Ep. 89 - Soul on Fire: John O’Leary on Resilience, Purpose, and Living Fully Alive
Tue Jan 27 2026
What do you do when you’re given less than a 1% chance to live?In this deeply moving episode of The Paige Kornblue Show, I sit down with John O’Leary… a two-time bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and this year’s keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County Inspiration Breakfast.At just nine years old, John was burned on 100% of his body in a tragic accident and asked a life-altering question: Do you want to live? His answer, and the journey that followed, became the foundation of a message now inspiring millions around the world.We talk about:• His extraordinary survival story and the moment that changed everything• The powerful conversation with his mother that still guides his life today• What it means to stop “going through the motions” and start living fully alive• How to keep loved ones present in our lives after we’ve lost them—and honoring their impact through everyday moments• The new feature film based on his life, Soul on Fire• What excites him most about speaking at the YMCA Inspiration BreakfastThis episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about surviving. It’s about choosing purpose, presence, and possibility every single day.www.ymcaspbc.orgwww.johnolearyinspires.comwww.PaigeKornblue.com
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What do you do when you’re given less than a 1% chance to live?In this deeply moving episode of The Paige Kornblue Show, I sit down with John O’Leary… a two-time bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, and this year’s keynote speaker for the YMCA of South Palm Beach County Inspiration Breakfast.At just nine years old, John was burned on 100% of his body in a tragic accident and asked a life-altering question: Do you want to live? His answer, and the journey that followed, became the foundation of a message now inspiring millions around the world.We talk about:• His extraordinary survival story and the moment that changed everything• The powerful conversation with his mother that still guides his life today• What it means to stop “going through the motions” and start living fully alive• How to keep loved ones present in our lives after we’ve lost them—and honoring their impact through everyday moments• The new feature film based on his life, Soul on Fire• What excites him most about speaking at the YMCA Inspiration BreakfastThis episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about surviving. It’s about choosing purpose, presence, and possibility every single day.www.ymcaspbc.orgwww.johnolearyinspires.comwww.PaigeKornblue.com