Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Passion Struck with John R. Miles
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You Don't Need More Freedom. You Need Better Constraints | David Epstein - EP 818 | 10 Sep 2026 | 01:00:23 | |
Have you ever felt like you need more options, more time, more freedom, or a bigger opportunity before you can finally make progress? What if the opposite is true? Today, John R. Miles sits down with New York Times bestselling author David Epstein, author of Range and The Sports Gene, to explore why constraints can sometimes unlock the creativity and focus that unlimited freedom cannot. David's new book, "Inside the Box," challenges one of our most deeply held assumptions: that more freedom is always better. Sometimes, having too many possibilities makes it harder to decide what matters, where to focus, and what to do next. David explains how constraints can channel us into productive experimentation—and why some of the biggest breakthroughs begin with a much smaller problem than we expect. He shares the surprising reality behind the Mendeleev story, revealing how a simple textbook problem helped lead to the periodic table. He also explains what the failure of General Magic can teach us about innovation, why UPS discovered that its routing problem was really a change-management problem, and how Pixar uses constraints and small experiments to improve its biggest creative projects. John and David also dive into one of the biggest challenges of modern life: protecting our attention. David shares how research by Gloria Mark changed the way he works, why constant task switching can increase stress, and how he now structures his day around monotasking, batching, and deliberately protecting his attention. In this episode, you'll learn:
The bigger lesson is one David returns to throughout the conversation: Sometimes the answer isn't to escape the box. It's to look more closely at what's inside it. Because the problem right in front of you may not be the obstacle to your next chapter. It may be the doorway. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| World’s Most Influential Psychologist: The Hidden Force That Drives Human Progress | Dr. Martin Seligman – EP 817 | 08 Sep 2026 | 01:01:34 | |
Have you ever reached a point where you stopped believing that what you do could actually make a difference? Maybe you tried harder. Maybe you kept showing up. But after enough setbacks, rejection, or disappointment, something inside you started asking, "Why bother?" Today, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the most influential psychologists of our time and a pioneer of positive psychology. For more than six decades, Seligman has studied learned helplessness, optimism, resilience, and human flourishing. His new book, Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress, brings that work to a much bigger question: What makes individuals—and entire civilizations—believe they can shape the future? Seligman explains that agency is built from three capacities: efficacy, optimism, and imagination. Together, they give us the ability not only to believe that we can act but also to envision a future worth acting toward. But this conversation goes far beyond individual psychology. John and Marty explore what happens when agency becomes collective, why societies need to balance “I can” with “we can,” and how mattering and agency may be connected. Marty argues that our actions begin shaping our sense of self through the responses we receive from other people and the world around us. When our actions repeatedly produce no response, learned helplessness can take hold. They also take the conversation into the future of AI, education, creativity, and human possibility. Seligman describes how AI is already allowing him to test ideas that once would have taken years to investigate—and why he believes the technology could become an extraordinary amplifier of human agency. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This is ultimately a conversation about one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves: Do I believe that what I do can make a difference? Because agency doesn't mean believing you control everything. It means believing that your actions still matter. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| You Are Not the Only Variable: When to Change Yourself and When to Change Your Environment | John R. Miles - EP 816 | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:23:27 | |
Have you ever worked harder and harder at something, only to wonder why nothing seems to change? You may assume the answer is that you need more discipline, more motivation, or more grit. But what if the problem isn't you? Today, John R. Miles explores that question through two very different lenses: Angela Duckworth's research on how situations shape our behavior and Jared Diamond's work on when individual leaders actually make a difference. John also puts both ideas to the test in his own life after spending two weeks in Blue Ridge, Georgia, where he discovered that he felt calmer, clearer, and more patient—not because he had become a different person, but because he was no longer in the same environment. But there's another side to this. Sometimes the environment really is the problem. And sometimes you are the person the moment requires. Jared Diamond's "Hamlet Test" asks whether someone else could have produced the same outcome. His comparison between Harry Truman and William Shakespeare reveals the difference between being replaceable and being uniquely suited to a moment. John brings both ideas together into the Fit Check: two questions that can help you figure out whether you need to change yourself, change your environment, or simply stop avoiding the work that only you can do. In this episode, you'll learn:
The goal isn't to become someone who can thrive anywhere. It's to become wise enough to know which rooms you need to change—and which moments are yours to own. Check 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| World-Renowned Historian: When Leaders Actually Change History | Jared Diamond - EP 815 | 03 Sep 2026 | 01:11:03 | |
What makes someone a great leader? Is it talent? Timing? Character? Circumstance? Or simply being the right person in the right place at the right moment? Today, John R. Miles sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and bestselling author Jared Diamond to explore one of the biggest questions in his new book, Profits, Profits, Profits, Coaches and Kings: When Do Leaders Matter? After spending decades studying civilizations, geography, human societies, and why nations succeed or collapse, Diamond has turned his attention to leadership. And his answer challenges the way we usually think about great leaders. Some leaders genuinely change history. Others recognize an opportunity that history has already created. And some may be talented, successful, and famous—but would not have made much difference if someone else had been in their place. In this conversation, Jared explains how he uses history as a series of “natural experiments” to separate the impact of a leader from the circumstances surrounding them. You’ll learn:
And Jared shares one of his most important lessons for leaders: Stop looking for the one most important thing. Great leadership, he argues, is about getting the many important things right. This is a conversation about leadership, history, circumstance, and legacy—but ultimately, it raises a question every leader should ask: If you disappeared tomorrow, what would actually be different because you were here? Download the FREE Reflection Guide 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| World-Leading Psychologist: How to Change Your Life by Changing What’s Around You | Angela Duckworth - EP 814 | 01 Sep 2026 | 00:54:22 | |
