Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

For more than three decades, Caroline Adams Miller has been a globally recognized expert in goal setting, grit, happiness and success. And yet, as a Harvard graduate, black-belt martial artist, and author of eight life-changing bestselling books, Caroline’s path —from overcoming bulimia to inspiring millions—embodies resilience and determination. Today, Caroline shares her story of transformation, the science behind effective goal setting, and her groundbreaking BRIDGE methodology for achieving lasting success. As the new year approaches, learn why conventional strategies (like SMART goals!) frequently fall short, and how crafting intentional, purpose-driven goals can lead to meaningful change. My friends, if you need a spark to reignite your ambitions and the reminder that the best of our days remain ahead, this conversation is for you.

In celebrating my son Henry’s birthday this past weekend, I was reminded of an experience from several years ago that perfectly captures his zest for life and joyful character. In sharing it with you today, I hope it ignites within you a desire to be a bright light of loving hope for others. Let me explain.

Annabelle Tometich is a med-school-reject-turned-food-critic and author of The Mango Tree. And her story is as layered and sweet as the tropical fruit at the heart of her family’s saga. Today, Annabelle takes us on a journey through the cultural contrasts of her upbringing as a mixed-race Filipina, the heartbreak of her father’s untimely death, and the strength of her mother’s fiery spirit. When her mother’s unexpected arrest for defending her beloved mango tree shakes their family to its core, Annabelle begins to see her world—and her family—through a lens of resilience, empathy, and ultimately, healing. My friends, this conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in their circumstances or searched for meaning in life’s messiest moments. Annabelle’s story will inspire you to embrace the complexity of family, find strength in vulnerability, and discover beauty in unexpected places.

“My name is James.” With that statement, the man in front of me smiled warmly, extended his hand, and shook mine firmly. And from this seemingly ordinary introduction launched a conversation with an amazing man who clearly lives in joy and radiates love. In hearing his story, though, it was impossible not to be moved profoundly by his journey and his desire to do more through his life. Let me explain.

Born in a small town in Vietnam, Haven Shepherd was just 14 months old when she miraculously survived a bomb explosion that resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee and left her orphaned. Later adopted into a loving family with six athletic siblings, Haven discovered swimming—a sport that brought her freedom, purpose, and a path to Paralympic success. Today, Haven is a celebrated athlete and advocate for adaptive sports. She joins us to share how tragedy shaped her strength and gratitude, why perspective defines what’s possible, and the importance of grace in overcoming life’s challenges. My friends, this conversation is a powerful reminder that adversity doesn’t define us—it reveals our capacity to rise above.

For an entire year now, you’ve shared stories with us of individuals in your world who embody what it means to be On Fire For Good. We’ve received almost 1,000 nominations, nearly all of them someone’s parent, sibling, teacher, pastor, colleague or friend. But last month, one came in that caught my eye. It was in fact, celebrating someone the nominator didn’t know at all but had admired from afar. It just so happens, however, that I know the person they described personally, and I was overjoyed to bestow this honor on my friend, the joyful Stephanie Szostak. Let me explain.

Rob Kenney, lovingly known as the “Dad of the Internet,” created Dad, How Do I?, a YouTube channel that has grown to more than five million followers seeking practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and, of course, a steady dose of dad jokes. And yet, behind the laughter is a story of resilience, forgiveness, and showing up when it matters most. At just 14 years old, Rob’s father walked out, leaving him and his seven siblings to figure out life on their own. Years later, Rob transformed that pain into purpose, using his platform to share how-to tips, hope and inspiration. Today, Rob shares how his faith gave him strength, how forgiving his father set him free, and why his mission to serve others continues to grow. My friends, you’ll leave today’s conversation with a renewed sense of hope, the courage to forgive, and maybe even the confidence to tie a tie or unclog a drain.

Toxic positivity. It’s a term commonly used when someone invalidates negative emotions or expects unrealistic optimism from others. Undoubtedly, we need to hold space for grief, anger, and sadness. And yet, a woman several years ago provided a beautiful, practical and powerful example not of living in toxic positivity, but of choosing gratitude even in the midst of the storm. Let me explain.

Ben Tracy is an online safety speaker on a 120-day journey across America, known as The Tracy Trek—a 3,107-mile coast-to-coast run to protect kids online. Running a marathon every single day, Ben is connecting with schools, community groups, and lawmakers to shine a light on the dangers of social media and discuss solutions for safeguarding our youth. Today, Ben shares how losing a high-profile job on his first day due to social media posts he made as a teenager sparked his mission. Plus, he shares stories of families impacted by online risks, urging all of us to work together to protect the next generation from hidden dangers. My friends, Ben’s journey sends a powerful message: no matter the adversity we face, we can transform it into something positive.

Yesterday marked the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Oorah! I’ve been enamored by the Marine Corps since childhood, and having the honor to serve their wounded veterans more than 50 times through my work with FOCUS Marines over the past decade has further galvanized my love of them. And yet, it was a relatively simple experience, witnessed by just a few others, that revealed, yet again, how remarkable they are.  Let me explain.

Sergeant Kevin Briggs is a retired California Highway Patrol officer known as the Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge. For more than 20 years, Kevin patrolled the Golden Gate Bridge, where he saved more than 200 people from suicide. Today, Kevin shares how his own battles with abuse, cancer, and depression gave him a unique compassion, and the unforgettable lessons he’s learned from hundreds of conversations with those on the edge of despair. In a world where societal pressures and personal pain can drown out hope, Kevin’s story reminds us that a simple, empathetic presence can rekindle the courage to choose life. My friends, as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there’s light—and a way forward.

As an empty nester, Holly Schultz revisited a calling she had first heard as a busy mom to young kids. Although she didn’t have time as a young mom, years later with her children grown, she finally had the opportunity to volunteer at a local service dog nonprofit. Dabbling first in fostering service puppies for the organization, Holly found the separation anxiety when the dogs went to their forever homes too much to bear. But caring for the mother dogs who delivered those puppies? That became Holly’s sweet spot and eventually led to one specific mother dog who is helping to change lives in ways that Holly could never have imagined. Let me explain.

Just eight months ago, Brie Bauer was 27-weeks pregnant with her third child when suddenly a life-threatening infection changed her life forever. After experiencing flu-like symptoms, Brie delivered a premature but healthy baby boy before spending the next 10 days in a coma where her body fought off streptococcal toxic shock syndrome from group A streptococcus. With her strength and willpower tested, she made a brave choice that redefined her life in ways she never imagined: amputate her four limbs that didn’t receive enough blood and oxygen. Today, Brie shares how she’s learning to embrace a “new normal” as she navigates life as a wife and mother of three. With unyielding spirit, she talks about the power of the support that surrounded her and how she continues to choose courage and joy every step of the way. My friends, whether you’re facing challenges, or love someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that our lives are precious, priceless gifts and that there is an innate strength within each of us

Though we live in the midst of anxiety and hardship, a simple blessing from my mom, Susan O'Leary, on my wedding day reminds us that moving forward with confidence and defiant hope will free us from burdens. I was a nervous 26-year-old, wearing an ill-fitting tuxedo, already feeling insecure with all the attention. Having never told most people anything about being burned, I certainly didn’t feel like this was the time or place to change that. Definitely not as I knelt next to Beth, waiting for our wedding ceremony to conclude, a chance to kiss my new bride, to walk down the aisle and begin our lives together. But my mom had requested a chance to share a few words at our wedding, and Beth and I had agreed to her request. Let me explain.

In 2018, John Cronin was a 22-year-old entrepreneur with Down syndrome who had a dream to create something life-changing, purposeful and filled with joy. Together with his father Mark, they turned that dream into the world’s largest sock store – John’s Crazy Socks. And yet, John’s Crazy Socks is more than just a business. It’s a mission-driven movement that employs individuals of all abilities and shows the world what’s possible when you focus on inclusion, kindness, and joy. Today, John and Mark share how they bootstrapped their business into a multi-million dollar venture, advocate tirelessly for people with differing abilities and continue to spread happiness by giving back more than $750,000 to their charity partners. My friends, you’ll walk away from this conversation with the reminder that small acts of love often make the biggest impact, and that sometimes, a simple pair of socks can change the world.

Last weekend, I attended the funeral of a dear family friend. Her life was an example of living joyfully, loving family passionately and serving others unfailingly. As emotional as the service, music and eulogy were, it was a tender moment between two of her grandchildren that brought me to tears. Let me explain.

Nic Sheff is the bestselling author behind Tweak, and he is the subject of his father’s memoir Beautiful Boy, which was adapted into an award-winning film in 2018. After taking his first drink at just 11 years old, Nic spiraled into addictions to hard drugs and entered his first rehab at 19. And yet, Nic’s story isn’t just about addiction—it’s about finding hope, resilience, and the strength to rebuild when everything seems lost. Today, Nic shares what led to his battle with substance abuse, the tumultuous road to recovery and how, after 13 years of sobriety, he’s a passionate voice for mental health and addiction recovery. My friends, whether you or someone you love has been impacted by addiction, this conversation is a reminder about the power of second chances and the understanding that even in our darkest moments, we’re never truly alone.

Amidst continuous tragedies globally and complexities of life individually, we often need a reminder that there is reason for hope. Several years ago, I needed that reminder, too. And perhaps surprisingly, I received it from someone who needed it even more than I did. Let me explain.

In 2012, Andrew Oberle’s life changed in an instant when a chimpanzee attack left him fighting for survival. But that’s just the beginning of his story. Today, Andrew opens up about the passion that led him to study chimpanzees, the brutal attack that nearly took his life, and the long road to recovery—one that required over 28 surgeries and a world of support. More than just surviving, Andrew found a new purpose: helping trauma survivors heal, using his own journey to inspire others. My friends, whether you’re dealing with a challenge of your own or simply need a reminder of the power of resilience, Andrew’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

“Of course I will, Dad.” These were the last words Dave Gibbons ever shared with his father. Given their past, the fact he spoke them at all was surprising. But even more extraordinary was what he was agreeing to do. Let me explain.