Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary John O'Leary

For 91 harrowing days, Immaculée Ilibagiza huddled a tiny bathroom with seven other women while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. Today, Immaculée stands as a beacon of hope and resilience.
Join us at Immaculee shares her excruciating experience, how she found her faith and taught herself English in the midst of unimaginable terror, and most incredibly, embraced a life of peace, hope and forgiveness, even for those who had murdered her family.
My friends, Immaculée's story isn't just about survival; it's about the boundless capacity for faith and resilience that lies within each of us. It's a reminder that no matter how dire the circumstances, we all have the power to rise above, to find peace within, and to spread love and hope to the world.

Today, many of us will enjoy a day off work. We'll sleep in, take walks, watch shows, or spend time with family and friends. And yet, many in our communities remain unaware of the true significance of this day.
On this Memorial Day, let us pause and remember why we have this day off. Let us give thanks for the incredible opportunities we have today and remember the ultimate sacrifices that provided these freedoms.
In a world where we often celebrate people for their beauty, social following, or professional success, let’s ensure the humility, sacrifice, life, and death of these heroes continue to shine brightly through those of us lucky enough to live on.
 

While filming On Fire the Film, I had the incredible honor of working alongside heroes, experts, and a phenomenal crew of actors. Yet, there was one person who truly stood out: Jamison Sweet.
His humility, excellence, and genuine love for others were unmistakable. As I got to know Jamison, I witnessed his remarkable service and unwavering dedication—not just to our nation as a Marine, but to each person he encountered, including me.
Today, Jamison shares his inspiring journey of serving 15 years in the Marine Corps, which included significant missions like Operation Restore Hope in Somalia. He also served as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, a role that required immense courage and compassion as he delivered heart-wrenching news to families of fallen Marines. Plus, we share some of our most memorable moments on set.
My friends, this conversation is a tribute to the spirit of service and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Join me as Jamison reminds us how to lift each other up, find beauty in our own paths, and believe in the extraordinary potential within us all.

In a world too often filled with blame-shifting, shirking responsibility or waiting for things to change for them, John Foppe reminds us what it looks like when we stop waiting for our circumstances to improve, and start living fully, vibrantly and joyfully the lives we already have.
Some 18 years ago, I visited with a man who positively changed my life. In reading a bit more about his story, I believe he will change your life, too. Let me explain.

John Foppe embodies the profound truth that our limitations are often self-imposed. Born without arms, John has learned to adapt every aspect of daily life and transform every challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Today, John shares his intimate experience of overcoming physical and internal obstacles that once seemed insurmountable and how he began to take responsibility of his disability and his identity. Plus, in recognizing the importance of lifting up others, John shares how his work as Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul in St. Louis is providing person-to-person service to those most vulnerable.
My friends, this conversation is a reminder that a full and vibrant life is achievable, once we overcome the barriers within ourselves.

The day started early for me, yet it was an encounter nearly 20 hours later that left me refreshed and reminded me that there are two ways to live our lives. Let me explain.