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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

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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.

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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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 | December 3, 2020

Surviving Two Plane Crashes: How Austin Hatch is Thriving Through Tragedy (ep. 312)

John O’Leary welcomes Austin Hatch to the Live Inspired Podcast to share about overcoming tragedy. The odds of surviving a plane crash resulting in one or more fatalities is one in 3.4 million. Today’s guest survived two, the odds of which are one in more than 11 quadrillion. In…
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Thursday Episode | July 30, 2020

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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Cal Ripken Jr
Thursday Episode | July 23, 2020

Cal Ripken Jr. on Resilience + Discipline (ep. 274)

In honor of the return of MLB baseball this week, we’re thrilled to have Major League Hall of Fame shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. join John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast. In honor of the return of MLB baseball…
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Thursday Episode | July 9, 2020

Reporting on George Floyd’s Murder and aftermath in Minneapolis (ep. 270)

John O’Leary welcomes CBS Minneapolis’ Mike Max to the Live Inspired Podcast to share about capturing the grieving Minneapolis community’s experience after George Floyd’s murder. Recently, a dear friend shared the work of journalist Mike Max and his coverage…
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Kurt Warner
Thursday Episode | June 18, 2020

Kurt Warner: MVP in Football + Life (ep. 264)

Kurt Warner joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast to share a behind-the-scenes look to football, family + faith. The career of Kurt Warner, Super Bowl and 2-time NFL MVPs, reads like a rags-to-riches fairytale. Yet his story off-the-field…
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Rebekah Gregory
Thursday Episode | June 11, 2020

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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Twitter

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
15h

Growing up on the east side of Detroit next to a drug house, Martinus Evans (@300lbsandrunnin) had to fight his entire life. In his early 20s when he was faced with the choice “lose weight or die”, he vowed to run a marathon (without realizing a marathon is over 26 miles!).

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
13 Mar

ICYMI: A reminder that you don't need to tackle tough times alone. #MondayMotivation https://johnolearyinspires.com/2023/03/see-in-the-dark/

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
13 Mar

it is in enduring the darkness that permits us to actually see the stars and more fully appreciate the light. #MondayMotivation https://johnolearyinspires.com/2023/03/see-in-the-dark/

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
13 Mar

My friend, we all go through dark times. The good news is that your life matters, the foundation remains firm, better days are ahead and you are not alone. These aren’t platitudes, but transformational truth. #MondayMotivation https://johnolearyinspires.com/2023/03/see-in-the-dark/

JOLearyInspiresJohn O'Leary@JOLearyInspires·
13 Mar

A reminder that you don't need to tackle tough times alone. #MondayMotivation https://johnolearyinspires.com/2023/03/see-in-the-dark/

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johnoleary.inspires

Live + virtual speaker. 2x bestselling author. Live Inspired Podcast Host. Best last: Husband. Dad. linktr.ee/johnoleary.inspires

