The Miracle Files: Miracle in the News — Pizza Delivery Man Saves Kids from Fire

Podcast: The Miracle Files (Radio America)
Episode: Miracle in the News: Pizza Delivery Man Saves Kids from Fire | Ep. 42
Date: August 18, 2025
Hosts: Holly and Emily

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt episode, Holly and Emily recount a dramatic real-life miracle that unfolded in Lafayette, Indiana: the story of Nick Bostic, a pizza delivery man who risked his life to save five children from a burning house. Exploring themes of everyday heroism, divine intervention, and second chances, the hosts offer listeners both inspiration and hope, reinforcing the podcast's central belief that "there are more miracles than murders, more light than darkness."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: An Unlikely Hero's Ordinary Night

(00:30–02:45)

• The narrative opens with a description of a normal evening gone awry for Nick Bostic, a 25-year-old pizza delivery driver.
• Nick was off-duty, coping with personal struggles: facing financial hardship and early sobriety after substance abuse.
• "In some ways he was a really unlikely hero because he was going through some really hard times, like financially. And he had just been sober for just a couple of months... He'd just gotten off of meth actually." — Host 1 (02:12)

2. The Fire and the Split-Second Decision

(02:46–04:04)

• The Barrett family parents were out, leaving their children in the care of 18-year-old Sienna.
• Nick, out driving aimlessly to cool off after an argument, spots the Barretts’ home engulfed in flames.
• Without a phone (having left it at home), Nick tries and fails to flag down another driver for help.
• "He thought about what his father would do in that situation and...he ran straight towards the fire." — Host 1 (03:36)

3. The First Rescue: Guiding Four Children to Safety

(04:05–04:50)

• Nick enters the burning house via the back door and helps guide four children—three Barrett daughters and a friend—to safety.
• On the porch, he learns one child remains inside.
• "I went in through the back door and the second step up the staircase. That's when I seen the faces coming out and they ran past me and I followed behind." — Nick Bostic (04:08)

4. The Second Rescue: Plunging into the Inferno for Kehlani

(05:01–06:59)

• Six-year-old Kehlani is still inside; Nick rushes back, facing thick smoke and unnatural heat.
• Blinded and nearly lost, Nick locates Kehlani by following her voice. With no safe way out, he breaks a second-story window and jumps, cradling her in his arms.
• "We looked at the window and I went shoulders first through it. I landed on my right side with her on my left side." — Nick Bostic (06:52)
• The hosts reflect on the immense courage and split-second decisions required, marveling at his bravery.

5. Aftermath: The Immediate Response and Nick’s Selflessness

(07:00–09:10)

• Bodycam footage captures Nick struggling to breathe, bloodied and burned, but pleading first for Kehlani’s well-being.
• "Is the baby okay? Please tell me that baby's okay." — Nick Bostic (08:46)
• "You did good, dude." — Firefighter/Narrator (08:53)
• Hosts are moved by Nick’s selfless concern for the child despite his own injuries.

6. Reflections: Miracle or Coincidence?

(09:11–11:00)

• The hosts discuss whether this was a miracle or fate, noting that even Nick’s near-blindness did not prevent him from saving the day.
• "Right person, right place, right time. Yep. No coincidences." — Host 1 (10:34)
• Nick’s transformation: rescuing the children becomes a turning point, motivating lasting sobriety and self-improvement.

7. Lasting Impact: Change, Responsibility, and Community

(11:01–12:00)

• Nick receives the prestigious Carnegie Medal for heroism and embraces new responsibilities in his life.
• "It's made me a better man...I have a role to play. And in society, I can't be doing silly stuff like I used to." — Nick Bostic (11:24)

8. Silent Heroes: Sienna’s Role and a Father's Gratitude

(12:01–12:58)

• Sienna Barrett, the family's eldest daughter, is credited for leading her siblings and their friend out.
• The Barretts’ father recalls the emotional toll of learning what happened in his absence, expressing gratitude and admiration for Sienna’s heroism.
• "She is a hero to me, and she's always been." — Barrett Family Father, quoted by Host 2 (12:53)
• Sienna humbly deflects the label: "I don't think of myself as a hero at all. That's just something you would just do." — Sienna Barrett (12:58)

9. Small Miracles Amid the Ashes

(13:00–13:55)

• The family loses almost everything, but a small wall sign reading "love" miraculously remains amid the ruins.
• "The only thing that was left was love. And that's all I feel from everyone." — Host 2 quoting the Barrett family (13:40)
• The hosts reflect on the symbolic resilience of love and community.

10. A New Family Bond and Ongoing Restoration

(13:56–14:12)

• The Barretts now consider Nick "part of the family" and refer to him as their "angel."
• Nick is moving forward, working to build a lawn care business, with renewed self-worth and direction.
• Hosts encourage listeners to notice everyday miracles and strive to be an "angel" in someone else’s story.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "He thought about what his father would do in that situation... So that's what he did." — Host 1 (03:36)
• "I have goosebumps right now... what a blessing that that little girl was saved." — Host 1 (08:06)
• "Right person, right place, right time. No coincidences." — Host 1 (10:34)
• "It's made me a better man... I have a role to play." — Nick Bostic (11:24)
• "She is a hero to me, and she's always been." — Barrett Family Father (12:53)
• "The only thing that was left was love. And that's all I feel from everyone." — Host 2 quoting the Barretts (13:40)
• "God uses the most unlikely characters. He sent an angel." — Host 2 (13:54)

Timestamps of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|----------------------------------------------------| | 00:30 | Story setup: Nick’s background, circumstances | | 02:45 | The fire: Nick witnesses the blaze | | 04:05 | Nick’s account: rescuing the first four kids | | 05:01 | Search for the missing child, Kehlani | | 06:52 | Jumping from the second-story window with Kehlani | | 08:46 | Nick’s plea: "Is the baby okay?" | | 11:24 | Nick reflects on personal growth and responsibility| | 12:53 | The Barrett father on his daughter Sienna’s heroism| | 13:40 | The "Love" sign: symbol of survival and hope | | 13:54 | Barretts consider Nick their angel |

Conclusion

This episode stands out for its powerful storytelling, focus on faith-driven heroism, and candid reflections on redemption. By spotlighting an everyday person who responded courageously to unfathomable circumstances, Holly and Emily highlight the presence of miracles in the midst of tragedy and ordinary life. The story affirms that amazing, selfless acts can emerge from the most unexpected individuals, reinforcing the podcast’s core message: even in the darkest times, light and love endure.