John O'Leary - Live Inspired

John O'Leary - Live Inspired Speaker, Bestselling Author, Live Inspired Podcast Host, and Subject of the Upcoming Major Motion Picture SOUL ON FIRE.

David Green is the founder of Hobby Lobby, one of the largest privately owned arts and crafts retailers in the world. Bi...
10/30/2025

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.

Listen to David Green and Bill High on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 824 now.

As one of the top 100 grossing films of 2025- which is still trending as the  #1 ranked film on Rotten Tomatoes!- Soul O...
10/30/2025

As one of the top 100 grossing films of 2025- which is still trending as the #1 ranked film on Rotten Tomatoes!- Soul On Fire Movie has been a profound blessing not only to movie goers, but to our family.

With the film’s theatrical run beginning to wind down, I’ve found myself reflecting on some of the unforgettable moments from this journey. And one memory, in particular, continues to move me deeply.

At the world premiere, more than a dozen Mercy caregivers who fought for my life 38 years ago came back together to walk the red carpet.

Later that night, as I finished an interview and flashbulbs popped all around me, I felt a gentle tap on my back. Turning around, I was face-to-face with my burn surgeon and dear friend, Dr. Vatche Ayvazian. This remarkable man was with me through every surgery, every setback, every tiny victory in those early hospital days. Now 90 years old, he’d made the six-hour trip from his home to be with me yet again, this time at the world premiere.

My friends, miracles happen. Sometimes in hospital rooms. More often, though, through ordinary people who choose to show up with extraordinary love.

PS: Go see the film this weekend…while miracles happen each day, the chance to see the film won’t last much longer!

Here’s a SOUL ON FIRE Easter egg you might’ve missed. 👀In the office scene, the three “employees” you see on screen aren...
10/28/2025

Here’s a SOUL ON FIRE Easter egg you might’ve missed. 👀

In the office scene, the three “employees” you see on screen aren’t actors—they’re my earliest team members! Sandy, Deanna, and Abby joined at different points during the earliest years of the business, helping me bring the Live Inspired mission to life.

Watching them on set, “working” alongside Joel Courtney, was a powerful reminder that what we built together—brick by brick, heart by heart—has grown into something far greater than we ever imagined. ❤️

Did you happen to catch this one? Let me know in the comments!

And if you haven’t seen the movie yet (or just want another chance to spot these Easter eggs), grab your tickets while it’s still in theaters: https://soulonfiremovie.com/

Each month, we celebrate individuals are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do and positively changing the w...
10/27/2025

Each month, we celebrate individuals are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do and positively changing the world one life at a time. In other words, individuals who are On Fire For Good. ❤️‍🔥

This month, our spotlight is on Jan Roseberry, whose heart, dedication and generosity inspire everyone around her. From small acts of kindness to big life-changing efforts, Jan reminds us all that the ripple of one person’s goodness can reach far beyond what we imagine.

If you know something who’s living with gratitude, joy and purpose, nominate them today at: https://johnolearyinspires.com/onfireforgood/

Throughout the promotion of Soul On Fire Movie, one name kept coming up around our office—Jan Roseberry!She was booking ...
10/27/2025

Throughout the promotion of Soul On Fire Movie, 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.

When she was in college, she shifted from her planned path as an x-ray technician into the then-new field of ultrasound. The result? A decades-long, rewarding career supporting patients and families in some of their most vulnerable moments.

Years later, when an unexpected opportunity to shift into medical sales presented itself, she again said yes. What followed was a stretch of adventure and learning that took her all over the country working with health care practitioners in exciting and new-to-her ways.

And when Jan took ownership of her own health and wellness journey later in life, she didn’t stop there. No, she shared her own journey to help others find health, joy and self-acceptance in ways they never thought possible. And perhaps most importantly, she reminds them that every scar tells a story, every life is sacred, and even the messy parts of our past can be redeemed into something meaningful. (Sound familiar? Hint: there’s a movie about it in theaters now!)

Through it all, Jan’s story echoes a truth we all need to remember: courage isn’t about having a perfect plan; it’s about trusting your next “yes" can lead to something extraordinary.

Many of you may recall a story I’ve shared from years ago. As I sat in the back row of a church, hungover from life, a pastor challenged me (well, he challenged the entire congregation, but it felt like a message directed at me!) with the following: “You have one job. Say yes to being used for good.”

Friends, this truth—and Jan’s embrace of it—is why we are honored to recognize her as our latest On Fire For Good honoree. At every turn, she has not waited until everything felt certain or easy. She has simply said yes—to change, to service, to love—for something bigger than herself.

Jan, thank you for reminding us that life’s greatest meaning is often revealed not in playing it safe, but in being willing to step forward in faith, again and again.

Today is your day. Say yes.

And Live Inspired.

Hard to believe, but tomorrow marks 9 years of the Live Inspired Podcast! 🎉🎙️What began as a simple idea—to share storie...
10/26/2025

Hard to believe, but tomorrow marks 9 years of the Live Inspired Podcast! 🎉🎙️

What began as a simple idea—to share stories that fill our cups and help us to lead inspired lives—has turned into nearly a decade of heartfelt conversations, unforgettable guests, and a community that continues to grow each week.

If you’ve been listening from the very beginning (or just found us recently), thank you for choosing to live inspired alongside us. And if you haven’t tuned in yet, there’s no better time to start.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at https://johnolearyinspires.com/podcast/

If you’ve been following along for a while, you might remember a few of the stories behind the wedding scene in Soul On ...
10/25/2025

If you’ve been following along for a while, you might remember a few of the stories behind the wedding scene in Soul On Fire Movie—but for those who may have missed it, this scene is packed with some of my favorite Easter Eggs. 💍

1️⃣ The dress worn by Masey McLain Stanley (who plays Beth) is the same dress my wife actually wore on our wedding day.

2️⃣ The scene was filmed at the Shrine of Saint Joseph, the very church where we were married.

3️⃣ Many of the “guests” in the pews were our real wedding guests, reunited all these years later.

4️⃣ Seated just behind John Corbett and Stephanie Szostak (who portray my parents) were my actual parents, Denny and Susan O’Leary — and across the aisle sat Beth’s mom, adding even more authenticity to the moment.

The whole day was a wonderful step back in time for Beth and me—and thanks to all those special touches, it’s one of my favorite scenes in the movie as well.

The most important person in the world.That’s how she always made me feel.As a student at Saint Louis University, I ofte...
10/24/2025

The most important person in the world.

That’s how she always made me feel.

As a student at Saint Louis University, I often wondered what life would look like after graduation. Would I find a job? Fall in love? Figure out what I was actually supposed to do with my life?

In the midst of all that self-doubt and searching, the person who made me feel most valuable, most seen, and most loved wasn’t a counselor, professor, or pastor…

It was Janette. The woman who worked in the parking garage.

Every single day, twice a day, she’d greet me with a radiant smile, joy in her eyes, and always, always by name. She made me feel like the most important person in the world.

And when someone makes you feel like you matter… you start to believe that you do.

Years later, I learned she treated everyone that way, and I mean EVERYONE. Every student, every visitor, every driver passing through her booth felt like they were the most important in the world when they were in the presence of Janette.

Yesterday, I had the honor of speaking to the entire staff at St. Louis University. Just before I left, I heard a familiar voice call out, “John!”

There she was — same joyful smile, same outstretched arms, same hug that could light up a room. Thirty years later, she's still a part of the SLU family and still changing lives, one smile, one name, one student at a time.

Turns out one of the most important people at St. Louis University isn’t the president or a dean or a director.

It’s the woman in the parking garage who reminds every student that they are, indeed, the most important person in the world.

This film isn’t just about one person’s journey—it’s about the many everyday heroes who show up when life is at its hard...
10/24/2025

This film isn’t just about one person’s journey—it’s about the many everyday heroes who show up when life is at its hardest.

From my parents and siblings to the incredible care team who refused to give up, to the friends, teachers, and community members who helped me believe again… they each played a part in rewriting what could’ve been the end of my story.

For those of you who’ve seen Soul On Fire Movie in theaters, I want to know: of all the everyday heroes in the story, which one had the biggest impact on you?

Comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts. 💭

This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series concludes by welcoming Mark Isham , the award-winning composer for film and...
10/23/2025

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 Movie , 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.

Listen to Mark Isham on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 822 now.

It's crazy looking back at this photo from our very first Soul On Fire Movie table read.Two years ago, sitting in a room...
10/22/2025

It's crazy looking back at this photo from our very first Soul On Fire Movie table read.

Two years ago, sitting in a room with the writers, directors, producers, publicists, and every actor in the cast, I knew—this team, this script, and these incredible individuals were about to bring something to life far greater than anything I’d ever been part of before.

What began as words on a page—beautifully written by Gregory Poirier—became something alive, something beautiful, and something that continues to move people today.

So, now that SOUL ON FIRE is in theaters internationally, I’d love to hear from you: which scene or quote from the movie resonated most with you?🔥

We’re back with another Soul On Fire Movie Easter Egg cameo… but this one’s four-legged, golden, and totally stole the s...
10/21/2025

We’re back with another Soul On Fire Movie Easter Egg cameo… but this one’s four-legged, golden, and totally stole the show. 🐾

In the film, you’ll see “Taffy,” the golden retriever based on my family’s beloved dog from the time of the accident.

But here’s the part most people don’t know—the dog you see on screen isn’t just playing Taffy. She’s our family’s current golden, Emma, making her big-screen debut (and trust me, the fame has already gone to her head).

Stay tuned for more Easter Eggs and behind-the-scenes fun facts—and if you haven’t already, grab your tickets to see SOUL ON FIRE at https://soulonfiremovie.com/.

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