http://www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/

John O'Leary - Live Inspired, St. Louis, MO (2025)

04/22/2025

One week ago, our feeds—and our hearts—caught fire. ❤️‍🔥

Flooded inboxes. Heartfelt comments. Major media coverage. Cast and crew shoutouts. Champagne. LifeSavers. And a SURPRISE Zoom party?!

All of it serves as a beautiful reminder that this story was never just mine—it's ours.

While it would be impossible to capture every moment of support and celebration, here's a glimpse of some highlights from a week I'll never forget.

04/21/2025

Impossible: That which cannot be; impracticable; not feasible; cannot be done.

100% total body surface burned. 87% 3rd degree. Significant smoke inhalation and lung
damage.

Facing these realties, the chance of me surviving the explosion and fire in 1987 was
considered impossible.

Yet, my remarkable siblings, faithful parents, heroic first responders, and committed
caregivers stepped forward undeterred. They were then supported by famous
celebrities, humble servants and a caring community, who prayed and encouraged and
loved so fiercely that a little boy with no chance of surviving, survived the impossible.

And yet, although I survived five months in the hospital, years of treatment and
recognized my life was a gift, I also struggled tremendously with self-worth. I hid my
physical and emotional scars behind long sleeves, humor and alcohol, never feeling
worthy of love. Remarkably, at a college party, a beautiful brunette named Beth saw
beyond my injuries and insecurities, and took my hand. 21 years, four children and
countless dances to “Sweet Caroline” later, Beth continues to be by my side through it
all. Impossible.

Despite her love and goodness, years into in our marriage I wrestled with a lack a true
professional calling and persistent self-doubt. In the back row of a church service, I
heard a pastor’s challenge to say “Yes” to opportunities where your life can be used for
good. It led me, a man who had never shared his story privately with anyone except
family, to speak with a group of Girl Scouts. Those first few 3 rd grade girls sparked a
global speaking career with over 2,700 events. Impossible.

After one such talk, a couple of women approached me about turning my life into a
movie. Not expecting anything to come from it, I agreed. It took almost a decade, but
they raised millions of dollars, changed state laws, attracted stars like William H. Macy
to participate and just 15 months ago, Director Sean McNamara called out, “That’s a
wrap!” on the final day of filming. Impossible.

And still, many great stories remain unknown. Most books aren’t read; most scripts don’t
become films; and most independently produced films like ours never enjoy distribution.
It’s why with all these odds stacked against us, in the face of impossible, we are so
excited to celebrate our partnership with one of the largest studios in the world, Sony’s
AFFIRM Films! Sony will release our movie – now titled, Soul On Fire – in theaters
nationwide starting October 10, 2025.

No, that’s not impossible. It is a miracle, though.

Miracle: a wonder or wonderful thing; a surprising and welcome event that is not
explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a
divine agency.

Thanks for being part of our miracle. Thanks for being part of my family. And thanks for
knowing that the most powerful weapon on earth is indeed the human Soul On Fire.

Today is your day. Live Inspired. 🍾
-J

P.S. I’m so excited to share updates, news, and ways that you can share the film in the
months to come. If you are already interested in hosting private screenings or renting
theaters for your family, community, church or business, just email me. We’ll keep you
in the loop on how we can partner to positively change lives for good.

04/20/2025

From our family, to yours, we wish you a very happy Easter!

The tomb is empty. And the best is yet to come. J

04/17/2025

As a former elementary school teacher and founding member of Humans of San Quentin, Diane Kahn is a fierce advocate for second chances and shared humanity. By spending the past seven years working inside the walls of California’s most notorious prison, Diane empowers those incarcerated to earn their high school diplomas, tell their stories, and be seen not for what they’ve done, but for who they are.

Today, Diane shares what inspired her to launch the Humans of San Quentin platform and why storytelling can be the first step to healing. Plus, we talk about the powerful impact of empathy, the surprising kindness found in dark places, and the importance of truly seeing others as more than their past mistakes.

My friends, you’ll leave this conversation with a renewed sense of compassion, a deeper belief in the power of story, and the courage to see your own life through a more grace-filled lens.

Listen to Diane Kahn on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 768 now!

04/15/2025

Friends, the wait is finally over. 🎬🔥 After years of heart, hope, and hustle, I’m honored to share some incredibly special news with you:

Our movie – now officially titled SOUL ON FIRE – is releasing on October 10th!🎉

And the cherry on top? AFFIRM Films (a Sony Pictures company) joined us as a studio partner – so viewers around the nation will be able to flock to local theaters on Oct. 10 and enjoy the film together!

SOUL ON FIRE is a film rooted in the moments that changed my life forever. Yes, it’s about tragedy – but it’s also about love and resilience. Hope and Heartbreak. Family and Faith. And we can’t forget....Baseball! (Go St. Louis Cardinals ⚾)

There will be much more to share in the months ahead, but today is about celebration and gratitude. Thank you to Sony, to our amazing team, the cast and crew, and to YOU. Without your support, your prayers and your belief in my story, this milestone wouldn’t have been possible.
-J

04/14/2025

It can be rare to receive – or maybe more importantly to give – meaningful recognition for the important work being done all around us.

In our race to the next activity, next location, next appointment, we often hurry right past the individuals providing worthy service directly in front of us. Rarely do we pause and thank the janitor for the clean bathroom, the cashier for taking the order, the driver for safe transport, or the hotel clerk for working the night shift.

By contrast, through a lot of grace, a ton of help from others and a bit of luck, I stumbled into a profession where I am frequently thanked with fancy dinners, standing ovations, and long lines with hugs and handshakes. This encouragement from others adds joy to my life and a reminder that my work matters.

And yet, while I’m out of town speaking, who takes care of my kids? While I’m at those dinners, who does the exhausting and thankless work of getting meals ready? When I check into hotels and get unpacked, who drives the kids to practices, checks homework, cleans clothes, wraps their long day and prepares for another?

The answer? My wife, Beth.

My amazing wife tirelessly and selflessly does so much. And because the kids and I are so close to her, we are at risk of taking her for granted.

Which is why what occurred at a national conference a couple years ago was particularly meaningful for me. And her.

Back in 2023, the American Occupational Therapy Association - AOTA selected me as their keynote speaker. I was excited for the opportunity because of the incredible work OTs and COTAs do in our health care and school systems. I was also excited because of the work my OTs did for me decades ago empowering me to feed myself, dress myself and become self-sufficient. But I was most excited because one of the members of this organization and attendees at the conference would be my favorite OT: my wife Beth, who in addition to serving our family also works as an Occupational Therapist.

Near the end of the presentation, I showed the audience a picture of my wife from the day we got married. Then I shared that even as a little boy recovering from burns, I knew one day I’d find love. I didn’t know she’d be so pretty, but I knew before even meeting her that she’d possess a heart to see beauty where other women might only see brokenness.

Then, I shared the best part: that she was with us in the venue that day not because she’s my wife, but because she is an Occupational Therapist.

With that, 7,000 awesome OTs stood and cheered for one of their own with boisterous applause.

Beth stood, smiled humbly and waved at her colleagues.

Friends, I’ve received numerous rousing ovations in my career. Some in small venues, others in large stadiums. But none touched my heart and brought more joy to me than the one I witnessed for Beth.

We all benefit from receiving accolades for the work we do and the lives we live. We all clamor to know that we matter and make a difference.

So today, I challenge you: Don’t wait for a conference or a special occasion to offer recognition. Look around—at home, at work, in your community—and pause long enough to say thank you. Speak the words. Write the note. Give the hug. Let someone know their efforts matter.

That simple act of being seen and appreciated will elevate their day. And observing their reaction will positively change your day, too.

This is your day. Live Inspired.

04/14/2025

Breakfast meeting
Palm Sunday church service
Family lunch
Field hockey practice carpool
Visit with mom and dad
Softball game
Clean out garage
Zoom with our son at college
Prep for the work week

This is a partial look at the list staring back at me this morning as the sun rose in the east. Nowhere on that list was a trip doSt. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Cardinals afternoon game.

But 20 minutes before game time as we left lunch when my 17-year-old son, Patrick, asked if I wanted to go to the game with him, I added it to the list.

I finally recognize the opportunity of creating experiences with those I love are fleeting….and don’t want to miss them being busy.

This week, my friends, say yes to creating experiences with the people you love creating memories that last. The garage project and work prep can wait!

This is your day. Live Inspired

04/10/2025

Jeff Glasbrenner is a three-time Paralympian, two-time wheelchair basketball world champion, 25-time Ironman finisher, and the first American amputee to summit Mount Everest. And yet, beyond the titles and the records, Jeff is a man who’s said yes to life again and again, even when the odds were stacked against him.

Today, Jeff shares what it really means to overcome adversity, achieve the impossible, and say yes to big, mighty goals. He opens up about the farm accident that took his leg at age eight, the lessons from his father, the gift of finding purpose through sport, and resilience he’s learned from his daughter Grace in the face of her own medical challenges. From breaking sports records to skiing to the South Pole, Jeff’s story is packed with powerful lessons... and a whole lot of heart.

My friends, if you’ve ever felt held back by your circumstances and seek to find significance in the struggle, this conversation is for you. Jeff reminds us that we each have our own Everest, and with enough courage, community, and belief, we’re capable of climbing it.

Listen to Jeff Glasbrenner on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 766 now!

04/07/2025

I only cried once during high school.

No, it wasn't the first day when Mom dropped me off.

And it wasn't when I saw my first report card, received my first demerit, or experienced my first detention.

It wasn't even when a friend accidentally ran over my foot in the parking lot or when none of my friends stood up to a bully making fun of my hands.

Nope. The one time I cried during my high school career was in a theology class. That day, our teacher rolled a television and VCR into the room (for the younger readers, google it!) and the lights were dimmed as we watched a movie called The Mission.

Set during the 1700s in Paraguay, the film is packed with spectacular scenery, stunning music and exceptional acting. It follows the lives of Jesuit missionaries, the local people they encounter and the global forces wrestling for power.

And although the entire film was emotional, there’s a particularly poignant scene that moved a teenage boy to tears some 30 years ago.

Portraying Captain Rodrigo Mendoza, Robert DeNiro attempts to make amends for a life spent poorly. He regrets the innumerable atrocities he committed as a soldier, feels grief that he persecuted and enslaved the local people, and bears the weight of recently murdering his brother in a fit of rage. His heart aches for new life, but he can’t fathom how to start it.

For penance, he travels with several Jesuit Missionaries, scaling rocks, navigating rivers, and ultimately climbing the Guaíra Falls, all while tugging the armor he once wore proudly as a tethering weight behind him. The metal mass makes moving nearly impossible and it becomes more strenuous as they climb the mountain toward the very people he once persecuted.

As he finally ascends the mountain, the native population immediately recognizes him as the one who once pursued them to enslave, and they approach to murder their former captor.

Yet, seeing DeNiro on his knees, sweating, bleeding, filthy, and weak, one of the men takes his knife away from DeNiro’s neck and instead cuts the rope attaching the weight to his body. The man then throws the armor off the waterfall.

Recognizing he’s been freed of the weight he’s been carrying, DeNiro begins weeping. First in sadness. Then relief. And then in unabashed joy.

My friends, even as a 15-year-old watching this, I knew DeNiro wasn’t the only one lugging weight around. The weight I dragged daily included mistakes made, struggles faced, scars bore, confidence lost and hope sometimes waning. Even today, decades later, married with children and savoring a wonderful life, I still feel the tug reinforcing mistakes I've made, people I've let down, and brokenness that sometimes fills my life.

And yet, I also realize the freedom of allowing that rope to be cut.

So as we step into our weeks, let’s be aware of the mistakes we’ve made, be cognizant of the weight we carry, and be clear that letting go isn’t about changing what happened yesterday. It’s about being liberated to more fully live today and love far better tomorrow.

And yeah, that’s something worth crying about.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

04/06/2025

Zoom with me on Monday, April 7 at 4pm CT... Click link in the comments to register!

04/05/2025

“Prioritize connection over control.”

Was honored to be one of the presenters at Bay Area Church Parent Summit. So often, I race into and of of events without having the opportunity of fully engaging. Today, in Houston, TX, I was blown away, inspired and equipped to be a better parent.

I also had the chance of sitting in on a session lead by our most recent Live Inspired podcast guest (and my new friend), Dr. Jessica Peck DNP, APRN. Powerful.

One of the many, many takeaways from today’s event was the idea of focusing on connecting with our kids rather than striving to control them.

My friends, if you were speaking here, what would be your best advice to the parents gathered? Can’t wait to sit in on your session and take notes! J.

04/03/2025

Dr. Nurse Mama, also known as Dr. Jessica Peck DNP, APRN, has spent more than two decades as a pediatric nurse practitioner, a professor, and a nationally recognized advocate for children and families. She’s treated teens battling anxiety, depression, and self-harm, helped parents navigate the challenges of raising children in a rapidly changing world, and fought to protect young people from modern-day dangers like cyberbullying and trafficking. But her most important role? A mom of four who has learned firsthand the power of forgiveness, resilience, and hope in parenting.

Today, Dr. Jessica Peck shares how her own struggles with perfectionism and family trauma shaped her journey, why healing isn’t just for you (... it impacts generations to come!) and how healthy communication can transform our most important relationships. She also offers practical tools to help parents create safe spaces for tough conversations, set boundaries with love, and guide their kids through life’s biggest challenges with confidence and grace.

My friends, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of parenting, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with hope, wisdom, and real-life strategies to strengthen your relationships and support the young people in your life.

Listen to Dr. Jessica Peck on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 764 now.

03/31/2025

With so much negativity spewed by the media, each month we share examples of individuals who are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do and profoundly impactful in the communities where they serve.

This month’s On Fire For Good honoree’s journey is remarkable and his professional impact is stunning, but what he celebrates most are the three letters signifying his achievements behind his name. Let me explain.

Coming from extremely humble beginnings, little was expected from Olatunde Ogunyemi. Possessing a mighty vision for his life and the gall to pursue it, though, he left his home in Nigeria five decades ago and traveled 6,500 miles to Alabama to attend college in the United States. The young man stepped onto campus knowing no one, had a few missteps along the way, but nevertheless strived forward and eventually excelled. He obtained a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s degree and ultimately even a Doctor of Philosophy.

And decades after arriving at college, Olatunde remains on campus and in the classroom. Still actively learning, he is about to finish his 36th year as a college professor at Grambling State University.

Dr. Ogunyemi's son, U.S. Marine Major Olaolu Ogunyemi, nominated his dad as someone who lives On Fire For Good. I was moved by what he shared and wanted to share a portion of it with you:

One person who has consistently made a positive impact is my dad, Dr. Olatunde Ogunyemi. He immigrated to the United States from Nigeria in the 1970s and has been an educator in Educational Leadership at Grambling State University for over thirty years.

There are countless inspirational qualities about him, from his unwavering dedication to his six children to his exceptional work ethic and his emphasis on the importance of education in our home.

Remarkably, his influence did not diminish when he became an empty nester. He continued his lifelong commitment to ministry at the church he pastors, and he is involved in prison ministry. He also dedicates countless hours to assisting international students from Nigeria as they transition to life thousands of miles from home.

Additionally, he works to support underserved individuals in our community in Ruston, Louisiana, through the Ogunyemi Family Foundation Inc. The list of his contributions goes on. I deeply admire his phenomenal commitment to being the change he wishes to see in the world. He is my hero and has dedicated his life to making a positive difference.

So, what are the three meaningful letters I hinted at earlier? What is the validation and culmination of all those years in school and pursuing excellence? Is the man who struggled after arriving from Nigeria most proud of being the PhD that follows his name?

No, the three letters he is far more proud of are simply: D.A.D.

And his six children look up to him as a hero not for what he does for work nor for all the amazing things he has accomplished in his lifetime, but instead for the man he is and the model he provides them.

Because for Olatunde, and for those who make the greatest impact, it’s not about professional titles, awards received, or attention garnered. It’s about recognizing the greatest successes in life are the result of doing small things repeatedly with great love.

So as you go about your day, my friends, remember that impact isn’t measured by titles or accolades but by the love and intention behind every small act. Like Dr. Ogunyemi, you have the power to uplift, support, and inspire—whether it’s within your family, workplace, or community.

So, what small thing can you do today with great love? A kind word, a helping hand, an act of encouragement? Whatever it is, do it wholeheartedly. Because those small things, done with love, are what truly change the world.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

03/29/2025

“I can’t wait for next Friday.”

Heard this quote last week from my daughter while playing basketball. Between making shots and talking trash about my missed ones, Grace shared the quote above.

Well, last night was “next Friday”…. our 8th Father-Daughter at her school. One more next year and she’s off to high school.

My friends, in the race through life it’s easy to miss the profound blessings right in front of us. It’s easy to get caught up in what’s wrong and risk missing all that’s right. Today, don’t miss the gift of life directly in front of you. J.

03/27/2025

Carlos Whittaker, renowned thought leader and bestselling author of Reconnected, is on a mission to help us rediscover the art of real connection.

In a world dominated by screens and constant noise, Carlos did something radical. Two years ago, he spent seven weeks living among Benedictine monks and Amish farmers, immersing himself in silence, simplicity, and the rhythms of deep, intentional connection.

Today, Carlos shares what happened when he stepped away from technology and into a world without distractions. He reveals how living screen-free transformed his relationships, deepened his mindfulness, and reshaped his understanding of presence. More importantly, he shows us what this means for all of us—how we can reclaim our attention, be more present with the people we love, and foster deeper, more meaningful connections, even in a world that often feels more divided than ever.

My friends, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the noise of social media, lost in the busyness of life, or just craving real, honest connection, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave inspired to rethink your relationship with technology, embrace the beauty of the world beyond your screen, and take simple yet powerful steps toward a more present, connected life.

Listen to Carlos Whittaker on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 762 now.

03/26/2025

"Anyone else feel like they might he coming down with a cold or something?"

A couple years ago I asked this of my three boys the night before MLB Opening Day. Turned out all three of us, and the Director for Sean McNamara, caught the same bug! We all had to skip out a bit early the following afternoon. Instead of heading to the doctor’s office, though, we went downtown and cheered on our St. Louis Cardinals.

My friends, this time of year as the flowers bloom, the brown turns green and the dormant leaps to life, keep the faith that not only might your 0-0 team have a chance this year, but that in spite of perpetual negativity in media, the foundation is firm, there’s reason for hope and the best is yet to come.

Today is your day. Play Ball. And Live Inspired — JO

03/24/2025

What do you do when the weight of the world seems to fall directly on your shoulders? And how do you show up when you’re pulled in so many directions that it feels hard to do anything particularly well?

As I struggled with these questions in my own life, one person cruising past me showed me not only how to turn around my outlook but also revealed how to avoid the struggle in the first place moving forward. Let me explain.

My dad’s been struggling with excruciating pain radiating from the base of his spine down his left leg for years. More than 35 years with Parkinson’s disease, numerous falls, dozens of broken bones and atrophying muscles makes alleviating it very difficult. So, our family was looking forward to an appointment with a pain management specialist this past Friday.

Before his appointment, though, I had two separate coffee meetings and a Zoom call squeezed into an already tight morning. Managing workflow at the office has always been a blend of exciting and challenging, but with several significant projects hitting at the same time (big news coming soon on one of them!), keeping everything and everyone moving forward can occasionally generate a little stress.

Additionally, our house was bustling with four teenage children all home for Spring Break. I’m sure they would have loved to sneak out for a quick family getaway or some quality one-on-one time with their dad or at the very least a few fun activities as a family, but because of work obligations, speaking events, board meetings, and the race of it all, I’d been less involved than I’d like.

Add to all this the general unease most are feeling with financial markets, tariff implementations, governmental agency changes, the tragedy of intensifying global conflicts, and well, the weight of it all felt almost suffocating to me on Friday.

Wrapping the conference call a little late, I hurriedly grabbed my keys, then my bag and ran out the door to pick up my dad for his appointment.

And that’s when SHE cut me off and gave me the wakeup call I needed.

The SHE I’m referring to is the seven-year-old little girl who glided past me on her pink bike, pigtails blowing in the breeze, streamers waving from the ends of the handlebars as she thrust her hands in the air, her feet out to the side, and she floated down the sidewalk without a care in the world.

My friends, I’ve always found that when I’m most ungrateful and my life feels the most challenging, it’s because I’m focused on the litany of things completely out of my control rather than embracing those things I ultimately have agency over.

So today, as you race to get to a meeting, visit the doctor, get kids out the door, or launch a plane off the ground, choose to slow down long enough to celebrate the good.

In the midst of the storm, choose to recognize the blessings that remain all around you and within you.

Choose, in other words, to let go of the handlebars, put your hands high in the air, and your legs kicked out at your side.

Recognize that simply being alive is a gift and savoring the journey is the point.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

John O'Leary - Live Inspired

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