Live Inspired Podcast With John O'leary

Often the most beautiful parts of our lives are the very ones we tuck away. We hide them in closets, leave them in boxes, store them in corners, push them back into the shadows. We forget about them, all they meant, and the beauty they still possess until something draws those pieces of our lives back into the light. I saw this on full display during the final day of filming SOUL ON FIRE. Let me explain.

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 whose light shines every bit as brightly as her performance. Recorded in Hogansville, Georgia (Masey’s small hometown!), she opens up about what it meant to step into Beth’s shoes and portray a love that sees the scars and chooses them anyway. Masey also shares on her journey of faith, the lessons she carried from set, and how she radiates beauty, humility, joy, and resilience both onscreen and off. My friends, if you need a reminder that love is the foundation for courage, and that faith and laughter can carry us through any season, this conversation is for you.  

I’m too busy. I’ll get back to them later. I'll just ignore it. These are common ways to respond to life’s interruptions. But while filming SOUL ON FIRE, I was reminded by some remarkably busy people just how powerful it is to say yes instead. Let me explain.

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 this conversation. Today, James shares what it was like stepping onto set with legends like John Corbett and William H. Macy, how he navigated the challenge of prosthetics and long filming days, and what he’s learning about courage, resilience, and adventure. Alongside his mom, Becca, we hear the story of how a simple spark of curiosity during the pandemic has become a passion shaping James’s future. My friends, you’ll leave this conversation reminded that age is never a barrier to living with purpose, that wonder and courage can be found at every stage of life, and that sometimes the

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 body is long—Cissy the brilliant charge nurse, Lisa the fiery floor nurse, Roy the visionary man who helped me walk forward, and Delores the lovely CNA with a contagious laugh. But the one I told that boy about last week was Sue Rodrigues. Let me explain.

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 artist, blending faith, music, and life in powerful ways. Today, Mac shares how faith reshaped his path from “band nerd” to frontman, the adoption journey that transformed his family, and the stories behind songs like Cry Out to Jesus and Soul On Fire—a song that has now become the anthem for the upcoming film SOUL ON FIRE. My friends, you’ll leave this conversation reminded that faith can turn fear into courage, interruptions into blessings, and ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

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 time, I was struggling mightily. In the span of about a week, a dear friend passed away, my father’s health declined significantly, and we packed up my oldest son, Jack, to head off to college out of state. Everything around me felt chaotic and unmoored. A chapter I had loved living was ending and a new one was beginning. The sadness lingered long after leaving my friend’s wake, visiting Dad at the hospital or driving away from the dorm where Jack now lived. This year as we grieve the loss of my dad and prepare to send Jack back to college, two more boys into high school, and my daughter Grace into her final yea

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, kindness, and joy he brings behind the camera. More than seven years ago, Sean first read the script that would become SOUL ON FIRE, and he never let it go. From the earliest drafts to its upcoming nationwide release, his vision, passion, and persistence have been at the heart of bringing this story to life. Today, Sean shares about childhood in a big Irish family, how his parents challenged him to dream big and do mighty things, his journey from delivering scripts as a production assistant to directing box-office hits, and what it meant to shepherd SOUL ON FIRE from page to screen. M

John Ruhlin built a wildly successful business and life practicing radical generosity. While many spend their lives asking, “How much do I have to give?” John asked, “What’s the most I possibly can?” That question—and the way he answered it—changed my life. And it changed the world around him. Let me explain.

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 roles that didn’t align with his values, and how losing nearly everything led him to a deeper faith, a stronger marriage, and a renewed purpose. You’ll also hear about the hard lessons he’s learned from Hollywood legends, the projects he’s now creating to inspire others, and why he believes resilience starts with knowing who you are. My friends, if you’ve ever faced setbacks, questioned your worth, or wondered how to start again, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a reminder that your values matter more than your circumstances, that love is worth fighting for, and that w

True value doesn’t come from how others see us; it comes from knowing who we are. Sometimes the most important lessons are taught in unexpected places, by unforeseen people and in unpredicted ways.  A recent experience provided such a reminder…even if it wasn’t a lesson I wanted to receive. Let me explain.

Did you know 84% of Americans say stress impacts them as deeply as trauma? Recognizing this, Dr. Rebecca Heiss is a stress physiologist whose work is reshaping how we think about pressure, performance, and resilience. Today, Rebecca shares how we can reframe stress as a tool for growth, how to move from trauma to post-traumatic growth, and why curiosity is often the best way through anxiety. With research-backed examples and real-life stories, she explains why your belief about stress (not the stress itself!) may be what’s holding you back. My friends, if you’re carrying more than your fair share right–personally, professionally, emotionally, or something else–then this conversation is for you. You’ll leave feeling a little lighter, a lot more empowered, and equipped to view stress not as something to run from, but as a signal you’re on the edge of something meaningful.

