Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"What advice would you give yourself at age 20?" It's a question I've asked every single guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. And after 500 episodes, the answers always move me. As the interviewer, I always learn something from the answer. But it wasn't until the tables were turned and I was asked that question that I realized the true power of taking a moment to consider the answer in our own life. It forces us to take stock of both who we are today and revisit who we were.

Harold Dennis Jr. is a survivor of the Carrollton Bus Crash, one of the deadliest drunk-driving tragedies in U.S. history. He was just 14 years old when everything changed. What followed was a long road through loss, injury, and grief, and a remarkable journey of resilience. Harold went on to become a college athlete, a nationally recognized example of courage in sports, a medical professional, a husband, a father, and living proof that devastation does not get the final word. Today, Harold Dennis Jr. shares what it took to survive, forgive, and begin again. He opens up about losing his best friend, wrestling with anger and unanswered questions, and choosing forgiveness when it felt impossible. This conversation is honest, unfiltered, and deeply human. My friends, if you're carrying quiet pain, struggling to move forward, or wondering if hope still belongs to you, this conversation is for you. You'll be reminded that healing takes time, forgiveness can be freeing, and your story is still being written.

Two years ago, Beth and I anxiously dropped off our oldest son, Jack, for his first year of college. The school Jack chose- Indiana University- is renowned for its strong business schools, a gorgeous campus, and a long heritage of winning basketball. What it was not known for, however, was its football program. So, it's fair to say our astonishment is real that the most losing program in college football history is chasing its first-ever national championship just 18 months later. And as unlikely as that story is, the story of their quarterback makes it even more remarkable. Let me explain.

Father Joe Detweiler is a Catholic priest, pastor, and living testament to what is possible when hope refuses to let go. As a teenager, Father Joe survived a catastrophic car accident that left doctors unsure he would ever wake up, speak, or recognize the people he loved. Against every medical expectation, he not only recovered, but went on to fulfill his calling to the priesthood, carrying with him a depth of compassion shaped by suffering, faith, and grace.   Today, Father Joe shares what it is like to lose everything in an instant, how faith carried him through a coma and a long road of recovery, and why suffering does not mean God is absent. Often, it means He is closer than ever. He opens up about the people who refused to leave his side, the prayers spoken over him when he could not pray for himself, and the quiet, powerful ways God was working even when hope felt out of reach.   My friends, if you are walking through something hard, whether grief, uncertainty, fear, or exhaustion, this conversation is for you. You will leave reminded that you matter, that your story is not over, and that even in moments when you feel powerless, love is still at work on your behalf. 

A friend said this about a show he'd spent dozens of hours watching, and what struck me wasn't his patience, but his willingness to endure something that never truly moved him. Most of us do the same, filling our nights with noise simply to avoid the quiet. And yet, what we repeatedly allow into our lives shapes the way we see the world. This week, watch SOUL ON FIRE, now streaming on Netflix.

Aaron Golub is the first legally blind athlete to ever play in a Division I football game. With no vision in his right eye and only a small, central "tiny hole" field of sight in his left (and roughly 20/200 in that limited view!), Aaron spent years being underestimated and defined by what others believed he couldn't do, until he decided to rewrite the story himself. Today, Aaron shares what it means to build resilience early, how internal motivation changes everything, and why the challenges we want to escape often become the very things that shape us. From being picked last in every sport to waking up at 5:00 AM to master a single skill, he walks us through the mindset shifts, habits, and leadership lessons that carried him from the sidelines to the field and far beyond it. My friends, if you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or tired of being defined by a label, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with renewed hope, quiet confidence, and the reminder that the best of your days remain ahead.

As we stand at the start of a new year, with to-do lists drafted, words chosen and intentions set, I want to offer you a question to consider. One that has a way of slowing us down, sharpening our focus and gently but firmly calling us to do more. That question? Are you a turkey person? Not in the holiday-meal sense, but in the way you show up for others. Years ago, that question changed the trajectory of a football team, a community and a life. And years later, when I heard it, it did the same for me. Let me explain.

