Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Latest Episodes:

Headbands of Hope (Jess Ekstrom ep. 212) Dec 19, 2019

Show notes

Jess Ekstrom, founder + CEO of Headbands of Hopes, has had a front-row seat in finding inspiration in frustration.

As Bernie Madoff's great-niece, Jess channeled the embarrassment of that highly-publicized scandal into the reason she's changing the world, one headband to a child fighting life-threatening illness at a time.

Today's episode will warm your heart, spark motivation, and have you asking yourself, "what more can I do?"

SHOW NOTES:

For every headband sold, Headbands of Hope donates one to a child with cancer. Since launching in 2012, they've donated over a half-million headbands to every children's hospital in America and 15 countries!
Front row seat to watching ambition: Jess's mother + father inspired her in business + life.
Make the ask: Jess's grandfather reminds her it's okay to throw out the plan and ask for what you want.
Entrepreneur at heart: Jess got her start in business by selling American Girl Dolls on eBay.
"We can't always control what happens but we can control the meaning we give to it + how we respond."
The Bernie Madoff investment scandal personally affected Jess + her family, yet it taught her incredible lessons.
"Optimism is not about staying in your happy place. Sometimes it's about sitting in the dark, absorbing it, and then fully coming to an understanding of what you can do about it."
Inspiration from frustration. Hard times give us a choice. They can be an excuse to do less or the reason to do more.
"Failure will always feel better than regret"
"I'm not living a life. I'm building a legacy."
"Every expert was once a beginner."
Stay connected with Jess Ekstrom on her website, Instagram or through Headbands of Hope.
Get Jess Ekstrom's latest book Chasing the Bright Side here.

Jess + I chat about my friend and past Live Inspired Podcast guest Travis Thomas. On ep. 20, Travis shares how living "yes, and..." has shaped his life + how it can shape yours. Listen to our conversation on ep. 20.

JESS EKSTROM'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

What is the best book you've ever read? That Will Never Work by Marc Randolph
What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Having no shame.
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 photograph of my family from a photo booth when I was a kid. It's on my refrigerator.
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? Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx.
What is the best advice you've ever received? Say yes and figure it out.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Just because you hear crickets doesn't mean no one is listening. Keep putting your truth out there, keep going after what you believe in, and eventually, people will find you.
It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? The girl who went for it.

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Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

4 Ways to be Present this Holiday Season (Monday Moments ep. 211) Dec 16, 2019

Show notes

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segments.

It's easy to get so overwhelmed by what is on our agenda that we forget to enjoy any of it, especially during this time of year. Today I share 4 things I do to keep myself and my family present during this holiday season:

Make a list each. Each morning, I make a list of the three most important things I need to do. Make a list of what's most important for you; then be bold enough to do it.

Set an alarm. One feature, perhaps surprisingly, I use with great effectiveness is the alarm. When it goes off, it is my reminder to refocus on what actually matters. I have it set to go off at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Regardless of what I am doing, I step away for 60 seconds of quiet reflection; quiet time helps me to be thankful for what matters. This allows me to step back into "work" with renewed focus.

Forget your phone on purpose. When I get home at the end of a trip or at the end of the day, I put my phone on silent. This allows me to engage with the people that matter most. Instead of responding to every beep, tweet, and ring, I am able to savor every laugh, smile and moment.

Stop being so serious! I remind myself that the world will not fall apart if I don't accomplish the task at hand. I take a moment to remember that my family's lives, my travel, my work, my problems are not the only ones that matter. This gives me perspective to realize I am just one person in more than 7 billion on earth… this doesn't just take the pressure off, but it also drives me to strive to make a greater difference for all.

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Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

The Epic 60-Year Survival Story of One Couple (Smitty + Louise Harris ep. 210) Dec 12, 2019

Show notes

Colonel Carlyle Smith "Smitty" Harris spent 2,871 days (that's nearly 8 years!) as Vietnam POW. At the same time, his beautiful bride Louise was courageously raising three young children while becoming an advocate and role model.

Today, Smitty + Louise take us on a 60-year journey that's packed with love, but also the horrors of a North Vietnam prison and how a forgotten military code changed everything.

If you're looking for a story of forgiveness from a decorated war hero or a romantic love story filled with drive, sacrifice and compassion, you're going to love today's episode.

SHOW NOTES:

Smitty + Louise have been married for over 60 years.
On April 4, 1965, Smitty became the sixth POW captured in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
For nearly 8 years, Smitty and hundreds of other American POWs, including John McCain and George "Bud" Day, suffered torture, solitary confinement and abuse at the infamous Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the "Hanoi Hilton."
Louise returned to America to raise her three young children and went on to become an advocate + role model for the other wives of the POWs.
Smitty lost about 20% of his body weight, bringing him to about 90 pounds.
Miracles presented themselves: Smitty and his fellow POWs learned that their faith was stronger, their resistance to the enemy would continue and strength to continue.
Tap code is a way to communicate letter-by-letter using taps or knocks using this chart below, and gave them strength and unity, even allowing them to have weekly church service.
Smitty's tin drinking cup is in the Smithsonian Institute.
"Hi Jane, it's Tarzan." The first words that Smitty spoke to Louise after his time as a POW, proving their love hadn't missed a beat.
"You will never be tested beyond your power to endure."
Get a copy of Smitty Harris' Tap Code here.

If today's story inspired you, you'll love our Military + First Responders Playlist. This specially curated list includes Capitan Charlie Plumb. Listen to the Military + First Responders Playlist here.

SMITTY + LOUISE HARRIS' LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Louise: The Bible, and Losing Cooper by J.J. Jasper.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Smitty: I've always been inquisitive, optimistic and a risk-taker, but I also had a deep abiding love of God and I still have that today.

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? Louise: Letter from Smitty and the three pastel portraits of our children.

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? Smitty: Louise, and I talk with her every day and enjoy doing so.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Louise: "You will never be tested beyond your power to endure."

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Smitty: Make the same decisions you made because you'll have a blessed and wonderful life.

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? Louise: I am profoundly grateful for every single day. I have been truly blessed. Smitty: I am the most fortunate man I know. My health is good, my attitude towards life and God is good.

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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.

Repair Relationships with Family (Monday Moments ep. 209) Dec 09, 2019

Show notes

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moment" segments.

Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member CB.

CB asked: My brother and I were best friends growing up. Now it's been years since we've even spoken. Any suggestions on reconnecting when it's been so long?

Tune in to hear my answer. Then, listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 88 where I share the heroic acts of my siblings did that saved my life.

Have you successfully reconnected with a family member or friend after months or years of not talking?

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!

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Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Mean People Suck: How Empathy Leads to a Better Life with Michael Brenner (ep. 208) Dec 05, 2019

Show notes

What is the hard-to-define, touchy-feely idea of empathy and why is it so important? Business expert Michael Brenner joins us to share how empathy, kindness + self-reflection can save us both professionally and personally. You will leave today's conversation understanding how being kind, cool + being yourself is the best path to happiness + success.

SHOW NOTES:

Is society meaner? A recent University of Michigan study shows a 40 point drop in empathy in the last 20 years.
Michael's parents were ultimate examples of empathy and it teaches him to be the same way with his kids.
Of his 53 jobs, Michael shares about being let go from one, only to be hired back weeks later.
Bullseye: What's in it for the customer or person we are serving?
"Bureaucracy kills good ideas."
Break down the walls that divide us by using Michael's Pushback method: Who is this for? What is the impact it's going to create for them? How do we measure it?
"Behind every bad idea is an executive that asked for it."
"The customer is not always right, but they should always be heard."
"Be kind. Be cool. Be you."
Microsoft is focusing on a cultural shift to demonstrate more empathy, and it's leading to more innovation.
Jørgen Vig Knudstorp turned the fate of Lego around by focusing on the mission rather than profits.
"Do you champion your employee's ideas?"
Pivot from being the victim: Develop a personal mission statement by asking who are you serving, where is your passion, and how can you measure that result?
"We have a choice."
Check out the Mean People Suck Companion Guide here, which includes my favorite: the Bullseye organizational chart.
Get a copy of Michael Brenner's Mean People Suck here.

Did today's episode inspire you?

Listen to Liz Fosslien shares the importance of embracing our emotions, and simple tips to be the best versions of ourselves at work and in life. Listen to ep. 122 here.
Hear Andre Norman share his journey from juvie to jail to Harvard and how choosing empathy led him to find forgiveness. Listen to ep. 95 here.

MICHAEL BRENNER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fear. There is a lot to learn from the things we're afraid of.

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 picture of my wife and I walking down the aisle on our wedding day.

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? Martin Luther King, Jr. I'm completely inspired by the environment he grew up in, the person he became and the fight that he led with such compassion and empathy. What allowed him to turn what must have been rage into such an effective form of change?

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? A piece of paper from my dad's workbench that said, "quityerbellyachin'"

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It's 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? Focusing on others is the counterintuitive secret to success.

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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.

Special Announcement: My New Book is Available for Pre-Order! (Monday Moments ep. 207) Dec 02, 2019

Show notes

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.

Today, I share some very exciting news around my new book In Awe, the inspiration behind its mission and even an exclusive excerpt. In Awe hits bookshelves in May 2020, but I want to give Live Inspired Podcast listeners the first opportunity to pre-order a copy.

Visit ReadInAwe.com to order a copy of In Awe and gain access to bonus features like the In Awe Playbook. This 20-page, full-color Playbookwill introduce you to the basic concepts of the book, show you how you can begin to apply them in your life and give you something tangible to enjoy (or gift!) in time for the holidays.

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Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Do You Need a New, Meaningful Thanksgiving Tradition? (ep. 206) Nov 28, 2019

Show notes

I consider Thanksgiving one of my favorite family holidays. It's certainly a wonderful time away from work, enjoying good food, viewing football, and taking inventory of the many blessings in life.

Join me as I share the original reason for this holiday + a new tradition I'll be implementing at my family feast. Today's episode will ignite an abundance of gratitude and help you celebrate Thanksgiving on fire.

SHOW NOTES:

Read Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation here.
I share a longstanding tradition Live Inspired community member Rona's family does before their Thanksgiving meal.
Download + print the Meal Tickets I'm using with my family here.

