John O'Leary - Live Inspired

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John O'Leary - Live Inspired

Live + virtual speaker. 2x bestselling author. Live Inspired Podcast Host. Best last: Husband. Dad.

01/13/2025

Homeless guy. Single mom. Burn survivor. Wealthy person. Immigrant.

Regardless the intent, our quick judgements and descriptors for others always fall short of fully describing another human being. Several weeks ago, during an overnight shift at a hospital, I witnessed the downside of labels. And yet, minutes later, I saw the healing power that comes when we more fully embrace the humanity of the person in front of us. Let me explain.

Seated next to my dad during yet another hospitalization, I went out to the nurse station to inquire about more medicine. Dad was writhing in pain, shifting awkwardly in his bed with dyskinesia, cognitively confused and unable to verbalize any of his struggle. And so, I went out to hallway, found someone charting, explained the situation and asked if she could track down our nurse. She nodded without really looking up from her work, called into the break room, and shared that, “The old guy in room 606 needs more medicine.”

“The old guy in room 606” has battled a progressive neurological disease called Parkinson’s disease with profound courage for more than three decades. He has never complained as the disease robbed him of his ability to work, earn, drive, ambulate, or speak. He has never complained about the constant, chronic pain he experiences as the result of dozens of falls and broken bones. He has never complained about the struggle his life is.

“The old guy in room 606” celebrated his 80th birthday earlier in the year. He was surrounded by his six children who still idolize him. Seated closest to him that evening was his bride. He loves her more today than he did at any other point in their marriage. He’s grateful in a world that often cheapens the value of his life, that his girlfriend of more than six decades just keeps scooting closer and closer to him.

“The old guy in room 606” coached his daughters in basketball, helped his boys in Scouting, served up at church and was kind to everyone. He never missed a day of grade school, high school, college or law school, and became successful professionally, but never at the expense of missing anything important for his family. He is compassionate, sweet, funny, faithful and brilliant. Even in the oversized hospital bed that engulfed the patient writhing in it, I could see so clearly who this great man actually is.

A little later, the night nurse came in, and introduced herself to Dad who looked helplessly back at her. She brushed his bangs with her fingers, and shared with him, “Denny, I know you are in pain and I’m going to give some medicine to help. You are about to feel better.”

She injected medicine into his IV, looked him in the eyes, and shared that she was sorry he’s struggling, but that everyone there was working to get him feeling better and back to his home.

Shortly after she left, Dad’s pained moments slowed, his eyes closed, and he finally was able to get some peaceful rest.

Best Dad. Loving husband. Tough patient. Parkinson’s fighter. Faithful servant. Dear friend. Good man.

Over a lifetime of loving others, Denny O’Leary has rightly earned many titles. And he’s certainly far more than a room number in a hospital or an adjective describing his age.

My friends, in a world full of quick judgements, increasing tribalism and lessening compassion, strive to see more than the obvious story of others. Seek the far more intricate, nuanced and important story behind the surface. The little bit of compassion to better understand their circumstances will not only change how you see the person in front of you, but it will profoundly shape how you treat them.

And we need that kind of humanity today more than ever.

This is your day. Live Inspired.

01/10/2025

Tonight we celebrate my amazing Mom’s birthday. And we celebrate it in this house where she and Dad raised six kids …. and where they now embrace the joy of loving their 22 grandbabies. What an amazing life!

And yet…..

We celebrate her birthday in a house that was devastated by a fire in 1987 …. before being rebuilt.

And we celebrate this birthday in a house that was devastated by yet another fire in 2003 …. before being rebuilt.

With the tragic fires roaring through Los Angelas, destroying property and upending lives, I thought of a little sign that once hug in her kitchen (before being burned). The sign read: “This too shall pass.”

She hung it during a time in her life when she was on top of the world, when no one had ever been burned, when life was easy and when her home had never been devastated.

But she remembered those words when she felt buried under the weight of the world, when a child was burned, when life got hard, and when her home was utterly destroyed by fire.

Tonight, we pray for those impacted by the devastating fires in LA. This tragedy is unimaginable and shockingly sad.

And yet.

