Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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Tools to Connect, Inspire + Lead Fearlessly with Molly Fletcher (ep. 162) Jun 27, 2019

Show notes

Molly Fletcher negotiated over $500 million in contracts + represented 100s of professional sports biggest stars before changing careers to have an even bigger impact on the lives of more people.

Molly's passion to better serve and love others will absolutely inspire you. Her energy, business acumen, relationship brilliance + unwavering optimism will propel you to live your life more ON FIRE today than ever before.

I can't wait to introduce you to my newest friend, entrepreneur, speaker and author, Molly Fletcher.

SHOW NOTES

"I lived in this apartment complex for free for nine years. It became the model I used when recruiting athletes"
"Say yes, lean in and outwork everyone around me": Working at Super Bowl Host committee office created an opportunity to create connections with sports leaders in Atlanta.
Grew her client list by over-delivering to her athletes, connecting authentically with prospects, and serving them in a way that was different than others.
At one time, Molly represented nearly 300 athletes + coaches in various sports.
"Everyone else is taken. I'm going to be me and see if being myself works."
"Reframe those moments as gifts. As gifts that you're different, as an opportunity to serve whomever you serve in a way that is different than those you 'compete' with."
In her 20 years of sports management, Molly learned from her athletes to:
- Embrace speedbumps and lean into the hiccups.
- Relationships matter most in business.
"I don't want to go to my grave knowing I negotiated a billion dollar contract. I want to go to my grave knowing that I changed lives in a positive way."
Thread every decision through your purpose. Clarity creates the platform in which to know what to say yes to and no to. The byproduct becomes the ability to live your purpose and living a life consistent with our values.
Create structure or systems and the discipline to live by them to help manage your life.
"My mission in life to inspire lead and connect with courage and optimize."
When speaking, Molly's gives her audience the tools to leave the room a better person through a 5-step process to shift behavior in the absence of crisis.
Learn more about Molly Fletcher on her website.

Molly Fletcher started her career as one of the first female sports agents. Tune into the sports personalities and athletes I've welcomed to the Live Inspired Podcast here!

MOLLY FLETCHER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? The unharnessed, belly-laughing, go-for-it attitude.

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 and 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? My parents, sitting in northern Michigan

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My mom told me, "you can have it all but you just can't have it all at once."

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Keep leaning in; keep leaning in fearless; go for it; 'no' is just another form of feedback.

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? That she led and inspired others with courage and optimism.

***

Did you enjoy today's 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.

Enjoying Your Journey (Monday Moments ep. 161) Jun 24, 2019

Show notes

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

Today, I reminisce on my false-summit during a trip the Maroon Bells in Colorado. My friends, I encourage us to remind ourselves that it's not always about reaching the summit but enjoying the journey to it.

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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 Good Doctor Star Hill Harper Talks Mission, Impact + Acting (ep. 160) Jun 20, 2019

Show notes

Most people know today's guest as the award-winning actor in ABC's The Good Doctor or from his nine years on CSI: NY. But Hill Harper is also a four-time New York Times bestselling author + trailblazing humanitarian focusing on financial literacy and mentorship.

Hear Hill share seldom-told stories about his selfless passion for empowering underprivileged youth, his friendship with Barack Obama and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Today's inspiring, down-to-earth conversation is for you if you would like to hear what is right in the world, and get ideas for how you can make it even better.

SHOW NOTES

"It's our responsibility to make the world a better place."
Hill shares about his friendship with Barack Obama and a seldom-told story about when Hill took him to a prison to play basketball with inmates when they were classmates at Harvard Law School.
Hill shares an exclusive story on his passion for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Find your local BBBS office here.
Learn more about Hill's Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth through mentorship, scholarship and grant programs here.
Learn more about Experian Boost here.
Get Hill Harper's New York Times bestseller The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place here.

Hill Harper starred alongside award-winning actor, philanthropist and past Live Inspired Podcast guest Gary Sinise. As one of America's favorite, heart-led leaders, Gary shares lessons on gratitude, service, celebrating America's defenders, veterans, first responders and so much more. Listen to Gary Sinise on ep. 128 here.