Five-time New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown shares how practicing gratitude enables you to pivot away from negativity and towards hope + courage. Listen to our conversation on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 103.

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Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

5 Questions to Reconnect at Work and at Home (Monday Moments ep. 205) Nov 25, 2019

Show notes

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.

"Every solution to every problem is simple. It's the distance between the two where the mystery lies." – Derek Landy

Being a good friend, courteous neighbor, helpful coworker, visionary leader or humble servant are all challenging roles, and every worthy relationship is certain to endure periods of tension.

Whatever challenge you're facing, I'm convinced that these questions and the honest answers to them can ignite reconciliation and rebirth.

If this meeting was extremely successful, what would I want to achieve?
When things were better, what were we doing and how did we interact and feel?
What changed that lead us to where we are today?
What could a super healthy, engaged relationship achieve? What am I willing to do to bring about the desired change?
In order to bring about the desired change so we can move forward, together, I am asking that you…

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Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Proven Techniques for Productive Meetings with Elise Keith (ep. 204) Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

Did you know that almost three-quarters of us find meetings ineffective or unproductive, and they waste more than $37 billion dollars every year?

Elise Keith, CEO and co-founder of Lucid Meetings, joins us to share about her expertise and her mission to make it easy for teams to run successful meetings every day, in the business world + in life outside of work.

Whether you're leading a meeting at your child's school or an executive at a Fortune 500 boardroom, Elise is here to share real-life examples + practical methods that will lead to more productive + effective meetings and happier participants.

SHOW NOTES:

"Every meeting is walking into another room with another group of individuals that aren't the same as you, and hopefully having a moment to connect and create something great."
Get curious: Productive meetings happen when individuals can treat each other with respect, let their voices be heard and their opinions valued without judgment.
Meetings aren't just transactional. It's about being successful with people.
"Bad" meetings are always a reflection of something deeper going on in the culture.
Many leaders are leading bad meetings because that's what's always been done.
Doing a job their not trained to do: Leaders are spending 70-80% of their workweek in meetings, and fewer than 25% of them have any training on how to lead effective meetings.
Look at how high-performing organizations meet successfully to drive performance. In an effort to improve employee engagement at the technology company Cisco, teams regularly touch-base in a positive way.
Frequency of care: How often do you show interest in what your team members are working on, say thank you, recognize others for bringing meaning + value to our work?
Breaking the doom loop: You can't get a positive result when you start with a negative belief.
"Every meeting is an opportunity to bring people together and achieve something that you can't achieve on your own."
Get clear on your "why": Use this Lucid Meeting resource to define which of the 16 types your meeting is, and design it to be most productive.
Elise shares a strategic technique on how to use silence to increase critical feedback to be shared + heard by all members of the meeting.
Organizations that design meetings with a clear end goal in mind meet far less and waste fewer resources.
Start meetings with icebreaker techniques to create bonds between team members and combat loneliness.
- Live Inspired office: Share an experience from the past week on how our individual work ties to the overall mission.
- Starbucks: Share a coffee tasting together.
- Lululemon: Clearing to be present before a Vibes Watcher.
Elise shares 4 practical tips to have better meetings starting today:
1. Take a moment before every meeting to create a clear vision of the purpose + desired outcomes of the meeting.
2. Connect with each other as people first.
3. Close the meeting by getting clear on your promises.
4. Say "thank you."
Get a copy of Elise Keith's book Where the Action Is.

Elise Keith shared that she practices Hal Elrod's Miracle Morning principals every morning. On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 77 my dear friend Hal Elrod shares the techniques of his international bestselling book The Miracle Morning and how those practices helped him overcome two near-death experiences + build a highly successful business. Listen to Hal's Live Inspired Podcast episode today.

ELISE KEITH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Don Miguel's Four Agreements.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Sit still and not be fretting about everything I need to do.

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 laptop + a box of my kids' precious school pictures.

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 great, great grandfather Jake Patrick Aldridge. There are all types of family legends about him and I'd love to hear them come straight from the source.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Eat all the chocolate while you can.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Just 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? Well, that was fun!

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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.

Be Relentless with Michele Cushatt (Monday Moments ep. 203) Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment.

Today I welcome back three-time cancer survivor, author, speaker, and self-proclaimed expert in trauma Michele Cushatt. Michele shares her latest book Relentless and simple tips to respond to our circumstances in a more positive manner. This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire!

Are we going to let our lives be bigger than our diagnosis, divorce, grief, or are we going to let it define us?
Choose how you respond to your circumstances: You can let your circumstances: Define you, derail you, or develop you.
Often we feel being "relentless" is something done to us; but what if we choose to be relentless in overcoming + moving forward?
"When I decide to reach out of my own pain and connect with somebody else's, then we both experience redemption. We both experience healing. That's beauty."
"Healing happens in relationships. Healing doesn't happen in isolation."
"Pain and suffering is a great leveler. There is no one immune from losses and grief."
Get Michele's new book Relentless here.

Michele joined me for a full interview on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 132. She shared her story, how hope got her through struggles and how it will help you through yours, too. Listen here.

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Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

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