We present a deeply moving conversation with host Shawn French as he sits down with John O’Leary — bestselling author, motivational speaker, and the real-life inspiration behind the new William H. Macy film Soul on Fire.

At just nine years old, John survived an explosion that left him with burns over 100% of his body and a 0% chance to live. What followed was nothing short of miraculous — a story not of one man’s toughness, but of an entire community showing up when it mattered most.

John and Shawn dive into the transformative power of love, faith, and community, exploring how the people around us can literally bring us back to life. John shares how his parents’ fierce love, Jack Buck’s unwavering mentorship, and his wife Beth’s quiet strength helped shape a life of purpose. He opens up about the fine line between victimhood and victory, and how choosing to serve others became the ultimate path to healing.

The two also reflect on Soul on Fire, the film that immortalizes John’s journey — including personal touches like his wife’s actual wedding dress and his late father’s powerful final scene on set. Together, they reveal how acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create ripples that outlive us all.

This isn’t a story about survival. It’s a masterclass in what it means to live — fully, vulnerably, and for others.

Key Takeaways:

-Community is the most powerful medicine for healing.

-Tough love isn’t cruelty; it’s the pathway to freedom.

-Mentorship and service are legacy multipliers — they outlive us.

-True love sees beyond scars, ego, and circumstance.

-Every act of kindness has a ripple effect far beyond what you’ll ever see.

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John O'Leary

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