Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Elizabeth Svoboda is an award-winning science journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and Scientific American. In her latest book, The Art of Pacing, she explores how we can meet the demands of today without sacrificing our ability to thrive tomorrow. Today, Elizabeth shares why so many of us bounce between pushing too hard and pulling away completely, how athletes inspired her to rethink our relationship with effort and rest, and what it means to move through life at a more sustainable pace. We discuss how to recognize the warning signs of burnout, adjust our pace before we crash and make daily choices that support what matters most in the long run. My friends, if you're tired of feeling like your only options are to keep grinding or give up entirely, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a healthier way to think about productivity, practical permission to change your pace and a reminder that slowing down at the right moment may be what allows you to keep moving forward.

With summer winding down and our two oldest boys preparing to leave for college, I could feel the familiar pull of time. The family dinners, random conversations and beautiful chaos of having four teenagers under one roof won't last forever. So, with three boys still home, still available and, somewhat remarkably, still willing to take an adventure with Dad, we did something impractical: We cashed in airline miles, called a friend for help with tickets and booked a last-minute trip to New York City to watch our Cardinals play the Yankees. Total time in New York: less than 14 hours. Flights were delayed. Traffic was brutal. The hotel wasn't ready. The weather was stifling. Lines into the stadium were long. The Cardinals won two of three games that series. Naturally, we attended the one they lost. And as if that weren't painful enough, one of my own children walked out of Yankee Stadium wearing a brand-new Yankees jersey over his Cardinals shirt, sporting a fake New York accent and an enormous smile. By almost every measure, the trip was imperfect. And yet, later that night, after gyros in Midtown, ice cream and a long walk back to the hotel, I realized something: It had been perfect. Let me explain.

Danny Bader is a near-death survivor and bestselling author who inspires others to live with greater joy and purpose. In 1992, a workplace accident sent 8,000 volts through his body, leaving him clinically dead for six minutes. Danny survived, but his friend Bruce did not. Grief and survivor's guilt followed before Danny began to see his second chance as a gift.   Today, Danny shares how he moved from darkness to gratitude, the unexpected encounter that changed his path, and why he believes our next breath may feel automatic but is never guaranteed. We also discuss slowing down, being present and appreciating the ordinary moments we often overlook.   My friends, if you've been going through the motions, this conversation is for you. You'll be inspired to live more fully, love more intentionally and ask: What will I create with the time I have left?

The first time I saw the Rocky Mountains, my dad looked over at me and asked, "What do you think?" We were standing along the Continental Divide in Colorado, watching the sun set after a 700-mile drive. The sky was glowing. The mountains seemed impossibly large. I was ten years old, had only recently learned to walk again after the fire and was surrounded by my siblings. I took it all in, searched for the most articulate response I could muster and finally said: "Wow." Decades later, Beth and I took our kids to Banff, Alberta. On one of our hikes, we stopped at an overlook above a brilliant blue lake. Mountains rose high on every side. The sky was perfectly clear, the water below impossibly blue. It was all so beautiful that it hardly seemed real. I turned to one of my kids and asked, "What do you think?" The response? Tune in to hear.

Sandi E. Smith is remarkable proof that our past may shape us, but it does not have to define us. After enduring a nomadic childhood marked by poverty, abuse and unimaginable instability, Sandi put herself through college and law school, eventually rising to lead litigation at Apple. Her memoir, Chosen, recounts her journey from fighting to survive to opening her heart and home to eleven children in need. Today, Sandi shares how she survived a childhood in which she was locked in a closet, forced to hunt for food and, for a time, left to live alone. She reveals how a chance encounter with a young football player led her family to welcome others into their home, how loving them helped heal wounds from her own childhood and why the people who interrupt our plans may become some of life's greatest gifts. My friends, Sandi's story is a powerful reminder that we are more than what has happened to us. If you've ever wondered whether your pain can be redeemed, whether your choices truly matter or whether opening your heart could change a life, this conversation is for you.  

