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Cancer + Illness

Learn how you + your loved ones are more than a diagnosis with these guests who are living inspired despite their health challenges.

Join 100,000+ friends and get weekly motivation from John.

Thursday Episode | January 27, 2022

Stroke of Insight with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor (ep. 432)

John O’Leary welcomes Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor to the Live Inspired Podcast to share about her 8-year-long recovery from a stroke and how our brain is our most powerful ally. Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist…
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Richard lui
Thursday Episode | May 13, 2021

NBC’s Richard Lui on Caregiving for Father with Alzheimer’s (ep. 358)

John O’Leary welcomes NBC New’s Richard Lui to the Live Inspired Podcast to share his journey in becoming a caregiver for his father with Alzheimer’s. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, 54 million Americans give care for an ill or disabled…
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Thursday Episode | February 11, 2021

American Ninja Warrior + Parkinson’s Advocate Jimmy Choi (ep. 332)

John O’Leary welcomes Parkinson’s advocate and American Ninja Warrior Jimmy Choi to the Live Inspired Podcast for an uplifting reminder of the power of community. Recently a video of Jimmy Choi went viral on video-sharing social network TikTok in…
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Thursday Episode | January 28, 2021

Finding Strength while Grieving (Jonathan Pitts ep. 328)

John O’Leary welcomes Pastor Jonathan Pitts to the Live Inspired Podcast to share about the loss of his wife Wynter and finding peace, strength + hope in keeping her legacy alive. How can you boldly walk forward from unfathomably challenging circumstances?  Jonathan…
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Thursday Episode | January 7, 2021

Medical Miracle: Doug Lindsay Invented the Surgery that Saved His Life (ep. 322)

John O’Leary welcomes Doug Lindsay, the man who developed the treatment to a mysterious, debilitating illness that impacted his family, to the Live Inspired Podcast. How do you respond when something is seemingly impossible? Especially in life or death.…
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Thursday Episode | December 17, 2020

Jeremy + Adrienne Camp Find Strength Amidst Heartbreak (ep. 316)

John O’Leary welcomes singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp + his wife Adrienne Camp to share about finding strength amidst heartbreak and uncertainity on the Live Inspired Podcast. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Jeremy Camp is one of the most successful artists in Christian music…
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Thursday Episode | September 3, 2020

Tiffany Jenkins: The Journey from Opioid Addiction to Sobriety (ep. 286)

John O’Leary welcomes Tiffany Jenkins onto the Live Inspired Podcast to share her hard-won journey to redemption and sobriety. Are you facing obstacles that seem impossible? Have you made so many mistakes that forgiveness seems unreasonable? Have you lost…
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Thursday Episode | August 6, 2020

‘Say Yes to the Dress’ Star Goes Beyond Gowns (ep. 278)

‘Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta’ star Lori Allen joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share about owning Bridals by Lori for four decades, breast cancer and why she thinks marriages during the COVID-19 pandemic are…
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Thursday Episode | June 11, 2020

Live Inspired Podcast: Boston Marathon Bombing Survivor Rebekah Gregory (ep. 262)

John O’Leary welcomes survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing Rebekah Gregory to the Live Inspired Podcast to share how she’s choosing to live life vibrantly. “You can’t always choose the path that you walk in life but you can always…
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Thursday Episode | May 28, 2020

Live Inspired Podcast: Katherine + Jay Wolf: Finding Joy While Suffering (ep. 258)

John O’Leary welcomes Katherine + Jay Wolf to the Live Inspired Podcast to share about how they found joy while suffering. Does your life look different than you imagined it would? In 2008, Katherine + Jay Wolf were newlyweds and…
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Twitter

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
16h

ICYMI: Today's #MondayMotivation... Denny as Superman! https://johnolearyinspires.com/2022/06/time-dad-flew/

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
20h

In a fractured and polarized world, Dad reminds us that an arch consists of two weaknesses, which, leaning on each other becomes a strength.

https://johnolearyinspires.com/2022/06/time-dad-flew/

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
22h

Sometimes our greatest superpower is a willingness to accept help.

Read today's #MondayMotivation https://johnolearyinspires.com/2022/06/time-dad-flew/

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
27 Jun

Today's #MondayMotivation: Sometimes our greatest superpower is a willingness to accept help.

Read it here https://johnolearyinspires.com/2022/06/time-dad-flew/

MDGonzalesMark Gonzales@MDGonzales·
25 Jun

Sox give “Home Run For Life” for 7-year-old Beau Dowling, who was diagnosed with high-rush neuroblastoma as a toddler, recently underwent treatment for thyroid cancer:

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johnoleary.inspires

Live + virtual speaker. 2x bestselling author. Live Inspired Podcast Host. Best last: Husband. Dad.

John O'Leary
Growing up, many children believe their dad is Sup Growing up, many children believe their dad is Superman. From their youthful perspective, there’s simply nothing he can’t do.
Because he tucked them in each night and was oddly already dressed for the day when they got up, as far as they could tell he didn't require sleep. When a frisbee got stuck in a tree, a ball went missing under some bushes, or a bike chain fell off they knew where to turn. Dad was always able to retrieve the frisbee, fetch the ball and fix the bike chain.
As children age, though, the pristine cape Dad once wore begins to varnish.
Whether it’s the occasional disappointments or just advancing through adolescent years, the mask of perfection fades. Dad can’t fix everything and they don’t agree with all his rules. His hair grays, his waist expands and eventually his cape falls off entirely. Turns out, Dad can’t fly.
While that might be the reality for many kids, it isn’t for my siblings and me.
Denny O’Leary’s health was legendary growing up. While I’d happily miss school for any reason possible, Dad never missed a single day of work. Perhaps more surprising to me as a kid, he never missed a single day of school; not one day missed in grade school, high school, college or law school.
Dad was perpetually in a good mood. As children our days began with him prancing into our rooms to get us up for school, crooning old marching songs he learned in the military. Each day he’d wear a suit and tie, drive us to school, work a full day and return home for dinner. He helped with our homework, made learning fun, and asked about our days. Most kids dread bedtime, but Dad made ours so fun that we actually looked forward to it.
Dad made each of his six kids feel as if we were his favorite and we loved how he adored our Mom.
I recognize not everyone enjoyed a father like this, but my siblings and I were incredibly lucky – and grateful- to be raised by a super hero.
Then a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis 35 years ago changed his life... Continued in comments.
Working out. Eating well. Making amends. Asking fo Working out. Eating well. Making amends. Asking for help. Admitting you're wrong. Putting yourself out there. These are ALL good for us but they all require some level of discomfort. 
I talked with journalist and explorer @Michael_Easter who has gone to the ends of the earth (literally, I'm talking the frozen tundra of the Arctic!) to learn about all the ways our modern lives have made it easy for us to skip the hard stuff--and why that's hurting us more in the long run. 
If you're looking to find real connection in our world, today’s Live Inspired Podcast conversation will help you to embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy and healthy self.
Love wins. Flew to New Orleans today for a speak Love wins. 
Flew to New Orleans today for a speaking event.  Shortly after flight attendants distributed drinks, the gentleman one seat up accidentally knocked over my hot coffee and cold water. It was my second shower of the day. 
Then the flight attendant sprung to action! 
He brought paper towels. He removed the trash. He cleaned my tray.  And after seeing the coffee/water all over me, told me he needed his secret weapons. 
A moment later Robbie returned with tonic water …. and a few feminine pads. He told me it would be our secret, would clean me up and wouldn’t shed on my shirt or sport coat. 
Robbie was right!
I delivered the speech and no one even knew I had bathed in coffee.  I credit Robbie:-)
Well, upon returning to the airport and heading to the gate, I heard loudly, “Mr O’Leary! Mr. O’Leary!!!!! I’ve been looking for you all day! We at @southwestair want to keep you safe on the trip back home tonight! Here’s your very own Southwest poncho!”
Eddie G, assistant station manager for flight operations out of New Orleans had heard about the morning flight. (@swablogguy, I think you’re responsible for this!)
My friends, in a world where so any people take themselves a bit too seriously, there’s beauty in accepting what is, helping others around you and joyfully showing up for others. 
Today, I received that love from Robbie. And then Eddie. 
And now the other passengers on this flight wondering why some dude is wearing a suit…and a poncho! 
This is your day. Choose LUV. 
And live inspired.
While speaking before the students from Immaculate While speaking before the students from Immaculate Conception School, a new friend reminded me both of the power of sharing our lives with others and the mighty impact we can make in their lives through encouragement. Let me explain.
I’d been invited to remind the students that God is still God, their lives mattered and the best of their days remained ahead. The stories resonated, the students were engaged and the venue was abuzz with life. It was awesome.
Then, I invited the students to share with eachother a place in their lives where God had blessed them mightily. The students immediately turned, started sharing and the room filled with the voices of hundreds of kids excitedly sharing.
After a few minutes, I asked if anyone would share with the entire school. Many hands were raised and I eventually called on a girl seated near the front.
Lily flashed a beautiful smile and wiped her joy-filled eyes as she prepared to take the microphone from me. 
Lily shared it had been a difficult year for her. But she was grateful for this day, for this school, for her faith, and for her family. She was particularly grateful for the friends who stood by her even when things were hard for her.
It was a tender, honest, beautiful moment that moved everyone.
She got ready to hand the microphone back to me, but then spoke even more adamantly. After looking around at all of her schoolmates, she added, “And you all need to listen to this man! Do you have any idea how much courage it takes to stand before you and share a story like this? Do you have any idea how hard his life must be? Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have him with us today? Please listen to him and be grateful he’s with us. I am!”
That morning I was invited to be a source of inspiration and hope for these kids. Little did these students know that one of them, my friend Lily, would end up being that inspiration for me.
Today, strive to be that source of inspiration for others. 
This is your day. Live Inspired.
My friends, things are hard, change is possible, a My friends, things are hard, change is possible, and there is still work to be done, but the best remains in front of us.
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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 day ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
Growing up, many children believe their dad is Superman. From their youthful perspective, there’s simply nothing he can’t do.Because he tucked them in each night and was oddly already dressed for the day when they got up, as far as they could tell he didn't require sleep. When a frisbee got stuck in a tree, a ball went missing under some bushes, or a bike chain fell off they knew where to turn. Dad was always able to retrieve the frisbee, fetch the ball and fix the bike chain.As children age, though, the pristine cape Dad once wore begins to varnish.Whether it’s the occasional disappointments or just advancing through adolescent years, the mask of perfection fades. Dad can’t fix everything and they don’t agree with all his rules. His hair grays, his waist expands and eventually his cape falls off entirely. Turns out, Dad can’t fly.While that might be the reality for many kids, it isn’t for my siblings and me.Denny O’Leary’s health was legendary growing up. While I’d happily miss school for any reason possible, Dad never missed a single day of work. Perhaps more surprising to me as a kid, he never missed a single day of school; not one day missed in grade school, high school, college or law school.Dad was perpetually in a good mood. As children our days began with him prancing into our rooms to get us up for school, crooning old marching songs he learned in the military. Each day he’d wear a suit and tie, drive us to school, work a full day and return home for dinner. He helped with our homework, made learning fun, and asked about our days. Most kids dread bedtime, but Dad made ours so fun that we actually looked forward to it.Dad made each of his six kids feel as if we were his favorite and we loved how he adored our Mom.I recognize not everyone enjoyed a father like this, but my siblings and I were incredibly lucky – and grateful- to be raised by a super hero.Then a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis 35 years ago changed his life.The man who never missed a day could no longer work. The father who was always moving was unable to move at all. The vocalist who sang military taps each morning to playfully coax his kids out of bed lost the ability to even speak. The man who was always serving others required full time care and constant attention. His life became incredibly difficult.And yet the joy he radiated for life when we were kids continues to twinkle from Dad today.Recently we took a family vacation. Our Mom and Dad, their six kids and spouses, and all 21 grandbabies stayed together in Florida. Dad spent a week enveloped with kids, swarmed with grandchildren and loved every moment.One evening we celebrated with a bonfire on the beach. The sand was too soft and deep to roll my dad on the beach in his wheelchair. We resigned there was no way to get him down there to join us.Until.Until two stout sons-in-law and three strong grandchildren picked up his wheelchair and began the long journey out to the bonfire.As the sun set on the horizon, the smaller grandchildren cheered as their grandpa- buoyed by faith and carried by love- did what seemed impossible: Dad flew above the sand.During a situation most would be too scared to attempt or bitter to accept, Dad wore his trademark smile. In other words, his cape still fit. Our Superman could still fly.My friends, while Dad spent the majority of his life working hard, being kind and making a profound difference in the lives of others, he’s spent the last several decades accepting help from others, embracing the life that is his and continuing to make a profound difference in the lives of others.In a fractured and polarized world, Dad reminds us that an arch consists of two weaknesses, which, leaning on each other becomes a strength.Grab your capes. Lean into others. And let’s soar together.This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