If you’ve been trying to change your life but keep falling back into the same habits, this episode is for you. Today, John R. Miles sits down with Angela Duckworth, one of the world’s leading psychologists and the bestselling author of Grit. Angela has spent her career studying why some people are able to achieve their goals and reach their potential. But in her new book, Situated, she shares a powerful idea that changes the way we think about personal growth. We tend to believe that change comes from within. We tell ourselves to be more disciplined. Try harder. Find more motivation. Have more willpower. But Angela explains that we often overlook something incredibly important: what’s around us. The people we spend time with. The spaces where we live and work. The mentors we learn from. And the culture that surrounds us. All of these things are shaping our behavior more than we realize. The good news is that you don't always have to force yourself to change through sheer willpower. Sometimes, changing your situation can make it easier to become the person you want to be. Angela shares her research-backed framework for understanding the four parts of your environment that can shape your life: your space, your peers, your mentors, and your culture. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This episode is about taking a different approach to change. Because sometimes the answer isn’t to ask yourself to try harder. Sometimes, you need to look around and ask: What in my life is making it harder to become who I want to be? Download the FREE Companion Reflection Guide for The Adaptive Human series 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 Feeling Like You’re Never Doing Enough | Caleb Campbell - EP 813 | 28 Aug 2026 | 01:08:02 | |
If you constantly feel like you should be doing more, achieving more, or becoming more, this episode is for you. Today, John R. Miles sits down with Caleb Campbell, a former NFL player and author of the new book Unstriving. For much of his life, Caleb believed that success would finally make him feel like he was enough. But after spending years pursuing achievement and reaching goals he once dreamed about, he discovered something many high achievers eventually learn: You can get what you wanted and still feel like you're not enough. Today, Caleb is sharing a different way to think about ambition, success, and the pressure so many of us feel to constantly prove ourselves. His message is not about giving up on your goals or becoming less ambitious. It's about learning how to pursue the things that matter to you without making your worth dependent on whether you achieve them. You can use this advice for anything: Your career. Your goals. Your relationships. The pressure you put on yourself. The next accomplishment you're chasing. The part of your life where you keep thinking, “Once I get there, then I'll finally feel like enough.” In this episode, you'll learn:
This is an episode for anyone who has ever felt exhausted by the pressure to constantly do more, be more, or prove more. By the end, you'll have a different way to think about success—and a clearer understanding of what it means to pursue your potential without making achievement responsible for proving that you matter. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 30 Years of Research Reveals Why Midlife Isn’t a Crisis | Margie Lachman - EP 812 | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:56:50 | |
What if everything you’ve been told about midlife is wrong? If you’ve ever worried that your best years are behind you, that it’s too late to change, or that getting older automatically means losing your energy, purpose, or sense of possibility, this episode is for you. Today, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Margie Lachman, a leading lifespan psychologist and author of Primetime: A New Vision for Midlife, who has spent more than 30 years studying what actually happens to us during the middle years of life. Margie reveals why the idea of a “midlife crisis” is largely a myth—and why midlife can actually be one of the most powerful periods of growth, confidence, purpose, and control. She explains why you are not locked into who you are, why the choices you make in midlife can shape how well you age, and how your relationships, health, and sense of purpose can influence the decades ahead. In this episode, you’ll learn:
This is an episode about challenging the story you've been told about aging—and realizing that you may have far more time, possibility, and influence over your future than you think. Your best years may not be behind you. They may be ahead of you. Download the FREE 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 25 Aug 2026 | 00:53:06 | |
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:
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:51:19 | |
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:
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 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 20 Aug 2026 | 01:01:04 | |
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:
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 18 Aug 2026 | 00:53:50 | |
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:
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 14 Aug 2026 | 00:23:46 | |
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:
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 13 Aug 2026 | 01:01:51 | |
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:
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. [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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 11 Aug 2026 | 01:02:22 | |
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:
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 | 07 Aug 2026 | 00:21:05 | |
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:
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| You Were Born to Flourish. Here's the Science That Proves It. | Dr. Richard Davidson & Dr. Cortland Dahl – EP 803 | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:45:59 | |
What if you've spent your whole life believing you needed to become someone different—when the qualities you need have been inside you all along? Most of us think flourishing is something we earn after we've accomplished enough, healed enough, or finally have everything figured out. But what if science says otherwise? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with pioneering neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson and contemplative scholar Court Dahl to explore the groundbreaking science behind their new book, Born to Flourish. Drawing on decades of neuroscience research, contemplative traditions, and the work inspired by the Dalai Lama, they explain why awareness, connection, insight, and purpose aren't personality traits—they're innate capacities that every human being can strengthen through practice. You'll learn:
If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to become calmer, more connected, and more resilient without changing who you are, this conversation offers a hopeful answer: you don't have to create a better self—you simply have to nurture the one you were born with. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Protect Your Brain Before It's Too Late | Dr. Daniel Amen – EP 802 | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:54:06 | |
