Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Lauren Daigle is the fastest-selling new artist in the Contemporary Christian genre of the last decade. Critically acclaimed for her unique, soulful + soaring vocals, the singer-songwriter is sincere, down-to-earth and has unwavering faith. Today, the 2-time Grammy Award winner shares how her Louisiana-roots cultivated her appreciation for music, the uplifting inspiration behind her lyrics, and how rediscovering her childlike wonder helped her find greater joy in life. Lauren also shares how she previously embraced a period of stillness amidst a whirlwind of success, how it propelled her forward into her next fruitful season + what it could mean for you during the COVID-19 pandemic. SHOW NOTES: "We're on the precipice of something extraordinary. If the whole world is still and experiencing a level of silence, great things come on the other side of those experiences." "I need to learn to love change because it is inevitable." Lauren grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana surrounded by a culture of music, passion + creativity. Music was a formative way of learning, a way of life + a way to come out of hard, dark times. As a teenager, Lauren was homebound because of the immunocompromising virus cytomegalovirus and music became a way to stay motivated and out of depression. "Being still showed me the future." "My life experiences allow a texture, tone or an emotion to come out in my voice." After high school, Lauren helped build a church on a mission trip to Brazil. While there, she saw how religion can separate others + learned to see people for who they are versus what they believe in. "There are so many things in life that make us more alike than different." Before becoming an award-winning singer, Lauren wanted to pursue a career in doing pro-bono law for human trafficking victims. "If you're in a place in life where you have dreams, things you're hoping or longing for and they don't seem to be in close proximity, surround yourself with as much influence as you can while being diligent and persistent in the work before you." Lauren shares the meaning behind some of the lyrics to "This Girl", "Look Up Child" and "You Say". December 25, 2017: After working herself into exhaustion, and many would say at the height of her career, Lauren took close to a year off of work to "be still". Lauren relates that period to pulling back a slingshot before being propelled forward + fruitful in the next season of her life. As her world tour is on pause because of the coronavirus, Lauren again plans to get lost in the stillness to let her mind, heart + spirit be refreshed + revived. Learn more about Lauren Daigle here. LAUREN DAIGLE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Love Does by Bob Goff. [Listen to Bob Goff on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 115!] 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Climb trees better and get lost in wonder more frequently. 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 first thought once all people that matter to me are safe, I don't care. Let's roast marshmallows. My second thought is a $100 bill my grandfather gave me as he was passing away + giving the advice "you better know who you, whose you are and where you are." My third thought is a letterbox filled with letters from my childhood until now. 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 grandfather because I miss him. Also, Quincy Jones to learn + engulf myself in stories of his career and his personal pains + hardships. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Bob Goff told me to always remember who my 8-year-old self is. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Steady the course, stay focused, keep moving forward and when you think you've lost yourself, God will always direct you back to who you are. 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? Lauren Daigle was a woman who loved well, loved rich and loved deep. *** 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 "Monday Moment" segment. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Carol. Carol asked: What keeps you grounded? I have a few key phrases that remind me of what is important — and what isn't. I love you… and there is nothing you can do about it. Thank you. This too shall pass. Tune in to hear how these phrases inspire me. If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you! *** 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.

My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of us in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. Sunday marks the 25-year anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing. Many of us were left searching for healing + hope after the deadliest domestic act of terrorism in our country's history. Two mired in darkness were Bud Welch, a father of one of the victims, and Bill McVeigh, the father of Timothy McVeigh. Before learning about the astonishing forgiveness that led to an extraordinary friendship between Bud + Bill, Jeanne Bishop shares her own transformative journey to reconciliation. Jeanne, author + law reform advocate, details what led to finding forgiveness with the murderer of her sister + brother-in-law. Today's emotionally powerful episode will inspire you to see the hope, freedom + joy that comes from forgiveness + reconciliation. SHOW NOTES: Jeanne's Story April 7, 1990: "I'll see you tomorrow," were the last words Jeanne said to her younger sister Nancy before she was tragically murdered along with her husband + unborn child. Love is stronger than death. In Nancy's final moments, she drug herself towards her husband, using her own blood to write "Love You" which gives Jeanne peace, knowing that she died in love. Hating someone else is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Wanting Nancy's memory to be life-saving + life-giving, Jeanne forgave the killer in order to free herself. After 22 years, Jeanne wrote the killer a letter expressing her forgiveness + offering to visit him in prison. He wrote back sharing his remorse + showing how he grasped the enormity of his crimes, giving Jeanne justice. From murderer to friend: Jeanne has formed a bond with her family's killer, having hope + expectation that he passes along every bit of good he can do whether he's in prison the rest of his life or not. "The more I get to know them from you, the worse I feel about what I did." - Nancy's killer to Jeanne. Bill McVeigh + Bud Welch's Story: April 19, 1995: A truck bomb placed by Timothy McVeigh exploded outside Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people including 23-year-old Julie Welch, making it the deadliest domestic terror attack in US history. Sister Roz, a Catholic nun who councils prisoners at the infamous Attica Prison, introduced Bud Welch (Julie's father) to Bill McVeigh (Timothy's father). Realizing the hate Bud harbored for Timothy was not healing him, he sought to break the cycle of retaliation, revenge and bloodshed. "Vengeance begets vengeance; hate breeds more hate. Reconciliation is altogether different; it changes us and changes the world, one human heart at a time." "We will only defeat evil with the amazing, forgiving reconciling love of God." The Survivor Tree: Julie would park under the only tree that would provide relief from the sweltering Oklahoma summers + it survived the attack. Bud sees that tree as a living symbol of Julie. Learn more about the tree here. Do you cry? Not feeling that he deserved to cry over the loss of his son, Bill finally felt free to cry after Bud acknowledged his son's humanity. "There is hope. There is light. You don't have to be mired in darkness. You don't have to be pinned under a rock of defeat, hate, anger + disappointment. God wants to lift you into a life of freedom + joy." Get a copy of Jeanne Bishop's book Grace from the Rubble. Get a copy of Jeanne Bishop's book Change of Heart. JEANNE BISHOP'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I used to see stories in my head, write poetry, make up songs, see magic in the forest. 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? Nancy's cross. She had a beautiful gold cross on a single gold chain that laid against her heart as it stopped beating. 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 grandfathers. They had so much wisdom and I was too little to know it. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Pastor John Boyle asked me, "What are you waiting for?" 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Listen to the still, small voice of God before it has to become a megaphone. 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? Give your life away. To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** We are just a few short weeks 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 "Monday Moment" segment. "Don't expect a great day; create one." [Click to tweet.] - Bob Proctor With so many restrictions on where we can go, who we can see and what we can do, it feels like we're in the movie "Groundhog Day". You know, that movie where a cynical, insolent, self-centered weatherman named Phil Connors (played perfectly by Bill Murray), is doomed to repeat the same day of his life. After days + weeks of monotony, Phil feels isolated, lost, hopeless. Today, let's not only expect a great day, but let's strive to actually create one. Also, to help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** 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.

My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to be that reprieve, instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. John Tesh has spent more than 45 years as a multi-faceted internationally recognized journalist, composer, broadcaster and concert pianist. Yet it's his incredible story of courage, resiliency, relentlessness, faith, achieving and humility that I gravitate towards. Join me as John shares inspirational stories + insightful wisdom on overcoming life's biggest challenges, including a terminal cancer diagnosis. Today's conversation will inspire you to move forward despite any setback you may receive in life + buy into the truth that the best of your journey remains in front of you. SHOW NOTES: "I didn't get a trophy for just participating... I tried harder because I respected my dad." John's reflects on band teacher Dr. Thomas Wagner and the importance of working the process. "Anytime I had success in my life, I was working a process and staying in a lane." Stubborn rigor: John found himself average or below average at most things. Although he didn't have the skills, he'd always find a way in. John wanted to attend a performing arts college but his father enrolled him in North Carolina State for textile engineering. Bit by the radio + television bug, John tried to drop classes but broke the honor code and was kicked out of college. For 6 months, John lived in a tent at Umstead Park in Raleigh until he got a job sweeping floors at WKIX. 36 months later, John was anchoring news in New York City. 'Show up and don't take no for an answer.' Be found ready. While developing film at WTBD, John would memorize + recite news scripts, one day earning an on-air anchor spot. "I always felt failure was chasing me. I was developing the skills so if they had to lay me off, they'd be laying off four people." Visualization has been important in many aspects of John's life including his iconic concert at Red Rocks. "Pick a lane and don't let anyone take you out of that lane." Beyond visualization, credits Romans 4:17 in speaking your future into existence. John tells how he fell in love with his wife of 28 years, Connie Sellecca, and her disciple and honor. May 3, 2015: John was diagnosed with a rare form of prostate cancer and credits divine healing to his recovery. Each morning, John visuals his day, practices gratefulness and speaks to his pain about God. When writing Relentless, John would write a chapter and have Connie read it back while editing. Get a copy of John Tesh's book Relentless here. If you enjoyed hearing how John courageously overcame his battle with cancer, tune into our Cancer + Illness playlist. Hear inspiring, uplifting journeys of survivors, how others aren't letting a diagnosis define them and how you too can live a more fulfilled life. Listen to the Cancer + Illness playlist. JOHN TESH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? A Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, Differentiate or Die by Jack Trout, Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I made great boats! 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 9-foot grand piano. 4. What is the best advice you've ever received? Get out of the bathroom and give someone else a chance from Dr. Wagner. 5. 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? Apostle Paul. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Get a board of directors. 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? Healed and whole. Whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. (Mark 11:23) To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** 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 "Monday Moment" segment. "Whatever you water grows. Whatever you pay attention to and focus on gets bigger. Attend to what you want, not what you fear or despise." – Dr. Henry Cloud There is no denying that we're in the midst of a crisis. Don't believe me? Turn on your nightly news. Yet, a bit of context around our media is important to understand. In 2017, Harvard Business Review reported that 19 out of 20 stories shared by the media are negative... and that's unemployment was at all-time lows and markets at historic highs, not during the midst of a global pandemic. We know that what we focus on grows in our consciousness so it's expected that depression + isolation will rise, triggered by the 24-hour negative news cycle. And yet, there is so much good in this world. Today, let's focus on that. We can choose to not only can flatten the curve but create a movement that reminds the world: In spite of today's adversity, there are helpers showing up, there's reason for hope and there remains certainty that the best is yet to come. [Click to tweet.] In the midst of a 24-hour negative news cycle blaring how lousy the world is, we want to counter with messages of individuals, families and entire communities choosing to Live Inspired Together. And I need your help! Send me examples of individuals in your community taking positive action to make things better. It could be your spouse cutting the grass for an elderly neighbor or your cousin beginning a food drive for those in need. It could a story you read about a billionaire donating a 737 packed with supplies heading for NY or a video you watched of a child donating their allowance. From families singing on their decks to individuals cheering for health care workers – forward your favorite stories over to podcast@johnolearyinspires.com! We'll be showcasing some of them on a video very soon. Also, to help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** 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.

