Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary

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.

Masey McLain, a multifaceted actress, author, singer, and producer, opens up about portraying Beth O'Leary in 'Soul on Fire.' She shares the challenges and joys of stepping into such a meaningful role, highlighting the themes of love and vulnerability. Masey reflects on her journey of faith, personal growth, and the transformative power of storytelling. With humor and humility, she discusses the importance of community and resilience in navigating life's challenges, reminding us all that love and laughter can guide us through any season.

Discover the transformative power of saying yes to life's interruptions and opportunities. Through touching anecdotes, learn how genuine presence can forge meaningful connections, as seen in a visit with veterans. Explore the importance of community and collective action, emphasizing gratitude and shared experiences that uplift and unite. This engaging discussion encourages you to embrace life's unpredictability and the bonds formed through open-hearted engagements.

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.