Jason O. Harris is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, fourth-generation service member, professional pilot, best-selling author, and nationally sought-after keynote speaker on trust and leadership. Jason spent nearly three decades serving our country in the U.S. Air Force, flying 11 combat deployments and more than 470 combat sorties, ultimately commanding a Boeing KC-46 Tanker Aircraft Squadron. He carries those hard-earned lessons beyond the cockpit and into boardrooms, equipping leaders and teams to build trust, accountability, and peak performance when it matters most. Today, Jason shares how trust is built under pressure, why leadership is revealed in moments of uncertainty, and what it truly means to "make the dash count." He opens up about growing up in chaos, learning the power of environment and influence early in life, and how high-risk combat missions shaped his belief that you don't rise to the occasion… you fall to the level of your training. My friends, if you're craving clarity in your leadership, confidence in your decisions, or stronger relationships at work and at home, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a renewed understanding of how trust is earned, practical ways to show up with intention, and a powerful reminder that your presence matters more than you think.

One of the great joys of On Fire For Good is celebrating people who change lives through a kind word or a quiet act. And every so often, we meet a leader who has figured out how to do that—at scale. Miren Oca is one of those leaders. Let me explain.

Colleen Costigan is the co-founder and executive director of BEAM Kenya, an organization built on the belief that every child deserves the chance to heal, learn, and lead. While living a successful corporate life and doing everything "right," a one-month volunteer trip to Kenya redirected her future and became a lifelong commitment now serving thousands of children through education and mental health support. Today, Colleen shares how that one short trip became a lifelong calling, why education alone is not enough to break cycles of poverty, and how trauma-informed mental health care can change the trajectory of a child's life. She opens up about meeting a teenage girl named Faith, whose story reshaped Beam's mission, and how heartbreak, perseverance, and hope all coexist when you choose to serve others in hard places. My friends, if you've ever felt a tug on your heart you couldn't explain… this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that small, brave steps can lead to extraordinary impact, that your privilege can become a powerful gift, and that hope is never wasted when it's placed in the hands of love.

With Christmas just days away, excitement fills our homes… twinkling lights, festive music, and hardly any sleep. Growing up, every tradition seemed to build toward Christmas morning and the thrill waiting just beyond my bedroom door. But before the presents, before the surprises, there was one simple ritual that mattered most. Let me explain.

Dave Sanderson is a nationally recognized leadership speaker, accomplished author, and the last passenger of US Airways Flight 1549, the Miracle on the Hudson. On January 15, 2009, Dave survived what should have been a tragedy, emerging from the icy Hudson River alive and forever changed. In the years since, he has dedicated his life to sharing lessons on leadership, faith, preparation, and purpose. Today, Dave shares what it means to face fear head-on, how the decisions we make in uncertain moments define who we become, and why the meaning we attach to adversity shapes the rest of our lives. From the deafening silence after the engines failed, to the prayer he whispered as the plane descended, to the choice to turn back and help others instead of racing to safety, Dave opens up about leadership under pressure, faith when the outcome is unknown, and the quiet courage required to do the right thing when it matters most. My friends, if you're walking through uncertainty, stress, or a moment that feels heavier than you expected, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that preparation builds confidence, that every setback carries the seed of purpose, and that even your hardest moments can shape you into who you're meant to become.

I've held many titles in my life, and I'm grateful for all of them. But my favorite job title, by far, has always been Dad. As Patrick moves through his senior year of high school and toward a future that looks a little different than I once imagined, that role has never meant more. Let me explain.

Josh Pauls is a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, longtime captain of Team USA Sled Hockey, and a keynote speaker whose story of resilience has inspired audiences around the world. Born without shinbones and losing both legs before his first birthday, Josh has spent his life defying expectations... and lifting others as he rises. Today, Josh shares how he fell in love with sled hockey, the lessons learned from becoming a young captain on the world stage, and the personal journey that led him to embrace who he is fully, confidently, joyfully. He unpacks the meaning of his mantra "standards over feelings," the teammates who became his family, the role his wife Kate played in helping him see himself through a kinder lens, and why letting kids face challenges might be the greatest gift a parent can offer. My friends, if you're craving a reminder that your challenges don't define you, (your choices do!) this conversation is for you. Whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to show up bravely in your own life, you'll leave with practical tools for perseverance, a renewed belief in what's possible, and a fresh appreciation for those who help you push past your limits.