We've welcomed other New York Times bestselling authors like Brené Brown and Judith Viorst onto the Live Inspire Podcast. Listen to all of those episodes here!

HILL HARPER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fearlessness. When I was a kid, they'd say, "he'll do anything."

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 poetry book from when I was a kid.

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 and I would chop it up. I'd ask, "why do we allow children to suffer?"

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Every idea or impulse you have, act on it. Don't sit on 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? Dedicated his life to impact and legacy in a positive way.

***

Did you enjoy today's 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.

Thinking Beyond your Boundaries (Andy Andrews on Monday Moments ep. 159) Jun 17, 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 New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews to share the inspiration behind his latest book The Bottom of the Pool, why it took him 20 years to write this book and more. This energetic conversation will help start your week on fire!

Get Andy Andrew's latest book The Bottom of Pool here.

Andy shared his incredible life story and his journey from homelessness to a bestselling author on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 25. 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.

A Refugee's Story of Hope (ep. 158) Jun 13, 2019

Show notes

The plight of the refugee is both timely and timeless.

Often when covered in the news, headlines focus on the sheer number of refugees in the Middle East, North Africa, Central America… The number is so vast, it can be hard to relate to and even dehumanizing.

Today, you'll hear the story of one little boy. First, how his life was interrupted and shattered as he was displaced from his home. Then, how his hope drove him and his decedents to an inspired life. This episode is for you if you could stand to better understand the plight of individual refugees or if you could use inspiration to reach beyond your current circumstance to something higher.

SHOW NOTES

"Like most first-generation immigrants from war-torn, impoverished countries, my father overcame great struggles when coming to the United States."
Sometimes obstacles are incredible opportunities.
It took a long time for Bassam to recognize the hero in his father because he was so humble and didn't share his story.
United Nations Resolution 181 created Isreal, carving out land to place displaced Jewish people after World War II. Learn more here.
The most memorable story his father shares is watching the destruction of his town of Lydda through a blitzkrieg-style attack.
Days later, his family was marched out at gunpoint for 20+ miles, barefoot with only the belongings they were able to carry.
Bassam's father remembers his father taking the key to their home promising they'd return. They never returned but the key represented what they lost.
How did your father imagine a world better than the one that currently exists? Partially from his life in his former town, partially from his readings but really a belief deep inside.
Bassam's grandfather + father disagreed for decades. His grandfather, a realist, wasn't trying to take away a dream but was trying to provide for his family + a realistic future for his oldest son.
Ripple Effect: Bassam's grandfather didn't understand the ripple effect of putting positive thoughts in those around you.
- You're not stuck. You can do anything you image
- How you act and what you do affects everyone around you.
Bassam's father worked hard to beat the odds, earning the top score on the high school exit exam in the Kingdom of Jordan and a scholarship to the American University of Beruit to study Medicine.
You can't measure the heart inside oneself.
After immigrating to the United States, Bassam's father became a proud citizen of "the country that gave him a chance."
Before his death, his grandfather finally told his father he was proud of him.
"Live the world through their eyes. Everyone should be understood in their circumstances."
Without hope, you don't go anywhere. You have to have hope and a belief. Aspire to aim higher.
Get Dr. Bassam Hadi's book about the life of his father The Road to Nablus here.

DR. BASSAM HADI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Innocense.

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 Bible.

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 and I'd ask, "could you please tell me what would unite the three major religions?" He may respond, "does it matter what or who I am? Love another, worship the Lord, and do good."

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Always try to see the world through the other person's eyes.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You're not as great of a person as you think you are and you're going to need a lot of help along the way.

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? Redemption.

***

Did you enjoy today's 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.

Keep Climbing Mountains (Monday Moments ep. 157) Jun 10, 2019

Show notes

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

"Never let your current situation, whatever circumstances you're going through, be a mountain that you can't climb."

Today I share the story + inspiring words of 17-year-old Tupac Mosley out of Memphis, Tennessee. While grieving the loss of his father, Tupac was named valedictorian while homeless, earning $3M in scholarships.

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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.

Live Through This: Suicide Awareness + Prevention (ep. 156) Jun 06, 2019

Show notes

1.3 million Americans attempted to take their own life in 2016. 45,000+ of those lives were lost. [2019 CDC Report.]

Nine years ago, if you'd searched for a community of suicide-attempt survivors, you couldn't have found one. Our guest Dese'Rae Stage knows because she looked and, when her search came up empty, decided to do something about it.

Dese'Rae is a photographer, two-time suicide survivor, just shy of having a Ph.D. in suicidology and psychology and the founder of Live Through This. She created this movement to capture portraits and stories of suicide attempt survivors and in doing so – change the conversation, culture, and resources around suicide prevention, awareness, and support.

In a season where suicide is on the rise (it's predicted that by 2020, someone will take their own life every 20 seconds), Dese'Rae is doing something about it. Join our important conversation.

SHOW NOTES:

Dese'Rae pursued psychology, with an emphasis on suicide research, all the way through to a Ph.D. program before realizing she did not have faculty support on her topic. "Suicide was still too taboo, even for advanced programs," Dese'Rae says.
"As a culture, we are now more open to doing research on suicide and including people who have been personally affected by the loss of a loved one or from personal experience." Dese'Rae shares.
Why is suicide on the rise? There are numerous answers + Dese'Rae calls out that mental illness is often the most widely discussed, but it's important to note that the CDC reports between 1999-2016, 54% of the people who took their lives in the United States did not have a known mental health diagnosis.
- Other life events that are filled with pain, confusion, and hopelessness that could take people to the path of suicide: breakups, job loss, legal or financial issues.
Dese'Rae found her value in a desperate moment.
She's constantly making that choice to live.
"The last few years have been about affirming her choice to live." Dese'Rae on what it's like to live with chronic suicidal thoughts.
Media focuses on those who have died by suicide instead of the people who have lived to tell the tale afterward.
Live Through This: series of portraits and true stories of 186 suicide attempt survivors across the United States started as a personal photography project that turned into so much more.
- "I picked up my camera as a coping skill and it later became my career"
- She makes portraits of people in the world where they tried to take themselves out of.
- Used as a teaching tool for researchers + clinicians
Are you or someone you know struggling? Here are tips that Dese'Rae shared:
- Distract yourself: play with your dog, watch a movie, etc.
- Develop a WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)
- Then, once you're beyond that critical point of panic, you can evaluate your needs.
- If you're emotionally available, willing, ready: Reach out to someone you know is struggling.
Asking for help: We all struggle asking for help. Those who are suicidal or depressed are likely feeling ashamed and struggle even more at asking for help.
We can all relate: We are all so different but we struggle with the same stuff -- pain and suffering. There is power in sharing our vulnerability.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Live Inspired Podcast guest Dennis Gillan shares the loss of two brothers to suicide. Listen to his story on ep. #46. Listen to comic Adam Cayton-Holland as he shares about losing his sister to suicide on Live Inspired Podcast ep. #99.

DESE'RAE STAGE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? The persistence to seek out the things I am curious about.

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? It would have to do with photos.

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 wife. She's my favorite human being and we teach each other a lot. The older you get, the more complicated life gets and you don't get to have those moments as much as you used to. I would always welcome more time just talking to her.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Just keep going and trust your gut.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Your life is going to be a lot more interesting that you could have ever hoped for.

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 did good stuff.

***

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.

A Hockey Hero: Laila Anderson (Monday Moments ep. 155) Jun 03, 2019

Show notes

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

Today I share the story of Laila Anderson, an 11-year-old St. Louis Blues fan. Since developing a friendship with her favorite Blues player, defenseman Colton Parayko, Laila has become an inspirational figure for the hockey team and fans alike.

With Laila's encouraging words, this once-last place team has come back to compete for the Stanley Cup.

Does Laila and Colton Parayko's story sound familiar? Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 11 when I share about my St. Louis Blues hero from my childhood, Gino Cavallini. Listen to ep. 11 here.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love my Monday Morning Motivation email. Click here to subscribe.

Photo credit: KPLR 11

***

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.

Choosing Peace Instead of Sorrow (ep. 154) May 30, 2019

Show notes

Officer Mike Flamion was a nine-year law enforcement veteran when a routine traffic stop changed the trajectory of his life forever.

Through their unwavering love, hope and spirit, Mike and his wife Sarah share how they've embraced a new normal + find joy and adventure in every day.

