Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Recently I shared a story online about a flight delayed because of the arrogance of one person. Thousands of people liked the post. Hundreds more commented. And the vast majority agreed that the man in first class was profoundly arrogant. Here's what I learned after that post went live:  It turns out, I was the arrogant one. Let me explain.

Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning, James Beard Award-winning chef, television host, author, and global food advocate. Recognized from the wildly popular show Bizarre Foods, Andrew explores culture through cuisine. And yet before the success, Andrew's life was marked by addiction, homelessness, and hard-won second chances that eventually led him towards his purpose. Today, Andrew shares how curiosity saved his life, why asking for help became his turning point, and how food became the lens through which he learned to see people, cultures, and himself more clearly. He opens up about childhood trauma, addiction and recovery, forgiveness, and how choosing "and" instead of "but" can change the way we hold both pain and hope at the same time. My friends, if you've ever felt stuck in your past, ashamed of your mistakes, or unsure how to begin again, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode reminded that you are not your worst chapter, that curiosity can reopen closed doors, and that second chances are not rare… they're available to anyone brave enough to ask for help and keep going.

Some stories don't gently ask for your attention. They demand it. Rhonda Bear's story is one of them. Like so many lives lived on fire for good, her story doesn't begin with comfort or clarity. It begins in brokenness. In a childhood marked by chaos, addiction, and uncertainty. By the age of twelve, Rhonda was already searching for something—anything—that might make her feel whole. That search led her down a long and painful road. And yet, what happened next is where her story becomes extraordinary. Let me explain.

Robert Paylor is a former collegiate rugby standout whose life changed in an instant during a national championship match. A spinal cord injury left him paralyzed from the neck down, and doctors told him he would never walk again. He has since defied the odds: walking again, building a family, graduating from UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, and becoming a sought-after speaker and author featured in Sports Illustrated and People. Today, Robert shares what it means to lose everything you thought your life would be, how mindset becomes a lifeline when circumstances feel unbearable, and why forgiveness, faith, and gratitude can be the difference between surviving and truly living. He opens up about the moment doctors delivered a devastating prognosis, the long and painful road of rehabilitation, and the inner work required to release anger and choose hope, even when it feels undeserved or impossible. My friends, if you're carrying disappointment, grief, anger, or fear about a future that doesn't look the way you planned, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with practical mental tools to face what feels paralyzing in your own life, a renewed sense of perspective, and a reminder that you are not broken, and you are not done.

As a kid, meeting someone new often sent my heart racing. You see, I worried they'd judge me by the scars on my face, the burns on my arms, or the fingers that were no longer there. My mom- always able to read her kids' thoughts and then directly coach them up- observed my pained hesitation when meeting new people. One day she knelt down, looked me in the eye, and shared life-changing wisdom. Let me explain.

Harold Dennis Jr. is a survivor of the Carrollton Bus Crash, one of the deadliest drunk-driving tragedies in U.S. history. He was just 14 years old when everything changed. What followed was a long road through loss, injury, and grief, and a remarkable journey of resilience. Harold went on to become a college athlete, a nationally recognized example of courage in sports, a medical professional, a husband, a father, and living proof that devastation does not get the final word. Today, Harold Dennis Jr. shares what it took to survive, forgive, and begin again. He opens up about losing his best friend, wrestling with anger and unanswered questions, and choosing forgiveness when it felt impossible. This conversation is honest, unfiltered, and deeply human. My friends, if you're carrying quiet pain, struggling to move forward, or wondering if hope still belongs to you, this conversation is for you. You'll be reminded that healing takes time, forgiveness can be freeing, and your story is still being written.

Two years ago, Beth and I anxiously dropped off our oldest son, Jack, for his first year of college. The school Jack chose- Indiana University- is renowned for its strong business schools, a gorgeous campus, and a long heritage of winning basketball. What it was not known for, however, was its football program. So, it's fair to say our astonishment is real that the most losing program in college football history is chasing its first-ever national championship just 18 months later. And as unlikely as that story is, the story of their quarterback makes it even more remarkable. Let me explain.

