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Interview: 'A Million Little Things' actress Stephanie Szostak talks about 'Soul on Fire' movie
- Markos Papadatos
- Oct 11
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 14
Stephanie Szostak opens up about why the film’s message—that "we all have an impact on one another's lives"—resonated so deeply, detailing her emotional journey from first hearing John O’Leary’s miraculous story to stepping into the shoes of his resilient mother, Susan O’Leary. She reflects on the power of tough love, the camaraderie of working with John Corbett and Masey McLain, and the "amazing" experience of "A Million Little Things," hoping "Soul on Fire" inspires audiences with its messages of community, adversity, and personal significance.
Actress Stephanie Szostak of “A Million Little Things” chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about starring in the new film “Soul on Fire,” which is in theaters as of today, October 10th.
From “Regan” director Sean McNamara, “Soul on Fire” is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book “On Fire” by John O’Leary.
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.
On being a part of the movie “Soul on Fire,” Szostak said, “It was a really special ride from the day I first heard about John’s story, which was 15 years ago, to meeting him in person for the first time, to then being on set with him, to meeting his family, living in his hometown, and then, the movie premiere in St. Louis, which was unbelievable.”
Szostak was drawn to her character, Susan O’Leary, for many reasons. “I loved her love, and that encompasses unconditional motherly love and also tough love, which John credits for a lot of being who he is today.”
On working with John Corbett, she said, “It was really fun! John is awesome. He has no filter, and he is who he is. John played a prank on me on set, but he also was very moved by the story.”
“We all were, and it made for a great atmosphere on set,” she added.
She had great words about Masey McLain. “Masey is so wonderful in the movie, and she has a heart of gold, she said.
On the lessons learned from this screenplay, she said, “It made me reflect upon my life, specifically about tough love, and look at the people who gave me tough love, and realize that they helped me grow in many ways. It also made me reflect about myself as a mother.”
“It really made me realize that we all have an impact on one another’s lives every single day, and we can make the choice what that impact is going to be,” she underscored.
On the critical and commercial success of her book “Selfish,” she said, “The book is great. I do a lot of speaking around it, and I’ve done some really neat things that I never thought I would do.”
“I did a book club with a group of Marines, caregiver Marines (Marines who went through a lot), and now are caregivers. We did a book club together, and their feedback was just really amazing to hear,” she noted.
“I also did a book club with a group of mental health professionals at a university,” she said. “I never thought this book could be done as a book club.”
Her book “Selfish: Step Into a Journey of Self-Discovery to Revive Confidence, Joy, and Meaning” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
When asked about her experience doing “A Million Little Things,” she reflected, “While the show is done, it was an amazing experience.”
“Looking back, it was an incredible experience. Also, this show resonated with audiences in very personal ways,” she added.
“This was a show about overcoming adversity,” she noted. “It was a show about community, and I hope ‘Soul on Fire’ will touch as many people.”
On the title of the current chapter of her life, Szostak said, “Grateful.”
If she were to have any superpower, it would “teleportation” where she would snap her fingers and be wherever she would wish she could be.
Regarding her definition of the word success, Szostak said, “Success means living your life according to your principles and having a positive impact.”
For fans and viewers, she remarked about “Soul on Fire,” “I would love for people to get to see this movie in theaters, as a community, with their families.”
“This is a movie that will resonate with you, regardless of your own experiences, or your beliefs. It is a story of community, and how we can show up for one another; there are so many beautiful messages in it,” she acknowledged.
“John O’Leary has a beautiful way to talk about his story and not make it about him. John made it about all the people around him that have helped him,” she noted.
“So, if our audiences can then leave the theater being inspired, entertained, and realize that they matter in their own life, that would be amazing,” she concluded.