Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"Understand that failure is part of the process and when it's over, it's over." Scott Hamilton is a four-time World Champion, Gold Medal Winner at the 1984 Olympics in Saravejo, co-creator of Stars on Ice, commentator, performer, author and philanthropist. Scott has had his fair share of setbacks. He suffered a misdiagnosed condition as a young boy, lost his mother to cancer, and had his battles with cancer as well. Yet, by his own calculation, he has fallen down 41,600 times and gotten back up 41,601 times. He used that metaphor to replace fear with courage and clarity of purpose. Even though he is perhaps the most recognizable male figure skater in the world, his struggles and successes are entirely down to earth. Scott's message has humor and wisdom, delivering uplifting encouragement for us to get back up one more time and continue forward as a champion. Today, Scott joins us to share his story of being adopted, his mother's fight with cancer and how he used her inspiration to reach the Olympics. SHOW NOTES: Scott created the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship). He founded several programs including Chemocare.com and the 4th Angel Mentoring Program. He is the author of three books: Landing It, The Great Eight, and Finish First. "Failure is tempory, successes last longer." Scott has estimated he has fallen down 41,600 times. He is a self-professed pro at getting back up again. "Skating is all about falling down and getting up. That concept has helped me get through life." He is a four-time World Champion and won the Gold Medal in the 1984 Olympics. "I want to be informed but not submerged. All I can do is fix my little corner of the world." When Scott shares the story about training after his mother passed away, "I took my mother to the rink every day." He has been inducted into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. He lives outside Nashville, TN with his wife Tracie and their four children. SCOTT HAMILTON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible. As far as pure entertainment, The Bourne Identity. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all my debt and give the rest away. 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? 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. There are so many people from the faith world, business world, and beyond; but, it would be my wife. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Enjoy every aspect of what you have achieved and realize it is finite. Also, "this to shall pass." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Don't do that. Whatever you are doing STOP! 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? Here is a guy who failed miserably, figured out a way to understand his blessings, got up constantly, and was always in search of a brighter day. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"You are always only just beginning." Marc and Angel Chernoff didn't set out to create one of the most read blog sites online; it came to them over time. After losing a mutual friend with no warning and Angel's brother to suicide soon after, they began a blog to hold each other accountable. They had no idea the blog would resonate with others; it was simply a form of therapy, a coping mechanism, and a way to heal. Fate it would seem had different plans. Soon, they began getting hundreds of visitors, then thousands, and in time what started as a side project began getting millions of visitors a month. Marc and Angel's blog Hack Life tackles the everyday issues we all face at one time or another in our lives. They cover what to do when everything goes wrong, how to be grateful for the things you have, tips for a strong relationship, and how to get toxic elements out of your life. Today, Marc & Angel Chernoff join us to talk about the struggles of losing loved ones, relationship goals, and how to be more grateful and present in life. This amazing couple has some very positive messages and advice to share with us. Have a listen. SHOW NOTES: Their blog Hack Life started as a public accountability journal in 2008. What started as a side project, would soon be picked up by other outlets and have over a million viewers a month. Losing their friend Josh had a profound impact on both of them. They describe him as genuine, honest, and an old soul. Josh passed away on a business trip for a job that Angel helped him get. This haunted her, and she suffered from severe guilt. Two months later, Angel lost her brother to suicide. Marc and Angel kept asking why, only to conclude the "why" is not reality. The reality is they both passed away. Therefore, the question to ask became, "how do you get back up?" "That's such a simple thing. Often, we think the answers to a happier or simpler life are found in something new you are going to learn. When it really is just dialing back a little bit. Something as simple as sitting down with the family every day and just staying in touch with what is going on in each other's heads and each other's lives is priceless." "What if you could look past the thought. Without that thought in your head right now. Without that tunnel vision. That very narrow focus on this tragedy. What else surrounds it? What else is in the periphery here? And is it possible that I can work within the periphery to do something that is amazing, or at least something that helps me take a small step forward in the right direction? The answer 99.9% of the time is yes." "Everyone is going to be blindsided at one point in life." Marc and Angel run a course called "Getting Back to Happy." "Every day you are becoming a better version of yourself." "The best lessons we learn are the lessons we learn over and over again." MARC & ANGEL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? MARC: The Road Less Traveled, by M. Scott Peck, M.D. I love the first line, "Life is not easy." ANGEL: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? ANGEL: We have what we need. How could we have more of an impact then we do now, how do we give back? Maybe some non-profit work for children. MARC: Reinvest it in our mission. Suddenly it wouldn't be about the money at all. Hiring people who will help us help others. 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? MARC: We spent a lot of time over the last decade simplifying our lives. It sounds cliche but data. ANGEL: We don't have any materials which wouldn't be replaceable. MARC: We don't have a connection to physical possessions. 