Father Joe Detweiler is a Catholic priest, pastor, and living testament to what is possible when hope refuses to let go. As a teenager, Father Joe survived a catastrophic car accident that left doctors unsure he would ever wake up, speak, or recognize the people he loved. Against every medical expectation, he not only recovered, but went on to fulfill his calling to the priesthood, carrying with him a depth of compassion shaped by suffering, faith, and grace.   Today, Father Joe shares what it is like to lose everything in an instant, how faith carried him through a coma and a long road of recovery, and why suffering does not mean God is absent. Often, it means He is closer than ever. He opens up about the people who refused to leave his side, the prayers spoken over him when he could not pray for himself, and the quiet, powerful ways God was working even when hope felt out of reach.   My friends, if you are walking through something hard, whether grief, uncertainty, fear, or exhaustion, this conversation is for you. You will leave reminded that you matter, that your story is not over, and that even in moments when you feel powerless, love is still at work on your behalf. 

A friend said this about a show he'd spent dozens of hours watching, and what struck me wasn't his patience, but his willingness to endure something that never truly moved him. Most of us do the same, filling our nights with noise simply to avoid the quiet. And yet, what we repeatedly allow into our lives shapes the way we see the world. This week, watch SOUL ON FIRE, now streaming on Netflix.

Aaron Golub is the first legally blind athlete to ever play in a Division I football game. With no vision in his right eye and only a small, central "tiny hole" field of sight in his left (and roughly 20/200 in that limited view!), Aaron spent years being underestimated and defined by what others believed he couldn't do, until he decided to rewrite the story himself. Today, Aaron shares what it means to build resilience early, how internal motivation changes everything, and why the challenges we want to escape often become the very things that shape us. From being picked last in every sport to waking up at 5:00 AM to master a single skill, he walks us through the mindset shifts, habits, and leadership lessons that carried him from the sidelines to the field and far beyond it. My friends, if you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or tired of being defined by a label, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with renewed hope, quiet confidence, and the reminder that the best of your days remain ahead.

As we stand at the start of a new year, with to-do lists drafted, words chosen and intentions set, I want to offer you a question to consider. One that has a way of slowing us down, sharpening our focus and gently but firmly calling us to do more. That question? Are you a turkey person? Not in the holiday-meal sense, but in the way you show up for others. Years ago, that question changed the trajectory of a football team, a community and a life. And years later, when I heard it, it did the same for me. Let me explain.

Jason O. Harris is a retired Lieutenant Colonel, fourth-generation service member, professional pilot, best-selling author, and nationally sought-after keynote speaker on trust and leadership. Jason spent nearly three decades serving our country in the U.S. Air Force, flying 11 combat deployments and more than 470 combat sorties, ultimately commanding a Boeing KC-46 Tanker Aircraft Squadron. He carries those hard-earned lessons beyond the cockpit and into boardrooms, equipping leaders and teams to build trust, accountability, and peak performance when it matters most. Today, Jason shares how trust is built under pressure, why leadership is revealed in moments of uncertainty, and what it truly means to "make the dash count." He opens up about growing up in chaos, learning the power of environment and influence early in life, and how high-risk combat missions shaped his belief that you don't rise to the occasion… you fall to the level of your training. My friends, if you're craving clarity in your leadership, confidence in your decisions, or stronger relationships at work and at home, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a renewed understanding of how trust is earned, practical ways to show up with intention, and a powerful reminder that your presence matters more than you think.

One of the great joys of On Fire For Good is celebrating people who change lives through a kind word or a quiet act. And every so often, we meet a leader who has figured out how to do that—at scale. Miren Oca is one of those leaders. Let me explain.

Colleen Costigan is the co-founder and executive director of BEAM Kenya, an organization built on the belief that every child deserves the chance to heal, learn, and lead. While living a successful corporate life and doing everything "right," a one-month volunteer trip to Kenya redirected her future and became a lifelong commitment now serving thousands of children through education and mental health support. Today, Colleen shares how that one short trip became a lifelong calling, why education alone is not enough to break cycles of poverty, and how trauma-informed mental health care can change the trajectory of a child's life. She opens up about meeting a teenage girl named Faith, whose story reshaped Beam's mission, and how heartbreak, perseverance, and hope all coexist when you choose to serve others in hard places. My friends, if you've ever felt a tug on your heart you couldn't explain… this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that small, brave steps can lead to extraordinary impact, that your privilege can become a powerful gift, and that hope is never wasted when it's placed in the hands of love.

With Christmas just days away, excitement fills our homes… twinkling lights, festive music, and hardly any sleep. Growing up, every tradition seemed to build toward Christmas morning and the thrill waiting just beyond my bedroom door. But before the presents, before the surprises, there was one simple ritual that mattered most. Let me explain.

