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Sports + Athletes

Get your head in the game with these episodes featuring renowned athletes and adventurers.

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

Gino Cavallini
Thursday Episode | January 26, 2023

My Hockey Hero Gino Cavallini (ep. 536)

John O’Leary welcomes Gino Cavallini on the Live Inspired Podcast to discuss why he decided to repeatedly visit a 9-year-old boy with burns on 100% of his body, and how he continues to make his career and life about…
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Travis Thomas
Thursday Episode | December 15, 2022

US Men’s National Soccer Team’s Travis Thomas (ep. 524)

John O’Leary welcomes U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s Leadership and Team Dynamics Coach Travis Thomas to the Live Inspired Podcast. The 2022 FIFA World Cup is coming to a close! Of the 80 teams that qualified for the sport’s…
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Mike Girsch
Thursday Episode | September 15, 2022

St. Louis Cardinals General Manager Mike Girsch (ep. 498)

John O’Leary welcomes St. Louis Cardinals General Manager Mike Girsch to talk baseball and beyond. The race to the Major League Baseball post-season is on… and it’s heating up as teams are looking for a path to victory. The…
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Kyle Petty
Thursday Episode | August 4, 2022

NASCAR Legend Kyle Petty (ep. 486)

NASCAR’s Kyle Petty joins John O’Leary 0n the Live Inspired Podcast to discuss racing, family and life. Kyle Petty was born into racing royalty. As a third-generation driver and the only son of NASCAR’s winningest driver ever Richard Petty,…
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Kelvin Beachum
Thursday Episode | July 21, 2022

NFL’s 2x Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee Kelvin Beachum (ep. 482)

Two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee Kelvin Beachum joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast. Kelvin Beachum is a 2-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. After being drafted in the seventh round in the…
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Kiana Clay
Thursday Episode | May 19, 2022

Adaptive Motocross Racer + Para-Snowboarder Kiana Clay (ep. 464)

Adaptive motocross racer and para-snowboarder Kiana Clay joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast. Kiana Clay is the first adaptive female motocross racer, a top-ranked para-snowboarder and 2026 Paralympic hopeful. At 12 years old, Kiana suffered a traumatic…
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Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Thursday Episode | March 31, 2022

Jackie Joyner-Kersee: 6x Olympic Medalist & Philanthropist (ep. 450)

John O’Leary welcomes six-time Olympic medalist and philanthropist Jackie Joyner-Kersee to the Live Inspired Podcast for a special livestream interview. Six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is regarded by many as the greatest female athlete of all time. After retiring,…
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Thursday Episode | February 10, 2022

Three-Time Olympic Jamaican Bobsledder Devon Harris (ep. 436)

John O’Leary welcomes three-time Olympic Jamaican bobsledder Devon Harris to the Live Inspired Podcast. Three-time Olympian Devon Harris has achieved his greatness. Starting as a barefoot boy trying to win a track race, Devon became a member of Jamaica’s…
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Bob Costas
Thursday Episode | September 7, 2021

Bob Costas: Legendary Broadcaster (ep. 392)

John O’Leary welcomes legendary sportscaster Bob Costas to the Live Inspired Podcast. Bob Costas has earned 29 Emmy awards – more than any other sports broadcaster. He is also the only person to have won in news, sports and entertainment. So, what do Bob and I have…
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Dara Torres 12-time Olympic swimmer
Thursday Episode | July 29, 2021

12-Time Olympic Medalist: Swimmer Dara Torres (ep. 380)

Dara Torres, 12-time Olympic medalist, joins the Live Inspired Podcast with John O’Leary to discuss her most remarkable accomplishments, balancing a career with family and defying expectations. Dara Torres made  history as the first American swimmer to compete in five Olympic Games and again…
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Live + virtual speaker. 2x bestselling author. Live Inspired Podcast Host. Best last: Husband. Dad. linktr.ee/johnoleary.inspires

John O'Leary
In our society today, it seems as if every topic i In our society today, it seems as if every topic immediately polarizes, fragments us and quickly leads to rigidly drawn lines between two opposing sides. Those on our perceived side are right, they’re our allies, the good guys.
And those on the other side?
They’re just wrong. They are to be pitied for their unawareness, canceled for their ignorance or attacked for their stupidity.
So, what will be the result of this elevating anger? What happens as our media complicity sows seeds of outrage each day and our political leaders jam a larger wedge into society?
What are the consequences if we choose to continue down the hostile, divisive path we’re on?
The answer was framed brilliantly in one of my favorite poems by James Patrick Kinney. Written in the early 1960s, it is, sadly, highly relevant today. The poem is titled The Cold Within.
Read that last line again. They did not die from the cold without…They died from the cold within.
My friends, it’s not unreasonable to feel the chill of discouragement. With so many individuals reporting increased loneliness, elevated dread, growing mistrust and heightened anxiety, it should come as no surprise many feel as if they are sitting around a fire, angry at the others, furious about their past, incensed by their plight and distraught by their future.
Through inaction or action, by omission or commission, through violence or subtle indifference, it’s one way to move forward from where we are. And it will lead to us grasping tightly the wood in our hands as the fire slowly dies.
Or... Continued in comments.
Adversity is much more common than we think. And y Adversity is much more common than we think. And yet, so is resilience, strength and tenacity.
Dr. Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist and author of The Defining Decade and Superhuman. Specializing in adult development and in twentysomethings in particular, Meg joins us to explain our ability to overcome adversity, the power of being a support for others, and the courage to rise up above one’s circumstances.
Whether you’re entering your 20s or the backside of your 70s, this conversation will empower you to face life’s uncertainties and its complex challenges.
Listen to Dr. Meg Jay on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 538 now. Links in bio.
There is a significant gap between living from a p There is a significant gap between living from a place where we feel obligated to perform and living with a mindset that views service as an opportunity. I was reminded of this several years ago through the simple action and words of my wife. And with last week being her birthday, I wanted to share her awesome example with you this week.
It was early morning and I was exhausted after getting home at 2am from a delayed flight. As I groggily reached for a towel after a shower, I noticed a simple note that read “I love you” next to a mug of hot coffee on the bathroom sink.
My wife, Beth, who doesn’t even drink coffee made a pot, poured a cup, ran up a flight of steps and placed it where I couldn’t miss it.
Now, her morning was hectic, too. She had four little ones to get up, lunches to prepare, backpacks to check, kids to get out the door and a work meeting to attend. In other words, with a million things happening that morning, she didn’t need to put one more thing on her list.
I dressed quickly, danced down the steps, and kissed my four little ones and their mom. Thanking Beth for her thoughtfulness, I asked why she made the coffee? Her answer was awesome in its simplicity:
“Because I wanted to.”
My friends, ‘wanting’ to do something is so much more liberating than ‘having’ to do anything.
Continued in comments...
It’s not uncommon for famous athletes to visit c It’s not uncommon for famous athletes to visit children in hospitals. Sometimes these visits are well publicized but many times it’s done quietly. Undoubtedly, it has a profound impact on the young patients and their families by providing joy, hope and positivity.
As a young St. Louis Blues player, Gino Cavallini would repeatedly show up for the five months I was in the hospital, always smiling and bursting with encouragement. Sometimes he’d come with signed hockey tickets or seven-foot-tall stuffed bunny, and other times with pizza, soda, beer and his fellow Blues teammates. Regardless, every time this typical, Canadian tough-guy would brighten the dark, lonely days of my hospital stay.
Today, it’s an honor to welcome on my friend and hero Gino Cavallini. Join me as we celebrate his story of humble beginnings to playing nine NHL seasons, why he decided to repeatedly visit a 9-year-old boy with burns on 100% of his body, and how he continues to make his career and life about something bigger than himself.
My friends, this conversation will leave you asking yourself, “what more can I do?”
Listen to Gino on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 536 now. Links in bio.
Did you finish strong? Whether we view this quest Did you finish strong?
Whether we view this question through the lens of how we conclude each of our days or how we cross the finish line at the end of our lives, finishing strong should be something for which we all strive. And one of the greatest examples I know of what it looks like to finish strong is British runner Derek Redmond.
In the 1992 Olympic Games, Derek expected to win gold in the 400-meter. In the first round of qualifications, he posted the fastest time. In the quarterfinals, he won the heat.
In the semi-finals, the Olympic Stadium filled to witness the men's 400-meter. When the pistol sounded, Derek raced to an early lead and remained out front with 65,000 cheering from the stands. No one louder than his dad.
But then it happened.
With a pop in Derek’s right hamstring, his beautiful running cadence transformed into a contorted man grabbing his leg, bouncing on one foot, hobbling forward, and ultimately falling onto the track. Knowing that a similar injury during the Olympics four years earlier had ended Derek’s race, his father's heart sank.
Amazingly, though, Derek got up.
He began hopping on one leg trying to finish the race. He fell repeatedly, pulled himself up, hopped a few more steps, and fell again.
Although the winner had already crossed the finish line, the stadium realized a more important competition was just beginning.
Continued in comments...
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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

3 days ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
In our society today, it seems as if every topic immediately polarizes, fragments us and quickly leads to rigidly drawn lines between two opposing sides. Those on our perceived side are right, they’re our allies, the good guys.And those on the other side?They’re just wrong. They are to be pitied for their unawareness, canceled for their ignorance or attacked for their stupidity.So, what will be the result of this elevating anger? What happens as our media complicity sows seeds of outrage each day and our political leaders jam a larger wedge into society?What are the consequences if we choose to continue down the hostile, divisive path we’re on?The answer was framed brilliantly in one of my favorite poems by James Patrick Kinney. Written in the early 1960s, it is, sadly, highly relevant today. The poem is titled The Cold Within:Six humans trapped by happenstanceIn dark and bitter cold.Each possessed a stick of wood,Or so the story’s told.Their dying fire in need of logs,But the first one held hers back.For, of the faces around the fire,She noticed one was black.The next one looked across the waySaw one not of his church,And could not bring himself to giveThe fire his stick of birch.The third one sat in tattered clothesHe gave his coat a hitch.Why should his log be put to useTo warm the idle rich.The rich man just sat back and thoughtOf wealth he had in store,And keeping all that he had earnedFrom the lazy, shiftless poor.The black man’s face bespoke revengeAs the fire passed from his sight,For he saw in his stick of woodA chance to spite the white.And the last man of this forlorn groupDid nought except for gain.Giving just to those who gaveWas how he played the game.Their sticks held tight in death’s stilled handsWas proof enough of sin;They did not die from cold without…They died from cold within.Read that last line again. They did not die from the cold without…They died from the cold within.My friends, it’s not unreasonable to feel the chill of discouragement. With so many individuals reporting increased loneliness, elevated dread, growing mistrust and heightened anxiety, it should come as no surprise many feel as if they are sitting around a fire, angry at the others, furious about their past, incensed by their plight and distraught by their future.Through inaction or action, by omission or commission, through violence or subtle indifference, it’s one way to move forward from where we are. And it will lead to us grasping tightly the wood in our hands as the fire slowly dies.Or.We can make a radically different decision to embrace deep personal accountability for where we are, determine to come back together, engage with those different than ourselves and listen to their opinions.Rather than ranting, posting or canceling, we can listen with an open mind and open heart capable of actually learning from those who have had wildly different life experiences than our own.As the fire begins to wane and the light begins to fade, it’s time to return to the circle, together.It’s time to learn from mistakes we’ve made for too long, knock down walls we’ve built to keep others out, and reengage in solutions that elevate not only individuals, but also culture.It’s time to not only take full responsibility for our lives, but to recognize the calling to serve as our brothers and sisters’ keepers, too.In other words, in a marketplace where many angrily and selfishly hold fast to their wood, it’s time for us to throw ours onto the fire.This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

7 days ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
Adversity is much more common than we think. And yet, so is resilience, strength and tenacity.Dr. Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist and author of The Defining Decade and Superhuman. Specializing in adult development and in twentysomethings in particular, Meg joins us to explain our ability to overcome adversity, the power of being a support for others, and the courage to rise up above one’s circumstances.Whether you’re entering your 20s or the backside of your 70s, this conversation will empower you to face life’s uncertainties and its complex challenges.Listen to Dr. Meg Jay on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 538 now:My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/meg-jay/Your favorite podcast app: link.chtbl.com/tOmM9ExS ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

1 week ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
There is a significant gap between living from a place where we feel obligated to perform and living with a mindset that views service as an opportunity. I was reminded of this several years ago through the simple action and words of my wife. And with last week being her birthday, I wanted to share her awesome example with you this week.It was early morning and I was exhausted after getting home at 2am from a delayed flight. As I groggily reached for a towel after a shower, I noticed a simple note that read “I love you” next to a mug of hot coffee on the bathroom sink.My wife, Beth, who doesn’t even drink coffee made a pot, poured a cup, ran up a flight of steps and placed it where I couldn’t miss it.Now, her morning was hectic, too. She had four little ones to get up, lunches to prepare, backpacks to check, kids to get out the door and a work meeting to attend. In other words, with a million things happening that morning, she didn’t need to put one more thing on her list.I dressed quickly, danced down the steps, and kissed my four little ones and their mom. Thanking Beth for her thoughtfulness, I asked why she made the coffee? Her answer was awesome in its simplicity:“Because I wanted to.”My friends, ‘wanting’ to do something is so much more liberating than ‘having’ to do anything.In marriage we commit with the simple words: “I do.” So often in life, though, the simple notion of “I want to” degrades into “I have to.” The former comes from the choice to love; the latter from an obligation of fear.Choosing to love positively impacts not only your family, but also your business, spirituality, relationships and life. You’ll discover yourself more present, active, engaged and effective.Fueled by love, you’ll discover yourself to be less timid making sales calls, less anxious dealing with challenge, less distracted in virtual meetings, less likely to complain about what’s wrong and more likely to celebrate what’s right.The tension and stress associated with “I have to” go to work, forgive her, move forward, watch my weight, clean my house, pick up the kids, be home for dinner, or get back into my faith dissipates when the sentence begins with “I want to.”So, brew that pot of coffee.Fill the mug high and deliver it to those around you with a smile.Free yourself from the chains of “I have to” and be set on fire with the joy again of “I want to.”It positively transforms your thoughts, words and actions.And it elevates the lives of those lucky enough to be drinking the coffee you serve.This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

2 weeks ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
It’s not uncommon for famous athletes to visit children in hospitals. Sometimes these visits are well publicized but many times it’s done quietly. Undoubtedly, it has a profound impact on the young patients and their families by providing joy, hope and positivity.As a young St. Louis Blues player, Gino Cavallini would repeatedly show up for the five months I was in the hospital, always smiling and bursting with encouragement. Sometimes he’d come with signed hockey tickets or seven-foot-tall stuffed bunny, and other times with pizza, soda, beer and his fellow Blues teammates. Regardless, every time this typical, Canadian tough-guy would brighten the dark, lonely days of my hospital stay.Today, it’s an honor to welcome on my friend and hero Gino Cavallini. Join me as we celebrate his story of humble beginnings to playing nine NHL seasons, why he decided to repeatedly visit a 9-year-old boy with burns on 100% of his body, and how he continues to make his career and life about something bigger than himself.My friends, this conversation will leave you asking yourself, “what more can I do?”Listen to Gino on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 536 now.My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/gino-cavallini/Your favorite podcast app: link.chtbl.com/tOmM9ExS ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

2 weeks ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
Did you finish strong?Whether we view this question through the lens of how we conclude each of our days or how we cross the finish line at the end of our lives, finishing strong should be something for which we all strive. And one of the greatest examples I know of what it looks like to finish strong is British runner Derek Redmond.In the 1992 Olympic Games, Derek expected to win gold in the 400-meter. In the first round of qualifications, he posted the fastest time. In the quarterfinals, he won the heat.In the semi-finals, the Olympic Stadium filled to witness the men's 400-meter. When the pistol sounded, Derek raced to an early lead and remained out front with 65,000 cheering from the stands. No one louder than his dad.But then it happened.With a pop in Derek’s right hamstring, his beautiful running cadence transformed into a contorted man grabbing his leg, bouncing on one foot, hobbling forward, and ultimately falling onto the track. Knowing that a similar injury during the Olympics four years earlier had ended Derek’s race, his father's heart sank.Amazingly, though, Derek got up.He began hopping on one leg trying to finish the race. He fell repeatedly, pulled himself up, hopped a few more steps, and fell again.Although the winner had already crossed the finish line, the stadium realized a more important competition was just beginning.Rather than hobbling off and quitting, the injured Derek continued the race on one leg. One painful hop at a time, each one a little slower and more agonizing than the last, Derek continued to limp and lurch and fall his way forward. From the stands, Derek’s dad suddenly appeared on the track. Jim Redmond had jumped over the stadium railing, dodged Olympic security, and raced to his son’s aid.With Dad's help, Derek continued the unorthodox and emotionally stirring race. As they hobbled around the track together, Derek was overcome by the emotion and sobbed. He leaned on his father, occasionally putting his head on his shoulder. Together, arm and arm, father and son- with 65,000 people screaming encouragement, clapping loudly and crying with them- crossed the finish line.It's perhaps the most remarkable finish in Olympic history.My friends, we live in a culture that celebrates winners. We look up to the best athletes and the first-place finishers. We elevate the most attractive celebrities and the biggest personalities. We are fascinated by flash and glamour and beauty and success.And yet, the very things that garner so much envy have short shelf lives. Beauty fades. Medals rust. Money vanishes. Success, it turns out, is fleeting.Few people in the stadium that day could recall who won the 400-meter semi-final race. Far fewer have any clue who won that race more than three decades later.But the story of a father and a son, and the dedication revealed by both to finish strong, continues to be remembered and serves as an outstanding reminder of what real victory looks like.My friends, be reminded that more worthy than the ultimate standings of our lives are the grit, determination, faithfulness and courage to live it well. And be open to leaving the comfort of the stands to race onto the track, put your arms around another in need, and help them finish strong, too.Because the success we aspire to won’t be found in what we accomplish in our lives, but in how we encourage others to finish strong in theirs.This is your day. Live inspired. ... See MoreSee Less

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