Blogs & Articles

Products

Recently Viewed

No items viewed yet.

Similar Searches

The Fabric of Your Life

3 Things Acting Taught Me

Her Name Is Sincere

Great things are on the horizon

Something big is brewing! Our store is in the works and will be launching soon!

Write your own playbook… and live it.

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 18

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17968523895169934

Writing a book is a mother of a… Stephen started this one years ago, then put it aside. And then life changed in the most unimaginable way when he and his wife tragically lost their son.

After writing Walk On, he came back to this book.

At its heart, The Circles We Carry is a story about the unbearable weight of grief and the small, unexpected graces that somehow carry us forward. The people who show up in the darkness and help take us just a little further than we thought we could go.

It’s beautiful, deeply human, and available for pre-order now. ❤️

Writing a book is a mother of a… Stephen started this one years ago, then put it aside. And then life changed in the most unimaginable way when he and his wife tragically lost their son.

After writing Walk On, he came back to this book.

At its heart, The Circles We Carry is a story about the unbearable weight of grief and the small, unexpected graces that somehow carry us forward. The people who show up in the darkness and help take us just a little further than we thought we could go.

It’s beautiful, deeply human, and available for pre-order now. ❤️ ...

47 2

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 7

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17881123074624582

A Laboring Day Weekend ⛳️

236 12

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 30

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18621975961049621

Trente ans married to this young buck!!! ❤️ 3️⃣0️⃣

1122 102

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Jul 1

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17955297456009275

The magic of the world 🏆
Allez les Bleus 🇫🇷

422 31

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

May 29

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18018657179845786

Loved being part of “The Power of the Game” with @lindsaycz and @theannliguori, sharing stories about sports, acting, hustling, taking risks, and “the things no one tells you.”

If you’re a golfer, get a copy of @theannliguori new book “Life On The Green” (12 interviews with legends 💥⛳️)

Thank you @newcanaanlibrary and to everyone who came out ❤️

266 14

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

May 19

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17989055897978337

Thank you to everyone who’s helped shape THE ACTORS WAY and bring it to financial advisors, attorneys, athletes, and anyone who deals with uncertainty, rejection, and life’s messy middles✨

Unlike in Acting, life doesn’t come with a script, but it can come with a Personal Playbook 🎭

I’m excited to share this reel. I love meeting and speaking to new audiences.
Also, if you are a speaker in need of a reel, I highly recommend the team at Outspeak Media. 🙌

Enjoy! 🎬

Thank you to everyone who’s helped shape THE ACTORS WAY and bring it to financial advisors, attorneys, athletes, and anyone who deals with uncertainty, rejection, and life’s messy middles✨

Unlike in Acting, life doesn’t come with a script, but it can come with a Personal Playbook 🎭

I’m excited to share this reel. I love meeting and speaking to new audiences.
Also, if you are a speaker in need of a reel, I highly recommend the team at Outspeak Media. 🙌

Enjoy! 🎬 ...

346 63

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

May 16

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18073475951392540

I hope you…. try golfing in @williamsathleticclub ⛳️

376 25

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

May 5

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18100881601993285

Happy Mother’s Day 🤍
Thank you Good Day New York and @meganmeany50 for featuring SELF!SH for Mother’s Day!

If you’re navigating change, rebuilding confidence, or simply ready to reconnect with yourself, SELF!SH is for you✨

66 17

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

May 1

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18090617293970720

What does it mean to you…?

#mentalhealthawarenessmonth 💚

58 4

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Apr 23

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18101186332807979

Grazie mille Italia 🇮🇹

241 30

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Apr 19

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18226512448314282

Rendez-vous à Paris with my 90+ year old parents 🥐🇫🇷

489 47

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Apr 14

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18098375450078335

91 18

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Mar 24

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17994197687764026

Otis. Sun is shining. Still cold.

287 18

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Mar 21

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17914993371340902

Mother Plucker’s day is around the corner If you’re a mother…or if you’re a father… do yourself a favor and go see @2motherpluckers. I laughed so hard, I cried and I am blown away by these two Broadway veterans 🎭
📅 April 30th
📅 May 14th
📅 May 28th
📍 @bijoutheatrect
🎟️ More info: @2motherpluckers.com

57 4

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Feb 27

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18069085883226449

Thank you for being so engaged @sacredheartuniversity (especially post-lunch :)

I loved sharing stories from the messy middle of my career with you, and it was truly a gift to watch you apply those concepts to your own experiences in real time.

