607: How to Live and Love Fully with John O'Leary
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
Release Date: 10/15/2025
620: How to Navigate Conflict Without Losing the People You Love with Kelsey Blahnik
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
If you’ve been feeling emotionally drained from relationship conflict or disagreeing with people that you love, this episode is for you. Despite how technology and social media have made it incredibly easy to stay connected with family, friends, and our communities, many people feel more divided and disconnected than ever. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to Kelsey Blahnik, a clinical social worker and therapist who works on the front lines of emotional and relational tension. From families and friendships to workplaces, in our increasingly divided political culture, Kelsey helps...
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619: The 3 Ego Beliefs That Quietly Run Your Life with Aaron Abke
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
If you’ve ever felt trapped in your own thoughts, frustrated by repeating emotional patterns, or exhausted from chasing happiness that never quite lasts, this episode will challenge everything you think you know about personal growth. As today’s guest reveals, a lot of our suffering doesn’t come from our circumstances—it comes from the unconscious beliefs that shape how we experience reality. Aaron Abke is a spiritual teacher, founder of 4D University, and the author of With a background in theology, a masters degree in biblical studies, and millions of followers drawn to his...
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618: Return to Real: How To Live Authentically In The Digital World with Ryan Levesque
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
As the digital world of AI accelerates faster than ever, it’s tempting to automate, optimize, and outsource nearly every part of our lives. But what if the path we’re on is, ironically, pulling us further away from a meaningful life and genuine happiness? In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with my good friend Ryan Levesque to explore a powerful, yet contrarian concept he calls —and why it may be the thing we need most when AI is making us feel more disconnected than ever before. Ryan is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and creator of the ASK Method, who has built...
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617: How to Rewire Your Brain to Overcome Self-Sabotage with Thais Gibson, PhD
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
If you've ever struggled with challenges in your relationships, emotional triggers, or just feeling stuck in old patterns, you’re not alone. Those cycles are hard to break, and it often feels like no matter how hard you try, you end up repeating the same behaviors, sabotaging your goals with limiting beliefs. But as today’s guest reveals, you’re not broken; this is your subconscious telling you that you’re ready to heal. Thais Gibson, PhD, is an author, researcher, and founder of The Personal Development School, whose groundbreaking work has helped millions of people unravel emotional...
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616: How to Prepare NOW for Your Best Year Ever
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
During the holiday season, many people break from their daily routines by staying up late, having drinks, and overeating, and tell themselves they’ll get serious again on January 1st. But if you want next year to be the best year of your life, waiting until the new year to begin is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. In today’s episode, I’m sharing why the final weeks of the year are your greatest opportunity to prepare mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually for the future you want to create. The truth is, the decisions you make in December will undoubtedly impact...
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615: AI Can’t Replace You (If You Do This) with Amber Vilhauer
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
Goldman Sachs recently predicted that up to 300 million jobs could be displaced by AI by 2030, a staggering shift that is already creating overwhelm, exhaustion, and a deep sense of instability for millions of people. People are nervous and afraid, and who can blame them? But what if this moment of uncertainty is actually your chance to reclaim control of your life, your freedom, and your future? Today, I’m joined by my longtime friend Amber Vilhauer—marketing visionary, bestselling book launch strategist, founder of NGNG Enterprises, and one of the most grounded, service-oriented...
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614: The Life-Changing Impact of Eternal Optimism with Matt Drinkhahn
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
When life feels overwhelming, the natural reaction for most people is to retreat, drift into some form of depression, and assume the pain or challenge they're experiencing is permanent. But what if the hardest season of your life could become the catalyst for your greatest transformation? Today’s episode is all about accessing inner strength, gratitude, and possibility when life tries to knock you down. I’m joined by my good friend Matt Drinkhahn, author of and host of The Eternal Optimist Podcast. Matt is an executive coach to high-performing entrepreneurs, a devoted husband and...
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613: Why ‘Being Grateful’ Isn’t Working for You
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
Isn’t it easier to feel grateful when life is going well? Everything seems simpler when things are great personally, professionally, financially, and your relationships are thriving. But what about when life gets tough? Maybe you’re dealing with a broken heart, struggling to pay your bills, or facing a loved one’s hospitalization. In those overwhelming moments, practicing gratitude can feel impossible, but it’s also when we need it most. In today’s episode, I’m exploring why heartfelt gratitude has its greatest power not when life is easy, but when life is hard—and how to...
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612: Talking to Yourself Isn't Crazy (It's How You Master Your Mind)
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
When you see someone talking to themself in public, your first thought might be that person is a little crazy and maybe has mental health issues. But what if it’s actually one of the most powerful forms of self-leadership? In today’s episode, I’ll show you how using your own voice can immediately transform your mental and emotional state, elevate your focus, and help you lead yourself through any challenge. I’ll share a story about a close friend who inspired me with his daily “self-talk” practice, and how I came to realize he wasn’t acting crazy—he was actually being very...
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611: How to Live Longer, Healthier & Happier After 50 with Dwayne J. Clark
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
What if aging didn’t have to mean slowing down or fading out—but instead became the most vibrant and meaningful chapter of your life? Too many people see 50 and beyond as a slow decline, but the truth is, the way you think, move, and care for your body can completely redefine how you experience your later years. Today, I’m joined by my friend and co-author of , Dwayne J. Clark. Dwayne is the CEO of Aegis Living and a longevity expert who’s spent 40 years studying the daily habits and mindset of over 80,000 people—many who’ve lived well into their 90s and beyond. In our...
info_outlineWhen life knocks us down or tragedy strikes us or our loved ones, it’s easy to think life is unfair and wonder, “Why me?” But what if your greatest challenges—past and present—are actually divine opportunities for growth and contribution?
My good friend, John O’Leary, knows this better than most. At just 9 years old, a gas can exploded, burning 100% of his body, and he was given virtually zero chance of survival. Yet he not only survived, he thrived, and has shared his inspiring story with millions of people around the world.
And if that wasn’t enough, his life story was told in the new Sony Pictures film, Soul on Fire, which was released last week. I took my wife and teenage kids to see it, and we all agreed that it is literally one of the best movies we have ever seen!
In today’s podcast episode, John joins me to share many heartfelt life lessons he learned from his father (who passed away 15 days after watching the movie), and he gives the backstory on one of the most powerful things his dad ever said: “I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
You’ll hear how John turned his pain into purpose and suffering into a life of service and gratitude. From learning to say “yes” to being used for good, to discovering that real heroes are the people who show up and ask for nothing in return in our darkest moments.
John’s sincerity and wisdom may move you to tears, and hopefully inspire you to see your biggest challenges as divine opportunities for growth and contribution.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Powerful Life Lessons John Learned From His Dad
- The Power of Presence and Loving People Where They Are
- A Different Way To Go Through Life and Face Death
- Why Ordinary People Are the Real Heroes
- Saying “Yes” to Being Used for Good
- Being of Service to Others Unlocks Fulfillment
- Imagine Yourself Starting Every Interaction with Love
- The Mindset Shift From Victimhood to Victor
- John’s Message for Anyone Struggling With Pain or Regret
- Why Soul on Fire Is a Movie Everyone Needs to See
- Three Words from John’s Dad: “What a Gift”
Get The Full Show Notes
To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/607
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