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.
Dave Pelzer endured years of unimaginable child abuse inflicted by his own mother, and yet emerged from the depths of despair to become a beacon of hope and resilience.
In 1995, Dave courageously shared his harrowing experiences in his memoir, A Child Called It, a book that not only touched the hearts of millions but also achieved an unprecedented feat by remaining a New York Times bestseller for an astounding six years. Today, Dave has made it his life's mission to empower others to discover their inner strength, persevere through adversity, and unlock their fullest potential.
Join us as Dave shares about the unimaginable torment he endured during those years of abuse and the pivotal roles his teachers played in his path to survival. He also delves into the profound and transformative journey of forgiveness, illustrating the incredible power it holds in healing the wounds of the past.
My friends, this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark your past may be, there is always a way to rewrite your own narrative and emerge from the shadows into a brighter, more resilient future.
Dave Pelzer endured years of unimaginable child abuse inflicted by his own mother, and yet emerged from the depths of despair to become a beacon of hope and resilience.
In 1995, Dave courageously shared his harrowing experiences in his memoir, A Child Called It, a book that not only touched the hearts of millions but also achieved an unprecedented feat by remaining a New York Times bestseller for an astounding six years. Today, Dave has made it his life's mission to empower others to discover their inner strength, persevere through adversity, and unlock their fullest potential.
Join us as Dave shares about the unimaginable torment he endured during those years of abuse and the pivotal roles his teachers played in his path to survival. He also delves into the profound and transformative journey of forgiveness, illustrating the incredible power it holds in healing the wounds of the past.
My friends, this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark your past may be, there is always a way to rewrite your own narrative and emerge from the shadows into a brighter, more resilient future.
Sometimes the moments when we disappoint those we cherish the most can teach us the significance and value of keeping our word. The death of my beloved grandmother, a mistake I made afterwards, and an important lesson taught by my dad left an indelible impact on my life. Applying the lesson in your life might elevate not only your life, but also those to whom you make promises. Let me explain.
Phil Keoghan is arguably the most traveled television host on the planet. As the host of The Amazing Race, the multiple Emmy Award-winning reality series where teams of two embark on a trek around the world, Phil has experienced a life full of travel and adventure.
Today, fresh off the milestone 35th season premiere of The Amazing Race, Phil joins us to share how he's been globetrotting since a young boy, how his working-class parents and grandparents inspired his other hit show Tough as Nails and so much more.
My friends, today's conversation will inspire you to take risks, accept and love all of those around you, and live life to the fullest.
"Sympathy is easy because it comes from a position of power. Empathy is getting down on your knees and looking someone else in the eye, and realizing that you could be them, and that all that separates you is luck." -Dennis Lahane
While on my knees next to my fallen dad several years ago, I thought of this quote.
Dad has been living with Parkinson's disease for almost three decades. Over this time, he's lost the ability to walk, drive and earn. It's difficult for my dad to speak and lately, becoming more difficult to swallow.
And yet today, Dad, seated in his trusty wheelchair, is the perfect embodiment of the joy we all wish we possessed. Let me explain.
Each day, more than 54 million Americans are responsible for serving as a caregiver for a loved one.
Three decades with Parkinson's disease has made movement for my father Denny O'Leary nearly impossible. But with the help of another person, guiding him from spot to spot, supporting him in the shower, assisting as he gets dressed, and guiding a wheelchair from room to room, the absolute impossible becomes possible. And this care happens all day, every day.
For Dad, the person doing all that work is my mother, Susan O'Leary. She's remarkable, and she's not alone.
Often caregiving is a burden to bear and a problem to be solved. And yet as an expert in gerontology, Dr. Sarah Teten Kanter is on a mission to make caregiving and care receiving a time to savor and an opportunity for personal growth.
Today, Sarah shares the simple activities, conversation-inspiring questions, and self-care practices designed to immerse caregivers and their care partners in gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, love, and awe. Why these five specific emotions? By exuding these positive emotions, it's been shown to improve health, reduce stress and create meaning in daily life in the relationships of caregivers and care receivers.
My friends, this conversation reminds us to embrace the full gift of life at every stage and every age.
After years of traveling, hundreds of podcast interviews, and innumerable impromptu conversations on airplanes, I've met some of the most remarkably talented and inspirational people in the world. I've heard life stories that filled me with hope and reminded me we all have the potential to be used for good.
To ensure we kick off the upcoming holiday season right, I'm hosting a live event that you can attend in my hometown of St. Louis or stream virtually anywhere around the world. The evening will be part storytelling, part concert, and all heart. It will bring together the very best of those I've met on one stage to remind the rest of us of our ability to positively change the world — starting with our own.
This experience, On Fire For Good, will fill your heart with gratitude, prepare you for the coming holiday season, and remind you that your best is yet to come. We want you to share it with us.
Not sure if you can make it? Not sure it will be worth your time? Not sure if the message will resonate with you? Not sure if you'll be back from your black Friday shopping spree?
Come and see.
My friends, in the busyness of the holiday season and the chaotic nature of our lives, this experience will remind you what matters most, reinforce the beauty of your story, and absolutely set you On Fire For Good. Join me the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 25th, at 7 p.m. either in our live audience in St. Louis or our virtual audience by livestreaming wherever you are that night.
It will be an evening of inspiration, celebration, and community.
Kelly Corrigan is a celebrated storyteller and New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me More, Glitter and Glue, The Middle Place and more. As the host of PBS' Tell Me More with Kelly Corrigan and the creator of the popular podcast Kelly Corrigan Wonders, Kelly shares insightful conversations with thought leaders, pulling out poignant lessons others can use to find their own calling or better understand themselves.
Today, Kelly joins us to share her heartfelt wisdom and profound lessons on love, parenting, self-discovery, and the importance of laughter in thoughtful reflection.
Do you want to be inspired to think more, feel more, do more and be better? This conversation is for you.
Today, on this 22nd anniversary of the September 11th attacks , choose to treasure the simple moments, celebrate our shared humanity, and act with a bit more kindness, compassion, and hope in a global marketplace that still aches for it.
Choose to recognize the immeasurable value of your life - and the lives of those you encounter.
And choose to believe the little things you do matter.
Because, ultimately, our children will receive the future we'll be giving.
Over the past four decades, Jeff Allen has been recognized for his clean, family-friendly comedy celebrating everyday life, the ups & downs of marriage, the challenge of raising children, the bliss of the empty nest, the joys of being a grandparent and more.
Known for coining the phrase "happy wife, happy life," Jeff believes that his story, though not without its challenges, can provide hope and encouragement to those who feel frustrated, empty, and unfulfilled.
Today, Jeff candidly shares some of his darkest moments, his journey to hitting rock bottom and how he overcome addiction and despair to find the joy in life and a strengthened relationship with God.
My friends, this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark and difficult life may seem, there is always hope that the best of our days remain ahead of us.
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