In being with my mom tonight, we know the foundation remains firm, that we will rebuild, and the best is yet to come. J

01/09/2025

Dr. Bertice Berry is a sociologist, award-winning author, and celebrated storyteller who has inspired millions through her wisdom, humor, and heart. From growing up in poverty as one of seven children to earning a Ph.D. in sociology, Bertice’s story encourages us to live authentically, reflect our best selves, and shine brighter for those around us.

Today, Bertice shares how her early struggles shaped her belief in hope and blessings, even in the hardest of times. She reflects on the life lessons learned from her mother’s transformation, the importance of forgiveness, and why “cleaning the light” (literally and metaphorically) helps us see life more clearly. Bertice also discusses her challenges with MS and the mental chains that can hold us back more than the physical ones.

My friends, if you need a reminder that your story matters and your struggles can become blessings, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to embrace your own narrative, find strength in your scars, and share your light with the world.

Listen to Dr. Bertice Berry on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 740 now.

01/06/2025

Who would do that?

This was the question my son asked last weekend. He wanted to know why I was planning to wake up early the following day, drive six hours to Cincinnati, surprise a friend for his birthday, and then turn around to drive home after just 30 minutes since I had to get back for a previously scheduled commitment.

To Patrick, it seemed like a nicely written card or a gift mailed in advance would have been a sufficient gesture, but I shared with my son a few reasons why this person mattered enough to be there in person.

The Saturday I was burned, an ambulance raced me away from our burning home, and immediately, an unimaginable sense of panic consumed me. Arriving at the emergency room at Mercy Hospital, the first person to treat this terribly burned little boy greeted me by name, had a confident warmth in his eyes and filled a scared kid with a little hope. Despite it being the weekend, he had left his family that morning to begin lifesaving work on a critically burned patient.

Who would do that? Dr. Vatche Ayvazian.

Early every morning, seven days a week throughout my recovery, one individual made rounds to his patients’ rooms. Each visit he took time to not only connect with us patients but to also remind the professionals he rounded with that they weren’t just doing a task; they were shouldering the sacred role of keeping patients alive. He wanted each person to know they mattered and were valued.

Who would do that? Dr. Vatche Ayvazian.

Two months into my hospitalization, a surgical procedure broke my heart. My fingers on both hands were amputated, robbing me not only of playing baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, but ostensibly stealing any chance of a normal life. Late that evening, the man who did the surgery entered my room, apologized for what he had done that day, but sweetly shared that contrary to how I currently felt, he hadn’t taken my life. Instead, he was trying to give it back to me.

Who would do that? Dr. Vatche Ayvazian.

After five months in hospital, dozens of surgeries, and preparing to be released from the hospital, there was a knock at my door. An individual entered my room, turned off my television, sat on the bed, cleared his throat and said, “John, you are a champion and can still do almost anything you want in your life. Perhaps you won’t be a court reporter, but you can be a lawyer or a judge. You may not play baseball again, but you can be a manager or own a team. John, if you want to get married and raise kids and have an incredible life, you can! You are a remarkable little boy; you can still live an amazing life.” Then, he bent down and kissed me on my forehead.

Who would do that? Dr. Vatche Ayvazian.

The reasons above, along with countless others, are why last Saturday, as he prepared for his 90th birthday party, Dr. Ayvazian heard the doorbell ring. He answered the door in his suit and looked up in shock at the face of a patient from 37 years ago. With stunned tears in his eyes, he couldn’t believe I had made the trip to simply give him a hug and tell him I loved him. He looked at me and asked, “Who would do such a thing?”

I didn’t answer. I simply hugged the man whose entire life personified doing exactly such a thing.

This is your day. Live Inspired

01/04/2025

Are you seeking more inspiration? More insight? More connection?

Join the John and the Live Inspired Together community for our first free, live Zoom of the year on January 6 at 4pm CT.

Registration link in the comments!

01/02/2025

Damon West went from a Division 1 starting quarterback at Texas A&M to becoming the “Uptown Burglar” and being sentenced to 65 years in prison. Now, a keynote speaker and the bestselling author of The Coffee Bean, Damon is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of personal change.