As a child, I spent months in the hospital. The pain was constant and hopelessness sometimes crept in. But one of the things that broke through my fear and isolation was Mom arriving each afternoon with the mail. Inside those envelopes were drawings, prayers, and handwritten letters from people I had never met. They arrived from across the country and around the world. And although they were sent from different parts of the globe, they all carried the same message: you are not alone. When a person is struggling, knowing they are not alone and are being lifted up by others can make all the difference. It did for me. And it's the same kind of impact I see in one of my newest friends, Lillian O'Donnell. Let me explain.

Coach Jim Johnson is an award-winning high school basketball coach who spent more than 30 years transforming struggling programs into winning teams. Yet of his 428 career victories, he is best known for one unforgettable game when he gave Jason "J-Mac" McElwain, his team manager with autism, the opportunity to step onto the court and realize a dream. Today, Jim shares how being cut from his college basketball team led him toward his true calling, what 17 straight losses taught him about perseverance, and why the best leaders focus on people before results. He also takes us back to the night J-Mac scored 20 points in just over four minutes and shares what that unforgettable moment taught him about teamwork, kindness and helping others realize their dreams. My friends, if you're navigating a setback, wondering how to make a difference or simply need a reminder of what's possible when we believe in one another, this conversation is for you.

Somewhere between their first steps, the first day of kindergarten, and their first drive, we parents begin to realize something: The chapter of raising our children is slowly coming to a close. And with it come the questions. Will they make good decisions? Did we prepare them well enough? Will they find their people….and their way? I quietly wrestled with these questions a couple weeks ago as Beth and I drove our second-born, Patrick, to Lakeland University. You'd think this trip with the second child would be easier or less emotional. It wasn't. Let me explain.

Kathryn Nicolai is the creator and host of the beloved podcast Nothing Much Happens, where her soothing bedtime stories help millions of adults quiet their minds and find more restful sleep. A former yoga instructor and lifelong storyteller, Kathryn has transformed her childhood practice of creating stories before bed into books, audiobooks, and a comforting community for people seeking peace in a noisy world. Today, Kathryn shares how storytelling became a sanctuary during her childhood in Flint, Michigan, why the ordinary moments of life are often the most meaningful, and how rest can help us reconnect with ourselves. We also discuss the friend whose final words inspired Kathryn to pursue her dreams, the healing power of feeling safe and seen, and her latest book, On the Street Where You Live. My friends, if life has felt a little too loud or you need permission to slow down, this conversation is for you. You'll leave encouraged to find joy in the ordinary and to give yourself the rest you need and deserve.

There's a part of our family's story I've never shared before. Most people know about the fire in 1987. The gasoline explosion that nearly took my life and forever changed our family's story. It's been covered in newspaper articles, a couple of books and even a film. But there's another fire that most may not know about. Let me explain.

Lana Wilhelm is a nurse, case manager, and caregiver advocate. After her husband suffered a stroke in 2021, Lana found herself on the other side of the healthcare system and discovered how little support exists for those caring for the people they love. Now, as the founder of CarePower Connect and host of the Both Sides of the Bed podcast, she helps caregivers feel seen, supported, and less alone. Today, Lana shares how her husband's stroke transformed their marriage, why caregivers must allow themselves to be vulnerable, and how even the smallest acts of kindness can provide meaningful relief. She opens up about grieving the husband she once knew while learning to love and accept who he is now, and offers practical ways friends, family members, and communities can better support caregivers. My friends, if you or someone you love is caring for others, walking through an unexpected change, or struggling to ask for help, this conversation is for you. You'll be reminded that vulnerability is a sign of strength, difficult moments can coexist with hope, and none of us are meant to carry life's heaviest burdens alone.

