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.
"We have tremendous opportunity ahead to heal."
At seventeen years old, Brian Walsh found himself clinging to life after being caught in a burning building as a volunteer firefighter.
Managing excruciating physical and mental pain for decades, today Brian is leading an inspired life as a financial planner, philanthropist, father and friend.
In our conversation, Brian shares the quote above + what it means for all of us in this season of unyielding unrest. His hard-won resilience + tenacity will shift your perspective and help you see how you, too, can overcome the obstacles in your life today.
SHOW NOTES:
BRIAN WALSH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible, The E-Myth by Michael Gerber and The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Exuberance.
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? An ashtray from my grandfather.
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 and ask where he got the strength in so many different situations.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad: Never lose your sense of humor.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be a foxhole friend.
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? A man who loved, generous in spirit, generous indeed and love his family very much.
***
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 today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.
Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment.
"Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don't listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don't listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what's behind the words." ― Roy T. Bennett
How do you respond to those with differing views than yours?
As a society, we are choosing to self-isolate. And this began long before a global pandemic. Most of us live near, worship with and socialize among individuals who are similar to us.
It's no surprise when someone forms a differing opinion, we simply cancel them, right? But is it right?
***
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.
Recently, a dear friend shared the work of journalist Mike Max and his coverage of George Floyd's murder and the protests, destruction and marches in Minneapolis in the following days.
Mike had covered the sports beat for 34 years at the CBS Minneapolis station and chose to use his longstanding relationship with the community to work to calm the hostile environment, spark meaningful conversations and capture the real-time experiences of the grieving community.
Today, Mike shares his firsthand experience and what it was like to witness demonstrators and police officers respect for each other.
Our conversation will remove the fog we often feel from politicized reporting and remind us of the good, humanity and of the possibility of us all coming together.
SHOW NOTES:
MIKE MAX'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey Mackay.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I cared more about people + trusted much more.
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 cellphone and the pictures of my family + friends.
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? Any President or Johnny Carson.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Hard work always pays off.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't get so uptight about things that don't matter.
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 gave it his best shot.
***
My new book IN AWEis 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 today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.
Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment.
During this season of full of challenges, change and the unknown it's more important than ever to recognize that some of these difficulties can be used for new birth, reconciliation and hope for the future.
Today, I share a poem written by Samuel Ullman that emphasizes the optimistic power of youth.
Youth by Samuel Ullman
Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind; it is not a matter of rosy cheeks, red lips and supple knees; it is a matter of the will, a quality of the imagination, a vigor of the emotions; it is the freshness of the deep springs of life.
Youth means a temperamental predominance of courage over timidity of the appetite, for adventure over the love of ease. This often exists in a man of sixty more than a boy of twenty. Nobody grows old merely by a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals.
Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust.
Whether sixty or sixteen, there is in every human being's heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing child-like appetite of what's next, and the joy of the game of living. In the center of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station; so long as it receives messages of beauty, hope, cheer, courage and power from men and from the infinite, so long are you young.
When the aerials are down, and your spirit is covered with snows of cynicism and the ice of pessimism, then you are grown old, even at twenty, but as long as your aerials are up, to catch the waves of optimism, there is hope you may die young at eighty.
***
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.
When you flipped the calendar from December to January, what were you certain was going to happen this year? Maybe a family vacation, wedding, simply going to the store as often as you needed! And then...
Borders closed. Events were canceled. Online learning became the norm. Dining room tables, pets and children replaced offices and coworkers.
Today, Janine Urbaniak Reid shares her own reluctant journey with unexpected chaos - hers is in the form of mothering a son with cancer. But the truth she shares is applicable to all of us navigating these uncertain times:
This crisis can pull away the distractions and leave you with focus on only the essentials; clarity on what truly matters. Now that is a gift.
SHOW NOTES:
JANINE URBANIAK REID'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Willams and anything by Anne Lamott.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fearlessness.
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? The painting that became the cover The Opposite of Certainty.
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? Mary, mother of Jesus.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? "You're doing it. You don't think you can do it, but you're doing it," and "Don't give up."
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't be so afraid of making mistakes.
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? God is good and life is good.
***
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 today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.
Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment.
How do I greet every person I meet? In silence to myself, I say, "I love you." Though spoken in silence, these words will shine in my eyes, unwrinkle my brow, bring a smile my face and they echo in my voice. - Og Mandino
After partnering with a couple of thousand organizations, we've learned how to improve top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability but also about the value of relationships.
How do you greet every person you meet in life? Not just those you're trying to impress, inspire or lead... but everybody. Now more than ever, think through collaboratively of ways to come together, find the middle ground and build a brighter future.
Today, I encourage you in silence and to yourself, to greet others with love, understanding and acceptance.
***
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.
As we're in the midst of the storm! COVID-19, economic recession, social unrest and injustices and yet...
Today's guest is a welcomed reminder of the special people continuing to do extraordinary things every day. Dr. Art McCoy's radical yet practical intervention as Superintendent has transformed his district from a "dropout factory" to a 100% graduation rate
This inspiring conversation will spark unity + offer you concrete ways to be a change agent in your community.
SHOW NOTES:
DR. ART MCCOY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible, The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck.
[To learn more about privilege versus oppression + the journey of healing, Art recommends Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy.]
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Courage to go bigger.
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 collage of my great, great, great grandmothers who were slaves.
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? Myself 10 minutes before death.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My brother's last words to me were "Keep doing what you're doing."
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be faithful to what you know is true and follow your heart. Sometimes you have to go through it to grow through 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? SAGES: Severing achievement gaps that exist in students + severing attainment gaps that exist in society.
***
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 today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.
Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment.
As we are facing uncertainty and adversity, I wanted to welcome back creativity strategist, speaker + author Natalie Nixon. Natalie shares her latest book The Creativity Leap and how the lessons outlined apply to today's chapter of life.
This timely conversation will inspire you to start your week in awe and on fire!
Natalie joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 118. She shared how curiosity can improve your results in business + in life. Listen here.
***
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.
The career of Kurt Warner, Super Bowl and 2-time NFL MVPs, reads like a rags-to-riches fairytale. Yet his story off the field I've admired even more. Kurt's dignity and class are undeniable and his example of living faith boldly has changed my own faith walk.
Today, Kurt shares a behind-the-scenes look on the unlikely path to his countless accolades. His heartfelt words about his family and faith will absolutely take center stage. If you could use a dose of character, hope and humility, this episode is for you.
SHOW NOTES:
KURT WARNER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
***
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 today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.
Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.
Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segments.
Today I share a story of one of my heroes, Amy Crawford. Amy is a 5th-grade teacher who has a profound way of elevating the kids in her classroom and inspiring others to recognize the meaning and power within their work.
Cleaning her classroom before leaving for the weekend, Amy found a remarkable poem that would soon change her life. This poem was written by one of her troublesome students.
I Am The Piece That Never Fits
I am the piece that never fits. I wonder why people hate me for who I am I hear the cry of loneliness that comes from me I see my sad, strange, different self in the mirror I want someone on my side I am the piece that never fits. I pretend that words can never hurt me I feel the urge to run away from myself I touch the wet tear from my eye-rolling down my face I worry my future will be me, myself, and I I cry because I am the cheese; everyone is the mouse I am the piece that never fits. I understand that no one likes me I say that there is no place for people like me in the world I dream of a place where I actually fit in I try to make new friends, And I hope to, but still I am the piece that never fit.
In time, with love, with grace, with intentional focus, by surrounding him with supportive friends and introducing him to new mentors, the little author of the poem began to fit in. And it all began with one person. One person.
Today, he's a college graduate, gainfully employed, happily married, and passionate about life. Without a doubt, he most certainly fits.
If you're looking to start making a difference, certainly start at home. I also encourage you to become involved with an organization that changed my family's lives: Big Brothers Big Sisters. I recently interviewed my Little Brother Travion House on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 260. Listen to how a 10-year-old boy taught me resiliency, courage + love.
***
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.
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