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? ANGEL: Marc and my son. MARC: It would be so fascinating to sit down with my grandparents. They used to share such great stories with me as a kid. Just give me one more shot at hearing those stories. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? MARC: Don't take this personally. People do things because of them, not because of you. ANGEL: You're not done yet. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? ANGEL: Don't take yourself so seriously. Don't try to control the uncontrollable. MARC: I love that...I'd like to rift right off of that and say you don't have to have it all figured out. Sadly, we send our kids off to school at 18 thinking they need to have it all figured out. Like you can't reinvent yourself? It's OK to explore. 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? MARC: He made the best of it. I'd actually love for it to be "we" including Angel, we made the best of it. ANGEL: She took the experiences that shaped her and loved it. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"I go to bed feeling grateful and I wake up grateful." Mike Mattingly is living life in reverse, and he couldn't be happier about it. Though he has always had a passion for music, it's never been his full-time gig. He plans to change that, though. Like the message in his song Growth, Peace & Gratitude, Mike continues to develop and change, experience life's ups and downs and with acceptance, find peace. Music has been a form of therapy for him. He was a self-described nervous child who battled anxiety. His mother introduced him to drums and through percussion, he found a sense of balance and peace. Mike and I are great friends. He has played at my Christmas party for the last 5 years. Last year, I hosted an event at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis and asked Mike to play there as well. In short, I like Mike a lot. Today, Mike joins us to share his experiences with anxiety, play some of his music for us, and offer advice on reinventing yourself at any age. SHOW NOTES: Mike started playing the drums in the 5th grade. His parents placed his and his brother's drum sets in the living room of their house and never once asked them not to play. Unlike most musicians, it never really dawned on Mike to be "Johnny Rockstar." He just loved the songwriting process and sharing his songs with people. He was a tennis pro and playing music 4 to 5 times a week. So, playing until 2 in the morning and up at 8 to teach people how to play tennis. It was not great for his health and anxiety. His song: Growth, Peace, & Gratitude is about growing and changing, even when it isn't always fun. Mike's message is once you accept the challenges you find yourself at peace. The same year his mother passed away, Mike's father was diagnosed with cancer. Towards the end of his father's life, Mike became his caregiver. Mike shared that his father was always in a great mood and was "the greatest guy I ever met." He met his wife in the 3rd grade. He describes her as "really smart, an artist, with cat-like eyes." He asked her out at 15. You can listen to Mike's music for free on his website: mikemattinglymusic.com or iTunes. MIKE MATTINGLY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Besides ON FIRE by John O'Leary? The Power of Now & A New Earth both are by Eckhart Tolle. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all debt, pay off my house, and take care of my family and friends. 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? All our DVDs and pictures. Perhaps my guitar "Marty" as well. 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 mom and dad. As far as a famous person, Prince. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad would always say, "right is right." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Everything is sound. 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? Growth, Peace & Gratitude. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Gratitude is a muscle we have to continue to build." Mike Robbins is the author of three books with a fourth out later this year. He has been featured in Forbes, the Wallstreet Journal, the Washington Post, Oprah radio network, ABC News and is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post. Mike also has a successful podcast and speaks to clients which include: Google, the NBA, State Farm, Chevron, the San Fransico Giants, Harvard University, and many more. He teaches emotional intelligence, teamwork and leadership. At the age of 17, Mike was drafted by the New York Yankees and turned them down in order to go to Stanford University. There he focused on playing baseball and getting a quality education. Once out of university, he was picked up by the Kansas City Royals, only to suffer a career-ending injury a few years later. He has lost his mother, father, and a sister to cancer. Yet, Mike is grateful every day. He is an inspiration and champion of conquering adversity. His positive attitude, motivation to keep moving forward, and ability to escape the "trap of comparison" is a lesson for all of us. Today, Mike Robbins joins us to talk about his family, hardships, successes and how he maintains gratitude throughout it all. This is a podcast you won't want to miss. SHOW NOTES: Mike is the author of three books: Focus on the Good Stuff, Be Yourself Everyone Else Is Taken, and Nothing Changes Until You Do. He has a fourth book coming out in May 2018 titled Bring Your Whole Self to Work. He lives in California with his wife Michelle, and their two daughters Samantha and Annarose. "Give people permission to be who they are right now." Last year he lost his sister Laurie to cancer. She was only 45 and a single mom of an 11-year-old. His entire nuclear family is now gone. He describes it as "a hard time with lots of growth." He warns against what he calls, "the trap of comparison" where "we compare our insides to other's outside." When he went through a deep depression, he felt a void, and began asking, how do I heal? how do I change? He discovered healing is multi-layered. "Is there a connection between my body, mind, and heart? Yes, there is." Raised by his mother, he credits her with teaching him determination and grit, also instilling him with passion and enthusiasm. "When we really care about each other, it makes a difference." MIKE ROBBINS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Don't Sweat the Small Stuff and It's All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. Richard was one of the kindest and most authentic people I've ever met. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? It's amazing I was just thinking about this the other day. There is a part that wants to take care of everyone close to me. I thought about this for many years. I don't think I would do anything different. I would think "how can I best serve?" 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. It has access to all the photos and videos. 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? There are a whole bunch of people that come to mind. The one that pops into my mind is Alexander Hamilton. I'd love his perspective on what is going on in our country right now. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Chris Anderson said to me once, "the most important job you have is to teach your daughter how to love herself. Love yourself, let her see that you do, and that is how she will learn." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Just relax. Enjoy this as much as you possibly can. 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? Be the change you wish to see in the world. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Don't wait for others to join you. Because you might wait forever." Gretchen Rubin has sold nearly 3 million books worldwide and perhaps is best known for her books The Happiness Project & The Four Tendencies. She is a thought-provoking observer of human nature and happiness, or as her sister likes to describe her "a happiness bully." She has an incredibly interesting story to tell; a graduate of Yale Law School who clerked for the nation's first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor; the host of the Happier Podcast with Gretchen Rubin; interviewed by Oprah; walked with the Dalai Lama; and an answer to a Jeopardy question. She is a prolific researcher and note taker who is "subject to epiphany" and writes about issues simply because she finds them interesting. Her topics range from JFK & Winston Churchill to fame & money. Today, Gretchen joins us to share her insights into happiness and how we too can capture more of it in our lives. SHOW NOTES: Gretchen is the author of 8 books: The Happiness Project, The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, Happier At Home, Forty Ways to Look at JFK, Forty Ways to Look at Winston Churchhill, Power Money Fame Sex,& Profane Waste. She grew up in Kansas City, MO and now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters. Gretchen says about her time clerking for the Supreme Court, "all of the justices are extremely earnest and sincere in trying to hold up the ideals of the United States of America. Everyone was trying to do their best work, every day." "All someone can do in this world is to try and do the right thing." "I never think of where I want to be in the future. I think what do I want to do now!" "I think the most important thing that I've learned is that: we can build a happy life only on the foundation of our own nature, our own values, our own interest and that there is no magic one size fits all solution." Her first commandment is "Be Gretchen" "The only person we can change is ourselves, often we can change a situation because we changed ourselves." GRETCHEN RUBIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? I never answer that question. I love books too much. (John finally gets her to offer one book: The Essays of George Orwell.) 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Probably nothing. 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 cell phone. 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? St. Therese of Lisieux, author of The Story of the Soul known as "the little flower." She is my spiritual master. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? The best advice I ever received is from me, "Be Gretchen." I also like, "a strong voice repels as well as attracts." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be Gretchen. 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 did what she set out to do. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Giving up is NEVER an option & it NEVER should be." Amberley Snyder lived in southern California with her five siblings during her father's career in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Her passion for riding horses manifested early in life when at the age of 3 she began riding lessons. When her father retired from baseball the family moved to Utah where her love for horses continued to inspire her. In 2010, Amberley was driving to a rodeo in Denver, when she looked down at her map, lost control of her vehicle, rolled it and was ejected from her truck, slamming her into a metal post. She broke her back and immediately lost feeling in her legs. She refused to allow anything to get in the way of her one day getting back into the saddle. Her strength, faith, and love for horses is an inspiration to us all. Today, Amberley joins us to share her struggles during recovering from her accident, her strong family bond, and turning tragedy into triumph. SHOW NOTES: She was ejected from her truck at 70 miles per hour. The doctors told Amberley that had she been wearing a seat belt, she would still have the use of her legs. In 2009, during her senior year, she made it to the National High School Finals & at the National Little Britches finals, she took home the World All-Around Title. She got back onto a horse four months after the accident. Only 18 months after her accident she entered her first race. Amberley credits her faith with staying calm after the accident and the fear of the future once she learned the degree of her injuries. "You get to be sad, then you have to fix it." "There is so much life left to live." It was harder for her to deal with not riding, not taking care of her horses than it was for her to deal with not walking. She is the only paralyzed barrel racer in the United States. AMBERLEY SNYDER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Wonder by R.J. Palacio, I felt like it was just a great story of a kid with so much strength. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? The first thing is I want to start my own charity for kids and veterans, I'd get a ranch that was paved and accessible, and take care of my family. 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? If I have my horses and family outside already...(sigh), I'd need a cowboy hat and a saddle. 