The Good Life Conversations

Brilliant Miller & Dean Miles
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Why you’ll love this podcast. What Gave You Life This Week? is a weekly conversation for people who want to live more intentionally without turning life into another performance. Each episode is a thoughtful, unscripted dialogue between Brilliant Miller and Dean Miles about the small, often overlooked moments that actually make life feel meaningful. Instead of chasing productivity hacks or quick fixes, the podcast focuses on reflection, presence, relationships, and the quiet practices that help us feel more alive.

Episodes

  1. APR 6

    Week 12: Beyond Belief

    In this conversation, the hosts discuss the concept of choosing a dinner guest, the meaning of home, and the exploration of beliefs beyond the ordinary. The conversation delves into the power of AI and innovation, the excitement of possibilities, intentionality and deliberate living, and the thread of creativity and creation. It explores the impact of technology, the potential for positive change, and the importance of intentional living and creativity in shaping a meaningful life. Takeaways The significance of choosing a dinner guest reflects the complexity of personal connections and historical curiosity.The concept of home is explored as a psychological and historical construct, emphasizing the idea of identity and nostalgia. The potential of AI and innovation to revolutionize industries and create new opportunitiesThe importance of intentional living, deliberate choices, and creativity in shaping a meaningful life Chapters 00:00 The Dinner Guest Dilemma14:44 Beyond Belief20:19 The Power of AI and Innovation30:20 Intentionality and Deliberate Living37:18 The Thread of Creativity and Creation

    41 min

  2. MAR 30

    Week 11: Art of Randomness

    The conversation delves into the art of randomness, unusual talents, and life-giving discoveries. It explores the themes of letting go, embracing new opportunities, and the power of service and humility. The impact of helping and fixing, the creative process, and the inner game of archery are also discussed, highlighting the importance of self-discovery and the art of creativity. Takeaways Embracing the power of randomness and unusual talentsThe importance of letting go and embracing new opportunitiesThe impact of service, humility, and the creative process Chapters 00:00 Icebreaker: Unusual Talents05:57 Life-Giving Discoveries11:57 The Power of Service17:57 Talents, Callings, and Inner Growth23:59 The Art of Service and Humility30:11 The Creative Process and Inspiration

    37 min

  3. MAR 22

    Week 10: On Purpose

    The conversation delves into the concept of living intentionally and finding joy in everyday routines. It explores the significance of creating project-specific playlists, the impact of intentional living on one's life, and the importance of living with purpose and intention. Takeaways Intentional living leads to a life of purpose and fulfillmentFinding joy in everyday routines is essential for a fulfilling life Chapters 00:00 What Do You Want Said About You at Your Retirement?09:05 Creating Project-Specific Playlists19:45 Living Intentionally and Deliberately30:13 Living a Life of Intention and Purpose

    34 min

  4. MAR 16

    Week 9: What Are You Celebrating

    The conversation covers a range of topics including St. Patrick's Day, birthdays, age perception, discovering purpose, exploring darkness to find light, Pixar's storytelling process, and the history of the Happy Birthday song. The conversation delves into the origins of birthday cakes, the benefits of napping, and the importance of decluttering digital spaces. It explores the historical significance of round birthday cakes, the health benefits of napping, and the practice of tidying digital spaces to create order and space. Takeaways Age perception variesDiscovering purposeExploring darkness to find lightPixar's storytelling processThe history of the Happy Birthday song Birthday cake originsThe benefits of nappingDigital space decluttering Chapters 00:00 The History of the Happy Birthday Song35:20 The Benefits of Napping

    40 min

  5. MAR 9

    Week 8: Spring Cleaning

    The conversation delves into the themes of renewal and intentionality, exploring the concept of spring cleaning as a metaphor for personal renewal and letting go. It then transitions to a discussion on the youth mental health crisis and the power of emotional connection in addressing this issue. The concept of weak-kneed amiability and the impact of technology on communication are also explored, highlighting the importance of intuition and emotional connection in human interaction. Takeaways Renewal and IntentionalityThe Power of Emotional Connection Chapters 00:00 Spring Cleaning and Renewal06:13 Weak-Kneed Amiability and Emotional Connection16:21 The Impact of Technology on Communication35:34 The Importance of Intuition and Emotional Connection

    41 min

  6. MAR 2

    Week 7: Awareness

    The conversation delves into the power of understanding people through icebreaker questions, the impact of persistence and adversity, finding life in small changes, and the transformative impact of awareness. Takeaways The power of awarenessThe courage to be disliked Chapters 00:00 The Icebreaker Question: Understanding People18:05 Finding Life in Small Changes31:56 The Impact of Awareness

    39 min

  7. FEB 22

    Week 6: What You Lose to Win

    The conversation delves into the hidden costs of success and the transformative power of pain with meaning. It explores personal sacrifices, the importance of being anchored to something bigger, and the decision to stay in the face of adversity. The overarching theme is the price of success and the resilience required to achieve it. Takeaways Cost of successPain with meaning builds you Chapters 00:00 Staying in the Game

    14 min

  8. FEB 15

    Week 5: Just Name It

    The conversation delves into the depth of the icebreaker question, identity theft, survival, creating a song for Valentine's Day, the flow state, self-authorship, managing the inner critic, self-authorship and purpose, and the power of self-labeling. It explores the impact of self-awareness and choice in decision-making, as well as the strategies for managing the inner critic and overcoming procrastination. Takeaways The importance of introspection in icebreaker questionsThe impact of identity theft on survival and self-awareness Chapters 00:00 The Icebreaker Question05:55 Identity Theft and Survival13:57 The Flow State and Self-Authorship19:42 Managing the Inner Critic25:41 Self-Authorship and Purpose34:16 The Procrastination Monkey and Panic Monster