Today, Damon shares the pivotal lessons learned from his darkest days—how he found hope and purpose in a Texas supermax prison and rebuilt his life one choice at a time. You’ll also learn about the inmate who showed him how to be a “change agent,” the freedom he discovered in surrendering control, and the essential role of faith, service, and community in his recovery.

My friends, if you need a reminder that change is always possible, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with practical tools to overcome adversity, shift your perspective, and take ownership of your life.

Listen to Damon West on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 738 now.

12/30/2024

When you think of someone who has changed the world, who comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you probably think of famous explorers, powerful rulers, mighty revolutionaries, and business innovators? That’s because we often think that changing the world requires grand gestures and historical relevance.

But what if I told you changing the world actually more commonly occurs through small, everyday actions done for the person in front of you?

This is the truth at the heart of our On Fire For Good initiative. Each month we introduce you to individuals whose humility, commitment and unflinching love has changed the world around them. And our January honoree, Bob Schricker, is a brilliant example of this truth in action.

After more than three decades managing factory floors, production lines and teams of employees, Bob had a chance to retire. A chance to slow down, nap in the afternoon if he wanted and focus on his own interests. So that’s exactly what Bob decided to do, right? Wrong!

Instead, upon retirement, Bob discovered a need in his town’s senior community that he could help alleviate. Drawn to those requiring fulltime care due to stroke, dementia and other conditions, he witnessed how these seniors—and their caregivers—were burdened by stress and isolation. The desire to mitigate their struggle became a passion project that would define his retirement years.

In 2001, Bob and a group of church friends founded Breath of Life, a nonprofit organization that provides full-service day care activities to adults and critically important respite for their caregivers.

As the first executive director, Bob did the paperwork, filed the taxes, hired the staff, and loved the seniors and their caregivers. For 14 years, Bob tirelessly navigated innumerable challenges to positively impact others. Admittedly, he didn’t always know what he was doing, but when a need arose, he filled it.

When Bob and his wife moved from Minnesota to Tennessee, he stepped down as executive director and transitioned to president of the board of directors at Breath of Life. It was finally time to retire, finally time to make life all about himself, right? Wrong again!

In his new community, Bob immediately took on a role with a home health care organization, did the physical work within the homes, and attracted others from his new community to serve in that capacity, too. In addition, Bob became president of the Vietnam Veterans of America chapter in his region, a role that benefits from his decades of work with seniors.

Now midway through his 7th decade, Bob is finally slowing down, finally enjoying the twilight years, finally putting his feet up, right? Wrong for the third time!

Even today, Bob remains connected to Breath of Life, he still spends his days serving seniors in his community, and he continues to do whatever he can do make the life of a caregiver and their loved one better at home. Additionally, he actively seeks unhoused veterans, assists in moving them into motels and reminds them through his love that their life, and their service, still matter.

Bob has positively changed the world not like some famous explorer, powerful ruler, mighty revolutionary, or business innovator, but in the way it most commonly happens: meeting the needs of another, seeing their humanity, rolling up his sleeves and loving the person right in front of him.

While it is true we may not be able to change the entire world, undoubtedly we can change one person’s world for the better. Don’t believe me? Ask the tens of thousands that are better because of Bob.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

12/26/2024

Stephen B. Panus, Author/Speaker is a father, sports marketing executive, and author whose story reminds us that even in loss, we can choose to walk on and create a legacy of love. After losing his son, Jake, Stephen transformed his grief into purpose, choosing to honor Jake’s legacy through scholarships and acts of kindness that inspire others to lead with compassion and determination.

Today, Stephen shares how he faced unimaginable loss, learned to embrace forgiveness, and opened his heart to unexpected joy. He reveals the fine line between despair and hope, offering wisdom on turning pain into purpose and creating a meaningful life through vulnerability and community.

My friends, if you’re navigating grief, searching for hope, or striving to find light in life’s darkest moments, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to honor your challenges, embrace healing, and take the next step forward with courage, gratitude, and love.

Listen to Stephen Panus on Live Inspired Podcast ep, 736.

12/25/2024

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas day.

12/23/2024

Several years ago, with Christmas nearing and Beth and I unable to make eye contact with our boys due to the hair covering their eyes, I loaded up the car and took the teenaged boys to get haircuts.