Looking at this old photo of my Grandpa Bob and me, I don't remember anything about the day it was taken. But what I do remember is the man beside me and the countless lessons I learned from him. When I got a little older, Grandpa Bob would pick me up from work every Tuesday and we'd head to lunch. It was always either Italian or Chinese. Without fail, he'd spill something on his tie, use language that would make General George Patton blush and leave a tip far more than the bill required. I treasured those Tuesday lunches. I loved his booming laugh, his unwavering faith, and his life stories that seemed to offer exactly the wisdom I needed for whatever season I was walking through. There was one more thing that always happened. Let me explain.

Paul Anleitner is a cultural theologian, author of Based on a True Story, and President & CEO of Goodmakers, where he helps people understand how culture and the stories we believe shape our search for meaning. Drawing from theology, philosophy, and science, Paul has become a leading voice on navigating today's cultural shifts with hope, wisdom, and purpose. Today, Paul shares how the stories we embrace influence the way we see ourselves and the world around us, why our culture is moving beyond cynicism and endless deconstruction, and what it looks like to rebuild lives rooted in meaning, truth, and authentic community. Along the way, he explains why so many people feel spiritually and emotionally adrift, how to recognize the stories stealing our hope, and where we can begin finding better ones. My friends, if you've ever wondered why so many people feel disconnected or found yourself longing for more purpose, hope, and belonging, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that the foundation is firm, the headwinds may be real, but the best is yet to come.

They'll never make the news. The most joyful, most faithful, most humble people rarely do. Instead, the headlines seem to celebrate the loudest voices, the biggest scandals, and the worst of humanity. Last week, though, in a surprising location, I witnessed the kind of story that should make the news. Let me explain.

Brad Ryan is a wildlife veterinarian, conservationist, and bestselling author whose remarkable journey with his grandmother inspired millions. After battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts during veterinary school, Brad made one courageous decision: taking his 85-year-old grandmother camping so she could see her first mountain. That trip grew into an eight-year adventure to all 63 U.S. National Parks... and transformed both of their lives. Today, Brad shares how nature became a place of healing, the surprising lessons he learned from Grandma Joy, and why courage often begins with a simple "yes." Together, we discuss mental health, forgiveness, family, purpose, and the extraordinary impact of choosing connection over isolation. My friends, if you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or wondered whether your life can change, this conversation is for you. You'll leave inspired to say yes to adventure, invest in the people you love, and trust that even the smallest act of courage can change a life.

Last week, I attended funerals for two men. Two young wives grieving. Two families shattered by losses neither imagined possible. And amid profound sadness, I witnessed two simple acts of love that reminded me what people need most when life falls apart. Let me explain.

Karen Olson is the founder and CEO emeritus of Family Promise, the national nonprofit that has helped more than one million people experiencing homelessness through the support of volunteers across the country. While working as a successful marketing executive in New York City, Karen's life took an unexpected turn when she stopped to share a sandwich with a woman named Millie. That simple act of kindness ultimately inspired Family Promise, a movement that has transformed countless lives. Today, Karen shares the childhood loss that shaped her heart for people who are hurting, the encounter with Millie that inspired Family Promise, and what she's learned after decades of serving families experiencing homelessness. We talk about why real change starts with seeing the person in front of you, how small acts of compassion can create a ripple effect, and how purpose often finds us when we least expect it. Karen also reflects on the accident that left her in a wheelchair and the perspective she's gained through it. My friends, if you've been wondering how to make a difference in a world that often feels overwhelming, this conversation is for you. Karen's story is a beautiful reminder that changing someone's life doesn't always begin with a grand plan… sometimes it starts with simply crossing the street.

For the past several summers, each of my four kids has been able to pick one work trip they want to join me on. They look through my speaking schedule, choose the destination, and other than the hour I'm on stage, they decide what we do together. They call it "The Daddy Trip." They think it's for them. Truthfully, it's for me. It's my excuse to spend focused, one-on-one time with each child before another year slips by. A couple summers ago, Grace picked a speaking event near Laguna Beach, California. Let me tell you about our trip.

