John O’Leary welcomes Scott LeRette on the Live Inspired Podcast to share about the book and film The Unbreakable Boy and one family’s journey through brokenness, healing, and embracing life’s messy, beautiful moments.
Scott LeRette is a husband, father, and author of The Unbreakable Boy, the book that inspired the feature-length film of the same name. At its heart, his story is about one family’s journey through brokenness, healing, and embracing life’s messy, beautiful moments.
Today, Scott shares what it was like raising a son with brittle bone disease and autism, how his own battle with alcoholism nearly tore his family apart, and the moments of grace that changed everything. He opens up about his mother’s tough love, the lessons his son Austin teaches him daily, and the journey from brokenness to faith. With honesty, humor, and deep reflection, Scott reminds us that life’s hardships don’t define us—our response to them does.
My friends, if you need a reminder that life’s most beautiful moments are often wrapped in imperfection, this conversation is for you. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of hope, a deeper appreciation for the people in your life, and the encouragement to embrace every day—challenges and all—with gratitude.
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SHOW NOTES:
- The Warden: Scott felt his mom’s strength, resilience, and profound love left an indelible mark, guiding him through life’s challenges.
- Taken aback by Teresa’s beautiful blue eyes, Scott soon learned his bride’s eyes got that color because of her osteogenesis imperfecta, or Brittle Bone Disease.
- More beautiful for having been broken: Kunsukuroi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery.
- Believing Austin was just colicky as a baby, it wasn’t until they learned of his OI diagnosis that he was actually born with broken ribs.
- At 10, Austin was diagnosed with autism. Despite the medical and social challenges he faces, Austin exemplifies a profound capacity to find joy and value in simple moments, reminding us all of life’s inherent gifts.
- Driving drunk with Austin and Logan after a party, Scott believed God was on his shoulder and it served as an inflection point in his story.
- “As I got sober, I experienced a new feeling: Grace.” Today, Scott sees his sobriety and faith tied together.
- Scott says the three absolute keys to their story is faith, love, and humor.
- I wish I could love anything as much as Austin loves everything. ”Austin owns and celebrates each and every moment. Each experience, every single one of them to Austin is a gift.
- “Dad, you’re already half dead. So live.”
- The Unbreakable Boy is in theaters nationwide. Click here to find one near you!
Did you enjoy today’s episode?
You’ll love my conversation with Sparsh Shah. A teenage singing sensation, Sparsh refuses to let his disability define him. Sparsh radiates positivity, embracing his journey with awe-inspiring grace. Our conversation is filled with contagious optimism and resilience that will leave you deeply inspired. Listen to Sparsh Shah on ep. 138 now.
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SCOTT LERETTE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7
- Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
A. Alienist by Caleb Carr and The Message by Eugene Peterson. - Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
A. Thinking you're bigger than the world and that you can conquer anything. - 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. King James version of the Bible that I've had for 40 years. - 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. Jesus Christ or Johnny Cash. - Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A. Anything from my mom. - Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
A. Go find a church. - 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. Love.