John O'Leary
Growing up on the east side of Detroit next to a d Growing up on the east side of Detroit next to a drug house, Martinus Evans (@300poundsandrunning) had to fight his entire life. In his early 20s when he was faced with the choice “lose weight or die”, Martinus vowed to run a marathon (without realizing a marathon is over 26 miles!).
Since then, Martinus has run eight marathons and hundreds of other races in his 300-something pound body,  been featured in Men’s Health and Runner’s World and created his own devoted community (@runslowaf) for those who feel intimidated about running.
Today’s conversation is more than taking the next right step in believing in yourself. Join us on a journey of courage, determination, endurance and what it means to love ourselves unconditionally.
And my friends, as we celebrate Martinus’ accomplishments, you’ll gain encouragement for what you can do in your own life.
Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 552 now. Available anywhere you get podcasts. Links in bio.
“You missed it, Daddy.” It was early on a Sat “You missed it, Daddy.”
It was early on a Saturday morning when my five-year-old son, Jack, whispered those sad words into my ear.
I’d returned late the night before from a weeklong whirlwind speaking tour and was still exhausted from the travel. Over the previous seven days I’d been in eight states and delivered more than a dozen presentations. That morning I was jet-lagged, wiped out, and in desperate need of more sleep.
Next to me, my wife was beginning to stir as Jack’s whisper grew in volume. “Daddy, wake up! You missed it!”
I had no idea what he was talking about. Was it a baseball game? Had I inadvertently missed his birthday?
Nope. It was something much simpler, but no less important.
Over 19 years of marriage, Beth and I have moved three times. With each home, we’ve
been blessed to have a grand magnolia tree tower over our front yard.
As a guy who travels a lot, I’ve been to Washington, DC, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. I’ve stared straight up in awe at the redwoods north of San Francisco. I’ve hiked through the Costa Rican rainforest, basked under Hawaiian palm trees, and heard the whispering magic of aspens in the mountains of Colorado. Yet my favorite tree remains the magnolia. And my favorite experience is playing with my family below one as it blossoms.
The official harbinger, in our household, that spring is arriving is when the glorious white, pink, and purple blooms unspool overhead, the magnolia aroma rains down, and the great tree comes to life.
The morning Jack woke me I was in my bed, lying next to my wife for the first time in a week.
The kids were a bit bigger. Beth was a little more tired.
And the magnolia tree in our front yard, which had been dormant all winter, had awakened, sprung to life, fully blossomed, and dropped its petals.
It’s an event I get my kids fired up about every spring. It’s a display that symbolizes perfectly the promise of new life. It’s an awesome spectacle.
And I missed the entire show... Continued in comments...
"If he were a horse, I'd shoot him." I’ll never "If he were a horse, I'd shoot him."
I’ll never forget the sting of hearing those words spoken about me by a physician who didn't see the hope and possibility in a 10-year-old boy hoping to regain the use of his hands.
Weeks later, I found a very different, kind-hearted, visionary physician: Dr. Carlos Pappalardo. One who looked into my heart when he spoke with me, treated me as a person, and masterfully blessed me with the ability to again use my hands.
Earlier this week I learned that Dr. Carlos Pappalardo passed away at the age of 93. 
Today, I want to share four specific encounters with this man, how they each had a profound impact on my life and how we all can learn to live a meaningful, significant, servant-oriented, faithful and generous life.
Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 550. Now available anywhere you get podcasts. Links in bio.
We quickly judge others on the answers they provid We quickly judge others on the answers they provide.
We vote for politicians because of the answers they give during debates, the zingers they fire at their opponents and the pithy posts they make on social media. We follow thought leaders because of the brilliant answers they provide to the questions we have. And organizationally, we assign the title of leader to those who have all the answers.
And yet, a more nuanced and beneficial approach shouldn’t be simply in judging the answers they give, but instead the questions they ask. People often reveal themselves in the humility of the questions they ask or the unwillingness to ask them in the first place. An encounter with a young man reminded me of this truth.
My favorite aspect of speaking with audiences is always the opportunity to visit individually afterwards. A community event provided such a chance with more than 800 gathered and many of them sticking around at the conclusion to have books signed and personal stories shared. Throughout the book signing, though, I noticed a young man waiting off to the side.
As the room emptied, he eventually approached and asked if we could talk for a moment.
We walked from the atrium where others still lingered to a quiet area and sat down in the theater.
He told me how moved he was during the presentation. He shared that he was new to the area and struggling in school. High school was hard and making friends wasn’t easy. His eyes watered as he spoke.
Then he asked a telling question: “John, were there ever days when you regretted living through the fire; or days after when you wondered if you’d be better off dead?”
Continued in comments...
After a chaotic childhood, @taraschuster hustled t After a chaotic childhood, @taraschuster hustled to appear glamorous, successful and well-adjusted on paper by earning an Ivy League education and securing the role of Vice President at Comedy Central. In her first bestselling book Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies, Tara recounts her years-long journey of re-parenting herself through simple daily rituals.
When Tara lost her job, the one on which she had staked her entire adult identity, she found her harshest childhood traumas resurfacing as she battled severe depression amidst the isolating pandemic.
Today, Tara shares her journey to reclaiming her agency by healing her deepest wounds and how you too can shine even in bleak circumstances.
With actionable advice for taking charge of your emotional health, this conversation with help you find true resilience.
Listen to Tara Schuster on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 548 now. Links in bio.
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#glowinthefuckingdark #bookrelease #newbook #mindsetshift #mentalhealth #selflove #journey #glow #johnoleary #johnolearyinspires #onfirebook #inawe #liveinspiredpodcast #taraschuster #buyyourselfthefuckinglilies #liveinspired #podcast
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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