Despite their slumped shoulders as they entered and the soft-spoken answers they provided as she worked, the stylist could not have been sweeter to my boys. In thanking her afterwards for how she made them look and how kind she had been to them, she asked me a seemingly simple question: “Are you ready for Christmas?”

Now, I don’t think she was actually curious if my house was cleaned, the tree was up or the dinner rolls ordered. I don’t think she was truly interested if my suit was ironed, shoes were polished or if the last several weeks of Advent had prepared my heart for the final two weeks before Christmas. No, I think she was just curious if the shopping had been completed.

Whether in salons, stores or at office parties, we’ve all likely been asked many times if we’re ready for the holidays over the past several weeks. Although the question is both common and kind, perhaps a better question to ask ourselves is this: What is a truly worthwhile gift to give the ones I love this holiday season?

A partial glance at my kids’ lists that year included items like Lego sets, wooden bats, tennis shoes, ping-pong balls, lacrosse sticks, candy bars and gift cards.

So, which of those presents do you think were the most loved and which have long been forgotten?

For the past eight years I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing remarkable people from all over the world on our Live Inspired Podcast. One of my favorite questions- asked of more than 700 individuals- is this: “If your home caught fire, and all living things were out, and you had an opportunity to run in and grab one item, what would you grab?”

Practical guests grab their wallet, laptop or phone. The world travelers grab a passport or a suitcase. But the most common response among all my guests is a meaningful object gifted by a loved one, a picture taken that holds deep importance, or a special note from a dear friend.

So how does that help get us ready for holidays this year?

My friends, with just a couple days before Christmas, stay home. Keep the jacket in the closet and the credit card in the wallet. Let others fight the traffic on the roadways, parking lots and checkout aisles.

Instead of searching the stores for that perfect last minute gift, give your loved ones a gift that actually matters. Provide the gift of expressing your love in words- written or spoken aloud. Give a grandchild, partner, child or friend the reminder that you love them, that you are grateful for them and that your world is far better because of them.

I promise you it will fit, they won’t return it and they’ll be grateful for it always.

Because while advertisers strive to get you into their stores, be reminded that the most valuable gifts in life can’t be bought and are always freely given. Perhaps that’s what we’re really celebrating during the Christmas season anyway.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

12/21/2024

My friends, in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a moment to slow down, reflect, and get inspired.

To celebrate National Crossword Puzzle Day, I made this special crossword puzzle. And yet, more than just a game—it’s a celebration of resilience, hope, and the incredible story of living inspired. So, grab your favorite pen (or pencil 😉), find a cozy corner, and enjoy a few moments of calm amidst the chaos.

How many clues can you solve? Be one of the first five people to send a picture of your completed puzzle (or list of correct answers) to [email protected], and I'll send you a special gift!

12/20/2024

One of my mother’s favorite quotes as I was growing up was: “Faith is being able to remember in the darkness what we’ve seen in the light.”

It’s an awesome quote and as we get ready to step tomorrow into the winter solstice - the shortest day and the longest night of the year - it’s appropriate to reflect upon today.

With the challenges we’re facing globally, the adversities we’re enduring politically, the struggles we’re enduring personally, it’s easy to focus on the darkness.

And yet.

And yet, there is also this truth: Starting tomorrow and every day moving forward, the nights get shorter, the days get longer, and the light will again drive out the darkness.

So as the wind blows strong and the chill creeps in, with Christmas around the corner, and a New Year beyond that, enjoy this winter solstice, this shortest day of the year.

This is your day. (However short it may be!) Live Inspired.

12/19/2024

Blessing Offor is two-time Grammy nominee and multi-talented artist who proves that resilience and authenticity can create a life—and a legacy—of purpose. From humble beginnings as a young blind man in a small Nigerian village to now shining on global stages, Blessing’s story is as vibrant and soulful as his music. With chart-topping hits like “Brighter Days”, competing on The Voice, and collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton, Blessing inspires millions through his artistry and story.

Today, Blessing shares how music became his compass through life’s challenges. From navigating blindness and identity to finding his voice in the world, Blessing shares profound lessons in embracing your story, leaning into joy, and using creativity as a bridge to connection.

