Podcast Summary: "Soul on Fire – An Interview with John O'Leary"

Podcast: It’s a Good Life
Host: Brian Buffini
Guest: John O’Leary
Air Date: October 7, 2025
Episode: S2E336
Main Theme: The extraordinary story of John O’Leary’s recovery from near-fatal burns, the power of ordinary heroism, and the journey to the big screen with his new film, Soul on Fire.

Episode Overview

This deeply moving episode features a heartfelt and often humorous conversation between two old friends, Brian Buffini and John O’Leary. As John O’Leary’s life story is about to become a major motion picture, they revisit his incredible childhood accident, the outpouring of support and love that carried him through, the selflessness of legendary broadcaster Jack Buck, and the powerful message at the heart of John’s new film. The conversation is a celebration of resilience, community, faith, and the impact we can all have on one another’s lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lifelong Friendship and Calling (00:02–04:16)

• Background: Brian and John’s banter cements their long-standing friendship, rooted in mutual respect and their shared Irish heritage (“We're like brothers from a different mother.” – Brian, 02:54).
• Calling and Motivation: Both speak candidly about feeling called by God to their paths—not driven by ambition, but by a sense of purpose to help others.
• A Decade in the Making: Brian recalls urging John to turn his story into a movie years ago. The film’s imminent release is a full-circle moment for both.

2. A Life-Changing Childhood Accident (06:16–10:12)

• John’s Story (Three-Minute Version):
  • At age 9, John imitated neighborhood kids by mixing fire and gasoline, causing an explosion that burned 100% of his body, 87% third-degree (08:55).
  • He describes hearing his father’s loving voice in the hospital, fearing anger but met instead with pride — “I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life ... I love you and there’s nothing you can do about it.” (07:17)
  • His mother’s response to his question, “Am I going to die?” was: “Baby, do you want to die? It’s your choice, it’s not mine ... then take the hand of God ... and you fight like you’ve never fought before.” (09:01)
  • The story becomes not just about John’s struggle but the ordinary heroes—family, nurses, strangers—who supported him.

Notable Quote:

“I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life. And my little buddy, today, this morning, I’m just glad to be your dad.” – John O’Leary, recounting his father, (07:17)

3. The Extraordinary Kindness of Jack Buck (10:12–20:43)

• Jack Buck’s Visit:
  • Legendary Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck heard about John’s accident and, without fanfare, visited him in hospital: “Kid, wake up. You’re going to live. Keep fighting, John O’Leary. Day at the ballpark will make it all worthwhile.” (12:36)
  • Jack Buck kept coming back, quietly supporting John and expecting nothing in return.
  • He inspired John to write thank-you notes by sending him autographed baseballs, motivating his recovery and rekindling his self-worth.

Notable Quotes:

“When will God show up? When will somebody do something about that thing over there? Well, maybe it’s you and maybe it’s now.” – John O'Leary (12:36) “He never told anybody he did it … He felt blessed to be of assistance.” – John O’Leary (13:36)

• Legacy and Character:
  The conversation pivots to the importance of service and humility over fame, with Jack Buck as the embodiment of stepping up privately, “behind the scenes,” to make a difference.

4. The Power of Ordinary Heroes and Paying It Forward (20:43–26:09)

• Rippling Impact:
  Brian and John reflect on how many people Jack Buck likely helped without ever seeking credit (“How many other people did he do this for?” – Brian, 21:02).
• Moment of Calling:
  John describes a pivotal moment during a church service where he realized the value of sharing his life story: “Your life is a precious, priceless gift. You got one job. Say yes to being used for good.” (24:21)
• From Reluctance to Worldwide Speaking:
  • Starts by reluctantly speaking to three Girl Scouts, then to Rotary and Kiwanis, eventually scaling to thousands of talks worldwide.

5. From Speaker to Executive Producer: The Making of Soul on Fire (27:16–35:45)

• Becoming a Movie:
  After a keynote in Las Vegas, John is approached about filming his story. With the encouragement to “say yes,” he embarks on the journey, working with major screenwriters and director Sean McNamara.
• Raising $10 Million:
  John details how authentic, long-term relationships (not transactional networking) enabled him to raise the necessary funds—even helping change state legislation to allow filming in St. Louis.
• Dedication to Authenticity:
  John is insistent on accuracy, ensuring the film tells the real story and even incorporates real-life people and scenes, which tested extremely well with audiences.
• Hollywood & Positive Storytelling:
  They discuss the rarity and importance of family-friendly, uplifting films, emphasizing the impact viewers can have by supporting such movies.

6. What Life—and the Movie—Is Really About (35:45–End)

• Brian’s Reflection:
  Brian shares how John’s story is a reminder to persevere in doing good, even when weary—“Just listening to this today ... has reinvigorated me personally.” (36:19)
• John’s Hopes for the Audience:
  • Shares a poignant story about watching the film with his father shortly before his passing. His father’s last words after the film: “What a gift.” (39:01)
  • John hopes audiences leave inspired to cherish the gift of their own lives and to say yes to making a difference.

Notable Quote:

“I hope they walk out of there and ... say, my gosh, as they look into their mirror: what a freaking gift ... I choose to recognize that my life is a gift and the best is yet to come.” – John O’Leary (40:20)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• John O’Leary on the source of heroism:
  “Our work is informed by a God who loves us enough to work through the broken. … The only thing I did well in the movie or in my life is I blew up a can of gasoline … Just mercy upon mercy of individuals showing up in my life.” (04:16)

• Brian Buffini on character and influence:
  “Who [Jack Buck] was spoke louder than what he said, obviously. And I think that’s who we can all be, right, as we grow our character and focus on that...” (17:25)

• On cherishing relationships for their own sake:
  “You taught me years ago to hold on to relationships as if they’re precious and not to use them to get ... but to love the one in front of you sincerely, for them.” (30:34)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment |
|-----------|---------|
| 00:02 | Opening and friendship banter; full circle with John's movie debut | | 06:16 | John’s three-minute version of his story – the accident, hospital, family’s response | | 10:12 | The arrival of Jack Buck; kindness in action | | 14:50 | Jack Buck’s unifying character and wider influence | | 20:43 | “When did you know you had to tell your story?” – John’s calling to share, first talks | | 27:16 | How the movie came to be; relationships and fundraising | | 33:30 | Dedication to authenticity in the film | | 35:45 | The impact John wants to make with the movie | | 39:01 | John’s father’s moving final words after screening the film |

Conclusion & Call to Action

Brian wraps up by urging listeners to see the film, Soul on Fire, in theaters—to support positive, meaningful storytelling and to inspire others. The episode closes with John’s signature line and the traditional Irish blessing.

Final Takeaways:

• Life is a priceless gift; use it for good.
• Ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.
• Persevere in doing good work, even through weariness.
• Cherish relationships for their own sake, not as means to an end.
• True influence lives in character, not self-promotion.

Episode Impact:
Whether you’re familiar with John O’Leary or hearing his story for the first time, this episode serves as a stirring reminder of hope, resilience, and the enduring effect of kindness—on screen, in business, and in life.