John O’Leary welcomes bomb survivor and Paralympic swimmer Haven Shepherd to the Live Inspired Podcast to remind us that adversity doesn’t define us—it reveals our capacity to rise above.
Born in a small town in Vietnam, Haven Shepherd was just 14 months old when she miraculously survived a bomb explosion that left her orphaned and resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee. Adopted into a loving family with six athletic siblings, Haven discovered swimming—a sport that brought her freedom, purpose, and a path to Paralympic success.
Today, Haven is a celebrated athlete and advocate for adaptive sports. She joins us to share how tragedy shaped her strength and gratitude, why perspective defines what’s possible, and the importance of grace in overcoming life’s challenges.
My friends, this conversation is a powerful reminder that adversity doesn’t define us—it reveals our capacity to rise above.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Born in Da Nang, Vietnam to two parents having an affair, they staged a family suicide where Haven miraculously survived a blast that flung her 40 feet away.
- After the explosion, Haven’s maternal grandparents – who were simple rice farmers – cared for her for 6 months until she was adopted. Her grandparents recognized they’d be unable to properly care for a disabled young girl in their small village.
- The gift of perspective: With her and her seven siblings, Haven’s mom Shelly helped each of them find their own divine purpose in life. For Haven, she would remind her that, “people don’t look at you because they’re wanting to hurt your feelings. People are just looking at you because they’re curious.”
- For those struggling to fit in because of their differences, Haven encourages us to embrace how original we are.
- “Winning doesn’t drive me. Having fun and living life does.”
- “You don’t need to have a dramatic story to make a dramatic difference.”
- “Everybody has some magic in them that they just haven’t tapped into yet.”
- Recognizing that giving grace isn’t easy, Haven feels that when you forgive someone it truly means you’re taking on that sorrow in your heart and moving forward.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Bethany Hamilton. Bethany Hamilton was just 13 years old when she became a household name after being attacked by a shark while surfing. She lost her arm and nearly her life, but just one month after the attack, returned to surfing. Today, nearly two decades later, Bethany is a professional surfer, wife, mother and incredible role model. Her amazing story has been shared in the award-winning biopic Soul Surfer (directed by On Fire the Film’s director Sean McNamara). Listen to Bethany Hamilton on ep. 178.
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HAVEN SHEPHERD'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I had no doubt. Nothing was impossible. - 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. My dream catcher. My grandpa carved out the wooden feathers himself, and I strung all the beads from places I've been, I drilled holes into seashells. - 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. Jordan Pierce. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. My mom would tell me, "the only thing holding you back in life is your perspective." - Q. What advice would you give your 20-month-old self?
A. Buckle up because you don't know where life if going to take you. I want to tell that little baby she was so loved, had a such a divine purpose for her life and that she is where she needs to be - 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. I'm thankful for my life. Go where the wind takes you.