I hope SELF!SH becomes a practical companion as you continue building your own Playbook for life.

Thank you James Geisler and Denise Tiberio for making this conversation possible! And @jerrigrahamphotography for the great pics!

Thank you for being so engaged @sacredheartuniversity (especially post-lunch :)

I loved sharing stories from the messy middle of my career with you, and it was truly a gift to watch you apply those concepts to your own experiences in real time.

I hope SELF!SH becomes a practical companion as you continue building your own Playbook for life.

Thank you James Geisler and Denise Tiberio for making this conversation possible! And @jerrigrahamphotography for the great pics! ...

143 24

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Feb 22

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18169387708393499

This morning my flight from Detroit on American Airlines, was cancelled. I was re-booked and then that one got cancelled.

I found availability on Spirit and with my one-way ticket, I made it to the gate hopeful…. when an announcement was made that our flight could not board. One of their flight attendants didn’t make it but they were waiting for backup.
When the flight attendant arrived at the gate, everyone clapped and cheered out of relief… we could board!

When I got to my seat, Sincere (the flight attendant’s name) was standing in the row in front of mine, so after I sat down, I reached out to say thank you so much for making it and I really appreciated it.

Sincere lives in Detroit. She was supposed to head home after a six day stretch of work for a day off. But today when she landed in Detroit from Ft Lauderdale, she was asked to step in for a colleague so our flight wouldn’t be canceled. She said yes.

After boarding she found out her return flight from New York had now been canceled… and will now be stuck for a day or maybe two. I just happened to be next to her when she found out her flight was cancelled. No one else on our flight will know the sacrifice Sincere made, quietly, professionally… just so we wouldn’t get stuck.

So here’s to Sincere (a very appropriate name) who helped hundreds of us make our way home to NYC today just before this Blizzard touched down.

To @spiritairlines, please note what an incredible difference one of your amazing team members has made on this very difficult travel day.

This morning my flight from Detroit on American Airlines, was cancelled. I was re-booked and then that one got cancelled.

I found availability on Spirit and with my one-way ticket, I made it to the gate hopeful…. when an announcement was made that our flight could not board. One of their flight attendants didn’t make it but they were waiting for backup.
When the flight attendant arrived at the gate, everyone clapped and cheered out of relief… we could board!

When I got to my seat, Sincere (the flight attendant’s name) was standing in the row in front of mine, so after I sat down, I reached out to say thank you so much for making it and I really appreciated it.

Sincere lives in Detroit. She was supposed to head home after a six day stretch of work for a day off. But today when she landed in Detroit from Ft Lauderdale, she was asked to step in for a colleague so our flight wouldn’t be canceled. She said yes.

After boarding she found out her return flight from New York had now been canceled… and will now be stuck for a day or maybe two. I just happened to be next to her when she found out her flight was cancelled. No one else on our flight will know the sacrifice Sincere made, quietly, professionally… just so we wouldn’t get stuck.

So here’s to Sincere (a very appropriate name) who helped hundreds of us make our way home to NYC today just before this Blizzard touched down.

To @spiritairlines, please note what an incredible difference one of your amazing team members has made on this very difficult travel day. ...

1274 37

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Feb 14

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18421300798139736

Incredibly honored to work with the team @theinterview_nyt to lend my voice to the English voiceover of Madame Pelicot for this podcast.

Her story is haunting. Her spirit is beyond inspiring.

Gisele Pelicot on “The Interview” spoke with journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro.

Repost @theinterview_nyt In 2020, Gisèle Pelicot husband, Dominique, was caught secretly filming up women’s skirts at a local supermarket near their home in southeastern France. After the police arrested him, they discovered videos and photographs of his wife being assaulted by at least 70 men — assaults that Mr. Pelicot had recorded and saved.

Ms. Pelicot did not know about the assaults until the police told her what they’d found because she had been drugged by her husband. When Mr. Pelicot and 50 men were prosecuted in a mass trial in 2024, she allowed the case to be open to the public, determined that the shame of rape not fall on victims. Her courage turned her into a feminist hero, inspiring women to support her at the courthouse and all over the world. “I think this trial echoed their suffering. They recognized themselves,” Ms. Pelicot said. All of the men were found guilty.

Ms. Pelicot has a new memoir out this month, “A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,” and she talked with @lulugnavarro about the book, her harrowing experience and how she has rebuilt her life on “The Interview.” Read, watch or listen at the link in our bio.

Photograph by @philipgay

Incredibly honored to work with the team @theinterview_nyt to lend my voice to the English voiceover of Madame Pelicot for this podcast.

Her story is haunting. Her spirit is beyond inspiring.

Gisele Pelicot on “The Interview” spoke with journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro.

Repost @theinterview_nyt In 2020, Gisèle Pelicot husband, Dominique, was caught secretly filming up women’s skirts at a local supermarket near their home in southeastern France. After the police arrested him, they discovered videos and photographs of his wife being assaulted by at least 70 men — assaults that Mr. Pelicot had recorded and saved.

Ms. Pelicot did not know about the assaults until the police told her what they’d found because she had been drugged by her husband. When Mr. Pelicot and 50 men were prosecuted in a mass trial in 2024, she allowed the case to be open to the public, determined that the shame of rape not fall on victims. Her courage turned her into a feminist hero, inspiring women to support her at the courthouse and all over the world. “I think this trial echoed their suffering. They recognized themselves,” Ms. Pelicot said. All of the men were found guilty.

Ms. Pelicot has a new memoir out this month, “A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,” and she talked with @lulugnavarro about the book, her harrowing experience and how she has rebuilt her life on “The Interview.” Read, watch or listen at the link in our bio.

Photograph by @philipgay ...

66 6

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Jan 19

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17992856873877513

We shot Soul On Fire in 2023. It took two years to find a studio and get it released in theaters. And now, this little film is on Netflix! The true story of @johnoleary.inspires, a reservoir of courage and gratitude for the tough days all wrapped into a feel good movie. Watch it on Netflix 🔥🤍

846 36

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Jan 10

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18078818546214851

Number five 🔥 and climbed to number 2 the next day.
Behind the scenes…
I learned about @johnoleary.inspires’ story 15 years ago. Then read his book. Then was listening to his podcast. Then was a guest on his podcast. Then John asked me to play his mom, Susan! #lifeworksinmysteriousways⭐️

107 12

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Jan 5

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18029120618583541

So long 2025… here’s to nature in all its beauty finding us in 2026 🌊

252 16

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Dec 2

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18086626342994656

Any of you Gen Xers out there will love Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman.
📗❤️
Otis and I soaked up some much enjoyed couch time while I gobbled every page.

Congrats @alliandasha on your 5th book together 👏 hank you for the advanced copy!❤️ Pre-order today. You’ll get it on Dec 30th — in time for a little New Year inspiration.

Synopsis:
She’s not at a crossroads - she’s back at the starting line. A blindsided soon-to-be divorcée rediscovers herself in this witty, celebratory novel about a hard-fought comeback in the second half of life.

Any of you Gen Xers out there will love Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman.
📗❤️
Otis and I soaked up some much enjoyed couch time while I gobbled every page.

Congrats @alliandasha on your 5th book together 👏 hank you for the advanced copy!❤️ Pre-order today. You’ll get it on Dec 30th — in time for a little New Year inspiration.

Synopsis:
She’s not at a crossroads - she’s back at the starting line. A blindsided soon-to-be divorcée rediscovers herself in this witty, celebratory novel about a hard-fought comeback in the second half of life. ...

73 5

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Nov 17

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17948894637025398

Get your SOUL ON FIRE right from your couch. 
Based on the true story of @johnoleary.inspires and now streaming for your next family movie night 🍿📺

Synopsis:
A tragic accident leaves 9-year-old John O’Leary with burns covering 100% of his body. He soon embarks on a miraculous road to recovery with support from family, the community, and baseball announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for the gift of life, John becomes a motivational speaker who inspires millions of people to make the world a better place.

Get your SOUL ON FIRE right from your couch. 
Based on the true story of @johnoleary.inspires and now streaming for your next family movie night 🍿📺

Synopsis:
A tragic accident leaves 9-year-old John O’Leary with burns covering 100% of his body. He soon embarks on a miraculous road to recovery with support from family, the community, and baseball announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for the gift of life, John becomes a motivational speaker who inspires millions of people to make the world a better place. ...

