Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Colonel Smitty Harris spent 2,871 days (that’s nearly 8 years!) as Vietnam POW. At the same time, his wife Louise was raising three young children while becoming a role model. Today, they take us on a 60-year journey that’s packed with love, but also the horrors of prison + how a forgotten military code changed everything. If you’re looking for a story of forgiveness from a decorated war hero or a romantic love story filled with drive, sacrifice + compassion, you’re going to love today’s episod

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segments. Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member CB.  CB asked: My brother and I were best friends growing up. Now it’s been years since we’ve even spoken. Any suggestions on reconnecting when it’s been so long? Tune in to hear my answer. Have you successfully reconnected with a family member or friend after months or years of not talking?

What is the hard-to-define, touchy-feely idea of empathy and why is it so important? Business expert Michael Brenner joins us to share how empathy, kindness + self-reflection can save us both professionally and personally. You will leave today’s conversation understanding how being kind, cool + being yourself is the best path to happiness + success.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, I share some very exciting news around my new book In Awe, the inspiration behind its mission and even an exclusive excerpt. In Awe hits bookshelves in May 2020, but I want to give Live Inspired Podcast listeners the first opportunity to pre-order a copy.

I consider Thanksgiving one of my favorite family holidays. It's certainly a wonderful time away from work, enjoying good food, viewing football, and taking inventory of the many blessings in life. Join me as I share the original reason for this holiday + a new tradition I'll be implementing at my family feast. Today's episode will ignite an abundance of gratitude and help you celebrate Thanksgiving on fire.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Being a good friend, courteous neighbor, helpful coworker, visionary leader or humble servant are all challenging roles, and every worthy relationship is certain to endure periods of tension. Whatever challenge you're facing, I’m convinced that these questions and the honest answers to them can ignite reconciliation and rebirth. 

Did you know that almost three-quarters of us find meetings ineffective or unproductive, and they waste more than $37 billion dollars every year? Elise Keith, CEO and co-founder of Lucid Meetings, shares about her mission to make it easy for teams to run successful meetings every day, in the business world + in life outside of work. This conversation is packed with real-life examples + practical methods that will lead to more productive + effective meetings with happier participants.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I welcome back three-time cancer survivor, author, speaker, and self-proclaimed expert in trauma Michele Cushatt. Michele shares her latest book Relentless and simple tips to respond to our circumstances in a more positive manner.  This inspiring conversation will help start your week on fire! 

Susannah Cahalan's life pivoted rapidly in a radically different direction 10 years ago. Recounted in her bestseller Brain on Fire, Susannah shares her harrowing story of being diagnosed with a rare + newly discovered neurological disease. She calls in from the tour with her newest book. The Great Pretender dives into an investigation of Stanford psychologist David Rosenhan + his 1970s study that sparked a crisis. Susannah will show you how to overcome challenges with gratitude, grace + tenacity.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. I had the honor of speaking at a Joint Special Operations Command event and surprisingly, the most emotional conversations were not with the soldiers but with the spouses of those soldiers. As we celebrate Veteran's Day today, let's be mindful of the sacrifices being made for our freedom by the soldiers + their spouses courageously serve their households.

There are many adversities we face in life. Some of outward-facing while many are scars we carry in our hearts. Jonathan Lopez speaks to both. He is an Army veteran + member of Operation Enduring Warrior, a veteran-founded non‐profit that honors, empowers, + motivates wounded veterans through physical, mental + emotional rehab. Jonathan joins us for a raw, emotional + honest conversation about serving our country, learning how to accept unexpected challenges in life + inspiring others to do the same

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment. Today I am honored to welcome back international bestselling author Mitch Albom. Mitch shares the heartwarming + emotional story about a young girl who taught him the true meaning of family. This conversation will remind you the importance of family, regardless of how they're made.

How do we react to an unwanted diagnosis? How do we move forward with courage, love, respect, and certainty that the best remains in front of us? Dr. April Jones personal journey makes her an authority on transforming pain into purpose. Before her son's 2nd birthday, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer... and April + her husband were faced with an agonizing, life-changing decision. April's heartfelt journey + uplifting story is sure to help those seeking to turn struggle into strength!

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill Today I share the story of someone choosing to be happy and striving to make every experience a gift for his clients. As you head into this week, I encourage you to embrace your responsibilities + to make the best of your day, your work and your life.

How do you handle situations that feel like massive setbacks? William Hung is remembered most by when he was laughed off the stage by American Idol judges for his rendition of Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”. Those that  laughed, judged + critiqued missed what was actually happening: the power of an individual believing in his dreams.  Today, William shares about taking chances, the courage to fail forward, and rising above cynics to become a champion by choice and smiling every step of the