607: How to Live and Love Fully with John O'Leary
Achieve Your Goals with Hal Elrod
What Is Your Story and Why a Movie?
Hal asks John to share his life story; John summarizes his childhood burn, recovery, and the decision to say yes to being used for good.
When life knocks us down or tragedy strikes us or our loved ones, it’s easy to think life is unfair and wonder, “Why me?” But what if your greatest challenges—past and present—are actually divine opportunities for growth and contribution?
My good friend, John O’Leary, knows this better than most. At just 9 years old, a gas can exploded, burning 100% of his body, and he was given virtually zero chance of survival. Yet he not only survived, he thrived, and has shared his inspiring story with millions of people around the world.
And if that wasn’t enough, his life story was told in the new Sony Pictures film, Soul on Fire, which was released last week. I took my wife and teenage kids to see it, and we all agreed that it is literally one of the best movies we have ever seen!
In today’s podcast episode, John joins me to share many heartfelt life lessons he learned from his father (who passed away 15 days after watching the movie), and he gives the backstory on one of the most powerful things his dad ever said: “I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
You’ll hear how John turned his pain into purpose and suffering into a life of service and gratitude. From learning to say “yes” to being used for good, to discovering that real heroes are the people who show up and ask for nothing in return in our darkest moments.
John’s sincerity and wisdom may move you to tears, and hopefully inspire you to see your biggest challenges as divine opportunities for growth and contribution.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Powerful Life Lessons John Learned From His Dad
- The Power of Presence and Loving People Where They Are
- A Different Way To Go Through Life and Face Death
- Why Ordinary People Are the Real Heroes
- Saying “Yes” to Being Used for Good
- Being of Service to Others Unlocks Fulfillment
- Imagine Yourself Starting Every Interaction with Love
- The Mindset Shift From Victimhood to Victor
- John’s Message for Anyone Struggling With Pain or Regret
- Why Soul on Fire Is a Movie Everyone Needs to See
- Three Words from John’s Dad: “What a Gift”
Get The Full Show Notes
To get full access to today's show notes, including audio, transcript, and links to all the resources mentioned, visit MiracleMorning.com/607
Subscribe, Rate & Review
I would love if you could subscribe to the podcast and leave an honest rating & review. This will encourage other people to listen and allow us to grow as a community. The bigger we get as a community, the bigger the impact we can have on the world.
To subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on iTunes, visit HalElrod.com/iTunes.
Connect with Hal Elrod
Copyright © 2025 Miracle Morning, LP and International Literary Properties LLC
The AI-powered Podcast Player