Dave Sanderson is a nationally recognized leadership speaker, accomplished author, and the last passenger of US Airways Flight 1549, the Miracle on the Hudson. On January 15, 2009, Dave survived what should have been a tragedy, emerging from the icy Hudson River alive and forever changed. In the years since, he has dedicated his life to sharing lessons on leadership, faith, preparation, and purpose. Today, Dave shares what it means to face fear head-on, how the decisions we make in uncertain moments define who we become, and why the meaning we attach to adversity shapes the rest of our lives. From the deafening silence after the engines failed, to the prayer he whispered as the plane descended, to the choice to turn back and help others instead of racing to safety, Dave opens up about leadership under pressure, faith when the outcome is unknown, and the quiet courage required to do the right thing when it matters most. My friends, if you're walking through uncertainty, stress, or a moment that feels heavier than you expected, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that preparation builds confidence, that every setback carries the seed of purpose, and that even your hardest moments can shape you into who you're meant to become.

I've held many titles in my life, and I'm grateful for all of them. But my favorite job title, by far, has always been Dad. As Patrick moves through his senior year of high school and toward a future that looks a little different than I once imagined, that role has never meant more. Let me explain.

Josh Pauls is a four-time Paralympic gold medalist, longtime captain of Team USA Sled Hockey, and a keynote speaker whose story of resilience has inspired audiences around the world. Born without shinbones and losing both legs before his first birthday, Josh has spent his life defying expectations... and lifting others as he rises. Today, Josh shares how he fell in love with sled hockey, the lessons learned from becoming a young captain on the world stage, and the personal journey that led him to embrace who he is fully, confidently, joyfully. He unpacks the meaning of his mantra "standards over feelings," the teammates who became his family, the role his wife Kate played in helping him see himself through a kinder lens, and why letting kids face challenges might be the greatest gift a parent can offer. My friends, if you're craving a reminder that your challenges don't define you, (your choices do!) this conversation is for you. Whether you're leading a team, raising a family, or simply trying to show up bravely in your own life, you'll leave with practical tools for perseverance, a renewed belief in what's possible, and a fresh appreciation for those who help you push past your limits.

In preparing to close the chapter on another year, I find myself reflecting on the innumerable ups and downs of 2025. If your year looked anything like mine, it held moments of soaring joy but also heartbreaking loss. Let me explain.

Dr. Gregory Ross is President and Head of School at the remarkable West End School in Louisville, Kentucky. A nationally recognized educator and transformational leader, Greg has created one of the most successful K–8 programs in the state, where every student attends on full scholarship and consistently outperforms state averages. His journey from humble beginnings in Paducah to leading one of the country's most inspiring schools is nothing short of extraordinary. Today, Greg shares how growing up with scarcity shaped his unshakeable faith, how a miraculous childhood healing set the course for his life's purpose, and how he's building a culture of excellence in one of Kentucky's most underserved communities. He talks about the power of seeing the "genius in every child," the way his mother taught eight kids to believe they were royalty even when they had nothing, and the daily practices that turn overwhelmed students into confident scholars and leaders. My friends, you'll walk away with a renewed belief in what's possible — for yourself, your family, and your community. If you need hope, encouragement, or a reminder that your circumstances don't define your potential, this episode is for you.

Have you ever had a holiday hangover? No, I am not referring to the kind you might get from staying out too late or having one too many drinks. I mean how you feel after all the build-up of Christmas- the preparation, the cooking, the eating, opening of presents, and racing to parties- comes to an end often leaving you a little tired, a good bit in debt, and emotionally beat down. Several years ago, a woman with nine and a half decades of experience gave me some advice to help prevent that type of hangover from starting in the first place. Let me explain.

Donnie Campbell is a longtime math teacher, four-decade coach, national leadership speaker, and the real-life inspiration behind the beloved TV character Ted Lasso. Donnie has spent 40 years shaping students and athletes with a simple but powerful philosophy: build people first, players second. Today, Donnie shares the lessons that humbled him during his early years at Kansas State, the shift that turned him from frustrated athlete to extraordinary teammate, and the coaching approach that shaped Jason Sudeikis long before Ted Lasso ever hit a screen. He also reflects on the heartbreaks that formed his empathy, the mentors who taught him to lead with kindness, and the unexpected day a coworker told him he'd inspired a global hit TV show. My friends, if you need a reminder that your influence matters far more than you'll ever realize, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode with simple, memorable tools for leading others well, showing up with humility, and believing in yourself even when you feel like you're sitting at the end of the bench. And most of all, you'll remember the truth Donnie has lived for 40 years: you don't have to be perfect to change someone's life… you just have to care.

Some people carry a light within them that's impossible to miss. It isn't loud or showy — it's steady, warm, and contagious. That's how I felt the first time I learned about James Chalmers. One of five children, James' parents noticed early on that he was a little different than his siblings. He was born with Cri-du-chat Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects development and communication. As he grew up, James wrestled with questions many of us ask: Why am I different? Do I matter? What am I supposed to do with my life? Then one spring day in 1992, everything changed. Let me explain.

Chris Trapper is the platinum-selling singer-songwriter whose unmistakable blend of honesty, humor, and heart has made his music a source of comfort for listeners around the world. With more than a dozen albums, major-label success, and a long career of writing songs that feel like they were pulled straight from real life, Chris has become a trusted voice in the art of turning struggle into something beautiful. Today, Chris shares how music became his refuge during a childhood marked by a speech impediment, how he learned to turn vulnerability into a superpower, and the personal stories behind some of his most beloved songs (including "Into the Bright Lights," featured in our film SOUL ON FIRE!). He opens up about family, addiction, the winding road of the music industry, and why humility has been the steady anchor throughout every chapter of his life. My friends, if you need a reminder that your story — with all its bumps, twists, and imperfect edges — still holds incredible worth, this conversation is for you. You'll leave this episode with fresh hope, a deeper appreciation for your own voice, and a nudge to keep showing up with honesty and heart.

Everywhere we look the world highlights everything separating us. From our news headlines, social media feeds, even across the dinner table, differences are magnified, divisions are emphasized and it can leave us feeling distant, isolated, discouraged. And yet, what I've learned is that despite everything seemingly pulling us apart, we're far more alike than we realize. In fact, our hope with SOUL ON FIRE was simple: to remind people of our shared humanity, to encourage moviegoers to embrace the beauty of their life story, and to inspire audiences to bravely live with faith, hope and love. Since release, we've received hundreds of correspondences from veterans, widows, pastors, addicts, business owners, retirees, and students that the film delivered on those goals. One of my favorites arrived three weeks ago. Let me explain.

Claude Silver is on a mission to bring more humanity into the workplace. As the world's first Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, she partners with CEO Gary Vaynerchuk to drive their success and redefine what leadership looks like. Instead of striving for perfection, Claude reminds us that the real power lies in showing up as ourselves. Her debut book, Be Yourself at Work, makes a bold case that authenticity and empathy aren't soft skills… they're the strongest tools we have.   Today, Claude shares how she learned to lead with heart, listen with intention, and create cultures where people don't just fit in, they belong. From her early lessons in self-discovery to her role guiding teams around the world, Claude opens up about the road to self-awareness, the courage to be vulnerable, and the practical ways we can all lead with compassion and purpose.   My friends, if you've ever felt like you had to hide part of yourself to succeed, this conversation is for you. You'll leave reminded that kindness is strength, authenticity is freedom, and the best way to lead others is by being fully yourself.

Looking back at last month, I'm in awe of all we've been a part of. I had the honor of speaking at dozens of events around the country, participated in more than 100 media interviews, and shared SOUL ON FIRE with nearly half a million new friends at movie theaters nationwide. It was a month overflowing with goodness, gratitude and grace. And yet in the midst of that race, if I'm honest, I occasionally felt exhausted, a little lost and in need of others to guide me forward. One of those moments occurred at Midway Airport. Let me explain.

Glen Henry is a creator, husband, father of four, and the heart behind Beleaf in Fatherhood, a YouTube community of more than a million people. Once a hip-hop artist who didn't want kids, Glen is now one of the most powerful voices reshaping what it means to be a modern dad. Through his podcast How Married Are You?, his new book Father Yourself First, and his storytelling online, Glen brings humor, honesty, and hope to the everyday chaos of parenting.   Today, Glen shares how becoming a father led him to face the wounds of his past, rediscover his purpose, and learn that leading your family starts with leading yourself. He opens up about mentorship, faith, the beauty in ordinary family life, and how to heal from the inside out so you can show up with love, presence, and purpose.   My friends, if you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, this conversation is for you. You'll leave with a deeper sense of grace for yourself, a renewed belief in the power of family, and the encouragement to keep showing up (even on the hard days!) with love, presence, and hope.

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.  

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 boldest dreams come from the smallest voices.

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

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. My friends, if you've ever wondered what it takes to hold onto a dream, to pursue it with persistence, and to create with both excellence and heart, this conversation is for you. You'll walk away reminded that great stories aren't just told on screen... they're lived out by those who refuse to let them go.

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.