1 day ago
My son Patrick is a die-hard fan of the Saint Louis University Billikens men’s basketball team.
Six years ago, when Santa still made visits to his house, Patrick’s favorite present was a Billiken jersey with his name on the back of it. For the past several years, our family has invested in season tickets because of his passion for the team. And over the last four years, he and I have traveled to road games around the country in the hopes of rooting our team to victory.And four different times he’s walked out of visiting arenas, wearing his jersey, with his head hung in defeat.So hopeful is he that this year, with his guys swimming near the bottom of their conference standings carrying a 5-13 record, he still held out hope for a bid to the NCAA tournament. Although it wasn’t meant to be for the Billikens, there’s something supremely beautiful about Patrick’s unrelenting hope.With the slate of NCAA tournament teams finalized yesterday, hardcore fans and bandwagon followers everywhere now turn to the task of filling out their bracket, predicting which of the teams will advance throughout the 67 game, three-week long tournament.Represented in the mix, of course, are this season’s dominant teams and perennial powerhouses. Alongside those favorites are, in my opinion, the very reason March Madness worms its way into our consciousness each year: the Cinderella teams!Unlikely runs by supposedly overmatched teams like the 1990 Loyola Marymount Lions, 2011 Butler Bulldogs, and the 2022 Saint Peter’s Peaco*cks make March Madness the most compelling sporting event of the year.Why is it so compelling when an unexpected team knocks off a higher seeded team? Why do we find ourselves cheering for schools we’ve never heard of, mascots we don’t recognize and players we don’t know?Well, neurologically, positive surprises trigger the release of mood-improving neurotransmitter dopamine. Receiving something unexpected opens our minds to possibility, improves our attention and shifts our mood. It has that same powerful and positive impact on the moods of those around us.Need proof? Check out the arenas this week as the inevitable upsets occur. Watch the high fives and bear hugs between people who hours earlier were total strangers. Simply witnessing a surprise together can create a lifelong bond.But here’s the bigger point, my friends. You don’t need to be a basketball fan to be on the receiving end of the benefits listed above. Like the as yet to be determined Cinderella teams we’ll discover later this month, you can be the agent for unexpected positive surprises for those in your life.Go out of your way to surprise someone today. Call your Mom. Send flowers to a friend. Compliment a stranger.Cover the tab. Lighten the load at home. Be the first to say “good morning” or “I love you” or “I am sorry.”Listen for the needs of others and empower them to live up to the fullness of their lives.Doing so may not guarantee your favorite basketball team success. Trust me.It will, however, positively surprise those around us. In doing so, you’ll help them release dopamine, improve their outlook, elevate their day, and enhance their connection with you.As my perpetually hopeful Patrick reminds me, “Anything can happen, Dad.”Let’s be a spark instilling that hope in others’ lives today.Today is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less
2 days ago
"Happy St. Patrick's day to those who are Irish ... and to those who wish they were."Beth and I walked in the annual St Patrick's day parade today. We had a blast throwing candy and waving to a bunch of smiling, fun-loving, green-wearing friends. It was a simply beautiful day for it.One of the tee-shirts worn by a fellow Irishman included the quote from above. So, to my friends who are Irish -- and to those who wish you were today, an Irish blessing for you lads and lasses:Lucky stars above you,Sunshine on your way,Many friends to love you,Joy in work and play.Laughter to outweigh each care,In your heart a song,And gladness waiting everywhereAll your whole life long.This is your day. Live Inspired -- J ... See MoreSee Less
5 days ago
Dr. Nick Fuhrman, also known as Ranger Nick, is an Environmental Education professor at University of Georgia. Often recognized for his engaging and informative presentations, Nick blends humor with educational content to connect with audiences of all ages.Today, Nick shares how he earned his nickname “Ranger Nick”, how it led him to find his calling to educate and how his unconventional yet profound approach helps students build essential skills and overcome anxiety. Throughout, Nick reminds us of the pivotal role that exceptional teachers play as mentors, role models, and champions in all our lives.My friends, prepare to be captivated by Nick's contagious enthusiasm, unwavering passion, and genuine warmth as he reminds us that we harness the power within to create meaningful change in our lives and in the lives of those around us.Listen to Dr. Nick Fuhrman on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 654 now. ... See MoreSee Less
1 week ago
This was a picture taken on the final day of filming ON FIRE. It’s taken in the same church where Beth and I were actually married. Although many of our actors, crew and team weren’t even photographed here, this hints at the scale of just how many people worked to produce the film. And began to answer some questions I always wondered as a kid. Let me explain...When a movie concluded as a child, I would remain seated and watch all the credits until the very end. Part of it was about soaking up the movie theater experience and finishing my popcorn. Part of it was listening to the music and being reminded through it what I had just watched. And, if I am being honest, part of it was looking for people with the last name O’Leary to see if we had any distant family involved in the film. (I usually left disappointed by that last one.)When the last credits rolled up the screen and the lights eased back on in the theater, I always asked the same two questions: Who were all those people just listed? And what could all of them possibly have done for the film?I mean, really, haven’t you wondered the same thing?As the On Fire movie team rolls into its third month of the painstaking post-production work, I am gradually beginning to recognize the remarkable complexity of creating a film. These months of post-production work follow weeks of an intense shooting schedule. And that follows years of planning.My friends, in the next year we’ll have an opportunity to go to theaters and watch as our wonderful actors bring to life brilliantly the story of On Fire. They’ll have us laughing and crying and applauding and utterly convicted that we can make a mighty difference through our lives for others.And yet, in thinking about the actors on screen, my mind races to the tireless work of those behind the scenes.I think of Jordan Block, Christopher Brown, Sarah Coughlin, Madeline DeClue, Rachel Deschaine, Hadley Houch, Vincent Italiano, and Colleen LaRochelle. This is a partial list of our Production Assistants who were on set before anybody else, worked tirelessly through long days, and were still on set when we left each night.There were dozens of truck drivers, boom operators, lighting technicians and camera operators. There were teams of security officers to keep us safe, medics to heal our wounds, and kitchen vendors to feed our bodies. There were key grips, swing gangs, set creators, prop makers, sound mixers and dolly grippers.On Fire required 47 investors, eight executive producers, a talented writer, a skilled director, 200 crew members, more than 50 principal actors and more than 1,000 background actors and extras.Literally thousands of tasks were executed each day by an army of individual contributors to capture this movie. And then the heavy lifting of editing hundreds of hours of film into a single, feature movie began. Each contribution, each person, each task critical to the success of the overall effort.Such is the complexity with every film. Which brings us to last night’s 96th Academy Awards ceremony.As actors and directors accepted their awards and thanked a few people, the reality is there’s simply not enough time to acknowledge everyone. For that list, we’d have to actually sit down in a theater, watch until the very, very, VERY end, and realize that without the participation of a multitude of behind-the-scenes professionals, there would be no movie. There would be no star. And there would be no Oscar.And it’s not just in movies where this is true.We all are recipients of profound love and amazing grace. None of us have accomplished great things by ourselves. None of us achieved success or overcame adversity all by ourselves.Today, let’s accomplish what last night’s winners attempted. Let’s recognize the people who helped us get where we are. Let’s use this moment to reach out and thank them for all they did to propel our lives forward. And let’s not just stop with a few co-stars, producers or big names. Instead, let’s honor the multitude of individuals who have helped shape the masterpieces that are our lives.Now, our stories may never be recognized with an Oscar.But here the thing: awards rust, fame wanes and lights fade. But our lives remain stunning gifts, they are worthy of celebrating, we most certainly didn’t create them all by ourselves, and our best is yet to come.This is your day. Live Inspired. ... See MoreSee Less
2 weeks ago
For more than 16 years, Chelsey Goodan has been an academic tutor and mentor specializing in strengthening the confidence of teenage girls. In an era where our young people face unparalleled challenges, Chelsey has learned many crucial things they are concerned about… yet are reluctant to tell.Today, Chelsey shares how, with the right understanding and support, adults can empower and uplift teenagers in a society that often underestimates them.Learn the proven and actionable strategies to engage in meaningful conversations, tackle tough topics with honesty, and cultivate a culture of connection.My friends, regardless of the role you play in a child or teenager’s life, this conversation will equip you with the tools needed to nurture confidence, resilience, and authenticity.Listen to Chelsey Goodan on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 652. ... See MoreSee Less