My friends, Blessing reminds us that brighter days aren’t just ahead- they’re here when we choose to see them. You’ll leave this conversation with a renewed sense of purpose, an appreciation for the gift of community, and perhaps a new favorite song.

Listen to Blessing Offor on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 734 now.

12/16/2024

It was at a conference in Chicago.

I was the opening keynote speaker and was about to take the stage. The room was packed, the lights were low, and yet, the mood was subdued.

You see, this wasn’t a recent event, it was years ago, in the midst of the subprime mortgage crisis. Real estate was tanking, the stock market was plummeting, and unemployment was skyrocketing. There was very real anxiety that we were on the cliff of a global depression, leaning forward, about to fall.

I was invited to remind a room of financial and business advisors that their work still mattered, their individual lives were important, their decision to fight through their adversity critical, and their willingness to believe the best days remained in front of them was compulsory.

But the group was downtrodden, many were at a meeting they didn’t want to attend, working in a global marketplace they felt was doomed.

All of this filled my mind as an AV technician pulled me aside a few minutes before I took the stage. He took off his headset, spoke a bit frantically, and asked “What song do you want played when you get introduced?”

It was early in my career, and I’d never before had anyone offer walk up music. With little time to reflect and considering the challenges facing the group, I asked him to play a song by a musician named Matt Maher. The song was titled Alive Again.

The song begins with a soft, low, and saddened voice of a guy clearly lost…but quickly transitions into one that is renewed, recommitted and rocking out.

The first few lines of Alive Again are:

"I woke up in darkness surrounded by silence
Oh where, where have I gone?
I woke to reality losing its grip on me
Oh where, where have I gone?

‘Cause I can see the light before I see the sunrise

You called and You shouted
Broke through my deafness
Now I’m breathing in and breathing out
I’m alive again

You shattered my darkness
Washed away my blindness
Now I’m breathing in and breathing out
I’m alive again!"

The song progresses and challenges the listener that the very thing we search for, is in reality, seeking them. That our desire for success, fulfillment, even love won’t be found sprinting angrily forward, out of breath, flailing at everything. Instead, paradoxically, it is revealed by slowing down, opening our hearts, shutting our eyes, and breathing slowly.

My friends, as you journey through the frequently chaotic Christmas season, while navigating hardships globally, divisiveness nationally, challenges professionally, and adversities personally, maybe it’s time to heed the advice from Matt’s music.

Today, wake up. Slow down. Breathe in. Breathe out. Give thanks for all you have. And bask in the joy of being alive again.

This is your day. Live Inspired.

12/13/2024

Friends, are you looking for a fun way to give back to your community this holiday season? Spend a couple hours ringing bells for the The Salvation Army USA at a red kettle (like my team did earlier this month!). Funds collected stay in your community to provide food, shelter, utility assistance, and more to people in need. Visit RegisterToRing.com to book your bellringing shift!

And STL friends, come see me tomorrow (12/14) as I ring bells with The Salvation Army St. Louis officers and local celebrities as part of the Salvation Army’s National Red Kettle Challenge at the Walmart Chesterfield - THF Blvd. Stop by, say hello and make a donation. Thanks in advance and see you there!

12/12/2024

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.

Listen to Caroline Adams Miller on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 732 now.

12/09/2024

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.

“Mr. O’Leary, can I talk to you for a moment?”

When I hear “Mr.” in front of my name, I usually glance around the room for my dad.

On this specific day, though, I didn’t glance around the room for Dad. Instead, I felt trepidation for the conversation that was going to follow. I was picking up the kids from school and the words were spoken by Henry’s teacher.

Henry is number three in our family, the youngest of my boys. He is incredibly fun, funny, outgoing, athletic, and bright. He loves music, laughing, animals, roughhousing, and video games. He is always moving, always dancing, and always smiling. He’s an amazing kid.

All this passionate exuberance for life means that in addition to bringing great joy to his friends and family, he can occasionally be a handful in class. In today’s season of politically correct jargon, he might be considered “spirited.” In the 80s, they had very different terms to describe kids like this and very different ways to handle them. I know….because I was one of them!

