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New York Times Bestselling Authors

Inspiring conversations with some of the world’s most popular authors.

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

Thursday Episode | February 25, 2021

Ben Nemtin of MTV’s ‘The Buried Life’: What Do You Want to Do Before You Die? (ep. 336)

On the Live Inspired Podcast, John O’Leary welcomes Ben Nemtin of MTV’s The Buried Life as he asks the question “what do you want to do before you die?”. In 2006, Ben Nemtin and three childhood friends started The Buried Life: a list of…
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Thursday Episode | December 31, 2020

Enneagram Expert Ian Morgan Cron (ep. 320)

John O’Leary welcomes Enneagram expert Ian Morgan Cron to the Live Inspired Podcast to share how this assessment can make you more self-aware and transform your life. “The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just…
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Thursday Episode | December 24, 2020

Jarrett J. Krosoczka: Bestselling Author/Illustrator

John O’Leary welcomes New York Times bestselling children’s author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka to the Live Inspired Podcast. At a time that many of us feel there is less to celebrate than usual, today’s guest reminds us that despite the challenges there is…
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Thursday Episode | October 15, 2020

How A Grieving Mother Healed (Anna Whiston-Donaldson ep. 298)

John O’Leary welcomes New York Times bestselling author Anna Whiston-Donaldson on the Live Inspired Podcast to share how she found hope within impossible circumstances. After the sudden death of her 12-year-old son Jack, Anna Whiston-Donaldson felt lonely, heavy with guilt and uncertain if she could ever be happy again. Anna…
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Thursday Episode | August 13, 2020

Dr. Gary Chapman of The 5 Love Languages (ep. 280)

New York Times bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share about the importance of expressing love. Dr. Gary Chapman is just the man to turn to for help on strengthening our most important…
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Thursday Episode | July 30, 2020

Live Inspired Podcast: Health + Wellness Expert Jillian Michaels (ep. 276)

Health + wellness expert Jillian Michaels joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share practical tips that will empower you in all facets of life. Jillian Michaels is a world-renowned fitness expert, distinguished nutritionist and wellness entrepreneur.…
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Thursday Episode | May 14, 2020

Live Inspired Podcast: Nick Vujicic: Life Without Limits (ep. 254)

John O’Leary welcomes Nick Vujicic onto the Live Inspired Podcast to share about how being limbless can mean being limitless. Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles…
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Thursday Episode | March 19, 2020

Live Inspired Podcast: Fact-Based Optimism: Why the World is Better Than We Think (ep. 238)

Gregg Easterbrook joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share the research that the world is better than we think. Today I welcome back Gregg Easterbrook, New York Times bestselling author + guest on one of the most popular Live…
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Thursday Episode | March 12, 2020

Live Inspired Podcast: Happiness Amidst Coronavirus? Shawn Achor’s Take (ep. 236)

As an expert on the connection between happiness and success, Shawn Achor shares research and tips with John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast. How can I have optimism, happiness and social connectivity during the coronavirus pandemic?  Acclaimed happiness…
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Thursday Episode | February 20, 2020

Live Inspired Podcast: Melanie Shankle: New York Times Bestselling Author on Finding Joy in the Ordinary (ep. 230)

Four-time New York Times bestselling author Melanie Shankle joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share she lives on the bright side and finds joy in the ordinary. Ever had the feeling that you’re not enough or get…
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Twitter

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
12h

After delivering more than 2,000 speeches to several million people over the years, I have been honored to hear amazing stories from audience members + on occasion, receive gifts from them. A few have been unforgettable. None more than this. https://johnolearyinspires.com/2021/02/the-audacity-to-give/

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
28 Feb

Isolated + depressed, @BenNemtin rediscovered a zest for life that brought him + 3 friends on a 14-year bucket list quest.

This #LiveInspired Podcast episode will motivate you..

🎧
Apple: https://apple.co/2TEUEKT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
Web: http://bit.ly/nemtin336

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
28 Feb

Are you motivated to thrive after hearing @bennemtin's epic #bucketlist quest?

Use these steps to create yours:
1⃣Develop an initial list
2⃣Share goals with others
3⃣Break bigger items into tangible steps

🎧http://bit.ly/nemtin336

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
27 Feb

A few of @BenNemtin + @theburiedlife's #BucketList:

19. Write a @nytimes bestselling book✅
47. Set a @GWR ✅
95. Shoot hoops with @BarackObama ✅

What inspired this journey? How YOU can create a bucket list?

🎧:http://bit.ly/nemtin336

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
27 Feb

You have $10M + anything is possible. What's 100 things you want to do before you die?

This is exactly how @BenNemtin + @theburiedlife started their #bucketlist quest.

Learn more:
Apple : https://apple.co/2TEUEKT
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
Web: http://bit.ly/nemtin336

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johnoleary.inspires

johnoleary.inspires
After delivering more than 2,000 speeches and spea After delivering more than 2,000 speeches and speaking live to several million people, I have been honored to not only hear amazing stories from audience members, but on occasion to receive gifts from them. A few have been unforgettable.  First was from a woman who approached me with tears in her eyes. She hugged me firmly and shared that three months earlier her son had passed away. She then reached into her purse, grabbed a hat, and shared that this was her son’s favorite hat. He wore it before the diagnosis and throughout his treatments. She handed it to me and insisted I keep it.  Another was from a gentleman. He shared that he was from the Cherokee Tribe, thanked me for reminding him of the value of his story, the resiliency of human beings and the power of individuals to impact others. He then took off his beaded necklace, placed it on me and walked away.  Of course there was a gift from a very special little girl and her dad. Talking was difficult during our visit because she had developmental delays, and yet we persevered to discuss our mutual love of friends, music and nature. I signed her book, gave her a hug, and they walked away. A moment later she came running back, hugged me again and handed me a rock. She shared that it was her favorite rock, but she knew I’d love it even more. She was right.  And finally, one of the most remarkable gifts I’ve ever received, was a hand-delivered just a few weeks ago.  Kyle Lucks and I first met in 2019 at a conference he was working in Florida. At the time, he was in the meetings and events industry and there happened to be a guy named John O’Leary speaking. Kyle hadn’t expected that one of the speakers would be from his hometown of St. Louis. And he hadn’t expected to be moved to tears when he was supposed to be working.  However, it was the second time hearing me that he was stirred to action. Unable to travel for work because of the global shutdown of meetings and events in 2020, Kyle was able to fully engage in his greatest passion and true calling: painting.  Check out the rest of this moving story on my website. Link in bio. #LiveInspired #liveinspiredtogether #mondaymotivation #authorsofinstagram
In 2006, @bennemtin and three childhood friends st In 2006, @bennemtin and three childhood friends started @theburiedlife: a list of 100 things to do before you die. For every item on the list they accomplished, they helped a stranger cross something off their bucket list.  Ben has crossed off 93 including write the @nytimes bestselling book What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?, make a TV show, be interviewed by @oprah (who called their mission “truly inspiring") and play basketball with @barackobama (who said Ben is an “inspiration for a new generation”).  Today, Ben shares what inspired the bucket list quest, its impact on millions to thrive personally and professionally and the practical steps you can take to create your bucket list today.  Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 336 anywhere you get podcasts.
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#bennemtin #theburiedlife #theburiedlifebook #theburiedlifeproject #whatdoyouwanttodobeforeyoudie #johnoleary #onfirebook #inawe #bucketlist
The dreams we chase, the goals we set, and the pra The dreams we chase, the goals we set, and the prayers we request say much about the lives we lead.  I was reminded of this during an emotional visit with my new friend, Gerard Fleming, last week.  The first time I was introduced to the Fleming family was this past September. A mutual friend shared that they were in the midst of a family tragedy. Their three-year-old son had somehow gotten out of the house, snuck into the pool area, fallen in, and was unable to get out. By the time the little boy was discovered, he was unresponsive.  At that time, little Ambrose was on life-support and in need of a miracle.  The following morning my mom called to share the Fleming’s story with me. And then several more friends called to share, too.  This little boy was incredibly sick, desperately in need of a miracle and everyone who heard was spreading the word of this little boy and his family.  So, we prayed. And we hoped... And we ached for his family to receive the gift they so desperately pleaded.  The entire time following updates online.  We learned about the brain swelling, CT scans and significant health decline. Some updates were expansive medically, while others were simply pictures of the family. One picture was of Ambrose’s Mom holding him. There was a picture of Gerard napping next to his son in a hospital bed. There was a beautiful picture of Ambrose surrounded by his siblings. They were reaching toward him, holding his hands, grasping his little feet, praying for their little brother.  After a week of these emotional, vulnerable updates, shedding tears, offering prayers, feeling helpless and trying to remain hopeful, we received the following update from Ambrose's Dad...  Read my full #MondayMotivation essay on my website. Link in bio.
@nytimes calls @sebastiancomedy “the hottest com @nytimes calls @sebastiancomedy “the hottest comic in America".  With sold-out comedy shows, hit television specials and interviews on all the major late-night talk shows, Sebastian's distinct style of stand-up comedy has struck a chord, bringing joy to millions during the pandemic.  Today, Sebastian shares how perseverance and hustle have been the key ingredients to attaining the success he once only dreamed of, the challenges that come with it and where he finds inspiration.  If you're looking for a good laugh or a bit of joy, this episode is for you.  Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 334 anywhere you get podcasts.
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#sebastianmaniscalco #comedy #hustle #stayhumblehustlehard #johnoleary #liveinspiredpodcast #onfirebook #inawe
Recently a video of @jcfoxninja went viral on vide Recently a video of @jcfoxninja went viral on video-sharing social network @tiktok in which he was having a hard time opening his pill bottle because of his early-onset Parkinson’s.  The #TikTok community rallied around Jimmy. The result? So inspiring: An “accessible” bottle was created that Jimmy can now open with ease.  So honored to have Jimmy on the show to share the story behind the video, what it was like to be diagnosed with the disease at 27, the eight years of denial after the diagnosis + ALL that he has accomplished since:  1️⃣completing the @chimarathon
2️⃣competing four times on @nbc's American @ninjawarrior
3️⃣breaking a @guinnessworldrecords for most chest-to-ground burpees in one minute
4️⃣raising over $500,000 for #Parkinson's research.  If you could use an uplifting reminder of the power of community, this episode is for you.  Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 322 anywhere you get podcasts.
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#jimmychoi #crowdsourcing #parkinsonsdisease #parkinsonsawareness #parkinsonsresearch @michaeljfoxorg #inawe #johnoleary #liveinspiredpodcast #community
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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

7 hours ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired

We were overwhelmed with comments, shares, texts and likes for our post today about the power of generosity. Thought I’d include a link here for those who didn't read it yet [check the comments] as well as artist Kyle Luck’s time lapse video capturing the creation.... spectacular! J ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

20 hours ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired

After delivering more than 2,000 speeches and speaking live to several million people, I have been honored to not only hear amazing stories from audience members, but on occasion to receive gifts from them. A few have been unforgettable.

First was from a woman who approached me with tears in her eyes. She hugged me firmly and shared that three months earlier her son had passed away. She then reached into her purse, grabbed a hat, and shared that this was her son’s favorite hat. He wore it before the diagnosis and throughout his treatments. She handed it to me and insisted I keep it.

Another was from a gentleman. He shared that he was from the Cherokee Tribe, thanked me for reminding him of the value of his story, the resiliency of human beings and the power of individuals to impact others. He then took off his beaded necklace, placed it on me and walked away.

Of course there was a gift from a very special little girl and her dad. Talking was difficult during our visit because she had developmental delays, and yet we persevered to discuss our mutual love of friends, music and nature. I signed her book, gave her a hug, and they walked away. A moment later she came running back, hugged me again and handed me a rock. She shared that it was her favorite rock, but she knew I’d love it even more. She was right.

And finally, one of the most remarkable gifts I’ve ever received, was a hand-delivered just a few weeks ago.

Kyle Lucks and I first met in 2019 at a conference he was working in Florida. At the time, he was in the meetings and events industry and there happened to be a guy named John O’Leary speaking. Kyle hadn’t expected that one of the speakers would be from his hometown of St. Louis. And he hadn’t expected to be moved to tears when he was supposed to be working.

Kyle shared that it was as moving a presentation as he had ever heard. It was, however, only after the second time he hearing me that he was stirred to action.

Unable to travel for work because of the global shutdown of meetings and events in 2020, Kyle was able to fully engage in his greatest passion and true calling: painting.

Kyle Lucks is a master artist and partners with corporations, universities and individual collectors to create works of art to adorn their walls. It’s a talent he’s always possessed, something he has always love, but it took a global pandemic for him to turn the entirety of his attention to making it his living.

This past November his mother invited Kyle to join her for a virtual seminar. The company where she works was offering a program for their employees and families. One of the presenters was a guy named John O’Leary. {I know, how lucky could Kyle get!?}

Although Kyle knew parts of my story, the emotion he felt live the previous year was magnified and multiplied virtually. He was moved with a profound sense of gratitude for all he had, motivated by the desire to utilize his talents he possessed and called to make an even greater difference.

At the end of the session I challenged the audience to not only ask the question “What more can I do?” but to have the audacity to reflect on it, answer it, and take action on it.

Kyle Lucks [Kyle Lucks Fine Art] accepted the challenge.

Desiring to thank me for the powerful inspiration, he set out to bring to life the person who so deeply influenced my life: Jack Buck.

Kyle researched our relationship and sought to truly know who Jack was. Brush stroke by brush stroke, he set out using acrylic to bring to life the person who taught me the power of generosity and the transformation in daily answering the question, “What more can I do?”

On an otherwise ordinary day at my office, Kyle surprised me with a visit. He shared how we met originally, the impact of my words in his life, and the desire to thank me for it. He then revealed a stunning 24” by 36” portrait of my friend, Jack Buck.

I was speechless.

The masterpiece has hidden meaning throughout. There’s symbolism in the baseball in Jack’s left hand, the tie he’s wearing, even the ruggedness of the backdrop. My favorite, though, is when the light catches the painting at just the right angle, the words “KID, WAKE UP. KEEP FIGHTING’ appear through a special glossy spot varnish.

Every single time I look at the painting I am amazed someone took the time to create a gift like that for me. And every single time I am stirred not only by the generosity, talent and kindness of Kyle, but also by the man he captured so brilliantly in the portrait.

My friends, regardless of the work we do or the gifts we possess, our calling in life is to embrace our talents for a cause even greater than ourselves. Although many want to know “What's in it for me?” let’s commit to asking “What more can I do for others?”

A tattered hat. A worn, beaded necklace. A simple rock. An acrylic masterpiece. A kind word.

The important thing isn’t what you give. It’s having the audacity to take action and give.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

[Receive these emails in your inbox by joining 100,000 friends who receive my Monday Motivation newsletter.]
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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

4 days ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired

Enjoying sunshine and 50 degree weather after enjoying an epic snow fall for the last few weeks. That's my highlight this week! What's yours? Share in the comments! Can't wait to hear. Happy Friday! J ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

5 days ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired

In 2006, Ben Nemtin and three childhood friends started The Buried Life: a list of 100 things to do before you die. For every item on the list they accomplished, they helped a stranger cross something off their bucket list.

Ben has crossed off 93 including write The New York Times bestselling book What Do You Want to Do Before You Die?, make a TV show, be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey (who called their mission “truly inspiring") and play basketball with Barack Obama (who said Ben is an “inspiration for a new generation”).

Today, Ben shares what inspired the bucket list quest, its impact on millions to thrive personally and professionally and the practical steps you can take to create your bucket list today.

Listen to #LiveInspired Podcast ep. 336:
Apple Podcasts: apple.co/2TEUEKT
Spotify: spoti.fi/2RENGqQ
My website:http://bit.ly/nemtin336
... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 week ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired

The dreams we chase, the goals we set, and the prayers we request say much about the lives we lead.

I was reminded of this during an emotional visit with my new friend, Gerard Fleming, last week.

The first time I was introduced to the Fleming family was this past September. A mutual friend shared that they were in the midst of a family tragedy. Their three-year-old son had somehow gotten out of the house, snuck into the pool area, fallen in, and was unable to get out. By the time the little boy was discovered, he was unresponsive.

At that time, little Ambrose was on life-support and in need of a miracle.

The following morning my mom called to share the Fleming’s story with me. And then several more friends called to share, too.

This little boy was incredibly sick, desperately in need of a miracle and everyone who heard was spreading the word of this little boy and his family.

So, we prayed. And we hoped... And we ached for his family to receive the gift they so desperately pleaded.

The entire time following updates online.

We learned about the brain swelling, CT scans and significant health decline. Some updates were expansive medically, while others were simply pictures of the family. One picture was of Ambrose’s Mom holding him. There was a picture of Gerard napping next to his son in a hospital bed. There was a beautiful picture of Ambrose surrounded by his siblings. They were reaching toward him, holding his hands, grasping his little feet, praying for their little brother.

After a week of these emotional, vulnerable updates, shedding tears, offering prayers, feeling helpless and trying to remain hopeful, we received the following update from Ambrose's Dad.

* * * * * *

Susan and I are so grateful to everyone out there for being behind Ambrose and joining in our prayers. We know many of you have been praying for us and sending Christ to us through your prayers. Those prayers have been immensely helpful to us.

Many of us were praying for the miracle of Ambrose returning to his healthy self again. We were praying for the gift of life.

I believe we have received that miracle.

Ambrose is in his glorified body as another Saint Ambrose. He lives eternally in heaven with Christ.

Christ gave up his life so that we could live eternally. Our little Saint Ambrose is mimicking Christ. We have decided to donate his organs to children whose parents are themselves praying for a miracle. Through Ambrose, God will answer the prayers of these hopeful parents.

Your prayers, love, and support have made the difference.

You have helped Susan and I to remain strong in our trust of God and to make faithful decisions. Your prayers and love have held us up when we wanted to fall. You have helped us carry and embrace our heavy cross.

Please join us now in praying for the successful transplantation of Ambrose's organs, and the full recovery of those children who will receive them. We will share in the joy of knowing our Ambrose is part of bringing life, love, and joy to others.

* * * * * * *

My friends, what can I say?

A dad's heart was broken. A mother will never again hold her son. Siblings will never play with their little brother. The entire tragedy is so sad it’s almost unbearable.

And yet.

And yet...

These amazing parents chose to offer up their pain for a cause even greater than themselves.

They accepted that although their little boy won’t live, his death might provide hope to other children and other families.

During the hardest time in their lives, their prayer was not for themselves, not for ease, not for anything that might benefit them, but for the families who might be receiving the ultimate gift from their son: life.

So, with tears in my eyes and sadness in my heart, I forward along their request.

If you are a praying person, then pray for little Ambrose Fleming, his mom Susan, his dad Gerard, and their entire family.

And, to honor their request, pray also for those little ones lucky enough to get another chance at life because of the profound loss of the Fleming family.

The picture, by the way, is from Ambrose’s honor walk. It is the moment that a family walks their little one out of the hospital the final time.

Normally, the halls line with patients, doctors, nurses, staff, families and visitors to pay their respects to the little one who is being taken to a special offsite surgery center.

But for little Ambrose, not only were the halls lined, so was the entire street in front of the hospital.

My conversation with Gerard Fleming last week reminded me that the dreams we chase, the goals we set, and the prayers we request say much about the lives we lead.

In an all too frequently divided, angry, self-righteous and self-centered world, let's remember the sacred gift that life is, the fragility of it, the promise of heaven and the remarkable, loving sacrifice of families like the Fleming family.

It turns out one life can indeed make a difference.

Choose today to strive to be that difference in a world longing for it.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

[Want to get my #MondayMotivation essays in your inbox? Sign up on my website. Link in comments.]
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