Wars cannot be won only on the battlefield.

Jake Harriman realized this truth while completing 4 tours as a Marine. During his service in the Middle East, Africa + Asia, he saw how extreme poverty caused desperation which directly fueled the growth of terrorist groups.

After completing his service, Jake started NURU International to address the extreme poverty in war-torn countries -- and in doing so, combat terrorist groups. Jake has been honored as the Unsung Hero of Compassion by the Dali Lama, the White House Champion of Change + named one of the top 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs.

Today, Jake joins us to share his passion for serving, entrepreneurial brilliance + genuine heart. Jake gives new depth to the idea of "living inspired." Join us. 

SHOW NOTES:

• Learn more about Jake's work with NURU International here.
• "It's not fair that the GPS coordinates of someones birth place dictates what choices they have in this world." - Jake Harriman
• The humble leader will always be able to persevere.
• When the cause is just and right, there is no turning back.
• What is one way we can each choose to move towards unity in our country? Build a bridge to meet others where they are. Listen. Find someone who has the exact opposite political views that you do. Sit down with them. Have a cup of coffee. Listen and get to know them. Don't wait until they pause so you can make your point.
• Sometimes you are going to fail. Pick yourself up + get back in the fight. There is strength that comes from failure. 

JAKE HARRIMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Dreaming! I could dream big. I tried to do crazy stuff as a kid. We made a potion out of crayons and dirt to make me fly. Then, I put on a cape and jumped into cow manure!

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A medallion that I carried in combat. It says: [Joshua 1:9] "Be strong, courageous and remember that the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." It sealed my faith + gave me courage. I gave it to the love of my life when we got engaged. When she has to go into dark places, I wanted her to have the same medallion with her.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Abraham Lincoln. I'd ask: How in the world did you get through that time? And hold everything together with a nation that was literally pulling itself a part? I think he'd say "Find commonality - there are threads and values that run through all of us. Get back to those basics." I think that is what he did and succeeded.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Never say you can't do something, you have to believe in yourself and those who love you. 

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It's going to be dark. You are going to have a lot of really horrific moments that you didn't even know were possible. But in those moments, know that there is light coming. There is truth and love in people in this world. There is more light and hope than darkness. Never forget that.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He learned to love and learned to leave by serving others.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Mondays in November, I'm releasing a special, Ask John episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you, answer your questions + shine a light on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members.

Today's question was submitted by Mary from Missouri. She finds the podcast to be counter cultural and that it is good news in a negative news culture. Her favorite episode was with Sue McCollum, a strong woman sharing strong ideas of overcoming and doing great things.

Mary's main takeaway from the show is that her experience and circumstances do not define her.

Mary asked: How do you stay energized, committed + motivated with all of the different areas of your life pulling you in different directions?

Tune in for my answer!

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Today Jason Kotecki, artist, speaker + author, is here to help us combat what he calls adult-itis, or being stressed out, boring and no fun. 

Jason will help us rekindle our childlike spirit. Join us to harness the magic of being a kid + see the benefits it could have in your work and life.

SHOW NOTES:

• "Enthusiasm is important because it gives you the energy to start + overcome early failures."
• Growing up, it's so important to have people who believe in you. Notice something good about him + tell him about it. Every once in a while, we need someone to tell us what we are good at. 
• It's amazing what you can learn + how quickly when you try  something new you are interested in.
• Get a tinker project. You don't need a reason, sometimes your heart has a reason to do something that your head doesn't yet understand. Do something that sounds fun; let it naturally rekindle some of your curiosity and playfulness.
• Tinkering - work on something in an unskilled or experimental manner.
• As adults we're too afraid of looking silly. Be willing to experiment and not put pressure on the out come.
• Just because you fail doesn't make you a failure, it makes you human. that is how you grow.
• Give yourself permission to try little things + see where they go.
• To make a difference you don't have to be superhuman, you just need to be brave + courageous 20 seconds at a time.
• As adults, we don't want to look foolish or silly and it really limits our potential.
• How can we breath joyful vibrancy into our lives when we are feeling beat down? Think back to something you did as a kid, that you loved. Buy a pack of baseball cards, go into an old candy shop with $10, watch Scooby Doo - whatever. There is a lot of magic in looking back at something that gave you joy.
• You're meant for something amazing. Go after that.

Jason talks about the importance of creating white space. On Ep. #69, Juliette Funt discussed this topic in greater depth. Check it out here.

