Ep. 89 - Soul on Fire: John O’Leary on Resilience, Purpose, and Living Fully Alive

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 Breakfast
This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t just about surviving. It’s about choosing purpose, presence, and possibility every single day.
www.ymcaspbc.org
www.johnolearyinspires.com
www.PaigeKornblue.com