Several years ago, a neighbor enthusiastically recommended a book about the dangers of false hope and the power of pessimism. Its message? Lower your expectations, prepare for disappointment and save yourself the trouble of being surprised when things go wrong.

As someone who's spent decades encouraging others to live inspired, I remember listening to him describe the book, seeing the despair in his eyes and thinking: I am never, ever, ever reading that freaking book!

I thought about him, and that book, last Saturday morning in Tucson, Arizona. Let me explain.

Jermaine Wilson went from serving time behind bars to serving his community as mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas. Once caught in a cycle of crime and incarceration, Jermaine transformed his life through faith, forgiveness and a commitment to helping others. Now an author, speaker and founder of Unity in the Community, he reminds others that their past doesn't have to define their future.

Today, Jermaine shares how a powerful moment of forgiveness in prison changed his life, the dreams he pursued while incarcerated, and his unlikely journey from lawbreaker to lawmaker. He also reflects on rebuilding his family, breaking generational cycles and finding purpose in serving the community he once harmed.

My friends, no matter where you've been or what you've been through, your story is still being written. If you need a reminder that it's never too late to change, find forgiveness and build a life of purpose, this conversation is for you.

As a kid, I was terrified of the dark.

I dreaded going into the basement alone, didn't like taking the trash out at night and hated when the lights went out at bedtime. I wanted light! And candidly, I haven't changed that much!

Most of us long for light. We want hope instead of despair, encouragement instead of criticism, and someone to illuminate our way when the path forward seems uncertain. In a world that disagrees on just about everything, we all agree our communities could use more light these days.

That's why I love the story of this month's On Fire For Good honoree, Emily Osweiler. Let me explain.

Josh Schertz is the head men's basketball coach at Saint Louis University, where he's building a program rooted in relationships, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. From his early days as a nationally ranked tennis player to leading successful basketball programs at Lincoln Memorial and Indiana State, Josh has built his career around a simple belief: Great teams are built by bringing out the best in people.

Today, Josh shares how his upbringing shaped his competitive spirit, the lessons he's learned from decades of coaching, and why meaningful relationships are the foundation of lasting success. Sitting down together in Josh's office, we discuss the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels valued, why the pursuit of greatness matters more than the accolades, and how embracing the journey can be just as rewarding as reaching the destination.

My friends, whether you're leading a team, raising a family or simply striving to become the best version of yourself, this conversation will remind you that true success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the people we become along the way.

One of the hardest aspects of my dad's battle with Parkinson's wasn't the symptoms most associated with the disease, like shaking or involuntary movements. For Dad, the real agony became rigidity.

As the disease progressed, his muscles tightened and his body became almost frozen.

Although his joy remained and his humor was unmatched, everyday life became impossibly difficult.

I've been thinking a lot about Dad lately. And I've also been thinking about how frequently rigidity can creep into each of our lives. Let me explain.

William Paul Young is the New York Times bestselling author of The Shack, a story that has brought hope to millions worldwide. First with us in 2017 on episode 19, he returns to discuss his latest book Return to the Shack, and the experiences that shaped his understanding of love, faith and forgiveness.

Today, Paul shares his journey through childhood abuse and shame, how vulnerability helped him heal, and the family Christmas gift that became The Shack. We explore his shift toward a faith rooted in unconditional love and the questions about justice, forgiveness and transformation woven into his new book.

My friends, if you've ever felt defined by your past or wondered whether healing is possible, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with encouragement to meet yourself with compassion, extend kindness to others and remember that you are worthy of love.

Ten years ago this month, we turned on a microphone.

It was October 2016. Barack Obama was president, the Cubs were weeks away from winning the World Series, and Stranger Things was the rage. Podcasts, on the other hand, were something some people had heard of, but relatively few listened to regularly.

We didn't launch the Live Inspired Podcast because podcasting was cool (it wasn't!) or profitable (it still isn't!).

We launched because I wanted to better understand what allows some individuals to endure enormous adversity and somehow emerge stronger. I wanted to explore leadership and faith, failure and forgiveness, marriage and parenting, success and suffering. I wanted to better understand what makes a life matter.

So we started asking questions.

And ten years later, we haven't stopped.

Jake Harriman is a former Marine, founder of Nuru International and a leader who has dedicated his life to serving others. After first joining us in 2018, he returns to share his latest mission: helping Americans find common ground through The Brickyard, a veteran-led movement, and his new book, Rescuing the Idea of America.

Today, Jake shares how his childhood in rural West Virginia shaped his heart for service, the combat experiences that inspired his work fighting extreme poverty, and why he's now turning his attention to healing divisions here at home. We explore how listening with curiosity, serving alongside one another and choosing connection can rebuild trust and remind us how much we share.

My friends, if you've felt discouraged by the division around you or wondered whether one person can make a difference, this conversation is for you. Jake offers a hopeful reminder that each of us has something to contribute. You'll leave with practical ways to build stronger relationships, serve your community and take one small step toward the future you want to see.