Your brain is changing every single day. The question is: Is it changing for the better or for the worse? Most people don't think about protecting their brain until something goes wrong. But according to renowned psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen, the decisions you make every day—from how you sleep and eat to how you manage stress, relationships, and negative thoughts—are either building a healthier brain or slowly damaging it. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Amen to explore the science of brain health, neuroplasticity, and why you're never stuck with the brain you have. Drawing on decades of research and hundreds of thousands of brain scans, Dr. Amen explains how modern life is rewiring our brains, why mental health begins with brain health, and the practical habits that can improve memory, focus, resilience, and emotional well-being at any age. You'll learn:
If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to think more clearly, feel better emotionally, or protect your brain as you age, this conversation offers a hopeful, science-backed roadmap for creating lasting change—because you're not stuck with the brain you have. Need sustained focus without another cup of coffee? Try Roon and save up to 64% at takeroon.com/PASSIONSTRUCK with code PASSIONSTRUCK. Download the FREE 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Person You Become Is the Person You Practice | John R. Miles - EP 801 | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:26:07 | |
Most of us are waiting for the moment everything changes. The breakthrough. The perfect habit. The morning you finally wake up feeling motivated enough to become the person you've always wanted to be. But what if that moment never comes? In this solo episode, John R. Miles challenges one of the biggest myths in personal growth: that transformation happens in an instant. Instead, he reveals why the future version of you is created through the ordinary practices you repeat every single day. Drawing on the timeless Zen teaching of Chop Wood, Carry Water, legendary coach John Wooden's relentless focus on fundamentals, and insights from neuroscientist Dr. Jud Brewer, Stanford behavior scientist BJ Fogg, former Hindu monk Dandapani, and astronaut Chris Cassidy, John explains why your habits don't just shape what you do—they shape who you become. You'll learn:
If you've been waiting until you feel ready to change your life, this episode will show you why the practice—not the breakthrough—is what changes everything. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 Being So Hard on Yourself | Dr. D. Ivan Young - EP 800 | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:55:41 | |
Are you your own harshest critic? If you constantly second-guess yourself, replay mistakes, or feel like you're never doing enough, this episode is for you. Today, you'll discover why self-compassion isn't about lowering your standards—it's about giving yourself the emotional foundation to become more resilient, more confident, and more fully present. You'll learn how your inner dialogue shapes your relationships, why high achievers often stay trapped in survival mode, and how changing the way you speak to yourself can transform the way you live. Joining John R. Miles is Dr. D. Ivan Young, executive coach, neuroscientist, leadership expert, and author of Leading from the Heart. For decades, he's helped Fortune 500 executives, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and public figures overcome limiting beliefs, heal emotional wounds, and build lives rooted in self-awareness and compassion. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you've spent years extending grace to everyone except yourself, this conversation may change the relationship that matters most—the one you have with yourself. Download the FREE Digital Companion 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| #1 Running Coach on the Daily Habits That Create Elite Performers | Sean Brosnan - EP 799 | 28 Jul 2026 | 01:01:58 | |
Today's episode is your ultimate guide to unlocking more potential than you ever thought possible. If you've ever wondered whether you're capable of more—but aren't sure how to break through self-doubt, build real confidence, or reach the next level in your life or career—this episode is a must-listen. Today, you'll learn why extraordinary performance isn't reserved for a gifted few. It's built through belief, culture, intentional habits, and a willingness to challenge the limits you've accepted for yourself. Today, John sits down with legendary running coach Sean Brosnan, author of Beyond Fast. Sean built one of the greatest high school distance running programs in history, producing Olympians, national champions, and American record holders—not by finding extraordinary athletes, but by helping ordinary people discover what they were truly capable of. Whether you're leading a team, building a business, raising a family, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to become your best self, this conversation will change the way you think about performance and human potential. You'll learn:
If you're ready to stop living beneath your potential and start believing in what's truly possible, this episode will give you the mindset and tools to begin. Get the Full Shownotes Here: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-build-an-elite-team-culture-sean-brosnan/ Download the FREE 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Become the Person the People You Love Need Most | John R. Miles - EP 798 | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:24:14 | |
If you've been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, today's episode is for you. What if the most important thing you bring into every room isn't your talent, your success, or even your intentions—but your emotional state? In this episode, John R. Miles explores one of the most powerful shifts he's experienced through years of research, interviews, and personal reflection: every human being is an environment. The people you love don't just hear your words—they experience your presence. Your family, your friends, and your team are all shaped by the emotional climate you create. Drawing on insights from conversations with Arthur Brooks, Jess Ekstrom, Guy Kawasaki, and Dr. Robert Waldinger, John explains why personal growth isn't a private journey. It's one of the greatest gifts you can give the people around you. In this episode, you'll learn:
The greatest impact you'll ever have isn't just through what you accomplish—it's through the environment you create for the people who share your life. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Protect Your Identity in a World Trying to Change You | Guy Kawasaki - EP 797 | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:56:01 | |
