Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

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.

Dave Gibbons is a leader, speaker and author of the recent memoir The Shape of My Eyes. Born to an American soldier and a Korean mother in the wake of the Korean War, Dave has spent his life struggling to blend his Korean roots and his very American upbringing. Today, Dave shares discovering his father’s betrayal, his path to overcoming that pain and his persistent feelings of not quite fitting in. Join us as Dave guides us in finding beauty in life’s hardest moments, cultivating an unoffendable heart and finding strength to forgive. My friends, whether you're going through a challenge or simply looking for a reminder of the power of hope and healing, this episode is for you.

In our busy lives, we often overlook the gifts we possess, assuming they’re too ordinary to share. Many times, however, these gifts are the very essence of what we’re meant to give to the world. For me, it was in embracing my story that my life felt transformed and my purpose revealed. For Maria A. Ellis, it was her passion for music that not only changed her life but the lives of countless others. Let me explain.

At almost 97 years old, Dr. Edith Eger is a Holocaust survivor, renowned psychologist, and author of the bestselling and award-winning memoir The Choice. In 1944 as a Jewish teenager living in Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe, Edith was sent to Auschwitz where she endured the most unimaginable hardships. And yet, rather than being defined by the trauma of her past, she’s chosen to rise above it – and inspires others to do the same. Today, Edith is joined by her grandson Jordan. Together, they share a story of love, loss, survival, and most importantly, the freedom found in choosing how we respond to life’s greatest challenges. Edith’s journey is a reminder that we can’t always choose the path that we walk in life, but we can always choose the manner in which we walk it. My friends, if you’re in need of a message of hope and the reminder that, in spite of the headwinds, the best is yet to come, this conversation is for you.

Does it seem like people are quick to anger these days? For many, it’s as if they go around seeking reasons to be disappointed, upset or infuriated. What happens, though, when an individual who has every right to be upset chooses instead to respond with grace? Years ago on an early morning Southwest Airlines flight I had such an experience. Let me explain.

As a seasoned Human Resources expert with more than 30 years of experience, April Simpkins is a powerhouse in the realm of mental health advocacy. With relentless determination, she has tirelessly championed the cause and became an even more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA 2019) who battled depression for many years. Today, April shares her professional journey, her unexpected path into pageantry and life as a mother of six. Equally important, she shares about the accomplishments of her late daughter Cheslie, the struggles Cheslie silently face, and how she continues to keep Cheslie's legacy alive. My friends, with September being National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, I hope today’s conversation will provide hope and guidance for you to continue forward boldly in your journey.

In June of 2021, I flew to Los Angeles and interviewed a Hollywood director. No sound was recorded, no video was captured, no notes were taken. But what he shared, the way he shared it, and what happened because of it positively changed my life.  Let me explain.

Director Sean McNamara is the force behind such films as Spare Parts, The Miracle Season, Soul Surfer, and the recently released Reagan. His creative prowess, directorial skills, and even more so, his humble nature, have gained him a reputation in the industry as “an actor’s director.” Six and a half years ago, Sean read the script for a film called ON FIRE, fell in love with it and has been steadfast in bringing it to life. Today, Sean shares insight from the filming of ON FIRE the film. But more importantly, he shares what it was like growing up in a large Irish family, how his parents challenged him to do mighty things, his journey from starting as a Production Assistant delivering scripts to directing box-office hits, and so much more. My friends, you’ll leave this conversation- with my friend Sean McNamara- full of joy, hope and excitement for what’s to come not just for On Fire the film, but for your lives.

A wonderful perk of my business is getting to share the stage with some of the most remarkable, eloquent, and impactful speakers alive.  To grow in this career, I’ve studied many of the greatest orators ever born. And yet, the greatest speech I ever witnessed wasn’t on some big stage, delivered by someone famous, wearing some fancy suit.  No, it was a far more modest setting, delivered by a far less trained speaker, representing a far more powerful message.  Let me explain.