Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

None of it really makes sense.

Last Thursday, a black SUV picked up the O’Leary family and transported us to the gorgeous Powell Hall in St. Louis, MO. As the car doors opened, flashbulbs blinded our eyes and cheers filled our ears. Beth and I hopped out, followed by our boys and our daughter. We stood together by the car, waved confidently as if we had done this before, the...

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes the actor tasked with the impossible job of being as charming, joyful, and good-looking as yours truly: Joel Courtney.

Known for his breakout role in Super 8 and Netflix’s beloved The Kissing Booth trilogy, Joel’s latest role in SOUL ON FIRE may be his most inspiring yet. With a gift for bringing heart to every role, Joel shines brightest when the story he tells can spark hope i...

In just over a week and a half, SOUL ON FIRE will light up theaters across the country. And last week, as part of The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE podcast series, you heard from one of the people who helped to bring this story to life, Stephanie Szostak.

For me, Stephanie’s role in this film is especially personal. She portrays one of the greatest heroes of my life: my mom, Susan ...

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes my dear friend Stephanie Szostak.

Stephanie has brought memorable characters to life in A Million Little Things and The Devil Wears Prada. Now, in the upcoming film SOUL ON FIRE, she steps into her most meaningful role yet as my mom Susan O’Leary. She brings her talent to the screen with depth and grace, and in this conversation she shares her heart, her wisdom, and the life les...

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes the actor who brings to life the unforgettable role of Nurse Roy: DeVon Franklin.

DeVon is a producer of films like Miracles from Heaven and Breakthrough, a New York Times bestselling author, a preacher, and a motivational voice named by Variety as one of the “Top 10 Producers to Watch.” Whether through books, movies, sermons, or his own acting, his mission has always been the s...

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes Masey McLain, the gifted actress who portrays my wife, Beth O’Leary, in our upcoming film.

Casting Beth was one of the most important decisions of the film, and in Masey we found someone who truly embodies her grace, strength, and unshakable love. Beyond the screen, Masey is an author, singer, producer, and speaker. She lives with mission and purpose, and she’s a dear friend who...

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE shines a spotlight on one of the youngest members of the cast: James McCracken.

At just nine years old, James stepped into the unforgettable role of young John O’Leary in the upcoming film SOUL ON FIRE. Despite his age, this rising star brings remarkable heart and depth to the screen with talent nurtured with the encouragement of his family, including his mom Becca, who joins us for part of thi...

While visiting patients at a children’s hospital last week, a little boy asked who my favorite nurse was during my own hospital stay. It felt a bit like being asked to pick a favorite child, but I shared the story of how one nurse’s seemingly simple acts had a mighty impact on my life.

The list of extraordinary caregivers at Mercy who helped me survive burns over my entire b...

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series turns up the volume as we’re joined by the man whose song has become the heartbeat of the film: Mac Powell.

Mac Powell has spent over three decades sharing his voice and his heart with the world. As the Grammy-winning lead singer of Third Day, he helped shape Christian music, selling over 10 million albums and filling arenas across the globe, and has continued that legacy as a solo artis...

As we step into a new school year, many of us are in a season of transition. Sending little ones off to kindergarten, big kids off to high school, and young adults off to college means a time filled with backpacks, checklists, early bedtimes and busy mornings. It also means waving goodbye not just to the kids as they leave the house, but chapters of life that will never return.

Last summer around this t...

As we begin the Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series, it only makes sense to start with the man who’s been with this story from the very beginning: Sean McNamara.

Sean McNamara is the director behind beloved films like Soul Surfer, Spare Parts, The Miracle Season, Reagan, and many more. Known in Hollywood as an “actor’s director,” he’s celebrated not only for the powerful performances he brings to the screen, but also for the humility, ki...

Neal McDonough is an award-winning actor known for memorable roles in Band of Brothers, Justified, and Desperate Housewives, as well as more than 150 film and TV credits. Beyond his on-screen success, Neal is a devoted husband, father of five, and storyteller whose real-life journey rivals any script he’s ever brought to life.

Today, Neal shares how a chance meeting with his wife, Ruvé, changed everything, why he walked away from r...

True value doesn’t come from how others see us; it comes from knowing who we are.

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