Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

In his three-decade-long NASCAR career, Kenny Wallace has competed in over 900 races, earned nine wins, and was named Most Popular Driver three times. Yet, he hasn't let this hard-earned success change who he is. Today, Kenny shares the snapshots that changed his life forever, including the death of his brother Mike Wallace's young son + helping Dale Earnhardt Sr. win the last race of his life. You're going to love this hearing his humble roots shaped him, the passion he has for racing, his recent self-reflection and how he strives every day to be his iconic, happy, fun-loving self. SHOW NOTES: Family affair: Growing up, racing was something that brought Kenny's family together. Kenny has been married to his high school sweetheart Kim for over 30 years. "Kim is all Kenny all the time. It would crush me to let her down." Trials + tribulations: Kenny opens up about the death of his brother Mike Wallace's son and how it's helped him appreciate moments with his children and grandchildren Today, Mike is paying it forward including supporting former NASCAR Champion Tony Stewart. Dale Earnhardt Sr. and his brother Rusty Wallace gave Kenny his first-ever NASCAR start at Martinsville Speedway in 1988. Career highlight: "It's not the wins, the Most Popular Driver awards, not some of my favorite trophies. It has to be helping Dale Earnhardt, Sr. win the last race of his life, and I finished second, at 2000 Winston 500 at Talladega Speedway. Herman the German: Kenny's nickname came from his father Russ winning races at St. Louis-area dirt tracks. Out of sight, out of mind: Recently Kenny brought out old NASCAR trophies in a moment of self-reflection + forgiveness, and shared with his fans. Watch that video here. "Being happy is abnormal. People should work at being happy – not mask it." Did hearing from a professional sports athlete inspired you? You'll love our Sports + Athletes playlist! From Olympic medalist Scott Hamilton to undefeated boxing champion Laila Ali, our Sports + Athlete playlist will inspire you to step off the sideline + get back into the game of life. Listen to our Sports + Athlete playlist here. KENNY WALLACE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Walk This Way by Aerosmith. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? It's not that I talk, it's that I break the silence. 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? This tiny picture of my dad as a kid. 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 dad. I'd ask him things that I never had enough nerve to ask him like, "why was I never good enough for you?" I'd think his answer would be, "I didn't mean it that way. I just wanted to know so I could tell my friends." 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Rusty Wallace told me, "Hope for the best; prepare for the worst." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Calm down! 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? Excessive happiness. *** 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. "It's not only the scenery you miss by going fast. You also miss the sense of where you are going and why." – Eddie Cantor All the buzz and excitement, planning and time away from work, exchanging gifts and catching up with loved ones... and now it's over. We're headed back to work, to school... to real life. Today I share the sage advice from my grandmother: slow down and not miss the gifts that are in front of you right now. *** 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.

Steve Jobs is widely recognized as one of the most influential inventors of our time, pioneering the personal computer, the iPod and iPhone. Yet his eldest daughter Lisa Brennan-Jobs often remembers a painful childhood spent seeking recognition, acceptance and approval from Apple's visionary leader. Today, Lisa courageously opens up about the complicated relationship with her iconic father, how taking a decade to write her memoir Small Fry was therapeutic and what she wishes her father would have told her before his death. SHOW NOTES: Lisa's mother, artist Chrisann Brennan, insisted that Lisa understand her story to prevent repeating it. "I found solace in writing things I wanted no one ever to know about." Lisa shares that the memories of her childhood were deeply woven in with emotions and had to first process those feelings before she was factually clear on events. The relationship between her mother and father was just ending when Lisa was born. Case 239948: The state ordered Steve to pay for back welfare payments and child support. After months of delays, Steve suddenly agreed to pay a larger monthly allowance just days before Apple went public, and Steve became worth over $200 million. Longing to belong: "When he was in a good space, he was so sweet. It's hard to balance all the cruelty and difficulty with his sweetness." At 27, Lisa learned that the Apple Lisa was, in fact, named after her, something Steve denied for years. "I'd take five extra really good hours with my father over the iPhone." Even if you can't change someone's perspective, acknowledge it. Get a copy of Lisa Brennan-Jobs' memoir Small Fry here. If you enjoyed today's episode, listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 19 with William Paul Young. Paul shares he moved past his trauma and learned to embrace his faults. Listen to ep. 19 here. LISA BRENNAN-JOBS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was bossier then. 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? One of my mother's paintings. 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? I'd have one more conversation with my father. Not because he was famous. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? "Go all out," from my therapist when I was younger. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Keep on working in the direction of what you love. No shortcuts. Make lots of new friends. Date kind men. 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 was big-hearted, powerful, a force! She contributed greatly to the lives of many many people, including huge numbers of children. *** 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. The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written. We can help write that story by setting goals."– Melody Beattie How can you ensure that 2020 is your best year yet? Follow these 4 simple tips: Take off the restrictor plate. Do NOT be reasonable. Connect your dreams with your purpose – so your dreams can become a reality. Don't set goals in a vacuum. *** 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.