Earlier this summer, I sat next to my dad in a darkened movie theater. We shared some popcorn, fought over Milk Duds, and watched a movie together. The film we watched—a retelling of the life we’ve lived together, now stunningly portrayed on the big screen—was a powerful reminder: when intuition whispers, listen. Let me explain.

Former Governor John Kasich has spent his life bringing people together to tackle tough problems, guided by a deep belief that we all have a role to play in making the world a little better than we found it. As a former Ohio governor and four-time New York Times bestselling author, it’s his deep commitment to faith and building community that matters most to him. Today, John Kasich shares why he believes the antidote to our cultural division isn’t politics — it’s purpose. Hear John share about his working-class roots, how losing his parents to a drunk driver deepened his faith, and why he believes real change always begins from the bottom up. He also reveals the stories behind his new book Heaven Help Us, which highlights unsung heroes whose love, compassion, and faith are quietly transforming communities across the country. My friends, whether you consider yourself a Republican, Democrat, Independent or something completely different, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave reminded that you matter, that

More than 20 years ago, my wife Beth and I volunteered to take on a Little Brother from our local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters. We thought we would be helping a child who needed something we could give. What we didn’t expect was how much we’d grow—and how much that little boy would change our lives. You see, at the time, I was busy, distracted, stretched thin. But that small, consistent commitment turned into a life-giving friendship. And Beth and I learned an important lesson that still guides us today: that stepping outside your comfort zone isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more. I was reminded of that lesson when I read the nomination for this month’s On Fire For Good honoree, Aimee Risser. Let me explain.

Jameson Reeder Sr. and his 10-year-old son, Jameson Jr., were swimming nine miles off the coast of Florida when a 9-foot bull shark appeared out of nowhere. In seconds, their peaceful snorkeling trip turned into a fight for life, and one that would test their faith, summon unexpected heroes, and reveal a little boy’s unshakable courage. Today, Jameson Sr. and Jameson Jr. share how a terrifying shark attack led to a series of undeniable miracles. You’ll hear how strangers leapt into action, how courage showed up in the most unexpected ways, and how just weeks after the attack, Jameson Jr. asked to return to the place of the attack to face his fear. My friends, if you need a reminder of the strength we carry, even in the most unthinkable moments, this conversation is for you. You’ll be moved by Jameson Jr.’s resilience and compassion in the face of pain, as he shows us what it means to be brave, how to forgive the unimaginable, and how to meet fear with courage, grit, and even joy.

In the early 2000s, I worked in residential construction. As a general contractor, my days were long, dusty, and jammed with deadlines difficult to hit. I rehabbed homes, managed teams, solved problems, raced the clock, and frequently fell short. On one specific job site, a man challenged me through his presence to slow down, celebrate the gift of the moment and authentically connect with others. Let me explain.

Cristina Baker is a speaker, author, and digital creator whose short videos have brought hope and encouragement to millions. And yet, before she became a voice of inspiration, she was a teen battling addiction, a young mother at rock bottom, and a woman who felt completely alone in the world. Today, Cristina shares what it was like growing up in a home filled with chaos and instability. She opens up about the choices that led her into a cycle of pain and self-destruction, and how small moments of compassion helped her begin the long road to healing. From a jail cell to a second chance, and eventually to a video that reached millions, Cristina’s story is filled with grit, resilience, and the power of being seen. My friends, if you’ve ever felt too far gone, too messed up, or too stuck to be used for something good, this conversation is for you. Cristina reminds us that change is possible, even from the lowest points. You’ll leave this episode with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper belief in second chances, and

"I do."  57 years ago, Mom spoke those words while holding Dad’s hands. I thought of their commitment to one another last week as I was seated across from her at breakfast. It was their 57th wedding anniversary. And her first without him. I expected our time together to be a bit downtrodden, quiet, sad. After all, how do you celebrate the thing you built your life around when the person you built it with is no longer there? But as we sipped a mimosa (Hey, it was their anniversary and I wasn’t going to have Mom celebrate by herself!), it was surprising that Mom wasn’t sad, wasn’t morose, wasn’t bitter. She was at peace. Let me explain

John Register is a two-time Paralympian, a silver medalist, a Persian Gulf War veteran, and a TEDx motivational speaker. He’s also someone who knows what it means to lose everything you planned for, and build something even more meaningful in its place. A rising Olympic hopeful, John’s dreams were shattered by a training accident that led to the amputation of his left leg. What followed wasn’t just recovery but a reinvention of his identity, purpose, and impact. Today, John shares how he “amputated the fear” of disability, found new purpose, and learned to thrive in a life he never expected. His experiences challenge us to reflect on how we respond to life’s inevitable curveballs and how we can still become the best versions of ourselves, even when the path forward looks nothing like we imagined. My friends, if you’ve ever faced an unexpected detour or felt like your best days were behind you, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave it with renewed hope, a fresh mindset, and a reminder that your scars migh