Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Epizody

• Why Good Companies Lose Their Humanity | Eric Ries - EP 775 02.06.2026 53min

  Why do good companies lose their humanity? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Lean Startup creator Eric Ries to explore a growing crisis hiding in plain sight: why so many people no longer trust the institutions that shape their lives. From global corporations and banks to everyday organizations, many entities begin with a clear mission to serve but gradually drift away from the core values that made them meaningful in the first place.Drawing from his groundbreaking new book, Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great, Eric explains how mission-driven organizations become vulnerable to "financial gravity"—the powerful systemic force that slowly pulls leaders away from long-term value creation and toward short-term extraction. Together, John and Eric examine why trust is the most valuable asset an organization can possess, how successful companies lose their soul, and what leaders can do to build institutions that remain aligned with their purpose for generations.Through the lens of real-world stories involving Costco, HEB, FedMart, Silicon Valley Bank, Walmart, Microsoft, and Amazon, this conversation reveals why organizational trust is eroding across society and what it takes to create companies that people genuinely believe in.In this episode, you will learn:The hidden force of financial gravity and how it quietly reshapes organizational behavior.Why organizations routinely lose their humanity as they become more successful.The tragic story of Sol Price, FedMart, and the governance secrets that protect Costco today.The critical operational difference between shareholder primacy and mission primacy.Why Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse offers vital lessons about corporate purpose and integrity.The concept of the invisible leader and why shared purpose shapes behavior more powerfully than hierarchy. Practical blueprints for founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to build organizations that endure without losing their soul.Passion Struck is the #1 Health and Wellness Podcast and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Limited Time Offers:FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order when you go to ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCKShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKFull Show NotesDownload the companion Substack Article and WorkbookLearn More About Eric Ries: https://www.ericries.comGet Eric's New Book: Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay GreatConnect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: 
• How to Make Your Struggles Meaningful | John R. Miles - EP 774 29.05.2026 17min

  In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles pulls back the curtain on the final phase of personal transformation, drawing on the timeless narrative of The Shawshank Redemption, behavioral coach Eric Zimmer, and Say It Now founder Walter Green to confront a challenging human truth: why your greatest struggles are never meant to be private secrets. We live in a hyper-optimized culture that treats growth like a localized fortress—focusing heavily on our own routines, boundaries, and self-preservation. This intense focus on individual performance often leaves us isolated, trapped on an endless corporate scoreboard while forgetting that true human flourishing requires an outward pivot toward generative contribution.Through a profound exploration of Andy Dufresne’s quiet prison library campaign and the three major chapters of human development, John reveals how turning adversity into contribution can permanently break through the isolation that lines our daily lives. This episode explores why massive lifestyle overhauls fail due to biological friction, how a series of small, low-resistance actions build invisible momentum until a little becomes a lot, and how to practice the art of specific, living gratitude before it is too late. John models this vulnerability through his own story of unexpressed appreciation for a high school teammate, offering a gentle roadmap to put a clear flashlight on our closest relationships today.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why massive life overhauls trigger biological friction and cause an endless cycle of starting over.How Andy Dufresne used low-resistance actions to turn a brutal prison environment into a generative space.The three life chapters—knowing yourself, making yourself, and becoming yourself—and how to navigate them.The hidden trap of the making chapter and why elite success often leaves high performers feeling isolated and lonely.Why our culture routinely postpones deep validation for the funeral and how to permanently break that custom.The profound psychological difference between generic compliments and radical, explicit relational specificity.How to tell someone they matter using a simple, three-step practice for turning outward.Why the human mind craves outcome-independent giving and how to let go of needing a specific response.How to use your scars as a clear mirror to ignite a compounding ripple effect of hope across your community.If you’ve ever struggled with optimization fatigue, the isolating weight of professional achievement, or a nagging feeling that you are hoarding your hard-won wisdom inside a quiet fortress of self-preservation, this episode offers an honest, deeply human roadmap to turn your suffering into a living legacy.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Limited Time OfferFODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruck.Full Show Notes HEREGet the Companion Workbook:Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: 
• Why You Need to Say It Now Rather Than Regret It Later | Walter Green - EP 773 28.05.2026 1h 12min