Today's conversation will show you that in the midst of the storm, you can choose to dance.

SHOW NOTES:

July 8, 2016: While making a traffic stop, Mike was shot from behind leaving him paralyzed.
Mike miraculously survived thanks to the quick thinking of others immediately after the incident.
There weren't any lonely nights: Prayer, family, friends and the support from law enforcement gave the Flamions comfort.
Gary Sinise Foundation:
- St. Louis businessman Jim Shubert is on the Board of Directors at the Gary Sinise Foundation. After Jim's wife learned of the incident, he jumped at the chance to help the Flamions.
- In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation built the Flamions a state-of-the-art smart home that provides Mike some independence.
- On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 128, Gary Sinise shares about his support for those who sacrifice on our behalf. Listen to ep. 128 here.
Physically, Mike still suffers from nerve pain and emotionally it bothers him to rely so much on Sarah, but he has hopes that one day he will be able to dance with Sarah again.
Although things have changed, what attracted them to each other hasn't: their personalities and sense of humor are still intact.
The Flamions continue to live life to the fullest by sharing their story to remind other's in similar situations that just because you were hurt, doesn't mean you have to stop doing things (they just returned from a trip to Florida!).
- Sarah feels they owe it those who supported to know how thankful they are. It's their support and those foundations have made their lives easier and they want them to know about how thankful they are.
Backstoppers: an organization that provides needed financial assistance to the spouses and dependent children of all first responders who lose their lives or suffer a catastrophic injury in the line of duty in 18 counties in Missouri and Illinois. To learn more or donate, visit their website.
What's the best thing that has come out of the "upside down" moment?
- Sarah: We were moving into a dark time for law enforcement. After this happened, and the community showed such great support, it showed the officers they were appreciated.
- Mike: Pushed me to see how mentally strong I was to deal with it. It made me realize that I can still go on.

Live Inspired Podcast guest Janine Shepard was an Olympic-bound skier before her life-altering accident. Like Mike, Janine too has found a deeper purpose and learned to embrace new possibilities. Meet Janine + hear her story on ep. 53.

Live Inspired Podcast guest Christine Caine is a survivor of both sexual abuse and cancer. At 32, she found out she was adopted. She shares how she let go of her history to step into her destiny. Listen to Christine on ep. 82.

OFFICER MIKE AND SARAH FLAMION'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Sarah: Since Mike's injury Why Forgive by Johann Christoph Arnold.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Sarah: In general, faith and trust come easy to kids. Mike: As a kid, it was easy to hold someone close to you. When you work in law enforcement it's hard to break that barrier.

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? Mike: Engagement picture or the cross we bought on vacation.

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? Mike: A military member that has passed away and tell them how much I appreciate what they've done.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Sarah: My cousin Shelly, shared a lot of marriage and relationship advice like the importance of communication and how loving each other will get us through life's tough times.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Mike: Have fun. Enjoy life because things change.

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? Sarah: They kept pushing forward. Mike: Look at us now. We're still having fun.

***

Did you enjoy today's 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.

For America on Monday Moments (ep. 153) May 27, 2019

Show notes

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

Today, in honor of Memorial Day, I share a story I seldom share that continues to have a powerful effect on my life today.

For America by Jack Buck

Since this nation was founded under God, More than 200 years ago, We've been the bastion of freedom, The light which keeps the free world aglow. We do not covet the possessions of others, We are blessed with the bounty we share. We have rushed to help other nations, Anything... Anytime...Anywhere. War is just not our nature. We won't start, but we will end the fight. If we are involved, We shall be resolved, To protect what we know is right. We've been challenged by a cowardly foe, Who strikes and then hides from our view. With one voice, we say there's no choice today, There is only one thing to do. Everyone is saying the same thing, And praying that we end these senseless moments we are living. As our fathers did before, we shall win this unwanted war. As our children will enjoy the future we'll be giving.

Listen to past Live Inspired Podcast guests and military veterans Sergeant Rocky Sickmann from ep. 18, Capitan Charlie Plumb from ep. 31, Capitan Jim Lovell from ep. 90 and Marine Jake Harriman from ep. 114.

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.

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