Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Latest Episodes:

S6 | Episode 62 Matt Manzari Dec 28, 2017

Show notes

"Don't forget what you learned in the light."

Matt Manzari was a professional athlete sponsored by NIKE and traveling the world all by the age of 15. It seemed like everything was going according to plan and he had his path laid out before him. Until Matt felt a calling to ministry and suffered a horrible accident while competing. But his biggest challenge still laid ahead of him.

While trimming trees at a church, a power line arched over the metal bucket Matt was working in, sending 12,000 volts of electricity through his body. The electricity caused 4th and 5th-degree burns, which melted the skin off of most of his chest and arms. The burn went deep enough to kill muscle and bone.

Yet, Matt is a survivor. He teaches us that at the top, it can still feel empty and through tragedy, we can find salvation.

Today, Matt joins us to share his story of faith, family, struggles and going all in on life.

SHOW NOTES:

Matt has two kids, Justice & Trig and wife Bobby Jean. He went to University in Tennessee to become a Minister.
He is currently working on a book. The working title is, "Unfair God."
"If we would just look beyond our walls, we would see the creator of it all. You."
"We create walls around us and we can't see beyond them. We build walls for many reasons, mostly fear. Beyond the Burn. Everybody is broken. Everyone is facing challenges. Look beyond our walls."
Doctors told Matt that the amount of electricity that went through him was equivalent to being strapped to 6 electric chairs.
"We live in a broken world, but one day we will have salvation."
Matt encourages people to start "choosing to be more than anyone else is telling you is possible."

MATT MANZARI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell & Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I love digging wells. I work with World Vision. I'd give some to them. Buy a classic truck. Lastly, I've always wanted to build a rehab center. Lost my leg but gained 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? My first reaction would be "let it burn." After that...my dad's tools.

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? Anne Frank. "How did she do it?"

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? The difference between good and great isn't much. But there is a difference. Also, "find out what it is in this world that breaks your heart and spend the rest of your life trying to fix that."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Remember when we were little kids and you would hear something in the room and go flip the lights on and see that everything is fine and there's nothing there. Then you turn the light off and get back into bed. Pretty soon your mind starts playing tricks on you again. In the darkness you forget what you learned in the light. What's planned is bigger than you can imagine, so just hold on.

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? Matt went all in.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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

S6 | Episode 61 Jeff Goins Dec 21, 2017

Show notes

"The first step is to believe you are this thing you want to be."

Jeff Goins is a blogger, writer, musician, teacher, husband, father, and pursuer of dreams. He was the Communications Director for Adventures in Missions, a nonprofit organization. Yet, his true passion and calling was that of a writer.

He grew up in a small rural farming community and enjoyed playing in his band and acting. Always trying to find a creative, artistic way to express himself.

He strongly believes we all have a creative gift worth sharing with the world. So, if you have a passion for creativity and changing the world, this is the podcast for you.

Today, Jeff joins us to talk about his faith, life, writing and what it means to pursue your dreams.

SHOW NOTES:

He is the author of four books including the national bestseller, The Art of Work, published in March of 2015. The Art of Work debuted on the Washington Post and Publishers Weekly bestsellers list. Prior to The Art of Work, Goins published The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing, Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into Your Comfortable Life, and You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One), Real Artist Don't Starve.
"Depravity is realizing exactly how horrible of a person you could become."
He got a job with CTI Music Ministries and traveled all across America in schools, churches, and prisons playing music and lifting spirits.
"The moments with people are the best ones."
The worst place for us to be in the world is comfortable. Because if your job sucks or your current situation is unbearable...that's actually a good place to be because you know something has to change. If you want big things out of your life and to live an inspired life and your comfortable, that is the scariest place to be, because there is nothing forcing you out of that place.
"There was a creative thread throughout my life."
"What's your dream?"
"Before I can tell my life what I want to do with it, I need to listen to my life telling me who I am."
"If you think you can't, you won't"
"Every story of success is a story about community. The self-made man is a myth."
"You can join the scene or you can create it."
"Success is the gradual realization of a goal."