Today I'm excited to welcome someone who had a profound influence on me in my late twenties. Patrick Lencioni is the New York Times bestselling author of 11 books, including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and has sold over 6 million copies around the world. He also launched The Table Group, which has pioneered the organizational health movement. Pat is a polished author and speaker, but today we discuss topics he seldom shares: his childhood, his marriage, parenting. You're going to hear some of the mistakes he's made, the lessons he's learned, and what it means for you. You are going to leave today's conversation with new insight and understanding of leadership, having courageous conversations, and life. SHOW NOTES: Pat founded The Table Group, a company dedicated to helping organizations get healthy and helping employees feel fulfilled in their work. "Meetings are not the problem. Bad meetings are the problem." Perfectionism: Growing up, Pat struggled with the constant worry of being perfect. Pat's relationship with God has shown him love + acceptance regardless of his mistakes or successes. Joel Mena was a friend that had a profound impact on Pat simply because he delighted in who Pat was. In The 3 Big Questions for a Frantic Family, What makes your family unique? What are your family values? How does your family implement these values? "You want to be loved and love." "When your whole pursuit in life is importance and popularity, it leads to misery." Cancel culture: not associating with someone because of differing beliefs or values. Iron sharpens iron: Failing to hold someone accountable is ultimately an act of selfishness and cruelty. "The key ingredient to building trust is not time, it's courage." Meetings matter. One of the best ways to raise the level of healthy conflict on a team is by mining for conflict. Get Patrick Lencioni's New York Times bestselling books here. Pat + I chat about our mutual friend and past Live Inspired Podcast guest Matt Maher. Matt is an internationally acclaimed Christian singer and joined us to share about living a life of outwardly focused abundance. Listen to ep. 60 here. PATRICK LENCIONI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Be Healed by Bob Schuchts and Dean Koontz's Odd Thomas series. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was more determined, but I like who I am today better than I was then. 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? Pictures of my family. 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 wife. If it couldn't be my wife or kids, it'd be you and I'd call my wife and kids over. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? The purpose of marriage is to become holy, not happy. 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Seek healing early in your life so you don't have to act on them. 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 imperfect but strove for humility and trusted Jesus. *** 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. This time of year often creates stress and disappointment for so many. We're focused on the stuff -- parties, food, presents -- and missing out on the things that really matter. The true joy, peace, and love that are often born in the least likely of places. This Christmas week, I challenge you to take pause. Take time to celebrate the amazing gifts of your life. It's the greatest gift you'll ever open: that regardless of what you encounter today or face tomorrow, there is reason to rejoice, celebrate and sing out. [Tweet this.] I wish each of you a healthy and happy holiday, a very merry Christmas and a joy-filled New Year. The best is yet to come. *** 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.

Jess Ekstrom, founder + CEO of Headbands of Hopes, has had a front-row seat in finding inspiration in frustration. As Bernie Madoff's great-niece, Jess channeled the embarrassment of that highly-publicized scandal into the reason she's changing the world, one headband to a child fighting life-threatening illness at a time. Today's episode will warm your heart, spark motivation, and have you asking yourself, "what more can I do?" SHOW NOTES: For every headband sold, Headbands of Hope donates one to a child with cancer. Since launching in 2012, they've donated over a half-million headbands to every children's hospital in America and 15 countries! Front row seat to watching ambition: Jess's mother + father inspired her in business + life. Make the ask: Jess's grandfather reminds her it's okay to throw out the plan and ask for what you want. Entrepreneur at heart: Jess got her start in business by selling American Girl Dolls on eBay. "We can't always control what happens but we can control the meaning we give to it + how we respond." The Bernie Madoff investment scandal personally affected Jess + her family, yet it taught her incredible lessons. "Optimism is not about staying in your happy place. Sometimes it's about sitting in the dark, absorbing it, and then fully coming to an understanding of what you can do about it." Inspiration from frustration. Hard times give us a choice. They can be an excuse to do less or the reason to do more. "Failure will always feel better than regret" "I'm not living a life. I'm building a legacy." "Every expert was once a beginner." Stay connected with Jess Ekstrom on her website, Instagram or through Headbands of Hope. Get Jess Ekstrom's latest book Chasing the Bright Side here. Jess + I chat about my friend and past Live Inspired Podcast guest Travis Thomas. On ep. 20, Travis shares how living "yes, and..." has shaped his life + how it can shape yours. Listen to our conversation on ep. 20. JESS EKSTROM'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 What is the best book you've ever read? That Will Never Work by Marc Randolph What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Having no shame. 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 photograph of my family from a photo booth when I was a kid. It's on my refrigerator. 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? Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. What is the best advice you've ever received? Say yes and figure it out. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Just because you hear crickets doesn't mean no one is listening. Keep putting your truth out there, keep going after what you believe in, and eventually, people will find you. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? The girl who went for it. *** 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. It's easy to get so overwhelmed by what is on our agenda that we forget to enjoy any of it, especially during this time of year. Today I share 4 things I do to keep myself and my family present during this holiday season: Make a list each. Each morning, I make a list of the three most important things I need to do. Make a list of what's most important for you; then be bold enough to do it. Set an alarm. One feature, perhaps surprisingly, I use with great effectiveness is the alarm. When it goes off, it is my reminder to refocus on what actually matters. I have it set to go off at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Regardless of what I am doing, I step away for 60 seconds of quiet reflection; quiet time helps me to be thankful for what matters. This allows me to step back into "work" with renewed focus. Forget your phone on purpose. When I get home at the end of a trip or at the end of the day, I put my phone on silent. This allows me to engage with the people that matter most. Instead of responding to every beep, tweet, and ring, I am able to savor every laugh, smile and moment. Stop being so serious! I remind myself that the world will not fall apart if I don't accomplish the task at hand. I take a moment to remember that my family's lives, my travel, my work, my problems are not the only ones that matter. This gives me perspective to realize I am just one person in more than 7 billion on earth… this doesn't just take the pressure off, but it also drives me to strive to make a greater difference for all. *** 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.

Colonel Carlyle Smith "Smitty" Harris spent 2,871 days (that's nearly 8 years!) as Vietnam POW. At the same time, his beautiful bride Louise was courageously raising three young children while becoming an advocate and role model. Today, Smitty + Louise take us on a 60-year journey that's packed with love, but also the horrors of a North Vietnam prison and how a forgotten military code changed everything. If you're looking for a story of forgiveness from a decorated war hero or a romantic love story filled with drive, sacrifice and compassion, you're going to love today's episode. SHOW NOTES: Smitty + Louise have been married for over 60 years. On April 4, 1965, Smitty became the sixth POW captured in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. For nearly 8 years, Smitty and hundreds of other American POWs, including John McCain and George "Bud" Day, suffered torture, solitary confinement and abuse at the infamous Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton." Louise returned to America to raise her three young children and went on to become an advocate + role model for the other wives of the POWs. Smitty lost about 20% of his body weight, bringing him to about 90 pounds. Miracles presented themselves: Smitty and his fellow POWs learned that their faith was stronger, their resistance to the enemy would continue and strength to continue. Tap code is a way to communicate letter-by-letter using taps or knocks using this chart below, and gave them strength and unity, even allowing them to have weekly church service. Smitty's tin drinking cup is in the Smithsonian Institute. "Hi Jane, it's Tarzan." The first words that Smitty spoke to Louise after his time as a POW, proving their love hadn't missed a beat. "You will never be tested beyond your power to endure." Get a copy of Smitty Harris' Tap Code here. If today's story inspired you, you'll love our Military + First Responders Playlist. This specially curated list includes Capitan Charlie Plumb. Listen to the Military + First Responders Playlist here. SMITTY + LOUISE HARRIS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Louise: The Bible, and Losing Cooper by J.J. Jasper. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Smitty: I've always been inquisitive, optimistic and a risk-taker, but I also had a deep abiding love of God and I still have that 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? Louise: Letter from Smitty and the three pastel portraits of our children. 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? Smitty: Louise, and I talk with her every day and enjoy doing so. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Louise: "You will never be tested beyond your power to endure." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Smitty: Make the same decisions you made because you'll have a blessed and wonderful life. 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? Louise: I am profoundly grateful for every single day. I have been truly blessed. Smitty: I am the most fortunate man I know. My health is good, my attitude towards life and God is good. *** 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's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member CB. CB asked: My brother and I were best friends growing up. Now it's been years since we've even spoken. Any suggestions on reconnecting when it's been so long? Tune in to hear my answer. Then, listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 88 where I share the heroic acts of my siblings did that saved my life. Have you successfully reconnected with a family member or friend after months or years of not talking? 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.