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 honestly would take one of my brothers with me, if I couldn't bring both. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Every day doesn't have to be "your day", just make sure the next one is. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? That's only six years ago and still after my accident. I'd say, "the ability to talk will be a blessing soon." 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? There was no future in giving up on her life. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Don't forget what you learned in the light." Matt Manzari was a professional athlete sponsored by NIKE and traveling the world all by the age of 15. It seemed like everything was going according to plan and he had his path laid out before him. Until Matt felt a calling to ministry and suffered a horrible accident while competing. But his biggest challenge still laid ahead of him. While trimming trees at a church, a power line arched over the metal bucket Matt was working in, sending 12,000 volts of electricity through his body. The electricity caused 4th and 5th-degree burns, which melted the skin off of most of his chest and arms. The burn went deep enough to kill muscle and bone. Yet, Matt is a survivor. He teaches us that at the top, it can still feel empty and through tragedy, we can find salvation. Today, Matt joins us to share his story of faith, family, struggles and going all in on life. SHOW NOTES: Matt has two kids, Justice & Trig and wife Bobby Jean. He went to University in Tennessee to become a Minister. He is currently working on a book. The working title is, "Unfair God." "If we would just look beyond our walls, we would see the creator of it all. You." "We create walls around us and we can't see beyond them. We build walls for many reasons, mostly fear. Beyond the Burn. Everybody is broken. Everyone is facing challenges. Look beyond our walls." Doctors told Matt that the amount of electricity that went through him was equivalent to being strapped to 6 electric chairs. "We live in a broken world, but one day we will have salvation." Matt encourages people to start "choosing to be more than anyone else is telling you is possible." MATT MANZARI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell & Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I love digging wells. I work with World Vision. I'd give some to them. Buy a classic truck. Lastly, I've always wanted to build a rehab center. Lost my leg but gained my life. 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 reaction would be "let it burn." After that...my dad's tools. 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? Anne Frank. "How did she do it?" 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? The difference between good and great isn't much. But there is a difference. Also, "find out what it is in this world that breaks your heart and spend the rest of your life trying to fix that." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Remember when we were little kids and you would hear something in the room and go flip the lights on and see that everything is fine and there's nothing there. Then you turn the light off and get back into bed. Pretty soon your mind starts playing tricks on you again. In the darkness you forget what you learned in the light. What's planned is bigger than you can imagine, so just hold on. 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? Matt went all in. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"The first step is to believe you are this thing you want to be." Jeff Goins is a blogger, writer, musician, teacher, husband, father, and pursuer of dreams. He was the Communications Director for Adventures in Missions, a nonprofit organization. Yet, his true passion and calling was that of a writer. He grew up in a small rural farming community and enjoyed playing in his band and acting. Always trying to find a creative, artistic way to express himself. He strongly believes we all have a creative gift worth sharing with the world. So, if you have a passion for creativity and changing the world, this is the podcast for you. Today, Jeff joins us to talk about his faith, life, writing and what it means to pursue your dreams. SHOW NOTES: He is the author of four books including the national bestseller, The Art of Work, published in March of 2015. The Art of Work debuted on the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly bestsellers list. Prior to The Art of Work, Goins published The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing, Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life, and You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One), Real Artist Don't Starve. "Depravity is realizing exactly how horrible of a person you could become." He got a job with CTI Music Ministries and traveled all across America in schools, churches, and prisons playing music and lifting spirits. "The moments with people are the best ones." The worst place for us to be in the world is comfortable. Because if your job sucks or your current situation is unbearable...that's actually a good place to be because you know something has to change. If you want big things out of your life and to live an inspired life and your comfortable, that is the scariest place to be, because there is nothing forcing you out of that place. "There was a creative thread throughout my life." "What's your dream?" "Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I need to listen to my life telling me who I am." "If you think you can't, you won't" "Every story of success is a story about community. The self-made man is a myth." "You can join the scene or you can create it." "Success is the gradual realization of a goal." JEFF GOINS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Both books that come to mind are by the author, Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak & A Hidden Wholeness. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would take some of it and pay off my house, then with the rest, I'd put it into a charitable endowment fund. 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 laptop, no...this painting that my grandfather did of me. He's the one relative I'm most like. 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? C.S. Lewis. I think he is one of the smartest thinkers to walk the planet. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 7: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he", or "find a group of friends who are not impressed by who you are." 