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.
The odds of surviving a plane crash resulting in one or more fatalities is one in 3.4 million. Today's guest survived two, the odds of which are one in more than 11 quadrillion.
In the span of eight years, Austin Hatch survived two plane crashes that claimed five people closest to him.
In 2003, eight-year-old Austin Hatch lost his mother, younger brother, and older sister in a plane crash that he survived. In 2011, just days after making his commitment to play basketball at University of Michigan, he survived a second plane crash on which he lost his dad and step-mom. The second left him with brain damage and doctors feared he'd never walk again.
And yet, Austin continued to defy odds and went on to play Division I basketball.
Today's conversation is a poignant story of thriving through tragedy. If you could use an example of perseverance in action - this episode is for you.
SHOW NOTES:
AUSTIN HATCH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Malcolm Gladwell's The Outliers.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Infectiously optimistic.
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.
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 dad.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad said, "I believe the reason I am sucessful is that I'm loved by my family + friends, I'm admired by my peers and because I consistently use my God-given talents constructively to improve civilization.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Keep getting after it. Show up and do the work.
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? Austin Hatch is someone who used his experiences and God-given abilities constructively to make the world a better place. He left every place and every person a little better than he found it.
***About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
"Being resentful is like taking poison…. and waiting for the other person to die." – Nelson Mandela
My friends, how long should you stay mad?
I must admit that in my life, and perhaps you've found in yours, that even with the door open and the bridge of reconciliation available, I tug on my jacket, turn around in anger, and walk into the cold rain by myself.
But going forward, let's determine to let go of our ego.
Let's choose to ring the bell, meet their smile with ours, and come back into the house.
Let's set down the poison, reenter relationship, and realize the gift of doing life, together.
***
My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!
***
Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Every Thursday for the last five weeks we've shared interviews full of tips + inspiring conversations as part of our Electing Gratitude series. This special series was designed to help you navigate + find joy within the complexities of life this year.
Today's episode serves as a guide to living inspired while navigating holiday stress + winter blues. I share much-needed perspective + practical tips from past Live Inspired Podcast guests to help stay inspired throughout the season.
Learn more about the special Electing Gratitude series:
Have you enjoyed our special Electing Gratitude Series? Share your thoughts in this quick survey and you'll be entered to win a free autographed copy of my latest bestseller IN AWE!
As this week ushers us toward my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, I've been thinking a lot about what I wanted to say to try to help reduce the anxiety, divisiveness, anger and general exhaustion you may be feeling. It's been a profoundly difficult year. The need to slow down, count blessings and come together not only as a family around a Thanksgiving meal, but as a nation, is critical.
[I had the pleasure of interviewing Julia Jackson's pastor of more than 30 years on our most recent Live Inspired Podcast episode. Pastor James Ward profoundly influenced Ms. Jackson's life. When you listen, he'll undoubtedly influence yours, too. Listen here.]
Let's use this important season to come together and rejoice in our gifts, challenges we've endured, lessons we've learned, and in the truth that in spite of our many mistakes and differences, that we are indeed better together, we are made for greatness and that the best is yet to come.
Enjoy your Thanksgiving week. Lower your voices. Open your hearts.
***
My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!
***
Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
"Are you angry with the police?" Just days after Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back, Pastor James Ward, the pastor of Blake's mother, was asked this question by a reporter from a major cable news show.
His response – one of grace, peace, forgiveness, and righteous indignation was a catalyst; drawing others into a critically important conversation as a nation. Today, Pastor James shares on the deeply rooted cultural and spiritual issues we're experiencing and gives concreted ideas on how we as individuals can begin to fix these. Join me in this incredibly timely, life-affirming conversation to help make our tomorrow far better than yesterday.
SHOW NOTES:
PASTOR JAMES WARD'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? The hospitality of the South.
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 because it's the pipeline to stay connected with others.
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 or Booker T. Washington.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? "The people that you love can do no wrong. The people that you hate can do no right." - Pastor Rob Thompson
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't compromise.
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? James Ward was a man of Christ-centered integreity, didn't comprised and lived a loved life.
***About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
***My new book IN AWE is now available… and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment.
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstance, to choose one's own way." – Viktor Frankl
During a time when so many feel that life is out of control, overwhelmed with challenges, and trapped in isolation, let's choose to galvanize around an opportunity that is alive and well: To be love, to extend grace and to do life better, together.
Learn more about our coaching program, virtual events and how we're here to serve you at JohnOLearyInspires.com.
***
My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!
***
Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.
Does having the world at your fingertips 24/7 ever feel overwhelming? Do you ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, only to be left feeling anxious, frustrated and unproductive?
Today, Tiffany Shlain, bestselling author of 24/6and founder of the Webby Awards, shares her expertise on how to enjoy + leverage technology by first setting healthy boundaries with it! (After hearing the results of her brilliant tips, my entire team has adopted it!)
For more than a decade, Tiffany and her family have practiced a "tech Sabbath" and today's conversation is packed with actionable tips that will help you reset + rebalance. If you find yourself connecting via technology more than ever during the pandemic… this episode is for you. 😉
SHOW NOTES:
TIFFANY SHLAIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Enthusiasm, which I still have a lot of today. I used to laugh a lot more as a child.
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 albums and my dad's watch.
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 dad.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My mom taught me to enjoy the process.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be patient.
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? Turn off screens one day every week to enjoy life to the fullest.
***About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
***My new book IN AWE is now available… and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today!
Last week, my wife Beth + I witnessed a microcosm of what happens every day in this country and around the world. People, living their lives the very best they can. Struggling. Dreaming. Striving. Hoping to provide for families, and run errands, and live their lives.... But when there is a need, when an individual is in pain, when someone regardless of their differences is in need of help, people step up. Turns out, during times of adversity our own arrogance and selfishness and political leanings fade as we realize we are all in the same family. And we do care. My friends, this too shall pass, we're truly in this together and the best is yet to come. The struggles of the world won't fade, but you'll be inspired and empowered to joyfully move forward, together.
Earlier this week, we officially cast votes in local + national elections. Regardless of our personal politics or if our candidates won the results of tomorrow's election, this season has been nothing short of tumultuous.
As we're reeling with elevated emotions, I wanted to make space for our Live Inspired Community to be present to the uncertainty that we are experiencing together. Today, I'm listening to your thoughts and questions and share my thoughts and hopefully, some inspired perspective. As bridge-builders, let's remember that we have the power to make a difference, things are far better than they seem and the best of our days remain in front of us.
SHOW NOTES:Join us in celebrating the half birthday of #1 National bestseller IN AWE with up to 50% off. Get your holiday shopping done early here.
***About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
In the midst of this fractious season, I'm reminded of witnessing an alternative possibility at a burn camp for children decades ago.
While there, I was reminded of the transformational possibility of coming together to heal wounds, unify differences and aspire to true greatness.
As painful as physical recovery from a severe burn is, the assimilation into your "old life" can be even more difficult; having a strong community helps.
As excruciatingly painful as burns, bandage changes, or therapy might be, physical pain can be masked with drugs, endured with grit, or overcome with time. The far greater challenge for a survivor is the emotional pain of the trauma.
Away from my family and close friends for the first time, I tried to stay to myself, remain relatively quiet and felt rather uneasy. I didn't know anyone else there and wasn't sure I fit in with the group. One of the camp counselors, a larger than life firefighter named Charlie positively changed my perspective.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
