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.
Is this good enough for me to stay the same?
This is the life-saving question Laura McKowen, author of We Are the Luckiest + one of the foremost voices in the modern recovery movement, asked herself.
From a horrific DWI to the painful incident that left her 4-year-old daughter in danger, Laura shares her personal journey in choosing sobriety with the utmost vulnerability + candor.
But this is more than just one person's journey of using addiction as an invitation to living more intentionally. Today's powerful and thought-provoking conversation will inspire you to practice self-forgiveness and free yourself of shame and guilt.
SHOW NOTES:
If you found today's episode inspiring, you'll enjoy my conversation with Fr. Tom Hoar. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 134, Fr. Tom shares his own stories of redemption + healing - including his own - through the poignant question "have you had enough?"
LAURA MCKOWEN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Playfulness.
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 from my late-grandma.
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? Poet Mary Oliver. She was the master of paying attention and exquisite way of turning the very mundane into the profound. Her poems have saved my life.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? It's okay to practice. You're not performing all the time.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? My instinct is to say, "you don't need to drink" but I'm so grateful I went down the path I did. I'd tell her "you're going to be loved."
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? Less me. More God.
***
Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book's release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.
***
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" segment.
Last week I challenged you to do a random act of kindness, then take it a step further and share it with me. I was in awe of the responses and want to share one that particularly moved me. Hear how Live Inspired community member Jenn is healing her heart by helping others.
***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.
Ever had the feeling that you're not enough or get beat down by monotony, adversity, loneliness or pace of every day?
Melanie Shankle has a beautiful way of speaking to these expected bouts with humor, authenticity and insight. In addition to being a devoted wife, mom and dear friend, Melanie is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, speaker and podcast host.
Today's down-to-earth and relatable conversation will remind you to step away from comparison and towards finding joy in life's ordinary moments.
SHOW NOTES:
Melanie shares how she turned opportunities down in order to be a mom to her daughter Caroline. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 216, Lisa Brennan-Jobs, daughter of Steve Jobs, shared how she'd trade some of his iconic inventions for extra time with him. Listen to our conversation here.
MELANIE SHANKLE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Total freedom.
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.
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? Mother Teresa because her mission and the way she was able to live her life is amazing, or Alexander Hamilton because I'm reading a book + intrigued about his story.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Sometimes the best part of staying married is being glad later that you did.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Hang on, it gets better.
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 was full of joy and showed it to everyone around her.
***
Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book's release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.
***
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" segment.
"There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it." - James A. Garfield, 20th US President
What random act of kindness can you do for someone else today? If you need some inspiration, visit Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's website for ideas!
On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 136, I welcomed Leon Logothetis of The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, to share his journey of traveling the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers. His message is powerful, and it's going to change the world. Listen to ep. 136 here.
***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.
What's your fear? Is that fear serving you or hindering you?
Evy Poumpouras is one of the world's leading experts of fear. As a former Secret Service Special Agent, multi-platform journalist and star of Bravo's Spy Games, Evy has worked protective detail for four U.S. Presidents and is trained by the Department of Defense in the art and science of lie detection, human behavior and cognitive influence.
Today, Evy is going to share her resilient + courageous journey from finding her purpose, nearly dying on 9/11 + beyond, and what it means to truly live fearlessly. This conversation will spark inspiration to find the strongest, fearless version of yourself.
SHOW NOTES:
If you loved hearing from a military hero, you'll love my Military + First Responder playlist! Hear how Forrest Gump continues to influence Gary Sinise, Jim Lovell's journey to the dark side of the moon and how one veteran embraces unexpected challenges. Listen to the Military + First Responder playlist.
EVY POUMPOURAS' LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Circe by Madeline Miller.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Lightness, focusing on what you can control.
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 dad. I'd want to know what it's like where he is now and tell him that he did a good job.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? How are we going to win this fight if we let it crush us?
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry about it, everything always works out.
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? Don't tell me why it can't be done. Tell me how it can be done.
***
Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book's release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.
***
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.
Today I welcome back Matt Emerzian, author, speaker + founder of Every Monday Matters, a non-profit dedicated to spreading the message of self-worth and compassion to people throughout the world. Matt shares his latest book You Matter and simple tips to find meaning and live fully―and change the world while doing so. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire!
Get Matt Emerzian's new book You Matter here.
Matt joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 58. He shared his story of finding a calm and grounded existence, and his first book Every Monday Matters. Listen here.
***
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.
Relationships are hard.
Amber + Guy Lia, owners of faith-and family-friendly production company Storehouse Media Group, join us to share practical advice on some of the most common issues that trigger friction in partnerships.
Married for 14 years, Amber + Guy are proof that a typical couple can break the reactionary cycle of outbursts and embrace the opportunity for growth as individuals and as a couple. Whether it's poor communication, busy schedules, different parenting styles, or another culprit, this husband-wife team offers easy-to-apply advice to counter adverse reactions to these triggers.
Today's conversation will offer hope that anger + frustration can shift into peace + joy -- and it's not as hard as you think!
SHOW NOTES:
If you loved hearing from a married couple, then you'll love hearing from Smitty and Louise Harris! Married for 60 years, this love story of a decorated POW hero + his wife is truly remarkable. Listen to Smitty + Louise on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 210.
AMBER AND GUY LIA'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Amber: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Guy: I wish I could have the balance, joy, and purposefulness today that I did 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? Amber: My Bible. I've read it every year cover-to-cover since 2000.
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? Guy: My father passed away shortly after I graduated college. I never got to have an adult conversation with him.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Amber: You don't have to figure this all out today.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Guy: Love the people who are in your life, not worry so much about what tomorrow is going to bring, and focus on what to do today to make it fantastic for me and those around me.
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?Amber: She loved God and she loved others; Guy: Happiness in life is not found in the destination but through the journey.
***
Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book's release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.
***
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" segment.
Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Mike M.
Mike M. asked: It seems like our world is in turmoil every time I turn around! What can I do to help ease the turmoil AND my nerves about the world we live in?
Tune in to hear my answer.
If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you!
***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.
Bethenny Frankel is the Founder & CEO of Skinnygirl, a lifestyle brand offering practical solutions to everyday problems, which has grown from sensible, low-calorie cocktails into a branding empire that including clothing, vitamins, skincare and more. In addition to her long-standing role on Bravo's Real Housewives of New York, Bethenny has been a guest shark on ABC's critically-acclaimed series Shark Tank, and runner-up in The Apprentice: Martha Stewart in 2005.
Today, Bethenny is focused on raising her young daughter and establishing her worldwide disaster relief initiative bstrong. This program provides much-needed real-time relief to disaster-stricken areas across the United States and beyond. While assessing and delivering supplies to the Australian bushfire crisis, her team has continued their support in Puerto Rico, which has been named one of the largest privately-run humanitarian efforts in US history.
Bethenny shares how she balances motherhood, her Skinnygirl empire, the critical impact her philanthropy is providing worldwide and will ignite the question, "what more can I do?"
SHOW NOTES:
If you enjoyed learning from a female entrepreneur, you'll love my conversation with Dina Dwyer-Owens. Dina shares a three-part focus that has led to an incredibly successful business + inspired life. Listen to Dina Dwyer-Owens on ep. 49.
BETHENNY FRANKEL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson, Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer, Bright, Precious Days by Jay McInerney, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, and by Rhonda Byrne.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Not worrying so much.
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 tray of watches because they all have different memories from different times in my life, and my pictures are on my phone.
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? Mark Zuckerberg and I'd ask, "how did you have the courage at a young age to turn down a billion dollars for your brand?"
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Don't buy into the love and don't buy into the hate.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? I need to find a way to make her understand to absolutely not worry at all about relationships and just have fun.
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? I only sweat the small stuff.
***
Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book's release! Visit ReadInAwe.com.
***
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 the amazing story and life of a humble man named Ben Fainer. At nine years old, Ben's town of Będzin, Poland was overtaken by Nazis. He told few people of the horror he endured during those 2,000+ days, often wearing long sleeves to cover up the number tattooed on his arm. Slowly, Ben began to share his story.
We all have stories. They may not be tattoos or scars but we all have stories that are worthy of being lifted up, embraced and shared.
***
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.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