Cathy Heller, a business and life coach, musician and author who helps people turn passion into pay, shares her journey from a rocky childhood to a songwriting career and launching an online business. She talks about pivoting into music licensing, building courses and a podcast, finding momentum through messy action, practical online pivots, and how faith and resilience reshape purpose.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segment. In spite of adversity, there remains reason for hope, truth and even joy. Today, I share a recent social media post that has resonated with our online community, and it's a reminder we all need to hear. Also, if you or your organization are seeking hope, perspective + confidence to fight through this season, let us help you. For a dozen years, we've created virtual video programming for our clients. If we can be part of the solution for you, email Heather@johnolearyinspires.com. To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** 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.

My friends, the coronavirus pandemic is affecting each of in some way. I urge you, Live Inspired community, to keep you + your loved ones happy + healthy. I want today's episode to be that reprieve, instill some sense of normalcy and provide positivity + hope in this uncertain time. Dick Vitale became a legendary voice in college basketball through his charisma, drive, and passion. As one of the pioneers of ESPN, Dick has been inducted to 14 Hall of Fames, is recognized for his trademark vernacular and exuberates an unrivaled enthusiasm that truly sets him apart. Today, Dick shares the challenges he's had to overcome, his focus and attention on his family, and his passion for advocating for cancer research through The V Foundation. This conversation reminded me and will remind you, that we are called to be a champion. SHOW NOTES: Dick's parents were uneducated factory workers that worked hard and gave him love, direction and guidance. "Richie, don't ever believe in can't. You can be what you want to be." "Richie, be good to people and they will be good to you." As a young child, Dick faced ridicule from his peers because he lost an eye. His mom helped him see his worth. Dick started chasing his dream of being a college coach by coaching junior high. What is it that allows a failing team to become one that is successful? The leader has to set the tone. "I want to be everybody's friend. I look for the good in people." Disco Dick: A highlight of Dick's career is coaching at University of Detriot and in 1977 defeating eventual NCAA champion Marquette during a 21-game winning streak. To celebrate, Dick danced at center court. "My personality, intensity and emotion did not belong in the NBA." Weeks after being fired from his job as head coach of NBA's Detroit Pistons, Dick was hired to call ESPN's first college basketball game. He's still calling games 41 years later. "I have pride in myself. I work harder now than I ever did." Dick is proud to serve on the board of Jim Valvano's V Foundation for Cancer Research and its contribution of over $230 million for cancer research. Watch Jim Valvano's iconic ESPY speech here. "I'm obsessed with raising money for kids battling cancer" "I'm so blessed. If it ends today, it's been a ride that's exceeded any dream I ever had." "The only place you'll find success ahead of work is in the dictionary." To learn more and donate, visit The V Foundation for Cancer Research. Get a copy of Dick Vitale's latest book Mount Rushmore of College Basketball here. Proceeds go to The V Foundation for Cancer Research. If you enjoyed hearing from a legendary sports figure, you'll love our Sports + Athlete playlist! Hear from NASCAR's Kenny Wallace, professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, Olympic medalist Scott Hamilton and so many more. Listen to our Sports + Athlete playlist. DICK VITALE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? I like reading sports biographies. I really liked Vince Lombardi's story. He didn't start coaching until he was 40! 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Passion and pride in everything I did. 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 picture of me with my parents as a little boy. It's in my room and I kiss it every morning. 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? Pope Francis. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Chase your dreams + goals and never ever believe in "can't". 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You can be what you want to be! Have a goal. 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 everyone's friend. He cared about people. Had an incredible thirst for life filled with energy, enthusiasm and passion. To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** 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 "Monday Moment" segment. My forthcoming book IN AWE has been in the work for several years. A few weeks ago I was able to share a few advance reader copies with a few business leaders, mentors + friends I deeply admire. Today I share a short message my dear friend Don asked me to share with the Live Inspired community after he finished reading IN AWE. "It's vintage O'Leary - priceless stories, the inclusion of the reader in the journey and the encouragement to overcome malaise, self-doubt and cynicism." "IN AWE gets us beyond surviving and to thriving." Tune in to hear more from Don. To help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here. *** 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.