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

“I'm losing it.
These were the final words spoken by the great singer, Frank Sinatra. The man who spent his life performing at sold-out theaters and proudly proclaiming he did it his way recognized at the end of his life that none of us are totally in control.
Emily Dickinson offered a more poetic reflection as death approached. She looked past those gathered in the room and spoke these words, "I must go in, the fog is rising."
"Go on, get out! Last words are for fools who haven't said enough."  Karl Marx shared this sentiment as he prepared to die. Even though he felt he’d said enough, they unintentionally became the last words he ever spoke.
Fools or not, at some point we all speak words which will become our last. Have you ever considered what your final words might be? Have you ever heard someone share theirs?  As we savor the last summer before taking our oldest son to college, I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on some last words shared with me. Let me explain.

Christina Rasmussen is an acclaimed grief educator who has dedicated her life to helping others navigate the often misunderstood and silent struggles of everyday loss. Her mission is to guide others to living life fully and joyously.
Today, Christina shares how she overcame her fears and limitations while growing up in Greece, how she confronted the profound grief of losing her husband to cancer at a young age and how she’s helping others navigate their journeys with loss and grief.
My friends,  if you’re looking for a conversation that underscores resilience, the power of community, and how to embrace life’s fullest potential, this episode is for you.

With intensifying conflicts around the world, ever-amplifying political tension in the United States, and persistent personal challenges we all deal with daily, it’s easy to feel lost in the seemingly growing shadow of darkness.
And yet, there are examples around us of individuals who survive unspeakable heartache, remarkably heal, and today reflect light into a world longing for it. Few individuals personify this more brilliantly than my friend, Kim Meeder.

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.