Do you ever feel like technology knows you better than you know yourself? Every day, algorithms influence what you see, what you buy, what you believe, and even how you measure your worth. Most of us think the biggest risk is losing our privacy. But what if the real danger is slowly losing sight of who we are? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with entrepreneur and bestselling author Guy Kawasaki to explore why protecting your privacy is about far more than securing your personal information. It's about protecting your identity, your relationships, and your ability to make choices that reflect your values instead of someone else's algorithm. Together, they discuss how technology has evolved from tracking our behavior to shaping it, why social media has changed the way we define what it means to matter, and how small decisions about what we share—and what we choose to keep private—can help us reclaim our autonomy. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you've ever wondered whether technology is changing who you are, this conversation will help you take back control—not by rejecting innovation, but by becoming more intentional about the life you choose to build. Guy is personally offering a free copy of his latest book, Everybody Has Something to Hide (English or Spanish), to US listeners! Simply send an email to english@guykawasaki.com or spanish@guykawasaki.com requesting a copy, and his team will send you a gift link. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Stop Waiting to Feel Happy: The Mindset Shift Every Ambitious Person Needs | Jess Ekstrom - EP 796 | 21 Jul 2026 | 00:54:43 | |
Have you ever reached a goal you worked incredibly hard for, only to find yourself asking, What's next? If you've ever believed that happiness, fulfillment, or peace would finally arrive after the next promotion, milestone, or accomplishment, this episode is for you. John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker Jess Ekstrom to explore why so many high achievers unknowingly postpone their happiness. Jess calls it the Arrival Trap—the belief that the life we want always exists somewhere in the future. Drawing on her own entrepreneurial journey and the ideas in her new book, Making It Without Losing It, she explains why fulfillment doesn't come from reaching the finish line but from changing how we experience the journey. Together, John and Jess discuss why purpose is something we build rather than discover, how external achievement can quietly replace internal fulfillment, and why comparison often leads us to pursue goals that were never truly our own. They also explore the science of motivation, practical ways to reconnect with meaningful work, and a simple framework for determining whether you're chasing a dream because it reflects who you are—or because it looks good to everyone else. In this episode, you'll learn why the "Arrival Trap" keeps people from enjoying their lives, how to create purpose in the work you're already doing, why intrinsic motivation is more sustainable than external validation, how to stop comparing your path to everyone else's, and practical ways to enjoy the present without giving up your ambition. If you've been working hard but still feel like something is missing, this conversation will help you redefine success and discover how to pursue your goals without losing yourself in the process. Learn more about today's guest: https://jessekstrom.com/ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS We’re so excited to partner with FODZYME and offer you 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why You Keep Falling Back Into Old Habits (It's Not About Willpower) | John R. Miles - EP 795 | 17 Jul 2026 | 00:22:58 | |
Today, you'll discover why some changes feel effortless while others seem impossible to stick with. In this solo episode, John R. Miles reveals one of the biggest reasons we struggle to change—and it has less to do with willpower than you think. If you've ever wondered why you keep checking your phone, overworking, getting distracted, or falling back into habits you wanted to leave behind, this episode will completely change how you think about personal growth. Drawing on powerful conversations with neuroscientist Dr. Dana Suskind and behavioral scientist Leidy Klotz, John explains why the environments around you quietly shape your attention, your decisions, and ultimately the person you're becoming. This episode will help you:
Here's the truth: Every environment is teaching you something. The question isn't whether your surroundings are shaping you. It's whether they're helping you become the person you want to be. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How Your Environment Shapes Your Life (And What to Change Today) | Leidy Klotz - EP 794 | 16 Jul 2026 | 00:56:46 | |
Today's episode will change how you think about the places you spend your life. Most of us believe that if we want to feel happier, more productive, or more connected, we need to change ourselves. But what if one of the biggest influences on your well-being isn't your mindset—it's your environment? If you've ever felt drained at work, disconnected at home, or wondered why certain places instantly make you feel calm, creative, or like your best self, this conversation will help you see your surroundings in a completely different way. Joining me is Leidy Klotz, engineer, award-winning researcher, and bestselling author of In a Good Place. His groundbreaking work explores how the spaces we live, work, and gather in quietly shape our relationships, memories, happiness, creativity, and even our sense of who we are. Together, we explore why your environment may be one of the most overlooked drivers of flourishing—and the simple changes that can dramatically improve the way you live every day. In this episode, you'll learn:
The truth is, we don't just shape the places we live in. Over time, those places shape us. And once you understand how your environment influences your life, you'll start seeing opportunities for positive change that have been hiding in plain sight.
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Raise Resilient Kids in the Age of AI: The Parenting Skills AI Can Never Replace | Dr. Dana Suskind - EP 793 | 14 Jul 2026 | 00:59:50 | |
Today's episode will change how you think about parenting, childhood, and what it really means to be human in the age of AI. Artificial intelligence is changing education, work, relationships, and nearly every aspect of modern life. But according to today's guest, the greatest challenge isn't what AI is becoming—it's whether we will forget what makes us human. If you're a parent, grandparent, educator, leader, or simply someone who cares about the future of the next generation, this conversation will completely change how you think about raising children and preparing them for the world ahead. Joining me is Dr. Dana Suskind, renowned pediatric surgeon, developmental researcher, and bestselling author of the groundbreaking new book Human Raised. After decades of studying how early relationships shape the developing brain, Dana explains why the qualities that matter most in the future aren't the ones AI can master—they're the deeply human capacities that only we can cultivate. Together, we explore why connection, curiosity, resilience, empathy, and critical thinking have become the most important skills we can pass on to our children—and why those abilities begin developing much earlier than most of us realize. In this episode, you'll learn:
The future isn't determined by technology alone. It's shaped by the choices we make every day about how we connect, care, and raise the next generation. And as Dana explains, those deeply human choices may be our greatest advantage in an AI-powered world. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns (And How Real Change Finally Happens) | John R. Miles - EP 792 | 10 Jul 2026 | 00:20:04 | |
Today's episode will change the way you think about personal transformation. Have you ever caught yourself doing something you promised yourself you wouldn't do again?
