Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Does your life look different than you imagined it would? In 2008, Katherine + Jay Wolf were newlyweds and parents to their six-month-old son when the unimaginable happened. Just 26 years old, Katherine suffered a massive brainstem stroke. After a rare, life-saving surgery, Katherine spent nearly two months in a coma-like state. With her faithful husband Jay by her side, Katherine had to relearn how to breathe, talk, eat... and eventually thrive. While no one wants terrible pain or unbearable tragedy, this couple is a tremendous example of finding hope in the midst of the storm. Today, Katherine + Jay Wolf remind us that suffering isn't the end of our story, but the beginning of a new story. SHOW NOTES: At 22, Katherine + Jay tied the knot in an unusually perfect November day in Georgia before seeking adventure together in California. April 21, 2008: When their first child was just 6 months old, Katherine suffers massive brain stem stroke without any warning and does not wake up from a coma-like state for almost 2.5 months. As a stroke survivor, it was the brave surgeon who performed a meticulous 16-hour surgery that gave Katherine the ability to sustain life, in spite of some disabilities. Every year, they celebrate April 22 as Katherine's second birthday. "I can't eat. I can't walk. I can't take care of my son. I can't do anything. I'm a mistake and I should not even be here." - Katherine Wolf after failing her ninth swallow test. Our lives are all stories that have many chapters and much complexity. Fully live into the story we have, not the one we wish we had. Jay credits faith + community to lift them up in healing + beyond to flourishment. "It was a surreal vision, a waking dream, a stark reminder that perhaps in the breaking of precious things, something even more precious than we can imagine might be unleashed. Perhaps in the breaking, we can find the healing we long for." Live Inspired community member Therese asked: how do you cope with the uncertainty/fear of the future and what your health holds? Live Inspired community member Robbie asked: What advice would you give healthcare professionals - specifically those who work in the rehabilitation field? Since they credit neurosurgeon, Dr. Nestor Gonzalez, in saving Katherine's life three times, they named their second son after him. Get a copy of Katherine + Jay's latest book Suffer Strong. Learn more about Katherine + Jay's story here. KATHERINE + JAY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Katherine: Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Jay: Music + childhood rhythms. 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 phone or iPad that has our photos... Google Cloud! 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? Jay: Mother Teresa. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Katherine: When I was relearning how to walk, my father-in-law would say, "You just have to win. Do whatever is necessary." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Jay: Enjoy that flexibility while it lasts. 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? Katherine: Joyfully rebelling against how our world, our culture, views health and success; Jay: He gave his life and unstoppable goodwill towards people in need and people he loved. *** 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. Have you noticed it is frequently the people who say the least about themselves who have the most incredible stories to share? On this Memorial Day holiday I wanted to share one such example of a heroic, humble servant who never needed to tell you how great he was. In a world where we too frequently celebrate people based on their physical beauty, social following or professional successes, Bill Skinner reminds us what a true hero looks and acts like. [Click to tweet.] Today, make sure that the humility, sacrifice, life and death of these heroes continue to shine brightly through the lives of those of us lucky enough to live on. *** 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.