15 hours ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
Growing up on the east side of Detroit next to a drug house, Martinus Evans had to fight his entire life. In his early 20s when he was faced with the choice “lose weight or die”, Martinus vowed to run a marathon (without realizing a marathon is over 26 miles!).Since then, Martinus has run eight marathons and hundreds of other races in his 300-something pound body, been featured in Men's Health and Runner's World and created his own devoted community for those who feel intimidated about running, Slow AF Run Club.Today’s conversation is more than taking the next right step in believing in yourself. Join us on a journey of courage, determination, endurance and what it means to love ourselves unconditionally.And my friends, as we celebrate Martinus’ accomplishments, you’ll gain encouragement for what you can do in your own life.Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 552 now:My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/martinus-evans/Your favorite podcast app: link.chtbl.com/tOmM9ExS ... See MoreSee Less

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

4 days ago

John O'Leary - Live Inspired
“You missed it, Daddy.”It was early on a Saturday morning when my five-year-old son, Jack, whispered those sad words into my ear.I’d returned late the night before from a weeklong whirlwind speaking tour and was still exhausted from the travel. Over the previous seven days I’d been in eight states and delivered more than a dozen presentations. That morning I was jet-lagged, wiped out, and in desperate need of more sleep.Next to me, my wife was beginning to stir as Jack’s whisper grew in volume. “Daddy, wake up! You missed it!”I had no idea what he was talking about. Was it a baseball game? Had I inadvertently missed his birthday?Nope. It was something much simpler, but no less important.Over 19 years of marriage, Beth and I have moved three times. With each home, we’vebeen blessed to have a grand magnolia tree tower over our front yard.As a guy who travels a lot, I’ve been to Washington, DC, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. I’ve stared straight up in awe at the redwoods north of San Francisco. I’ve hiked through the Costa Rican rainforest, basked under Hawaiian palm trees, and heard the whispering magic of aspens in the mountains of Colorado. Yet my favorite tree remains the magnolia. And my favorite experience is playing with my family below one as it blossoms.The official harbinger, in our household, that spring is arriving is when the glorious white, pink, and purple blooms unspool overhead, the magnolia aroma rains down, and the great tree comes to life.The morning Jack woke me I was in my bed, lying next to my wife for the first time in a week.The kids were a bit bigger. Beth was a little more tired.And the magnolia tree in our front yard, which had been dormant all winter, had awakened, sprung to life, fully blossomed, and dropped its petals.It’s an event I get my kids fired up about every spring. It’s a display that symbolizes perfectly the promise of new life. It’s an awesome spectacle.And I missed the entire show.My work requires a good bit of travel. There will occasionally be things that I miss. Many of you can probably relate.But sometimes do you feel like you’re missing it…and you haven’t even gone anywhere? Times when you are physically present, but emotionally absent? That life is happening all around, but you aren’t really present? For any of it?From family dinners to corner diners, from airport terminals to team meetings, there exists a vast chasm between our physical presence somewhere and wholehearted engagement once there.We were not made to be in a thousand places at once.We were made to be here, in this moment, right now.To truly live In Awe, we must embrace the miracle replete within each moment in life. Experiences like sunshine in the park, brainstorming meetings in the conference room, and the commute at the end of the day can become significant only when we give it our full attention.So set down the phone. Put away the newspaper. Let go of the mistakes from yesterday and the worry for tomorrow.It’s time to wake up. It’s important not to miss it.Your life is a gift and if you’re too busy racing through it, you may miss the grandeur of the gifts right in front of you.Today 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
"If he were a horse, I'd shoot him."I’ll never forget the sting of hearing those words spoken about me by a physician who didn't see the hope and possibility in a 10-year-old boy hoping to regain the use of his hands.Weeks later, I found a very different, kind-hearted, visionary physician: Dr. Carlos Pappalardo. One who looked into my heart when he spoke with me, treated me as a person, and masterfully blessed me with the ability to again use my hands.Earlier this week I learned that Dr. Carlos Pappalardo passed away at the age of 93. Today, I want to share four specific encounters with this man, how they each had a profound impact on my life and how we all can learn to live a meaningful, significant, servant-oriented, faithful and generous life.Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. 550 now:My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/pappalardoYour 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
We quickly judge others on the answers they provide.We vote for politicians because of the answers they give during debates, the zingers they fire at their opponents and the pithy posts they make on social media. We follow thought leaders because of the brilliant answers they provide to the questions we have. And organizationally, we assign the title of leader to those who have all the answers.And yet, a more nuanced and beneficial approach shouldn’t be simply in judging the answers they give, but instead the questions they ask. People often reveal themselves in the humility of the questions they ask or the unwillingness to ask them in the first place. An encounter with a young man reminded me of this truth.My favorite aspect of speaking with audiences is always the opportunity to visit individually afterwards. A community event provided such a chance with more than 800 gathered and many of them sticking around at the conclusion to have books signed and personal stories shared. Throughout the book signing, though, I noticed a young man waiting off to the side.As the room emptied, he eventually approached and asked if we could talk for a moment.We walked from the atrium where others still lingered to a quiet area and sat down in the theater.He told me how moved he was during the presentation. He shared that he was new to the area and struggling in school. High school was hard and making friends wasn’t easy. His eyes watered as he spoke.Then he asked a telling question: “John, were there ever days when you regretted living through the fire; or days after when you wondered if you’d be better off dead?”I told him honestly that there were many difficult days that I struggled mightily. Five long months in the hospital, losing my fingers to amputation, lots of difficulties in school, challenges in dating and struggles professionally. Even today, as good as life is, many days are hard.I shared that although I wouldn’t have chosen any of the challenges, looking back on them it’s so clear to me now that through them my character was forged, my faith was tested and a drive to live fully was stoked.I asked him about what he’s going through.We discussed his family, his struggles, his school and his life. It was an honest, painful and beautifully open conversation. We exchanged information to stay connected and at the end, as we got ready to step back into crowds and life, I asked what he was thinking now.He took a deep breath, looked up at the ceiling, then back at me, before responding, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I want to live.”The young man then committed to talking to his school counselor, being honest with his family and even gave me permission to share the conversation with his principal.The fight, in other words, was no longer just his. The despair of today was no longer greater than the hope for tomorrow. And the darkness no longer more powerful than the light.My friend, we all go through dark times. The good news is that your life matters, the foundation remains firm, better days are ahead and you are not alone. These aren’t platitudes, but transformational truth.You see, light is awesome. It shows us the way. It provides clarity.And yet, it is in enduring the darkness that permits us to actually see the stars and more fully appreciate the light.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
After a chaotic childhood, Tara Schuster hustled to appear glamorous, successful and well-adjusted on paper by earning an Ivy League education and securing the role of Vice President at Comedy Central. In her first bestselling book Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies, Tara recounts her years-long journey of re-parenting herself through simple daily rituals.When Tara lost her job, the one on which she had staked her entire adult identity, she found her harshest childhood traumas resurfacing as she battled severe depression amidst the isolating pandemic.Today, Tara shares her journey to reclaiming her agency by healing her deepest wounds and how you too can shine even in bleak circumstances.With actionable advice for taking charge of your emotional health, this conversation with help you find true resilience.Listen to Tara Schuster on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 548 now:➡️ My website: johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/tara-schuster/➡️ Your favorite podcast app: link.chtbl.com/tOmM9ExS ... See MoreSee Less

John O'Leary - Live Inspired

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Husband. Father. Son. Friend. Live event + virtual speaker. Coach. Two-time bestselling author. Live Inspired Podcast host.
#InAwe Book is an instant national bestseller - www.ReadInAwe.com

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