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.
Charles Rosen started Ironbound Hard Cider to rekindle the Newark economy by hiring it's chronically unemployed, formerly incarcerated population. James Williams is one such employee who shares his passion for working as a crew chief on the cidery's orchard.
Reimagine what's possible in business, life, community, social enterprise + sustainable agriculture on today's episode:
NOTES:
JAMES WILLIAMS' LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Biography of Makaveli, Tupac Shakur. Tupac was naturally someone people looked up to in the urban community.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Listening. Listen first. Ask questions later.
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? Honestly nothing, I'm good.
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? Obama. I'd ask, "How did you do it?"
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Don't give up.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? I wish I could take it back. I would have been in a different place, but I do accept where I am at now.
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? Very optimistic, eager to learn and capable.
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
Dr. Laurie Nadel, a psychologist specializing in overcoming trauma, has helped people impacted by the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Sandy and, most recently, the mass shooting in Parkland, FL.
Today, Laurie joins us to talk about how to live inspired after our personal tragedies. Whether divorce, bankruptcy, a natural disaster or anything in between: A "trauma" is anythingthat leaves you feeling like you've lost your control, your safety or your identity.
My friends, we've all had challenges. Today's episode will directly help you overcome yours.
SHOW NOTES:
DR. LAURIE NADEL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Catcher in the Rye and Catch 22. These two seminal books of the 60s have characters who are authentic and think in questions. They question authority. I admire them and hope I never stop questioning.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? My imagination has been tempered by reality and the real world. I was an excellent creative writer, I made up stories. I wish I had a more active imagination.
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? I would have grabbed the original edition of the Wizard of Oz that I was saving for my grandchildren. The beautiful books from my childhood were destroyed in Hurricane Sandy.
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? Dan Rather, I'm fortunate and privileged that he has been my mentor, believer and supporter of my book. I'm always fascinated by what he has to say with where we are now in America as compared to all of the cycles he has seen in the course of his lifetime and what we can learn from that to move forward and be more empathetic.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Dan always gives me great advice: Just keep writing.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Calm down a little bit. I was definitely wild. I wouldn't want to clip her wings or put the breaks on, but I have a lot of people who come into my practice for therapy in their mid to late 20s because what we learn during this season is that the rules of life and family culture we learn through childhood don't always apply to the world at large. The world is very different when you actually get out there and have to make your way in it. Be careful but be open.
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 a great mom and great friend.
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
Captain Jim Lovell was the Spacecraft Commander of Apollo 13. The mission was meant to be the third moon landing attempt, but infamously was cut short when a tank exploded.
Don't miss hearing this epic piece of history from the man who lived it. Jim Lovell also shares how he attained his dream of becoming an astronaut in spite of growing up poor and fatherless during the Great Depression.
Jim's unfiltered look at what it was like aboard Apollo 13, what it took to get there and what it took to get back to earth safely will unearth keys to live inspired as a leader, team player and dreamer. Don't miss this episode.
SHOW NOTES:
"We had no solutions, all we knew was we'd lose oxygen soon. Any situation like this, you have to keep your cool and keep a positive attitude. If I had curled up and waited for the emergency to happen, I'd still be there waiting. The three of us talked through what was good and what was bad; the ground team analyzed with us. We talked through what tools we had and how we could make them work for us. We decided one by one what was necessary and what we had to do to overcome."
CAPTAIN JIM LOVELL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The best book is the one I wrote! If you were moved hearing about Jim's journey, check out his book.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I wish I was a bit more aggressive. I could have done more work if I had a more aggressive approach to life. There are always things you think about, "Oh, I wish I had done that. After Apollo 8, there are things I know now, that I wish I had shared with the joint congress back then.
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 term paper I wrote my first class year at the Naval Academy because that gave me the incentive to continue.
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? Charles Lindbergh was my hero when I was a boy. We could both think about what we accomplished.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My Captain who told me to go to the Naval Academy. During my second year at the Naval Academy, the Korean War started. If I'd stayed in my previous program, I'd have gone to Korea and the program was cancelled.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be adventuresome. I was thinking about myself. I was pretty much on my own.
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 I added a little knowledge to our space activities.
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
Get my #1 national best selling book ON FIRE, here. Or, read the first chapters for free, here.
If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It's my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist.
The Miracle Season is a major motion picture based on the true story of Coach Kathy Bresnahan (played by Helen Hunt) leading her volleyball team, against all odds, to a state championship after their captain and all-star player, Caroline Found, passed away tragically before the season began.
That time you wished you were seeing the movie in the PREVIEW instead of the one you were there to actually see... Has this ever happened to you? I was so moved by the preview for The Miracle Season, I made a date to take my whole family to see it when it came out in April. See the preview here.
Today, I get to introduce you to Kathy Bresnahan. Coach Kathy will sheds light on grieving, leading and what it means to "live like line" - the slogan + motivation, created in memory of their lost teammate Caroline.
Don't miss this episode. It's my most emotional to date; because there are so many lessons to not only live more inspired, but to #LiveLikeLine.
SHOW NOTES:
KATHY BRESNAHAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. I love her writing style, it follows two sisters during WW2 and what they did during the war.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Spontaneity. I think now they call it ADHD.
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 picture of my dad. He died three years ago. He was my biggest fan.
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? I'd like to talk to Mother Teresa. She just seemed like such a wise and kind person.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? When that season started one of my best friends called me and said, "Grieve for three days. You can't write off the season or go through the motions. Do what you do best: Go play volleyball. Honor her. Don't win for her, play like Line."
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Oh my God, be healthier!
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 lived her life to the fullest and she cared about people and helped them laugh.
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
Get my #1 national best selling book ON FIRE, here.
Today, I share a story I don't often get to tell.
The story of my siblings and their heroic acts that saved my life 30 years ago. Even more relevant: the 3 things we do that allow us to remain close as we get older. My friend, in honor of my parents 50th wedding anniversary, I'm sharing an intimate look at my family, what we've been through, what we've learned + what it might mean for you.
SHOW NOTES:
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and get my Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
Get my #1 national best selling book ON FIRE, here.
Mel Robbins is the author of The 5 Second Rule, the #1 audio book in the world. She is also the most booked female speaker in the world and hosts the Audible Original series Kick Ass With Mel Robbins.
Today, Mel shares how she has helped millions of people transform their lives by simplifying their biggest challenges into a 5-second solution. Possibly even more impactful: She shares how her 5-second rule originated as a tool to overcome the anxiety and malaise that was crushing her life.
Today, Mel is ON FIRE for life, and is offering an amazing tool to help us all live more inspired. Don't miss this amazing episode.
SHOW NOTES:
MEL ROBBIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? I love The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, page turners, can't-put-it-down, twist-and-turn books, but The Alchemist is the most impactful.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was a climber, a dare devil. I am not that way anymore. I'm a bit risk averse now.
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 Winfrey. If there was just one thing that you wanted every human being to know about life, what would it be?
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? 5 4 3 2 1. I think it was a divine moment when I was picked to be a messenger, because, let's be honest, its the dumbest idea in the world.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Girl, go get some Zoloft!
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? 5 4 3 2 1, go!
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
Let's talk about how to simplify life so you can live inspired. If you've enjoyed the 80+ episodes of the podcast, you're in for a treat. Instead of interviewing a special guest, I'm focusing on YOU: Your story, successes, failures, life.
Get ready for an exclusive peek into my private Live Inspired IN STUDIO membership community - like-minded friends who join me via live-webcast once a month. (I absolutely love our podcast; and IN STUDIO is even better. Find out why.) My friend, get a snapshot of one of the most popular IN STUDIO webcasts to date: How to simplify life.
SHOW NOTES:
*Registration only opens twice annually. This allows John to focus his energy on pouring into members. Make sure you don't miss open registration! Sign up for the special wait list: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Studio
Ben and Amy Wright own the wildly successful Bitty & Beau's Coffee shop, which proudly employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The shop is named after their children who have Down Syndrome.
Ben and Amy Wright are combatting the staggering 80% unemployment rate for people with disabilities + using their shop as a platform to share this truth: "We all have different abilities. There's room for everyone; we just have to see it that way."
Join me and the Wrights as they thoughtfully share questions (if you don't have a disability/know someone who does) and answers (if you do) to everything you've ever wanted to ask or tell on this subject.
SHOW NOTES:
BEN + AMY WRIGHT'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read?
Ben: Knot on a Counting Rope, a children's book about an American Indian child who is born blind and how his tribe loves him for who he is.
Amy: The Giving Tree, it's a children's book that says it all, the way to live and to give to others.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
Amy: Dancing more, laughing more; although at the coffee shop everyone has fewer inhibitions and just live out loud so I get a good dose of that. I wish I didn't carry worries that I carry and danced more.
Ben: The instinct to play more. Be goofy and uninhibited. If you feel like dancing, dance. If you feel like running, run. If you feel like jumping, jump. I have so much restraint these days trying to be the father, grown up, mature person when inside I wish I could grab back onto some of the playfulness I had 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?
Amy: As many photo albums as I could carry out.
Ben: This beautiful portrait of Amy when we were married. I want family to be able to come to look at the portrait of her and realize that's where it all started. I believe my life really started in earnest when I met her.
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?
Amy: My mom, who said "I hope this baby you are carrying has Down Syndrome just like beau." She passed away just a few months before Bitty was born.
Ben: Amy! We're so busy, we don't get much of an opportunity to talk with each other. I can't think of anyone I'd rather spend my life or time with her.
5. What is the best advice you've ever received?
Ben: You are fearless and you need to stay that way.
Amy: You love your children the same by loving them differently. My mom said this. Everyone has different needs; meet people where they are.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Amy: You think this is good now? Just wait! The best is yet to come.
Ben: Take even more risks. Life is unpredictable. It can change in a heart beat. If there is something you believe in, don't just think about it, do 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?
Ben: He broadened my perspective on what I thought was possible and gave me hope.
Amy: She loved fiercely.
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
In 1972 there was a historic plane crash; the only one in which the plane was flying at both cruising speed + altitude and had survivors. One of the survivors was Nando Parrado.
In street clothes and without food, Nando survived the winter in the Andes. His story was told in the 1993 movie, Alive. He was played by Ethan Hawke.
Today, we're joined by Nando. He is one of my heroes and the most courageous survivor I've met. Don't miss this unbelievable story of leadership and drive in the face of dire adversity.
SHOW NOTES
NANDO PARRADO'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? Books by Spanish Author Carlos Ruiz Zafon because, to me, a book is entertainment. A good time on a quiet night. He's poetic and simple.
2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? To be more timid, I wouldn't go into some situations that later I regret.
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? Photos of my grandparents.
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? Pico Mendez from Uruguay. He devotes his life remarkably to helping people. I would ask "How do you do it? How do you find the time?"
5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Never look back because the only thing you get when you look back is a bloody pain in the neck.
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't change anything.
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? It was all worth it.
***
If you enjoyed today's episode: Please subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
Rachel Cruze helps people learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. Her new book Love Your Life, Not Theirs guides readers to live an inspired life, within their means and without the comparison game.
Rachel shares that, "Money is a topic so many people have lost hope over. I give a clear path to help you win, gain control and lower stress around personal finances."
My friends, join me and Rachel to get great tips on how to better manage your finances and more importantly: Love YOUR life.
SHOW NOTES:
RACHEL CRUZE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
1. What is the best book you've ever read? The Ideal Team Player. People that win at business are hungry (work hard), humble (humility), smart (people smart). It's a short great read.
2. What is characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was more spontaneous as a kid, I had a lot more off the cuff fun and would do stuff and not be worried. My responsibility level is different today, but I still wish I had more spontaneity in my life.
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? Our wedding albums. I don't know where our negatives are!
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? Christine Caine. She is one of the most infectious, bold people I've met. I love hearing her talk about Jesus. [Christine Caine was just on our show! Listen here.]
6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry. You've got a great life in this next decade so enjoy.
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? Be a person that other people are influenced by; be truthful, be strong, and be humble.
***
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I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.
Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning
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