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

Forget quick fixes. This episode is about building real, sustainable health. Paige welcomes Paul Christopher and his team from Gravity + Oxygen Fitness in Boca Raton to explore how training, nutrition, and science combine for smarter workouts and better living. Hear from Haley Foss on fueling your body, Bruna Lorenzetti on finding confidence through strength, and Michael Gallagher on decoding your metabolism. Simple takeaways, smart insights, and serious inspiration for anyone ready to elevate their wellness journey!
www.gravityandoxygen.com
www.PaigeKornblue.com
@PaigeKornblueMedia

1991 Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl XXXI MVP Desmond Howard joins me for an in-depth conversation that goes far beyond highlight reels and headlines. From his early days as a multi-sport athlete in Cleveland to becoming a Michigan legend, an NFL star, and a 20-year mainstay on ESPN’s College GameDay, Desmond shares the lessons, mentors, and mindset that shaped his career and his life.
This episode dives into discipline, sacrifice, perspective, and fatherhood along with Desmond’s reflections on football today, his future goals, and why kindness remains his ultimate game plan.
In this episode:
Early Sports Journey: Baseball, basketball, track, and football beginnings
Recruitment & Michigan Decision: Why he chose Ann Arbor - and stayed.
Legendary Mentors: Bo Schembechler, Bill Gutbrod, and the impact of Greg Harden
Position Switches: From running back to wide receiver and the discipline it required
The Heisman Trophy: Winning as a Michigan receiver in a run-heavy era
NFL Career: 11 seasons, favorite moments, and Super Bowl XXXI MVP
Sacrifice & Mindset: Skipping prom for a track meet, preparation, and discipline
College GameDay: Behind-the-scenes of his 20-year career with ESPN
Fatherhood: Lessons learned and advice for dads
Bowl Season & Boca Raton Bowl Memories
Life Perspective: Complain less, work hard and the power of kindness
@desmondhoward
www.DesmondHoward.com

@PaigeKornblueMedia
www.PaigeKornblue.com