Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to more than 25 million individuals around the world. Gina Jernukian is the founder of Soul Survivor Ink, a nonprofit dedicated to helping survivors of human trafficking and former gang affiliation heal from the pain of their past by assisting them in the removal of “branding” tattoos and scars. Through this work, she helps survivors reclaim their identities, dignity, and freedom. Today, Gina shares the moment that shifted her purpose forever, the incredible journey of launching Soul Survivor Ink, and the profound impact of helping survivors erase the painful reminders of their past. She reminds us that while our past may shape us, it does not have to define us—and that healing, hope, and new beginnings are always within reach. My friends, if you need a reminder that one person can make an extraordinary difference, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave this episode with a deeper understanding of the hidden crisis of human trafficking, the power of small acts of kindness, and the unwavering truth that no matter where you’ve been, freedom and healing are always possible.

Life’s most beautiful moments are often wrapped in imperfection. We all wonder if we are enough and worry about the opinion of others. Reading a book recently reminded me that the most beautiful things are often imperfect. Let me explain.

Scott LeRette is a husband, father, and author of The Unbreakable Boy, the book that inspired the feature-length film of the same name. At its heart, his story is about one family's journey through brokenness, healing, and embracing life's messy, beautiful moments. Today, Scott shares what it was like raising a son with brittle bone disease and autism, how his own battle with alcoholism nearly tore his family apart, and the moments of grace that changed everything. He opens up about his mother’s tough love, the lessons his son Austin teaches him daily, and the journey from brokenness to faith. With honesty, humor, and deep reflection, Scott reminds us that life’s hardships don’t define us—our response to them does. My friends, if you need a reminder that life’s most beautiful moments are often wrapped in imperfection, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper appreciation for the people in your life, and the encouragement to embrace every day—challenges and all—with gratitude.

Briana Morales was ready to give up. Although it was the Christmas season, she felt defeated, hopeless and absent of joy. The high school teacher was sitting at the bedside of a former student who had been shot. Having already lost more than a dozen current and former students to gun violence in the past few years, this was not an unfamiliar scenario for her. As she held vigil at that former student’s bedside, she received a phone call that another beloved student, a young girl named Da’Miya, had been killed in a car accident. All of a sudden, the losses felt like too much and she began to question if her work was worth the effort. Let me explain.

Jason Wahler is an addiction and mental health advocate whose personal battle with addiction has shaped his mission to educate, inspire, and support others in recovery. Once living a life of reality TV fame and endless opportunities, he was also struggling with substance abuse, on the brink of losing it all. After years of public struggle, Jason turned his life around and is now committed to helping others break free from addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Today, Jason opens up about his early struggles with OCD, the pressures of reality TV, and the turning point that led to his lasting transformation. He also shares the power of making amends, the role of faith in his life, and his dedication to helping others rewrite their own stories. My friends, this conversation serves as a powerful reminder that no matter the challenges, redemption is possible and the best is yet to come.

Long before Steve Jobs put a device in our hands that lets us mindlessly tap away - giving the illusion of purpose while we wait and a tool to avoid any interaction whatsoever with strangers – I found myself seated alone at a lunch counter awkwardly waiting for my burger, fries and root beer. While watching the cook throw burgers on the grill, I heard behind me the unmistakable and unparalleled voice of Jack Buck belt out: “I didn’t know you had such a refined palate.” Jack was a Hall of Fame broadcaster, the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals and the biggest celebrity in our city. Additionally, he was a significant reason I survived a fire as a child, had been incredibly generous to me in the years since it and undoubtedly had altered the entire course of my life. He walked over, patted me on the back, asked if the stool next to me was taken and sat down. And so began this unexpected lunch with my hero. Let me explain.

Sharon Pope is a relationship coach who has helped countless couples find clarity and confidence in their relationships. After navigating her own journey through heartbreak, self-discovery, and lasting love, she now guides others to build relationships rooted in trust, communication, and joy. Today, Sharon shares how to rekindle intimacy and fun in long-term relationships, how to bridge the divide when couples feel disconnected, and how taking radical self-responsibility can transform not just relationships, but life itself. She opens up about her own story, from growing up in a home where emotions weren’t always expressed to leaving a marriage that no longer served her, and the lessons that shaped her path forward. My friends, Sharon’s wisdom will challenge you to look inward, embrace curiosity, and take ownership of the love you want to experience. Whether you’re searching for clarity in a relationship or simply want to strengthen the connections in your life, you’ll walk away from this episode feeling empowered, hopeful, and ready to take the next step.

This emphasis on self is one strongly encouraged by the society today. We’re challenged to focus singularly on our personal lives and our individual versions of happiness. Paradoxically, it’s in letting go of our self-centered desires that we find serenity. It’s in faithfully keeping our hearts open to serving others – even sometimes having them broken by those we love – that the meaning, joy and real peace we seek is gradually revealed. Let me explain.

A once-thriving chef, Jake Haendel’s life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with a rare and terminal condition. Known as Locked-In Syndrome, Jake was left completely paralyzed—fully aware but unable to move or communicate. Doctors said there was no way out, and yet Jake's story is one of unimaginable adversity, resilience, and hope. Today, Jake shares how he survived 10 months trapped inside his own body, what he learned in that time, and the extraordinary steps that led to his recovery. He opens up about the darkest moments, the mental resilience it took to endure, and the sheer willpower that helped him reclaim his life. My friends, if you need a reminder that hope is never lost, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode inspired to face challenges with renewed strength, embrace each day with gratitude, and believe in the power of the human spirit.

What does it take to be victorious when it matters most? That’s the question being asked of those gathered in the locker rooms of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Most analysts and the experts on TV will suggest the difference makers are things like elite quarterback play, strategic coaching and game management, impenetrable defensive lines, and special teams excellence. And while this weekend’s Super Bowl is sure to include much of the above, with one team ultimately bathing their coach in Gatorade, lifting high the Lombardi trophy, and stating proudly their intentions to go to Disneyworld, I think there is a much more important victory that we should be seeking. Namely, how do we accomplish something so transformationally important that it will endure decades after the confetti has been swept up?

Eric Close is an accomplished actor and director most recognized for his roles on television shows Without a Trace, Nashville and Suits. For decades, Eric has built an impressive career in Hollywood while staying true to his core values: faith, family, and purpose. Today, Eric shares how his faith has guided every step of his career, the intentional choices he and his wife made to keep their family strong, and how he’s learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Plus, he opens up about his struggles with anxiety, the wisdom he’s gained from Hollywood icons like Clint Eastwood, and his experience portraying Coach Joe Kennedy in Average Joe—a man whose simple act of prayer after football games sparked national controversy. My friends, if you’ve ever questioned your path, battled self-doubt, or needed reassurance that your struggles have meaning, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a reminder that we are never alone and the encouragement to stand firm in your beliefs.

When you read the headlines about a fire, shooting, conflict or loss, do you keep scrolling like most of us? Or do you actively step up and show compassion in your own personal way? How you respond may not only change your life, but the lives of others. Let me explain.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.