Thais Gibson is a counselor, relationship expert, and founder of The Personal Development School. And yet, before helping others transform their lives, she was a teenager struggling with addiction, anxiety, and the lingering effects of a difficult childhood. Her own healing journey led her to study why we think, feel, and react the way we do, and today she helps people build healthier relationships with themselves and others. Today, Thais shares how our subconscious mind influences so much of our daily lives, why emotional safety matters more than most of us realize, and what it takes to break free from old patterns. We talk about her battle with addiction, the loneliness so many people are experiencing today, and the simple practices that can help us become more connected, compassionate, and present. My friends, if you've ever wondered why you keep repeating the same habits, struggling with the same fears, or feeling disconnected from the people you love, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away with practical tools, fresh perspective, and the reminder that no matter where you've been, it's never too late to create a different future.

At a speaking event last week, someone asked me a question I've been asked many times since the release of SOUL ON FIRE: "What scene from the film moves you the most?" It's a difficult question because there are so many. Let me explain.

Stephen (Steve) Starring Grant spent decades helping some of the world's biggest brands, including IBM, Prudential, Jaguar, and Burger King, better understand human behavior. But after losing his corporate job during the pandemic and facing a cancer diagnosis, he found himself in an unexpected role: delivering mail through the mountains of Appalachia. Today, Steve shares the identity crisis that followed losing a career he'd spent decades building, the surprising lessons he learned as a rural mail carrier, and how serving others helped him rediscover purpose. We discuss the dignity of work, the power of community, and why our worth is about far more than what we do for a living. My friends, if you're facing a setback, navigating change, or wondering what's next, this conversation is for you. You'll leave encouraged to see purpose in unexpected places, embrace life's detours, and remember that your value has never been tied to a title.

A year ago, we gathered as a family around my dad's bed as he took his final breath. Last week, that same family gathered again. Mom, my five siblings, spouses, children, grandchildren…we all came together not at his house, but at his favorite place to vacation. Although we had more than two dozen family members on this trip, everywhere we went throughout the week it was also very clear we had something else: an empty chair. Let me explain.

Neil Pasricha is a 10-time New York Times bestselling author, one of the world's leading voices on happiness, and the creator of 1000 Awesome Things, the award-winning blog that has attracted more than 100 million readers. Through his books, research, and storytelling, Neil has inspired millions to find joy, gratitude, and meaning in everyday life. Today, Neil shares the personal setbacks that changed his life, the heartbreaking season that inspired 1000 Awesome Things, and the lessons he learned from his parents' extraordinary resilience. We discuss why happiness is often hiding in plain sight, how gratitude can reshape our perspective, and the simple daily practices that help us live more intentionally. My friends, if life feels busy, heavy, or uncertain, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical ways to slow down, notice the good around you, and rediscover the joy that's been there all along.

"Why didn't you go to Jack Buck's funeral?" That was the very first question asked during a Q&A after I spoke in New Jersey last month. I bought a little time by responding, "Well, not exactly the softball opener I had hoped for!" The audience laughed awkwardly, I smiled nervously, and then I answered honestly: "Because I didn't think I belonged there." Let me explain.

Kevin Clark is an entrepreneur, Emmy Award-winning producer, and co-founder of Blessn, a faith-based social media platform designed to bring more positivity, encouragement, and connection into the digital world. After building a successful career in entertainment, Kevin discovered his greatest purpose was creating businesses and communities that serve others. Today, Kevin shares how a chance meeting backstage at the Academy Awards led to a lifelong friendship and business partnership, why he shifted his focus from chasing success to creating impact, and what inspired him to launch a social media platform centered on hope instead of outrage. We discuss doom scrolling, the influence of our digital habits, and the role intentional community plays in helping us thrive. My friends, if you're feeling overwhelmed by negativity or craving more meaningful connection, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical ways to be more intentional with your attention and a powerful reminder that goodness is still all around us.