  In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Walter Green, author, mentor, and former corporate CEO, to confront a universal human truth: why you need to say it now rather than regret it later. We live in a fast-paced, performance-driven culture where we routinely postpone deep expressions of gratitude, leaving a profound emotional deficit in our closest relationships. This hesitation forces millions of people to walk through life feeling completely invisible, only for their loved ones to finally articulate their value during a funeral when it is too late for them to hear it.Through his global initiative, the Say It Now movement, and his foundational book, This Is the Moment, Walter reveals how replacing traditional, posthumous eulogies with living tributes can fundamentally heal our relationships. This conversation explores the hidden grief of unspoken gratitude, the vital difference between being loved for what you do versus being valued for who you are, and how to move past social awkwardness to communicate specific appreciation while the people we care about are still here to hear it.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why we routinely postpone our deepest expressions of appreciation and how to break that loop.The profound psychological difference between being loved for a role and feeling like your existence truly matters.How Walter Green transitioned from a 25-year corporate career to launching a global movement of human connection.The anatomy of a living tribute and how to celebrate the people you love while they are still alive.Why the human brain craves relational safety and how unspoken gratitude creates a hidden, long-term grief.Practical ways to move past social awkwardness and articulate specific, unconditional appreciation.Lessons on performance, leadership, and authentic validation from Walter’s time lecturing at Wharton.How a single, intentional cross-country journey to visit 44 life mentors sparked a global ripple effect.How to step off the daily performance scoreboard and find true significance beyond what you produce.Actionable steps to cultivate deeply meaningful relationships and permanently eliminate the prospect of deathbed regrets.If you’ve ever struggled with unspoken regrets, the weight of a busy schedule pulling you away from loved ones, or a nagging feeling that your worth is tied only to your daily utility, this episode offers an honest, deeply human roadmap toward authentic connection and mutual validation.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Limited Time OfferFODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruckFull Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/feel-like-they-matter-walter-green/Get the Companion WorkbookLearn More About Walter and the Movement: https://www.sayitnow.orgConnect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: 
• Why Lasting Change Happens One Small Choice at a Time | Eric Zimmer - EP 772 26.05.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Eric Zimmer, behavioral coach, author, and host of the award-winning podcast The One You Feed, to discuss why so many people struggle to maintain consistent habits, the hidden psychological exhaustion of constant self-reinvention, and the science behind his upcoming book, How a Little Becomes a Lot. We live in a culture obsessed with radical life overhauls and hyper-optimization, yet this big-bang approach to personal growth often triggers burnout, friction, and an endless cycle of starting over.Through his extensive work in behavioral psychology, Eric reveals a truth that changes how we approach self-improvement: lasting transformation occurs through low-resistance actions consistently taken in the same direction over time. This conversation explores how to navigate the dry stretch of the long middle, neutralize the emotional drama of a setback using the renew framework, and shift away from a harsh internal critic toward a neuroscience-backed habit of self-compassion.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why massive self-improvement overhauls often lead to burnout and failureHow to design low-resistance actions that bypass your brain's natural frictionThe psychology of the long middle and how to maintain momentum when progress feels invisibleHow to distinguish between habits of behavior and automated habits of thoughtThe five steps of the renew framework to recover quickly from any routine disruptionWhy neutralizing emotional drama after a setback is the key to rebuilding self-trustThe biological reason why self-criticism paralyzes growth while self-compassion accelerates itHow to cultivate still points throughout your day to manage modern anxiety and uncertaintyThe danger of weaponizing your suffering and confusing control with true emotional freedomPractical ways to stop treating your worth like a daily performance scoreboardIf you’ve ever struggled with optimization fatigue, perfectionism, self-sabotage, a loud internal critic, or the frustrating cycle of constantly restarting your routines, this episode offers a practical, human-centered roadmap toward sustainable growth and genuine self-trust.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Limited Time Offer FODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruckFull Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/small-changes-create-lasting-transformation/Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/why-so-many-people-keep-startingLearn More About Eric: https://www.oneyoufeed.netConnect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes,...
• Why Success Won’t Save You: The Alchemy of Real Change | John R. Miles - EP 771 22.05.2026 20min

