Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck with John R. Miles
  • 4.7 (644)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

You built the life you were supposed to want. So why doesn't it feel like enough? Passion Struck is the #1 Health and Fitness podcast — and it exists to answer exactly that question. I'm John R. Miles — Navy veteran, former Fortune 50 executive, bestselling author — and I built this show because I lived the "successful but empty" version of life myself, and I wanted to find a better way. Each week, I sit down with the world's top voices in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and elite performance — including Angela Duckworth, Susan Cain, Robert Waldinger, Daniel Amen, and Ryan Holiday — to unpack what the research tells us about purpose, connection, and resilience, and how to apply it to your own life. Fridays, I share what I'm learning directly, in solo episodes built around the same ideas. New interviews every Tuesday and Thursday. Solo episodes every Friday.

  1. 1d ago

    Duke Behavioral Economist: Why You’ll Regret the Risks You Don’t Take | Dan Ariely - EP 811

    What if the thing you regret most someday isn't what you did—but what you never tried? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with behavioral economist and bestselling author Dan Ariely to explore why we make decisions that don't always serve our long-term well-being. Dan's research reveals a surprising pattern: in the moment, we tend to regret the risks we take. But when we look back over our lives, we often regret the risks we didn't take. The conversation goes far beyond risk. John and Dan explore why vulnerability is one of the biggest areas where people play it safe, how bureaucracy can drain passion from work, why companies struggle to measure the things that matter most, and what we may lose when we optimize everything for efficiency. They also discuss: Why we often choose short-term safety over long-term fulfillment The difference between regretting action and regretting inaction Why romantic relationships are one of the biggest areas where people avoid risk How bureaucracy can quietly kill motivation and passion Why companies measure productivity but struggle to measure care, connection, and meaning What happens when organizations treat people like functions instead of human beings Why AI's pursuit of efficiency could come at the expense of meaning and human development How feeling appreciated can influence motivation and performance Why investing in human capital should be treated differently than simply treating people as a cost The question you should ask yourself: Where in your life are you playing it safer than you really want to? Dan's larger message is difficult to ignore: the life we build isn't shaped only by the choices we make. It's also shaped by the chances we decide not to take. Full shownotes here Download the FREE Companion Digital Workbook Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Duke Behavioral Economist: Why You’ll Regret the Risks You Don’t Take | Dan Ariely - EP 811

  2. 5d ago

    How to Stop Caring What Everyone Thinks of You & Find Yourself Again | Josh Duhamel - EP 810

    What would change if you stopped worrying so much about what everyone else thinks of you? Actor, entrepreneur, and father Josh Duhamel has spent decades in the spotlight, but he says one of the biggest things he has learned with age is that he no longer needs to pretend for anyone—and that caring too much about other people's opinions once kept him from living his “full version” of himself. In this deeply personal conversation, John R. Miles sits down with the actor, entrepreneur, and father to talk about identity, success, fatherhood, presence, and what it means to build a life that actually feels like your own. Josh opens up about: Why success doesn't automatically make you feel like you've done enough How the need for validation can keep you chasing the next achievement What helped him stop caring so much about other people's opinions Why his cabin in Minnesota brings out a different version of himself How changing his environment helped him become more present Why fatherhood completely changed his definition of success What he hopes his children remember about him Why family memories now matter more to him than material success How he's learning to embrace simplicity, curiosity, and being present One of the most revealing moments comes when Josh talks about what success means to him now. Despite everything he has accomplished, he admits that he still feels like he has more to prove and achieve. Click here for the full show notes Learn more about Gatlan Download the FREE Companion Digital Workbook Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Stop Caring What Everyone Thinks of You & Find Yourself Again | Josh Duhamel - EP 810

  3. 6d ago

    How to Change Your Brain's Destiny Before It's Too Late | Dr. David Perlmutter – EP 809

    What if protecting your brain from cognitive decline starts decades before you ever notice a problem? In this powerful conversation, John R. Miles sits down with neurologist and bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter to explore the emerging science behind his new book, Brain Defenders, and why the brain’s immune system may hold one of the most important keys to long-term brain health. David explains how specialized immune cells called microglia can either support the brain or become destructive when challenged by inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, poor sleep, and other environmental factors. The hopeful part is that many of the factors influencing this process are within our control. You’ll learn: Why the brain’s immune system may be central to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, PTSD, and other brain disorders What microglial cells do and why their metabolism matters How poor sleep can affect inflammation after just one night Why exercise, metabolism, diet, and relationships all influence brain health The surprising connection between oral health and the brain Why traumatic brain injury and PTSD can share common biological pathways How alcohol, ultra-processed foods, and a sedentary lifestyle can affect the brain Why brain health should be addressed decades before cognitive decline appears What David thinks about supplements, vitamin D, B vitamins, and personalized testing What the emerging research on GLP-1 medications could mean for neurodegenerative disease Why David believes we are the architects of our brain’s destiny David also explains why he believes the conversation around Alzheimer’s needs to shift from simply treating disease after it appears to understanding and addressing the factors that may influence brain health much earlier in life. His message is ultimately one of agency: the choices you make today are helping shape the brain you will have tomorrow. Check the full shownotes here Download the Companion Digital Workbook here Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Change Your Brain's Destiny Before It's Too Late | Dr. David Perlmutter – EP 809

  4. Aug 18

    Why You’re Not Changing Even Though You Know What to Do | Mark Manson - EP 808

    Have you ever had a breakthrough that felt like it was going to change your life, only to find yourself back in the same patterns a week later? In this powerful conversation, John R. Miles sits down with three-time New York Times bestselling author Mark Manson to unpack one of the biggest traps in personal growth: confusing insight with actual change. Mark explains why reading another book, learning another framework, or becoming more self-aware can make you feel like you're changing without actually changing your behavior. Real transformation requires something much harder: doing things differently when they're uncomfortable or letting go of an identity you've outgrown. You'll learn: Why insight can become a form of procrastination The difference between personality, adaptation, and identity Why changing your environment may be easier than changing yourself How old adaptations can become identities that hold you back Why motivation isn't always the problem Why “optimal is suboptimal” How to recognize when your mental model no longer matches reality Why sometimes the best way to grow is to stop trying to become someone else Mark also shares the powerful advice his father gave him about becoming the goose instead of chasing the golden eggs—and why developing your ability to create value is more important than protecting what you've already built. This conversation is a reminder that you don't always need more information to change your life. Sometimes you need the courage to behave differently, release an identity that no longer fits, and create an environment that brings out who you actually are. Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why You’re Not Changing Even Though You Know What to Do | Mark Manson - EP 808

  5. Aug 14

    Why Other People Have So Much Power Over You | John R. Miles - EP 807

    Why do other people's opinions have so much power over you? You may think your beliefs, opinions, and reactions are entirely your own. But your brain has been quietly keeping score of something much older and more powerful: whether you belong. In this solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores the social brain and the survival instinct that shape far more of your life than you realize. Research involving 105 different social groups found an astonishing .95 correlation between what people believed their own communities thought and the prejudices they were willing to express. In other words, belonging can influence what we believe before we even realize it's happening. John then introduces a simple tool called the Mattering Check—one question to ask when you feel yourself becoming defensive, judgmental, or overly concerned with someone's approval: Whose approval am I actually protecting right now? You'll hear John's personal story about spending three months reacting to a comment that was actually meant as a compliment, explore what happens when anti-mattering makes us feel invisible, and discover why a simple interaction with a stranger can create a powerful sense of connection.  You'll learn: Why belonging is a survival need—not simply a desire to fit in. How your social groups can quietly shape what you believe. Why other people's approval can influence your behavior more than you realize. What anti-mattering does to the way you see yourself and other people. How to recognize when you're protecting your status instead of acting from your own values. The Mattering Check and how to use it when you feel triggered or excluded. Why widening your circle of belonging can change how you see other people. One simple action you can take today to help someone else feel seen and significant. The goal isn't to stop caring what other people think. It's to become more conscious of whose voice you're listening to, whose approval you're protecting, and who you are allowing to define your sense of belonging. Because your circle isn't fixed, you can redraw it. Check Full Shownotes Here Download the FREE Companion Digital Workbook Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Other People Have So Much Power Over You | John R. Miles - EP 807

  6. Aug 13

    You're Not Losing Time. You're Giving It Away. | Neal Schore – EP 806

    Why do you never have enough time? Most of us assume that feeling overwhelmed is a problem with our calendars. But executive coach and leadership advisor Neal Schore offers a different perspective: much of the time we lose isn't consumed by the tasks themselves. It disappears into our reactions, assumptions, rumination, and the emotional “swirl” that follows difficult moments. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Neal Schore, cofounder and CEO of The 25th Hour Group and author of The 25th Hour, to explore why managing yourself may be more important than managing your schedule. Neal shares the defining experience that changed his relationship with time, explains how emotional reactivity can quietly consume hours of attention, and reveals how pausing, clarifying intent, and asking better questions can transform the way we work, lead, and relate to others. You'll learn: Why we often give away more time to our emotional reactions than to the problems that triggered them. How Neal's defining Lake Michigan experience revealed the personal cost of failing to manage himself. What Neal means by the “25th hour” and where the hidden hours in our days actually go. Why trying to control other people can drain enormous amounts of attention and energy. How emotional “swirl” turns brief interactions into hours of rumination and distraction. Why asking “What's the intent?” can interrupt assumptions and prevent unnecessary conflict. How pausing before responding can create better decisions, stronger relationships, and greater emotional maturity. Why clarifying questions can build massive amounts of trust. How leaders can model emotional maturity and create healthier, more productive cultures. Why creating white space and acknowledging your own progress are essential parts of intentional living. Whether you're struggling to keep up with your responsibilities, navigating difficult relationships, leading a team, or simply wondering where your days keep going, this conversation offers a practical way to rethink time. Neal's message is ultimately about more than productivity: it's about becoming more intentional with the attention, energy, and life you already have. Grab the Full Show Notes [Download the FREE Digital Companion Workbook.] Buy the book: The 25th Hour by Neal Schore Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    You're Not Losing Time. You're Giving It Away. | Neal Schore – EP 806

  7. Aug 11

    Why Don’t Facts Change People’s Minds? | Dr. Jay Van Bavel - EP 805

    Why do good people become so divided? Most of us assume that if people simply had the right facts, they would change their minds. But research tells a different story. More often than not, what shapes our beliefs isn't evidence—it's the groups we belong to and the identities we protect. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with renowned social psychologist Dr. Jay Van Bavel, co-author of The Power of Us, to explore the hidden psychology behind polarization, tribalism, and human connection. Drawing on decades of research in social identity, neuroscience, and behavioral science, Dr. Van Bavel explains why our brains prioritize belonging over being right, how social media amplifies division, and why rebuilding trust begins with understanding the powerful forces that shape how we see ourselves—and each other. You'll learn: Why identity often influences our beliefs more than facts. The hidden psychology behind political and social polarization. How belonging shapes the way we think, feel, and make decisions. Why intellectual humility is one of the most important skills in a divided world. How social media and AI reinforce certainty while reducing curiosity. The surprising role of collective joy, shared experiences, and community in overcoming division. Practical ways to build stronger relationships across differences without compromising your values. Why understanding the psychology of "us versus them" is essential for flourishing in today's world. Whether you're trying to navigate difficult conversations, strengthen your relationships, or simply understand why our world feels more divided than ever, this conversation offers a hopeful, science-backed roadmap for building deeper connection, greater empathy, and a stronger sense of belonging. Grab the Full Show Notes Download the FREE Digital Companion Notebook. Buy the book: The Power of Us by Jay Van Bavel and Dominic Packer Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Don’t Facts Change People’s Minds? | Dr. Jay Van Bavel - EP 805

  8. Aug 7

    Why You're Not Stuck the Way You Think You Are | John R. Miles - EP 804

    What if the biggest lie you've ever believed is that this is just who you are? Most of us think our personality, habits, fears, and limitations are fixed. We tell ourselves, "I've always been this way," or "I guess this is just who I am." But modern neuroscience tells a very different story. In this solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores one of the most hopeful discoveries in brain science: your brain is not a finished product—it's constantly being reshaped by what you repeatedly think, feel, and do. Through remarkable stories of London taxi drivers, the famous case of Phineas Gage, insights from brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen, and groundbreaking neuroscience from Dr. Richard Davidson and Dr. Cortland Dahl, John reveals why lasting change isn't about finding a breakthrough—it's about changing what you practice every day. You'll learn: Why your brain is constantly changing—even when you don't realize it. The surprising neuroscience behind the phrase "neurons that fire together, wire together." What London taxi drivers can teach us about building new neural pathways. How Dr. Daniel Amen helps patients identify and replace Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs). Why practicing positive thinking isn't wishful thinking—it's brain training. What scientists discovered after studying a monk with more than 62,000 hours of meditation practice. The four trainable skills that help build awareness, connection, insight, and purpose. One simple daily practice that can begin reshaping your brain today. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to change, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: you are not a photograph. You're a sculpture. Every thought you practice, every habit you repeat, and every choice you make is helping shape the person you're becoming. You are not a photograph. You're a sculpture. Grab the Full Shownotes Here. Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing. Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you. Connect with John Website: https://johnrmiles.comBook John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why You're Not Stuck the Way You Think You Are | John R. Miles - EP 804
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4.7
out of 5
644 Ratings

About

You built the life you were supposed to want. So why doesn't it feel like enough? Passion Struck is the #1 Health and Fitness podcast — and it exists to answer exactly that question. I'm John R. Miles — Navy veteran, former Fortune 50 executive, bestselling author — and I built this show because I lived the "successful but empty" version of life myself, and I wanted to find a better way. Each week, I sit down with the world's top voices in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and elite performance — including Angela Duckworth, Susan Cain, Robert Waldinger, Daniel Amen, and Ryan Holiday — to unpack what the research tells us about purpose, connection, and resilience, and how to apply it to your own life. Fridays, I share what I'm learning directly, in solo episodes built around the same ideas. New interviews every Tuesday and Thursday. Solo episodes every Friday.

Information

  • Creator
    Passion Struck with John R. Miles
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    812
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020-2026 John R. Miles
  • Show Website
    Passion Struck with John R. Miles

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