Most of us believe making a difference requires something big. A big platform. A big title. A big personality. A big story. Trust me, I understand why. For much of my life, people have introduced me through the lens of having a big story. They know about the burns, the explosion, the hospital rooms, the visits from celebrities, the comeback story, the Hall of Fame baseball, the Hollywood ending. And while I'm grateful my story has encouraged others, I've learned something important over the years: It is rarely the brightest lights or biggest personalities that change the world most profoundly. Far more often and far more importantly, it's ordinary people quietly choosing to use whatever gifts they have to lift the lives around them. That's why I want you to meet Amy McMaken. Let me explain.

Glenn Sturm is an attorney, entrepreneur, photographer, and cancer survivor whose life changed forever after receiving a stage four cancer diagnosis nearly two decades ago. What once was a relentless pursuit of professional success became an invitation to slow down, refocus on what mattered most, and live with greater purpose and gratitude. Through years of treatment, setbacks, and unexpected joy, Glenn has become a passionate advocate for holistic cancer care, meaningful relationships, and finding beauty even in difficult seasons. Today, Glenn shares how cancer unexpectedly freed him from an exhausting cycle of overwork, why rediscovering photography and chasing solar eclipses reignited his sense of wonder, and the life-changing impact of a strong support system. He opens up about facing fear and grief while continuing to choose hope, curiosity, and joy. Glenn also reflects on the lessons passed down from his family and why he believes our greatest legacy is the love we leave behind. My friends, if you're walking through uncertainty or trying to remember what truly matters, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that even in life's hardest seasons, there is still beauty to notice, purpose to pursue, and hope worth holding onto.

While heading to the final speaking event of a very full, very hectic year, I found myself doing what so many of us do this time of year: rushing. It was a tight connection through a crowded terminal at DFW. As I hurried from one gate to the next, weaving through travelers, rolling suitcases, coffee cups, and glowing phone screens, I happened to glance out the window. There on the tarmac stood a white hearse beside an arriving plane. Let me explain.

Haley Scott DeMaria is a speaker, author, and former University of Notre Dame swimmer whose life changed forever after surviving a tragic team bus crash that left her temporarily paralyzed. Told she may never walk again, Haley endured years of recovery before ultimately returning to compete for Notre Dame. Today, Haley shares the heartbreaking aftermath of the 1992 bus crash that claimed the lives of two teammates, the physical and emotional battle to rebuild her life, and the people who carried her through it all. She reflects on grief, survivor's guilt, returning to the pool, and learning how to move forward when life takes an unexpected turn. My friends, if you or someone you love is walking through disappointment, grief, uncertainty, or a season that feels impossibly heavy, this conversation is for you.

It's difficult when a chapter that once felt endless suddenly comes to an end. Sixteen years ago, Beth and I stood nervously outside a little school in St. Louis called Holy Redeemer Catholic School. We were young parents then, with a five-year-old, a three-year-old, a one-year-old, and another child on the way. Life was chaotic and like most parents stepping into something new, we wondered if we were making the right decision. Let me explain.

Nicholas Epley is a behavioral scientist, bestselling author, and professor at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business whose groundbreaking research explores why we as human beings often misunderstand each other. From studying social connection and happiness to teaching students how to design a meaningful life, Nicholas has spent his career helping people better understand themselves and those around them. Today, Nicholas shares why we're far more connected than we think, why our fears around talking to strangers are usually wrong, and how one simple conversation can change the course of a day… or even a life. Drawing from the research behind his latest book, A Little More Social, we talk about the real cost of isolation, the lessons he's learned through personal loss and fatherhood, and why meaningful connection starts when we move past surface-level small talk and become genuinely curious in one another. My friends, if you want to learn why expressing gratitude, asking better questions, and taking small social risks can lead to deeper joy, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life, this conversation is for you.

At a recent speaking engagement, I asked the audience to turn to a neighbor and share what they were grateful for in the moment. On this morning, hundreds of new friends turned away from me and toward the person seated nearest them. Voices elevated, tears fell and smiles returned. It was awesome to observe this from stage. But off to the side stood one woman. Alone. I came down from the stage, walked over, knelt beside her, and said, "I love you…and there's nothing you can do about it! Now, tell me, what are you grateful for?" She looked back and said, "Nothing." Let me explain what happened next.

Chad Robichaux is a former Force Recon Marine, USA Today bestselling author, and founder of Mighty Oaks, a nonprofit that has helped thousands of veterans and first responders recover from PTSD, trauma, and the invisible wounds of war. After eight deployments to Afghanistan and years serving in elite special operations, Chad now dedicates his life to helping others rediscover hope, healing, and purpose. Today, Chad shares how growing up in a violent and broken home shaped his life, the heartbreaking loss of his brother, and the journey that led him into the Marines and eventually into some of the darkest battles of his life. We discuss how accountability, faith, and serving others helped him rebuild his family, restore his purpose, and launch Mighty Oaks to help others do the same. My friends, if you are walking through pain, regret, or hopelessness, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that healing is possible and even our deepest scars can become a source of hope for someone else.

Four astronauts recently returned from space. Part of the Artemis II mission, they went up as pilots, engineers, and explorers. They came back entirely changed; their perspective on life altered forever. Their professional insights will undoubtedly shape the future of our space program, our return to the moon, and exploration beyond. But perhaps their most important discovery isn't about space at all. Perhaps it's about our life right here on Earth. After launching from Earth and traveling at speeds approaching 25,000 miles per hour, the crew journeyed hundreds of thousands of miles through space. When they returned ten days later, the world leaned in, eager to hear what they had learned. And yet, in interview after interview, the crew of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen struggled to find the words. Awkward silences filled press conferences. Not because they lacked intelligence or clarity, but because they experienced something too big for language. Let me explain.

Erik Rees is the founder of NEGU, Never Ever Give Up, which is a global movement inspired by the life of his daughter Jessie. What began as a father walking through unimaginable grief has become a mission that has delivered nearly 600,000 JoyJars to children battling cancer around the world, each one carrying a simple but powerful message: you are not alone. Today, Erik shares the extraordinary life of his daughter Jessie, why she chose to focus on bringing happiness to other kids in the middle of her own fight, and how her legacy continues to impact families across the globe. My friends, if you are walking through grief, searching for purpose, or wondering how something painful could ever be used for good, this conversation is for you. You'll leave ready to live courageously, love constantly and lead compassionately.

Self-assured. Self-made. Quick to decide. Successful. Sarcastic. Snarky. Recently, I asked a classroom of high school students studying leadership to describe the traits they most often see in leaders- in politics, in media, and in social settings. This was their list. (I'll admit, I had to look up that last word.) But let's not confuse common with effective. So, let me ask you: What defines the very best leaders. Most would agree descriptors like selfless, humble, sacrificial, other-focused and loving aren't just admirable traits for leaders, but transformational ones. And each of those traits describe my friend, Amy Ruzicka. Let me explain.

Willow Weston is an author, speaker, and founder of Collide, a ministry impacting women nationwide through honest conversations around pain, faith, and healing. Drawing from decades of mentoring and her own deeply personal story, Willow invites us to stop running from our wounds and begin facing them with courage and hope. Today, Willow shares how a childhood marked by trauma led to an unexpected calling, why avoiding pain keeps us stuck in cycles we don't understand, and how healing begins when we choose to face our wounds instead of hide. My friends, if you've ever felt stuck in your past, unsure of your purpose, or weary from carrying pain you don't know how to heal, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that your story is not something to hide… it's something that can be redeemed.

Recently, 130,000 graduates of Saint Louis University received a magazine in the mail. Inside was a story about one of their own making a difference in the world. The feature wasn't about a speaker, a business owner or a corporate executive. It was about a graduate who chose a different path: serving when no one is watching, modeling love in a world longing for it, and showing up fully and faithfully for others. The story was about my wife, Beth. Let me explain.