    37 min

  9. FEB 8

    Week 4: Quitting What’s Hard vs. Quitting What’s Hollow

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the Super Bowl, the spirit of the Olympics, sportsmanship, intimate relationships, resilience, and decision-making. It delves into the themes of competition, peace, tribalism, and the impact of sports on humanity. It also explores the significance of intimate relationships, the challenges of finding the right partner, and the concept of normal marital hatred. Additionally, it discusses the importance of resilience, discernment, and the role of commitment in decision-making. Takeaways Competition and sportsmanship can bring out both the best and the worst in us.The significance of intimate relationships and the challenges of finding the right partner.The importance of resilience, discernment, and the role of commitment in decision-making. Chapters 00:00 The Super Bowl and Sportsmanship07:06 Intimate Relationships and Finding the Right Partner19:22 Resilience and Decision-Making

    29 min

  10. FEB 2

    Week 3: What's Stuck Inside You?

    The conversation delves into the nature of change and personal growth, exploring the impact of change on individuals and the significance of taking responsibility in driving social change. It highlights the transformative power of personal growth and the role of responsibility in creating meaningful social impact. The conversation delves into the unique expression of the sung word, the power of coaching and creating a supportive environment, the impact of recognizing and expressing inner promptings, the significance of discovering hidden talents and abilities, the pursuit of intrinsic fulfillment and expression, the exploration of aptitude and micro motives, the intricacies of human motivation and granular exploration, the fascination with studio environments and intentionality, the journey of self-discovery and curiosity, the power of broad curiosity and exploration, the impact of diverse experiences and learning, the clarity of purpose and joyful expression, and the quest for inner promptings and expression. Takeaways The nature of change and personal growthThe role of responsibility in social change The power of coaching and creating a supportive environmentThe significance of recognizing and expressing one's inner promptings Chapters 00:00 The Power of Responsibility in Social Change20:19 The Unique Expression of the Sung Word25:22 Discovering Hidden Talents and Abilities30:29 Human Motivation and Granularity36:02 The Clarity of Purpose and Joyful Expression

    37 min

  11. JAN 25

    Week 2 The Power of Connection

    Keywords winter storm, stretching, mindfulness, relationships, personal growth, gratitude, health, connection, self-improvement, life lessons Summary In this conversation, Dean and Brilliant explore the themes of personal growth, the importance of relationships, and the impact of simple practices like stretching on overall well-being. They discuss how connections with others can bring life and meaning, emphasizing the significance of gratitude and mindfulness in daily life. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and the small actions that can lead to greater fulfillment. Takeaways Stretching for just three minutes can enhance focus and clarity. The who in our lives often matters more than the what. Maintaining health is easier than regaining it later. Building relationships can change the trajectory of our lives. Gratitude for people can lighten our circumstances. Simple practices can have profound impacts on well-being. Mindfulness and self-care are essential for personal growth. Connections with others can combat feelings of loneliness. Regular, small actions are more effective than infrequent, large efforts. Reflecting on relationships can lead to greater appreciation and fulfillment. Titles Finding Life in Simple Practices The Power of Connection Sound bites "What gave you life this week?" "Stretching has its own reward." "Go out there, meet somebody!" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker 00:49 Stretching: A Simple Practice for Life 03:36 Cold Plunge: Embracing Discomfort for Growth 06:05 The Connection Between Mind and Body 08:47 The Importance of Routine and Consistency 11:32 Flexibility and Longevity: Preparing for the Future 14:12 The Power of Relationships 16:09 Gratitude for Connections 18:54 Closing Thoughts and Challenges

    22 min

  12. JAN 22

    Week 1 Every Question Is a Vote

    Why you’ll love this episode If life feels a little quiet right now. If things aren’t wrong, but they aren’t fully alive either. If you are in between chapters, questioning what matters, or sensing something is forming but you cannot quite name it yet, this episode is for you. In Episode 1 of What Gave You Life This Week?, Brilliant Miller & Dean Miles invite you into a different kind of conversation. Not about fixing yourself or chasing the next goal, but about noticing what is already shaping you beneath the surface. They explore why certain questions pull us off autopilot, how reflection reveals what actually gives us life, and why seasons that feel flat or unremarkable are often doing more work than we realize. You will hear honest stories about passion, presence, relationships, solitude, and what it means to keep becoming even when no one is clapping. This episode is thoughtful, human, and quietly grounding. It is designed to be something you listen to when you do not need hype, just clarity. When you are not looking for answers as much as permission to pause and pay attention. If you have been sensing there is more going on than you can see, this conversation might help you listen more closely. No hustle. No pressure. Just a better way to notice where you are and what may be coming next.

    31 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Why you’ll love this podcast. What Gave You Life This Week? is a weekly conversation for people who want to live more intentionally without turning life into another performance. Each episode is a thoughtful, unscripted dialogue between Brilliant Miller and Dean Miles about the small, often overlooked moments that actually make life feel meaningful. Instead of chasing productivity hacks or quick fixes, the podcast focuses on reflection, presence, relationships, and the quiet practices that help us feel more alive.

Information

  • Creator
    Brilliant Miller & Dean Miles
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Brilliant Miller & Dean Miles
  • Show Website
    The Good Life Conversations