All Episodes

May 6, 2025 51 mins

In this inspirational 101st episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes Larry O’Nan—author, leadership coach, and former international ministry leader with a lifetime of insight into faith, crisis, growth, and intentional living. Larry shares his fascinating journey from small-town preacher’s kid and aspiring theater director to global mentor, fund development strategist, and steward of transformational wisdom.

Through stories of failure, resilience, and unexpected opportunity, Larry unpacks what it truly means to live with intention, steward your gifts, and embrace the “freedom to fail.” He reveals how personal crises—including a 57-year eye condition that recently led to a corneal transplant—informed his life’s philosophy and the core principles behind his book Intentional Living and Giving. This episode offers a rich blend of spiritual depth, leadership insight, and practical encouragement for anyone searching for direction, purpose, or renewed drive.

Episode Highlights

  • [3:00] – Larry’s childhood in Colorado and early dreams of a theater career
  • [25:00] – From stage to service: 20 years in international student ministry
  • [35:00] – How 29 boxes of unprocessed pledge cards launched a fundraising legacy
  • [48:00] – The “freedom to fail” philosophy that transformed every challenge into a learning opportunity
  • [1:05:00] – The power of visionary goals and why falling short can still be a win
  • [1:20:00] – Living through loss and managing life after the passing of his wife
  • [1:35:00] – Stewardship defined: why you don’t own anything, but you’re responsible for everything
  • [1:50:00] – The principles behind Intentional Living and Giving and why it’s more than a book—it’s a life map

Key Takeaways

  1. You Have the Freedom to Fail – True growth comes from experimentation, reflection, and persistence—not perfection.
  2. Stewardship Is a Mindset – You don’t own your time, talents, or resources—but you’re responsible for how you use them.
  3. Set Visionary Goals – Even when you fall short, aiming high stretches your potential and reveals purpose.
  4. Crisis Can Be a Catalyst – Whether it's career upheaval, health issues, or loss, hardship often leads to new calling.
  5. Live and Give Intentionally – Every day is a chance to manage your life as a gift and give something meaningful back.

Links & Resources

If this episode inspired you to live with more purpose and grace, please rate, share, and leave a review. Life is a mara

Have an idea or feedback? Click here to share.

Contact Brad @ Life Changing Challengers
Instagram:
@bradaminus
Facebook: @bradaminus
X(Twitter): @bradaminus
YouTube: @lifechangingchallengers
LifeChangingChallengers.com

Want to be a guest on Life-Changing Challengers? Send Brad Minus a message on PodMatch, here.

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

Ding dong! Join your culture consultants, Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, on an unforgettable journey into the beating heart of CULTURE. Alongside sizzling special guests, they GET INTO the hottest pop-culture moments of the day and the formative cultural experiences that turned them into Culturistas. Produced by the Big Money Players Network and iHeartRadio.

The Joe Rogan Experience

The Joe Rogan Experience

The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

Stuff You Should Know

Stuff You Should Know

If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.