Podcast
Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary
Hosted by John O'Leary · EN
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.
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Brad Ryan: Finding Healing One National Park at a Time (ep. 896)
6d ago00:59:13Tap to summarizeBrad Ryan is a wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, and bestselling author whose remarkable journey with his grandmother inspired millions. After battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts during veterinary school, Brad made one courageous decision: taking his 85-year-old grandmother camping so she could see her first mountain. That trip grew into an eight-year adventure to all 63 U.S. National Parks... and transformed both of their lives. Today, Brad shares how nature became a place of healing, the surprising lessons he learned from Grandma Joy, and why courage often begins with a simple "yes." Together, we discuss mental health, forgiveness, family, purpose, and the extraordinary impact of choosing connection over isolation. My friends, if you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or wondered whether your life can change, this conversation is for you. You'll leave inspired to say yes to adventure, invest in the people you love, and trust that even the smallest act of courage can change a life.
Transcribe →Just Be the Hug (Monday Moment ep. 895)
1w ago00:06:05Tap to summarizeLast week, I attended funerals for two men. Two young wives grieving. Two families shattered by losses neither imagined possible. And amid profound sadness, I witnessed two simple acts of love that reminded me what people need most when life falls apart. Let me explain.
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Karen Olson: Founder of Family Promise (ep. 894)
2w ago00:48:02Tap to summarizeKaren Olson is the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, the national nonprofit that has helped more than one million people experiencing homelessness through the support of volunteers across the country. While working as a successful marketing executive in New York City, Karen's life took an unexpected turn when she stopped to share a sandwich with a woman named Millie. That simple act of kindness ultimately inspired Family Promise, a movement that has transformed countless lives. Today, Karen shares the childhood loss that shaped her heart for people who are hurting, the encounter with Millie that inspired Family Promise, and what she's learned after decades of serving families experiencing homelessness. We talk about why real change starts with seeing the person in front of you, how small acts of compassion can create a ripple effect, and how purpose often finds us when we least expect it. Karen also reflects on the accident that left her in a wheelchair and the perspective she's gained through it. My friends, if you've been wondering how to make a difference in a world that often feels overwhelming, this conversation is for you. Karen's story is a beautiful reminder that changing someone's life doesn't always begin with a grand plan… sometimes it starts with simply crossing the street.
Transcribe →The Memory I Almost Missed (Monday Moment ep. 893)
2w ago00:05:28Tap to summarizeFor the past several summers, each of my four kids has been able to pick one work trip they want to join me on. They look through my speaking schedule, choose the destination, and other than the hour I'm on stage, they decide what we do together. They call it "The Daddy Trip." They think it's for them. Truthfully, it's for me. It's my excuse to spend focused, one-on-one time with each child before another year slips by. A couple summers ago, Grace picked a speaking event near Laguna Beach, California. Let me tell you about our trip.
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Thais Gibson: Why We Think, Feel, and React the Way We Do (ep. 892)
3w ago00:54:31Tap to summarizeThais Gibson is a counselor, relationship expert, and founder of The Personal Development School. And yet, before helping others transform their lives, she was a teenager struggling with addiction, anxiety, and the lingering effects of a difficult childhood. Her own healing journey led her to study why we think, feel, and react the way we do, and today she helps people build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Today, Thais shares how our subconscious mind influences so much of our daily lives, why emotional safety matters more than most of us realize, and what it takes to break free from old patterns. We talk about her battle with addiction, the loneliness so many people are experiencing today, and the simple practices that can help us become more connected, compassionate, and present. My friends, if you've ever wondered why you keep repeating the same habits, struggling with the same fears, or feeling disconnected from the people you love, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with practical tools, fresh perspective, and the reminder that no matter where you've been, it's never too late to create a different future.
Transcribe →Turtlenecks in July (Monday Moment ep. 891)
3w ago00:05:06Tap to summarizeAt a speaking event last week, someone asked me a question I've been asked many times since the release of SOUL ON FIRE: "What scene from the film moves you the most?" It's a difficult question because there are so many. Let me explain.
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Stephen Starring Grant: How Delivering Mail Changed His Life (ep. 890)
4w ago00:55:52Tap to summarizeStephen (Steve) Starring Grant spent decades helping some of the world's biggest brands, including IBM, Prudential, Jaguar, and Burger King, better understand human behavior. But after losing his corporate job during the pandemic and facing a cancer diagnosis, he found himself in an unexpected role: delivering mail through the mountains of Appalachia. Today, Steve shares the identity crisis that followed losing a career he'd spent decades building, the surprising lessons he learned as a rural mail carrier, and how serving others helped him rediscover purpose. We discuss the dignity of work, the power of community, and why our worth is about far more than what we do for a living. My friends, if you're facing a setback, navigating change, or wondering what's next, this conversation is for you. You'll leave encouraged to see purpose in unexpected places, embrace life's detours, and remember that your value has never been tied to a title.
Transcribe →The Gift of an Empty Chair (Monday Moment ep. 889)
Jun 1500:04:56Tap to summarizeA year ago, we gathered as a family around my dad's bed as he took his final breath. Last week, that same family gathered again. Mom, my five siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren…we all came together not at his house, but at his favorite place to vacation. Although we had more than two dozen family members on this trip, everywhere we went throughout the week it was also very clear we had something else: an empty chair. Let me explain.
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Neil Pasricha: Creator of 1000 Awesome Things (ep. 888)
Jun 1100:57:46Tap to summarizeNeil Pasricha is a 10-time New York Times bestselling author, one of the world's leading voices on happiness, and the creator of 1000 Awesome Things, the award-winning blog that has attracted more than 100 million readers. Through his books, research, and storytelling, Neil has inspired millions to find joy, gratitude, and meaning in everyday life. Today, Neil shares the personal setbacks that changed his life, the heartbreaking season that inspired 1000 Awesome Things, and the lessons he learned from his parents' extraordinary resilience. We discuss why happiness is often hiding in plain sight, how gratitude can reshape our perspective, and the simple daily practices that help us live more intentionally. My friends, if life feels busy, heavy, or uncertain, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical ways to slow down, notice the good around you, and rediscover the joy that's been there all along.
Transcribe →Why I Missed Jack Buck's Funeral (Monday Moment ep. 887)
Jun 800:06:12Tap to summarize"Why didn't you go to Jack Buck's funeral?" That was the very first question asked during a Q&A after I spoke in New Jersey last month. I bought a little time by responding, "Well, not exactly the softball opener I had hoped for!" The audience laughed awkwardly, I smiled nervously, and then I answered honestly: "Because I didn't think I belonged there." Let me explain.
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