  In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles reveals why achieving everything you ever wanted can still leave you feeling profoundly empty—and what real, radical transformation actually requires.Most of us treat personal growth like a home renovation project: we try to stack better habits, tighter routines, and sharper skills on top of the same old foundation. But true change—the kind that rewires who you are at the core—doesn’t work through simple addition. It demands dissolution.In part three of our solo series, Forged in Adversity, John explores the hidden architecture of profound human change through raw, unvarnished conversations with Amy Purdy and Blake Mycoskie, weaving in the timeless, cautionary, and triumphant lessons from The Count of Monte Cristo.Together, their stories expose a critical truth: Healing is not about patching up or returning to your old self. It is an alchemical process of burning away the armor that once saved you so that something entirely new can emerge.In this episode, you will learn:The Modification Myth: Why trying to fix your life with new habits on a broken foundation is doomed to fail.The Scoreboard Trap: How to stop tying your inherent worth to external achievements and performance.The "Enough" Realization: How Blake Mycoskie transcended the hollow trap of "having it all."Bounce Forward vs. Bounce Back: Why Amy Purdy’s philosophy of innovation is the key to surviving any crisis.The Alchemy of Suffering: How to stop rearranging the furniture in a burning house and allow true transmutation.Radical Identity: How to move from performance-based value to the liberating truth: I am enough simply because I exist.If you’ve ever succeeded on paper but felt hollow inside, lost your identity after a major crisis, or sensed that you are being asked to dismantle your old life to make room for something new—this episode will give you the vocabulary and the hope to step directly into the fire.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping you live intentionally, unlock your human potential, and create a life filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Special Offer: Take control of your health with Function Health—160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.Full Show Notes & Resources: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-achieve-personal-transmutation/Download the Workbook for episode 771Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement:
• The Courage to Believe You Are Enough | Blake Mycoskie - EP 770 21.05.2026 55min

  In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Blake Mycoskie, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of TOMS, to discuss the hidden emotional cost of success, the mental health crisis affecting high-achievers, and the powerful message behind the We Are Enough movement. After building one of the world’s most iconic purpose-driven brands and donating over 100 million shoes, Blake had everything society tells us should create happiness—wealth, recognition, impact, and success. Yet beneath it all, he was privately battling depression, burnout, feelings of inadequacy, and suicidal ideation.Through his healing journey, Blake discovered a truth that changed his life: nothing external can heal the belief that you are not enough. This conversation explores why so many people tie their worth to achievement, productivity, comparison, and validation—and how reclaiming intrinsic self-worth can transform mental health, leadership, relationships, and purpose.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why success and achievement often fail to create lasting fulfillmentHow the belief of “not enough” shapes identity, ambition, and mental healthThe hidden emotional toll of entrepreneurship and high-performance cultureWhy comparison and external validation keep people trapped in cycles of inadequacyHow Blake Mycoskie’s healing journey inspired the We Are Enough movementPractical tools for emotional healing, vulnerability, and self-acceptanceWhy redefining worth can transform leadership, parenting, and relationshipsHow to stop chasing external validation and build a life rooted in intrinsic valueThe importance of normalizing conversations around depression, burnout, and mental wellnessWhy human connection is one of the most powerful antidotes to shame and isolationIf you’ve ever struggled with burnout, anxiety, perfectionism, identity loss, emotional emptiness, or the feeling that no matter what you achieve, it’s never enough, this episode offers a powerful roadmap toward healing, authenticity, and self-worth.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health— 160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/mycoskie-how-to-stop-chasing-external-validation/Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/why-high-achievers-never-feel-like-enough-blake-mycoskieJoin the Movement: We Are EnoughConnect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma:
• Amy Purdy on Resilience, Adversity, and How to Bounce Forward | EP 769 19.05.2026 1h 12min

