The Joy That Lights Up SOUL ON FIRE

Stephanie Szostak and Susan O’Leary remind us that even in suffering, joy remains.

In just over a week and a half, SOUL ON FIRE will light up theaters across the country. And last week, as part of The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE podcast series, you heard from one of the people who helped to bring this story to life, Stephanie Szostak.

For me, Stephanie’s role in this film is especially personal. She portrays one of the greatest heroes of my life: my mom, Susan O’Leary.

Mom has had an awesome life, but it’s been far from easy. Blessed with a husband, six children and 22 grandbabies who love her, she’s also experienced numerous losses.

She has endured the agony of a child being burned in a house fire, and a decade later losing that same home in a second house fire. She’s navigated major health challenges, cared full-time for my dad as Parkinson’s disease slowly stole his strength, and ultimately grieved his passing just months ago.

Yet, every time I’m with Mom, I am with a woman that radiates joy.

Which made choosing the actress to play my mom in SOUL ON FIRE a monumental task.

To portray my mom, we wanted a woman who modeled through her own courageous life the power of faithfulness, friendship, family and fortitude to overcome struggles and tragedies. We wanted someone who lived out the truth that in spite of the challenges we face, the best is yet to come.

That’s where my incredible friend and highly regarded actress, Stephanie Szostak, comes in.

Her life is remarkable, her movies are viewed around the world and her family is wild about her. And yet, her life has not been an easy one, either.

Growing up in France, but going to school away from family in the United States. Having a brother as a best friend who passed away while she was in school. Dealing with challenges that come from a midlife shift into acting, while raising two boys and managing family responsibilities on both sides of the Atlantic.

And yet, every time I’m with Stephanie, I am with a woman that radiates joy.

I’ll never forget watching Stephanie and Mom meet for the first time. Tears of recognition flowed before a single word was exchanged. In that beautiful moment, I knew we had found the right person to portray Mom. And watching Stephanie’s artistry on set—and her kindness when no cameras were rolling—only confirmed it.

My friends, these two women, each in their own way, remind us of a truth our film strives to share: even in suffering, there can be joy. Even in setbacks, there is strength. And even when the story feels like it’s ending, the best is yet to come.

Last week, you heard Stephanie’s voice share her heart on the podcast. Next Friday, you’ll see her bring my mom’s story to life on the big screen.

Both are worth experiencing.

And both will remind you that today is your day. Live Inspired.

Portraying my parents—Denny and Susan O’Leary—was never going to be easy. And yet, John Corbett and Stephanie Szostak didn’t just act those roles—they honored them. With every scene, they brought a grace, kindness, and sincerity that reminded me of Mom and Dad in ways words can’t fully capture. I’m so grateful for who they are and what they’ve given to this story, and in this behind-the-scenes look from Sony’s AFFIRM Films, I'll think you'll see why.