John O'Leary - Live Inspired

John O'Leary - Live Inspired Speaker, Bestselling Author, Live Inspired Podcast Host, and Subject of the Upcoming Major Motion Picture SOUL ON FIRE.

Many people send out Christmas cards this time of year, typically featuring pictures of smiling kids, happy couples, cut...
12/13/2025

Many people send out Christmas cards this time of year, typically featuring pictures of smiling kids, happy couples, cute dogs, new homes. Many include images of beautiful Christmas trees, Santa leaving gifts, Snoopy driving sleighs, or nativity scenes.

But several years ago, I received a seemingly bland card—with an odd message—that I still think about to this day.

It didn't have any pictures, images, families, or snowflakes. No, on that plain card were just four simple words:

“Do Not Be Afraid.”

It seemed like a strange message for the holiday season. Why lead with a message of fear around the holidays? Why not send pictures of puppy dogs and snowflakes and Santa Clause and kids looking just perfect? Kind of a dark message, right?!

Then I remembered the first words Mary heard from the angel:

Do Not Be Afraid.

And the first words heard by Joseph in a dream:

Do Not Be Afraid.

And the first words a bunch of shepherds heard while tending to their flocks:

Do Not Be Afraid.

Then I thought of the woman who had sent this card. She was recently widowed, struggling with intense grief, dealing with loneliness, facing uncertainty. And I understood the grand simplicity and profound truth of her card.

My friends, even as we step away from work, gather with family, celebrate the season and prepare for the new year, many of us are carrying a heavy weight into this holiday season. With countless depressing headlines, deepening cultural divides and so many conflicts, we’re all susceptible to suffocating in fear.

But this year, let's be reminded of a fundamental truth: just as they did when they were delivered some 2,000 years ago, these four words will transform the lives of those who listen:

Do Not Be Afraid.

As this year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on the highs that lifted me, the lows that stretched me, and all the momen...
12/12/2025

As this year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on the highs that lifted me, the lows that stretched me, and all the moments in between that shaped 2025 in ways I never expected.

That reflection brought to mind one of the questions we ask every guest on the podcast—part of the —and inspired me to offer a similar invitation to you:

If you summed up your 2025 in one sentence, what would it read?

There’s no perfect answer. Your sentence might hold joy or grief, victory or struggle, clarity or confusion. It might celebrate how far you’ve come…or acknowledge the places you’re still growing. Whatever it looks like, my hope is that it honors the truth of your year.

Share your sentence in the comments. I’d love to read them. ❤️

Josh Pauls is a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, longtime captain of Team USA Sled Hockey, and a keynote speaker who...
12/11/2025

Josh Pauls is a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, longtime captain of Team USA Sled Hockey, and a keynote speaker whose story of resilience has inspired audiences around the world. Born without shinbones and losing both legs before his first birthday, Josh has spent his life defying expectations... and lifting others as he rises.

Today, Josh shares how he fell in love with sled hockey, the lessons learned from becoming a young captain on the world stage, and the personal journey that led him to embrace who he is fully, confidently, joyfully. He unpacks the meaning of his mantra “standards over feelings,” the teammates who became his family, the role his wife Kate played in helping him see himself through a kinder lens, and why letting kids face challenges might be the greatest gift a parent can offer.

My friends, if you’re craving a reminder that your challenges don’t define you, (your choices do!) this conversation is for you. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to show up bravely in your own life, you’ll leave with practical tools for perseverance, a renewed belief in what’s possible, and a fresh appreciation for those who help you push past your limits.

Listen to Josh Pauls on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 836 now.

Years ago, I sat in the audience as a technology futurist described the coming wave of artificial intelligence. He share...
12/09/2025

Years ago, I sat in the audience as a technology futurist described the coming wave of artificial intelligence. He shared AI would transform everything we do professionally by radically changing the workplace. Through its unmatched reliability, ability to apply limitless knowledge, and the fact that although humans make mistakes and require sleep, technology functions without making mistakes and never requiring a break.

Some see that future as being just over the horizon now.

I, on the other hand, haven’t needed to wait for it. I’ve been blessed to experience something even better than that for the past decade.

You see, ten years ago today, I hired Sandy Montgomery Schwab.

Through professional transitions, ever-evolving technology, COVID shutdowns, book launches, film production, theatrical releases, more than a thousand speaking events and the endless surprises of daily life, Sandy has been a steadfast blessing to our organization….and to me. She’s incredibly capable, extraordinarily brilliant, and a perfect ambassador for our brand.

She’s also a dear friend.

