Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Remember being little, and how natural it was to dive fully into life? We raised our hands when questions were asked, made best friends with everyone on the playground and were the first ones in and last ones out of the pool. Then we got a bit older. We stopped raising our hands quite as much. We stopped opening up to others. Heck, not only did we stop being the first one in the pool, we stopped even wearing our swimsuits to pool parties! We started making more excuses and stopped being as active. Today's Monday Motivation will remind you of the boldness of youth, the joy of participation and the power of showing up with heart.

Israa Nasir is a psychotherapist, speaker, writer, and the founder of WellGuide, a digital platform dedicated to making mental health tools accessible to all. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Time, and Harvard Business Review, and her new book, Toxic Productivity, helps readers reclaim their time and emotional energy in a world that constantly asks for more. Today, Israa shares how her own pursuit of achievement nearly cost her the things that mattered most. She opens up about growing up between cultures, how her family’s story shaped her understanding of success, and the moment she realized she needed to make a change. We also explore the concept of toxic productivity, why so many of us fall into it, and what it actually takes to break free. My friends, if you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, struggled to say no, or questioned your worth when you're not "doing enough," this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical tools to quiet your inner critic, make space for joy and rest, and define success on your own terms.

During five agonizing months in the hospital, physical pain, emotional anguish and unceasing monotony were constant companions. And yet, one thing I treasured was the sound of the door opening each afternoon with the hospital volunteer delivering mail. Over those months, I was blessed to receive hundreds of get-well cards, love notes and care packages. Sometimes I’d recognize the sender’s signature, but far more often the note of encouragement would come from someone I had never met. Each note though- whether from a friend or stranger- provided a lifeline to a world outside those four walls, reminding me that someone, somewhere, was thinking of me. It didn’t necessarily change my day, but it reminded me I wasn’t alone. I thought of that kindness when I read the story of this month’s On Fire For Good honoree. Let me explain.

Kyle Scheele is a speaker, author, content creator, and self-described “maker of weird stuff for the internet.” He’s built a Viking ship out of cardboard, faked a marathon that went viral, and inspired thousands to let go of regret. And yet it’s the heart behind it all that will move you most. Today, Kyle shares what it was like to grow up feeling like the “dangerous kid” no one wanted around, how one friend in fourth grade changed the course of his entire life, and why he believes creativity isn’t just for fun... it’s a lifeline. He opens up about the early pain that shaped him, the audacity that built his career, and the surprising ways silly ideas can lead to sacred moments. My friends, if you need a reminder that your story matters (even the weird, messy, unfinished parts!) this conversation is for you. You’ll leave it with a new way to see your past, your regrets, and your voice... And most importantly, the permission to try that bold idea you've been quietly dreaming about.

I don’t enjoy convertibles in August. Especially not in the southern Florida heat. I don’t typically eat at the Olive Garden. In particular, two nights in a row. It’s not the norm on a business trip for me to stay up late eating popcorn in bed while watching the Disney Channel. And I don’t often play mini golf, float on lazy rivers or go down a large waterslide repeatedly… all before a speaking event. But for a couple days each year, that’s exactly how my days are packed. Let me explain.

As a high-profile model and bestselling author, Christine Handy built a life that seemed picture-perfect as she graced campaigns for iconic brands like Pepsi, Victoria's Secret, and Budweiser. And yet behind the glamour was a woman facing unimaginable trials. A breast cancer diagnosis, along with a series of painful setbacks, would strip away her identity and force her to rebuild from the inside out. Today, Christine shares about the wrist injury that left her in chronic pain, the breast cancer diagnosis that upended her life, and the slow, sacred process of reclaiming her worth. Hear her open up about the emotional toll of losing her physical appearance, how her faith and friendships carried her through treatment, and what it means to truly see yourself (scars and all!) as beautiful. My friends, if you’ve ever struggled to feel worthy, battled a setback you didn’t see coming, or wondered if your story still matters, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a renewed belief in the power of hope, a reminder that real beauty comes from within, and the courage to keep going, no matter what life throws your way.

This weekend marked the first Father’s Day I’ve ever celebrated without my dad. It was a bittersweet milestone- filled with both gratitude for the way he shaped my life yet also an ache for his absence. As I reflected on his legacy yesterday, it’s not just his laughter, strength or faith that I carry with me most vividly- it’s the quiet, consistent way he loved. Let me explain.

Damon Dunn is a former NFL wide receiver, Stanford scholar, powerhouse entrepreneur, and a man who never forgot where he came from. Raised by his grandparents in a trailer with ten people, Damon grew up boiling bathwater on the stove, eating mayonnaise sandwiches, and sleeping three to a bed. Today, he’s a successful CEO, real estate developer, founder of multiple businesses, and a leader committed to serving those facing the same uphill battles he once did. In this conversation, Damon shares how watching a Dallas Cowboys game as an 8-year-old boy sparked a vision that carried him out of poverty and into a life of purpose. He opens up about growing up without his parents, losing family members to prison, and the hope that carried him through. He talks candidly about the identity crisis that followed his NFL career, how he rebuilt his career from the ground up, and the leadership values that continue to guide him as a father, CEO, and difference-maker. My friends, if you’ve ever felt stuck in your circumstances, like your dreams are too far out of reach… or if you're just ready for a shot of bold, heart-centered inspiration, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away feeling more hopeful, more focused, and more ready to chase what’s possible.

Do you think beautiful things can grow out of horrible events? Recently, I was introduced to a young man who exudes a youthful, happy energy, and whose mission in life-despite being rooted in an experience that is anything but—filled me with joy. Let me explain.

Sister Monica Clare is a nun, author, and the Superior at the Community of St. John Baptist, an Episcopal convent in New Jersey. And yet, she didn’t answer the call to religious life until age 46, after a failed marriage, a successful career and years spent searching for where she truly belonged. Today, Sister Monica shares what it was like to grow up in chaos, endure a painful marriage to an atheist, and journey from comedy clubs and ad agencies to the quiet rhythms of convent life. With honesty and heart, she opens up about faith, imposter syndrome, resilience, and how even a moment in Walmart can become holy ground when you’re listening for God’s voice. Her story is packed with pain, humor, and sacred surprises. My friends, if you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or unworthy of a fresh start, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away reminded that healing is possible, calling can come later, and there is beauty in becoming.

Robert Irvine is a world-renowned chef, successful entrepreneur, and champion for our military and first responders. Perhaps most recognized from Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible and Restaurant: Impossible, Robert has helped transform over 300 failing restaurants, and more importantly, the lives of those behind them. Today, Robert shares how a childhood marked by poverty and homelessness shaped his view of leadership and service. He explains how food became his way to connect, serve and heal and how one unforgettable moment with a child on set changed everything. From peeling potatoes on warships to building a life of purpose, Robert’s story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring. My friends, you’ll leave this episode with practical wisdom on leadership, empathy, and the quiet power of showing up for others. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, you can choose to lead with love, live with purpose, and make a difference... one meal, one moment, one life at a time.

Have you noticed it is frequently the people who say the least about themselves who have the most incredible stories to share? On this Memorial Day holiday, I wanted to share one such example of a heroic, humble servant who never needed to tell you how great he was.

Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries, Necessary Endings, and more than 40 other life-changing books that have sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. For the past four decades, Henry has coached CEOs, guided families, and walked alongside everyday people in their most vulnerable moments to help them grow, heal, and lead. Today, Henry shares what it means to rise through pain, reframe failure and rewire the way we grow. You'll hear how his mother’s tough love (and a trusted friend named Emmet) gave him the strength to rise after every fall—literally, how he lost his sense of purpose in college and the unexpected moment a stranger inspired him to change his life forever. Together, we explore boundaries, endings, vision, relationships, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward when life feels heavy. My friends, you'll leave today's conversation with renewed hope, practical wisdom, and a deeper understanding of why the right people in your life can make all the difference. You’ll be reminded that the most important work we’ll ever do is in relationships—with ourselves, with others, and with the future we dare to believe is still possible.

Thirteen years ago, I was invited to visit a critically ill man in a hospital. All I knew was the hospital where he was being treated, his room number, that his first name was David and that he was dying.

Jessica Cox was born without arms, but she’s never let that stop her from soaring. A certified pilot, fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, author, global speaker, and advocate for people with disabilities, Jessica is also the visionary behind The Impossible Airplane, a first-of-its-kind aircraft designed to be flown entirely by foot. Her life is a powerful reminder that our greatest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves. Today, Jessica shares how she turned “Why me?” into “Why not me?” She opens up about her journey to becoming the world’s first armless pilot, the faith that helped her push past fear, and the creativity required to thrive in a world not built for her body. She talks about the love story that began in a martial arts class, the plane she’s building to inspire kids around the world, and the freedom that comes from radical self-acceptance. My friends, if you’ve ever doubted your worth or felt held back by fear, this conversation is for you. Jessica’s story will reignite your belief in what’s possible. You’ll walk away with a renewed sense of courage, fresh perspective on your own challenges, and the reminder that with faith, resilience, and a little ingenuity, nothing is out of reach.

A tent in Colorado A canoe in Georgia Friend’s couch Church pew Airplane seat ER waiting room Classroom desk This is a truncated list of places I dozed off as a child. Regardless of where I fell asleep, though, I always had the certainty of ultimately going back to my house, my room, my bed. But many children do not sleep with that same certainty. When Luke Mickelson learned this reality, he began to do something about it. And what he did changed not only his life, but his entire community. In learning about his story, I believe your life will be positively changed, too. Let me explain.

Luke Mickelson is the founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit that has built and delivered more than 300,000 beds to children in need across the world. With nothing but hope, hammers, and heart, Luke traded his corporate success for a movement rooted in dignity, compassion, and community. Today, Luke shares how one “tiny moment” changed everything. From witnessing a little girl named Haley receive her very first bed to walking away from a steady career to serve full time, Luke is proves that a willing heart and a power drill can change lives... starting with your own. My friends, if you need a reminder that purpose can begin with the simplest of actions, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave this episode with a deeper belief that your tiny moments matter, and that one small "yes" can transform a community.

A couple of years ago, I had the immense honor of delivering the commencement address for the Class of 2023 at my alma mater, Saint Louis University. (Believe me, the only people more surprised than I that O’Leary was the commencement speaker…. were the professors who taught me back in the late 1990s!) As I watched the graduates cross the stage full of excitement, trepidation, nerves and ultimately hope, I couldn’t help but think back to the miracle that appeared the night of my own graduation. Let me explain.

Kim Becking is a New York Times bestselling author, founder of the Unstoppable Momentum Movement, cancer survivor and mom of three. A leading voice on navigating change, she’s on a mission to help people lead with purpose, build real resilience, and face life’s challenges with courage. Today, Kim shares how she went from growing up in a trailer in small-town Missouri to becoming a lawyer and public servant. Plus, she shares the bold choice to leave a high-powered career to prioritize family, the breast cancer diagnosis that rocked her world at 30, the life-changing advice from her late friend Patty, how she’s redefining resilience, and why “grit without grace” just doesn’t work. My friends, if you’ve ever faced a setback that left you wondering how to keep going, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tools to build real resilience, the permission to pause and give yourself grace, and the reminder that while the headwinds may be real, the foundation is firm, and the best is yet to come.

Several years ago, I was getting ready for work when my oldest son, Jack, walked into the bathroom as I was shaving. Just five years old at the time, he stood next to me for a while pretending that he, too, was getting rid of the “stubble” on his cheeks. But then he stopped pretending and began gently touching the scars that cover my torso. These are the deep red scars, with ridges and lumps that traverse my stomach. These are the scars that remind me of all I went through and would rather forget. They’re the scars that even today I avoid looking at because they’re just too painful. But on this day Jack traced those scars with his little finger. What he said next changed how I saw everything.