  In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Paralympic medalist and bestselling author Amy Purdy to discuss resilience, adversity, gratitude, and reinvention. Amy shares the story of surviving meningococcal meningitis at age 19, losing both legs below the knee, rebuilding her life through adaptive snowboarding, and later facing another devastating health crisis that inspired her new book Bounce Forward. The conversation explores how to transform grief into hope, navigate uncertainty, build emotional resilience, and create meaning through hardship.In this episode, you’ll learn:How Amy Purdy transformed unimaginable adversity into purpose and possibilityWhy resilience is about “bouncing forward,” not bouncing backThe mindset shift that helped Amy rebuild her identity after losing both legsHow uncertainty can become a gateway to growth and reinventionWhy Paralympians often develop a deeper relationship with purpose and meaningPractical tools for moving from grief to hopeHow gratitude can reshape your perspective during difficult seasonsWhy taking small, intentional steps creates lasting momentumThe importance of passion, creativity, and self-definition in overcoming hardshipHow to stop letting adversity define your futureIf you’ve ever faced loss, uncertainty, burnout, identity shifts, physical challenges, or moments where life forced you to rebuild from the ground up, this conversation offers powerful insights on resilience, hope, and living beyond perceived limits.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health— 160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.Full Show Notes:  https://passionstruck.com/amy-purdy-how-to-overcome-adversity/Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/identity-after-trauma-amy-purdyOrder Amy Purdy's new book, Bounce Forward: https://amzn.to/4tItuU4Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
• The Prison of Protection: Why Your Armor is Blocking Your Life | John R. Miles - EP 768 15.05.2026 29min

  What if the armor that once saved your life is now the very thing keeping you from living it?In this second solo installment of the Forged in Adversity series, John R. Miles explores the Recovery phase of the human journey. He dives into the "Birth of Survival Identities," explaining how the nervous system prioritizes safety over authenticity, creating protectors such as the perfectionist, the achiever, and the intellectual.Drawing on the cinematic archetypes of Iron Man and Will Hunting, John breaks down the distinction between Armor (protection) and Strength (capacity). He challenges the listener to move beyond "polishing the hood" of their external performance and start the internal work of reclaiming their Generative Drive.Key Discussion Points:The Birth of Survival Identities: Why the brain creates adaptive strategies to navigate emotional unpredictability and trauma.The Iron Man Paradox: Lessons from Tony Stark on how survival strategies can rescue us in one season only to imprison us in the next.Will Hunting and Emotional Safety: Why the collapse of armor is the prerequisite for true connection and intimacy.Armor vs. Strength: Redefining resilience as emotional flexibility and the capacity to feel without being destroyed.Taxonomy of Protection: Identifying the Achiever, the Caretaker, and the Intellectual armor in your own life.Previewing Transformation: A look ahead at next week’s guest, Amy Purdy, and the shift from survival to significance.Full Shownotes:  https://passionstruck.com/survival-identity-john-r-miles/Explore the Companion Episode Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/survival-identity-emotional-armor Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
• What to Do When Work Hijacks Your Life | Dr. Guy Winch - EP 767 14.05.2026 56min

  In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with clinical psychologist, TED speaker, and bestselling author Dr. Guy Winch to explore the hidden psychological effects of burnout, chronic work stress, emotional exhaustion, and the modern culture of overwork.Drawing from his new book Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life, Dr. Winch explains why so many high performers feel emotionally numb, disconnected, and trapped in survival mode despite outward success. He reveals how work stress quietly spreads into every area of life—impacting relationships, identity, mental health, emotional presence, and even our ability to experience meaning and joy.Together, John and Dr. Winch discuss burnout recovery, work-life balance, rumination, emotional regulation, workplace pressure, boundaries, and why many people unknowingly normalize functioning while emotionally disconnected. They also explore how chronic stress keeps the nervous system in a constant state of activation and why intentional recovery is essential for emotional health and resilience.Throughout the conversation, John reflects on his own experiences with corporate burnout, emotional numbness, and the feeling of insignificance that can emerge when work slowly consumes every other part of life.This episode is part of Passion Struck’s May series: Forged in Adversity — How Struggle Shapes Meaning, Resilience, and Transformation.In this episode, you’ll learn:The hidden emotional signs of burnoutWhy high performers often feel emotionally disconnectedHow chronic work stress impacts relationships and mental healthThe difference between exhaustion and emotional numbnessWhy rumination keeps people trapped in stress loopsHow survival mode gradually becomes identityPractical strategies for burnout recovery and emotional resilienceWhy intentional recovery matters for emotional well-being and performanceIf you’ve ever felt emotionally exhausted, detached from yourself, consumed by work stress, or unable to fully disconnect from performance mode, this conversation offers practical and psychologically grounded insights for reclaiming your emotional health and life.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Full Show Notes:  https://passionstruck.com/burnout-recovery-guy-winch/Get the Companion Workbook:  https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/when-you-fail-as-yourselfOrder Dr. Guy Winch’s new book, Mind Over Grind: https://amzn.to/4nw3PMWConnect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement:
• How to Rebuild Mental Health and Heal Emotional Wounds | Dr. Paul Conti - EP 766 12.05.2026 1h 11min