5 days ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
Working out. Eating well. Making amends. Asking for help. Admitting you're wrong. Putting yourself out there. These are ALL good for us but they all require some level of discomfort. I talked with journalist and explorer Michael Easter who has gone to the ends of the earth (literally, I'm talking the frozen tundra of the Arctic!) to learn about all the ways our modern lives have made it easy for us to skip the hard stuff--and why that's hurting us more in the long run. If you're looking to find real connection in our world, today’s Live Inspired Podcast conversation will help you to embrace discomfort to reclaim your wild, happy and healthy self. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

6 days ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
Love wins. Flew to New Orleans today for a speaking event. Shortly after flight attendants distributed drinks, the gentleman one seat up accidentally knocked over my hot coffee and cold water. It was my second shower of the day. Then the flight attendant sprung to action! He brought paper towels. He removed the trash. He cleaned my tray. And after seeing the coffee/water all over me, told me he needed his secret weapons. A moment later Robbie returned with tonic water …. and a few feminine pads. He told me it would be our secret, would clean me up and wouldn’t shed on my shirt or sport coat. Robbie was right!I delivered the speech and no one even knew I had bathed in coffee. I credit Robbie:-)Well, upon returning to the airport and heading to the gate, I heard loudly, “Mr O’Leary! Mr. O’Leary!!!!! I’ve been looking for you all day! We at Southwest Airlines want to keep you safe on the trip back home tonight! Here’s your very own Southwest poncho!”Eddie G, assistant station manager for flight operations out of New Orleans had heard about the morning flight. (Kim Seale, I think you’re responsible for this!)My friends, in a world where so any people take themselves a bit too seriously, there’s beauty in accepting what is, helping others around you and joyfully showing up for others. Today, I received that love from Robbie. And then Eddie. And now the other passengers on this flight wondering why some dude is wearing a suit…and a poncho! This is your day. Choose LUV. And live inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 week ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
The first week of May this year was a bit exhausting for me.The week included significant travel, five speaking presentations and three podcast recordings. There were numerous prep calls, team meetings, and complicated project deadlines that added stress. Beyond work, there were times when striving to be a phenomenal spouse, parent, son and friend was a mighty struggle. And finally, although I seldom admit this reality, the body of burn survivors breaks down easily which can lead to painful skin infections; that week I was dealing with several.While speaking before the students from Immaculate Conception School, however, I tried to resolutely ignore any distractions, disregard personal discomfort and be fully present with these amazing students. And in doing so, a new friend reminded me both of the power of sharing our lives with others and the mighty impact we can make in their lives through encouragement. Let me explain.I’d been invited to remind the students of Immaculate Conception that God is still God, their lives mattered and the best of their days remained ahead. The stories resonated, the students were engaged and the venue was abuzz with life. It was awesome.About halfway through the program, I invited the students to turn to their neighbor and share a place in their lives where God had blessed them mightily. The students immediately turned, started sharing and the room filled with the voices of hundreds of kids excitedly sharing.After a few minutes, and although it took a little coercing, I settled the room down and asked if anyone would share with the entire school.Many hands were raised and I eventually called on a girl seated near the front.Lily flashed a beautiful smile and wiped her joy-filled eyes as she prepared to take the microphone from me. I approached, thanked her, knelt before her and let her speak.Lily shared it had been a difficult year for her. But she was grateful for this day, for this school, for her faith, and for her family. She was particularly grateful for the friends who stood by her even when things were hard for her. Lily paused and added that she got through the difficult days with their help.It was a tender, honest, beautiful moment that moved everyone.And it wasn't over yet.She got ready to hand the microphone back to me, but then spoke even more adamantly. After looking around at all of her schoolmates, she added, “And you all need to listen to this man! Do you have any idea how much courage it takes to stand before you and share a story like this? Do you have any idea how hard his life must be? Do you have any idea how lucky we are to have him with us today? Please listen to him and be grateful he’s with us. I am!”It was one of the most surprising -and humbling- moments I’ve had as a speaker. Made even more meaningful considering Lily is just twelve years old.My friends, the reality is I entered into that school physically in pain, emotionally drained and professionally wiped out.But Emerson reminds us, “our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.”That morning I was invited to be a source of inspiration and hope for these kids. Little did these students know that one of them, my friend Lily, would end up being that inspiration for me.Today, strive to be that source of inspiration for others.A kind word goes a long way. Just ask Lily. Or her new friend, John.This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 week ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
My friends, things are hard, change is possible, and there is still work to be done, but the best remains in front of us. ... See MoreSee Less

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