Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Brad Ryan is a wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, and bestselling author whose remarkable journey with his grandmother inspired millions. After battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts during veterinary school, Brad made one courageous decision: taking his 85-year-old grandmother camping so she could see her first mountain. That trip grew into an eight-year adventure to all 63 U.S. National Parks... and transformed ...

Karen Olson is the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, the national nonprofit that has helped more than one million people experiencing homelessness through the support of volunteers across the country. While working as a successful marketing executive in New York City, Karen's life took an unexpected turn when she stopped to share a sandwich with a woman named Millie. That simple act of kindness ultimately inspired Family ...

For the past several summers, each of my four kids has been able to pick one work trip they want to join me on. They look through my speaking schedule, choose the destination, and other than the hour I'm on stage, they decide what we do together.

They call it "The Daddy Trip."

They think it's for them.

Truthfully, it'...

Thais Gibson is a counselor, relationship expert, and founder of The Personal Development School. And yet, before helping others transform their lives, she was a teenager struggling with addiction, anxiety, and the lingering effects of a difficult childhood. Her own healing journey led her to study why we think, feel, and react the way we do, and today she helps people build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Today...

Stephen (Steve) Starring Grant spent decades helping some of the world's biggest brands, including IBM, Prudential, Jaguar, and Burger King, better understand human behavior. But after losing his corporate job during the pandemic and facing a cancer diagnosis, he found himself in an unexpected role: delivering mail through the mountains of Appalachia.

Today, Steve shares the identity crisis that followed losing a career he'd spent ...

A year ago, we gathered as a family around my dad's bed as he took his final breath.

Last week, that same family gathered again. Mom, my five siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren…we all came together not at his house, but at his favorite place to vacation.

Although we had more than two dozen family members on this trip, everywhere we...

Neil Pasricha is a 10-time New York Times bestselling author, one of the world's leading voices on happiness, and the creator of 1000 Awesome Things, the award-winning blog that has attracted more than 100 million readers. Through his books, research, and storytelling, Neil has inspired millions to find joy, gratitude, and meaning in everyday life.

Today, Neil shares the personal setbacks that changed his life, the heartbreaki...

"Why didn't you go to Jack Buck's funeral?"

That was the very first question asked during a Q&A after I spoke in New Jersey last month.

I bought a little time by responding, "Well, not exactly the softball opener I had hoped for!"

The audience laughed awkwardly, I smiled nervously, and then I answered honestly:

Kevin Clark is an entrepreneur, Emmy Award-winning producer, and co-founder of Blessn, a faith-based social media platform designed to bring more positivity, encouragement, and connection into the digital world. After building a successful career in entertainment, Kevin discovered his greatest purpose was creating businesses and communities that serve others.

Today, Kevin shares how a chance meeting backstage at the Academy Awards ...

Most of us believe making a difference requires something big.

A big platform. A big title. A big personality. A big story.

Trust me, I understand why.

For much of my life, people have introduced me through the lens of having a big story. They know about the burns, the explosion, the hospital rooms, the visits from ce...

Glenn Sturm is an attorney, entrepreneur, photographer, and cancer survivor whose life changed forever after receiving a stage four cancer diagnosis nearly two decades ago. What once was a relentless pursuit of professional success became an invitation to slow down, refocus on what mattered most, and live with greater purpose and gratitude. Through years of treatment, setbacks, and unexpected joy, Glenn has become a passionate advo...

While heading to the final speaking event of a very full, very hectic year, I found myself doing what so many of us do this time of year: rushing.

It was a tight connection through a crowded terminal at DFW. As I hurried from one gate to the next, weaving through travelers, rolling suitcases, coffee cups, and glowing phone screens, I happened to glance out the window.

Haley Scott DeMaria is a speaker, author, and former University of Notre Dame swimmer whose life changed forever after surviving a tragic team bus crash that left her temporarily paralyzed. Told she may never walk again, Haley endured years of recovery before ultimately returning to compete for Notre Dame.

Today, Haley shares the heartbreaking aftermath of the 1992 bus crash that claimed the lives of two teammates, the physical and...

It's difficult when a chapter that once felt endless suddenly comes to an end.

Sixteen years ago, Beth and I stood nervously outside a little school in St. Louis called Holy Redeemer Catholic School. We were young parents then, with a five-year-old, a three-year-old, a one-year-old, and another child on the way. Life was chaotic and like most parents stepping into something ...

Nicholas Epley is a behavioral scientist, bestselling author, and professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business whose groundbreaking research explores why we as human beings often misunderstand each other. From studying social connection and happiness to teaching students how to design a meaningful life, Nicholas has spent his career helping people better understand themselves and those around them.

Today, Nichola...

At a recent speaking engagement, I asked the audience to turn to a neighbor and share what they were grateful for in the moment.

On this morning, hundreds of new friends turned away from me and toward the person seated nearest them. Voices elevated, tears fell and smiles returned. It was awesome to observe this from stage.

But off to the side sto...