Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"It was out of abject failure that I learned to speak." My friends, today we get to hang out with a legendary speaker. Mark Sanborn has spoken around the world 2,500+ times, authored the wildly popular Fred Factor and just released The Potential Principle. Mark will share his story about being a boy in 4H Club who failed at presenting a 5-minute speech... and how he transformed that failure into a successful speaking career. As Mark says: "We enjoy our successes but learn more from our setbacks." Join us and get read to transform challenges into an inspired life. SHOW NOTES: Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be extraordinary. It was out of abject failure that I learned to speak. I bombed so badly giving a 5-minute speech in grade school it made me want to learn to write and deliver a winning speech. When someone says it doesn't matter, usually they're just minimizing disappointment. We enjoy our successes but learn a lot more from our setbacks. Look for the pain in your life; often there's an opportunity there. Lock in greatness, fame is fickle. Greatness is about contribution and that is where you have control. If you blame your failures on others, you can't own your successes. Leaders take responsibility but give credit. Managers try to be heroes. Leaders try to make heroes. Often you become extraordinary inspite of not because of. In the face of a challenge, that's when people become great. We are responsible for living in a way that shows others what we we truly believe. Integrity is the distance between what you think and do. Your beliefs, values and purpose manifest in your work. Couple your actions with intentions; too often we say something but don't do anything about it. Narrow the gap between what you know you should do and what you actually do. Leadership test: Is anything/one better because of you? We all know how good we've become. None of us know how good we can be. Try to achieve a little more of your potential so you don't miss the great opportunity of life. The Potential Principle, Mark's new book, share a process to help you go from where you are to where you want to be MARK SANBORN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible is the underpinning of my worldview. The River Why, is one of the greatest works of fiction. It really impacted me. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Meet with my financial planner and make sure my family's needs are met so they can get by, but not so much they don't have to do anything. Invest the rest in institutions that will outlive me. 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 handful of books and our computer with photos. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? The Apostle Paul who called himself the chief of the sinners, but was also one of the greatest influencers of the Christian faith. I can relate to a really flawed guy who is doing his best. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? A congressman told me at a young age that anytime you give a speech, people always want to be entertained. I've replaced "entertain" with engage. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Lighten up. I can be a pretty intense dude. Be serious about what you do, but don't take yourself to serious. 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? If you want to be successful do whatever you do a little better than anyone else who did it by working a little bit harder than any one else did. *** 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

So many of us are experts at identifying what is wrong in the world, aren't we? What sets today's guest apart is that he didn't just identify what was wrong in his industry, he created a solution to the problem... and built a business around it. I am so inspired by Daniel Silverstein, who you'll know as "Zero Waste Daniel" after our conversation today. I'm thrilled to share with you, during New York Fashion Week and fashion "season" around the world, a man who is adding an inspired twist to the industry. SHOW NOTES: Every piece of clothing made in a factory (which is most of the clothing we wear) had to be cut out of a sheet of fabric. The leftovers scraps end up in landfills. I created Zero Waste Daniel to use these scraps + create articles that are less wasteful. I was a very active kid, with ADD and a wild imagination. My family recognized this and helped me channel it. I had a lot of interests and mannerisms that set me apart from my peers in rural Pennsylvania. Incredible mother figures encouraged me as I tried to make sense of why I was drawn to design and a little different from everyone else. I interned with fashion giants Carolina Herrera and Carmen Mark Valvo. Then I got my first job designing sweaters for a big catalog company. As I learned about the cost we pay as companies and as consumers for fabric that gets thrown away: I realized it was a broken system resulting in catastrophic waste; 14 million tons in the US annually. It's both a volume issue: Where do we put all of this waste? and an issue of opportunity: We are reaping finite resources from the earth and not using all of them. There comes a point in your life when you have to decide to do things for yourself. My zero-waste vision came in 2010. I tried many iterations until 2017 when, finally, I created a business model that worked. Zero Waste Daniel Make / Shop in Brooklyn: Pick out the discarded fabric scraps you like + then watch my team make your shirt on the spot. This also helps you understand why a shirt is $50. Combat consumerism: Focus on need v. want. If you want something, ask yourself: How do I it at low impact? The Zero Waste Blog Daniel references: Trash is for Tossers There are many new designers and large designers coming to us now to help them cut their waste, too. There's a chance to reach everyone and inspire change: If it comes from consumers up and business downs, we'll all meet in the middle eventually. Whether or not you're into fashion, everyone wears clothes so it pertains to you. Always do your best. It isn't the same every single day. But if you just try your best, you have nothing to regret. It doesn't matter what industry you're in, every industry has problems. Ask yourself WHY NOT ME - why can't I make the needed change. The day I asked WHY NOT ME, my whole life changed. DANIEL SILVERSTIEN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? My mom gave me The Big Book of Small Business and I keep it on my bedside table. 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 invest in businesses that want to make change. 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 grandmother's paintings. At 60, she survived breast cancer and had her "Why not me?" moment. She learned to paint and has created 100s of pieces now in houses across the country. 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? Cristobal Balenciaga an amazing designer interested in crafting new shapes and thinking outside the human form. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? The harder you work the luckier you get. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Just 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? He was a kind honest and genuine person who always did his best. *** 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Today is a special episode of the Live Inspired podcast in light of September being Suicide Prevention Month 2017. Dennis Gillan joins us to share his story on a topic that affects us all: Mental health. He's committed his life to reducing the number of completed suicides and removing the stigma around mental health after losing his own two brothers to suicide. Today's episode will help us break down the stigma around mental health and better care for ourselves, those we love and those who are in the wake of suicide already. Don't miss this powerful episode. SHOW NOTES: Talk saves lives. If you're dealing with mental health issues, diagnosed or not, know that it's okay to talk about it. 9 out of 10 people who die from suicide have a mental illness. Dennis was away at college when his older brother Mark died by suicide. "I came home for the funeral but didn't even stay a week. As a family we just kept going as if things were normal. I didn't see a counselor - I started drinking a lot." "When suicide happens, it's like everyone sitting around the table and a grenade goes off and someone is not there when the smoke clears and everyone asks: "What happened!?" Every 13 minutes someone commits suicide, every 14 minutes there are people asking "What happened?" 11 years later, Dennis's younger brother Matt died by suicide. People often feel like they don't know what to say or do after a suicide: Just show up. It's called the ministry of presence. I was reminded of how good people are when I was low. Someone anonymously mowed my lawn and it made such a difference; reminded me someone cared + took a burden off. After my second brother died from suicide, I gave up alcohol. I did it one day at a time + with the help of a counselor. I have fallen in love with sobriety. I used to think I'd be missing out. Now, my only regret is I didn't do it sooner. Surround yourself with positive people. Men need men - I meet with a group every week. They give me hope/social connection which was important because when I got depressed I wanted to withdraw. How to get ahead of suicide: Talk about mental health. 90% of completed suicides are by people with mental health issues; we need to be as comfortable talking about mental health as a broken leg. 20% seek treatment. If you're not feeling well mentally, see somebody. It doesn't take all your problems away, but will stack them up neater + help you cope. It's okay to say 'I'm not okay.' "Be real. Life isn't all skittles + unicorns. We know this." Watch the video where Dennis talks about the last night he drank. "I hid it for a long time. When I started talking about my brothers and their deaths, I was amazed at the deeper relationships I have with people + how we relate to this topic." "When we share our joy its a double joy when we share our sorrow its have a sorrow." - Swedish proverb After sitting on my hands for 18 years, my healing accelerated the minute I started getting real, being open. Check out these tips from National Association of Mental Illness to Take Charge of your Mental Health + Support a Loved One's Mental Health. Join the conversation on social media using #SuicidePrevention and #StigmaFree DENNIS GILLAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Mans Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. The Bible which I'm reading with my men's group. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I want to take my winnebago and talk about mental health and suicide prevention for free to anyone who will listen. 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? Photo album of my kids. 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? Matt and Mark, it's what we should be doing if it weren't for the way things turned out. That is the ultimate dream. Matt, Mark and me sitting, looking at the ocean. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? A friend of mine who heard you speak and said, I just heard John O'Leary speak, you gotta check him out. He said you were the real deal and you are. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? I'd tell myself go home and be with Mark, be a better brother and quit drinking. I went through some of my life in a blur and I needed to be focused; if I was focused maybe I could have helped those guys. 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 really tried to be a good guy. *** 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

What are your qualities that people are most attracted to? What makes you intrinsically you? Sally Hogshead, author of Fascinate: How to Make Your Brand Impossible to Resist, was in a car accident as a girl. The resulting damage to her face left her feeling that her "smile had turned into a grimace." As an extrovert who connected through her smile, this left her insecure and unsure how to connect with others. Sally has come a long way in the 30 years since the accident, but it's still at the heart of the work she does: "Its a gift to get to share with other people what their best gifts are so that no one feels insecure." Sally shares her expertise with major brands and teams like Nike, Ikea and Target. Today, she shares with us so we can identify our best qualities (and those of our business) so we can better connect with others and live inspired. SHOW NOTES Aspire to be the best YOU; not compared to others. When you put time into your natural gifts (v. spending time improving weaknesses), you make extraordinary leaps. You don't have to be perfect at everything, but know that you are extraordinary at something. We're taught it's good to be the smart or funny one, but theres not a one-size fits all. There are lots of way to succeed. High performers identify and focus on delivering in their strength and turn it into a specialty. Brilliance comes in many forms. When we don't know ourselves at our best, we aren't able to reach our full potential. You'll never succeed by being quiet or playing small. Check out Sally's blog post about her dad here. Most of us don't talk about the bad stuff. But its healthy to realize that scars aren't the end of it; are often the best of it. Tool to overcome a challenging time: Ask yourself "Why is this the best thing could happen?" Ex: If your child doesn't make the play - "Now thers more time to pursue a different passion and your can always prep more next time." Being in a job/relationship/scenario you don't like isn't your fault, but you have to work to find options to change it. You can't plan out the whole thing. There is some risk in all success. The universe provides we don't know what the journey is while we're in the middle of it. It's so important to tell the people we love that we love them; tell them how significant they are. Take Sally's Fascination Assessment to find out how other people see you at your best + to become more of who you are. Use code: liveinspired Call out when people are at their best and then help them focus on doing more of that: Be themselves on purpose. It's easy to get to a place of self judgement if you don't have a bigger vision that is more important than the insecurity you see in the mirror. SALLY HOGSHEAD'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Jonathan Living Seagull, by Richard Bach. It made me feel that all things are possible 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I wouldn't quit working - it far transcends money for me. 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 printed marriage proposal from my husband framed in my bedroom. 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 like talking with you! 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? You don't have to change who you are, you just have to become more of who you are. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Floss more. Joy and passion and spontaneity are good, but so is thoughtfully planning for the future. 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? The greatest difference that you can make is to become more of yourself. *** 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." - Robert Frost I love this quote from Robert Frost. Each of our guests from Season 4, though very different from each other (from co-founder of eHarmony to a super model and ESPN host to my personal business coach), chose the path less travelled... and it "truly made all the difference." On episode 44, I'm sharing with you my favorite take aways from each Season 4 guest. You'll not only get a rapid-fire inspirational download, but also see which episodes speak to you most so you can revisit them. Here we go! 10 amazing guests and my favorite takeaway from each: SHOW NOTES: Les Parrott, co-creator of eHarmony, psychologist, professor, author, husband and father: "The most important thing you can do for your relationship is what you do for yourself." This episode is for you if: You're ready to improve your relationships or long for a stronger relationship at home or in the mirror. Edie Varley, the business coach who I began working with 10 years ago when I transitioned from real estate + construction into speaking + writing:"Busy is not productive. Your to-do list is not the most important thing. The list that you actually honor is." This episode is for you if: You need to recalibrate what is truly important in life, relationships and business. Koran Bolden, speaker, author + voice in urban education and arts: "If you are patient you'll move past most obstacles. If you are simply patient..." This episode is for you if: You could use an example of how to pivot from extreme challenge, grief or trauma into your most inspired life. Amy Brown, co-host of the nationally syndicated Bobby Bones Show and host of Love What Matters Podcast: "There's always good that can come from bad." This episode is for you if: You could use a shining example of finding blessings in all of life's experiences. Nurse Roy, the man who taught me how to walk again after my childhood fire (a story I used to share from the stage but don't often get the chance to today. "Today we're going to talk about the power of one. One individual. One action. One impact." This episode is for you if: You want to see clearly the impact you are having in the lives of others every day. Ben Newman, performance coach, speaker and author:"How you respond to adversity determines the story you write." This episode is for you if: You want concrete tools to build the business and life you want. Mark Sharenbroich, bestselling author of Nice Bike, leadership guru and longtime speaker: "The right moment to tell someone they've had an impact on your life is right now." This episode is for you if: You could use a reminder on how to connect effectively with people AND the importance of doing it. Leah Darrow, from America's Next Top Model to Role Model: "Life is so much more about contribution than competition." This episode is for you if: You want to see what it looks like to break free from the status quo and into the life you're meant to lead. John Brenkus, host of ESPN's Sports Science show, 6-time Emmy winner, New York Times bestselling author of The Perfection Point: "I had to have persistence, stubbornness + belief to stick around when I was scraping by... I was scraping by for a long time." This episode is for you if: You want to hear what it takes to make your professional + personal dreams come true. Chris Norton, after being paralyzed while playing NCAA football, the video of his graduation walk went viral: "As life changes you change. Sometimes it's best to accept something different... different doesn't make it worse." This story is for you if: You need an example of what committing to a goal can do for your life. Ten months ago I invited my mom to talk with me in a radio studio about how she lived inspired through our fire and beyond... that's how this podcast began. There wasn't a grandiose plan, but there was a clear vision: To connect as a community and live a bit more inspired each week. 500,000 + downloads later, top 20 business on iTunes & Inc. Magazine... and the rest is history. Thanks for being part of it. Instead of following the predictable, well-traveled path of the majority: Let's commit to traveling the road less traveled. One of faithfulness, courage, resilience, hope, possibility, and lit by the truth that the best is yet to come. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday for the start of Season 5! 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

"Take a breath and focus on what is important right now. Don't get too far ahead and miss what you need to do now." This advice comes from Chris Norton. You've likely "met" him through the viral video of him walking across the stage at his graduation. Why was this so meaningful? Chris was paralyzed while playing NCAA football. Accomplishing this walk became his biggest goal. His walk, story and determination will give you amazing insight to live more inspired today. SHOW NOTES: "I didn't think anything could ever happen to me. I thought: 'That's for stories in the paper.'" Stop take a breath and focus on what is important right now. Don't get too far ahead and miss what you need to do now. I was given 3% chance to ever regain feeling or movement below my neck. I let the odds go in one ear and out the other. There were 2 ways to react: Accept it + feel sorry for myself. -OR- Decide to overcome it. I chose the latter. "What can I do today to get better." The first day I nodded my head all day; it was all I could do. One day at a time. Inches of recovery add up over time. Having a positive environment was so important. My Jack Buck was Georgia. When she said, "You are going to beat this." I cried. I just needed to hear that My first day back at Luther College Was very intimidating because I wasn't the same person anymore. I was no longer independent or an athlete. As life changes you change. Sometimes its best to just accept something different. Just because you accept something different doesn't make it worse. People can see my challenges and they are willing to help, but I encourage people to approach everyone that way. Mine are physical and you so you can see them, but everyone has struggles. Meet them where they are too. I set a goal to walk at my graduation. I didn't know how I'd get there, but sharing the goal with people made me accountable. Then I figured out my daily goals to get there. Our outcome is a sum of our choices and responses. Decide to take control of simple things that can be easier to overlook, attitude, effort, purpose. Still trains 3 hours a day. His new goal is to walk Emily down the aisle on their wedding day spring 2018. Watch Chris walk across the stage at graduation on his video that went viral here. Get Chris's book The Power of Faith when Tragedy Strikes. CHRIS NORTON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Four Hour Work Week, by Timothy Ferriss has really helped me with time management. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Invest it to grow it and give back and also grow his foundation and support the foster care system, Emily's passion. 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, our photos and documents are on it. 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? Lebron James, I am a huge fan. I'd love to know his why, his determination, and passion. I want to know what drives him. I admire his success and what he's accomplished. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad taught me at a young age if you don't like where you are at, than do something about it. If you want the result, put in the work. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be hopeful. be patient. I'm a better person because of this injury, when I was 20 I was restless and I wasn't sure that would happen. 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 made a difference. I want to leave the world a better place than it was when I entered 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Our job on this planet is to perpetuate love." Today's guest is the host of ESPN's Sports Science show, has won 6-emmies and wrote the New York Times bestseller The Perfection Point. John Brenkus realized early in his college career that he wanted to be in the entertainment industry. With this as his singular focus - and without any connections in the field - he took a personal oath to learn the ins and outs of of producing entertainment himself... and just started. In his parents' basement. "I had to have persistence, stubbornness d+ belief to stick around when I was just scraping by. I was just scraping by for a long time." He had success partnering with the Discovery Channel which led to FOX Sports, National Geographic and others. Today, more than ten years later: He is still doing what he loves. Producing shows that are positive, entertain and educate. Today we get to take a lesson on living inspired from a man who works hard to share positive stories in the media AND has gleaned what it takes to make his professional dreams come true. SHOW NOTES: No matter what you hear, consider the source. Whatever it is you want to do in life, learn how to do it yourself. This will help you learn what you love and what you are good at. This will help you understand what you can do yourself and who you need to hire. The journey everyone takes, the timeframe, is different for everybody. It took us a decade to get our footing. We had to have persistence, stubbornness and belief to stick around when we were just scraping by. We were just scraping by for a long time. What motivates me and always has is spreading positive energy. I don't want to only entertain but to educate too. Sports Science is an incredibly positive show. Now we are moving into putting this same energy into a new podcast, The Brink of Midnight which focuses on the moments in life where everything changes. In life, our "outer ring" is unstable. Look for intangible things that fill your outer ring + make you complete. Our job here on the planet is to perpetuate love. Prayer doesn't change God; it changes you. JOHN BREANKUS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Great Gatsby is my favorite fiction about a man who has everything except the one thing he wants. My favorite nonfiction is Under the Banner of Heaven. It gives you a good look at how religions evolve. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with 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? My prayer book my mother gave me when I was 7-year-old for my first holy communion. It travels with me everywhere I go that I put on my night stand no matter if I'm at home or traveling. 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 want one person on each side! Thomas Jefferson, how in the world did you guys have the vision that the country would be what it has become. Pope John Paul II, to talk about how he spread the message of love for all. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Stephen Soderberg telling me: Do everything yourself. That really sunk in for me. To learn, you gotta figure it out somehow. Learn the whole process. From my wife: Take three breaths look at the positive side. Although you are upset, look at all the things you have to be grateful for an realize the thing that is making you upset at this moment is going to dwindle. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? I was rash and bold. I was unprepared for really respecting who really know what they are doing. Be willing to give up control on something because you know you are putting it in good hands. I am so much better at delegating now. 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? Good is a word you use when something is not great and he strived to be great. *** 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Born on a farm in Oklahoma, the first 15 years of Leah's life allowed her quiet space to and hope and dream about what life could be. When her family moved when she was 15, Leah found herself scrambling to fit in and willing to bend and conform to societal pressures to ensure she did. This ultimately led her to have the prestigious role of "America's Next Top Model." Until one day - she couldn't do it any more. Tune in to hear what finally broke Leah Darrow of her willingness to maintain an unhappy status quo and break free into the life she was meant to lead. SHOW NOTES: Often we mistakenly find our identity and worth in other people. A lot of problems arise when we don't see the value of who we are regardless of who is holding our hand. After making a mistake in her adolescence, she didn't think she was worthy of forgiveness so she lived her life out of fear. This way, she didn't have to change, she could just live out comfortably. As a model I was living in a world where only the exterior mattered. But then after a shoot, so much photoshopping had to happen for our photos to be acceptable... it wasn't even real. I had an out of body experience during a photoshoot the reignited my heart. I heard the words: "I made you for more." I wanted to believe it more than anything in the world that I was more than a picture or a paycheck. I wanted the feeling I had when I was 10, aware that there was something amazing I was called to do. That reignited in my heart and it was my last day of modeling. I had nothing I wanted. The God I believe and culture I believe in, I had made it nothing. There is something true about believing you are called to do something good and that we are all connected. I wanted to live as if I was. Seeing my picture in Times Square and on the side of taxi cabs made me feel chained to something. Like I had to keep up, I have to be better, skinnier than that... and I need to be better than the next girl that gets her picture up, too. Life is so much more about contribution than competition. If I am not contributing to make this world better than what am I doing? Competition, "who is the better person" -- that is a world I don't want to be a part of anymore. Get off social media. Unplug for a bit to figure out what is going on. Why do we feel the need to be connected yet feel so lonely? There's a problem there. Who you are following on social media: Are they breathing life into your life or strangling it by bringing out a spirit of anger, bitterness or jealousy? People are going to talk. If you do everything right and if you do everything wrong: They will walk. So you may as well live your life the way you know is right and good and true. Get Leah's book The Other Side of Beauty Write a list of every good thing you can do - no matter how small or big. Reflect on it. Remind yourself that you are more than what you look like, what you see. The exterior is nothing. The beauty of the face only gets you so far, but the beauty of the soul that will take you all the way to the end. When I left modeling / made huge life change, these were the questions I was asking myself: What do I like? What are my dreams? Who am I? How am I connected to this world in a bigger sense Unplugging allowed me to reboot and know who I am and Whose I am. Know that God is calling you some place greater. No matter what you've done in life. No matter your screw ups, shame or guilt - life can get better. It involves choices and being uncomfortable, but that is a good thing. When you are uncomfortable you are pushing yourself towards a better version of yourself. It makes you, your friends and the WORLD better. If you refuse to do it, you are refusing to make the world better. I start every day with a prayer of gratitude. LEAH DARROW'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Soul of the Apostolate, about how our interior life effects our exterior life. It focuses on prayer, gratitude and working on our own wounds. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. Finish this project I am working on with Haiti 180, building a medical clinic in Haiti. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. The crucifix above my bed. We held onto it as we said our wedding vows 5 years ago. 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 grandpa, a man of few words. Incredibly wise, prayerful and kind. And every advice he ever gave me was right and correct. And he knew me. He always looked you in the eyes. And he knew who he was, his limitations and just being around someone so authentic and kind brings out the best in anyone. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Trust your gut. I was a knew mom, pregnant about to deliver my first child. I asked for advice and my friend told me not to take any, she said to trust your gut. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? It get's better but you are going to have be brave and you are going to have to choose things that require you to change. But it will get better. Never forget, God made you brave and strong, Leah. 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? I believe in hope. Hope has a name and a face, I believe it is Jesus Christ. Wherever your hope lies, just as long as you have it, don't give it up. Hope can change lives. Hope can change 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"You must be present to win. To win in your relationships at work and at home - you must be present." Bestselling author of Nice Bike, phenomenal leadership guru and longtime speaker, Mark Scharenbroich is going to school us on how to connect more effectively with people AND: remind us the importance of doing it. SHOW NOTES: My shop teacher, Leroy, had a big influence on me. One day he asked how I was doing. I said fine. He said, did you think that through? Fine? Is that the kind of life you want to live? He said ask me how I'm doing. I'm GREAT. Great is something to strive for. That's the direction I'm going. God gave each of us a gift. It's our job to discover it and use it for good. On not so good days I still say "I'm great" and in my head I add "ful" - grateful. If you see something say something. When people go out of their way to help, say something; thank them. The right moment to tell someone they've had an impact on your life is right now. Acknowledge, honor, connect. Acknowledge means be fully present. Honor means create rich experiences for others both large and small. Connect means make it personal. You must be present to win. To win with friends, family or coworkers: The people in front of you have to be more important than someone on a screen far away. Giving just a little more than you take is honoring other people. Treat each night like its your first and each day likes its your last. If you're waiting for the perfect day or moment, it's not coming. As long as you are here, be grateful, take time out, embrace those around you, see their value, be interested in whats happening. That's engagement and having an impact. Order Mark's book NICE BIKE. MARK SCHARENBROICH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? D Day, Steven Ambrose. It inspired me more than anything else and taught me what true leadership is. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Create a really cool fishing experience for me and my wife. Then impact some lives; act as an anonymous guardian angel stepping in to give money. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. Winning log book - been fishing with the same guys for 40 years. I've logged each trip in that book. 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? Abraham Lincoln, I love his heart, mind, courage, self doubt, wisdom. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Never forget a friend and never let a friend forget you, friends are an investment you have to make. Invest in those around you and don't take it for granted. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Have more confidence. Believe that your core convictions are true and you can count on them. Take more risks then you think you are capable. To thine own heart be true. 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 taught us how to live the greatest days of our lives so far. *** 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"How you respond to adversity determines the story you write." Life came at Ben hard and fast. When he was 6 months old, his divorcee mom was diagnosed with a rare disease and given only a few years to live. The above quote is one Ben gleaned from his mother's journal*, which he received 10 years after she passed. The time capsule of her positive attitude preserved in the journal swept Ben away. Today, he shares her worldview as a performance coach, speaker and author. You're going to love Ben's story, heart + concrete tools to build the business and life you want. Don't miss it. SHOW NOTES: Life is tough but we have it in us to keep fighting. Black boxes: We all have these places where we tuck away things we aren't ready to deal with. (For me, that was my mom's journal.) The stuff that takes you deep and makes you ask: Is it time for me to go there? Don't wait too long to take on the stuff that hurts. Real challenges show real character. Have courage and surround yourself with people who help give you that courage. That's when you'll find a deeper level of inner success. Everybody has a story and everyone is writing their story. My goal with clients is to help him/her connect on a deeper level to what he/she is capable of achieving. Right where you are, right now, in your life: It is part of your story. It's likely not the end; just a chapter. Learn and grow where you are. The life you want, you can get if you: Have a strong vision. Believe in that vision. Are willing to put the work in every day. Why am I trying to control something I can't control? When I asked this question, it helped me move on in my professional path. Think about where you want to go, personally and professionally. Write it on paper "I am: a marathon runner" and believe in it. "I am at this level in sales." Once you understand where you're going, that's how you build a prize fighter day. Make every day a "prize fighter day." What does this mean? Take your goal and break it down into what you need to do today to ensure you eventually meet your goal. If you spend your day this way, you're having a prize fighter day. Darren Hardy, The Compound Affect Create habits that are sustainable longterm. A successful mindset is one where we focus on solutions rather than the problem. Focusing on solutions rather than problems = the power to reframe. Identify what you can do that is positive and keep your mind on that. How you choose to respond to adversity determines the story you write. Ben's purpose statement: to educate, empower and inspire individuals to uncover their passions and desires to seek a greater vision for themselves. If you don't know why you're doing something, identify the purpose because it's what is going to get you back up. @ContinuedFight on twitter and Instagram *Ben's mom's journal: BEN NEWMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Discover your Destiny, Robin Sharma. If you're looking to find your purpose, this is a great fable format that will do it for you. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. Donate to Barnes Jewish Hospital in honor of my mother. We donate a lot for my mom, so I'd want my wife to get to pick some places to donate to her passions, too. I would definitely fly on a private jet because it is hard to be on the road and miss family time. To catch 30 – 40 more nights at home? I would do 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. My mom's journal. 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. I would just hold her hand and hug her and I'd be crying so hard I couldn't speak. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? It's not how long you live it's how you choose to live your life. Advice from my mom. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Never settle; emotionally and in relationships especially. 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? Leave your legacy. *** 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 everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning