Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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Medical Miracle: Doug Lindsay Invented the Surgery that Saved His Life (ep. 322) Jan 07, 2021

Show notes

How do you respond when something is seemingly impossible? Especially when it's life or death?

At 21 years old, Doug Lindsay developed a rapid heart rate, dizziness and fainting spells which led him to fear that he was suffering the same mysterious illness that affected his mother and aunt. As symptoms became debilitating, Doug dropped out of college and spent the next 11 years bedbound.

Doctors were baffled, so Doug scoured medical textbooks in a relentless, 14-year pursuit to not only diagnose the mysterious illness, but also develop the treatment and assemble the team that would ultimately perform the innovative surgery. If you're seeking a message of hope, perseverance and a reason to believe the best of our days remain in front of us, this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

"I talk about the role of hope and character in innovation and life. I came to do that after getting sick at 21, spent 11 years homebound + bedbound and when no one knew what to do, I developed the surgery that fixed me."
While describing an idyllic childhood, Doug recalls his mom was always too sick to work but without understanding the extent, she was unable to find help.
"You don't make fun of people for things they can't change."
"I didn't know what I wanted but I was glad there were people looking out for me and sending me to places that were waiting for me." Doug's aunt + grandparents helped supplement his merit-based scholarships to attend Rockhurst University to study biochemistry.
Just as Doug was starting a summer job doing biochemistry research, he was diagnosed with mono. When he returned for his senior year, he was unable to attend classes and Doug realized he was struck with the same mysterious illness his mom was experiencing.
"If I find something for me, I may find something for us."
A watch without a watchmaker: If God created the universe, why wouldn't he or she be using the tools of nature?
"Sometimes I am riding on faith. Sometimes I am riding on science. Sometimes I am riding on medicine."
Around the turn of the millennium, while paging through medical textbooks, Doug discovers something doctors may have missed: the autonomic nervous system. As a 24-year-old disabled college dropout in a reclining wheelchair, Doug shares the treatment for his own disease in front of the world's top researchers at The American Autonomic Society.
Eighteen months later, Doug begins working with his mentor + medical researcher Dr. Cecil Coghlan to apply theories. After two years, they come across a circumstance that could potentially be fixed with surgery that did not exist yet.
At this point, Doug spent 22 hours a day in a hospital bed, writing with dictation software and was too weak to hold a book.
Specific hope: It blinds you to success greater than you're aiming for and it blinds you to gratitude for the good things that happen every day.
"Hope is the belief that something positive can happen. What can we make happen that's just enough to remind you there is value and joy in persisting, even in hard times."
Clinical bravery: Because of the team that took the risk to perform the innovative surgery, Doug was able to four miles 130 days post-surgery.
Determined to make a life of success if the surgery was successful, Doug also wanted to live authentically.
"Joy fades. Sorrow spikes but it doesn't maintain that same intensity at all times. Winning doesn't make life not hard."
If you give a best effort and don't succeed, you know you can count on yourself. If circumstances change, that best effort will lead to success. If you can't give a best effort, you may win but you'll still lose.
We are united by suffering. Do your best for those who don't have the chance.
Watch Doug Linday's TEDx Talk here.
Learn more about Doug Lindsay, including his medical consulting, here.

DOUG LINDSAY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? The belief in others.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My computer and my mom's Bible from high school.

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 have to meet with my mom although I admire Thomas Jefferson, Marcus Aurelius and Aristotle. I'd share how proud of her I am for the example she set as someone who lived with suffering yet grace.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? In science, you run the experiment.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Leaving aside my medical diagnosis, love beyond your small family unit. Love is real.

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? My story is complex enough so I feel like it will be: That's the guy that did that thing.

***

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Move Boldly in 2021 (Monday Moment ep. 321) Jan 04, 2021

Show notes

"Push away from the spot where you're stuck to move toward a new destination, perspective."

It is my hope for you to embrace all the hope and joy that are possible in your new year. Please allow this excerpt from my #1 national bestselling book IN AWE to help you see the truth that the possibilities before you are endless, if only you look… (chapter 1, page 5)

***

Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!

***

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Enneagram Expert Ian Morgan Cron (ep. 320) Dec 31, 2020

Show notes

"The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just as they are, not the people we wish they would become so our lives would become easier."

Ian Morgan Cron is the bestselling author of The Road Back to You and the champion of the Enneagram, an ancient personality typing system that identifies nine types of people + how they relate to one another and the world.

Today we'll discuss how the Enneagram can:

Provide a framework for how we can live into our most authentic selves
Reveal the wisdom each personality type can offer to others
Call out your strengths + transform your relationships in every sphere of life.

If you'd like to become more self-aware in your personal and professional life – this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

"Who am I, am I really loved, what's my mission and how do I integrate my brokenness into who I am?"
Wounded healer: Ian grew up with an alcoholic father and his own addiction and recovery has helped him help others.
During a snow day at 13 years old, Ian had his first experience with alcohol and ended being taken by ambulance to the hospital for alcohol poisoning.
"In our woundedness we find connection and commonality."
After other addiction struggles, Ian realized he cannot do life alone and embraces a community of wisdom with his faith.
"If you don't have the conscious awareness of God's presence in the world, ask for it. Be open and willing to have that spiritual experience."
As a priest and spiritual director, Brother Dave helped Ian discern the ongoing activity of grace in their life and understand the Enneagram in a whole new way.
Developing self-knowledge: Enneagram Assessment is an ancient personality typing system that identifies nine types of people + how they relate to one another and the world.
Enneagram Types:
- 1 – The Reformer
- 2 – The Helper
- 3 – The Achiever
- 4 – The Individualist
- 5 – The Investigator
- 6 – The Loyalist
- 7 – The Enthusiast
- 8 – The Challenger
- 9 – The Peacemaker
Favorite quotes from our conversation:
- "Your number is not determined by what you do so much as by why you do it."
- "The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves. The resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are but only their potential likiness to ourselves, then we do not love them. We only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them."
- "The Enneagram does not put you in a box. It shows you the box you're already in and how to get out of it."
- "The Enneagram reveals to you who you were before the world told you who you were supposed to be."
Get a copy of Ian Morgan Cron's The Road Back to You here.

Learn your Enneagram type! Ian's iEQ9 Assessment will provide a comprehensive, type-specific report with in-depth information about your Enneagram type. Enter the code LIVEINSPIRED to receive 10% an assessment today on Ian's website.

IAN MORGAN CRON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life by James Hollis.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Unfeathered creativity.

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 have some beautiful guitars I would not like to lose.

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? Catholic monk and writer Thomas Merton.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? To become a saint means to become my true self. - Thomas Merton

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You're in good hands.

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? We are loved.

***

What's Your One Word? (Monday Moment ep. 319) Dec 28, 2020

Show notes

The grass is always greener… on the side you water.

As we pivot away from 2020, what one word will describe your year to come?

***

Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!

***

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Jarrett J. Krosoczka: Bestselling Children's Author/Illustrator (ep. 318) Dec 24, 2020

Show notes

At a time that many of us feel there is less to celebrate than usual, today's guest reminds us that despite the challenges there is so much good! Even better, he shares tips so you can see it for yourself.

Jarrett J. Krosoczka, New York Times-bestselling author/illustrator behind the wildly popular Lunch Lady and Jedi Academy series, wrote the graphic memoir Hey, Kiddo that moved me profoundly. In it, he shares about the gift of his grandparents, who raised him because of his mother's heroin addict. Today's conversation will remind you that what you've weathered does not have to hinder your opportunity to live a better, bigger, bolder life now.

SHOW NOTES:

At 3 years old, Jarrett began being raised by his maternal grandparents while his mother was battling a heroin addiction.
As the son of immigrants, Jarrett's grandfather taught his children their lineage and the importance of hard work.
Pandora's Box: As a child, Jarrett used sketching as a way to process his unique situation yet it was when his wife was pregnant with their first child that talk therapy helped him better understand his past.
"My grandfather once said I was sickeningly well-behaved as a kid. Part of that was fear losing stability."
Hey, Kiddo: In Jarrett's award-winning young adult memoir, he candidly shares his unconventional childhood, the nightmares that haunted him and how drawing became his outlet to express himself.
In 2012, Jarrett openly shared about his childhood for the first time publicly during a TED Talk. This allowed him to find the balance of sharing his story, hearing other's stories and self-care to prepare him to write Hey, Kiddo. Watch his TED Talk here.
In the audio-version of Hey, Kiddo, the influential teachers in Jarrett's life voiced their parts of the story.
While working at Camp Sunshine, a family camp for critically and terminally ill children, Jarrett was inspired to create more tender stories for a younger audience.
Jarrett's second graphic novel Sunshine will be published in 2021 and details the life-changing story of a Camp Sunshine camper + the profound impact it had on his life.
Raising compassionate kids: "As parents, we lead by example. We suspect our kids aren't paying attention but they will remember the way we behaved more so than the way we talked."
Two-year process: Receiving dozens of rejection letters from publishers, Jarrett figured they favored his illustrations over his writing. Every week, he'd send new artwork to publishers which led to a publishing deal for his first book Good Night, Monkey Boy.
In his wildly successful Lunch Lady series, Jarrett highlights the often-overlooked and underappreciated workforce of those serving children.
Get Jarrett J. Krosoczka's book Hey, Kiddo here.
Pre-order Jarrett J. Krosoczka's second graphic novel Sunshine here.
Learn more about Jarrett J. Krosoczka here.

JARRETT J. KROSOCZKA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I wish I still had that level of imagination.

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 flat files that have the artwork from all of my books.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My grandfather and we'd feed Stanley and Leroy the seagulls.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Whenever someone wronged me, my grandmother would say, "tell them to $h!t in their hat," and my grandfather would say, "sometimes when you talk to a-holes, you get $h!t on."

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? I wouldn't tell my younger self anything because that younger self needed to not know that things were going to be okay.

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? Are you sure I could only have one sentence? Just read the books.

***

Is That All? (Monday Moment ep. 317) Dec 21, 2020

Show notes

"To be content with little is difficult; to be content with much, impossible." ― Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach "Is that all?" It's an innocent enough question. Unless it's being asked by one of your kids on Christmas morning. My friends, as you prepare for your holiday season, take pause to celebrate and rejoice in the amazing blessings already present in your life.

Be in awe of the fact that the seemingly good and bad of your life have already lead you perfectly to where you are today and providentially to what's possible tomorrow.

And be convinced that the foundation is firm, 2020 almost behind us and the best is yet to come.

Jeremy + Adrienne Camp Find Strength Amidst Heartbreak (ep. 316) Dec 17, 2020

Show notes

Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp is one of the most successful artists in Christian music with forty #1 radio hits. Today, he is joined by his wife + fellow singer/songwriter Adrienne Camp as they share how they've found strength during life's greatest heartbreaks.

They share how their faith has provided guidance through the unusual circumstances of 2020, why Adrienne encourages Jeremy to share about his first wife's battle with ovarian cancer and the important role of transparency in their marriage.

If you're seeking an honest perspective on how to face uncertainty with strength, optimism and hope, this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

Whatever May Come: "When the rug gets pulled out from underneath us, as Christians we turn to God and as musicians we turn to music." Listen to Whatever May Come here.
"Through anything I face, running to the feet of Jesus brings healing." – Jeremy Camp
Adrienne grew up in a small South African town where her dad started a small multi-racial Christian school, the first of its kind at the time.
Jeremy's younger brother was born with Down syndrome and taught him how to love wholeheartedly.
While his first love was sports, Jeremy's dad taught him a few chords on the guitar which ignited his love for music. Learning the song Set Me Free helped him rediscover his love for God.
Just months after getting married, Jeremy's first wife Melissa died of ovarian cancer at just 21 years old.
"If I die from this cancer and one person gives their life to Jesus and their life is changed because what I've gone through, it's all worth it." – Melissa Camp
When she first met Jeremy, Adrienne admired how his unwavering + authentic faith when sharing about Melissa + her battle. After they became deeply connected, Adrienne never wanted to stand in the way of Jeremy sharing God's message of hope.
Adrienne shares that it's during life's greatest heartbreaks where she feels closest with God and finds comfort in scripture.
I'll be with you during hard times. During the hopelessness of today, Jeremy + Adrienne are even more inspired to share the hope of Jesus.
Long suffering: During Melissa's tumultuous battle with ovarian cancer, Jeremy wrote the emotional + raw song I Still Believe as part of his healing process. Watch the music video here.
Jeremy + Adrienne Camp inspire others to live a life with transparency within beautiful brokenness while turning to God.
Just days before the pandemic, I Still Believe was released in theaters which shares the story of Jeremy + his first wife Melissa's battle with cancer.
Find where to watch I Still Believe here.
Get a copy of Adrienne Camp's children's book Even Me here.

JEREMY + ADRIENNE CAMP'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Adrienne: Anything from Ravi Zacharias because he's good at asking the hard questions and coming up with good answers.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Jeremy: Courage and fearless.

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? Adrienne: Passports.

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? Jeremy: Besides Adrienne, David from the Bible and ask him, "what brought you to be a man after God's heart and how did you get so distracted?"

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Adrienne: Humility breeds healthy relationships.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Jeremy: Just know that all things work out to good, even if it seems like the darkest hour. Just endure.

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?Adrienne: She gave everything she had.

Jeremy: He was wholehearted in everything that they did.

***

What's Your Wish? (Monday Moments ep. 315) Dec 14, 2020

Show notes

"It is under the greatest adversity that there exists the greatest potential for doing good, both for oneself and others." – Dalai Lama

This time of year, we frequently ask children, "what are you wishing for?"

But what if the question was asked of you? What if you could arrange a safe, socially-distant, one-to-one meeting with Santa?

Near the end of this wildly difficult year and in the midst of an array of personal challenges we face, I was reminded of a remarkable little boy's answer to that question.

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Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Mission to End Online Child Sexual Abuse (Julie Cordua ep. 314) Dec 10, 2020

Show notes

In 2019, there were 69 million files of child sexual abuse material reported to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children.

As CEO of Thorn, a non-profit founded by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Julie Cordua is driving innovation to connect the tech industry, law enforcement and government to end the viral distribution of abusive material and rescue children faster.

Today, Julie shares how they are equipping the front lines and what we can all do to tackle this epidemic.

SHOW NOTES:

"I'm on a mission to end online child sexual abuse."
Thorn builds technology to end the trade on online child sexual abuse by changing the global systems that respond to this issue to create a safer world for our children.
Growing up in a small farming community, Julie's mom raised her to be independent, caring of others, especially those most vulnerable and with the belief that there is a bigger world to experience.
After college, Julie worked with Bobby Shriver, co-founder of (RED) to use the brightest minds of the private sector to donate millions of dollars to end AIDS in the developing world.
When overwhelmed by the sheer scale of global issues, Julie simplifies it be asking, "Are you changing the systems that will create long-term positive change? How is this affecting individuals?"
In addition to sweeping successes, Julie finds motivation by focusing on the individuals taken out harm.
While working at (RED), Julie was introduced to Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore who started Thorn.
Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse share frequently share their stories with Julie, often reminding her that the documentation (images or videos) of that abuse still exists on the internet.
In 2019, there were 69 million files of child sexual abuse material reported to the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children in the United States.
Tip of the iceberg. When tech companies come across child sexual abuse material, they're required to alert the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, yet only a few tech companies proactively look for this material.
"It's not going to be easy but it's not impossible." Three steps Thorn is taking:
1. Find the children in these images faster + stop the abuse by building better software for law enforcement with extensive intelligence at their fingertips
2. Stop the production and viral spread of the content by removing perpetrators from society and requiring companies that host materials to proactively detect material.
3. Changing the conversation with children about self-generated materials.
Understanding what's driving the demand for this type of content will help end it.
- Clinical issue
- Personality types that seek out destructive behavior like drug + alcohol addiction.
- The slippery slope of online pornography addiction
- Internet normalizes almost any behavior
Thorn has identified over 10,000 children and given them a second opportunity at life through rehabilitation.
In the last year, Thorn has over 100,000 abuse images have been removed by working with tech companies.
Keep the children in your life safe by having very factual, open conversations about very uncomfortable topics. Get resources to have these conversations at Thorn's Stop Sextortion website.
"I'm speaking for kids that can't speak for themselves."
Take every day as a new day and purposefully focusing on the potential.
Not everything is going to be perfect and how we will be able to move forward is being totally comfortable with not being perfect.
"It's okay to be scared. It's okay to be sad. It's okay to not know what you're doing. It's the forward momentum of not giving up that is important."
Learn more about ending online child sexual abuse at Thorn.org.

JULIE CORDUA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Daredevil.

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? Nothing.

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 maternal grandfather. I wish I understood the knowledge behind his lessons.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? The only way to the other side is through. After having my first child, my best friend shared, "Just remember everything is a phase. It may be a one day phase or a five year phase but everything is a phase."

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Take more risks based on your principals.

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 deeply and worked hard to make the world a better place.

***

Achieving Success With the End in Mind (Monday Moment ep. 313) Dec 07, 2020

Show notes

"Live every day as if it were your last because someday you're going to be right." - Muhammad Ali

This 'trivial exercise' might be the push you need to start living your values and your best life.

Assuming a lifespan of 75 years, you can look forward to living 27,375 days.

If you've graduated high school, you're down to 20,000. If you're in your early 30s, you've got about 15,000 days left. If you're 60, a bit more than 5,000.

Personally, I am counting down from 11,680.

Being aware of how finite my life is isn't depressing, but inspiring, convicting, and prods me daily to ensure my life is congruent with my personal values, passion and vocation.

With the end in mind, are you letting go of fear, being bold, radiating love and realizing the profound grandeur and goodness of this moment? Are you living in such a manner that both reflects your gratitude for what you already have and your passion to realize even bigger things going forward?

Why wait?

The meter is running, life is fragile, every single day matters, and you are a gift. It's time to act like it.

***

Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

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