Shannon Miller is widely recognized as one of the iconic gymnasts of USA's Magnificent Seven 1996 Olympic team. Two decades later, she remains as one of the most decorated American gymnast in history. Yet, even the greatest of champions face uncontrollable factors -- like a rare cancer diagnosis. Today, this mother of two, author, sought-after speaker + survivor shares some of her contagious focus + determination. You'll learn her perspective on some of the most memorable moments of her gymnastics career, her devotion to advocating for women's health + how she empowers others to breakthrough personal challenges. SHOW NOTES: "I didn't realize training 6-7 hours a day wasn't normal." - Shannon on growing up in Oklahoma. Shannon credits her parents in keeping her balanced + humbled while training. At 9-years-old, Shannon idolized the older gymnasts she trained alongside before learning about Mary Lou Retton and Nadia Comăneci. "I was never one of those kids that thought 'I want to be an Olympic gold medalist.' It was always about making it to the next step. I had an important focus on what do I do today to get there." As long as you're willing to work hard, anything is possible. Just weeks away from the 1992 Olympic Trials, Shannon broke + dislocated her left elbow after a potential career-ending mistake. Instead of giving up, she focused forward + became a more well-rounded + driven athlete than before. Instead of allowing the pressure to overwhelm 15-year-old Shannon at the 1992 Olympics, she changed the narrative in her mind to use the crowd + circumstances at supportive motivation. Shannon earned two silver and three bronze medals at the 1992 Summer Olympics, securing the record for most medals won at a single Olympic Games without winning gold. Although Shannon missed out on an all-around gold medal by the closest margin in Olympic history, finishing 0.012 points shy, she only sees the positive in the accomplishment. "It's not about the medals. You give 100% + do your best." "There is no Olympic medalist that stands up on that podium alone. You don't get there by yourself." Shannon credits her not only her fellow gymnasts but the broader team of parents, coaches, physicians, teachers and community in her success. During the 1996 Olympics, Shannon was part of Magnificent Seven, recognized for their camaraderie, enthusiasm, spark + unlikely triumph in winning the first team Olympic gold medal for USA gymnastics. At 19-years-old, Shannon retired from competitive gymnastics to focus on her education. In February 2011, Shannon was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer motivating her focus on the importance of health. Live Inspired community member Jody F. asked Shannon: When was your darkest time + what would you tell someone listening trying to come back to the light? SHANNON MILLER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? I'm an avid reader so I can't commit to just one. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Focus. As a child, I was able to focus on two things: school + gymnastics. As an adult, we're pulled in a million directions, every minute, every day. 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 for my photos, but that's backed up. There is nothing worth going back into a burning house to get. 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 husband. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Focus your energy. Today my goal is to help one woman focus on her health. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Ride the wave. Life will give you ups and downs. Hold on tight and keep going. 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? Shannon Miller is someone who focused on faith, family and doing her very best each day. *** 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. Have you ever noticed that the games we play as children can teach us profound lessons as adults? Join me as I share how my son Henry reminded me how we spend so much of our life blinking, missing the point or not being fully present. Today I challenge you to be fully present and fully engaged in all that you do. 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.

Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles including helplessness + isolation -- until he discovered his purpose. As a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur and father of four, Nick emphasizes that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome. Today, Nick shares his path to finding purpose, how sharing his struggles have inspired billions + what he's looking forward to. This conversation with an ambassador of hope will remind you that we all can rise above adversity and overcome every disability and live a life without limits. SHOW NOTES: The happiest people on earth are ones that are grateful. Before his birth, Nick's parents did not know he'd be born without limbs. It took his mom four months to come to terms At a young age, Nick's parents encouraged him to do household chores for money which taught him goal-setting, dignity + appreciation and also have faith in God, know he is loved + to not limit himself. At 10 years old, while searching for his purpose and combating bullies, Nick attempted suicide. I don't need to hold their hand. I need to hold their heart. Never expected to be married or have children, Nick has four kids with his wife of eight years. "Life isn't always smooth. Life isn't always good. But, life overall is good." "We don't see the good that can come from broken pieces. We don't give any room for miracles. And when you don't get a miracle, you can still be a miracle for someone else." Nick has shared his life-giving message of hope to over 2 billion people. Australia's speaking industry was virtually nonexistent when Nick began his career. That + the worry that Nick would be influenced by other's opinions made his parents fearful. After two years, Nick's success + life-changing impact was apparent. "There is hope beyond the brokenness." "My joy is in my faith, family + friendship." Nick + I share how our children have learn their dads may not be like the other dads and how they've learned to bridge the gap through sharing that everyone has value. Looking forward, Nick is grateful + seeking balance. Learn more about Nick Vujicic here. Learn more about Nick Vujicic's ministry Life Without Limbs here. NICK VUJICIC'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible and Money Secrets of the Rich by John Burley. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Celebrate the good longer + more fully. 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 painting of 6 hands toasting to life with glasses of wine. My best friends have the same painting. 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? Oprah because I want her to know that Jesus loves her and heard her prayers when she was a child giving her the greatest pulpit in the world to preach the gospel unwaveringly. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Learn how to reverse engineer your goals + time prioritze. Stay humble. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Carve out one hour a day to sit in silence and think, read your Bible more and pray 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? An imperfect ambassador for perfect hope that had a heart bigger than Texas to help the world know that they are loved and never give up. *** My new book IN AWE is now available! 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 Moment segment. As you may know, my second book IN AWE published last week... and it became an instant bestseller on Amazon! While our live in-person book launch party is postponed, we wanted to celebrate virtually. Tens of thousands of people tuned in Friday evening to hear me brag on my beautiful bride, hear stories from my heroes (named Mom and Dad!) and hear this rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist". Watch the Virtual IN AWE Book Launch party at ReadInAwe.com, YouTube or Facebook. Don't have a copy of IN AWE yet? Order from ReadInAwe.com or anywhere books are sold! *** 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.

In a career spanning more than 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history selling over 11 million records, earning five Grammy Awards and received a record-breaking 58 golden Dove trophies. Today, Steven joins us to share the inspiration behind his latest single "Together (We'll Get Through This)" with friends Brad Paisley, Lauren Alaina and Tasha Cobbs Leonard. When collaborating on the inspiring + uplifting project, Steven saw the need for a message that many of us are desperately seeking: we need each other + we will get through it as one. In addition, Steven shares the inspiration behind his music, how his family has found comfort after his daughter's tragic death and the faith he instills in God. This uplifting + timely conversation will remind you that the best of our days do remain in front of us. SHOW NOTES: Steven's first gig in music was with his brother at Opryland Park in Nashville, TN after high school. "A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument." The inspiration for Steven's hit "Cinderella" came after tucking his two youngest daughters into bed - despite their protests to stay up and dance - reminding him to cherish those little, meaningful moments. Steven shares the touching story of how his oldest daughter Emily's prayers were answered when they welcomed three adopted children into their family 20 years ago. Recognizing a need, Steven + his family created Show Hope to help families with the financial burden of adopting children. Learn more about Show Hope + the over 7,000 families they've helped here. "You only have so many moments with your Cinderella." A year and a half after writing "Cinderella", 5-year-old Maria passed away in a car accident. Steven has settled that God was + is there in every dark moment of our lives. "God, at times, restrains even himself from charging in and ending every evil + wrong thing." "God wept greater than we ever could have imagined weeping because God created the life of Maria and knew the devastation." "The hope + belief that God is with us has sustained us." The Chapman family made the difficult decision to keep Maria's legacy alive by speaking of her often and even creating Maria's Big House of Hope, an orphanage that cared for thousands of children that are medically fragile in China. Steven enlisted friends Brad Paisley, Lauren Alaina and Tasha Cobbs Leonard to release "Together (We'll Get Through This)." Proceeds from the inspiring and uplifting collaboration will benefit the Opry Trust Fund and Gospel Music Association to assist those who've been gravely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to stream and download. STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible and Loving God by Chuck Colson. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Wonder. It's probably why I started playing music and writing songs. 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 guitar. I process everything with a guitar in my hand and I have more things I need to process. 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 bride of 36 years Mary Beth Chapman and Corrie ten Boom + her story of The Hiding Place. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Bloom where you're planted. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Take your time + try to enjoy the moments because they are going to go by way quicker than you can ever imagine. 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 faithful. *** My new book IN AWE is now available! 100% of the proceeds from all books presold and sold the first week of publication are being donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters. So don't wait! 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 Moment segment. I never imagined releasing a book during a pandemic, yet could there be a better time to share a message about thinking differently, acting selflessly, dreaming mightily, connecting authentically and living joyfully? While this week may look a bit different than we planned, I see an even greater reason to apply the lessons I write about in the book. I've learned that true generosity isn't about giving that which you won't miss but recognizing the needs of another that are indeed far greater than yours. 100% of all profits from the pre-sale and first week of sales for In Awe are being donated to my favorite organization, Big Brothers Big Sisters. The profits from the 10,000 – 15,000 books sold during these weeks would have significantly helped me but will help the families within Big Brother Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri far more. Let's make the best of all we still have, instead of begrudging all we don't. Let's remind individuals of the profound blessing within their lives and the possibilities that remain alive within each day. [Click to tweet.] Learn how you can get involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters here. Order your copy of IN AWE 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.

Diane Rehm spent almost four decades on-air interviewing iconic cultural + political figures on The Diane Rehm Show, and she represents the very sound of National Public Radio. Often described as the "diva of discussions", Diane has the unique ability to own a strong opinion on matters but also the uncommon ability to remain open to other's opinions. Naturally curious to others' perspective Diane possesses an amazing combination of steeliness + vulnerability. Today, Diane opens up about her latest book When My Time Comes + the opposing arguments for + against the right-to-die. You'll also learn about her longstanding career in radio, working through crippling anxiety early in her career, how she overcame debilitating neurological voice disorder and why she sees herself as the "luckiest person". SHOW NOTES: When Diane was 19, her 49-year-old mother died from liver disease. In her last of countless trips to the hospital, she begged to die in order to be released from the pain + suffering. Eleven months later, Diane's father died of a broken heart. "We are all going to die. It's part of the life circle. Accepting that, planning for it, talking about what it is that you want at the end of life is what I am encouraging people to do." As a Serbian Orthodox, Diane felt pressure to marry an Arab just months before her mother's death. Feeling relief + freedom after her father died, Diane got a divorce. After stumbling into radio, Diane experienced severe anxiety daily for nearly 2 years until her bosses uplifting + encouraging messages gave her the confidence. Diane has interviewed countless political and cultural figures including Fred Rogers, Bill + Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. "When each person comes into the studio, what I see is not a bigger-than-life human being but rather a human being." In 1998, Diane was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition that affects the quality of her voice. Ten years after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Diane's husband of 54 years John Rehm expressed his need to die. For 10 days, he stopped eating, drinking + taking his medication before passing. Right-to-die advocate: Diane encourages individuals to move past the fear of death to have conversations about end-of-life care. "Find your own passion. Be open + ready to the possibilities." "He was one of if not the greatest teachers of humankind that I've seen in my lifetime." Diane shares that her interview with Fred Rogers was her most memorable interview. Listen here. 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 have received the greatest love from so many people in my life that I am the luckiest person in the world. Learn more about Diane Rehm here. Get a copy of Diane Rehm's book When My Time Comes. We are just days away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy 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 welcome back New York Times bestselling author + leader of the hands-free revolution Rachel Macy Stafford. Rachel shares her latest book Live Love Now and tackles the biggest challenges facing kids today and equips adults to engage them with humanness and heart, compassion and honesty to discover the deep, life-giving connection everyone is longing for. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire! "As parents, we can't prevent the stress our kids experience at school or in society, but we CAN give them coping skills… we CAN allow for emotionally healthy experiences at home... we CAN emphasize meaningful measures of success despite the one the world shoves down their throat." "In a world that looks for the quick fix, that prefers to numb the pain rather than do the work to heal, that resists the need to talk about hard things like mental health, we often walk right past ourselves and our loved ones in times of struggle. When we do, we forfeit the chance to connect, heal, and strengthen through a loving response." "The truth is not the end. The truth is the beginning." Get Rachel Macy Stafford's new book Live Love Now here. Rachel joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 9. She shared her insight + tips on how to stop managing life and start living it. Listen here. *** We are just days away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy 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.