John O’Leary Shares the Powerful True Story Behind 'Soul on Fire'

Watch John O’Leary discuss the powerful true story of survival and faith that inspired the new movie "Soul on Fire." Burned on nearly his entire body at age nine, John opens up about the miracles, family support, and faith that carried...

Michael Foust

Updated Oct 16, 2025

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John O’Leary sits down to share the powerful true story of survival and faith that inspired the new movie "Soul on Fire." Burned on nearly his entire body at age nine, John opens up about the miracles, family support, and faith that carried him through tragedy to triumph. Joel Courtney portrays John O’Leary, while William H. Macy plays radio announcer Jack Buck, John Corbett plays John’s father, Stephanie Szostak plays his mother, and DeVon Franklin appears as a nurse who encouraged John every step of the way.

Originally published October 16, 2025.

Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.

Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.