S2E336 Soul on Fire - an Interview with John O'Leary

9 snips

Oct 7, 2025

In a heartfelt discussion, John O'Leary, bestselling author and motivational speaker, shares his incredible journey of survival after a devastating childhood accident. He reflects on the unwavering faith of his parents and the transformative kindness from broadcaster Jack Buck that spurred his recovery. John emphasizes the power of sharing one’s pain to uplift others, highlights the significance of love and forgiveness over shame, and reveals the inspiring journey of turning his story into the film Soul on Fire, aiming to encourage others to embrace life fully.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

Childhood Accident And Family Love

At nine, John O'Leary exploded a gasoline can and was launched into a fire that burned 100% of his body.
His father's unconditional "I love you and there's nothing you can do about it" began the long recovery filled with community heroes.

ANECDOTE

Jack Buck's Quiet, Life-Changing Visits

Jack Buck, a St. Louis broadcaster, left a charity to visit John in the burn unit and told him, "kid, wake up. You are going to live."
Buck then organized John O'Leary Day at the ballpark and quietly supported his recovery for decades.

INSIGHT

Small Presence, Big Ripples

Small acts of presence can create disproportionate ripple effects in someone's life.
John credits many ordinary people showing up as the primary reason he survived and later served others.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

In this episode of the “It’s a Good Life” podcast, John O’Leary shares with host Brian Buffini the story behind his new film, “Soul on Fire.” The movie recounts how when John was only 9 years old a devastating fire left him with burns on 100% of his body. With courage, faith and love — and the ongoing support of the legendary St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck — the family persevered in helping John through a grueling recovery. Today John is a loving husband and father, bestselling author and in-demand motivational speaker. This is an episode that will bring you to tears but also motivate you to ensure you are living your life to the fullest every day.

YOU WILL LEARN

How acts of kindness can have ripple effects far beyond your own life leading to miracles.
Why you need to look beyond your personal pain as a way to let others share their part in your story.
Why love and forgiveness are always more powerful than shame and guilt.

NOTEWORTHY QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“I look up, and then he adds, ‘I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life and my little buddy, this morning, I'm just glad to be your dad.’ And then he follows it with, ‘Love you and there's nothing you can do about it.’” — John’s dad, Dennis O’Leary

“Baby, do you want to die? It’s your choice. If you want to live, take the hand of God and fight like you’ve never fought before.” — John’s mom, Susan O’Leary

“Jack Buck recognized the voice of God is not tomorrow, it's now. And the time to act isn't next week, it's right now.” — John O’Leary

“Your life is a precious, priceless gift. You’ve got one job — say yes to being used for good.” — John O’Leary

“Brian, you taught me years ago to hold on to relationships as if they're precious and not to use them to get the next speech or sell the next house or earn the next transaction, but to love the one in front of you sincerely for them.” — John O’Leary

itsagoodlife.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.