Together we’ve weathered the loss of our Dads, celebrated the growth of our families, and navigated major life changes. Through it all, Sandy has elevated the work we do and the impact we have on others through the way she shows up for others.

Sandy — I am profoundly grateful for you and know that our best is yet to come!

“Life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backwards.” – Søren KierkegaardI shared this quote years ago ...
12/09/2025

“Life must be lived forward, but it can only be understood backwards.” – Søren Kierkegaard

I shared this quote years ago while looking back on a simple, joy-filled summer. And it’s been on my mind again as I reflect on the highs and lows of 2025. (If you haven’t yet read that reflection, check out yesterday’s ).

One person who taught me the power of looking back with intention is author Jinny S. Ditzler. Her book "Your Best Year Yet" challenged me to pause, look back, take stock of what mattered, and then build a plan rooted in those lessons. It changed the way I approached my work, my relationships and my life.

If you’re closing out the year and craving clarity, check out this week’s blog and revisit my conversation with Jinny on the Live Inspired Podcast. Both offer a beautiful invitation to pause, reflect, and step into next year with purpose.

My 2025 Reflection ➡️ https://johnolearyinspires.com/2025/12/loss/

Episode with Jinny ➡️ https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/archive/live-inspired-podcast-s2ep12-jinny-ditzler/

Two years ago today, we called “that’s a wrap” on our final day of filming SOUL ON FIRE—and snapped the last clapper boa...
12/09/2025

Two years ago today, we called “that’s a wrap” on our final day of filming SOUL ON FIRE—and snapped the last clapper board you see in this photo. 🎬

The movie didn’t even have its official name yet. All we knew was that something meaningful was one step closer to taking shape.

Looking back now, I’m amazed at how far this story has traveled since that day. From early screenings…to theaters across the country…to families streaming it at home…SOUL ON FIRE has reached places we never could’ve imagined when we packed up that set.

And as we close out 2025, I’m grateful we get to celebrate one more milestone:

Tomorrow, you can bring the film home on DVD.

For everyone who has watched, shared, encouraged, or believed in this story—thank you. From that final day of filming two years ago…to a film you can now hold in your hands…what an extraordinary ride it’s been.

DVD available tomorrow. Grab yourself and your friends a copy at this link ➡️ https://johnolearyinspires.com/shop/soul-on-fire-dvd/

In preparing to close the chapter on another year, I find myself reflecting on the innumerable ups and downs of 2025. If...
12/08/2025

In preparing to close the chapter on another year, I find myself reflecting on the innumerable ups and downs of 2025. If your year looked anything like mine, it held moments of soaring joy but also heartbreaking loss.

On one hand, after years of persistently investing in SOUL ON FIRE, the film finally released in theaters, and audiences responded with an enthusiasm we never could’ve scripted.

The reviews, the handwritten notes, the standing ovations at the premier and the quiet tears in darkened theaters reminded me that people still long for true stories of brokenness being redeemed. I remain utterly blown away by the response and humbled by the impact of the film on those who watch it.

And yet, midway through this year and right before the film came out theatrically, we added words to the final scene of the film: “Dedicated to Denny O’Leary.”

A year overflowing with blessings also brought with it the loss of my dad. His passing after a long and valiant journey with Parkinson’s disease still feels unreal. He was my hero, and I miss his voice, his presence, his humor, and the joy he shared in every interaction.

Although Dad’s death was something our family faced, all of us wrestle with our own challenges. Illnesses, professional uncertainty, relational conflict, societal unease. We worry not only about what we’re navigating now, but also out of concern for what comes next.

So how should we live in this season of uncertainty? How do we remain optimistic and hopeful with such much chaos around?

Years ago, a man I deeply admire lost a child and shared a scripture verse from the book of Job:

“The Lord gives.
The Lord takes.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

At the time of this family’s unimaginable loss, I couldn’t fully grasp the weight of those words or understand how they could speak them aloud. But haltingly and gradually, I’m beginning to recognize the wisdom of those words.

My friends, that type of sentiment won’t prevent future struggles from showing up in our lives. However, living it will remind you that you are not alone, that your life matters, and that your best is yet to come.

So today, give thanks not merely for the gifts that will be wrapped under the tree, but for the litany of ups and downs from the past year that have perfectly guided you to this moment…and will fuel you in the seasons to come.

This is your day. Live Inspired.

Give a gift that truly matters this holiday season!Copies of ON FIRE are the perfect way to spark inspiration for teams,...
12/06/2025

Give a gift that truly matters this holiday season!

Copies of ON FIRE are the perfect way to spark inspiration for teams, families, clients and anyone who needs a bit of encouragement this year.

🔥 SPECIAL LIMITED TIME OFFER 🔥
Buy 10+ copies of ON FIRE between now and December 8 and you’ll receive a SOUL ON FIRE DVD Gift Pack as our gift.

Each gift pack includes a SOUL ON FIRE DVD, a limited-edition SOUL ON FIRE hat, intention card deck, pen, and a commemorative movie poster signed by me.

It’s our way of saying thanks for helping to spread a message of hope. ❤️

Head to this link to grab your copies of ON FIRE today: https://johnolearyinspires.com/shop/on-fire-book/

Earlier this week, the Live Inspired crew slipped away for a happy hour to celebrate the end of a very long, very beauti...
12/05/2025

Earlier this week, the Live Inspired crew slipped away for a happy hour to celebrate the end of a very long, very beautiful road. ❤️‍🔥

For years, SOUL ON FIRE has been part of our daily lives: early drafts and long shoot days, the joy of partnering with SONY, the travels, the conversations, the late-night emails, the theater run, the digital release…all of it.

And somehow, our little team—supported by incredible partners and a whole lot of grace—carried the story all the way to the finish line.

This gathering wasn’t just a celebration. It was gratitude. For the work, the mission, the countless hands who made it possible, and the remarkable gift of sharing this film with the world.

Here’s to the team. Here’s to the year. And here’s to whatever comes next. 🥂

Ten years ago today, Laura Wiley shared her last good day with her family.A year later, the memories of that day inspire...
12/05/2025

Ten years ago today, Laura Wiley shared her last good day with her family.

A year later, the memories of that day inspired her husband Tom to create The December 5th Fund—offering families facing cancer the gift of at least one day without worry.

Tom was the very first person we recognized as back in 2024, and his example continues to remind us what love, service, and hope can ignite.

So on this December 5th, I’m grateful to revisit their story. Read along in the images here, and if you’d like to learn more or support Tom's mission, visit december5th.org. ❤️

Dr. Gregory Ross is President and Head of School at the remarkable West End School in Louisville, Kentucky. A nationall...
12/04/2025

Dr. Gregory Ross is President and Head of School at the remarkable West End School in Louisville, Kentucky. A nationally recognized educator and transformational leader, Greg has created one of the most successful K–8 programs in the state, where every student attends on full scholarship and consistently outperforms state averages. His journey from humble beginnings in Paducah to leading one of the country’s most inspiring schools is nothing short of extraordinary.

Today, Greg shares how growing up with scarcity shaped his unshakeable faith, how a miraculous childhood healing set the course for his life’s purpose, and how he’s building a culture of excellence in one of Kentucky’s most underserved communities. He talks about the power of seeing the “genius in every child,” the way his mother taught eight kids to believe they were royalty even when they had nothing, and the daily practices that turn overwhelmed students into confident scholars and leaders.

My friends, you’ll walk away with a renewed belief in what’s possible — for yourself, your family, and your community. If you need hope, encouragement, or a reminder that your circumstances don’t define your potential, this episode is for you.

Listen to Dr. Gregory Ross on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 834 now.

Yesterday in my , I shared the sage advice my Grandma Caddy gave me years ago about slowing down during the holiday sea...
12/02/2025

Yesterday in my , I shared the sage advice my Grandma Caddy gave me years ago about slowing down during the holiday season to recognize the gifts right in front of me.

It got me thinking about a conversation I had several years ago with my friend Rachel Macy Stafford (The Hands Free Revolution). For years, Rachel wore “How do you do it all?” like a badge of honor. She excelled at work, at her kids’ school, and in the community. Her friends were amazed at how she could fit it all in.

Then one day while out on a run, that familiar question hit her differently. Rather than hearing it as a compliment, she heard it as an indictment. She realized she was able to "do it all" because she was missing out on the things that really mattered.

Laughter.
Play.
Presence.

Running shoes still tied, Rachel bent over on that sidewalk and wept. But she also made a commitment: to slow down and live “hands free.” To let go of the busy to focus on what actually matters.

In the years since that inflection point, Rachel has grown in her faith, her relationships, and her purpose. She’s also become one of the most influential thought leaders by sharing her heart with her online community.

As we move through this holiday season, Rachel’s reminder is one I’m holding close: Don’t miss the miraculous by racing through the mundane.

Pause long enough to notice the good, the right, the blessings, and the strengths. Because sometimes joy shows up in the most unexpected places, but only when we’re moving slow enough to see it.

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