Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

John O'Leary

Wake up from accidental living so you do, be and achieve more through your life.

  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    Adam Wright: CEO of Pilot (ep. 744)

    Adam Wright is the President and CEO of Pilot, one of North America’s largest travel center networks serving more than 1.2 million travelers daily. From an All-American football player to a corporate leader overseeing 30,000 team members, Adam’s journey is a roadmap in resilience, intentional leadership, and the transformative power of faith and family.

    Today, Adam shares how life’s challenges can fuel greatness, the pivotal role of faith and discipline in his life, and the importance of showing people they matter at every turn.

    My friends, you’ll leave today’s conversation with practical wisdom on embracing grace, grit, and purpose and actionable insights on leadership, faith, and the power of relationships to build a life of impact and joy.

    23 January 2025, 6:00 am
  • 6 minutes 59 seconds
    Lessons from a California Forest (Monday Moment ep. 743)

     The first trip Beth and I took as a young couple was to San Francisco. As picturesque as the city was, it was what we encountered upon leaving the city that was most remarkable. With the most recent devastating fires engulfing California it is my hope that the lessons I learned decades ago might inspire us with courage to keep moving forward boldly today. Let me explain.

    20 January 2025, 7:00 am
  • 54 minutes 56 seconds
    Jennifer Jefferson: Executive Director of FOCUS Marines Foundation (ep. 742)

    Jennifer Jefferson is a wife, mother, veteran and Executive Director of FOCUS Marines Foundation, who has dedicated her life to uplifting others, creating community and changing lives.

    Today, Jennifer shares the transformative work of FOCUS – an organization I’ve been proud to partner with for more than a decade. Plus, Jennifer shares what it means to “choose each other every day” in marriage, her family’s decision to welcome her nieces into their home, and how trauma doesn’t have to define us.

    My friends, if you need a reminder that love is an action, not just a feeling, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with actionable lessons on the power of choice, the value of building community and the strength to face life’s challenges with purpose and hope.

    16 January 2025, 7:00 am
  • 6 minutes 52 seconds
    The Old Guy in Room 606 (Monday Moment ep. 741)

    Homeless guy. Single mom. Burn survivor. Wealthy person. Immigrant.

    Regardless the intent, our quick judgements and descriptors for others always fall short of fully describing another human being. Several weeks ago, during an overnight shift at a hospital, I witnessed the downside of labels. And yet, minutes later, I saw the healing power that comes when we more fully embrace the humanity of the person in front of us. Let me explain.

    13 January 2025, 7:00 am
  • 53 minutes 5 seconds
    Dr. Bertice Berry: Reflect Light, Find Blessings, and Tell Better Stories (ep. 740)

    Dr. Bertice Berry is a sociologist, award-winning author, and celebrated storyteller who has inspired millions through her wisdom, humor, and heart. From growing up in poverty as one of seven children to earning a Ph.D. in sociology, Bertice’s story encourages us to live authentically, reflect our best selves, and shine brighter for those around us.

    Today, Bertice shares how her early struggles shaped her belief in hope and blessings, even in the hardest of times. She reflects on the life lessons learned from her mother’s transformation, the importance of forgiveness, and why “cleaning the light” (literally and metaphorically) helps us see life more clearly. Bertice also discusses her challenges with MS and the mental chains that can hold us back more than the physical ones.

    My friends, if you need a reminder that your story matters and your struggles can become blessings, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to embrace your own narrative, find strength in your scars, and share your light with the world.

    9 January 2025, 6:00 am
  • 5 minutes 50 seconds
    Who Would Do That? (Monday Moment ep. 739)

    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.

    6 January 2025, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 14 minutes
    Damon West: Former 'Uptown Burglar' Found Redemption in Prison (ep. 738)

    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. 

    2 January 2025, 7:00 am
  • 6 minutes
    How Do We Change the World? (Monday Moment ep. 737)

    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.

    30 December 2024, 7:00 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    A Father Learning to "Walk On" After the Tragic Loss of his Son: Stephen Panus (ep. 736)

    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.

     

    26 December 2024, 7:00 am
  • 5 minutes 17 seconds
    Are You Ready for Christmas? (Monday Moment ep. 735)

    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?

    23 December 2024, 7:00 am
  • 57 minutes 43 seconds
    Blessing Offor: 2x Grammy Nominee Reminds Us Brighter Days are Ahead (ep. 734)

    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.

    19 December 2024, 7:00 am
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