JEFF GOINS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Both books that come to mind are by the author, Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak & A Hidden Wholeness.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would take some of it and pay off my house, then with the rest, I'd put it into a charitable endowment fund.

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, no...this painting that my grandfather did of me. He's the one relative I'm most like.

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? C.S. Lewis. I think he is one of the smartest thinkers to walk the planet.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Proverbs, chapter 23, verse 7: "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he", or "find a group of friends who are not impressed by who you are."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Start Blogging and also go to counseling. If we can become aware of it, we can work 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? He lived a life worth writing about.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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

S6 | Ep. 60: Matt Maher Dec 14, 2017

Show notes

"You shattered my darkness... I'm alive again."

These are lyrics from Alive Again by Matt Maher. When clients ask Matt what "walk-on song" he wants playing when he goes on stage to speak, this is the song he picks.

Matt is an internationally acclaimed Christian singer; earlier this year he performed at World Youth Day in Rio in front of 3 million people.

Matt teaches us that faith exists so you come to know how loved you are...so that you might be motivated by that love to live a life of abundance, outwardly focused. He shows us that the moments that bring us to our knees can be our greatest teachers and when your interior needs are met, you're free to give of yourself.

Today, he joins us to talk about his faith, life, music and what it means for your life.

SHOW NOTES:

I never didn't believe in God, I just didn't believe how much God believed in me.
Choose wisely. We all tether ourselves to people and communities that inform our worldview & the way we look at things.
We are at an amazing time in human history with so many opportunities, but also the most individualistic and lonely time.
You can't change anybody but yourself. Even that you can't do alone; you'll have to tap into something bigger than just you.
Have the courage to admit your weakness + powerlessness to make yourself available for a strength much bigger than yourself.
God is not a hall monitor with a checklist to tell me what I'm doing wrong. He's a father who is so incredibly proud of the gifts I have and the imperfect ways in which I use them.
When you are in a place of influence, are you working for the good of the whole or based on your fears and insecurities?
Live life abundantly, not for the short term.
Writing is mostly about living life and being fully in the moment. I am always listening to the world around me.
"I hope my music lets people know how much they are loved and accepted by The Creator of the universe."
Sometimes our feelings don't align with our beliefs because we aren't perfect.
We are loved and because we are loved we can share it with others.

MATT MAHER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? A Grief Observed by CS Lewis, which is the journal entries after the death of his wife. It revealed to me that I didn't know how to love and that I wanted to love a woman like that. For me, it is so hopeful and beautiful because it led me to my wife.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all my families' debts and set up a foundation. I contracted Hep C when I was 13 getting a blood transfusion. I was cured 3 years ago because of medical advancement. I want to help kids who have blood disorders and aren't able to have a normal life because of it.

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? One of my guitars a youth minister gave me - a 1964 Gibson J45 that belonged to his grandfather.

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? Tom Petty. He's the one who pops into my head. You might think, what about Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul? But no. It's Tom Petty!

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? I once heard someone ask how to become a better songwriter. The response was: Go get your heart broken.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Stop talking. Listen to the world around you. Older people, like my grandpa, had a greater appreciation for the stillness in life. I wish I'd had more time with him.

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? He finished well.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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 and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

S6 | Ep. # 59: Becky James Hatter Dec 07, 2017

Show notes

"What you put out in the world is what you get back."

Becky James Hatter grew up in a small Louisiana town where she was surrounded by family, freedom and unconditional love. "That was an extraordinary gift to be given as a young person."

Her entire career has been creating the same environment for underserved youth through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program.

Today, Becky will share what it's like to have a personal + professional mission that is one (adults pouring love, goodness, experience, exposure, and support into the life of a child)... and what it means for your life, too.

SHOW NOTES:

Becky loved to get in trouble + work hard; her parents let her do both.
"To wake up every day and give away what I've been given makes so much sense. And really, it's all I've got."
What you put out in the world is what you get back.
Becky believes every one of us has something to give. It may not be a million dollars or even a dollar, but a smile, story, love. And when you give it - they receive it and can then give it to.
Always try to be the coach and not the boss. A coach is a mentor. When you are a coach, you listen more + people want to do well.
Relationships are powerful. They're the only thing that makes life better or harder. Collect amazing people around you.
The human spirit survives on love and struggles without it.
Little moments, they accumulate. 4 hours a month volunteered with a child through BBBS literally transforms their life.
Be curious and courageous. When you meet someone who doesn't believe in the same things or see the world, in the same way, this is an opportunity to learn. Ask questions.

BECKY JAMES HATTERS' LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Professionally, anything Peter Drucker or Jim Collins. Personally, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Catcher in the Rye.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Create an endowment for BBBSEMO.

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 book case with all of my favorite books.

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. We would talk about everything. We are just good together. My buddy.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad said, "You might want to go hide behind a garbage can and watch yourself walk by." Which meant, we all have struggles and you shouldn't talk badly about others' hardships. My dad was never a man who told you what to do - he always gave amazing lessons.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Relax and have more 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? Lucky: To have been born, to the family she was born into, in the place she grew up. She was just really lucky.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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

S6 | Ep. 58: Matthew Emerzian Nov 30, 2017

Show notes

"I. YOU. WE. MATTER."

To the outside world, Matt Emerzian was living the "American Dream". He was a gifted athlete, successful in the entertainment industry, hung out with famous people, and was living the "Hollywood lifestyle". Until one Monday morning when it fell apart and his life changed forever.

The author of Every Monday Matters, Matt tells his story of brokenness and the long process of rebuilding his spirit. He now shares his story and experiences around the country, speaking to people about depression, anxiety, and feeling unworthy, unappreciated, and unloved.

Join me and Matt as we talk about his journey back from the dark years to finding a calming and grounded existence.

SHOW NOTES:

Matt realized his "ladder was leaning against the wrong wall" and thought about taking his life because he felt he didn't really matter.
Get Matt's book, Every Monday Matters which offers 52 ideas for doing something positive.
One of his father's favorite sayings is, "good for goodness's sake" and it is now the motto Matt lives by.
He grew up playing competitive soccer and even got to play in Germany until he blew out his knee. After that, he picked up water polo and was eventually recruited by UCLA.
After graduation, he became a band manager in LA. He was having the time of his life. He met and ended up getting hired on the spot by Robert Kardashian. Robert owned one of the largest music marketing companies in LA.
His definition of success was cliché: be rich, hang out with famous people, be single, etc. Matt "had it all"
One Monday morning, getting ready for work, his chest started hurting and thought he was going to have a heart attack. A doctor visit confirmed he was having a very severe panic attack.
"It's not about you!" His therapist shared this with him and he credits this saying with saving his life.
Matt's therapist helped him overcome his panic attacks and unhappiness – and self-acknowledge selfish lifestyle – by spending time each week volunteering. It changed his life and became his favorite part of the week.
He created a youth curriculum for educators focused on the principles of: "I matter. You matter. We matter."

MATTHEW EMERZIAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Man's Search for Meaning, that book just speaks to me. A Purpose Driven Life, the first line of the book was profound to me. Where the Red Fern Grows, it is a story of love, compassion, and heartbreak. It made me feel deeper than I ever imagined before.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? My wife and I would love to own our first home together. Then it would be how can I put those dollars to use to have an impact on communities and people. Along the line of the work I currently do. It would be invested in social good.

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 wife's childhood blanket. It was a gift from her father.

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 Bono. I see us talking about where it all went wrong and how we can change it. By "it" I mean humanity & our culture. I think Jesus would say, it is time for us to love our neighbors more.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Listen first. I really try to be a good listener and be super present. To learn, yet also to honor whoever I'm talking to.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? The road might get bumpy, but have faith. It is OK if your story doesn't turn out exactly like you thought it would.

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?Matt Emerzian lived a life that mattered.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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

S6 | Ep. #57: Fr. Jim Martin Nov 23, 2017

Show notes

"Pay attention to the movements in your soul."

Fr. Jim Martin is an author, speaker, editor for American Magazine, contributor to the New York Times, Jesuit priest and consultant to the Vatican. SO MUCH in the marketplace is secular so I know this may feel unfamiliar.

Actually, question #13 on the survey I give clients to help me prepare my presentation is this: "What topic do you not want me to speak to?"

Nearly each of the 1,500+ presentations I've given I've received the same answer: Religion and politics.

My friends, if we are unwilling to even whisper about religion and politics - we'll never find common ground or live our best lives. Today's episode is much less about religion and much more about discovery and how to live our best life going forward.

Today, Fr. Jim will help us better understand the movements in our soul... and why it's critically important that we stop and listen to them.

SHOW NOTES:

Fr. Jim did not grow up in a religious household.
He studied finance + took a job with GE. The first years were exciting: A yuppy with good money in New York. After a few years, he felt trapped, asking: How am I going to get out of this?
He went to a psychologist to deal with the stress and also began reading the writings of Thomas Merton.
After a year, the therapist asked: What would you do if you could do anything you wanted to do?
- Every young person should be asked this question.
- Answering this question is how you make the leap from being miserable into discovering a new calling.
He joined the seminary and 10 years later was ordained a priest and assigned to America Magazine where he's been since.
He had no clue what he was getting into and his parents and friends were a mix of horrified and upset. A year later they got it.
"God works through your desires. There's a push and pull to something else."
"Desiring something more fulfilling, satisfying? Pay attention to those movements in your soul. That's the call."
What do I want to do with my life? That's something everyone struggles with; if we let ourselves. Allow yourself to answer that question.
"The hardest part of leaving the corporate structure is the money. But its ultimately really freeing."
"The most freeing and fun thing is being able to be myself."
Think of times you've felt moved. Everyone has these but they aren't encouraged to reflect on them, name them as God.
- Holding your first child, feeling the undeniable love and not knowing where it comes from? That's God awakening His love in you.
- Wanting more in life. That's God calling to you.
- Falling in love with your spouse. That's God calling you together.
Fr. Jim has written 10 books, including:
- Searching for God at Ground Zero
- Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect...
- My Life with the Saints
- Becoming Who You Are: Insights on the True Self from Thomas Merton and the Saints.
What do you say to people lukewarm to faith? The first step in the spiritual life for lukewarm people is the insight that the desire for God is actually God calling you. When you can at least consider that, it changes everything. It's not just a weird feeling.
"That which you seek is seeking you." - Rumi

Fr. Jim Martin's Live Inspired 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? The 7 Story Mountain changed my life. The story of Thomas Merton, an American raised in France and the UK, who finds true meaning in a Trappist Monastery.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I'd turn the check right over to the Jesuits!

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? At the day of our vows, we're giving a medal cross, we keep it our whole lives and we are buried with it. I'd get my vow cross.

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! My first question would be, what would my life have been like if I didn't join the Jesuits. And I'd want to ask what was life like in Nazareth growing up - there is not a lot mentioned about his childhood.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Don't let anyone prevent you from becoming the person you want to be.

A lot of times we react to people or try to be a person that is liked. That's not the person we're meant to be. We're meant to be ourselves. Trying to be the person everybody likes, that is useless. Be yourself.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Be yourself. Stop trying to be what other people want you to be.

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? He was a good Jesuit.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

S6 | Ep. 56: Carlotta Walls LaNier Nov 16, 2017

Show notes

"I wanted the same opportunities as the next person. I was no different, other than skin color."

In 1954, the Supreme Court decided with Brown vs. Board of Education that separate schools for black and white students were unconstitutional. In the spring of 1957, Little Rock, Arkansas was the epicenter of racial tension as Little Rock Central High School prepared for the integration of its first nine students of color.

Carlotta Walls LaNier was a member of the "Little Rock Nine." In the decades since, Carlotta was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a US citizen can receive, for championing freedom and persevering in the face of bigotry to earn equal rights for herself and others.

Join me and Carlotta to talk about her historic role in school integration and how she has been an inspirational leader for so many despite the challenges she faced.

SHOW NOTES:

In the spring of 1957, at the age 14, she was the youngest member of the Little Rock Nine.
Brown vs. Board of education (1954) was talked about in her home and church and it allowed her to set a goal to go to school closer to home.
Sept. 23, she was taken out of school because a mob appeared and the 17 police officers protecting the "Nine" feared they could not handle the size of the mob. She came back Sept. 25. It was then that President Eisenhower decided to call in the 101st Airborne; giving her a guard walk her to class.
Kids walked on the back of her heels until they bled. When she dropped a book, she'd be kicked when reaching to pick it up.
Get a copy of her book, A Mighty Long Way: My Journey To Justice At Little Rock Central High School.
Carlotta was awarded a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor a citizen in the U.S. can receive. President Clinton asked to present it to her at the White House.
"Education is the road to success." "I knew I was doing the right thing."
"I did not go there to be an icon or hero."
She was determined to go to her 50th class reunion. Many were cordial, but also many were still stuck in the 50's.
"My parents never taught me to hate."
"I'm not going to waste my energy and time on ignorance."
"I'm disappointed in the lack of leadership in this country."
"Know who you are. Once you're centered, you know what to do."

CARLOTTA WALLS LANIER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? A Mighty Long Way & Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary. The legendary lawyer and Supreme Court Justice left an indelible mark on me.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? First, I'd make sure my family was taken care of and my grandchildren were set up for college. Then, I'd want to make sure the people of Puerto Rico have clean water and I'd give to NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

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 Congressional Gold Medal.

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? Thurgood Marshall.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? You got a lot of work to do ahead. Stay true to yourself. Stay in the moment.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

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? When I make a commitment, I see it on to its' end.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

S5 | Ep. 55: Highlights Nov 09, 2017

Show notes

"Success leaves a blueprint."

My friends success leaves a blueprint and we are lucky to have 10 amazing guests who shared their blueprint - trials, errors, challenges, wins, successes, joys - with us this season.

Learning from their model, we will become more inspired in the way we lead our lives. I can't believe we get to hang out with these amazing friends.

II'll recap my favorite lessons, so you can be reminded and/or encouraged to go back to the episodes that are most relevant for you; so that you can live your most inspired life with a little help from our friends.

SHOW NOTES:

Ep. #45: SALLY HOGSHEAD, listen here. Sally typically shares her expertise on branding with major brands like Nike, Ikea and Target. On this episode, she helps us identify our best qualities, and those of our businesses, so we can better connect with others and live inspired. You'll love the simple Fascination Quiz she shares so you can dig deeper after the episode. Sally also told a story she doesn't often share, during which she said, "My dad gave me life and then 10 years later, he gave it back to me." You'll understand more about what she meant by the quote and what it means to each of us when you listen.
Ep. #46 DENNIS GILLAN, listen here. This was a special episode for Suicide Prevention Month and one of the most emotional, yet joy-filled and humorous ones, we've had. Dennis has been to the darkest places and yet come back out to show us how we can live in the light. Dennis committed his life to reducing the number of completed suicides and removing the stigma around mental health after losing his two brothers to suicide. His story helps us break down the stigma around mental health and better care for ourselves, those we love and those in the wake of suicide already.
Ep. #47 DANIEL SILVERSTEIN - listen here. So many of us are experts at identifying what is wrong in the world, aren't we? On this episode we were joined by a guest who didn't just identify what was wrong in his industry, he created a solution to the problem… and built an inspired business around it. Daniel Silverstein will inspire you to look at your challenges as opportunities to make a bigger impact. My favorite quote was: "Why NOT me?" Why can't I be the change needed in my industry, neighborhood, family.
Ep. #48 MARK SANBORN - listen here. "It was out of abject failure that I learned to professionally speak." This was astounding to hear Mark Sanborn say as he hero of mine, giant in the speaking industry and author of the much loved The Fred Factor and just released The Potential Principle. Hang out with us to realize the truth in one of his popular quotes, "We enjoy our successes but learn more from our setbacks."
Ep. #49 DINA DWYER-OWENS - listen here. Dina is a new friend that I met through Rory Vaden, a self-discipline expert who joined us in Season 2 on episode 3x. Rory rocked. When he said "You gotta meet Dina" I was ALL IN. Dina is co-chairwoman of Dwyer Group, has 3,000 franchisees across North America and appeared on the CBS hit Undercover Boss. She runs her business by focusing on clients, employees and a clear core value system. Learn how to apply this 3-part focus in your life so you can live and work inspired, too.
Ep. #50 CURT STEINHORST - listen here. Ready to learn hacks to save your attention for things that REALLY matter? Did you know that: Every 6 minutes people check their phones. Married adults spend more time online than with their spouse. People spend 1 – 4 hours loafing on the internet during a work day. Wow — it's easy to see the problem! Curt explains the solutions he shares in his new book Can I Have Your Attention? so you can live inspired in this tech-centered world.
Ep. #51 EDIE LITTLEFIELD SUNDBY - listen here. On this episode we went on an amazing journey, spanning the 1,600 miles of the El Camino Real "Mission" trail from Mexico to California. Better than the journey we took was the guide who led us. Edie Littlefield Sundby is know as "the mission walker" and her mantra is "while alive, live." Edie took a devastating cancer diagnosis and turned it into an opportunity to follow her dreams and look at every day as a "bonus". This episode is for anyone touched by illness. Edie's spirit will inspire you in ways you didn't know possible.
Ep. #52 JOHN RUHLIN - listen here. "Are you sowing seeds for 50-year relationships or 5-minute relationships?" John Ruhlin will help you better understand this question and the importance of how you answer it. He teaches generosity as a competitive advantage in business for clients like NASCAR and the Miami Dolphins and is the author of Giftology. Join us to learn how to give more inspired gifts this year and always.
Ep. #53 OZZIE SMITH - listen here. Join me and one of the St. Louis Cardinals players who signed baseballs for me when I was 9 and learning to write again after my fire. [Don't know the epic story? Listen to Ep. #32 to hear how Hall of Fame Cardinals Announcer Jack Buck changed my life + rallied the entire Cardinals team to join in his effort.] Ozzie shared about being a hall of fame shortstop and man. This episode was so special to me we recorded a video of it, too.
Ep. #54 Richard Bach - listen here. We ended the season with the legendary author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull - a book that spent 2 years on the New York Times bestseller list and one that many of our podcast guests have listed as their favorite book when asked in the Live Inspired 7 at the end of every episode. Richard's writing, embraced by millions since the 1970s, suggests we are born to fly, and, we are free. Don't miss this epic interview with a man who doesn't often give interviews. It's an honor to have him on the show. Don't miss it.

***

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I can't wait to see you here next Thursday for the start of Season 6! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

S5 | Ep. 54: Richard Bach Nov 02, 2017

Show notes

"We are so much more than mortals suffering on this planet."

Each of the 50+ episodes of the Live Inspired Podcast I end by asking our guest the "Live Inspired 7 Questions." The first - What is your favorite book? - has been answered SO MANY times with: Johnathan Livingston Seagull.

So intrigued by the impact this little book had on so many of our amazing guests (and from a little research quickly learned on millions worldwide since it was published in 1970) I knew we had to have the author on the show.

The beloved author, Richard Bach, has written 30 book, is a pilot, philosopher, seeker of love and doesn't often grant interviews. I am so honored to have him joining us to share about his writing, the accident that nearly cost his life and the nearly 8 decades of inspired living he's been granted thus far.

Join me and Richard Bach today to talk about listening to the voice that calls out to you and a little seagull named Johnathan.

SHOW NOTES:

"When we ask we receive."
Describing his famous book, "here is a little seagull who loves to fly. He can fly at extreme speeds. Because of this, he is thrown out of the flock."
Johnathan Livingston Seagull was rejected 18 times before it was published. It then spent over 2 years on the New York Times Bestseller list, was translated into 50 languages, made into a movie and recently an app.
"Disasters can be blessings and blessings can be disasters."
Richard's favorite line in Johnathan Livingston Seagull; "You have the freedom to be yourself. Here and now. Your true self and nothing can stand in your way."
"I'm so slow to learn. I need multiple lifetimes to become one with love."
"It doesn't matter what we do, it matters how much we love."

Richard Bach's Live inspired 7.

1. What is the best book you've ever read? It was a book that was given to me, Johnathan Livingston Seagull.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I couldn't imagine the number of chocolates that I could buy with millions of dollars. The only inheritance I've received is the time/experiences I've had with people.

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? Dog food, a package of marshmallows, and a fork.

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? Ray Bradbury, he wrote Dandelion Wine & Zen and the Art of Writing.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Follow your highest right. Within ourselves, we decide the best thing for us to do in any situation. I think we would have a pretty good life if we follow that simple rule.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Try to fail at anything you don't care about. Find out what you love and be successful at that.

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? Richard Bach loved the sky and with his books, he brought us there.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

S5 | Ep. 53: Ozzie Smith, Top 50 MLB Players of All-Time Oct 26, 2017

Show notes

"Hard work and applying yourself to be the very best you can be everyday: That is what life is all about." Today my boyhood hero joins us. Introducing him as a friend is a dream come true. Ozzie Smith is a 13-time, MLB Gold-Glove-winning short stop for the St. Louis Cardinals. When I was burned as a 9-year-old, Cardinals' announcer Jack Buck promised me John O'Leary Day at the Ballpark when I recovered. At John O'Leary Day: I got to meet Ozzie for the first time. This summer, on the 30th anniversary of that day, Ozzie and I reconnected. Join me and Ozzie as we talk about humility, being a role model, baseball and how each has allowed him to lead an inspired life.

SHOW NOTES:

"People are looking up at you, they are watching. Give them an example that is worthy. Make sure you leave people better when they walk away from you then they were when they walked towards you."
Watch Ozzie interview John on Cardinals' Insider here.
From growing up in a single-parent home, to being the only African American player on his minor league team: Ozzie shares the greatest lesson he learned repeatedly in life: You are only going to get out what you put in.
Hard work, applying yourself to be the very best you can be everyday is really what life is all about. It comes from within, you gotta have that drive within you.
You gotta be able to kick doubt out.
Failure wasn't an option. No matter what I came up against, I had to strive, to work hard to make it. I didn't know what making it was. But I knew that if I was successful, it would make life better for my family.
Winning is being able to help your team win psychologically. You give them confidence by being there.
Today, Ozzie is passionate about the PGA Reach Program.

OZZIE SMITH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? Charlotte's Web, one of the first books I ever read that I really enjoyed reading.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Kickstart the PGA Reach Program. Finding ways to help people who are less fortunate, John, because there is so much that can be done.

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? Rawlings gave me a trophy that has each year I won a gold glove. That would be the one thing I'd grab for my grandkids; something they could look at and refer to who their grandpa was.

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 Christ that would be great; to sit and have a conversation with him. My first question: Why are we where we are, what happened?

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Be the best you you can be. That's as simple as it gets. if you adhere to that, good things happen.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Get involved in the tech world. It would give you the entree to do so much more for the world. You could do so much good.

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? You were such an important part of my life! Watching you play baseball with my family - that is what we did. We enjoyed watching you and you brought us such enjoyment. It doesn't get any greater than that.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

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