Or maybe you keep returning to the same habits, relationships, or patterns—even though you know they're no longer serving you. If you've ever wondered, "Why do I keep becoming the same person?" this episode is for you. Drawing on two powerful conversations with bestselling authors Nick Ortner (Rewired) and Jon Gordon (The Power of Positive Habits), John reveals why lasting change isn't simply about discipline, motivation, or trying harder. Instead, you'll discover why your brain is wired to choose what's familiar over what's healthy—and how small, repeated actions can teach your nervous system that a new way of living is finally safe. In this episode, you'll learn:
Here's the truth: Real transformation doesn't happen because you finally become more disciplined. It happens because your mind and body slowly learn to trust a different way of living. Because flourishing isn't about becoming someone new. It's about becoming at home with the person you've always been capable of becoming. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Power of Positive Habits: Simple Changes That Transform Your Life | Jon Gordon - EP 791 | 09 Jul 2026 | 00:53:02 | |
In today's episode, you'll learn why the habits that shape your life aren't the obvious ones—they're the small, daily choices that quietly determine how you think, lead, and respond when life doesn't go according to plan. If you've ever found yourself battling negative thoughts, comparing your success to everyone else's, or wondering how to stay motivated when the excitement fades, this conversation will give you a practical framework for building habits that create lasting growth. Joining me is bestselling author and leadership expert Jon Gordon. For more than two decades, Jon has helped Fortune 500 companies, championship sports teams, military organizations, and millions of readers understand how positive habits become the foundation for extraordinary leadership and meaningful lives. In his newest book, The Power of Positive Habits, he shares the simple practices that helped transform his own life—and the lessons he's taught to some of the world's highest-performing organizations. Together, we explore why success isn't built on dramatic breakthroughs but on consistent decisions that compound over time. In this episode, you'll learn:
The truth is this: your future isn't determined by a single decision. It's shaped by the habits you repeat every day. And as Jon explains, even one small change in how you think, lead, or serve others can create extraordinary results over time. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Rewire Your Brain, Let Go of Old Wounds, and Become Who You Were Meant to Be | Nick Ortner - EP 790 | 07 Jul 2026 | 01:17:02 | |
Today's episode will change how you think about anxiety, fear, and the stories you've been telling yourself about who you are. Have you ever thought:
According to today's guest, that's not true. You can change your brain. You can change your emotional patterns. And you can become someone new without rejecting who you've been. Joining John today is Nick Ortner, New York Times bestselling author of The Tapping Solution and his new book, Rewired. For more than two decades, Nick has helped millions of people use Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to overcome anxiety, release trauma, and create lasting change. In this episode, you'll learn:
Here's the powerful truth at the center of this conversation: You don't have to remain who you've always been. Your past may have shaped you. It does not have to define you. And once you understand how change actually happens, you can stop managing old wounds and start building the life you want. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Three Conversations That Changed How I Think About Being Alive | John R. Miles EP 789 | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:30:38 | |
What if flourishing isn't something you achieve someday—but something you practice in the life you're already living? In this episode, John R. Miles explores the first step toward becoming fully alive: presence. Drawing from three unforgettable conversations with Navy SEAL and Paralympian Dan Cnossen, entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie, and spiritual teacher Gabby Bernstein, he examines the questions that emerge when our old ways of living no longer work. If you've been waiting for life to settle down before you fully show up, chasing achievement in hopes that it will finally make you feel enough, or caring for everyone around you while losing touch with yourself, this episode offers a different path forward. In this conversation, you'll discover:
At the heart of this episode are three questions worth carrying into your own life: What are you waiting to begin that has already begun? Who are you when there's nothing left to prove? Was I a safe place to come home to today? Because becoming fully alive isn't about finding another life. It's about inhabiting the one that's already 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Stay Always Connected to Spirit – Even When Life Feels Hard or Overwhelming | Suzanne Giesemann - EP 788 | 02 Jul 2026 | 01:07:10 | |
What if the guidance you’ve been searching for has been with you all along? In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to stay connected to something greater than yourself—even during grief, uncertainty, illness, or life's most overwhelming moments. If you've ever wondered whether you're truly alone, struggled to find peace in difficult seasons, or sensed that there is a deeper wisdom available to you, this conversation will give you practical tools to access it. John welcomes Suzanne Giesemann back to Passion Struck. A former Navy Commander and aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff turned evidential medium and spiritual teacher, Suzanne shares insights from her new book, Always Connected, and explains why our connection to spirit is never lost—even when we forget it. In this conversation, you'll learn:
Suzanne brings together military discipline, spiritual insight, and a grounded approach to the unseen. Whether you're exploring these ideas for the first time or have been walking this path for years, this conversation is a reminder that connection is not something you create—it is something you remember. And perhaps the most important truth of all: even in your hardest moments, you are never alone.