Claude M. Steele is a legendary social psychologist whose groundbreaking research on stereotype threat, self-image, and self-affirmation has reshaped how we understand identity. His latest work explores "churn," the mental and physical stress that can arise in everyday interactions across differences, and the tension shaping so much of modern life.   Today, Claude shares what it was like growing up outside Chicago in a racially diverse and complex environment, the values instilled by his parents, and how his identity shaped his perspective. We discuss his acclaimed book Whistling Vivaldi and the silent weight of stereotypes, along with the subtle, powerful actions that can help dissolve them. He also unpacks his newest research on "churn" and explains why ignoring our differences often deepens tension, while building trust is the most effective path forward.   My friends, if you want to better understand one another, reduce tension, and unlock the potential that exists across our differences, this conversation is for you.

Recently, Mom and I shared coffee with a man who helped shape our lives decades ago. He wasn't a celebrity. He didn't make headlines. He was a caregiver at Mercy Hospital's burn unit, and we came to know him as Nurse Roy. Let me explain.

Piera Gelardi is a creative entrepreneur passionate about helping others reclaim creativity and possibility through the power of play. As the co-founder of Refinery29 and author of The Playful Way, Piera helps individuals and organizations rediscover something many of us have lost along the way: the courage to play.   Today, Piera shares how growing up in a small town in Maine shaped her sense of wonder, how building a global brand led to unexpected self-doubt and burnout, and how reclaiming play became her path back to creativity, connection, and joy. She explains practical ways to integrate playfulness into our daily lives and how small moments can shift perspectives, deepen connection, and bring more curiosity, wonder, and joy into everyday life.   My friends, if you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like life has become more about checking boxes than actually living, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a fresh perspective on how to break free from perfectionism, reconnect with your creativity, and find joy again in the small, everyday moments that make a life truly meaningful.

On any given day in Marietta, Georgia, men line up for a haircut from Travis Sanders. But what draws them in and liberates them to wait isn't simply getting their hair styled.  It's connection, encouragement and a powerful reminder that hardship does not get the final word. Let me explain.

Demond Martin is an investor, philanthropist, and CEO of WellWithAll, a health and wellness company committed to closing gaps in care by reinvesting profits into underserved communities. As a leader shaped by experiences ranging from the White House to Wall Street, Demond uses his platform to champion a powerful idea: that the relationships we build ultimately shape the lives we live.    Today, Demond shares how a childhood marked by instability and hardship became the foundation for a life of purpose, how mentors and "second fathers" helped him see a future beyond his circumstances, and how the concept of "friends of the good" has guided his journey from surviving to serving. He reflects on the power of vulnerability, the responsibility we have to give back, and why true friendship is one of the most overlooked forces behind success.    My friends, if you've ever wondered how the people in your life are shaping your future, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that no one succeeds alone, that your story is still being written, and that the right relationships can lift you higher than you ever imagined.

What would you do if you knew today was your last? At nine years old, that wasn't a hypothetical question for me. It was my reality. After being burned on 100% of my body in a gasoline explosion, I was given less than a 1% chance to survive the first night. Although I survived that night, and the following five months in the hospital, the prospect of death never faded. It felt closest, though, on the nights before surgery. Because burned skin doesn't grow back, doctors had to take skin from one part of my body and graft it onto another. In my case, the only usable donor site was my scalp. So more than a dozen times, they took skin from my scalp and transplanted it, piece by piece, across my body. Each surgery carried the very real risk that this could be the last. To alleviate my anxiety and sadness, the night before became a celebration. My parents and siblings would come, we'd eat pizza, drink milkshakes, stay up late. Sometimes they'd bring gifts. On those nights, they did everything possible to diminish the fear and elevate me. So let me ask you again: If tonight were your last, how would you spend it?

Erik Weihenmayer is an adventurer, bestselling author, and motivational speaker… but he's perhaps best known as the first blind person to summit Mount Everest. After losing his vision as a teenager, Erik refused to let blindness define his limits. Instead, he became a world-class climber, kayaker, and co-founder of No Barriers—a global movement helping people turn adversity into possibility. Today, Erik shares how losing his sight reshaped his identity, how climbing became both his passion and his teacher, and how summiting Everest was never a solo achievement but a testament to trust, teamwork, and community. He opens up about learning to navigate fear, why saying "yes" to challenge is the doorway to growth, and how every one of us (regardless of circumstance!) can live a No Barriers life. My friends, if you've ever felt limited by your circumstances, this conversation is for you. You'll leave inspired to rethink what's possible, encouraged to lean into community rather than go it alone, and reminded that your greatest obstacles might just become the foundation for your greatest purpose.  

In a world overflowing with pessimism, cynicism, and negativity, what might happen if we chose something different? What might change if we instead stepped into life with hope, optimism, faith? I get to see what that looks like almost every day through the life of my daughter, Grace. She lives with a powerful posture toward every aspect of life: Yes. Let me explain.

Masami Sato is the Founder and CEO of B1G1 (Buy1Give1), a global giving movement that has helped thousands of businesses turn everyday transactions into acts of generosity. A two-time TEDx speaker and best-selling author, Masami has helped inspire more than 394 million acts of kindness worldwide. Today, Masami shares how a lonely childhood led her to travel the world with little money and even fewer words, how witnessing both poverty and generosity reshaped her understanding of happiness, and how holding her newborn daughter sparked the realization that none of us are too small to make a difference. She explains the simple but powerful idea behind B1G1: what if everyday actions, even something as small as buying a cup of coffee, could change someone else's life? My friends, you'll leave this conversation inspired by the power of small acts, reminded that generosity isn't reserved for the wealthy or powerful, and encouraged to start making a difference today rather than waiting for someday.  

Ten years ago this week, ON FIRE was released. When the book first went out into the world, I wasn't expecting bestseller lists, translations into a dozen languages, or a feature film. My hope was far simpler: to honor the people who saved my life. In sharing their stories, my hope was simple: to remind readers that they, too, could be part of someone else's miracle. Because what made these heroes remarkable wasn't supernatural power. It was their decision to use their lives to elevate someone else's. A superpower available to all of us. My hope was that readers would recognize the heroes in their own story—and then choose to become one in someone else's. And yet, something remarkable happened. Let me explain.  

Chris Seilkop is a four-time Paralympian and longtime member of the U.S. men's sitting volleyball team. After losing his leg in a lawnmower accident at just seven years old, Chris refused to let tragedy define him. Instead, fueled by resilience, family support, and a love of sports, he built a life defined by perseverance. Along the way, he competed on the world stage, served others through his work with the YMCA and mentored individuals navigating life after amputation. Today, Chris shares how the childhood accident reshaped his life, the community that helped him move forward, and the mindset that carried him from a hospital bed to four Paralympic Games. He reflects on heartbreaking losses, meaningful victories, and the perspective that helped him keep going. My friends, if you've ever faced a setback that made you wonder what comes next, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that life's hardest moments do not get the final word. 

Years ago, I spoke with 40 business owners. The goal of the event was to bring together some of the highest achievers, connect them with one another, and expand their businesses and their lives. Wondering what success even meant to them, I kicked off the session by asking what they would do professionally if they could achieve anything and knew they could not fail. After a moment of reflection, a brave gentleman stood and proudly announced, "I'd make it big. I mean, like really, really big!" He wanted to increase sales, expand personal accomplishments and significantly achieve more success than any of his friends or former classmates. This conversation was eerily similar to one I was part of almost a decade earlier with another gentleman. He, too, had strived to "make it big. Really, really big." The difference was that the conversation with him wasn't taking place in a boardroom with a lifetime of possibility in front of him. No, this conversation took place in a hospital room with a lifetime of regrets staring back at him. Let me explain.