From Ashes to Purpose: How Soul on Fire Ignites Faith and Resilience

October 10, 2025Hello, Christian Podcast™ community! Today, on its theatrical release date, we’re thrilled to share a review that has deeply touched our hearts: Soul on Fire, a powerful film produced by Affirm Films and released on October 10, 2025, in the U.S. and Canada through Sony Pictures Releasing. Based on the true story of John O’Leary, a St. Louis man who survived burns covering 99% of his body at age 9, this movie is not just a tale of survival but a living testament to how faith, forgiveness, and community can transform pain into purpose. In our latest podcast episode, Mili and Beto dove into this film with contagious passion, connecting it to their own experiences as parents and believers. If you haven’t listened yet, head to our channel! Here, we bring you an inspiring recap, infused with personal insights from the podcast and key production details to ignite the fire of this story in you.

The Story: From Ashes to Hope

Picture a 9-year-old boy in 1987, in a St. Louis suburb, obsessed with baseball and the quintessential ‘80s adventures: playing with fire, riding bikes, and tinkering with homemade rockets. This is where John O’Leary’s life begins, portrayed masterfully by Joel Courtney (Super 8, Jesus Revolution), who captures the innocence and curiosity of a kid whose playful misstep sparks a fire that nearly claims his life. With only a 1% chance of survival, John endures third-degree burns across nearly his entire body, excruciating daily treatments in water tanks, and a recovery journey that defies human limits.

Directed by Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Reagan), the film doesn’t shy away from raw imagery: bandages, searing pain, and a mother’s heartbroken tears. As Mili shared in the podcast, “I’m a mom of three, and putting myself in that mom’s shoes... ugh, they tell her he has a 1% chance to live. Brutal!” The story follows John through a rebellious adolescence—partying, drinking, and bad choices—until his redemption, fueled by his family’s unconditional love and an unexpected encounter with his idol, legendary baseball broadcaster Jack Buck, played by the charismatic William H. Macy (Fargo). John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) shines as John’s father, Denny, whose words—“There’s nothing you can do to make me stop loving you”—echo the Gospel’s heart.

Produced by an all-star team from Affirm Films, including J. Todd Harris, Margaret French Isaac, David Brookwell, and Sean McNamara himself, with executive producers like John O’Leary and Gregory Poirier (National Treasure screenwriter), Soul on Fire was filmed in authentic St. Louis locations, including John’s childhood home. The script faithfully adapts O’Leary’s 2016 bestseller, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, with Mark Isham’s emotive score elevating every scene. The cast is rounded out by Stephanie Szostak as John’s mother Susan, DeVon Franklin as nurse Roy, and Masey McLain as John’s girlfriend Beth. This production honors Christian faith subtly yet powerfully, reminding us that God has a greater purpose even in suffering.

Personal Reactions: Tears, Nostalgia, and Transformation

In our podcast, Mili couldn’t (almost) hold back tears recalling the scenes of young John, bandaged and enduring daily treatments: “Imagine a 9-year-old... the suffering that child went through. As a mom, it’s heart-wrenching.” Yet, the film’s uplifting close left her transformed: “I walked out so motivated. Wow, we all have a purpose, and what a blessing to be healthy!” Beto connected with the ‘80s vibe—“burning ants with sprays and lighters, jumping bikes over fire”—and reflected on how that era’s free-spirited experimentation, without “helicopter parents,” shaped their generation’s resilience. “Today’s kids are the crystal generation, so fragile, because we went through so much back then and now overprotect them,” he noted.Both emphasized the film’s raw authenticity: it doesn’t sugarcoat faith but weaves it into real struggles, like John’s youthful rebellion. “It’s not afraid to show bar scenes, because those are real choices, even for pastors’ kids,” Beto said. Mili highlighted forgiveness: “God forgives us through the cross, so why can’t we forgive ourselves? That guilt traps us in repeated mistakes.” They gave the movie a rare “divine” emoji—something they’ve never done before! It’s a film that inspires gratitude for “small victories,” like surviving another day, and invites us to let God take the reins.

John O’Leary’s 7 Choices: Lessons to Face Any Fire

What elevates Soul on Fire beyond a biography is its foundation in the seven choices from O’Leary’s book On Fire, which Beto broke down in the podcast. These aren’t just theories; they’re practical decisions for a radically inspired life, rooted in Christian faith:

Choice	Description	Application in the Film
1. Accept Your Reality	Acknowledge where you are without denying pain.	John faces his burns without self-pity, choosing to live.
2. Choose Your Attitude	Respond with hope and gratitude.	Inspired by family, he focuses on the positive despite a grim prognosis.
3. Find Your Purpose	Reflect on what truly matters.	Discovers his calling to inspire others as a motivational speaker.
4. Embrace Community	Surround yourself with uplifting people.	Support from parents, siblings, and Jack Buck saves him.
5. Take Intentional Action	Take concrete steps, however small.	Changes habits: quits drinking, marries, and builds a family.
6. Cultivate Gratitude	Focus on what you have, not what you lack.	Gives thanks for his mother’s love and daily blessings.
7. Live with Faith and Hope	Trust in something greater, like God.	His Christian faith assures him of an eternal purpose.

These choices, as we discussed, combat victimhood and echo the message of salvation: “Jesus Christ died for us to redeem us,” Mili said. They’re tools for any “fire” in life—loss, illness, or failure.

Why You Must See Soul on Fire Today

In a world full of doubt, this movie is a blazing reminder: a soul scarred by pain can find hope and healing. It’s family-friendly, inspiring, and, as director Sean McNamara said, “a celebration of everyday heroes who show up when we need them most.” With a 7.8 IMDb rating and reviews calling it “one of the most moving films of my life” (Bill Horn), Soul on Fire arrives right when we need it.Head to theaters today! Then, dive into the book for deeper insight. In the comments on our podcast or this blog, tell us: Which of John’s choices resonates with you? How does this story connect to your faith? Share your own “fires” overcome—we’d love to celebrate with you.May the Lord ignite your soul with purpose. Until next time at Christian Podcast™!