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Healing Your Body Image From the Inside Out | Whitney Otto - EP 787 | 30 Jun 2026 | 00:55:18 | |
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with executive coach, former therapist, and former U.S. National Team rower Whitney Otto to explore one of the most personal struggles people carry: their relationship with their bodies.
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: Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK Function Health: functionhealth.com/PASSION or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK Full Show Notes Download the Digital Workbook Learn more about Whitney Otto: Website: https://www.bodyimageinsideout.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-otto/ Connect with John
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Courage to Become Yourself: Remembering Who You Are | John R. Miles - EP 786 | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:20:00 | |
What if the person you've been trying to become is actually pulling you farther away from who you really are? In today's episode, you'll discover why so many of us spend our lives performing, achieving, and adapting—only to wake up feeling disconnected from ourselves. Have you ever felt like you're living the life everyone expected you to build, but still wonder if something is missing? Do you find yourself chasing success, approval, or perfection, yet struggle to feel like you're enough? Or maybe you've become so busy meeting everyone else's expectations that you've forgotten what it feels like to simply be yourself. According to John, the greatest form of disconnection isn't losing touch with other people. It's losing touch with who you are. Drawing on the timeless story of Hook, along with insights from psychology, attachment theory, and the remarkable conversations that shaped the Connection Crisis series, John explores why flourishing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about remembering the person you've been all along. In this episode, you'll learn:
Here's the truth:
Sometimes the bravest thing you'll ever do is remember who you've been all along.
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Great Leaders Make People Feel Like They Matter | Adrian Gostick - EP 785 | 25 Jun 2026 | 00:56:52 | |
Do you ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? Or maybe you're a leader doing everything you can to build a great team—but people still seem disengaged, disconnected, or ready to leave. Here's what most leaders miss: People don't just want recognition. They want to know they matter. In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author and workplace culture expert Adrian Gostick to explore why feeling valued is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, resilience, innovation, and performance. Drawing on decades of research with hundreds of thousands of leaders and employees, Adrian reveals why appreciation isn't a "soft skill"—it's a leadership advantage. Together, he and John unpack why employees often feel invisible even in successful organizations, how uncertainty quietly erodes trust, and what the best leaders do to create workplaces where people genuinely want to contribute. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you lead a company, manage a team, or simply want to have a greater impact on the people around you, this conversation will transform the way you think about leadership. Because the leaders people remember most aren't the ones who demanded the most. They're the ones who made people believe they mattered.
Full Show Notes
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. 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 Living for Everyone Else and Finally Become Yourself | Spencer West - EP 784 | 23 Jun 2026 | 00:54:35 | |
Have you ever felt like you're living the life everyone expected you to build—but not the one you truly want? Maybe you've spent years chasing success, checking all the right boxes, or trying to fit into someone else's definition of who you should be. Yet deep down, something still feels missing. In today's episode, you'll discover why so many of us unknowingly build our lives around external expectations—and how to finally break free and become the person you were always meant to be. Joining John R. Miles is Spencer West, internationally acclaimed speaker, activist, bestselling author, and one of the most inspiring voices on resilience and authentic living. After losing both of his legs as a child and later climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands, Spencer learned that our greatest limitations are often the identities we inherit—not the circumstances we face. Together, John and Spencer explore why safety can become the greatest obstacle to authenticity, why belonging without being yourself ultimately leaves you feeling empty, and how to stop performing for the world and start living from who you truly are. In this episode, you'll learn:
Here's the truth: The greatest risk isn't failing. It's waking up one day and realizing you've spent your life becoming someone the world wanted—while forgetting the person you already were. Authenticity isn't something you achieve. It's something you remember.
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What Are The Hidden Attachments Running Your Life | John R. Miles - EP 783 | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:19:47 | |
Have you ever wondered why you keep falling into the same patterns, even when you know they're hurting you? Maybe you overthink every decision. Maybe you struggle to ask for help, chase perfection, or constantly put other people's needs ahead of your own. You know these habits aren't serving you anymore—but letting them go feels almost impossible. In this solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores why the behaviors that frustrate us most often began as strategies that once protected us. Drawing on attachment psychology, neuroscience, and William James' distinction between the "I" and the "Me," he introduces The Backpack We Never Chose—a powerful framework for understanding how childhood survival strategies quietly become adult identities. You'll discover why your brain often chooses familiar discomfort over meaningful change, how protective patterns can become barriers to authentic relationships, and why healing doesn't begin by becoming someone new—it begins by recognizing what you're still carrying that no longer belongs to you. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you've ever felt stuck in the same emotional patterns, this episode will help you understand where they came from—and show you that your past may explain you, but it doesn't have to define you.
