John O'Leary
Expected to die. Now teaching others how to truly live.
In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, he created a massive explosion and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live.
This epic story was first showcased in his parents' book Overwhelming Odds. It was this book that invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world.
Today, he inspires thousands of people at events each year. Consistently described as “the best speaker we’ve ever had,” his emotional storytelling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each presentation unforgettable.
John is a 2-time bestselling author of On Fire and In Awe. His award-winning Live Inspired Podcast has more than 7 million downloads and enjoys world-class guests. And his story is the subject of the upcoming major motion picture SOUL ON FIRE which will be released nationwide on October 10, 2025.
John is a proud husband and father of four.
Dr. Gregory Ross: Leading with Love and Redefining What’s Possible (ep. 834)
Dr. Gregory Ross: Leading with Love and Redefining What's Possible (ep. 834)
The Holiday Season's Most Overlooked Gift (Monday Moment ep. 833)
Coach Donnie Campbell: Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Ted Lasso Character (ep. 832)
Coach Donnie Campbell: Real-Life Inspiration Behind the Ted Lasso Character (ep. 832)
How Do You Fill Your Cup? (Monday Moment ep. 831)
Singer-Songwriter Chris Trapper on Grief, Gratitude, and the Power of Song (ep. 830)
Singer-Songwriter Chris Trapper on Grief, Gratitude, and the Power of Song (ep. 830)
Hands Like John...and Julia (Monday Moment ep. 829)
Claude Silver on Authenticity, Empathy, and the Power of Being You
Claude Silver on Authenticity, Empathy, and the Power of Being You (ep. 828)
Live Like Chad (Monday Moment ep. 827)
Glen Henry: Inspiring Others to Build Stronger, More Resilient Families (ep. 826)
Glen Henry: Inspiring Others to Build Stronger, More Resilient Families (ep. 826)
Breaking Down the Walls (Monday Moment ep. 825)
Creating Legacy with Hobby Lobby Founder David Green and Legacy Stone CEO Bill High (ep. 824)
Creating Legacy with Hobby Lobby Founder David Green and Legacy Stone CEO Bill High (ep. 824)
When Life Invites You to Say "Yes" (Monday Moment ep. 823)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: Mark Isham (ep. 822)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: Mark Isham (ep. 822)
Bringing Heroes into the Light (Monday Moment ep. 821)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: John Corbett (ep. 820)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: John Corbett (ep. 820)
Love That Shows Up (Monday Moment ep. 819)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: William H. Macy (ep. 818)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: William H. Macy (ep. 818)
Amazing Grace: SOUL ON FIRE Style (Monday Moment ep. 817)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: Joel Courtney (ep. 816)
The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE: Joel Courtney (ep. 816)
The Joy That Lights Up SOUL ON FIRE (Monday Moment ep. 815)