At nine years old, John O’Leary survived a devastating home fire that left him with burns on 100% of his body and little chance to live. What could have been the end of his story became the beginning of his mission.

This epic story of survival was first showcased in Overwhelming Odds, the book his parents wrote in 2006. It was this book that first invited John to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world.

In 2016, he published On Fire, the bestselling memoir that was adapted into the major motion picture Soul On Fire in 2025, starring William H. Macy, John Corbett, and Joel Courtney. After opening in more than 1,700 theaters nationwide, the film quickly climbed to #2 on Netflix, introducing John’s message to millions more.

As a practicing Catholic, John inspires audiences around the world—from Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams to schools and faith communities.

John’s award-winning Live Inspired Podcast has more than seven million downloads and enjoys world-class guests such as Brené Brown, Mitch Albom, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Bob Costas.

John is a two-time New York Times bestselling author of On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life and In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy.

John is a proud St. Louis native, a graduate of DeSmet Jesuit High School, and an alumnus of Saint Louis University—where he later returned to deliver the 2023 commencement address to the next generation of graduates.