In preparing to close the chapter on another year, I find myself reflecting on the innumerable ups and downs of 2025. If your year looked anything like mine, it held moments of soaring joy but also heartbreaking loss. Let me explain.

Dr. Gregory Ross is President and Head of School at the remarkable West End School in Louisville, Kentucky. A nationally recognized educator and transformational leader, Greg has created one of the most successful K–8 programs in the state, where every student attends on full scholarship and consistently outperforms state averages. His journey from humble beginnings in Paducah to leading one of the country's most inspiring schools is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, Greg shares how growing up with scarcity shaped his unshakeable faith, how a miraculous childhood healing set the course for his life's purpose, and how he's building a culture of excellence in one of Kentucky's most underserved communities. He talks about the power of seeing the "genius in every child," the way his mother taught eight kids to believe they were royalty even when they had nothing, and the daily practices that turn overwhelmed students into confident scholars and leaders. My friends, you'll walk away with a renewed belief in what's possible — for yourself, your family, and your community. If you need hope, encouragement, or a reminder that your circumstances don't define your potential, this episode is for you.

Have you ever had a holiday hangover? No, I am not referring to the kind you might get from staying out too late or having one too many drinks. I mean how you feel after all the build-up of Christmas- the preparation, the cooking, the eating, opening of presents, and racing to parties- comes to an end often leaving you a little tired, a good bit in debt, and emotionally beat down. Several years ago, a woman with nine and a half decades of experience gave me some advice to help prevent that type of hangover from starting in the first place. Let me explain.

Donnie Campbell is a longtime math teacher, four-decade coach, national leadership speaker, and the real-life inspiration behind the beloved TV character Ted Lasso. Donnie has spent 40 years shaping students and athletes with a simple but powerful philosophy: build people first, players second. Today, Donnie shares the lessons that humbled him during his early years at Kansas State, the shift that turned him from frustrated athlete to extraordinary teammate, and the coaching approach that shaped Jason Sudeikis long before Ted Lasso ever hit a screen. He also reflects on the heartbreaks that formed his empathy, the mentors who taught him to lead with kindness, and the unexpected day a coworker told him he'd inspired a global hit TV show. My friends, if you need a reminder that your influence matters far more than you'll ever realize, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode with simple, memorable tools for leading others well, showing up with humility, and believing in yourself even when you feel like you're sitting at the end of the bench. And most of all, you'll remember the truth Donnie has lived for 40 years: you don't have to be perfect to change someone's life… you just have to care.

Some people carry a light within them that's impossible to miss. It isn't loud or showy — it's steady, warm, and contagious. That's how I felt the first time I learned about James Chalmers. One of five children, James' parents noticed early on that he was a little different than his siblings. He was born with Cri-du-chat Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects development and communication. As he grew up, James wrestled with questions many of us ask: Why am I different? Do I matter? What am I supposed to do with my life? Then one spring day in 1992, everything changed. Let me explain.

Chris Trapper is the platinum-selling singer-songwriter whose unmistakable blend of honesty, humor, and heart has made his music a source of comfort for listeners around the world. With more than a dozen albums, major-label success, and a long career of writing songs that feel like they were pulled straight from real life, Chris has become a trusted voice in the art of turning struggle into something beautiful. Today, Chris shares how music became his refuge during a childhood marked by a speech impediment, how he learned to turn vulnerability into a superpower, and the personal stories behind some of his most beloved songs (including "Into the Bright Lights," featured in our film SOUL ON FIRE!). He opens up about family, addiction, the winding road of the music industry, and why humility has been the steady anchor throughout every chapter of his life. My friends, if you need a reminder that your story — with all its bumps, twists, and imperfect edges — still holds incredible worth, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode with fresh hope, a deeper appreciation for your own voice, and a nudge to keep showing up with honesty and heart.