Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Stephen (Steve) Starring Grant spent decades helping some of the world's biggest brands, including IBM, Prudential, Jaguar, and Burger King, better understand human behavior. But after losing his corporate job during the pandemic and facing a cancer diagnosis, he found himself in an unexpected role: delivering mail through the mountains of Appalachia.

Today, Steve shares the identity crisis that followed losing a career he'd spent ...

A year ago, we gathered as a family around my dad's bed as he took his final breath.

Last week, that same family gathered again. Mom, my five siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren…we all came together not at his house, but at his favorite place to vacation.

Although we had more than two dozen family members on this trip, everywhere we...

Neil Pasricha is a 10-time New York Times bestselling author, one of the world's leading voices on happiness, and the creator of 1000 Awesome Things, the award-winning blog that has attracted more than 100 million readers. Through his books, research, and storytelling, Neil has inspired millions to find joy, gratitude, and meaning in everyday life.

Today, Neil shares the personal setbacks that changed his life, the heartbreaki...

"Why didn't you go to Jack Buck's funeral?"

That was the very first question asked during a Q&A after I spoke in New Jersey last month.

I bought a little time by responding, "Well, not exactly the softball opener I had hoped for!"

The audience laughed awkwardly, I smiled nervously, and then I answered honestly:

Kevin Clark is an entrepreneur, Emmy Award-winning producer, and co-founder of Blessn, a faith-based social media platform designed to bring more positivity, encouragement, and connection into the digital world. After building a successful career in entertainment, Kevin discovered his greatest purpose was creating businesses and communities that serve others.

Today, Kevin shares how a chance meeting backstage at the Academy Awards ...

Most of us believe making a difference requires something big.

A big platform. A big title. A big personality. A big story.

Trust me, I understand why.

For much of my life, people have introduced me through the lens of having a big story. They know about the burns, the explosion, the hospital rooms, the visits from ce...

Glenn Sturm is an attorney, entrepreneur, photographer, and cancer survivor whose life changed forever after receiving a stage four cancer diagnosis nearly two decades ago. What once was a relentless pursuit of professional success became an invitation to slow down, refocus on what mattered most, and live with greater purpose and gratitude. Through years of treatment, setbacks, and unexpected joy, Glenn has become a passionate advo...

While heading to the final speaking event of a very full, very hectic year, I found myself doing what so many of us do this time of year: rushing.

It was a tight connection through a crowded terminal at DFW. As I hurried from one gate to the next, weaving through travelers, rolling suitcases, coffee cups, and glowing phone screens, I happened to glance out the window.

Haley Scott DeMaria is a speaker, author, and former University of Notre Dame swimmer whose life changed forever after surviving a tragic team bus crash that left her temporarily paralyzed. Told she may never walk again, Haley endured years of recovery before ultimately returning to compete for Notre Dame.

Today, Haley shares the heartbreaking aftermath of the 1992 bus crash that claimed the lives of two teammates, the physical and...

It's difficult when a chapter that once felt endless suddenly comes to an end.

Sixteen years ago, Beth and I stood nervously outside a little school in St. Louis called Holy Redeemer Catholic School. We were young parents then, with a five-year-old, a three-year-old, a one-year-old, and another child on the way. Life was chaotic and like most parents stepping into something ...

Nicholas Epley is a behavioral scientist, bestselling author, and professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business whose groundbreaking research explores why we as human beings often misunderstand each other. From studying social connection and happiness to teaching students how to design a meaningful life, Nicholas has spent his career helping people better understand themselves and those around them.

Today, Nichola...

At a recent speaking engagement, I asked the audience to turn to a neighbor and share what they were grateful for in the moment.

On this morning, hundreds of new friends turned away from me and toward the person seated nearest them. Voices elevated, tears fell and smiles returned. It was awesome to observe this from stage.

But off to the side sto...

Chad Robichaux is a former Force Recon Marine, USA Today bestselling author, and founder of Mighty Oaks, a nonprofit that has helped thousands of veterans and first responders recover from PTSD, trauma, and the invisible wounds of war. After eight deployments to Afghanistan and years serving in elite special operations, Chad now dedicates his life to helping others rediscover hope, healing, and purpose.

Today, Chad shares how growi...

Four astronauts recently returned from space. Part of the Artemis II mission, they went up as pilots, engineers, and explorers. They came back entirely changed; their perspective on life altered forever.

Their professional insights will undoubtedly shape the future of our space program, our return to the moon, and exploration beyond. But perhaps their most important discover...

Erik Rees is the founder of NEGU, Never Ever Give Up, which is a global movement inspired by the life of his daughter Jessie. What began as a father walking through unimaginable grief has become a mission that has delivered nearly 600,000 JoyJars to children battling cancer around the world, each one carrying a simple but powerful message: you are not alone.

Today, Erik shares the extraordinary life of his daughter Jessie, why she ...

Self-assured.

Self-made.

Quick to decide.

Successful.

Sarcastic.

Snarky.

Recently, I asked a classroom of high school students studying leadership to describe the traits they most often see in leaders- in politics, in media, and in ...

Willow Weston is an author, speaker, and founder of Collide, a ministry impacting women nationwide through honest conversations around pain, faith, and healing. Drawing from decades of mentoring and her own deeply personal story, Willow invites us to stop running from our wounds and begin facing them with courage and hope.

Today, Willow shares how a childhood marked by trauma led to an unexpected calling, why avoiding pain keeps us...

Recently, 130,000 graduates of Saint Louis University received a magazine in the mail.

Inside was a story about one of their own making a difference in the world.

The feature wasn't about a speaker, a business owner or a corporate executive. It was about a graduate who chose a different path: serving when no one is watching, modeling love in a wo...