Stay ConnectedExpected to die, today he’s inspiring others to truly live.
World-renowned inspirational speaker + national bestselling author John O’Leary wants to help you wake up from accidental living so you can do, be, achieve and impact more through your life. Every Monday, John shares a quick burst of inspiration to help start your week on fire. Every Thursday, John interviews an amazing guest on their story, successes, failures, lessons, and life to help you uncover tips to apply in yours.
Thirteen years ago, I was invited to visit a critically ill man in a hospital. All I knew was the hospital where he was being treated, his room number, that his first name was David and that he was dying.
What happened during that visit, and over the years since, impacted my life. In reading about it today, it's my hope it impacts yours, too.Jessica Cox was born without arms, but she's never let that stop her from soaring. A certified pilot, fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, author, global speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, Jessica is also the visionary behind The Impossible Airplane, a first-of-its-kind aircraft designed to be flown entirely by foot. Her life is a powerful reminder that our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves.
Today, Jessica shares how she turned "Why me?" into "Why not me?" She opens up about her journey to becoming the world's first armless pilot, the faith that helped her push past fear, and the creativity required to thrive in a world not built for her body. She talks about the love story that began in a martial arts class, the plane she's building to inspire kids around the world, and the freedom that comes from radical self-acceptance.
My friends, if you've ever doubted your worth or felt held back by fear, this conversation is for you. Jessica's story will reignite your belief in what's possible. You'll walk away with a renewed sense of courage, fresh perspective on your own challenges, and the reminder that with faith, resilience, and a little ingenuity, nothing is out of reach.
A tent in Colorado
A canoe in Georgia
Friend's couch
Church pew
Airplane seat
ER waiting room
Classroom desk
This is a truncated list of places I dozed off as a child. Regardless of where I fell asleep, though, I always had the certainty of ultimately going back to my house, my room, my bed.
But many children do not sleep with that same certainty. When Luke Mickelson learned this reality, he began to do something about it. And what he did changed not only his life, but his entire community. In learning about his story, I believe your life will be positively changed, too. Let me explain.
Luke Mickelson is the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that has built and delivered more than 300,000 beds to children in need across the world. With nothing but hope, hammers, and heart, Luke traded his corporate success for a movement rooted in dignity, compassion, and community.
Today, Luke shares how one "tiny moment" changed everything. From witnessing a little girl named Haley receive her very first bed to walking away from a steady career to serve full time, Luke proves that a willing heart and a power drill can change lives... starting with your own.
My friends, if you need a reminder that purpose can begin with the simplest of actions, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode with a deeper belief that your tiny moments matter, and that one small "yes" can transform a community.
A couple of years ago, I had the immense honor of delivering the commencement address for the Class of 2023 at my alma mater, Saint Louis University. (Believe me, the only people more surprised than I that O'Leary was the commencement speaker…. were the professors who taught me back in the late 1990s!)
As I watched the graduates cross the stage full of excitement, trepidation, nerves and ultimately hope, I couldn't help but think back to the miracle that appeared the night of my own graduation. Let me explain.
Kim Becking is a New York Times bestselling author, founder of the Unstoppable Momentum Movement, cancer survivor and mom of three. A leading voice on navigating change, she's on a mission to help people lead with purpose, build real resilience, and face life's challenges with courage. Today, Kim shares how she went from growing up in a trailer in small-town Missouri to becoming a lawyer and public servant. Plus, she shares the bold choice to leave a high-powered career to prioritize family, the breast cancer diagnosis that rocked her world at 30, the life-changing advice from her late friend Patty, how she's redefining resilience, and why "grit without grace" just doesn't work. My friends, if you've ever faced a setback that left you wondering how to keep going, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with practical tools to build real resilience, the permission to pause and give yourself grace, and the reminder that while the headwinds may be real, the foundation is firm, and the best is yet to come.
Several years ago, I was getting ready for work when my oldest son, Jack, walked into the bathroom as I was shaving. Just five years old at the time, he stood next to me for a while pretending that he, too, was getting rid of the "stubble" on his cheeks. But then he stopped pretending and began gently touching the scars that cover my torso.
These are the deep red scars, with ridges and lumps that traverse my stomach. These are the scars that remind me of all I went through and would rather forget. They're the scars that even today I avoid looking at because they're just too painful.
But on this day Jack traced those scars with his little finger. What he said next changed how I saw everything.
Dr. Blaise Aguirre is a renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist who has dedicated his life to helping thousands of young people struggling with thoughts of suicide and self-hatred. As a father of four and the author of I Hate Myself, Blaise brings both clinical expertise and a compassionate presence to his work by offering hope and healing to those navigating deep emotional pain.
Today, Blaise shares why self-hatred isn't something we're born with, but rather a story we learn through life's painful seasons, why simply listening without judgment can be more healing than any advice, and how the erosion of extended families and supportive communities has left many of us feeling isolated and alone in our struggles.
My friends, if you've ever felt "not enough" or battled that critical voice in your head, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical tools to shift your inner narrative, and the courage to offer yourself more grace in the moments you need it most.
So many powerful stories go untold. Most books are never read, most scripts never make it to screen, and most independent films never find distribution.
That's why we're especially excited to share the news about the SOUL ON FIRE movie... let me explain.
As a former elementary school teacher and founding member of Humans of San Quentin, Diane Kahn is a fierce advocate for second chances and shared humanity. By spending the past seven years working inside the walls of California's most notorious prison, Diane empowers those incarcerated to earn their high school diplomas, tell their stories, and be seen not for what they've done, but for who they are.
Today, Diane shares what inspired her to launch the Humans of San Quentin platform and why storytelling can be the first step to healing. Plus, we talk about the powerful impact of empathy, the surprising kindness found in dark places, and the importance of truly seeing others as more than their past mistakes.
My friends, you'll leave this conversation with a renewed sense of compassion, a deeper belief in the power of story, and the courage to see your own life through a more grace-filled lens.
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