Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

If you don't have motors in your life and you do have anchors, the anchors are going to pull you down and drown you. Be around positive people that pull you up and plant positivity, not fear. Jill Blashack Strahan shared this when reflecting on how she found significance and success as Founder & CEO of Tastefully Simple, despite experiencing tragic loss when her spouse and two brothers died much too early in life. As a speaker, Jill often asks her audiences to "Think back to a time when you have been filled with fear. Did you get through it? Do you believe you are stronger because of it?" She continues by sharing her personal story as a mirror: "I tell them, I've been there. I made it through. You can make it through too." You are going to love hearing from my dear friend, client & author. From simple joys growing up on a dairy farm in Minnesota to the wisdom her grandmother continues to share today through books she recommended decades ago: Jill's story will remind you that you were put on this earth to shine. My Main Takeaways: What Jill learned from falling in love with an alcoholic and joining the Al-Anon community: Let go go of behavior with love. We love the person, hate the behavior. These ideas were key in shaping my life. The Serenity Prayer helped Jill to not be reactive and stay centered during the hardest times in her life. Jill's wild success ($14k annually to $100+ million in 8 years) is tied in part to her objective: "To help people become more of who they are." Fear is about what we're thinking. Thoughts control emotions. Emotions control actions. Don't get caught up in fear. We say 'why me' when bad things happen, but why not say 'why not me'? What makes me so special? If you don't have motors in your life and you have anchors, they are going to pull you down and drown you. Be around positive people that pull you up and plant positivity, not fear. Whatever is given to you is meant to be a gift in some way, it's not a way to hurt you or pull you down or destroy you. Fear is a gatekeeper to strength always. Business is about ebb and flow and finding the "new right answer." I have learned so much in the last two years, we changed our paradigm, from home tasting parties to one-to-one & online channels. Order your copy of Jill's book Simply Shine here. Learn more about having Jill speak here. Setting goals & creating a game plan is critically important. Jill never made more than $14,000 a year and was working out of her shed when she launched Tastefully Simple. Within 5 years, her business was worth $11.8 million. Her SMART goal had been $11 million in 5 years Life is a learning process. "We learned as we went along and reserved the right to get smarter and build trust with people. We promised we would deliver something excellent, but acknowledged we may stumble along the way to getting it right. The team approach was huge. It took the pressure off of people as they joined us - we didn't have to be perfect." JILL BLASHACK STRAHAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach was significant for me. Today We Are Rich by Tim Sanders was another that was very timely for me. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? I would give a lot that money away. Tastefully Simple has financially afforded me much in life. I would definitely want to build a park in little Villard, MN. 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? Old photos that I don't have digitally. Especially so that my son Zach would have them, memories of his dad. 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? It would be my Grandma Aida who gave me the books I mentioned. She was very well read and very understated. She was not one who espoused her intelligence, but I would love to know more about her perspective on life and our family dynamics. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Always go least to most, if you give too much and take away people lose trust. When in doubt do without. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? I would make sure that I knew the Maryann Williamson quote about worthiness and I would make sure that I knew that I am worthy and that God expects me to shine. That's one of the best things that shifted my thinking in my mid 30s. We are here to shine, not to feel unworthy. 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 helped people shine and become more of who they are. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (to automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere 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 and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

When bad things happen, Dale Partridge no longer questions them. Instead, he thinks: "What will I learn from this moment?" After numerous pivots, failures and unmanageable businesses growth early in his career, Dale began "to hold less tight to things. I'm more open-handed because of these moments." At one point his business was so successful, he couldn't grow fast enough to sustain it. On the outside he was successful and everyone was cheering him on. On the inside, he and his wife were experiencing panic attacks and a failing marriage. They knew they needed a change. He was asked to step down - and he now sees it is the best thing that could have happened. He and his wife moved from city life in California to a farm in Oregon. They've healed their marriage, grown their family and Dale has re-established a thriving, sustainable business. You will get so much from the vulnerability with which Dales shares about his personal, professional and faith walk. My main take aways: Sometimes, a company can grow faster than people can. You can tell someone's priorities by how they spend their time and money. 'Normal' & 'common' aren't the same. It's common to: Work 60 hours, have mediocre marriages and relationships with kids & eventually get a divorce because of these things. But it's not normal. Act with honor. We need more people who can say "follow my example." We look at division as a bad thing. Bringing people back to the truth is never bad. We're all leaders at some level. It's okay to not be a massive leader, to be a follower and embrace who you were made to be. Respect doesn't come from the job you have or the money you make it comes from the family and the life you build. Don't be so concerned with a house, a dream, that career. Focus on health, getting out of debt & building relationships that matter. On your deathbed, you'll think 'I wish I'd spent more time with my wife, had more kids, went on another vacation, not about work or money.' Whatever you are doing, wherever you are, remember time & relationship are what matter. Invest where you are going to get your best return. Sometimes it takes making money to realize you don't need it. Once your basic needs are met, money doesn't increase happiness. When we learn that maturity and growth are totally backwards, everything starts to make sense. Embarrassment is an incredible teacher. Stop talking & start listening: The fastest way to connect & show respect. Fix your thinking and you can fix anything. Learn more about Dale, his books, Startup Camp on his website. Follow Dale on Twitter & Facebook. Listen to John's interview on Dale's Startup Camp Podcast here. DALE PARTRIDGE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Biographies about John Adams and David McCullough. I love biographies, they teach so much more than books about a topic. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? There are charities we love, so some money would go there. Real estate seems to be the smartest decision (for investment). It buys you time. Then, as the opportunities roll in through life, you'll be able to say yes. 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? I'm super nostaligic. I'd grab photos. I really value memory. 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? John Adam. William Wilberforce. Abe Lincoln. I've read these folks biographies; they are people who paid a price for leadership. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? From a placard my grandmother had. I have it on a mantel at my house now. Never get too busy making a living that you forget to make a life. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be slow to speak and quick to listen. 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 think wrong you'll never live strong. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate and review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere 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 and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Love of country was one of the most important tenants in Sergeant Rocky Sickmann's house the he was growing up. His father and brother were both in the army and Rocky joined the Marines. In October of 1979, Rocky was a guard at the US Embassy in Tehran, Iran. A few weeks later, he was taken hostage. He was held for the next 444 days. Rocky recounts the day he was taken hostage, gives unbelievable, historical context from his first-person experience and most importantly: Shares how faith, hope and simple, joy-filled memories are what got him through his darkest days. Key Takeaways: Freedom is not free. Rocky is an epic reminder of the sacrifices made by men and women in the military. CHOOSING to be a victor, not a victim, is critical. When Rocky realized his health was deteriorating, he chose to not let the situation get the best of him. In doing so: He recommitted to eating despite having no appetite & doing push ups and pacing in his dark room. Everything you do has a consequence for someone else. A tip to survive an emotionally challenging time: Relive simple childhood memories - or pick a different joyful time in your life if your childhood wasn't idyllic. Rocky spent time in his dark room, tied to a chair reliving: baseball games, sleigh rides and "watching" his mother make him pancakes. "The Man is still up there. Faith is what kept me going. I had never prayed so hard in my life. I even asked God for a sign and he gave me one! He gives them to me all the time now, too." Rocky shares what it was like to finally land at Stewart Air Force Base in New York and see Jill, who today is his wife of 35 years, and parents again for the first time. See photos from Rocky's homecoming here. Rocky is an ambassador for Folds of Honor which provides scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled veterans. Iranian Hostage, a Personal Diary is Rocky's book sharing his experience "Put your heart, mind, soul and prayers towards it and you can survive. You have to make up your mind to not let them get the best of you." "You walk, talk and dress different in the military than you do when you're a civilian. That is why the VFW, American Legions and other organizations are so helpful [when you're making the transition and beyond]." What's your encouragement for those of us with struggles today? "Everybody has a bad time, use that. Survive it; you can survive anything." SERGEANT ROCKY SICKMANN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Your book, ON FIRE. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled veterans. 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 wedding album. 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? President Carter. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Be prepared for an exciting journey. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Never forget where you came from. 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? Rocky Sickmann, Iranian hostage, 444 days of captivity. God bless America. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate and review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere 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 and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Discipline, toughness, enthusiasm and selflessness. If you combine these things, you have maximized what you can control in becoming a pro baseball player. Mike Matheny, manager and head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, husband and father, observed this truth after playing for 17 years and coaching for five. On today's show, he shares what it's like to win a World Series, fall in love and how having a "consistent and God-honoring" father shaped him into the man he is today. The highlight of his career? "Making it there. That first day...and just thinking about the millions of kids playing youth sports and hoping to one day defy the odds. I was told as a teen to change my dream because making the big leagues was less likely than winning the lottery. But that encouraged me. I figured, somebody had to make it, why not me?" Injuries resulting from concussions throughout his career as a catcher abruptly ended his career, but Mike saw it as an opportunity to spend more time with his kids and make real estate investments. When the market crashed, he nearly lost everything. His family moved in with his in laws and at that time, he observed his kids enjoying the time there as much as they had when they lived in their "palace of a place." He realized: There is more to life than stuff. Mike shares what it takes to make it into "the bigs" and make it as a leader, father, dad, son and husband. The takeaways from this episode are epic; don't miss them! KEY TAKEAWAYS: God continues to work on the hearts of people. Leadership is caught better than it's taught. If people see selflessness, they will be selfless. If you want a winning culture at home or on the field, try to make people around you better. Mike wasted part of his time in the big leagues fearing it would end. Now, he tells players "be grateful for those who got you here, but don't deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying being here because it is special." You don't know how you will handle losing everything until you do. To have peace with that is one of the greatest gifts you can have. As a new coach, he realized he was in a more volatile position then ever, but he had peace. "I was able to hold the position with a loose hand, if I'm meant to be here I'm not going to waste my time with the worry." How much does the negativity people throw at you bother you? It stings but I get back to these questions: What's my job? Am I doing it the right way? Doing what I said I'd do? Treating people right? What advice would you offer to better manage business / life? Faith is the foundation for everything I do. It comes down to leaving a legacy. You want to be able to look back and see you made an impact on peoples' lives and took advantage of opportunities you were given. MIKE MATHENY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Good to Great by Jim collins. Main takeaway: Anytime you settle for good you cut your potential short. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? Take care of some family and I'd love to think I could give almost all of it 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? A stack of 5 bibles for my kids. Over the course of 18 months, I'd read the Bible and journal -- to share what I was going through at that point in my life. When I finished one bible, I'd start the next for my next 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? Coach John Wooden; he has served as a mentor to me and we never had the pleasure of meeting. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? I'm stealing it from Wooden: How you define success, take a good honest look at yourself, the talent that you have, effort the you put in and the pursuit of perfection while realizing perfection is not attainable. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Stay away from real estate! To thine own self be true. Find out who you are and what you believe and don't let anybody talk you out of 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? Ferocious gentleman. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate and review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere 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 and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Parents are so much more worried today then they were 35 years ago. They so desperately want to be 'good parents' that they're exhausting important energy on stuff that doesn't matter." This is a quote from today's guest, Meg Meeker, MD. Meg is a pediatrician, author, parent, wife, grandmother and business owner. Her goal is to diffuse fear-based parenting. I shared the stage with Meg at the Dave Ramsey SMART Conference and fell in love with her message around her book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. I selfishly invited her on the show to grow as a father myself and help you in your journey as a parent, too. Meg's insights are great for parents, but relate to all of us as aunts, uncles, sons and daughters, too. Subscribe & listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or my website. MY MAIN TAKEAWAYS: 3 Ways to Shift from Fear-Based Parenting Shift your perspective of yourself in your kids eyes. If a child is with you, he doesn't want anything other than knowing that you like being with him. Stop worrying about what he's eating for dinner and just focus on him. Make an exhaustive list of ALL the things you worry about with your kids. Then tell yourself "Let go of all of it! Today I'm just going to communicate that I like being with him." Then do it again the next day. Watch, your whole relationship will change. Schedule your child less. Everyone says their life is too busy, but who makes it so? Are you willing to surrender time with your child for them to be in an activity that they'll only be involved in for a few years? A child's character is developed when he's face to face with mom and dad. That time is important. Also, the remedy for your child acting out is MORE time with you. It all goes back to: Don't schedule them so much. A tip about getting to 35 years of marriage? We refused to quit. Once we determined that we were that committed, then you could just wait "it" out. No matter our age, we all struggle with self-esteem. Hearing positive feedback from our parents as adults is still comforting. Make parenting simpler: Love your kids and do the best you can. Letting your young kids know you want their company is important. We think kids need other kids and peers. They don't. They need you. Real joy comes from time spent at home working through life with your family. Life in a family unit is messy, working through the messiness together is how the joy comes. Don't assume that just because your peers are doing something, that it has to be so. Set the bar higher for your child. They can have a better life than they currently do (in regards to technology, etc.). Two ways to do this: Find two times a month to schedule yourself to stay home and spend time as a family. The first week might be terrible, but by the fourth one, it will be great. Declare one hour in the evening as electronic free. Kids are feeling ignored because parents are on cell phones. Parents are having a hard time because kids aren't paying attention due to their relationship with technology. Pick one hour each evening (or 3 nights wkly to start) with no tech. For this to work, everyone in your house must follow the rule. One piece of advice for fathers to "be heroes"? Recognize you already have the cape (because your kid has put it on you!). You don't need to get a bigger house or get a pool in the backyard. You just need to maintain. Shift your perspective, you are already a hero in your kids life. (Note: this is what your kid is looking for in a hero, and it's well within your grasp, be: available, engaged, have his back, and protect him.) MEG MEEKER, MD'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Celebration of the Disciplines by Richard Foster. My main takeaway was to simplify and focus on the important stuff. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? I would give 99% of it away to World Vision and The Medical Institute for Sexual Health. My needs are met, I don't need more. Having too much would just complicate 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? I would grab a photo of my parents; they are no longer alive and I don't trust my memory to keep a clear picture. 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? Jesus. I would love to talk to Jesus, have him clear up some unanswered questions I have about pain in the world. I would also want to tell him thank you. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Reduce your expectations. They are what cause us misery. the more we can accept what is and who people are and love people for who people are today, the freer we really are to to live and to love. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Keep focused on God's plan for your life, not YOUR plan for you life because you are self-centered. 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 loved him well. First God. Second, my husband. If after I die this can be said, then my life has been good. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate and review (grow the Live Inspired. movement) this podcast anywhere 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 and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Stay positive. Feed yourself so you can feed others. These are the key messages of Jon Gordon, author of bestselling book The Energy Bus and today's guest. Jon and I met a few months back when we shared a stage at a client event. I've always loved the transformative fable he shares in The Energy Bus (about what happens when you change your mindset when entering "the bus of life" each day) and was excited to hear more about the man behind the story. Today, you're invited to hear this discussion! Jon shares "stories even his closest friends haven't heard!" Many about the little known challenges leading up to his best-selling book career (the book was rejected 30 times before it was published; it had little reception for the first 5 years). Jon's story is about being positive and feeding yourself so you can feed others. Here are a few of my favorite takeaways: "Sometimes you have to lose a goal to find your destiny." - Gordon "There is one song and we are part of the symphony." - Gordon "We are positive not because life is easy. We must be positive because life is hard." - Gordon Negative thoughts will always come in; you don't have to believe them. Your faith must be greater than you fear. You must overcome negativity to become a successful leader. The "bus" story came to me during a walk of prayer and gratitude. People CAN become more positive! No one wants to be negative, we blame circumstances and that breeds more negativity. Realizing this gave me the concept for the Energy Bus and the idea that you have to be the driver of your own bus. You have to empower yourself. "Don't allow life to define you. Define your life." - Gordon [Tweet this.] Why did Jon succeed? Faith and grit. A few ideas from Jon to become more positive: Feed the positive, not the negative. Learn to talk to yourself; not to listen to yourself. Research shows you can't be grateful and stressed at the same time. Spend timing each day being grateful: Gratitude journaling, take a gratitude walk, etc. "The media is the bible for the fearful." - Gordon "We create our world not from the outside in but from the inside out." - Gordon Enroll in Jon Gordon's Positive University for free in January 2017. Jon Gordon's Live Inspired 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? All the Places to Go. My main takeaway is that life is an open door; God puts doors in front of you. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? Invest in others continue to pour into Positive University and more for nonprofits I love: Homes for Hope in Mexico and FCA, the Dream Center in LA. 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 and my grandparents' pictures that sit on my desk. Pictures of my parents who both passed away. 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. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Dr. James Guild's advice, talk to yourself instead of listen to yourself. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Don't stress so much. Enjoy the ride. The message in my books Training Camp and The Energy Bus. 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? Positive. *** If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate and review (grow the Live Inspired. movement) 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 and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Almost a decade ago my life changed when I read Jinny Ditzler's book Your Best Year Yet. At the time I was struggling in my real estate development business and had not yet cracked into my speaking business. I read this book on the front side of a new year on the recommendation of a dear friend. Rather than quickly flip through, I read it like it was a workbook. Pen in hand, I took notes, answered her 10-Questions and in doing so created a one-page plan to attack that year. I had great success and this year, I decided to walk through the same process with my team. We did so back in December and it was fantastic! So much so that we asked: How do we share this amazing, simple 10-Step process with the Live Inspired community? Friends, today, I am thrilled to have Jinny on the show, literally walking each of us through this life-changing plan step by step. Can you believe that? We are lucky! I am so touched that I get to share the gift of Jinny coaching us through how to make 2017 our best year yet. Jinny will remind us of the "indestructible goodness and immense possibility" within each of us. This podcast will set you up with a one-page plan to make 2017 your best year yet. Here we go! "This will give you a clear way to "cut your way out of the fog" through concrete commitments." Here are my key takeaways: The premise of Jinny's book Best Year Yet: You have the answers to achieve your success and well being. Through the book, you'll answer 10 questions that will result in you outlining how you'll achieve your success this year. Questions: What did I accomplish last year? What were my biggest disappointments last year? What did I learn? (Uncover a motto for the new year, turning negatives to positives: Be grateful. Not 'Don't be ungrateful.') How did I limit myself? How can I stop? What's getting in the way? What are your limiting beliefs? What are your values? What roles do I play (no more than 8)? What role is my major focus in the new year? What are my (specific, measurable) goals for each of my roles? What are my top 10 goals? How can I achieve my plan (my top 10 goals)? This will not be HARD. You just need to have discipline. Set monthly goals. Keep score to make sure you are moving the needle. Get a life coach or an accountability partner to hold you accountable and talk about the progress you are making on your plan. Prefer to take the 'Best Year Yet' Course? Sign up here. Order Jinny's Best Year Yet book here. Jinny Ditzler's Live Inspired 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Tibetan Book of Living & Dying. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? I'd take care of myself and my family where we don't feel fully cared for. Then I'd find people up to good and invest in them. 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. 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? Mom. She's not with us anymore, but she was an angel. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Where there is a will there is a way. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Relax. 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 cared deeply about others and committed her life to showing them how to use the best that's in them. *** If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes and anywhere you get your podcasts! You'll be the first to know when a new episode is available AND you will help grow our LIVE INSPIRED Movement. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired. Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook & Twitter and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Let's move our focus from the cold winter to where the sun is shining: Spring! One of my favorite parts of spring is March Madness. I love sports, I love baseball and I love the race to the final game (especially when the underdog wins). Most importantly, after the final game, I love when they play the Luther Vandross song, One Shining Moment, while showing the highlights of the best plays from the entire tournament. They tie it all together and today, I am going to do something similar for you. On today's episode, I'll recap each of my guests from Season 1 and my main takeaway from each. So many great tips on living inspired. Here we go! Susan O'Leary [my mom, author, speaker, mother, Christian leader] Mom helped me kick off the season talking about life, the fire that change everything and her insights on resilience, faith, family and redemption. Brian Buffini [business owner, speaker & author] He shared the question his grandfather asked when reviewing work for the family painting business: "Can you put your name on it?" If the answer wasn't yes it had to be fixed. That tangible work ethic is the foundation of Brian's success today. Teri Griege [author, ironman athlete, cancer survivor] Addiction and cancer threatened her life; grace, endurance and hope gave it back. Teri will remind you what is TRULY possible when you stop making excuses. Joe Buck [World Series sports announcer, son of my hero Jack, author] Had his his first interview about his new book Lucky Bastard with us! He shared about being the son of my hero, the greatest gift he received from his daughter which offered us all a reminder that: Perspective truly matters. Michaela Haas [author, journalist, fellow sojourner] Her book Bouncing Forward was my favorite this year covering a life-changing topic: "Post traumatic growth." Rory Vaden [bestselling author and self-discipline expert] "Discipline becomes dormant in the absence of a dream; so DREAM BIG." And SO MANY amazing nuggets like this one. Dave Ramsey [bestselling author, nationally syndicated radio host] You do not want to miss this opportunity to hear Dave on the other side of the microphone! He shares amazing humility, humor and financial tips. Kathy Buckley [author, speaker, comedian, overcomer] She is a model for keeping joy, humor, determination and passion for people through life's tribulations. As a deaf comedian, she has garnered special tools she shares with us to improve our own relationships and lives. Don Yaeger [9 time bestselling author; journalist] Wrote 25 books, many nonfiction about some of the biggest names in sports history. Don shares the biggest lessons he learned from these legendary people. Rachel Macy Stafford [NYT Bestselling author and founder of Hands Free Mama] Shares beautiful lessons about setting aside daily distractions so that you can have your best life today. She asks us a poignant question: How will you redefine your success for yourself this year? Tom Ziglar [Son of Zig, bestselling author, podcaster, CEO of Ziglar Inc.] Tom will walk you through the "zombie cure" or sleep walking through life. Today's guest is former St. Louis Blues Hockey hero, Gino Cavallini. You'll love hearing the live reunion from my ON FIRE book launch party. [Watch the video.] I am so honored to have had the opportunity to introduce you to these amazing people; true examples of living inspired. Season 2 starts next Thursday and you are going to love the guests we have lined up! Make sure to subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks for being part of the Live Inspired community and please keep inviting your friends to join us - we continue to climb the charts (top 20 on iTunes Business!) and touching lives. Get weekly #MondayMotivation email: JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"You can have everything in life you want, as long as you just help enough other people get what they want." This is one of the most popular quotes from legendary speaker, Zig Ziglar and it is absolutely modeled through his son Tom's life today. Tom Ziglar has influenced 250 million lives through his work. On today's show, Tom will share about growing up with Zig as his father and how his dad walked the talk he shared with the world. Tom shares about falling in love with sales, defines what "sales" really means and early failures he endured as a young president of his father's company. These were my main takeaways from our time together: "Did you do everything you could? If yes, then you can sleep good tonight." Zig didn't begin speaking until his late 30s; it's never too late to start a new path. The best advice Zig gave Tom (after he felt he was unfairly treated): "The only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you." Tom defines sales as: Listening and helping people solve their problems "Truth doesn't go out of style. There isn't much 'new' under the sun; we just forget what we once knew to be true." - John O'Leary Zombie Effect: showing up at work barely on time, doing minimal work, never offering his/her opinion. (The academic word is disengaged.) Gallup study shows 60% of employees are disengaged. Imagine a 10-seater bike with only 3 people pedaling. This is a life issue; not just a business issue. The cause: They have no dreams. The solution: Dream! Then everything you do each day is helping you get closer to it. Help your employees dream; show them you care. Get Zig & Tom's book Born to Win: "You must plan to win. Prepare to win." Live to Win webinar answers this question: "What's the fastest way to success?" By helping you replace bad habits with good one. Changing one a week for 52 weeks. Check out Ziglar Podcast Episode #405 where I was interviewed Tom Ziglar's Live Inspired 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Lord of the Rings 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? Thank God for someone who lived a good, long 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? Dad's bible. He underlined it. in fact, I have a lot of his underlined books. That is just priceless. 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? Dad. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? "You are what you are and where you are because of what's gone into your mind. And you can change what you are and where you are by what goes into your mind." This is my favorite quote from dad. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? There's a lot of tempting answers! Don't start that business! It might be a Dave Ramsey thought - Pay cash for everything! I'd get more financially in-tune early 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? He lived pure and simple by putting the right things into his mind. *** If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes and anywhere you get your podcasts! You'll be the first to know when a new episode is available AND you will help grow our LIVE INSPIRED Movement. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Today's guest will help you to stop managing life and start LIVING it. She is a bestselling author, blogger, mom, leader of the hands free revolution and my dear friend: Rachel Macy Stafford. Every conversation I've had with Rachel is one of the most authentic conversations I've ever had - and today's episode is no different. You'll see yourself in Rachel's struggles, triumphs and story and you'll be inspired by her tools to live life to the fullest. We're nearing the end of Live Inspired Podcast Season 1 and I absolutely saved Rachel to be one of the last for a reason. Today's conversation is going to be an inflection point for you! My favorite takeaways from our time together: Stop managing life and start LIVING it. Set "distraction free" time every day. "Only love today." Hands Free Living - [n.] leaving your phone and schedule to just be. Letting go of control and unrealistic standards. Redefine what success is for YOU. What do you want to measure success by TODAY? When we see each others' scars we love each other more. Pre-order Rachel's new book (hits shelves March 2017) Only Love Today. Connect with Rachel & The Hands Free Revolution on Facebook. The LIVE INSPIRED 7 segment is a series of 7 questions, shared "rapid fire" and answered boldly (without prep!) by our guests. My hope is to leave you reflecting on our guest's answers and YOUR answers… and excited to apply ideas from today's show to help you live an inspired life. Rachel Macy Stafford's Live Inspired 7 1. What is the best book you've ever read? Life is a Verb. I would not be a writer today if I had not read it. She inspired me to take a leap of faith and put myself out there. 2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? My kids and I have been involved with Compassion International. I would like to do even more! Go over and visit them...sponsor 100's of kids! 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 friend gave me a framed watercolor sign that her daughters' friend made for me because she said I was a "soul changer." I've never had such a beautiful compliment. I would run in and grab that! 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 would choose my Grandma Madonna. I really miss her. She and I spent so much time playing cards, watching game shows and she would write me letters. We had a really special connection. I would just love to sit and spend some time with her today. 5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Don't focus on numbers. Focus on lives touched. 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Don't believe that there is pressure coming at you from other people. That pressure is coming from you. It is not necessary. You can surrender. Just love and live. 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 love. She sounded like love. She looked like love. She spread love. And all that love made all the difference in the world. *** If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes and anywhere you get your podcasts! You'll be the first to know when a new episode is available AND you will help grow our LIVE INSPIRED Movement. I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired.