John O’Leary: On Fire, and Spreading the Spark

John O’Leary is a man on fire. His story, both unbelievable and inspiring, has brought audiences to tears and hardy laughter, thanks to his genuine personality and “on fire” attitude.

When John was nine years old, he hid in the family garage, playing with matches. He accidentally ignited an explosion, which destroyed his parents’ Town and Country home—and left third-degree burns on 100 percent of his body. Given a one-percent chance to live, he had to fight harder than he’d ever fought before. He spent five months in the hospital, underwent dozens of surgeries, and lost all of his fingers to amputation. With the help of his family, his faith, and the many heroes he met during these dark days (including St. Louis sports announcer Jack Buck), he relearned to walk, write, and feed himself.

In 2008, his parents published Overwhelming Odds in tribute to all who supported them during John’s recovery. Since the publication of that book, O’Leary has been sharing his passion for life as a motivational speaker. So far, he has traveled the world and shared his message with over 500,000 people. On March 15, Simon and Schuster released John’s own book, On Fire: The Seven Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, which weaves together his own account of that life-changing fire with life lessons he gleaned during his long recovery and eventually re-entry into normal life.

This miraculous story ignites something in each of us, not just because it happened in our very own St. Louis, but because it wakes us up the possibilities that come with living life consciously and on purpose. We talked to O’Leary this week in anticipation of the March 19 St. Louis launch of On Fire, which will be celebrated at Chaminade High School.

You have said, “I wouldn’t change that day for anything because it led to the best of my life,” and that “we’ve all been burned in one way or another.” Do you feel that these “burns” are necessary in realizing one’s true potential or are there ways to find that potential without facing such adversity? In other words, your circumstances have affected you greatly; do you think people need to experience those difficult circumstances in order to truly live an inspired life?

I think that adversity gives our lives significance. I am not saying that it needs to be a house fire, but I think that adversity makes life worth living, and that it often times wakes us up from accidental living. Without challenges and hard times, there is no opportunity to improve ourselves. We need to experience difficulties daily to truly understand and appreciate each moment we are given.

It is clear to see how your story inspires others. Is there a specific story or individual that inspires you?

Today, I would have to say that my dad inspires me most. He is fighting Parkinson’s, and has remained one of the most resilient and joyful people I have ever known. He has given me an amazing example of the type of father and person that I want to be.

For two decades, you never told anyone your story. What changed your mind?

After my parent’s book was published, I was confronted about my story by a Girl Scout who asked me to talk about it at a Girl Scout meeting. Fortunately, I say yes to everything. I have always tried to be open and available to any opportunity that comes my way, so despite my lousy speaking skills and the anxiety that accompanied having never shared my story before, I decided to say yes. I realized that this story is worth telling, and so that’s what I did.

What advice would you give someone who finds themselves in a dark place?

I would try to help them realize that their story isn’t over. Their book doesn’t end here. God works through all things, and this darkness will lead to something better. 

How did your friendship with Jack Buck help you with the healing process?

Jack Buck changed my life. He came in the day after the fire, when everyone thought I wasn’t going to make it, and asked me to fight. I was just some dying kid he had never met, and yet he came in day after day to encourage and help me in my darkest days. I had lost my fingers due to the burns, and it is because of Jack that I am writing today. He anonymously sent me a baseball autographed by a famous Cardinal Player with a note saying that if I wanted another, I would have to write a thank-you letter. This is what motivated me to write in spite of my injuries and really what kept me motivated through my recovery. In addition to his continuous support, he taught me what generosity was. He poured himself into everyone and everything in order to help others. Whether it was the star player or the stadium janitor, he gave people all that he had. He was an amazing man and will be missed.

Are you able to spend a lot of time with your family in spite of your busy career as an inspirational speaker?

I believe that balance is impossible, so instead I strive to be present wherever I am. I think that with the people we love, this is so important. But there is a difference between spending time with them and actually being with them. I see too often parents looking down at their phones or stressing about work and failing to be truly present, missing moments of joy with the people they love. When I am making a presentation, I give the audience everything. And when I get to come home to my beautiful family, I am 100 percent present. I love helping them with homework, giving baths, reading bedtime stories.  Wherever I am, I am intentional. I try to be focused on the moment that is in front of me. 

In regards to your new book, On Fire, how did you approach the writing process? Did you find that writing was more difficult than speaking or that it was very similar? How do you view yourself as a writer?

First of all, this is all just unbelievable. We had the idea four years ago, I said yes to the Girl Scouts, I said yes to a small business lunch, and then another bigger group. I said yes a few more times, and now my story comes out in hardback. This whole experience is surreal.

As far as speaking and writing are concerned, I speak like I am having a conversation. Even when I am in front of a group of 1,000, I speak like I am speaking to each individual member of the audience. I think that is why people find it effective. In my own experience, I have found that I am only truly affected by the people who are the most genuine, transparent, and vulnerable, so this is what I strive for every time I speak. This book was surprisingly easy to write, because I write just like I speak, and I believe strongly in the power of the message. The main difference between my speeches and the book is that the book offers readers much more detail than there is time for in my speeches. The book is essentially an argument; I am trying to convince people to wake up and to stop living life accidentally.

What do you hope people gain from your new book?

We all have fires. I just want to teach people how to harness it for good, to wake up to the gift of every moment, and to know that that’s enough. 

What are your favorite things to do in your hometown of St. Louis? Do you have any special memories of St. Louis?

I have traveled all around the world, and seen more places than I ever imagined, but St. Louis will always be home. We could live anywhere we wanted, and we chose St. Louis, the finest city in the world. My family and I are able to take advantage of all that it has to offer with frequent trips to the St. Louis Zoo, some awesome parks, and the food I grew up on.

One day when I was a kid, my dad pulled me out of school and took me to the 1985 Cardinals vs. Dodgers playoff game. It was an awesome game, and after we stopped by Ted Drewes on the way home. I will never forget that day. 

Do you find that people recognize you when you are out and about in public?

Yes, actually, and I find it very flattering. It feels like I am always being watched, but I don’t mind it at all. I enjoy meeting new people and hearing their own story. Also, I have always tried to teach by living, that is, show people how amazingly beautiful life is by living an inspired life.

Family has played a large role in your life. Are you still close with your parents and siblings?

We have remained very close over the years and interact regularly. In fact, they will all be in the front row of the book launching this weekend.

You have mentioned your faith on several occasions. Can you explain its role in your life?

I had a Christian upbringing; we went to church every Sunday, and read scripture and prayed before dinner, but at some point I had to claim it. I struggled with doubt like most do, but in the end my faith is what has always kept me grounded through sunny skies and my darkest days.

John O’Leary will be speaking on Saturday, March 19 at 7:15 p.m. at Chaminade’s Skip Viragh Center, 425 S. Lindbergh. Tickets are $26, and include a copy of On Fire; they can be purchased here. The night will include food, live music, a speech and Q&A session with O’Leary, as well as appearances from many of the people who appear in the book. For more information, go to johnolearyinspires.com.