Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

"What advice would you give yourself at age 20?" It's a question I've asked every single guest on the Live Inspired Podcast. And after 500 episodes, the answers always move me. As the interviewer, I always learn something from the answer. But it wasn't until the tables were turned and I was asked that question that I realized the true power of taking a moment to consider the answer in our own life. It forces us to take stock of both who we are today and revisit who we were.

A few critics said SOUL ON FIRE couldn't possibly be true: that no one survives burns that severe, that Jack Buck wouldn't visit a stranger's hospital room, that the "O'Reily" home could never be rebuilt. But every bit of it happened. And if you think that's unbelievable… wait until you hear what happened inside the prison. Let me explain.

David Green is the founder of Hobby Lobby, one of the largest privately owned arts and crafts retailers in the world. Bill High is the CEO of Legacy Stone, a nonprofit that helps families build lasting legacies of faith, generosity, and purpose. Together, they've spent decades guiding leaders, parents, and communities to think beyond success and toward significance. Today, David and Bill share how humble beginnings, hard-earned wisdom, and a lifetime of faith have shaped their understanding of legacy. They open up about building family culture, navigating conflict with humility, and redefining success not by what you leave behind but by what you set in motion. You'll also hear how how their new book, Legacy of Life, provides lessons on building a life that matters for generations to come. My friends, if you've ever wondered what kind of impact your life is making or how to pass on what truly matters to the people you love most, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that your influence doesn't end with you. It begins with how you choose to live today.

Throughout the promotion of SOUL ON FIRE, one name kept coming up around our office- Jan Roseberry! She was booking theaters, posting constantly on social media, even sending "you got this" notes to my team during one of the busiest seasons of our professional lives. And it made me wonder: what kind of person gives so freely of their time and heart for something bigger than themselves? Over the past few weeks, I've gotten to know Jan even better than I previously did. And what I've discovered is that what makes her remarkable isn't one big moment. It's a lifetime of saying yes to growth, even when the next step wasn't clear. And Jan's story reminds each of us that purpose often begins with a single, small yes.   Let me explain.

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series concludes by welcoming Mark Isham, the award-winning composer for film and television whose music has shaped some of the most moving stories of our time. From A River Runs Through It to Crash to his latest masterpiece in SOUL ON FIRE, Mark's work carries emotion, depth, and grace. Yet what shines even brighter than his talent is his humility. He views music not as notes on a page, but as a way to communicate love, courage, and connection. Today, Mark shares how he's learned to listen deeply, both in music and in life. He reflects on the blank canvas every artist faces, the mix of fear and faith that comes with creating, and how the secret to lasting success in both art and relationships is communication. Through stories of working with Robert Redford, Jodie Foster, and scoring the life-changing moments of SOUL ON FIRE, Mark reminds us that the best art begins in stillness, honesty, and a willingness to keep growing. My friends, if you've ever questioned your purpose, your talent, or your next step forward, this conversation is for you. You'll leave it reminded that creation isn't about perfection. It's about persistence. The best work and the best life come from showing up, listening well, and believing that the best is yet to come.  

The past few weeks have been humbling and joy-filled. Interviews, headlines, sold-out theaters, and messages from around the world have celebrated SOUL ON FIRE. But the greatest joy has been watching how this story has lifted the people I love most. My sisters glowed on the red carpet after years of cheering from behind the scenes. Mom hasn't stopped smiling, and Beth's quiet grace is being recognized everywhere. But my favorite hero to celebrate is the one who likes attention the least: my brother Jim. Let me explain.

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes John Corbett, the beloved actor, musician, and storyteller who portrays my dad Denny O'Leary on the big screen. Long before he became known for his roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Northern Exposure, and Sex and the City, John was a kid from a small West Virginia town, whose path from humble beginnings to Hollywood success reads like a movie script itself. Today, John shares the moments that shaped him from hydro-testing steel pipes to discovering his gift for storytelling in a college improv class. He opens up about humility in the spotlight, his deep love for his wife Bo Derek, and the raw emotion that came from portraying my father in SOUL ON FIRE. My friends, if you need a reminder that it's never too late for your life to take an unexpected turn, or that joy and kindness are what truly make a person shine, this conversation is for you. You'll leave it reminded that our stories, no matter how ordinary they begin, can ignite something extraordinary when we choose to live with hope, humor, and heart.  

Returning to school after the fire 38 years ago, I worried if I'd still belong. That day, my classmates embraced me, and last Thursday they again showed up in love, reminding me just how much has changed… and how much hasn't. Let me explain.

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes the man who brought one of America's most beloved voices to life: legendary broadcaster Jack Buck. To capture Jack's courage and compassion, we turned to William H. Macy, the award-winning actor and master storyteller whose humility and heart shine through every frame. Today, William shares lessons from his father's humor and integrity, the heartbreak and resilience that shaped his mother, and how a young man in Vermont stumbled into acting and into purpose. He opens up about failure, rejection, and what it really means to "tell the truth for a living." My friends, if you have ever questioned your direction, your dreams, or your ability to start again, this conversation is for you. You will leave it reminded that authenticity still matters, that faith shows up when you need it most, and that no matter your stage in life, there is still time to move forward boldly, bravely, and with heart.

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, then made our way onto the red carpet and into the world premiere of SOUL ON FIRE. Let me explain.

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 in others. Today, Joel shares how a boy from Idaho chasing a $100 commercial ended up leading major films, why he said "yes" to sharing my story on the big screen, and the lessons he carried from portraying someone who refused to let tragedy define their life. He reflects on the heroes who shaped my journey, and invites all of us to recognize the quiet heroes shaping ours. My friends, you'll leave this conversation reminded that there is no joy without gratitude and that the stories we choose to live can inspire far beyond ourselves. If you need a boost of courage, perspective, or hope, this episode is for you.

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 O'Leary. Let me explain.

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 lessons that have shaped her along the way. Today, Stephanie shares stories from her childhood in France, the values she's carried from her parents and brother, and the pivotal moments that shaped both her career and her outlook on life. She opens up about grief and resilience, the gift of tough love, and what it meant to step into my mom's shoes for SOUL ON FIRE. Together, we talk about family, faith, and the power of showing up for the people we love. My friends, you'll leave this conversation reminded that resilience is born in relationships, that love can carry us through even the hardest seasons, and that your story (yes, yours!) can be a beacon of hope for others. If you need encouragement today, this one is for you.  

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 same: to inspire, inform, and motivate. Today, DeVon shares candidly about growing up in the Bay Area, losing his father at a young age, and how film and faith became his lifelines of healing. He also opens up about what drew him to portray Nurse Roy in SOUL ON FIRE (the burn nurse who pushed a young John O'Leary to walk again), the real-life lessons of Roy's compassion and grit, and why telling this part of our story was both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. My friends, if you or someone you love needs to be reminded that ordinary work, done with extraordinary love, can change the course of a life, this conversation is for you. You'll be encouraged to see pain not as the problem, but as a teacher pointing to healing. And you'll be inspired to embrace your own story with courage, faith, and the freedom to simply be.

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.  

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 boldest dreams come from the smallest voices.

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 year of middle school, I'm trying something different to help me cope: I'm reframing the goodbye. Let me explain.