  What if healing isn’t about asking, “What’s wrong with me?”—but understanding what’s happening inside of me?In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with psychiatrist and trauma expert Dr. Paul Conti to explore how adversity reshapes our emotional lives, identity, and sense of self—and what it truly means to heal what hardship leaves behind. Drawing from his new book What’s Going Right, Dr. Conti challenges the traditional way we think about mental health. Instead of reducing people to diagnoses or dysfunction, he explains how unresolved emotional pain, shame, trauma, and chronic stress quietly shape the stories we tell ourselves and the way we experience the world.John and Dr. Conti also explore emotional recovery after adversity, how trauma impacts self-worth and identity, why so many people feel emotionally disconnected, and what it takes to rebuild mental health from the inside out. Dr. Conti also shares powerful insights on cynicism, self-awareness, emotional repair, and what he calls the “generative drive”—our innate human capacity to heal, reconnect, and move toward wholeness even after hardship.This conversation is part of Passion Struck’s May series: Forged in Adversity — How Struggle Shapes Meaning, Resilience, and Transformation.In this episode, you’ll learn:How adversity reshapes identity and emotional healthWhy emotional wounds often linger after hardship endsThe hidden causes of emotional disconnectionHow self-awareness supports emotional healingWhy rebuilding mental health begins internallyPractical insights for emotional recovery and resilienceIf you’ve ever struggled with emotional exhaustion, disconnection, burnout, or the feeling that adversity changed you internally, this episode offers a powerful framework for healing and recovery.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/rebuild-mental-health-heal-emotional-wounds/Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/generative-drive-emotional-disconnection-paul-contiConnect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
• Why Does Adversity Reveal Character Instead of Building It? | John R. Miles - EP 765 08.05.2026 19min

  What if the struggle currently breaking you is actually the diagnostic tool required to reveal who you truly are?In this kickoff to the Forged in Adversity series, John R. Miles challenges the conventional wisdom that struggle "builds" character. Instead, he presents a compelling case—backed by neurobiology and psychology—that adversity serves as a diagnostic tool, revealing and refining the character already within us.John leverages the cinematic metaphors of the Island from Cast Away and the Pit from The Dark Knight Rises to explain the two distinct phases of human endurance: Accepting the Baseline and Identifying the Barriers. This solo episode anchors the Endure phase of the series by integrating the scientific and clinical perspectives of this week’s featured experts.Key Discussion Points:The Diagnostic Power of Adversity: Why struggle isn’t a construction crew, but a tool for revealing eulogy virtues over resume virtues.The Science of the Island (The Baseline): Drawing on insights from Kathy Giusti, John explores finding agency inside a fatal diagnosis and why you cannot solve a reality you are still resisting.Neurological Recalibration: Building on the work of Dr. Majid Fotuhi, John explains how the brain enters a state of heightened plasticity and forced reorganization when the old map no longer works.The Pit Phase (The Barriers): Analyzing the ropes of ego and false security that prevent true transformation.Previewing Recovery: A transition into the work of Dr. Paul Conti on the Structure of Self and why we must move from a mindset of what is wrong to understanding the internal engine.Full Shownotes: https://passionstruck.com/why-does-adversity-reveal-character-instead-of/Explore the Companion Episode Workbook: Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
• Regrow Your Hippocampus: The Science of an Invincible Brain | Dr. Majid Fotuhi – EP 764 07.05.2026 1h 13min