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Start Blogging and also go to counseling. If we can become aware of it, we can work on 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? He lived a life worth writing about. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"You shattered my darkness... I'm alive again." These are lyrics from Alive Again by Matt Maher. When clients ask Matt what "walk-on song" he wants playing when he goes on stage to speak, this is the song he picks. Matt is an internationally acclaimed Christian singer; earlier this year he performed at World Youth Day in Rio in front of 3 million people. Matt teaches us that faith exists so you come to know how loved you are...so that you might be motivated by that love to live a life of abundance, outwardly focused. He shows us that the moments that bring us to our knees can be our greatest teachers and when your interior needs are met, you're free to give of yourself. Today, he joins us to talk about his faith, life, music and what it means for your life. SHOW NOTES: I never didn't believe in God, I just didn't believe how much God believed in me. Choose wisely. We all tether ourselves to people and communities that inform our worldview & the way we look at things. We are at an amazing time in human history with so many opportunities, but also the most individualistic and lonely time. You can't change anybody but yourself. Even that you can't do alone; you'll have to tap into something bigger than just you. Have the courage to admit your weakness + powerlessness to make yourself available for a strength much bigger than yourself. God is not a hall monitor with a checklist to tell me what I'm doing wrong. He's a father who is so incredibly proud of the gifts I have and the imperfect ways in which I use them. When you are in a place of influence, are you working for the good of the whole or based on your fears and insecurities? Live life abundantly, not for the short term. Writing is mostly about living life and being fully in the moment. I am always listening to the world around me. "I hope my music lets people know how much they are loved and accepted by The Creator of the universe." Sometimes our feelings don't align with our beliefs because we aren't perfect. We are loved and because we are loved we can share it with others. MATT MAHER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? A Grief Observed by CS Lewis, which is the journal entries after the death of his wife. It revealed to me that I didn't know how to love and that I wanted to love a woman like that. For me, it is so hopeful and beautiful because it led me to my wife. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all my families' debts and set up a foundation. I contracted Hep C when I was 13 getting a blood transfusion. I was cured 3 years ago because of medical advancement. I want to help kids who have blood disorders and aren't able to have a normal life because of it. 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 guitars a youth minister gave me - a 1964 Gibson J45 that belonged to his grandfather. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Tom Petty. He's the one who pops into my head. You might think, what about Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul? But no. It's Tom Petty! 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? I once heard someone ask how to become a better songwriter. The response was: Go get your heart broken. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Stop talking. Listen to the world around you. Older people, like my grandpa, had a greater appreciation for the stillness in life. I wish I'd had more time with him. 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 finished well. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"What you put out in the world is what you get back." Becky James Hatter grew up in a small Louisiana town where she was surrounded by family, freedom and unconditional love. "That was an extraordinary gift to be given as a young person." Her entire career has been creating the same environment for underserved youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program. Today, Becky will share what it's like to have a personal + professional mission that is one (adults pouring love, goodness, experience, exposure, and support into the life of a child)... and what it means for your life, too. SHOW NOTES: Becky loved to get in trouble + work hard; her parents let her do both. "To wake up every day and give away what I've been given makes so much sense. And really, it's all I've got." What you put out in the world is what you get back. Becky believes every one of us has something to give. It may not be a million dollars or even a dollar, but a smile, story, love. And when you give it - they receive it and can then give it to. Always try to be the coach and not the boss. A coach is a mentor. When you are a coach, you listen more + people want to do well. Relationships are powerful. They're the only thing that makes life better or harder. Collect amazing people around you. The human spirit survives on love and struggles without it. Little moments, they accumulate. 4 hours a month volunteered with a child through BBBS literally transforms their life. Be curious and courageous. When you meet someone who doesn't believe in the same things or see the world, in the same way, this is an opportunity to learn. Ask questions. BECKY JAMES HATTERS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Professionally, anything Peter Drucker or Jim Collins. Personally, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Create an endowment for BBBSEMO. 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 book case with all of my favorite books. 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. We would talk about everything. We are just good together. My buddy. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad said, "You might want to go hide behind a garbage can and watch yourself walk by." Which meant, we all have struggles and you shouldn't talk badly about others' hardships. My dad was never a man who told you what to do - he always gave amazing lessons. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Relax and have more fun. 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? Lucky: To have been born, to the family she was born into, in the place she grew up. She was just really lucky. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning