Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles
  • 4.9 (74)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

You built the life you were supposed to want. So why doesn't it feel like enough? Passion Struck with John R. Miles is the #1 alternative health podcast exploring the deepest questions of human well-being — how we think, how we feel, how we connect, and how we build lives that don't quietly hollow us out from the inside. Hosted by bestselling author, Navy veteran, and former Fortune 50 executive John R. Miles, this is the show for anyone who wants to understand themselves more deeply and live more fully. Every week, John sits down with the world's most compelling minds — scientists, philosophers, generals, astronauts, Olympic athletes, artists, and CEOs — to answer the questions most people are afraid to ask out loud.  Whether you're 26 and trying to build your life the right way from the start, or 43 and wondering why the life you built doesn't feel like yours, this show meets you exactly where you are. Because the questions you're carrying deserve real answers. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 85 Million Downloads | Gold Stevie Award | Davey Gold for Social Impact

  1. How to Design a Life You Don’t Need to Escape From | John R. Miles - EP 762

    23 HRS AGO

    How to Design a Life You Don’t Need to Escape From | John R. Miles - EP 762

    What if the life you’ve spent years building is actually a masterpiece you’re just a guest in? In 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. Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. Connect with John Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    22 min
  2. How Real Optimism Helps You Thrive in Uncertainty | Deepika Chopra - EP 761

    1D AGO

    How Real Optimism Helps You Thrive in Uncertainty | Deepika Chopra - EP 761

    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-rule Thank You to Our Sponsors Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only. Connect with John Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    1h 2m
  3. We’re Less Social Than We Should Be—And It’s Costing Us | Nicholas Epley - EP 760

    3D AGO

    We’re Less Social Than We Should Be—And It’s Costing Us | Nicholas Epley - EP 760

    What if some of the happiness, belonging, and meaning you’re looking for is hiding in conversations you never start? In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with social psychologist Nicholas Epley to explore the surprising science of human connection and why we consistently underestimate how much a little more social interaction can improve our lives. Drawing from his new book A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Big Happiness, Nick reveals a profound paradox: We are wired for connection, yet every day we choose to be less social than we could be. And it may be costing us far more than we realize.  We explore why talking to strangers often makes us happier than solitude, why we misjudge how others will respond to us, and how tiny “micro choices” of connection can dramatically influence happiness, health, and belonging. Nick shares the famous train study that launched years of research, the psychology of reciprocity, why we underestimate other people’s kindness, and how loneliness may be fueled not just by disconnection—but by mistaken assumptions about rejection. We also dive into the hidden ways comparison, adaptation, and secrecy can quietly block gratitude and closeness, and why some of the biggest transformations in life may begin with the smallest social risks. 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: Explore companion insights for this episode at: Thank 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-social Connect with John Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    59 min
  4. The Identity Gravity Trap: Why We Snap Back to Old Habits | John R. Miles - EP 759

    APR 24

    The Identity Gravity Trap: Why We Snap Back to Old Habits | John R. Miles - EP 759

    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-trap 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 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. Disclaimer The 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 Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    27 min
  5. How to Manage Energy Not Time: Dr. Diana Hill on Wise Effort | EP 758

    APR 23

    How to Manage Energy Not Time: Dr. Diana Hill on Wise Effort | EP 758

    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 Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    57 min
  6. Nobel Laureate Alvin Roth: How Incentives Shape Your Life | EP 757

    APR 21

    Nobel Laureate Alvin Roth: How Incentives Shape Your Life | EP 757

    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 Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    56 min
  7. Why We Circle Change (And How to Finally Step Through) | John R. Miles - EP 756

    APR 17

    Why We Circle Change (And How to Finally Step Through) | John R. Miles - EP 756

    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 Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    18 min
  8. How Do You Design a Meaningful Life | Bill Burnett & Dave Evans - EP 755

    APR 16

    How Do You Design a Meaningful Life | Bill Burnett & Dave Evans - EP 755

    What if the reason you feel unfulfilled is that you’ve been approaching it all wrong?In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, the visionary minds behind Stanford's Life Design Lab and co-authors of How to Live a Meaningful Life. We tackle one of personal growth’s biggest myths: that meaning is something you find.Instead, Bill and Dave present a groundbreaking concept—meaning is something you design.We delve into why high-achievers often feel "fine but empty," why success doesn’t guarantee fulfillment, and how our transactional world traps us in outcomes over experiences. Our conversation uncovers a transformative framework for building a meaningful life through small experiments, curiosity, and intentional action, all without drastic life changes. This conversation will change how you think about purpose, passion, and what it really means to live fully alive. 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/designing-a-meaningful-life/ Explore companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/stop-planning-your-life-start-wayfinding 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 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/ We also dive into: Why many feel “fine” outwardly, yet unfulfilled insideDistinguishing meaning, fulfillment, and happiness—and avoiding the confusionWhy “follow your passion” can mislead—and the better alternativeUsing design thinking and prototyping to cultivate purposeThe contrast between transactional and flow worlds—and where true meaning residesHow actions, rather than waiting, create clarityThe impact of small moments of awe and curiosity on lasting meaningThe vital role of community in the journey to meaningSupport the Movement Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter.Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The 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 Keynotes, 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/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/ 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 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.

    1h 3m
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4.9
out of 5
74 Ratings

About

You built the life you were supposed to want. So why doesn't it feel like enough? Passion Struck with John R. Miles is the #1 alternative health podcast exploring the deepest questions of human well-being — how we think, how we feel, how we connect, and how we build lives that don't quietly hollow us out from the inside. Hosted by bestselling author, Navy veteran, and former Fortune 50 executive John R. Miles, this is the show for anyone who wants to understand themselves more deeply and live more fully. Every week, John sits down with the world's most compelling minds — scientists, philosophers, generals, astronauts, Olympic athletes, artists, and CEOs — to answer the questions most people are afraid to ask out loud.  Whether you're 26 and trying to build your life the right way from the start, or 43 and wondering why the life you built doesn't feel like yours, this show meets you exactly where you are. Because the questions you're carrying deserve real answers. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 85 Million Downloads | Gold Stevie Award | Davey Gold for Social Impact

Information

  • Creator
    Passion Struck with John R. Miles
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    762
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright John Miles
  • Show Website
    Passion Struck with John R. Miles

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