Claim OwnershipLive Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary
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Expected 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.
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.
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“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.
Who would do that? This was the question my son asked last weekend. He wanted to know why I was planning to wake up early the following day, drive six hours to Cincinnati, surprise a friend for his birthday, and then turn around to drive home after just 30 minutes since I had to get back for a previously scheduled commitment. To Patrick, it seemed like a nicely written card or a gift mailed in advance would have been a sufficient gesture, but I shared with my son a few reasons why this person mattered enough to be there in person. Let me explain.
Damon West went from a Division 1 starting quarterback at Texas A&M to becoming the “Uptown Burglar” and being sentenced to 65 years in prison. Now, a keynote speaker and the bestselling author of The Coffee Bean, Damon is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of personal change. Today, Damon shares the pivotal lessons learned from his darkest days—how he found hope and purpose in a Texas supermax prison and rebuilt his life one choice at a time. You’ll also learn about the inmate who showed him how to be a “change agent,” the freedom he discovered in surrendering control, and the essential role of faith, service, and community in his recovery. My friends, if you need a reminder that change is always possible, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with practical tools to overcome adversity, shift your perspective, and take ownership of your life.
“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.
When you think of someone who has changed the world, who comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably think of famous explorers, powerful rulers, mighty revolutionaries, and business innovators? That’s because we often think that changing the world requires grand gestures and historical relevance. But what if I told you changing the world actually more commonly occurs through small, everyday actions done for the person in front of you? This is the truth at the heart of our On Fire For Good initiative. Each month we introduce you to individuals whose humility, commitment and unflinching love has changed the world around them. And our January honoree, Bob Schricker, is a brilliant example of this truth in action. Let me explain.
Stephen Panus is a father, sports marketing executive, and author whose story reminds us that even in loss, we can choose to walk on and create a legacy of love. After losing his son, Jake, Stephen transformed his grief into purpose, choosing to honor Jake’s legacy through scholarships and acts of kindness that inspire others to lead with compassion and determination. Today, Stephen shares how he faced unimaginable loss, learned to embrace forgiveness, and opened his heart to unexpected joy. He reveals the fine line between despair and hope, offering wisdom on turning pain into purpose and creating a meaningful life through vulnerability and community. My friends, if you’re navigating grief, searching for hope, or striving to find light in life’s darkest moments, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to honor your challenges, embrace healing, and take the next step forward with courage, gratitude, and love.
Several years ago, with Christmas nearing and Beth and I unable to make eye contact with our boys due to the hair covering their eyes, I loaded up the car and took the teenaged boys to get haircuts. Despite their slumped shoulders as they entered and the soft-spoken answers they provided as she worked, the stylist could not have been sweeter to my boys. In thanking her afterwards for how she made them look and how kind she had been to them, she asked me a seemingly simple question: “Are you ready for Christmas?” Now, I don’t think she was actually curious if my house was cleaned, the tree was up or the dinner rolls ordered. Do you think she was truly interested if my suit was ironed, shoes were polished or if the last several weeks of Advent had prepared my heart for the final two weeks before Christmas?
Blessing Offor is two-time Grammy nominee and multi-talented artist who proves that resilience and authenticity can create a life—and a legacy—of purpose. From humble beginnings as a young blind man in a small Nigerian village to now shining on global stages, Blessing’s story is as vibrant and soulful as his music. With chart-topping hits like “Brighter Days”, competing on The Voice, and collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton, Blessing inspires millions through his artistry and story. Today, Blessing shares how music became his compass through life’s challenges. From navigating blindness and identity to finding his voice in the world, Blessing shares profound lessons in embracing your story, leaning into joy, and using creativity as a bridge to connection. My friends, Blessing reminds us that brighter days aren’t just ahead- they’re here when we choose to see them. You’ll leave this conversation with a renewed sense of purpose, an appreciation for the gift of community, and perhaps a new favorite song.
As you journey through the frequently chaotic Christmas season, while navigating hardships globally, divisiveness nationally, challenges professionally, and adversities personally, maybe it’s time to heed the advice from Matt Maher's song Alive Again. Let me explain.
For more than three decades, Caroline Adams Miller has been a globally recognized expert in goal setting, grit, happiness and success. And yet, as a Harvard graduate, black-belt martial artist, and author of eight life-changing bestselling books, Caroline’s path —from overcoming bulimia to inspiring millions—embodies resilience and determination. Today, Caroline shares her story of transformation, the science behind effective goal setting, and her groundbreaking BRIDGE methodology for achieving lasting success. As the new year approaches, learn why conventional strategies (like SMART goals!) frequently fall short, and how crafting intentional, purpose-driven goals can lead to meaningful change. My friends, if you need a spark to reignite your ambitions and the reminder that the best of our days remain ahead, this conversation is for you.
In celebrating my son Henry’s birthday this past weekend, I was reminded of an experience from several years ago that perfectly captures his zest for life and joyful character. In sharing it with you today, I hope it ignites within you a desire to be a bright light of loving hope for others. Let me explain.