  What if protecting your brain is not about fighting time, but about learning how to partner with it?In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Majid Fotuhi, world-renowned neurologist and adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, to explore the revolutionary science of neuroplasticity. Dr. Fotuhi, author of The Invincible Brain, challenges the conventional narrative that cognitive decline is irreversible, proving instead that the human brain is a highly adaptive muscle capable of physical growth at any age.Through extensive clinical research, Dr. Fotuhi dismantles the fear surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia by explaining how modifiable factors impact brain volume. He provides evidence-based strategies for physically regrowing the hippocampus and sharpening cognitive performance in as little as 12 weeks.Key Discussion Points:The Neuroplasticity Revolution: Why cognitive decline is not a one-way street and how the brain reorganizes itself during periods of adversity.The Five Pillars of Brain Health: A practical blueprint for optimizing cognitive function through intentional daily habits.Hippocampus Regeneration: The clinical reality of increasing brain volume and reversing the symptoms of "permanent" decline.Vascular Health vs. Neurodegeneration: Understanding the critical biological differences that determine long-term mental clarity.Purpose as a Biological Shield: Why a strong sense of purpose—or Generative Drive—is one of the most powerful shields against the aging process.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/the-invincible-brain-majid-fotuhi/Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/reversing-cognitive-decline-in-12-weeks-majid-fotuhiThank You to Our Sponsors. Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
• From Passenger to CEO: The Mindset That Can Save Your Life | Kathy Giusti - EP 763 05.05.2026 57min

  What if beating cancer isn’t just about survival, but about transforming your life in the face of it?In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Kathy Giusti, two-time cancer survivor, healthcare innovator, and founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, to explore what it truly means to turn crisis into calling. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma at just 37 and given only a few years to live, Kathy did more than fight for her life. She helped transform an entire field of medicine.Drawing from her book From Fatal to Fearless, Kathy challenges one of the most dangerous assumptions patients make: that the healthcare system will naturally work in their favor. Instead, she explains why patients must become the CEO of their own care by advocating, questioning, and acting with urgency in a system that often moves too slowly.We explore how urgency can become both a superpower and a burden, why navigating illness requires more than medical treatment, and how adversity can clarify what truly matters. Kathy also shares hard-earned lessons on survivorship, the fear of relapse, and the often unseen cost of dedicating your life to something bigger than yourself. Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/beating-cancer-and-finding-purpose-kathy-giusti/Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/become-the-ceo-of-your-cure-kathy-giustiThank You to Our Sponsors Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
• How to Design a Life You Don’t Need to Escape From | John R. Miles - EP 762 01.05.2026 22min

  What if the life you’ve spent years building is actually a masterpiece you’re just a guest in?In this installment of the Purpose by Design series, John R. Miles explores why so many people optimize their lives for everyone else’s convenience while leaving no room for their own aliveness. Drawing from the cinematic realization of The Truman Show and the real-world social exile of Truman Capote, John challenges us to stop performing and start reclaiming our authorship.John dives into the spotlight moments that force us to look up, the hidden performance contracts we sign every day, and the three architectural shifts required to build a life of resonance rather than just utility.Key Discussion Points:The Truman Trap: Identifying when you are living a life designed by external expectations rather than internal values.Performance Contracts: Recognizing the unspoken agreements we make to prioritize others' convenience over our own purpose.Spotlight Moments: How to identify the catalytic events that force a realization of personal misalignment.From Utility to Resonance: The three architectural shifts needed to move from a life of functional efficiency to one of deep personal meaning.Reclaiming Authorship: Practical steps for redesigning a life that fosters human flourishing and intentional living.Full Shownotes: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-design-a-life-you-dont-need-escape-from/Explore the Companion Episode Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/how-to-redesign-your-life-truman-trapPassion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
• How Real Optimism Helps You Thrive in Uncertainty | Deepika Chopra - EP 761 30.04.2026 1h 1min

  What if optimism isn’t about staying positive but about facing uncertainty with courage?In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with clinical psychologist and optimism expert Deepika Chopra to explore what she calls real optimism—a science-backed approach to resilience that has far less to do with positive thinking and far more to do with how we relate to possibility. Drawing from her new book The Power of Real Optimism, Deepika challenges one of the biggest myths in modern self-help: that optimism means ignoring hardship or forcing good vibes.We explore why positivity can sometimes undermine mental health, how the brain acts as an anticipation machine shaping what we expect from the future, and why expectations often influence outcomes more than wishful thinking.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/the-power-of-real-optimism-deepika-chopra/Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-science-of-real-optimism-7-10-ruleThank You to Our Sponsors Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
• The Science of Connection and Why We Underestimate Others | Nicholas Epley - EP 760 28.04.2026 59min

  What if the happiness, belonging, and meaning you are looking for is hiding in the conversations you never start?In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with social psychologist Nicholas Epley to explore why we consistently underestimate how much social interaction improves our lives. Drawing from his work and new book, A Little More Social, Nick reveals a profound paradox: while humans are wired for connection, we often choose solitude due to mistaken assumptions about how others will respond.They discuss the surprising benefits of talking to strangers, the psychology of reciprocity, and how tiny micro-choices of connection influence long-term happiness, health, and belonging. Nick also shares insights from his famous train studies and explains why loneliness is often fueled by a fear of rejection that does not align with reality.Key Discussion Points:The Paradox of Solitude: Understanding why we choose to be less social than we should be despite the clear happiness benefits of connection.The Train Study: Nick shares the research proving that talking to strangers leads to a more positive experience than sitting in silence.Misjudging Kindness: Why we consistently underestimate how much others will appreciate our reach-outs and how kindness is more common than we assume.The Psychology of Reciprocity: How small social risks lead to a "wordless tie" of mutual belonging and gratitude.Loneliness and Rejection: Why mistaken assumptions about how others perceive us create unnecessary barriers to closeness.Human Flourishing: How intentional social micro-choices serve the broader mission of building a life of significance and internal worth.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. Check out full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/the-science-of-social-connection-nicholas-epley/Explore companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/science-of-human-connection-nicolas-epleyThank You to Our Sponsors Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Preorder Nick's Book, A Little More Social: https://sites.prh.com/a-little-more-socialConnect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.Disclaimer
• The Identity Gravity Trap: Why We Snap Back to Old Habits | John R. Miles - EP 759 24.04.2026 27min

  Does the silence of a new life feel like a threat to your safety?You’ve finally walked through the threshold, but the "silence" starts to itch. Suddenly, you feel a physical, vibrating urge to go back to being the "Fixer"—the version of you that is useful, busy, and predictable. That urge has a name: Identity Gravity.In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores the "Architecture of the Interior" and the psychological forces that pull us back into old orbits. Drawing on the external market systems discussed with Nobel Laureate Alvin Roth, the psychological flexibility frameworks of Dr. Diana Hill, and the raw "Identity Bankruptcy" of TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie, John explains how to achieve escape velocity.This is a deep dive into the neurobiology of the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the "Moral Economics" of the self. It’s time to stop being a tool for someone else’s convenience and learn how to break the identity gravity trap. Passion Struck is the #1 personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-break-identity-gravity/Explore the Identity Gravity Audit for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/how-to-break-identity-gravity-trapThank You to Our Sponsors. Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health—160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.Connect with John Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/In this episode, John discusses:The Physics of the Snap-Back: Why your brain treats stillness like a biological threat and how "identity gravity" pulls you back to the grind.The Static of the DMN: Understanding why high-performers suppress the Default Mode Network and why its "re-boot" feels like anxiety instead of peace.Identity Bankruptcy: Lessons from Blake Mycoskie on the "gradual disappearance" that happens when your utility replaces your identity.The Repugnant Transaction of Being: Why sitting still feels like a moral betrayal when you’ve internalized a market that only values "doing."The Commoditized Human: Breaking the feedback loop that turns you into an interchangeable tool rather than an essential presence.The Boundary ADR: Using "Architectural Decision Records" to protect your time and reclaim the monopoly of your own presence.Achieving Escape Velocity: The three pillars of architectural rigor needed to break the snap-back effect and stay in your new orbit.Support the Movement: https://StartMattering.com Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or...
• How to Manage Energy Not Time: Dr. Diana Hill on Wise Effort | EP 758 23.04.2026 56min

  What if the problem isn’t time management, but how you manage your energy?In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with psychologist Diana Hill to explore why energy management often matters more than time management—and how psychological flexibility can help you focus your effort on what truly matters.Drawing from her new book, Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most, Diana shares a transformative idea: Burnout often stems from directing your energy in ways misaligned with your values.We explore why high achievers often feel drained despite being productive, how “genius energy” can become either a strength or a liability, and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers practical tools for shifting from urgency-driven striving to values-based action.We also dive into Diana’s powerful metaphors—from birds flying into windows to living from the back of the heart—and how small shifts in awareness can open entirely new ways of living.If you’ve ever felt exhausted while doing all the “right” things… this conversation will help you rethink effort itself.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-manage-energy-not-time-wise-effort/Explore companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.netThank You to Our SponsorsLimited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why managing energy often matters more than managing timeHow psychological flexibility helps prevent burnoutWhat Diana Hill means by Wise Effort—and how to practice itHow to identify when your strengths are becoming liabilitiesThe three-step method: Get Curious, Open Up, and RefocusHow “genius energy” can help you align effort with your deepest valuesWhy the path forward may require looking for a different open door—not flying harder at the same windowSupport the MovementLiving intentionally starts with directing your energy toward what matters.Explore tools, reflections, and frameworks to help you build an ignited life: https://www.theignitedlife.netDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book —...
• Nobel Laureate Alvin Roth: How Incentives Shape Your Life | EP 757 21.04.2026 56min

  What if the choices you make every day aren’t entirely your own?In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Nobel Prize-winning economist Alvin Roth to explore how incentives, systems, and hidden structures shape human behavior—often in ways we don’t even realize.Drawing from his new book, Moral Economics: Why Good Incentives Are No Substitute for Good Citizens, Roth reveals a powerful truth: markets aren’t just about money—they are systems that decide who gets what, who gets access, and what society considers acceptable.We explore why banning certain behaviors often pushes them underground, how so-called “repugnant transactions” reveal our moral boundaries, and why understanding incentives is essential if you want to make better decisions—in your life, your work, and the systems you operate within.This conversation challenges how you think about choice, control, and responsibility—and offers a new lens for understanding the forces shaping your decisions every day.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/moral-economics-alvin-roth-market-design/Explore companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.netThank You to Our SponsorsLimited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/In This Episode, You Will Learn:How incentives shape your decisions—often without you realizing itWhy markets are systems of allocation, not just exchangeWhat “repugnant transactions” reveal about society’s moral boundariesWhy banning something doesn’t eliminate it—it often creates black marketsHow hidden systems influence behavior in business, policy, and everyday lifeWhat it means to design better systems that align with human valuesSupport the MovementUnderstanding how systems shape behavior is the first step toward living more intentionally.Explore tools, insights, and frameworks to help you align your life with what truly matters: https://www.theignitedlife.netDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional, legal, or financial advice.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma:
• Why We Circle Change (And How to Finally Step Through) | John R. Miles - EP 756 17.04.2026 17min

  Does it ever feel like you’re waiting for your own life to start?You’re sitting in your car at the end of the day, staring at the front door, realizing you have to "gear up" just to walk inside. You’ve become a world-class manager of a life you’ve stopped inhabiting. You’re winning the efficiency game, but you’re losing the human one.In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores the psychology of resistance and the difficult move from utility to aliveness. He identifies why we choose the "known hell" of burnout over the "unknown heaven" of presence. Drawing on recent conversations with shadow-work expert Keila Shaheen and life-design pioneers Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, John explains how to break the "identity handcuffs" that tie our sense of worth to our productivity.This isn't about working harder—it's about the literal, physical courage it takes to cross the threshold from being a provider to being a presence. It’s time to stop circling the wall and finally step through the door.Passion Struck is the #1 personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Check the full show notes here:Explore the daily reflection guide for this episode at:Thank You to Our Sponsors. Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health—160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/In this episode, John discusses:The Safety of the Squeeze: Why our nervous systems prefer the predictable exhaustion of the grind over the perceived threat of stillness.The Identity Handcuffs: How we’ve anchored our self-worth to our "utility" and why being needed is not the same as being known.The Grief of the Machine: Acknowledging the loss that occurs when you let the "super-producer" version of yourself die so the person can emerge.The Five-Second Threshold: Understanding the physical gap between knowing you should change and actually moving your hand to do it.Transition Rituals: How to use tiny, physical anchors—like touching a doorframe—to tell your nervous system that the manager is checking out.Reclaiming Agency: Why crossing the threshold is a private, quiet decision to stop seeking light from external approval.The Floor Beneath Your Feet: A sixty-second practice to shift from maintaining a structure to actually living within it.Support the Movement: https://StartMattering.comEvery human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: