
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
When 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
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
Subscribe, Rate & Review
I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world.
To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes.
Connect with Hal Elrod
Copyright © 2025 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC
4.8
12981,298 ratings
When 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
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
Subscribe, Rate & Review
I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world.
To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes.
Connect with Hal Elrod
Copyright © 2025 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC
4,580 Listeners
21,244 Listeners
729 Listeners
3,644 Listeners
13,620 Listeners
12,060 Listeners
14,045 Listeners
1,116 Listeners
7,697 Listeners
1,664 Listeners
4,837 Listeners
16,695 Listeners
817 Listeners
916 Listeners
20,173 Listeners