JASON KOTECKI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Path I read it and wrote my mission statement from it in college and still use it today.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was an off-the-charts dreamer when I was a kid; always imaginative. I'm more cynical now, from the bumps and bruises.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? One or two paintings, my originals that mean something to me.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My wife. She is my best friend. We could talk about nothing we could talk about anything. If I was stranded somewhere, or looking at something beautiful, I would just want to be there with her.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Be yourself, everyone else is taken. - Oscar Wilde

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry so much. It's going to be different than you think, but it's going to be even better. Stay persistent and keep working.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Don't settle for the life you have been told to live, create the one you were made for. 

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Mondays in November, I'm releasing a special, Ask John episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you, answer your questions + shine a light on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members.

Today's question was submitted by Rich from Tennessee. Rich became part of the live inspired community after hearing me speak at his office, he work for Dave Ramsey and Dave has something he calls "Devos" to inspire his 750 employees each week.

Rich asked: What is the best book I've read in the last six months? Tune in to hear my answer!

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Rich Donnelly spent three decades as a major league baseball coach. This was his dream since he was a little boy. In attaining this dream, he set everything else in life aside, including his marriage and children.

Today, Rich shares how the news of his daughter's terminal disease shook him out of his detrimental focus on success and how he's been driven to lead a life of significance since. Ever wonder if people can change? My friends, this episode is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

• Get your copy of Rich Donnelly's new book The Chicken Runs at Midnight here.
• Don't be average. You were put on earth to inspire and help people.
• Thank God I had cancer. It strengthened me.
• My son gave his life to save a strangers life. I lost a son but I gained a grandson, the woman is naming her son after Michael.
• I've had a lot of storms in my life, but I've also had a lot of sunshiny days. The storms taught me to not waste the sunshine.
• The average age is 80, so I hope I've got about 3,000 days left. I don't waste a day; try to do something good everyday.
• What is your encouragement to people going through a storm? It's not going to happen over night. It's going to be a step by step, hour by hour, process. Go out and do the best you can. If you're fortunate enough to have a family, a wife, kids: Be good to one another."
• "We are on a super highway and we are flying right past our family and friends. Stop and take time to notice, care, speak."
• Thank people by passing on their goodness to someone else.
• Don't put value on material things. They're just temporary wins.

Did you enjoy hearing about major league baseball? Check out episode 53 with one of my heroes, 13-time MLB Gold-glove-winning shortstop for the St. Louis Cardinals Ozzie Smith.

RICH DONNELLY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? I Am Third. Reminds us to put the Lord first, fellow man second and self third.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Passion for what I do.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? I don't put a whole lot of value on material things. They are just temporary wins.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus. What was it like for you growing up? During your teen years, did you think you were a big shot? 

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? My dad told me if you don't want to get hit by the train, stay off the tracks. Seems simple, but I sat in the middle of the tracks! 

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You got a heck of a life ahead of you and you better know how to handle this. Stay out of trouble. How? Stay away from people who are in trouble and places that are always causing trouble.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He became a good person.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Mondays in November, I'm releasing a special short, Ask John episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you, answer your questions + shine a light on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members.

Today's question was submitted but Troy in Florida who said that his biggest takeaway from the show is: "Life is an adventure and always worth listening to the fullest." I love this!

Troy asked if we ever get recommendations for our guests from our listeners and the answer is YES! If you want to make a recommendation, email my team at info @ johnolearyinspires.com. Here are a few that were recommended by listeners like you:

• Dare to Lead with Brene Brown [Ep. #103]
• Don't Stop Believin' with Jonathan Cain of JOURNEY [Ep. #100]
• Stephanie Szostak of the new show A Million Little Things [Ep. #101]

I mentioned Jason Kotecki + Rich Donnelly and actually those aren't released yet. Coming soon!

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Klyn Elsbury has Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic condition that nearly claimed her life 5 years ago.

Today, Klyn is living her "second chance." Her close call with mortality has made her ever present to the gift in each moment + given her a unique ability to unearth happiness in every moment.

Join me and Klyn (live! we recorded this together on the road) as she walks you through four ways to find your happy right now.

SHOW NOTES

• It's always going to be different and tough. Get over it.
• I know I can control the moment and how I feel about the moment. I've come to terms with my disease and when you come to terms with it, then you can focus on what you can do in the moment.
• I decided if this is the end I am at least going to go out fighting.
• Your reminder of the miracle of life is the moment you wake up each morning. Make of it what you want.
• What can you control in the moment? What can you do? Find the power in that.

4 Ways to Find Your Happy Now:

1. Perceived control: Choose your thoughts + situations just like you choose the clothes out of your closet every morning.
2. Perceived progress: Set your goal and actually do something about it everyday. Don't wait for one day because one day never comes, okay?
3. Connectedness: Stop connecting to WiFi. Start connecting to each other. 
4. Vision or meaning: You've got your goals. Now, bring it to a bigger purpose.

• There are different types of happy:
  • Pleasure - getting flowers
  • Passion - when you are in "your flow"
  • Purpose - bigger cause
• Chase your purpose. Everything else will follow.
• Seeking your purpose? Don't just reflect ACT. MOVE. DO. 

Did you enjoy hearing John talk to a guest in person? Check out episode 1 with Brian Buffini. Or, episode 89 with Coach Kath Bresnahan. 

KLYN ELSBURY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Compound Effect, Darin Hardy. My main takeaway: Where you are heading right now will continue to snow ball through your entire life. If you don't like the trajectory of the life in which you are heading, change it right now.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Owning your power, appreciating it and not being afraid to use it.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?  I'm not going back in. I don't care. I don't need of it. None of it matters.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? John O'Leary 2.0. Let's do it!

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? When someone loves you enough to tell you you are messing up so you can come out stronger on the other side. 

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You are more capable than you have any clue.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? And she's still laughing.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Each Monday during November, I am going to do a special short, Q&A episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say THANK YOU. To answer your questions and to shine a spotlight on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members and friends.

Today's question was submitted through the 100 Episode Survey we did a few weeks back. Thanks to everyone who participated! If you have ever have questions or feedback, you can always send them to me and my team at info @ johnolearyinspires.com.

Today you'll meet our dear friend Amy. I think you'll love hearing her story + her question. 

SHOW NOTES:

• I quickly mentioned Jack Buck... my hero! If you've never heard the story of our friendship, check out episode #32 here.
• I mentioned my How To Write Your Ignition Statement video as a resource to create a solution to today's question in your own life. Here's a link to get it. Use code podcast for 15% off.
• I mentioned my 3 favorite questions to reshape your thinking from a VICTIM of circumstance to a VICTOR in life. Get my wristbands with these questions on them here. Use code podcast for 15% off.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

Everybody's favorite 4-letter word today is "busy." But ask yourself: What's really important? Are you making time for it?

Tonya Dalton's company InkWELL Press empowers you through productivity to live your best life. Tonya will be our guide in learning how to do more with less at work and at home. And, most importantly: Forget "busy" + get ready for space to do what you truly love.

SHOW NOTES:

• Get the first chapters of John's #1 National Bestselling book ON FIRE for free here.
• Listen to Tonya interviewed John on her Productivity Paradox Podcast here.
• Productivity is not "doing more" it's "doing what's important."
• We're so busy we feel like discovery is a luxury. But discovering what our passions are + what brings us joy is important.
• Our lives should be at the center; systems should work around them. Discover what is important + create a productivity system that works for you.
• Check out InkWELL Press courses, trainings and podcasts to help facilitate the best life you could possibly have, here.
• We think in order to grow we have to add, but often if we cut, it allows us space to create what is truly amazing and important.
• We often confuse urgent with important. What's important? Things tied to vision, mission, goals; things essential to you.
• We cram our days so full! We don't realize we're choosing that life for ourselves. You choose how to fill your day. Stop and ask: Is this what I want to do? How I want to spend my time?
• Relationships are built on conversations. Make time for them. It feels unschedule-able, but in our heart it's most important.
• Life ebbs and flows. There will be times when happiness is a really hard choice to make. Remember, lightness always comes after the dark.
• Take a good look at your life + where you spend your time. Identify where you spend time mindlessly (likely in between activities). Recoup that time to end your day happier.

If you enjoyed our discussion about "productivity" check out ep. #5 with Rory Vaden to explore "discipline."

TONYA DALTON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Jane Eyre. I read it every year. It brings me back to my English studies roots and love of writing.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I see it in my daughter! That feeling of self confidence. You just don't care what anyone else thinks. I hope to foster that into her even in adulthood.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? I love this! It boils down to priorities and that is what I talk about all the time. I have some pictures from my wedding and when my kids were born. Those are really important to me.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? The conversations my husband and I have keep getting better and better (we've been together for 20 years). If I could spend the whole day with one person, I would pick him.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Be yourself. Be true to who you are and never lose sight of it. Hold fast to what is important to you, morals, values, ethics. I couldn't do a project that I wasn't 100% proud of. I love going to bed at night feeling proud of what I do.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? It gets better. You think in your 20s that life is great, and it just keeps getting better and better! Because the longer you are with yourself, the better you get to know yourself and the more time you take to really delve into who you are, the more in love you can fall.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She taught people to live with priority all while keeping her own at the center.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).