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.
"You can't always choose the path that you walk in life but you can always choose the manner in which you walk it." - John O'Leary
Rebekah Gregory is a shining example of not letting circumstances define our lives. Just feet away from 2013's Boston Marathon explosion, Rebekah was severely injured and spent the next 56 days in the hospital. Yet, she and her son Noah choose not to be left shattered and instead choose to live vibrantly.
Refusing to be labeled a victim, Rebekah shares the challenges she's overcome since that life-changing moment and how in the midst of overwhelming pain, there is still hope to be found on the other side of tragedy. Her resilience, faith and courage will remind you that our best days remain in front of us.
SHOW NOTES:
REBEKAH GREGORY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor.
[Hear Shawn Achor shares that what we focus on grows and it's in the darkest times that we need optimism, gratitude and social connection the most on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 236.]
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was shy + timid as a child. I wish I could go back to my treehouse, write my stories and cherish those moments alone.
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 waterproof prosthetic leg Ariel because nothing sets my soul more on fire than being at the beach.
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 granddaddy David.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Ride in someone else's wake and never be the smartest person in the room.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't get caught up in the trivial stuff and really live it up.
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? Life is not a sprint; it's a marathon. Sometimes you have to go through some really horrific things but I'm always going to be waiting at the finish line and I can't wait to meet you there.
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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!
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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.
My friends, as tension builds, as lines get drawn, as rhetoric intensifies – I beg you to no longer view it as someone else's problem or buy into the tired "you're either with us or you are against us" dialogue spewed for far too long by political leaders, media pundits and social influencers. There is a more nuanced perspective required to make the change so desperately needed.
Several centuries after its inception, our nation continues to wrestle with its original sin: slavery. If we are going to eradicate inequality and end the racial divide, we must first confront the system and the bigoted history that fostered it.
While it's common to see signs in yards or posts on social media, the real work entails learning about the inequalities that grew out of the old system that still directly impacts our current one.
It requires improving our education system that is failing many in our urban communities; transforming our penal system that delivers harsher punishments to people of color; elevating the education and training for our police departments; and providing far greater economic opportunities for communities that for far too long have been left behind, beat down and oppressed. This is a broad stroke and just a few of the expansive systematic remedies required. This season of great unrest was not created overnight and will not be fixed overnight. It will take a collaborative approach requiring profound wisdom, resolve and grace.
These systematic reforms necessary are impossible unless we determine collectively to see the dignity, worth and value of our neighbors, regardless of the color of their skin, political affiliation, gender, or life experiences. We must accept the impact of biases and renew an emphasis to wholeheartedly listen, seek to understand pains, empathize with underlying frustrations of oppressed communities and treat those from different backgrounds as absolute equals.[Click to tweet.] This important work doesn't begin at a federal or state level, but with the reflection staring back at us in the mirror.
So, which side am I on?
I'm on the side that is tired of the polarization of thinking and refuses anymore to pit race against race, religion against religion, party against party, prejudice against prejudice. The side that understands we must stop sowing the seeds of hateful divisiveness.
I'm on the side that is angry with the way a significant part of our population, our family, has been treated. The side that desires fundamental improvements now.
I am on the side that believes respecting the dignity and value of every human life is foundationally essential for any society to truly thrive. The side that holds us accountable to supporting this truth through our actions and the side that expects others to be held accountable for their actions.
I'm on the side that is profoundly grateful for the vast majority of our police officers who selflessly protect and serve those they've never met, who strive to keep communities safe, and who risk their lives daily for strangers. The side that believes unwaveringly that they should be respected and have the same right as anyone else to return home safely at the end of the day.
I'm on the side of supporting protests demanding equality, endeavoring to both open our eyes to our privilege and our minds to recognize our implicit bias. The side that believes, even still, in the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all people.
This is my side.
And there is room for everyone on it.
Seventeen years ago, my wife Beth + I were seeking to make a difference in the community and could think of no better organization to serve with than Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Soon after, we were connected with a little boy that would change our lives. In walked a 10-year-old boy, with a huge, goofy + joyful grin named Travion House.
By serving with BBBS, we thought we'd be making a difference in someone else's life. Instead, it was our lives that were profoundly changed for the better as we were taught about resiliency, courage, love + life really looked like.
Today, as our communities across the United States are fighting for equality, Travion will shine a light on where we're broken, where we've been redeemed... and how we as individuals can choose to make a difference today.
This is an urgent + important conversation that will inspire you to take action + be a change agent in our world.
SHOW NOTES:
TRAVION HOUSE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible + Overwhelming Odds by Susan and Denny O'Leary.
[If you're financially unable to afford a copy of Overwhelming Odds, send an email to Podcast@JohnOLearyInspires.com]
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Looking past things.
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? Sometimes in saving one you can save all. I'd grab her by the hand and tell everyone to grab each other's hand.
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? The First Lady in the church I grew up in.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Release it and let go.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Pace yourself.
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 process worth going through.
***
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.
"A man dies when he refuses to stand up for that which is right. A man dies when he refuses to stand up for justice. A man dies when he refuses to take a stand for that which is true." - Martin Luther King, Jr
My friends, our very lives begin to end the moment we stay silent about things that matter.
