Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Most Influential Photographer on the Internet (Jeremy Cowart ep. 150)

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed. - Linda Wooten My mother has played such an important role in my life. The greatest examples of leadership and love are from her. Today, I share how she so generously loved to me, my siblings, my father and so many more.

Our guest Meik Wiking is the founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute, is improving the quality of life across the globe and has consulted with the Danish government and the city of Goyang in South Korea among others to increase key drivers of happiness in their countries.  Meik’s insights are fascinating and will give you practical steps to live a happier, more inspired life today.

We've been producing these Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moment segments for two months. I hope they're giving you a quick burst of inspiration to start your week ON FIRE. Today I share a preview of this Thursday's guest Meik Wiking, founder + CEO of The Happiness Research Institute. Meik’s native Denmark routinely ranks highest in United Nations Happiness Report, inspiring his six-year journey to discover what drives human happiness + how to increase it around the globe.

Singer-songwriter Walker Hayes shares his unlikely path to the top of the music charts. You’ll hear the stories behind the songs on his latest album, boom., like platinum-hit You Broke Up with Me about losing a record deal and Craig, which is a tribute to a life-changing friendship. Our conversation is a reminder that to live inspired, we must be ourselves. If you could use a reminder that the path to "success" isn’t always easy, but is always worth it – this episode is for you.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments. Today, I share a story submitted by Grace M. of Naperville, IL, a listener + Live Inspired community member.  Grace shared that some of her favorite Live Inspired Podcast guests include 5x New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown (ep. 103) and lawyer-turned-bestselling author Bob Goff (ep. 115). Send your stories and questions to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com.

Judith Viorst, author of the children's classic Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day shares her warmth, wisdom + cheeky humor about what it’s like to write books across genres for more than six decades. In honor of national poetry month, Judith shares her most recent is her book Nearing Ninety: And Other Comedies of Late Life. Judith’s perspective on the joys + tribulations of life will remind you that that laughter is truly the best medicine, at any age, to live an inspired

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  We've had nearly 120 guests on the Live Inspired Podcast. As you know, at the end of the interview, each guest answers the Live Inspired 7 questions, with the first question being: What’s the best book you’ve ever read? As we gear up to celebrate World Book Day, I want to share the most mentioned books by our guests.

We live, play and work at an ever-increasing pace, amidst a lot of noise – yelling, fear, anxiety, texting, streaming, email. In this environment, we long for hope and humanity, but often give more reactive responses than ever.  Whether you're leading a large corporation, stuck in carpool traffic, or both: Today's conversation will give you tips and motivation to live a more inspired life – one intentional interaction at a time.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  I had so much fun talking with my new friend + country music star Walker Hayes, that we stayed on the phone for two hours! We only had 45 minutes scheduled for his interview. That, my friends, has never happened before. I couldn’t wait to share a little of the fun with you. So today, you get a preview! Get the entire conversation on upcoming Live Inspired Podcast ep. 146.

Almost 13 years ago, I read Judith Shulevitz's New York Times article Taking Back Sabbath and still today, it has a profound effect on me. As a society, we've put such an emphasis on work and being busy and this article reminds us of the importance of Sabbath, what “Sabbath” is and what it means in all of our lives – regardless of our faith background.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, we celebrate National Sibling's Day this Wednesday, April 10 by reaching out to your sibling (or chosen sibling!) to share your love + gratitude for them.  Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. #88 to hear the heroic acts of my siblings that saved my life 30 years ago and three ways to enhance your adult sibling relationships.

I've been so eager to bring Sparsh Shah onto the Live Inspired Podcast since I was first introduced to him in March 2017.  Fifteen-year-old Sparsh shared about born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or "Brittle Bone Disease", and how he hasn't let it define his life. Sparsh, also known by his rapper name Purythem, went viral with his rendition of Eminem's Not Afraid and since sang the National Anthem at Madison Square Garden. He radiates positivity while owning his disability with awe-inspiring grace. 

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments.  Today, I take pause to celebrate Doctor's Day and share the important role play in all our lives. With a special shout out to my childhood physician,  Dr. Tsifutis, who I recently got to have lunch with and thank in person.

The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, is a series that follows Leon Logothetis as he travels the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways. Leon joins us to share how a once “lonely kid” grew up to be a successful stock broker and then, upon discovering his passion for human connection and kindness, has embarked on the adventure of a lifetime.