167 22

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Nov 11

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17903273478283099

Happy Veterans Day 🇺🇸
Our veterans need our help. Please consider supporting Give an Hour with a donation at Giveanhour.org

Give an Hour and the Military:
Mental health needs of military service members and veterans continue to increase, and the reality is that the demand for support outweighs the military’s ability to meet those needs.
Give an Hour is poised to step in and provide confidential, no-cost mental health care services to active-duty military, reservists, guard, veterans, and, in certain cases, spouses and caregivers.
Programs include one-on-one counseling, peer support groups, and emotional wellness training.

Happy Veterans Day 🇺🇸
Our veterans need our help. Please consider supporting Give an Hour with a donation at Giveanhour.org

Give an Hour and the Military:
Mental health needs of military service members and veterans continue to increase, and the reality is that the demand for support outweighs the military’s ability to meet those needs.
Give an Hour is poised to step in and provide confidential, no-cost mental health care services to active-duty military, reservists, guard, veterans, and, in certain cases, spouses and caregivers.
Programs include one-on-one counseling, peer support groups, and emotional wellness training. ...

276 28

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Nov 6

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18425361763110907

A very Devil Wears Prada Jacqueline Follet suit moment…minus the stilettos 😉 The Jackie Blazer + Katherine Pant + Audrey Body Suit from @williamsathleticclub 🤍

Code: STEPHANIE10 for 10% off.
Link in bio - sign up for early access to Black Friday Sale

#williamsathleticclub #blackfriday
#devilwearsprada

367 32

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Nov 5

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18123715759513024

To the small moments in between ☁️
“The earth is full of thresholds where beauty awaits the wonder of our gaze.”
— John O’Donohue

151 9

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 30

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18080680453877948

“My Friend Abby” was founded by Gillian Anderson in honor of her beautiful daughter Abby, who died by suicide at 15. Their mission: empower youth to support one another through peer-to-peer connection and mental health resources.

I first learned about Abby almost ten years ago through my boys’ sitter Delly. Her and I instantly connected. We loved to chat together about life-the small stuff and the big stuff. The good stuff and the hard stuff. During that time Delly told me about losing her friend Abby in high-school. How incomprehensible it was. How the whole community went into crisis mode and also how everyone came together. Years later, it was Abby and Gillian’s impact that inspired Delly to go back to school and become a social worker.

The evening was a beautiful reminder of the communities we can create when we open up to one another without shame or stigma. Here’s to the ripple effects we can all create by showing up for one another. Gillian, thank you for having me. Here’s to you, to your beautiful family and the community you have created. Here’s to Abby. 💛

#MyFriendAbby
#ShareYourLight
#mentalhealthmatters

“My Friend Abby” was founded by Gillian Anderson in honor of her beautiful daughter Abby, who died by suicide at 15. Their mission: empower youth to support one another through peer-to-peer connection and mental health resources.

I first learned about Abby almost ten years ago through my boys’ sitter Delly. Her and I instantly connected. We loved to chat together about life-the small stuff and the big stuff. The good stuff and the hard stuff. During that time Delly told me about losing her friend Abby in high-school. How incomprehensible it was. How the whole community went into crisis mode and also how everyone came together. Years later, it was Abby and Gillian’s impact that inspired Delly to go back to school and become a social worker.

The evening was a beautiful reminder of the communities we can create when we open up to one another without shame or stigma. Here’s to the ripple effects we can all create by showing up for one another. Gillian, thank you for having me. Here’s to you, to your beautiful family and the community you have created. Here’s to Abby. 💛

#MyFriendAbby
#ShareYourLight
#mentalhealthmatters ...

207 18

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 28

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18126670327493561

Glimmers ✨ — a term from Deb Dana (licensed clinical social worker and leading expert in Polyvagal Theory) — are the tiny moments of joy, calm or connection. They happen every day, we just need to learn to notice them.  They don’t cancel out stress or hardship — they coexist with it. They remind us that even on heavy days, small sparks of joy are possible. And the beauty? The more we notice them, the more we see them.
Try noticing them… maybe it’s the tap tapping of your dog’s paws on the hardwood floor? Maybe it’s… whatever it is… notice and maybe before you hit the sack tonight, write a couple of them down 💛💤

Thank you Jay Moon Fields @heywaitwithjay for telling me about this concept.🤍

#DebDana #mentalhealthpractice #gratitude #glimmers

Glimmers ✨ — a term from Deb Dana (licensed clinical social worker and leading expert in Polyvagal Theory) — are the tiny moments of joy, calm or connection. They happen every day, we just need to learn to notice them.  They don’t cancel out stress or hardship — they coexist with it. They remind us that even on heavy days, small sparks of joy are possible. And the beauty? The more we notice them, the more we see them.
Try noticing them… maybe it’s the tap tapping of your dog’s paws on the hardwood floor? Maybe it’s… whatever it is… notice and maybe before you hit the sack tonight, write a couple of them down 💛💤

Thank you Jay Moon Fields @heywaitwithjay for telling me about this concept.🤍

#DebDana #mentalhealthpractice #gratitude #glimmers ...

68 18

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 20

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17955227418001712

Thelma Louise and The RoadE on a Joy ride 🚗❤️
(with a little Red Lion magic)

124 18

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 15

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18115313818480916

So good to be back at The Dan Jansen Celebrity Classic supporting The Cool Kids Campaign and The Dan Jansen Foundation. And pretty amazing to tee it up with Bonnie Blair (5x Gold medalist) and Jack O’Callahan (Miracle on Ice Game)! ⛸️🥇🇺🇸

Thank you @williamsathleticclub for the styling — on and off the course! ⛳️

The Cool Kids Campaign’s mission is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis.

The Mission of the Dan Jansen Foundation is to solicit financial support and distribute funds to charities with an emphasis on aiding individuals and families affected by cancer. The Foundations supports youth sports programs and educational scholarships.

📸 @loslknmedia

#OlympicGold #MiracleOnIce #Golf #golfisfun
#coolkidscampaign

So good to be back at The Dan Jansen Celebrity Classic supporting The Cool Kids Campaign and The Dan Jansen Foundation. And pretty amazing to tee it up with Bonnie Blair (5x Gold medalist) and Jack O’Callahan (Miracle on Ice Game)! ⛸️🥇🇺🇸

Thank you @williamsathleticclub for the styling — on and off the course! ⛳️

The Cool Kids Campaign’s mission is devoted to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families by focusing on the academic, social, and emotional needs brought on by a cancer diagnosis.

The Mission of the Dan Jansen Foundation is to solicit financial support and distribute funds to charities with an emphasis on aiding individuals and families affected by cancer. The Foundations supports youth sports programs and educational scholarships.

📸 @loslknmedia

#OlympicGold #MiracleOnIce #Golf #golfisfun
#coolkidscampaign ...

348 31

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 14

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18090550294851868

Dreamy kind of day

153 6

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 10

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18000809141831862

✨ “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” — Maya Angelou

Zoom in to the SOUL ON FIRE POSTER and you’ll see that in every square behind John is a person who showed up for him. His family. Friends. Nurses. Strangers. People who brought light into the darkest moments.

It reminded me of Maya Angelou who said:
“When I step onto a stage, I bring everyone who’s ever been kind to me with me… I’ve had rainbows in my clouds. And the thing to do is to prepare yourself to be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud —somebody who may not look like you, call God the same name, or speak your language — but be a blessing to somebody.””

💚 Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder that we all need one another.
If you can, go see SOUL ON FIRE this week. Bring your loved ones. Let it remind you of your rainbows… and the power we all have to be one for somebody else.

#SoulOnFireMovie #JohnOLeary #MayaAngelou #WorldMentalHealthDay #Hope #Humanity #FaithInAction #Community #Inspiration

✨ “Be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud.” — Maya Angelou

Zoom in to the SOUL ON FIRE POSTER and you’ll see that in every square behind John is a person who showed up for him. His family. Friends. Nurses. Strangers. People who brought light into the darkest moments.

It reminded me of Maya Angelou who said:
“When I step onto a stage, I bring everyone who’s ever been kind to me with me… I’ve had rainbows in my clouds. And the thing to do is to prepare yourself to be a rainbow in somebody else’s cloud —somebody who may not look like you, call God the same name, or speak your language — but be a blessing to somebody.””

💚 Today is World Mental Health Day — a reminder that we all need one another.
If you can, go see SOUL ON FIRE this week. Bring your loved ones. Let it remind you of your rainbows… and the power we all have to be one for somebody else.

#SoulOnFireMovie #JohnOLeary #MayaAngelou #WorldMentalHealthDay #Hope #Humanity #FaithInAction #Community #Inspiration ...

76 10

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 9

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18096427495735355

✨ “Even in suffering, there can be joy…” — John O’Leary

🎬 SOUL ON FIRE opens tomorrow!

Hope you can head to the movies for opening weekend (you’ll help the movie stay in theaters) 🍿Bring your friends, family, and kids! Celebrate the extraordinary ripple that begins when we simply show up for one another 🔥❤️

#SoulOnFireMovie #JohnOLeary #TrueStory #Hope #Inspiration

Synopsis:
From Director Sean McNamara (Reagan, Soul Surfer), the film is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book On Fire by John O’Leary. O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was 9-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.

✨ “Even in suffering, there can be joy…” — John O’Leary

🎬 SOUL ON FIRE opens tomorrow!

Hope you can head to the movies for opening weekend (you’ll help the movie stay in theaters) 🍿Bring your friends, family, and kids! Celebrate the extraordinary ripple that begins when we simply show up for one another 🔥❤️

#SoulOnFireMovie #JohnOLeary #TrueStory #Hope #Inspiration

Synopsis:
From Director Sean McNamara (Reagan, Soul Surfer), the film is inspired by the true story and 2016 bestselling book On Fire by John O’Leary. O’Leary’s story begins with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was 9-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. ...

135 13

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 8

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17968931030807404

Such a fun morning at 30 Rock with the crew at the TODAY Show chatting with William H. Macy about SOUL ON FIRE.
Thank you for having us!

SOUL ON FIRE in theaters in this Friday 🔥

Thank you @makeupbyjoseeleduc @vince @jenngerla @tulajem for the glam 💋

264 44

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 5

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18342967564206810

This is the true story behind the movie SOUL ON FIRE. In theaters this Friday Oct. 10th! Go see it! Bring your family! (Rated PG) RePosted from @johnoleary.inspires Nearly 40 years ago, a legendary broadcaster named Jack Buck changed the life of a little boy who was fighting for his next breath. That boy was me.

After I was burned on 100% of my body as a child, Jack didn’t just visit once—he kept showing up. Through simple, consistent acts of kindness, he reminded me that even in the darkest seasons, we are never truly alone.

This oldie-but-goodie from MLB shares that story: the bond between Jack Buck and “The Kid.” As I rewatched it, I was reminded that one person’s encouragement can alter the course of another’s life forever.

My hope is that as you watch, you’ll be inspired to show up for someone in your life today—because you never know the difference it might make.

#LiveInspired #JackBuck #JohnOLeary #BasedOnATrueStory #ActsOfKindness

This is the true story behind the movie SOUL ON FIRE. In theaters this Friday Oct. 10th! Go see it! Bring your family! (Rated PG) RePosted from @johnoleary.inspires Nearly 40 years ago, a legendary broadcaster named Jack Buck changed the life of a little boy who was fighting for his next breath. That boy was me.

After I was burned on 100% of my body as a child, Jack didn’t just visit once—he kept showing up. Through simple, consistent acts of kindness, he reminded me that even in the darkest seasons, we are never truly alone.

This oldie-but-goodie from MLB shares that story: the bond between Jack Buck and “The Kid.” As I rewatched it, I was reminded that one person’s encouragement can alter the course of another’s life forever.

My hope is that as you watch, you’ll be inspired to show up for someone in your life today—because you never know the difference it might make.

#LiveInspired #JackBuck #JohnOLeary #BasedOnATrueStory #ActsOfKindness ...

228 12

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 4

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18089198458875824

My friend @lindsaycz is such a great interviewer!! 🎙️On her latest episode of Things No One Tells You (@thingsnoonetellsyoupod), we talked about SOUL ON FIRE (in theaters 10/10🔥), and also about tough love in parenting, from our teachers and mentors in career, sports—sometimes it’s the one thing we need to get our head out of our 🍑and rise up to the task. Plus a great lesson i learned from one of my kids’ sitter (that’s you Natalie 💛)!

My friend @lindsaycz is such a great interviewer!! 🎙️On her latest episode of Things No One Tells You (@thingsnoonetellsyoupod), we talked about SOUL ON FIRE (in theaters 10/10🔥), and also about tough love in parenting, from our teachers and mentors in career, sports—sometimes it’s the one thing we need to get our head out of our 🍑and rise up to the task. Plus a great lesson i learned from one of my kids’ sitter (that’s you Natalie 💛)! ...

142 10

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 3

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17862977556477140

SOUL ON FIRE movie premiere 🔥
In theaters next Friday 10/10 - go see it!

Synopsis: A tragic accident leaves 9-year-old John O’Leary with burns covering 100% of his body. He soon embarks on a miraculous road to recovery with support from family, the community, and baseball announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for the gift of life, John becomes a motivational speaker who inspires millions of people to make the world a better place.

Thank you for the glam!!
Makeup @charlotterose.makeup
Hair @thecutslut

SOUL ON FIRE movie premiere 🔥
In theaters next Friday 10/10 - go see it!

Synopsis: A tragic accident leaves 9-year-old John O’Leary with burns covering 100% of his body. He soon embarks on a miraculous road to recovery with support from family, the community, and baseball announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for the gift of life, John becomes a motivational speaker who inspires millions of people to make the world a better place.

Thank you for the glam!!
Makeup @charlotterose.makeup
Hair @thecutslut ...

627 84

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Oct 2

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17863503360414247

Pre-Premiere in St. Louis for SOUL ON FIRE 🔥 The incredible true story of @johnoleary.inspires
In theaters 10/10!!!

💄Makeup @charlotterose.makeup
✂️Hair @thecutslut

360 26

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 23

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18056367161530934

Girls Got Drive Event! ⛳️
What a treat to do this event with my dear friend, sportscaster @lindsaycz, at the @pgatoursuperstore in Norwalk, CT. We swapped stories about career and golf (Lindsay started playing the game 5 years ago, me 45 years ago) and shared how the game can teach kids (and adults alike) lessons that go far beyond the course on preparation, confidence, resilience and being present!

Thank you to everyone who came out, to @pgatoursuperstore and @xxiogolf for hosting and for having SELF!SH there too! 💜 Loved chatting afterwards and hearing your stories about what golf means in your lives.

📸 @jerrigrahamphotography

Girls Got Drive Event! ⛳️
What a treat to do this event with my dear friend, sportscaster @lindsaycz, at the @pgatoursuperstore in Norwalk, CT. We swapped stories about career and golf (Lindsay started playing the game 5 years ago, me 45 years ago) and shared how the game can teach kids (and adults alike) lessons that go far beyond the course on preparation, confidence, resilience and being present!

Thank you to everyone who came out, to @pgatoursuperstore and @xxiogolf for hosting and for having SELF!SH there too! 💜 Loved chatting afterwards and hearing your stories about what golf means in your lives.

📸 @jerrigrahamphotography ...

376 27

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 19

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18148649134405880

Fall bloom ❤️ Clematis 🍂

93 6

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 18

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18010523429619260

Check your bottoms! 🍑 Early screening saves lives. Honored to support Craig Melvin & Lindsay Czarniak’s invitational benefitting the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. 💙

#colorectalcancerawareness

247 16

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 12

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17874752442419232

Calling all golfers (and future golfers)! ⛳️
Join my wonderful friend Lindsay Czarniak and me at GIRLS GOT DRIVE™ presented by XXIO at PGA TOUR Superstore in Norwalk.
We’ll have conversation, a putting contest, book signing — and most importantly, a space to celebrate women in golf and welcome everyone to the game.
📅 Sept 20 | 2–4 PM
📍 PGA TOUR Superstore – 51 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT
Bring a friend, come say hi, and let’s have some fun!
👉 Plan Your Visit: https://www.pgatoursuperstore.com/stores/detail?StoreID=1257

Calling all golfers (and future golfers)! ⛳️
Join my wonderful friend Lindsay Czarniak and me at GIRLS GOT DRIVE™ presented by XXIO at PGA TOUR Superstore in Norwalk.
We’ll have conversation, a putting contest, book signing — and most importantly, a space to celebrate women in golf and welcome everyone to the game.
📅 Sept 20 | 2–4 PM
📍 PGA TOUR Superstore – 51 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT
Bring a friend, come say hi, and let’s have some fun!
👉 Plan Your Visit: https://www.pgatoursuperstore.com/stores/detail?StoreID=1257 ...

97 9

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 3

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18361909033152150

So grateful for this conversation with @amygoldberg3 for @optimyzmag 💛.
We talked about the roles we fall into, what happens when old fuel stops working, and how starting over can feel both messy and liberating🌱
Merci Amy for your thoughtful questions — and Optimyz for the September cover.

📸 @jerrigrahamphotography 🥰🙏

348 40

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Sep 2

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18113196982467329

Morning rays with Otis ☀️

252 15

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 30

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17999363918814298

29 years of lighting each other up 🔥❤️

952 88

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 27

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 17905312560248988

Thank you @johnoleary.inspires for trusting me to play your beautiful Mama and for this beautiful introduction 🙏
Repost from @johnoleary.inspires: Portraying my parents—Denny and Susan O’Leary—was never going to be easy.

In the face of impossible odds, my parents anchored our family, believed in my recovery, and kept hope alive when it would have been far easier to give in to despair.

John Corbett and @stephshortstak 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. I think you’ll see why in this behind-the-scenes look from Sony’s @affirmfilms… and even more so when the movie opens this fall.

#SoulOnFireMovie #JohnOLeary #BasedOnATrueStory #LiveInspired #OctoberMoviePremier

Thank you @johnoleary.inspires for trusting me to play your beautiful Mama and for this beautiful introduction 🙏
Repost from @johnoleary.inspires: Portraying my parents—Denny and Susan O’Leary—was never going to be easy.

In the face of impossible odds, my parents anchored our family, believed in my recovery, and kept hope alive when it would have been far easier to give in to despair.

John Corbett and @stephshortstak 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. I think you’ll see why in this behind-the-scenes look from Sony’s @affirmfilms… and even more so when the movie opens this fall.

#SoulOnFireMovie #JohnOLeary #BasedOnATrueStory #LiveInspired #OctoberMoviePremier ...

68 10

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 18

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18017230673576929

Psychotherapist Dr. Joy Miller shared this chart with me, and I love how simply it helps us start noticing what sets us off. Triggers are so personal. We feel them in our minds and bodies—we get riled up or we shut down.
So next time you get triggered because your family “makes you” late for the airport (me tomorrow 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪) or a friend jumps straight into politics (I keep hearing about friendships lost over this)… maybe we can remember to pause, recognize what’s happening, and hopefully choose a more constructive or fun response.

Psychotherapist Dr. Joy Miller shared this chart with me, and I love how simply it helps us start noticing what sets us off. Triggers are so personal. We feel them in our minds and bodies—we get riled up or we shut down.
So next time you get triggered because your family “makes you” late for the airport (me tomorrow 🙋🏻‍♀️🤪) or a friend jumps straight into politics (I keep hearing about friendships lost over this)… maybe we can remember to pause, recognize what’s happening, and hopefully choose a more constructive or fun response. ...

68 16

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 12

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18016607846578171

Golf is so relaxing!
(Pic 2 what it’s really like)

#swingthoughts
#mentalchatter

145 19

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 7

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18106011910486393

Supporting your college Freshman: in conversation with Dr. James Geisler, director of Wellness Services at Sacred Heart University and author of THRIVE YEAR ONE.

#mentalhealth #collegeprep #parentlife #collegefreshman #mentalhealthawareness

337 30

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 6

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18057457301079889

I don’t usually drink out of the bottle but it was my birthday and the waiter surprised me with some bubbly and a message: “Jenna says Happy Birthday!”
Wait, what!? Before I could say thank you, Jenna was already gone like a stealthy angel 💘🥂

Thank you for the amazing gesture (and the buzz) @jenna_crandall . Woke up with a very full heart- you made my birthday special❤️🍾

1027 113

View Instagram post by stephshortstak

Aug 3

Open post by stephshortstak with ID 18078279133746576

Hope you enjoy my husband’s commentary 🤪

My son forwarded me a new routine from @mikerholland. Feels like some ChiGhong moves but fast. Love it for when i want to get energized, need a mental break, or open my body.

Here’s the sequence (clearly I got the order wrong)
Jump, spinal waves, arm swings, trunk twists, dead arms, golf swings, marching knee slaps (1minute each).

#movement
#mindbodyenergy

Hope you enjoy my husband’s commentary 🤪

My son forwarded me a new routine from @mikerholland. Feels like some ChiGhong moves but fast. Love it for when i want to get energized, need a mental break, or open my body.

Here’s the sequence (clearly I got the order wrong)
Jump, spinal waves, arm swings, trunk twists, dead arms, golf swings, marching knee slaps (1minute each).

#movement
#mindbodyenergy ...

322 37

Follow on Instagram

© STEPHANIE SZOSTAK 2026 | Designed by RE-TOOL®