Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

Meet James McCracken, the talented nine-year-old actor bringing young John O’Leary to life in SOUL ON FIRE. With a passion ignited during the pandemic, he shares what it’s like to work alongside Hollywood legends like John Corbett and William H. Macy. From tackling prosthetics to enduring long filming days, his journey is filled with lessons on courage and resilience. Alongside his mom, Becca, they discuss how age doesn't define purpose and how even the smallest voices can spark the boldest dreams.

A heartfelt story unfolds about a nurse named Sue, whose small acts of kindness left a lasting impact during a difficult hospital stay. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of compassion in caregiving. Additionally, listeners are treated to an exciting announcement about an upcoming inspirational film, set to release on October 10th, encouraging everyone to check out the trailer and consider group screenings. This blend of personal reflection and cinematic inspiration makes for a truly uplifting experience.

Mac Powell, the Grammy-winning lead singer of Third Day, shares his heartfelt journey from 'band nerd' to music icon. He reveals how faith has guided his career and personal life, including the transformative experience of adoption. Listeners will be inspired by the emotional stories behind hit songs like 'Cry Out to Jesus' and 'Soul on Fire,' and the joy of musical connections. Mac also discusses the anticipation surrounding Third Day's reunion tour, blending excitement with nostalgia as they prepare to reconnect with their audience.

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.

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 with faith and grit, there’s always a way forward.  

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.

Dr. Rebecca Heiss, a stress physiologist and author of 'Springboard,' redefines stress as a tool for personal growth. She discusses how reframing stress can transform it from a source of anxiety into a motivating force for resilience. Through her inspiring personal stories, she illustrates how curiosity can ease anxiety and how significant stress often leads to profound connections and fulfillment. Emphasizing the importance of mindset, Rebecca encourages embracing stress as an opportunity to thrive and foster deeper relationships.

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.