Actress Masey McLain chatted about starring in the new movie “Soul on Fire,” which was directed by Sean McNamara, and it is based on John O’Leary’s life.
The film is now available on digital and will be available on DVD on December 9th.
The synopsis is: John O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was nine years old.
Given no chance of survival, John endures an unbelievable road to recovery with the support of his family, faith, community and the kindness of his all-time idol, Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer Jack Buck.
Grateful for his miracle and shaped by life’s struggles, John’s mission to better the world inspires millions to do the extraordinary.
How was your experience in “Soul on Fire”?
It was life-giving. There wasn’t a moment on set that I wasn’t grateful to be there and honored to get to help tell this story.
Every single person on this team wanted to serve and give it their all to honoring John’s story — from the crew to the producers to the actors — we all knew we were a part of something bigger than ourselves and really felt the reverence of that. And you know who set the tone for that? John O’Leary.
We were making a story called Soul on Fire, but we got to experience what that actually means through John every day on set. He showed up and became that to everyone he encountered.
He knew everyone’s story on set — and you didn’t have a conversation with John where you didn’t walk away wanting to live more fully and intentionally. Proverbs says “in the tongue is the power of life and death” — so speak life.
We all got to experience the fruit of what it’s like to be around someone who speaks LIFE every day — over everyone he encounters. That made a mark on all of us on set.
What did you like most about your character?
I love the way Beth loves. To truly love someone, you have to know them fully, scars and all. That includes the physical, the emotional, and even the hidden, shame-filled places we work so hard to keep from others.
Beth steps into that space. She meets John in the middle of his deepest shame and insecurities—and chooses him. I think it’s a stunning reflection of the love of God… because that’s what He did for us.
In our worst God stepped down into humanity and said I choose you. So much so that I am going to send my son Jesus to die for your sins, your brokenness, on a cross, so that I can be with you forever.
The way Beth steps into the brokenness and chooses John even when he can’t choose himself,… it’s a reflection of the gospel, the love of God to me…
That’s my favorite thing about Beth. The line I get quoted back to me the most is from the moment where John admits he didn’t ask Beth out when they first met because he didn’t believe someone like her would want someone like him, she simply says: “Don’t ever underestimate me like that again.”
Don’t underestimate the love of God for you either.
What was it like working with the cast and crew?
Incredible. Every single cast and crew member was there to serve the story and it showed. We all just felt lucky to be there and honored to bring such an impactful journey to life.
Our director, Sean McNamara, has the best energy on set and we loved giving him our all.
The cast and crew were just amazing. We had the best camaraderie, laughter, and immediate bond — we meshed so well together.
It was so funny to hear John O’Leary’s pre-filming thoughts on what it would be like to work with “Hollywood” people … and to hear him say he was completely thrown off was the best thing…
No one was the stereotypical diva you sometimes hear about. It was just like a family showing up to work together every day.
What did this screenplay teach you about yourself?
Great question. One of my favorite quotes that John always says, and is in the movie, is “You can’t always choose the path you walk, but you can choose the manner in which you walk it.” That really got me.
There are so many disappointing things that can happen in our lives… things out of our control and things we never would have “chosen” for ourselves. But it’s all about HOW we walk those paths.
That’s the choice we have. In the worst times of my life, I’ve had a tendency to give into despair, or the “nobody understands” mentality. And there’s just no good that can come from that.
My life’s goal is to give God glory — in everything. In the paths I get to choose to walk, and in the paths I don’t necessarily choose.
I can choose to glorify him in whatever the season and whatever the circumstance. I can choose “life.” That’s something I actually really learned in a season prior to even getting this script — and then God really reinforced it when the script was put in my hands… I have the choice. I want to live like that more.
What motivates you each day as an actress and screenwriter?
The thing that motivates me each day as an actress and a screenwriter is the impact entertainment has on our culture.
When I get messages saying a film I acted in or wrote changed someone’s life… that fuels me more than anything.
How does it feel to be an actress, screenwriter and storyteller in the digital age?
You ask great questions! Honestly, there are so many amazing things about being a creative in the digital age… it’s never been easier to get your voice and message out there with just a tap on a screen.
That access is such a gift. But at the same time, it can be really overwhelming. It used to be that your main job was to hone your craft and become excellent at it.
Now, creatives are expected to also be marketers, content creators, and social media managers. That doesn’t always come naturally, especially when your heart is in the storytelling more than the strategy.
It can be tough to navigate, but for me, it always comes back to why I’m doing it. If I lose sight of that—if I’m not rooted in purpose—then none of the rest really matters.
How do you use technology in your daily routine?
Technology is a huge part of my day-to-day. I use it constantly to learn. I’m always soaking up new information, whether it’s about my craft, storytelling, or the industry as a whole.
I also use it as a tool to share my voice and the things I care deeply about. It’s how I promote my work and help get the word out about the projects I believe in.
Honestly, I don’t think a single day goes by where I’m not using it in some way—which is kind of wild when you think about it.
What does the word success mean to you?
If I can be effective in this life, then I will feel like I’ve succeeded. I want to glorify God with everything I do … and use my gifts and work to be effective for the Kingdom and just steward it all well.
Faithfulness is success to me. To be faithful with whatever I’ve been given.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Soul on Fire”?
It’s now available to rent or buy on Amazon!! I really hope you take the time to watch it. With so much content out there, it’s easy to scroll past things—but this one is worth your time because the impact of this story is lasting, and it’s powerful.
If you’re asking questions like “What’s my purpose?” or wrestling with apathy, loss, confusion, or any kind of pain—Soul on Fire is like a lightning bolt of clarity and hope. It’s a reminder that no matter where you are, or what you’ve walked through, you still have the power to choose.
You can move from victim to victor, from heartbreak to healing, from feeling stuck to living with unimaginable purpose—the choice is yours to make.
That’s what I hope people take from this story: the power of choice, and the freedom and purpose that comes with it.
To learn more about actress and screenwriter Masey McLain, follow her on Instagram.
Read More: “Soul on Fire” review