Looking compassionately at this wonderful teacher, imagining the unique challenges of educating my son, as well as two dozen other children, I listened as she shared: “Henry was a little disruptive in class today. I warned him several times to stop talking. I tried several times to redirect him. And eventually I called him to my desk to give him one final warning.”

Oh boy, here goes, I thought, bracing for the worst.

She put her right hand on my shoulder, squared me up as if to ensure I was still following along with her, and continued.

“I was getting impatient. I had already moved him to two different work groups and neither led to success. So I told him, ‘Henry, take a good look around the room and find one group where you don’t have friends who will distract you from your work.’”

The teacher paused, “I watched as Henry stood and stared out at his classroom. Finally, he looked back at me, and said, ‘But it’s just so hard!’”

“’Why is it so hard, Henry? Why can’t you find one spot where you can sit without friends distracting you from your work!?’”

“Mr. O’Leary,” she continued, “he looked back at me with that sweet face of his and responded, ‘Because everywhere I look, all I see are friends.’”

The teacher wore a look of pride as she finished Henry’s sentence. She went on to tell me, “I think Henry already knows one of the most important lessons out there: that the world is filled with potential friends. When you chat with him on the way home, please tell him thanks for reminding his teacher today of that important lesson. I needed it.”

This weekend, we celebrated the life of our recently minted 15-year-old son. Every day, we give thanks for the gift of his life and the joy he is in ours.

And we strive to remember during the moments our patience is tested with him that what the world really needs is not people sitting idly in their desks, hands folded, passively listening, but vibrantly living and courageously drawing others to recognize the gift of their lives.

Everywhere I look, all I see are friends!

In a world that often feels divided, let’s strive to model that type of inclusivity and love today.

This is your day. Live Inspired.

12/08/2024

Our little boy, Henry, just turned 15 and took his first drive today.

I belted in, pads and helmet on, and prayed for safe passage.

….

Henry, his Dad and their car are safely back at home.

My friends, you are free to return to the street and relative safety.

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Yesterday marked the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Oorah! I’ve been enamored by the U.S. Marine Corps since childhood, and having the honor to serve their wounded veterans more than 50 times through my work with FOCUS Marines Foundation 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. One year ago, we were in the midst of filming for On Fire. On Day 4 of filming, hundreds of crew and dozens of actors took a break from their work and gathered for lunch. We were capturing scenes from my life as a college student at St. Louis University, and the massive lobby of the business school had been transformed into a vast lunch hall for the crew. What a surreal experience! Near the end of lunch, I noticed a small group gathered at a table to celebrate what looked like a birthday. Making my way over to see whose birthday it was, our Sound Engineer Jamison Sweet (a man who became a dear friend over the month working together) informed me it was the Marine Corps 248th birthday. He welcomed me to join in the celebration. With that, he lit the candles on a cake, the Marines Hymn played from a nearby speaker, and a group of five Marines stood at attention. It was an honor to simply witness. Afterwards, one of the men unsheathed a beautiful Non-Commissioned Officer Sword, and began carefully slicing the cake to share with others. The first piece is always given to the guest of honor. Jamison insisted I take it. The second piece is then presented to the oldest Marine gathered, who is acknowledged by the others both for their age as well as their years as a Marine. That Marine then turns and passes the third piece to the youngest. This tradition isn’t about acknowledging rank or medals. It isn’t about creed, race or political affiliation. It’s a centuries-old tradition that serves as a reminder

Help us recognize the extraordinary! Is there someone in your life that's truly On Fire For Good? A person who's grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do, and changing lives one at a time. Nominate them now and help us celebrate these inspiring individuals. Link in comments!

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. Listen (or watch!) Sean McNamara on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 706.

Do you need a virtual hug? Join us at Live Inspired Together, our free virtual community where we hangout online once a month for connection and inspiration. It’s free. It’s awesome. And it is for you. Join me at Live Inspired Together by registering today. Link in the comments!

Help us recognize the extraordinary! Who do you know that's truly On Fire For Good? That person who's grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do, and changing lives one at a time. Nominate them now and help us celebrate these inspiring individuals. Link in comments!