John O’Leary welcomes first legally blind Division 1 athlete Aaron Golub to the Live Inspired Podcast to share lessons on resilience, motivation, and redefining limitations to live with purpose.
Aaron Golub is the first legally blind athlete to ever play in a Division I football game. With no vision in his right eye and only a small, central “tiny hole” field of sight in his left (and roughly 20/200 in that limited view!), Aaron spent years being underestimated and defined by what others believed he couldn’t do, until he decided to rewrite the story himself.
Today, Aaron shares what it means to build resilience early, how internal motivation changes everything, and why the challenges we want to escape often become the very things that shape us. From being picked last in every sport to waking up at 5:00 AM to master a single skill, he walks us through the mindset shifts, habits, and leadership lessons that carried him from the sidelines to the field and far beyond it.
My friends, if you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or tired of being defined by a label, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with renewed hope, quiet confidence, and the reminder that the best of your days remain ahead.
Subscribe & listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio or listen here:
Or click here to watch the full conversation on YouTube!
SHOW NOTES:
- Aaron shares how his parents intentionally built resilience early by stepping back, letting him struggle, and trusting that difficulty would create strength rather than fear.
- Frustrated as a third-string JV athlete, Aaron made a pivotal decision to think differently, specialize as a long snapper, and commit to doing what others weren’t willing to do.
- Waking up at 5:00 AM every day for years, Aaron practiced relentlessly, fueled by internal motivation rather than external validation.
- Aaron reflects on becoming the first legally blind athlete to play in a Division I football game at Tulane and later earning the role of team captain through service, consistency, and trust.
- He explains why asking for help is not weakness, but self-awareness, and how advocating for himself changed his experience as a college athlete and leader.
- “Vision is not sight.” Aaron shares how limited eyesight sharpened his focus, discipline, and attention to details others often overlook.
- After football, Aaron transitioned into entrepreneurship and speaking, driven by a mission to help others reframe adversity as an advantage.
- His reminder for all of us: comfort is the enemy of growth, labels don’t get the final word, and steady effort compounds into extraordinary outcomes over time.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Ben and Amy Wright. As the founders of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a coffee shop named after two of their children who have Down syndrome, they’re not only creating meaningful jobs for people with disabilities, they’re changing the way the rest of us see what’s possible. Their message is simple and powerful: we all have different abilities, and there’s room for everyone. Listen to Ben and Amy Wright on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 85 now.
***
About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.
AARON GOLUB'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Atomic Habits by James Clear. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Curiosity. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. Our dog's ashes. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. Tom Brady, my girlfriend and my sister. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. When I committed to play at Tulane, I was invited onto Good Morning America. My first instinct was to say no, but my long snapping coach Chris Rubio encouraged me saying if I can go on and help one other kid who has a disability or someone who's in need by going on sharing my story, then I should do it. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Try new things outside of football. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. Pushed boundaries and made an impact.