Annabelle Tometich is a med-school-reject-turned-food-critic and author of The Mango Tree. And her story is as layered and sweet as the tropical fruit at the heart of her family’s saga. Today, Annabelle takes us on a journey through the cultural contrasts of her upbringing as a mixed-race Filipina, the heartbreak of her father’s untimely death, and the strength of her mother’s fiery spirit. When her mother’s unexpected arrest for defending her beloved mango tree shakes their family to its core, Annabelle begins to see her world—and her family—through a lens of resilience, empathy, and ultimately, healing. My friends, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their circumstances or searched for meaning in life’s messiest moments. Annabelle’s story will inspire you to embrace the complexity of family, find strength in vulnerability, and discover beauty in unexpected places.
“My name is James.” With that statement, the man in front of me smiled warmly, extended his hand, and shook mine firmly. And from this seemingly ordinary introduction launched a conversation with an amazing man who clearly lives in joy and radiates love. In hearing his story, though, it was impossible not to be moved profoundly by his journey and his desire to do more through his life. Let me explain.
Born in a small town in Vietnam, Haven Shepherd was just 14 months old when she miraculously survived a bomb explosion that resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee and left her orphaned. Later adopted into a loving family with six athletic siblings, Haven discovered swimming—a sport that brought her freedom, purpose, and a path to Paralympic success. Today, Haven is a celebrated athlete and advocate for adaptive sports. She joins us to share how tragedy shaped her strength and gratitude, why perspective defines what’s possible, and the importance of grace in overcoming life’s challenges. My friends, this conversation is a powerful reminder that adversity doesn’t define us—it reveals our capacity to rise above.
For an entire year now, you’ve shared stories with us of individuals in your world who embody what it means to be On Fire For Good. We’ve received almost 1,000 nominations, nearly all of them someone’s parent, sibling, teacher, pastor, colleague or friend. But last month, one came in that caught my eye. It was in fact, celebrating someone the nominator didn’t know at all but had admired from afar. It just so happens, however, that I know the person they described personally, and I was overjoyed to bestow this honor on my friend, the joyful Stephanie Szostak. Let me explain.
Rob Kenney, lovingly known as the “Dad of the Internet,” created Dad, How Do I?, a YouTube channel that has grown to more than five million followers seeking practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and, of course, a steady dose of dad jokes. And yet, behind the laughter is a story of resilience, forgiveness, and showing up when it matters most. At just 14 years old, Rob’s father walked out, leaving him and his seven siblings to figure out life on their own. Years later, Rob transformed that pain into purpose, using his platform to share how-to tips, hope and inspiration. Today, Rob shares how his faith gave him strength, how forgiving his father set him free, and why his mission to serve others continues to grow. My friends, you’ll leave today’s conversation with a renewed sense of hope, the courage to forgive, and maybe even the confidence to tie a tie or unclog a drain.
Toxic positivity. It’s a term commonly used when someone invalidates negative emotions or expects unrealistic optimism from others. Undoubtedly, we need to hold space for grief, anger, and sadness. And yet, a woman several years ago provided a beautiful, practical and powerful example not of living in toxic positivity, but of choosing gratitude even in the midst of the storm. Let me explain.
Ben Tracy is an online safety speaker on a 120-day journey across America, known as The Tracy Trek—a 3,107-mile coast-to-coast run to protect kids online. Running a marathon every single day, Ben is connecting with schools, community groups, and lawmakers to shine a light on the dangers of social media and discuss solutions for safeguarding our youth. Today, Ben shares how losing a high-profile job on his first day due to social media posts he made as a teenager sparked his mission. Plus, he shares stories of families impacted by online risks, urging all of us to work together to protect the next generation from hidden dangers. My friends, Ben’s journey sends a powerful message: no matter the adversity we face, we can transform it into something positive.
Yesterday marked the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Oorah! I’ve been enamored by the Marine Corps since childhood, and having the honor to serve their wounded veterans more than 50 times through my work with FOCUS Marines over the past decade has further galvanized my love of them. And yet, it was a relatively simple experience, witnessed by just a few others, that revealed, yet again, how remarkable they are. Let me explain.
Sergeant Kevin Briggs is a retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge. For more than 20 years, Kevin patrolled the Golden Gate Bridge, where he saved more than 200 people from suicide. Today, Kevin shares how his own battles with abuse, cancer, and depression gave him a unique compassion, and the unforgettable lessons he’s learned from hundreds of conversations with those on the edge of despair. In a world where societal pressures and personal pain can drown out hope, Kevin’s story reminds us that a simple, empathetic presence can rekindle the courage to choose life. My friends, as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there’s light—and a way forward.
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滚你的大蛋去呀！给脸不要脸呀！
Dude....everyone's gonna say photo album and jesus..:)
Hope matters. yes, yes it does!
What a fascinating person Evy is, great episode and very inspiring well done.
Read his book, On Fire. It is excellent!
😍
Very profound inspirational episode. Personally, I too lost a dear adopted family member to suicide many years back. She was like a sister to us. I still feel her loss. It takes a lot of faith and spiritual wisdom to understand why these things happen. Society needs to deal with these issues in a compassionate manner. Thanks for sharing this episode. God bless!
Great words! Hard to listen to, but a simple yet amazing science proven tool available for everyone. Thanks John and Mel!
Great podcast!!!
when you know your why you can endure anything