Soul on Fire: Why John O’Leary’s Message Is Exactly What We Need Right Now

What do you do when you’re given less than a one percent chance to live?

It’s a question most of us never expect to face. 

But for John O’Leary, it became the moment that changed everything and the beginning of a story that continues to ripple outward, inspiring millions around the world.

We get a chance to lean in on February 25 when O’Leary will take the stage as the keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County’s annual Inspiration Breakfast. He will join a remarkable legacy of past speakers that includes Joe Theismann, Emmitt Smith, Sugar Ray Leonard, Erin Andrews, Bill Walton, Desmond Howard, Alonzo Mourning, Mark Richt, Jason Taylor, John Offerdahl, Rich DeVos and more. Yet O’Leary’s message is uniquely his own and one rooted in resilience, gratitude… and choosing hope.

I recently sat down with O’Leary on The Paige Kornblue Show to preview what attendees can expect and to explore his story just a little bit deeper.

In 1987, O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy playing with fire and gasoline when a massive explosion left him burned on 100 percent of his body. Doctors gave him less than a one percent chance to survive. When his mother came to his hospital bedside, she asked him a question that would shape everything that followed: Do you want to live?

“I remember looking up and I said, ‘Mom, I don’t want to die. I want to live,’” O’Leary said. “And her response was, ‘Good, honey. Then look at me. You take the hand of God. You walk the journey with him and you fight like you never fought before.’ She said, ‘Your father and I will be with you every step along the way. But you have to do your part too. Fight.’”

Nearly four decades later, O’Leary is a two-time bestselling author, an award-winning podcast host, and the true story behind the feature film Soul on Fire, now streaming on Netflix. 

But he is quick to point out that his story isn’t really about him.

“You come in thinking it’s about one thing maybe. And it ends up being about every single other person that showed up in this little boy’s life, what they did, how they showed up, and then what it means for us,” O’Leary said.

That perspective is what makes his message feel so timely. 

In a world that often feels so heavy, O’Leary doesn’t shy away from pain or loss. He speaks openly about ongoing struggle, faith, and the daily choice to keep moving forward.

One of the most moving moments of our conversation came when we spoke about grief. O’Leary recently lost his father, and since I’ve lost both of my parents and always encourage others to keep those they’ve lost present, I asked him how he does so. 

“One way I keep my dad alive is to whisper his name,” he said. “We talk about him all the time around the dinner table. I was also at a football game recently with one of my kids, and we talked about, gosh, Grandpa would love this. Grandpa would have just loved this.”

Before arriving in Boca Raton, O’Leary encourages the community to watch Soul on Fire or read one of his books for a deeper glimpse into his journey. But more than anything, he hopes people come ready to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.

“Look east. We’re in paradise. Don’t stare down,” O’Leary said. “Don’t be too preoccupied to miss the profound blessings that are in front of you today.”

And if his story teaches us anything, it’s this: survival is only the beginning and even in the darkest moments, light is still possible.

To reserve your individual seat or table at the February 25 YMCA of South Palm Beach County Inspiration Breakfast presented by JM Family Enterprises and chaired by Linda Gunn Paton, visit www.ymcaspbc.org. Event proceeds support YMCA Financial Assistance for local families, youth and seniors.

John O’Leary | Speaker, Author, Podcast Host (Photo Courtesy of the YMCA of South Palm Beach County)