Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Kelsey Pfendler is a history-making adventurer who earlier this year became the first American woman to row solo from California to Hawaii, setting a new speed record by completing the 2,400-mile journey in under 44 days. Battling exhaustion, 20-foot waves and countless unexpected challenges, Kelsey invited hundreds of thousands of people along for the ride, sharing not just the victories, but the tears, setbacks and struggles, too. Today, Kelsey shares what inspired her to take on such an extraordinary challenge, how she navigated the uncertainty of nearly 44 days alone at sea, and why the hardest moments often become the most meaningful. We discuss finding beauty in the midst of adversity, the power of community even when we're physically alone, and why embracing the journey matters more than reaching the destination. My friends, you don't have to row across an ocean to do something extraordinary. If there's a dream you've been putting off, a challenge that feels too big or a first step you're afraid to take, Kelsey's story is a powerful reminder that you don't have to feel ready to begin. You just have to be willing to try.

Several years ago, a neighbor enthusiastically recommended a book about the dangers of false hope and the power of pessimism. Its message? Lower your expectations, prepare for disappointment and save yourself the trouble of being surprised when things go wrong. As someone who's spent decades encouraging others to live inspired, I remember listening to him describe the book, seeing the despair in his eyes and thinking: I am never, ever, ever reading that freaking book! I thought about him, and that book, last Saturday morning in Tucson, Arizona. Let me explain.

Jermaine Wilson went from serving time behind bars to serving his community as mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas. Once caught in a cycle of crime and incarceration, Jermaine transformed his life through faith, forgiveness and a commitment to helping others. Now an author, speaker and founder of Unity in the Community, he reminds others that their past doesn't have to define their future. Today, Jermaine shares how a powerful moment of forgiveness in prison changed his life, the dreams he pursued while incarcerated, and his unlikely journey from lawbreaker to lawmaker. He also reflects on rebuilding his family, breaking generational cycles and finding purpose in serving the community he once harmed. My friends, no matter where you've been or what you've been through, your story is still being written. If you need a reminder that it's never too late to change, find forgiveness and build a life of purpose, this conversation is for you.

As a kid, I was terrified of the dark. I dreaded going into the basement alone, didn't like taking the trash out at night and hated when the lights went out at bedtime. I wanted light! And candidly, I haven't changed that much! Most of us long for light. We want hope instead of despair, encouragement instead of criticism, and someone to illuminate our way when the path forward seems uncertain. In a world that disagrees on just about everything, we all agree our communities could use more light these days. That's why I love the story of this month's On Fire For Good honoree, Emily Osweiler. Let me explain.

Josh Schertz is the head men's basketball coach at Saint Louis University, where he's building a program rooted in relationships, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. From his early days as a nationally ranked tennis player to leading successful basketball programs at Lincoln Memorial and Indiana State, Josh has built his career around a simple belief: Great teams are built by bringing out the best in people. Today, Josh shares how his upbringing shaped his competitive spirit, the lessons he's learned from decades of coaching, and why meaningful relationships are the foundation of lasting success. Sitting down together in Josh's office, we discuss the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels valued, why the pursuit of greatness matters more than the accolades, and how embracing the journey can be just as rewarding as reaching the destination. My friends, whether you're leading a team, raising a family or simply striving to become the best version of yourself, this conversation will remind you that true success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the people we become along the way.