Full Show Notes 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why You Keep Repeating the Same Relationship Patterns | Adam Lane Smith - EP 782 | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:59:26 | |
Do you find yourself repeating the same relationship patterns over and over again? Maybe you pull away when people get too close. Maybe you constantly worry about being abandoned. Or perhaps you feel more comfortable succeeding at work than allowing yourself to be truly known by the people you love. The problem isn't that you're broken. It may be that your nervous system is still responding to the world exactly as it learned to in childhood. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with attachment expert, former licensed marriage and family therapist, and relationship coach Adam Lane Smith to explore how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect throughout our lives. Together, they unpack the science behind attachment styles, why so many high achievers struggle with intimacy despite succeeding professionally, and how secure relationships become the foundation for resilience, leadership, and long-term flourishing. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you're trying to strengthen your marriage, become a better parent, improve your leadership, or simply understand yourself more deeply, this conversation will help you recognize the patterns that have been shaping your life—and show you how to change them. Because healing doesn't begin when you find the right relationship. It begins when you become a safer place for connection.
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns (And How to Finally Break Free) | Kati Morton - EP 781 | 16 Jun 2026 | 01:00:59 | |
Today's episode will change the way you think about the habits, behaviors, and patterns that keep showing up in your life—even when you know they're holding you back. Do you ever wonder: Why do I keep people-pleasing even when it leaves me exhausted? Why do I overwork, overthink, or strive for perfection but still never feel like I'm enough? Why do I keep finding myself in the same relationships, making the same choices, or falling into the same emotional patterns? According to today's guest, these behaviors aren't signs that you're broken. They're often strategies your brain developed to protect you. Joining John R. Miles is Kati Morton, licensed therapist, bestselling author, and one of the world's leading mental health educators. Drawing from her new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, Kati explains why the patterns that once helped us survive can quietly keep us from fully living. Together, John and Kati explore how childhood experiences shape the beliefs we carry into adulthood, why high achievers often confuse accomplishment with self-worth, and how curiosity—not self-criticism—is the key to lasting change. In this episode, you'll learn:
Here's the truth: the patterns you're struggling with didn't appear overnight—and they won't disappear overnight either. But once you understand why you keep doing what you do, you can finally begin choosing a different path. And that may be the first step toward becoming the person you've always wanted to be. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why We Feel So Disconnected (And How to Find Our Way Back) | John R. Miles - EP 780 | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:26:13 | |
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores one of the defining challenges of modern life: why so many people feel disconnected despite living in the most interconnected era in human history.
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Great Leaders Make People Love Their Work | Marcus Buckingham - EP 779 | 11 Jun 2026 | 00:54:07 | |
Why do some workplaces bring out the best in people while others slowly drain their energy? Most leaders believe engagement comes from better strategies, stronger incentives, or higher compensation. But according to leadership researcher Marcus Buckingham, the biggest driver of performance is something far more human: the way people feel every time they come to work. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Marcus Buckingham—global leadership researcher, bestselling author, and pioneer of the strengths movement—to explore why love isn't a soft leadership idea but one of the strongest predictors of trust, innovation, resilience, and long-term performance. Together, they unpack the science behind memorable experiences, why average interactions rarely inspire lasting loyalty, and how exceptional leaders intentionally create environments where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to do their best work. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you lead an organization, manage a small team, or simply want to have a greater impact on the people around you, this conversation will change the way you think about leadership. Because the greatest leaders don't just build successful businesses. They create places people never want to leave.
Full Show Notes 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Communication Mistake Almost Everyone Makes (And How to Fix It) | Greg McKeown - EP 778 | 09 Jun 2026 | 01:11:39 | |
Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking, "That's not what I meant at all"? Whether it's with your partner, your child, a coworker, or a friend, being misunderstood can leave you feeling frustrated, disconnected, and unseen. The surprising truth is that most communication problems aren't caused by what we say—they're caused by the emotional noise that gets in the way of what others hear. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author Greg McKeown, creator of Essentialism and Effortless, to explore a powerful idea he calls confident misunderstanding—our tendency to believe we've understood someone when we've actually missed what matters most. Together, they discuss why this hidden gap affects every relationship in our lives and how learning to reduce emotional noise can transform the way we communicate, lead, parent, and connect with others. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you're leading a team, navigating family dynamics, or simply trying to have more meaningful conversations, this episode will give you practical tools to communicate with greater clarity and create a deeper human connection. Because people don't remember every word you say. They remember whether they felt understood.
Full Show Notes Here: https://passionstruck.com/greg-mckeown-confident-misunderstanding/ 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why You Feel Invisible in a Connected World | John R. Miles - EP 777 | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:26:45 | |
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores one of the defining challenges of modern life: why so many people feel invisible in a world that has never been more connected. Drawing on the Civil War phenomenon of acoustic shadows, insights from Eric Ries and Dr. John La Puma, and themes from his forthcoming book The Mattering Effect, John reveals how millions of people are living in a state of quiet disconnection—surrounded by information, productivity tools, and digital networks, yet increasingly cut off from belonging, significance, and genuine human connection.
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 Offers FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK Resources: Connect with John
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Living Indoors Is Making You Sick, Tired, and Burned Out | Dr. John La Puma - EP 776 | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:04:30 | |
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with physician, bestselling author, and lifestyle medicine pioneer Dr. John La Puma to explore what he calls the Indoor Epidemic—the growing disconnect between the environments humans evolved to live in and the environments where we now spend nearly 93% of our lives.
Download the companion Substack Article and Workbook Learn more about Dr. John La Puma: Website: https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/ Get the book: Indoor Epidemic Connect with John
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Build a Company That Never Loses Its Soul | Eric Ries - EP 775 | 02 Jun 2026 | 00:53:40 | |
How does a company that starts with a meaningful mission slowly become a place people no longer trust? It happens more often than most leaders realize. Organizations begin with a desire to serve customers, employees, and communities, but over time, pressure for short-term results can quietly pull them away from the values that once defined them. The result isn't just declining performance—it's the loss of trust, purpose, and humanity. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Lean Startup creator Eric Ries to explore why great companies lose their way—and what leaders can do to prevent it. Drawing on insights from his new book, Incorruptible, Eric introduces the idea of financial gravity, the invisible force that pulls organizations away from long-term value creation and toward short-term extraction. Through stories of companies like Costco, Microsoft, Walmart, Amazon, and Silicon Valley Bank, he reveals why trust is an organization's greatest competitive advantage and how leaders can build institutions that endure. In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you're leading a startup, a global organization, or a small team, this conversation offers a practical blueprint for creating a culture where people trust the mission as much as the results. Because the companies that stand the test of time don't just grow bigger. They stay true to what made them worth building in the first place.
Full Show Notes 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Find Meaning When Life Doesn't Go as Planned | John R. Miles - EP 774 | 29 May 2026 | 00:17:31 | |
Have you ever wondered if everything you've been through has a purpose? Maybe you've worked hard to overcome disappointment, failure, loss, or burnout, only to find yourself asking, What was it all for? It's easy to believe that healing is something we do alone. But what if the final step in your own growth isn't about becoming a better version of yourself—it's about helping someone else because of what you've lived through? In this solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores why our greatest struggles were never meant to remain private victories. Drawing inspiration from The Shawshank Redemption, behavioral coach Eric Zimmer, and Say It Now founder Walter Green, he reveals how the experiences that once wounded us can become the very source of hope, connection, and meaning for others. Along the way, John examines why dramatic life changes so often fail, why small acts of courage create lasting transformation, and how expressing specific gratitude can deepen relationships before it's too late. He also shares a personal story of unspoken appreciation that illustrates how even one conversation can change the course of a life. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you've been carrying pain, questioning your purpose, or wondering whether your struggles mattered, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: the experiences that shaped you can also become the gifts that shape someone else's life.
Full Show Notes 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why You Need to Say It Now Rather Than Regret It Later | Walter Green - EP 773 | 28 May 2026 | 01:12:28 | |
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.
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
Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/feel-like-they-matter-walter-green/ Get the Companion Workbook Learn More About Walter and the Movement: https://www.sayitnow.org Connect with John
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Lasting Change Happens One Small Choice at a Time | Eric Zimmer - EP 772 | 26 May 2026 | 01:02:34 | |
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.
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
Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/small-changes-create-lasting-transformation/https://www.google.com/search?q=https://passionstruck.com/eric-zimmer-small-changes-lasting-transformation/ Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/why-so-many-people-keep-starting Learn More About Eric: https://www.oneyoufeed.net Connect with John
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Success Won’t Save You: The Alchemy of Real Change | John R. Miles - EP 771 | 22 May 2026 | 00:20:50 | |
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.
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 771 Connect with John
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. 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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Truth About Success (And Why It Still Doesn't Feel Like Enough) | Blake Mycoskie - EP 770 | 21 May 2026 | 00:55:07 | |
Have you ever felt like no matter how much you accomplish, it still doesn't feel like enough? You hit the goal. You earn the promotion. You build the business. From the outside, your life looks successful. Yet somehow the finish line keeps moving, and the voice telling you that you should be doing more never gets quieter. In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie to explore one of the most common struggles among high achievers: believing that your worth has to be earned. After building a globally recognized company, donating more than 100 million pairs of shoes, and achieving extraordinary success, Blake found himself battling depression, burnout, and the painful belief that he still wasn't enough. Rather than offering another conversation about achievement, Blake shares what happened when he stopped looking for fulfillment in external success and began rebuilding his life from the inside out. Together, he and John explore why so many people tie their identity to productivity, comparison, and validation—and how reclaiming intrinsic worth can transform the way we lead, love, and live. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you've ever wondered why success hasn't brought the peace you expected, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: your value was never meant to be measured by what you accomplish. It begins with recognizing what has been true all along—you are enough.
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Move Forward When Life Doesn't Go as Planned | Amy Purdy - EP 769 | 19 May 2026 | 01:12:49 | |
What do you do when the life you planned suddenly disappears? Whether you're facing loss, a health crisis, burnout, or an unexpected setback, it's easy to believe your best days are behind you. But what if your greatest challenge could become the beginning of a life you never imagined? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Paralympic medalist, bestselling author, and resilience advocate Amy Purdy to explore what it truly means to bounce forward. After surviving meningococcal meningitis at just 19 years old and losing both of her legs below the knee, Amy faced the impossible task of rebuilding her identity. Instead of allowing adversity to define her future, she discovered a new path—one rooted in purpose, courage, and possibility. Together, John and Amy explore why resilience isn't about returning to who you were before hardship. It's about becoming someone stronger because of it. They discuss how gratitude changes the way we experience suffering, why uncertainty often creates unexpected opportunities, and how taking small, intentional steps can help you move forward when the future feels uncertain. In this episode, you'll learn:
If you're navigating a difficult season or wondering how to move forward after life didn't go according to plan, this conversation will remind you that your circumstances don't determine what's possible—your next step does.
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
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||