John O’Leary welcomes four-time Paralympic gold medalist Josh Pauls on the Live Inspired Podcast to share lessons on grit, leadership, self-worth, and the small habits that build big momentum.
Josh Pauls is a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, longtime captain of Team USA Sled Hockey, and a keynote speaker whose story of resilience has inspired audiences around the world. Born without shinbones and losing both legs before his first birthday, Josh has spent his life defying expectations… and lifting others as he rises.
Today, Josh shares how he fell in love with sled hockey, the lessons learned from becoming a young captain on the world stage, and the personal journey that led him to embrace who he is fully, confidently, joyfully. He unpacks the meaning of his mantra “standards over feelings,” the teammates who became his family, the role his wife Kate played in helping him see himself through a kinder lens, and why letting kids face challenges might be the greatest gift a parent can offer.
My friends, if you’re craving a reminder that your challenges don’t define you, (your choices do!) this conversation is for you. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to show up bravely in your own life, you’ll leave with practical tools for perseverance, a renewed belief in what’s possible, and a fresh appreciation for those who help you push past your limits.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Born without shinbones and losing both legs as an infant, Josh grew up learning resilience early, guided by parents who refused to treat him as fragile and raised him with high expectations, grit, and the belief that he was capable of anything.
- He first tried sled hockey as a kid and didn’t like it… until his parents urged him to give it one more chance, a second attempt that sparked a lifelong passion.
- Early success didn’t come without setbacks. Josh remembers being one of the smallest players and having to work twice as hard to compete.
- As a teen, he made Team USA and found himself learning how to be a leader long before he felt ready to wear the captain’s “C”.
- “Standards over feelings” became one of his guiding principles and is a reminder that discipline outlasts emotion when motivation fades.
- “ I had a hockey coach that say if there’s three things we can do. You can work hard, you can learn something, you can have fun.
- Leadership, for Josh, isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels supported and accountable.
- Sled hockey gave him more than medals. It gave him a second family and a community where he felt totally accepted and free to be himself.
- Meeting his wife, Kate, reshaped the way he saw his own body, his story, and his worth. Her acceptance helped him grow into deeper confidence.
- Don’t be a lawnmower parent. He encourages parents not to bulldoze obstacles for their kids. Let them struggle, fail, adjust, and rise… that’s how confidence is built.
- Josh is training for the 2026 Milan Paralympics while also building a career as a keynote speaker, sharing lessons far bigger than sport.
- He believes legacy isn’t measured in medals but in the impact you make on the people who journey alongside you.
- Josh’s story reminds us that our limitations are rarely the limit. It’s our belief in ourselves, and in the people who believe in us, that carries us forward.
- Achieving small goals (like making your bed or brewing your morning coffee) builds the momentum that helps you achieve the larger, more daunting goals.
- Josh encourages us to be okay being different. Your uniqueness can become your greatest strength.
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Cal Ripken Jr. As one of the greatest to ever play the game. Cal broke Lou Gehrig’s record of 2,130 consecutive games not because of one heroic moment, but because he showed up faithfully, day after day, for 21 straight seasons. Our conversation isn’t just about baseball… it’s about life, character, confidence, and believing the best is yet to come. Listen to Cal Ripken Jr. on ep. 274.
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JOSH PAULS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Uncommon Leadership by Ben Newman. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. I wish I was more curious. - 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 wedding band. - 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. My old coach Jeff Sauer. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. I've never met anybody that's worked hockey. They've only ever played hockey, so it might as well have fun. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Be okay finding who you are. - 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. Josh Pauls works hard, loves the game, plays hard.
