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.

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” -William Arthur Ward To all the teachers who step into children’s lives daily, regardless the challenges in front of you, we thank you for your effort. For believing in your kids when others may not, loving them when they so desperately need to know that everything will be alright. And thanks for dropping pebbles of encouragement, inspiration, knowledge, passion, and humor into their life. As we celebrate National Teacher Appreciation Week, let’s take a moment to celebrate the teachers who have most profoundly influenced us. 

Kim Goldman is a victims’ rights advocate, championing justice and remembrance for victims. After her brother Ron Goldman was murdered alongside friend Nicole Brown on June 12, 1994, Kim suddenly found herself thrust into the media spotlight while vulnerably trying to grieve. Today, less than a week after the death of one the key players within this story, I revisit my conversation with Kim. Join us as we reflect on the part of her life that was changed permanently and her feelings on speaking with prosecutors, investigators, and witnesses who never got to speak and jurors who voted not guilty for her podcast series Confronting: O.J. Simpson. Plus, she’ll share how she continues to honor her brother by supporting victims and families that face similar tragedies. My friends, this episode reminds us of the non-linear journey of grief and yet, the transformative power of turning personal losses into impactful support for others.

To ensure the content we share with our Live Inspired community is timely and relevant, I meet with my team monthly to plan future social posts, newsletters, and podcast episodes.  As we meet and discuss, our goal is always to provide inspirational and engaging content to help you navigate your months, one day at a time. These meetings can be fun as we think of stories around big holidays, special birthdays, or celebratory anniversaries. And yet, taking time to remember the anniversaries we’d rather erase from our collective consciousness is equally crucial, especially this month.  Let me explain.

For more than a quarter of a century, Robin Sharma has been devoted to helping others realize their native gifts. As a legendary personal growth expert, Robin has advised business leaders, superstar athletes, and heads of state to do brilliant work, thrive amidst change and realize their highest leadership capacities. Beyond being a renowned mentor, Robin’s international bestselling books — including The Everyday Hero Manifesto, The 5AM Club, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, and Who Will Cry When You Die? — have influenced millions of people to become their highest selves, making him one of the most widely read authors in the world. Today, Robin joins us to share his latest book The Wealth Money Can't Buy and walk us through the thinking patterns, daily habits and life lessons to build lasting happiness, peak health, career mastery and a life of honest serenity. My friends, you’ll leave today’s conversation ready to enjoy a genuinely rich life—filled with personal power, unusual authenticity, exceptionally fulfilling work, and a lifestyle that will make you feel that fortune has finally smiled upon you.

Have you ever noticed that the best moments in life are frequently unplanned and completely unscripted?  It’s not the big trip, fancy dinner, or lavish party that are most meaningful, but the little moments in life that we don’t see coming. One such moment for me was the highlight of the entire filming process for the On Fire movie.  Let me explain.

Cassie Holmes is an award-winning teacher and researcher on time and happiness, and bestselling author of Happier Hour. Cassie’s research examines how focusing on time increases happiness, how the meaning of happiness changes over the course of one’s lifetime, and how much happiness people enjoy from extraordinary versus ordinary experiences. Today, Cassie shares her research, including the concept of “time poverty,” her own experiences as a busy working mother, and the practical tools we can apply to improve our day-to-day. My friends, if you’ve ever asked yourself how can I - given the limited time that I have - find greater enjoyment and satisfaction in my days, this conversation is for you.

For more than two decades, I’ve written, shared and spoken about the joy of living a radically inspired life. And I’ve shared stories of people who are On Fire For Good, who want their lives to matter, their families to thrive and their communities to prosper. Recently, though, I realized I’ve been neglecting a far larger audience.  We’ve created far too few resources for my friends on the opposite end of the spectrum. We’ve ignored the friends who have decided that an inspired life just isn’t for them. The individuals seeking a monotonous, humdrum, uninspired life. Choosing to ignore them no longer, I’ve assembled a list of tips to ensure they are liberated to follow their dreams of living the uninspired life they desire. Join me as I share my three best tips to help those interested in achieving uninspired living.

Sam Goodwin is an entrepreneur, author and thought leader on embracing uncertainty and the resilience of the human spirit. In 2019, during a quest to travel to all 193 UN-recognized sovereign states, he was wrongfully imprisoned in Syria on false charges of espionage. Today, Sam will share how his connections and coincidence were central to his release from one of the most notoriously brutal prison systems in the world, and he’ll recount the lessons he’s learned from this experience. My friends, this remarkable conversation reveals the miraculous potential for love to liberate us from our most isolating and agonizing situations.

“It’s not my job…” This is a sentence my children are not allowed to utter when asked to do a chore around the house. It’s also a sentence you will not hear from a small business owner striving to claw their way forward, or a committed employee trying to make a difference, or a community member striving to lift up others. And for Susan Clift Gislason, it’s a sentence she refuses to utter because she’s far more interested in living her vocation than merely doing some job. Let me explain.

Molly Stillman is a podcast host, community leader and author of the forthcoming book If I Don’t Laugh I’ll Cry. She has a deep passion for inspiring others to know they were created on purpose, with a purpose, and for a purpose. Today, Molly shares her journey of growing up the daughter of a Vietnam Army nurse, losing her mother at age 17, and squandering an unexpected quarter of- a-million-dollar inheritance in less than two years while desperately trying to find her place in the world. Through faith, humor and finding moments of joy even in the most trying of circumstances, Molly was able to rediscover her purpose in life. My friends, this conversation will inspire you to see your own life through a lens of redemption and possibility… while also reminding you to not be afraid to laugh at yourself every once in a while!

With the slate of NCAA tournament teams finalized yesterday, hardcore fans and bandwagon followers everywhere now turn to the task of filling out their bracket, predicting which of the teams will advance throughout the 67 game, three-week long tournament. Represented in the mix, of course, are this season’s dominant teams and perennial powerhouses. Alongside those favorites are, in my opinion, the very reason March Madness worms its way into our consciousness each year: the Cinderella teams!

Dr. Nick Fuhrman, also known as Ranger Nick, is an Environmental Education professor at University of Georgia. Often recognized for his engaging and informative presentations, Nick blends humor with educational content to connect with audiences of all ages. Today, Nick shares how he earned his nickname “Ranger Nick”, how it led him to find his calling to educate and how his unconventional yet profound approach helps students build essential skills and overcome anxiety. Throughout, Nick reminds us of the pivotal role that exceptional teachers play as mentors, role models, and champions in all our lives. My friends, prepare to be captivated by Nick's contagious enthusiasm, unwavering passion, and genuine warmth as he reminds us that we harness the power within to create meaningful change in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

As the On Fire movie team rolls into its third month of the painstaking post-production work, I am gradually beginning to recognize the remarkable complexity of creating a film. These months of post-production work follow weeks of an intense shooting schedule. And that follows years of planning. My friends, in the next year we’ll have an opportunity to go to theaters and watch as our wonderful actors bring to life brilliantly the story of On Fire. They’ll have us laughing and crying and applauding and utterly convicted that we can make a mighty difference through our lives for others. And yet, in thinking about the actors on screen, my mind races to the tireless work of those behind the scenes. Let me explain.

For more than 16 years, Chelsey Goodan has been an academic tutor and mentor specializing in strengthening the confidence of teenage girls. In an era where our young people face unparalleled challenges, Chelsey has learned many crucial things they are concerned about… yet are reluctant to tell. Today, Chelsey shares how, with the right understanding and support, adults can empower and uplift teenagers in a society that often underestimates them. Learn the proven and actionable strategies to engage in meaningful conversations, tackle tough topics with honesty, and cultivate a culture of connection. My friends, regardless of the role you play in a child or teenager’s life, this conversation will equip you with the tools needed to nurture confidence, resilience, and authenticity.

After feeling extremely fortunate to spend almost every night at home in January, the work schedule shifted and launched us into a wildly busy and deeply meaningful month of February.  Taking full advantage of the extra day this year, we traveled to 14 cities and spoke with 18 different groups. (An added bonus, we are now on a first name basis with most of the St. Louis airport staff!) On one of the few days I worked from our office last month, we were able to hang a piece of art in our lobby. As beautiful as it is, it’s the process of how it was created and the story of the artist who brought it to life that is most meaningful to me. Let me explain.

When it’s common to feel jaded and unexcited in the monotony of our day-to-day lives, Cass Sunstein explores how we can begin noticing the wonderful things that spark meaning and joy. Cass is the nation’s most-cited legal scholar and is at the forefront of behavioral economics. For nearly two decades, he has served in the US government in multiple capacities and worked with the United Nations and the World Health Organization. He’s written hundreds of articles and dozens of books about society and culture. Today, Cass joins us to share his groundbreaking study of how disrupting our well-worn routines - both good and bad - can rejuvenate our days and reset our brains to allow us to live happier and more fulfilling lives. My friends, if you or someone you love is years into a dream job, a happy relationship, or a beloved home and beginning to feel ho hum, this conversation will awaken you to feel happier, healthier and more alive… in other words, ‘resparkle’!

Once a month this year, we’re celebrating individuals who are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do, and positively changing the world one life at a time in our On Fire For Good campaign. Many of those nominated this month were dutiful, soft-spoken, and rule-following. The one we chose, however, was not. Now, if you didn’t peg a 77-year-old Catholic nun and Army Lieutenant Colonel as a rule-breaking, noisemaking, trouble-finding type of person, you haven’t met Sister Doris Jo Rak. Let me explain.

Sloane Crosley is a New York Times bestselling author of essay collections I Was Told There’d Be Cake and How Did You Get This Number, and is known for her sharp wit, keen observations and relatable humor. Today, Sloane joins us to discuss her latest book Grief is For People, and shares her personal journey through loss after a close friend’s suicide. Through her unique storytelling, she navigates the complicated and painful process of grief, offering solace and challenge to those grappling with loss. My friends, if you or someone you love is in need of healing, this conversation will provide hope and guidance.

Earlier this month I had the honor of recording a live podcast with legendary actor William H. Macy at his home. While his house was stunning, the view of the mountains was magnificent, and the evidence of a wildly successful career was scattered throughout the house, it wasn’t any of that stuff that impressed me. Instead, what fascinated me most from our visit is something desperately needed from our leaders today. Let me explain.