The only way we begin to achieve true inclusion, diversity and justice is by taking a stand against what remains an utterly broken system for so many; to see with new eyes what we've far too long chosen to ignore; and to raise our voice boldly, courageously, loudly against hatred - ALL hatred - spewed from both sides of disagreements. Yes, even when it means losing advantages we've enjoyed or status we've been given because of it.
We do this important, life-giving work one person, one conversation, and one action at a time. We do it when we seek to understand and not simply judge. We do it when we step in with love rather than slump indifferently away in fear.
This isn't just the job of protesters, politicians, or police departments.
It's our job. And it's time to go to work.
Because a man can live when we begin to stand up for that which is right. A man can live when we choose to stand up for justice. And a man can live when we choose to take a stand for that which is true.
I was silent years ago.
I won't be anymore.
***
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 your life look different than you imagined it would?
In 2008, Katherine + Jay Wolf were newlyweds and parents to their six-month-old son when the unimaginable happened. Just 26 years old, Katherine suffered a massive brainstem stroke. After a rare, life-saving surgery, Katherine spent nearly two months in a coma-like state. With her faithful husband Jay by her side, Katherine had to relearn how to breathe, talk, eat... and eventually thrive.
While no one wants terrible pain or unbearable tragedy, this couple is a tremendous example of finding hope in the midst of the storm. Today, Katherine + Jay Wolf remind us that suffering isn't the end of our story, but the beginning of a new story.
SHOW NOTES:
KATHERINE + JAY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Katherine: Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Jay: Music + childhood rhythms.
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 phone or iPad that has our photos... Google Cloud!
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? Jay: Mother Teresa.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Katherine: When I was relearning how to walk, my father-in-law would say, "You just have to win. Do whatever is necessary."
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Jay: Enjoy that flexibility while it lasts.
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? Katherine: Joyfully rebelling against how our world, our culture, views health and success; Jay: He gave his life and unstoppable goodwill towards people in need and people he loved.
***
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.
Have you noticed it is frequently the people who say the least about themselves who have the most incredible stories to share?
On this Memorial Day holiday I wanted to share one such example of a heroic, humble servant who never needed to tell you how great he was.
In a world where we too frequently celebrate people based on their physical beauty, social following or professional successes, Bill Skinner reminds us what a true hero looks and acts like. [Click to tweet.]
Today, make sure that the humility, sacrifice, life and death of these heroes continue to shine brightly through the lives of those of us lucky enough to live on.
***
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.
Shannon Miller is widely recognized as one of the iconic gymnasts of USA's Magnificent Seven 1996 Olympic team. Two decades later, she remains as one of the most decorated American gymnast in history. Yet, even the greatest of champions face uncontrollable factors -- like a rare cancer diagnosis.
Today, this mother of two, author, sought-after speaker + survivor shares some of her contagious focus + determination. You'll learn her perspective on some of the most memorable moments of her gymnastics career, her devotion to advocating for women's health + how she empowers others to breakthrough personal challenges.
SHOW NOTES:
SHANNON MILLER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? I'm an avid reader so I can't commit to just one.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Focus. As a child, I was able to focus on two things: school + gymnastics. As an adult, we're pulled in a million directions, every minute, every day.
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 for my photos, but that's backed up. There is nothing worth going back into a burning house to get.
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 husband.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Focus your energy. Today my goal is to help one woman focus on her health.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Ride the wave. Life will give you ups and downs. Hold on tight and keep going.
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? Shannon Miller is someone who focused on faith, family and doing her very best each day.
***
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.
Have you ever noticed that the games we play as children can teach us profound lessons as adults?
Join me as I share how my son Henry reminded me how we spend so much of our life blinking, missing the point or not being fully present. Today I challenge you to be fully present and fully engaged in all that you do.
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.
Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles including helplessness + isolation -- until he discovered his purpose.
As a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur and father of four, Nick emphasizes that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome.
Today, Nick shares his path to finding purpose, how sharing his struggles have inspired billions + what he's looking forward to. This conversation with an ambassador of hope will remind you that we all can rise above adversity and overcome every disability and live a life without limits.
SHOW NOTES:
NICK VUJICIC'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Bible and Money Secrets of the Rich by John Burley.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Celebrate the good longer + more fully.
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 painting of 6 hands toasting to life with glasses of wine. My best friends have the same painting.
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? Oprah because I want her to know that Jesus loves her and heard her prayers when she was a child giving her the greatest pulpit in the world to preach the gospel unwaveringly.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Learn how to reverse engineer your goals + time prioritze. Stay humble.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Carve out one hour a day to sit in silence and think, read your Bible more and pray more.
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? An imperfect ambassador for perfect hope that had a heart bigger than Texas to help the world know that they are loved and never give up.
***
My new book IN AWE is now available! 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 Moment segment.
As you may know, my second book IN AWE published last week... and it became an instant bestseller on Amazon! While our live in-person book launch party is postponed, we wanted to celebrate virtually.
Tens of thousands of people tuned in Friday evening to hear me brag on my beautiful bride, hear stories from my heroes (named Mom and Dad!) and hear this rendition of Coldplay's "The Scientist".
Watch the Virtual IN AWE Book Launch party at ReadInAwe.com, YouTube or Facebook.
Don't have a copy of IN AWE yet? Order from ReadInAwe.com or anywhere books are sold!
***
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.
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