it as a balance board of surrender yet do everything possible. Courage is not feeling like Wonder Woman. Courage is asking for help, surrendering and prayer. "I don't want to live a life I hate while living circumstances that I do." Instead of waiting for a crisis to be over, Janine found simple ways to find God + take care of herself including calling friends + going on walks. "Love is always enough. Strength is enough. You are enough." Get Janine Urbaniak Reid's book The Opposite of Certainty. JANINE URBANIAK REID'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Willams and anything by Anne Lamott. 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? The painting that became the cover The Opposite of Certainty. 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? Mary, mother of Jesus. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? "You're doing it. You don't think you can do it, but you're doing it," and "Don't give up." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't be so afraid of making mistakes. 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? God is good and life is good. *** 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. How do I greet every person I meet? In silence to myself, I say, "I love you." Though spoken in silence, these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile my face and they echo in my voice. - Og Mandino After partnering with a couple of thousand organizations, we've learned how to improve top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability but also about the value of relationships. How do you greet every person you meet in life? Not just those you're trying to impress, inspire or lead... but everybody. Now more than ever, think through collaboratively of ways to come together, find the middle ground and build a brighter future. Today, I encourage you in silence and to yourself, to greet others with love, understanding and acceptance. *** 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.

As we're in the midst of the storm! COVID-19, economic recession, social unrest and injustices and yet... Today's guest is a welcomed reminder of the special people continuing to do extraordinary things every day. Dr. Art McCoy's radical yet practical intervention as Superintendent has transformed his district from a "dropout factory" to a 100% graduation rate This inspiring conversation will spark unity + offer you concrete ways to be a change agent in your community. SHOW NOTES: Through his parent's adversity, Art learned the importance of hard work, humility and perseverance. "Your pain becomes your springboard for your purpose." In less than 2 decades, Jennings, a city in North St. Louis, MO, experienced white flight, was taken over of mediocrity, ignorance and apathy and its school faced losing accreditation. In the last decade, Art has worked as the school superintendent to reverse his hometown and establish enlightenment, empowerment and engagement. Dropout factory in a promise zone: When Art started as a superintendent, homelessness, teenage pregnancy birthrates, highschool dropouts and unemployment were at all-time highs. In an effort to reverse the statistics of the failing district, Art started a radical reinvention throughout the entire system including parents, teachers and pre-K students. "Hope is your superpower. The second you get destroyed by hopelessness is when you're tricked by the enemy or yourself." Art shares the heartwarming story of how a Somalian refugee learned to shed his darkness and bring the hope of life. Every kid + every person wants the three S's: Be seen, supported, affirmed to know they are sufficient. Moving beyond the need to create centers of engagement: To overcome societal deficits, Jennings offers two health-based clinics that covering mental + physical wellbeing, immunizations + dental work, homeless shelters and grocery stores. How Michael Brown death sparked change: His sister Deja Brown led a protest to connect + build relationships with local law enforcement. His mother Lezley McFadden partnered with Art and local law enforcement to launch a foundation in his memory. Through their College + Career Prep Academy, students partner with local law enforcement officers that mentor to enlighten, empower + engage change in the community. "No one needs fewer cops. We need better cops. We need cops that care about us. Many of them are good and you need to grow the good." How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Give your mind, body + spirit, time + space to recharge. How can I be a change agent for good? Grow up, show up sometimes act up, love up and lift up. DR. ART MCCOY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible, The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck. [To learn more about privilege versus oppression + the journey of healing, Art recommends Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy.] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Courage to go bigger. 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 collage of my great, great, great grandmothers who were slaves. 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? Myself 10 minutes before death. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My brother's last words to me were "Keep doing what you're doing." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be faithful to what you know is true and follow your heart. Sometimes you have to go through it to grow through it. 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? SAGES: Severing achievement gaps that exist in students + severing attainment gaps that exist in society. *** 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. As we are facing uncertainty and adversity, I wanted to welcome back creativity strategist, speaker + author Natalie Nixon. Natalie shares her latest book The Creativity Leap and how the lessons outlined apply to today's chapter of life. This timely conversation will inspire you to start your week in awe and on fire! Buoyancy: To cope with current events, Natalie reminds herself + encourages others how important it is to keep showing up. "Creativity is the engine for innovation." Natalie reminds us that during turbulent times is when embracing creativity is most important. "After we're able to zoom out of this conundrum, we will be aligned with the way of being and working that we've alienated from." To stay buoyant, Natalie finds forest bathing regenerative + restorative. Get Natalie Nixon's new book The Creativity Leap here. Natalie joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 118. She shared how curiosity can improve your results in business + in life. Listen here. *** 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.

The career of Kurt Warner, Super Bowl and 2-time NFL MVPs, reads like a rags-to-riches fairytale. Yet his story off the field I've admired even more. Kurt's dignity and class are undeniable and his example of living faith boldly has changed my own faith walk. Today, Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look on the unlikely path to his countless accolades. His heartfelt words about his family and faith will absolutely take center stage. If you could use a dose of character, hope and humility, this episode is for you. SHOW NOTES: Practice shapes us. In the NFL, you get 16 opportunities to be under the lights. So that means that 99% if your life is practice. 99% of the impression you leave on people comes from practice... to show people what they are going to get if they show up, you have to show them in practice. Apply this in parenting, work, life - it's all about practice. It's what shapes you and allows you to lead when you need to get on a soapbox or under the lights as a parent of an athlete. Sometimes you have to go through a preparation period to get you ready for what God is calling you to do. Keep yourself open: Although Kurt never expected to fall in love with Brenda, her faith, substance + character intrigued him. Kurt shares the most impactful moment between him + Brenda's son Zack, breaking barriers in their relationship. We're never going to let our circumstances define us. As Kurt was dealing with being cut from the NFL for the first time, Brenda was reeling from the unexpected death of her parents. It was Brenda's faith + how she handled her disappointments that shifted his perspective on life. Seeing Brenda go through her life struggles + reading the stories of overcoming in the Bible helped give him hope that current circumstances don't define future potential. "As I was sitting on the bench for four years in college I asked God, 'Why me?'. Now, I ask God, 'Why me? Why do I get to be the one that has a story like nobody else?'" "Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do while you're waiting to do what you were born to do." Kurt's bio-pic American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story will be released in December 2021. KURT WARNER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible and I Am Second by Gale Sayers. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? The idea of innocence. 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? If I have my wife + children, I have everything I need. 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 one of his disciples. What is the best advice you've ever received? Never let your circumstances define you. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? This moment is not the end game. Try to become better in it and know there is something on the other side. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? My greatest legacy is the way I loved my wife, kids, teammates and those around me. *** 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 "Monday Moment" segments. Today I share a story of one of my heroes, Amy Crawford. Amy is a 5th-grade teacher who has a profound way of elevating the kids in her classroom and inspiring others to recognize the meaning and power within their work. Cleaning her classroom before leaving for the weekend, Amy found a remarkable poem that would soon change her life. This poem was written by one of her troublesome students. I Am The Piece That Never Fits I am the piece that never fits. I wonder why people hate me for who I am I hear the cry of loneliness that comes from me I see my sad, strange, different self in the mirror I want someone on my side I am the piece that never fits. I pretend that words can never hurt me I feel the urge to run away from myself I touch the wet tear from my eye-rolling down my face I worry my future will be me, myself, and I I cry because I am the cheese; everyone is the mouse I am the piece that never fits. I understand that no one likes me I say that there is no place for people like me in the world I dream of a place where I actually fit in I try to make new friends, And I hope to, but still I am the piece that never fit. In time, with love, with grace, with intentional focus, by surrounding him with supportive friends and introducing him to new mentors, the little author of the poem began to fit in. And it all began with one person. One person. Today, he's a college graduate, gainfully employed, happily married, and passionate about life. Without a doubt, he most certainly fits. If you're looking to start making a difference, certainly start at home. I also encourage you to become involved with an organization that changed my family's lives: Big Brothers Big Sisters. I recently interviewed my Little Brother Travion House on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 260. Listen to how a 10-year-old boy taught me resiliency, courage + love. *** 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.

"You can't always choose the path that you walk in life but you can always choose the manner in which you walk it." - John O'Leary Rebekah Gregory is a shining example of not letting circumstances define our lives. Just feet away from 2013's Boston Marathon explosion, Rebekah was severely injured and spent the next 56 days in the hospital. Yet, she and her son Noah choose not to be left shattered and instead choose to live vibrantly. Refusing to be labeled a victim, Rebekah shares the challenges she's overcome since that life-changing moment and how in the midst of overwhelming pain, there is still hope to be found on the other side of tragedy. Her resilience, faith and courage will remind you that our best days remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: As a child, Rebekah's biological father was an Evangelic preacher yet abusive to her + her mom, teaching her to rise above trauma for a better purpose. "Obedient preacher's daughter" mask: Rebekah learned the importance of making herself happy before she could make others happy. April 15, 2013: Just three feet away from the explosion, Rebekah never lost consciousness + remembers scanning the crowd for her 5-year-old amidst detached body parts and shrapnel from the pressure cooker bombs. "I didn't want it to be it. I knew I had not lived my life in the way that I wanted to die in." For the next 56 days after the explosion, Rebekah endured surgeries every other day to help her recover. Rebekah relied on faith and her phenomenal medical team throughout her recovery believing she is here for a bigger purpose and her support system, including the medical staff. Eighteen months later, Rebekah made the courageous decision to amputate her leg - a pivotal decision that helped her move forward. "We can spend all day talking about problems but my blessings outweigh that, and so do everyone's." Although difficult, testifying against the bomber amazingly closed a chapter + birthed a whole new perspective on the tragedy. Rebekah chose to use being an amputee as a mark of survival + began doing things she never thought possible including passing the Boston Marathon finish line with her prosthetic leg "Felicia". I want to give people hope because everyone's life blows up in their face. Rebekah's Angels provides mental health treatment to children + families that have experienced trauma. Learn more here. "There is still so much more good in the world. It is our responsibility, now more than ever, to be a part of that good." REBEKAH GREGORY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. [Hear Shawn Achor shares that what we focus on grows and it's in the darkest times that we need optimism, gratitude and social connection the most on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 236.] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was shy + timid as a child. I wish I could go back to my treehouse, write my stories and cherish those moments alone. 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 waterproof prosthetic leg Ariel because nothing sets my soul more on fire than being at the beach. 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 granddaddy David. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Ride in someone else's wake and never be the smartest person in the room. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't get caught up in the trivial stuff and really live it up. 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? Life is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Sometimes you have to go through some really horrific things but I'm always going to be waiting at the finish line and I can't wait to meet you there. *** 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.

My friends, as tension builds, as lines get drawn, as rhetoric intensifies – I beg you to no longer view it as someone else's problem or buy into the tired "you're either with us or you are against us" dialogue spewed for far too long by political leaders, media pundits and social influencers. There is a more nuanced perspective required to make the change so desperately needed. Several centuries after its inception, our nation continues to wrestle with its original sin: slavery. If we are going to eradicate inequality and end the racial divide, we must first confront the system and the bigoted history that fostered it. While it's common to see signs in yards or posts on social media, the real work entails learning about the inequalities that grew out of the old system that still directly impacts our current one. It requires improving our education system that is failing many in our urban communities; transforming our penal system that delivers harsher punishments to people of color; elevating the education and training for our police departments; and providing far greater economic opportunities for communities that for far too long have been left behind, beat down and oppressed. This is a broad stroke and just a few of the expansive systematic remedies required. This season of great unrest was not created overnight and will not be fixed overnight. It will take a collaborative approach requiring profound wisdom, resolve and grace. These systematic reforms necessary are impossible unless we determine collectively to see the dignity, worth and value of our neighbors, regardless of the color of their skin, political affiliation, gender, or life experiences. We must accept the impact of biases and renew an emphasis to wholeheartedly listen, seek to understand pains, empathize with underlying frustrations of oppressed communities and treat those from different backgrounds as absolute equals.[Click to tweet.] This important work doesn't begin at a federal or state level, but with the reflection staring back at us in the mirror. So, which side am I on? I'm on the side that is tired of the polarization of thinking and refuses anymore to pit race against race, religion against religion, party against party, prejudice against prejudice. The side that understands we must stop sowing the seeds of hateful divisiveness. I'm on the side that is angry with the way a significant part of our population, our family, has been treated. The side that desires fundamental improvements now. I am on the side that believes respecting the dignity and value of every human life is foundationally essential for any society to truly thrive. The side that holds us accountable to supporting this truth through our actions and the side that expects others to be held accountable for their actions. I'm on the side that is profoundly grateful for the vast majority of our police officers who selflessly protect and serve those they've never met, who strive to keep communities safe, and who risk their lives daily for strangers. The side that believes unwaveringly that they should be respected and have the same right as anyone else to return home safely at the end of the day. I'm on the side of supporting protests demanding equality, endeavoring to both open our eyes to our privilege and our minds to recognize our implicit bias. The side that believes, even still, in the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all people. This is my side. And there is room for everyone on it.

Seventeen years ago, my wife Beth + I were seeking to make a difference in the community and could think of no better organization to serve with than Big Brothers Big Sisters. Soon after, we were connected with a little boy that would change our lives. In walked a 10-year-old boy, with a huge, goofy + joyful grin named Travion House. By serving with BBBS, we thought we'd be making a difference in someone else's life. Instead, it was our lives that were profoundly changed for the better as we were taught about resiliency, courage, love + life really looked like. Today, as our communities across the United States are fighting for equality, Travion will shine a light on where we're broken, where we've been redeemed... and how we as individuals can choose to make a difference today. This is an urgent + important conversation that will inspire you to take action + be a change agent in our world. SHOW NOTES: I found someone like me. I found people that were different. Travion grew up the youngest of six with a single mom that'd work multiple jobs just to provide. Feeling alone, he struggled in school. "I did not know how to handle my hurt. I did not know how to channel the hurt. What my actions did were say what my heart could muster up to say." Any change that happens must begin with you. Gradually, Travion improved his grades and graduated high school early. He credits his success in knowing he was loved + it gave him something to live for. "I had to break the foundation in order to lay the foundation in my own life." "Though racism is here, we don't need to respond to it in the same way we did back then." You must respond well because your response will bring forth fruit. Choose wisely. In bad soil we must sow good seeds. To somebody I wanted to hate, I showed love. There are two things you can control. The uncontrollable + the controllable. If you can control it, change it. If you can't control it, find a way to get around it. Hurt people hurt people. Healed people heal people. After watching the murder of George Floyd, Travion prayed for the police officer. Start understanding. If we understand each other's hurt, we can move forward in a better direction. Great change happens one to one. Get involved with your local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter. TRAVION HOUSE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible + Overwhelming Odds by Susan and Denny O'Leary. [If you're financially unable to afford a copy of Overwhelming Odds, send an email to Podcast@JohnOLearyInspires.com] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Looking past things. 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? Sometimes in saving one you can save all. I'd grab her by the hand and tell everyone to grab each other's hand. 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? The First Lady in the church I grew up in. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Release it and let go. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Pace yourself. 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 process worth going through. *** 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 "Monday Moment" segments. "A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true." - Martin Luther King, Jr My friends, our very lives begin to end the moment we stay silent about things that matter. The only way we begin to achieve true inclusion, diversity and justice is by taking a stand against what remains an utterly broken system for so many; to see with new eyes what we've far too long chosen to ignore; and to raise our voice boldly, courageously, loudly against hatred - ALL hatred - spewed from both sides of disagreements. Yes, even when it means losing advantages we've enjoyed or status we've been given because of it. We do this important, life-giving work one person, one conversation, and one action at a time. We do it when we seek to understand and not simply judge. We do it when we step in with love rather than slump indifferently away in fear. This isn't just the job of protesters, politicians, or police departments. It's our job. And it's time to go to work. Because a man can live when we begin to stand up for that which is right. A man can live when we choose to stand up for justice. And a man can live when we choose to take a stand for that which is true. I was silent years ago. I won't be anymore. *** 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.