Joel Courtney joins John O’Leary on the Live Inspired Podcast for The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series. Portraying John O’Leary in the film, Joel shares the life-changing power of gratitude, heroes, and resilience.
This week, The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE series welcomes Joel Courtney, the actor invited to play not the hero of the story, but the one shaped by them.
Known for his breakout role in Super 8 and Netflix’s beloved The Kissing Booth trilogy, Joel’s latest role in SOUL ON FIRE may be his most inspiring yet. With a gift for bringing heart to every role, Joel shines brightest when the story he tells can spark hope in others.
Today, Joel shares how a boy from Idaho chasing a $100 commercial ended up leading major films, why he said “yes” to sharing my story on the big screen, and the lessons he carried from portraying someone who refused to let tragedy define their life. He reflects on the heroes who shaped my journey, and invites all of us to recognize the quiet heroes shaping ours.
My friends, you’ll leave this conversation reminded that there is no joy without gratitude and that the stories we choose to live can inspire far beyond ourselves. If you need a boost of courage, perspective, or hope, this episode is for you.
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SHOW NOTES:
- Born into a Navy family in California, Joel grew up in small-town Idaho surrounded by faith, family, and community.
- From a $100 commercial starring in a J.J. Abrams film: At 14, Joel set out to earn $100 from a commercial audition only to land 13 callbacks and the starring role in Super 8 in his first ever audition. In a pivotal scene, it wasn’t the script but his fear of disappointing J.J. Abrams that brought him to tears.
- Why he said yes to SOUL ON FIRE: “It’s a story of hope, love, faith, and gratitude. I just wanted to be a part of telling it.”
- The most emotional part of the film for Joel is John’s overwhelming gratitude for his family and heroes
- “There is no joy without gratitude.”
- Favorite on-set memories include filming with Masey McLain (Beth O’Leary), William H. Macy (Jack Buck), and DeVon Franklin (Nurse Roy), and the unforgettable table read.
- Standout scenes from SOUL ON FIRE:
- Recounting John telling Nurse Roy, “You mattered,”…. and realizing many people never hear those words.
- Filming at Jack Buck’s gravesite on a freezing December day.
- Joel has read the book On Fire 10–12 times, calling himself “a new man” in his marriage, career, and outlook.
- Joel hopes audiences leave theaters with joy, gratitude, and the courage to take ownership of their lives after enjoying SOUL ON FIRE.
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JOEL COURTNEY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. The Bible and On Fire by John O'Leary. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Fearlessness to imagine freely. Fear is the mind killer. Fear is something that can just totally hold you down and hold you back. - Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
A. My cellphone because it's got so many memories that I cherish and fondly look back on. - Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
A. My wife and Apostle Peter. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Pray about it and then follow your gut. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Be patient. I pushed too hard to build a life I wasn’t ready for. - Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
A. I'm a man who's imperfect and fallen, but I worship a God who's not. I'm married to an amazing woman and there's a lot to come.
