John O'Leary - Live Inspired is at Union Grove Union High School.
21 hours ago
“My Step Dad is my hero”. 
Why?“Because although my dad has never been there for me, when my stepdad came into my life he always has been.”Today I had the joy of speaking with 1,000 students from the four middle schools of Union Grove, WI. After lunch, 1,000 high school students from Union Grove Union High School entered into the same gymnasium. {Let’s go Broncos!!!!}. It was an awesome day and we finish strong in the same gym tonight with the entire community. I invited two students from each of the four middle schools to share a person in their life who inspires them. Although I invited 8, we had more than 30 run to the stage. It was epic. There’s always a risk when you give a microphne to a middle school student. And yet, the first little boy I handed the mic to not only reminded us of taking things seriously and sharing vulnerably, but also that the actions others take for us can positively change our life. The other 29 students followed his lead. Powerful moment. My friends, all of this happening because of an amazing organization celebrating the life of a man who lived joy in every interaction, Frank Lamping. So thanks GoFrankGo for making today so remarkable. I’ll never forget these experience, meeting these students and being inspired by their stories. And I’ll also never forget Frank. This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less
1 day ago
Sloane Crosley is the New York Times bestselling author of essay collections I Was Told There’d Be Cake and How Did You Get This Number, and is known for her sharp wit, keen observations and relatable humor.Today, Sloane joins us to discuss her latest book Grief is For People, and shares her personal journey through loss after a close friend’s suicide. Through her unique storytelling, she navigates the complicated and painful process of grief, offering solace and challenge to those grappling with loss.My friends, if you or someone you love is in need of healing, this conversation will provide hope and guidance.Listen to Sloane Crosley on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 648 now. ... See MoreSee Less
4 days ago
Earlier this month I had the honor of recording a live podcast with legendary actor William H. Macy at his home. While his house was stunning, the view of the mountains was magnificent, and the evidence of a wildly successful career was scattered throughout the house, it wasn’t any of that stuff that impressed me. Instead, what fascinated me most from our visit is something desperately needed from our leaders today. Let me explain.Traveling with my son and wife, we pulled our rental car in front of his stately house. Before even getting out of our car, the front door opened. Bill stepped out, waved, and came strolling toward our car proclaiming that he was glad we had made it. He gave my wife and me hugs, then shook our son’s hand warmly before ushering us into his house.This is an extremely busy man who was kind enough to make a little time for us to record a podcast. As we came out of the cold and into his front hall, Bill asked if he could brew some tea to warm us up. In asking my son how he takes his tea, he learned Jack had never had a cup. Playfully acting aghast that Jack had never enjoyed tea, Bill insisted he’d make it his favorite way: with a little maple syrup and fresh orange squeezed into it. He then guided us back into his kitchen.And so began our visit with William H. Macy.Visiting around the kitchen island, the prolific actor nominated for more than 76 acting awards was more interested in Jack’s hobbies than his own awards. Although he’s happily married to a woman of incredible talent and prestige, Bill was sincerely interested in Beth’s work as an Occupational Therapist. The man who had just finished shooting On Fire, who had just completed writing a script for a new movie and who was heading out the following week to begin work on a new project, was more curious about my speaking business than chatting about his projects.My friends, as things progress this year with the production and release of On Fire the film, we’ll be sharing the Live Inspired Podcast episode featuring William H. Macy. You’ll learn about his parents, his upbringing and his brother who got him into performing. You’ll learn about what he loves about theater, where he learned to act, and how the movie Fargo changed his career. You’ll hear what he loved about the script for On Fire, why he was so motivated to portray Jack Buck and how he hopes people attending the movie might benefit from it.But as we sat around his kitchen island and before even hitting record on the podcast, we had already received a masterclass in what makes William H. Macy one of the most beloved actors in the business: his genuine care for others, his humility regarding the gifts he has received, his passion for the work he does, and his joyful gratitude for the family he has and the life he leads.Several hours after arriving at his house we pulled away from it.In the rear-view mirror I saw Bill Macy at his front door waving goodbye. It became clear to me he possesses what we all ultimately desire: such grateful conviction for the blessings in his life that he’s able to invest the time and energy not only to continually improve within his chosen craft, but to make those around him feel loved.So many stars walking the red-carpet love waving and smiling, celebrating how great they are. And it’s not just Hollywood actors who desire the conversation, the attention, the camera to be focused on them. Being ego-centric and me-first is a characteristic in many of us.And yet, the most effective leaders, the most enjoyable friends and the most lovely individuals we know think far less of themselves and far more how they can make the people around them better. They are humble, hospitable and kind. And we leave conversations with these individuals feeling more connected to them and far better about ourselves.It's served as an effective strategy for the success of one of the great actors of our time.It is certain to benefit each of us in our endeavors, too.Today is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less
5 days ago
"I don't resent getting old. It's a privilege denied to many."With a bunch of boxes to move, books to pack, offices to clean and floors to mop, I marched the kids into the office today to experience the all-important (and far less glamours} aspects of being a small business owner. They were not thrilled about their mean dad making them work!About 45 minutes into our efforts there was a knock at the door....and our dear friend Uncle Harold was standing there. Driving by he saw our car in the lot and stopped in to say hello. While giving the kids some good natured jabbing for having to do all this work, one of them fired back that he was was getting older and would be best served just sitting in a rocking chair and watching ... To which Harold replied, "I don't resent getting old. It's a privilege denied to many."It was an awesome response .... It's also a universal truth. My friends, so many of the things we 'resent' today are also privileges denied to many. I won't bore you by making a list, but the vast majority of things we complain about in this part of the world would be profound blessings in just about every other corner of the world. We're profoundly blessed. Sometimes it just takes a chance encounter with a wise man named Uncle Harold while being forced by your dad to work to realize it. Now, back to work. There are floors to clean. J ... See MoreSee Less
1 week ago
Jodi Wellman is a positive psychology expert in pursuit of igniting others to lead a zero-regret life. As the founder of Four Thousand Mondays, Jodi shines light on the scarcity of time and how we have the power to lead squander-free lives with urgency and meaning.With the average life expectancy being 80 years, we get roughly 4,000 Mondays in our lifetime. Today, Jodi joins us to share how her mother’s death jostled her awake, how we’re in control of how we spend our days, and the practical, small changes we can make to rekindle our passion and curiosity for life.My friends, this conversation will help us get out of autopilot and build more vitality and meaning into our lives.Hear from Jodi Wellman on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 466 now. ... See MoreSee Less
