Passion Struck with John R. Miles - Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Latest Episodes:

What AI Can’t Teach You About Feeling Human Again w/John R. Miles | EP 687 Nov 07, 2025

Show notes

What if the most advanced intelligence on Earth isn’t artificial, but emotional?In this opening episode of the new Passion Struck series, The Irreplaceables: Rediscovering Human Worth in an Age of Acceleration, host John R. Miles explores the rarest skill of all in the age of AI: how to feel.We’re racing to make machines seem human while forgetting how to be.Through powerful storytelling and science-backed insights, John reveals how we’ve optimized ourselves into emotional flatlines—mistaking numbness for strength and speed for progress.Drawing from leading experts like Dr. Zac Seidler, Dr. Zelana Montminy, and Dr. Susan David, this episode unpacks:

Why emotional awareness is the root of every good thing—love, leadership, creativity, and connection.
How “high-functioning despair” is stealing purpose from millions (especially men).
The neuroscience behind emotional agility—and how to build it even if you’ve been numb for years.
Simple Agility Reps you can practice daily to feel human again.
Why the true danger isn’t AI replacing us—but us replacing ourselves.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running faster yet feeling less, this episode is your call to pause, breathe, and remember what makes you irreplaceable.Read the full show notes here:Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including my books You Matter, Luma and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and the Start Mattering store—are gathered here:👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo go deeper, download the free companion guide:The Emotional Agility Toolkit — available now at https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/what-ai-cant-feel-and-why-im-scaredInside, you’ll find prompts and “Agility Reps” to help you rebuild emotional awareness, reconnect with your values, and reclaim your humanity in an automated world.Support the MovementEveryone deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter.Show it. Wear it. Live it.👉 StartMattering.com
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
Disclaimer
The 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

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.
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.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Zac Seidler on the New Science of Men’s Mental Health | EP 685 Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

In this raw and timely conversation, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Zac Seidler, global director of men’s health research at Movember and one of the world’s leading voices redefining masculinity. Together, they explore how modern men are facing a silent crisis—one rooted not in strength or stoicism, but in disconnection, loneliness, and loss of mattering.From the heartbreaking story of losing his father to suicide to leading Movember’s groundbreaking new report The Real Face of Men’s Health, Zac shares what he’s learned about the “friendship recession,” why so many men struggle to ask for help, and how culture, compassion, and community can save lives.This episode is both a mirror and a call to action: a reminder that helping men heal isn’t just a men’s issue—it’s a human one.Read the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/mens-mental-health-hidden-crisis-dr-zac-seidler/Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including guest links, my books You Matter, Luma, and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and the Start Mattering store—are gathered here:👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo learn more about Dr. Zac Seidler and Movember, visit Movember.com.🧠 About the Episode

The Friendship Recession: Why one in seven men report having no close friends and what it’s doing to our collective well-being.
Healthy Masculinity Reimagined: The difference between masculinity and manhood and why flexibility is the new strength.
Belonging Over Biohacking: Why connection matters more than cold plunges, and how authentic friendship can be life-saving.
Grassroots Healing: How barbershops, basketball courts, and bike shops are becoming hubs of hope through Movember’s Making Connections program.
The Real Face of Men’s Health: A landmark new report revealing the data, disparities, and the urgent call for cultural renewal.

🌍 Join The Ignited Life CommunityIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues.Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.🔗 Subscribe free at TheIgnitedLife.net💪 Support the MovementEveryone deserves to feel valued and important.Show it. Wear it. Live it.🛍️ Visit StartMattering.com
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whose Story Are You Living? How to Take Back the Pen w/ John R. Miles | EP 684 Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

What if the story you’re living… isn’t yours?In this powerful solo episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles explores how culture, work, and media quietly script our lives — shaping what we value, chase, and believe we deserve — often without us realizing it.Drawing on insights from Claude Silver (VaynerX Chief Heart Officer) and Nick Thompson (CEO of The Atlantic), John unpacks how the stories we inherit, absorb, and create define who we become — and how to reclaim authorship in a world that profits from your distraction.You’ll learn why belonging isn’t the same as becoming, how the algorithms that shape your feed also shape your identity, and why the courage to rewrite your story might just be the most important act of your life.This episode closes out our acclaimed series, The Forces That Pull Us — a month-long journey through the invisible forces that guide how we think, lead, and live.If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing a role that no longer fits, this episode is your call to take back the pen.Read the full shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-reclaim-your-story/🎧 Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including my books You Matter, Luma, and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and Start Mattering store—are gathered here:👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo go deeper, download the free companion workbook:The Stories That Shape Us Toolkit — available now at TheIgnitedLife.net.Inside, you’ll find reflections and prompts to help you uncover the cultural, professional, and personal stories that have shaped your identity — and begin rewriting them with intention.🧠 About the Episode

Discover how culture, work, and media quietly script your life — and how to reclaim authorship.
Learn why belonging isn’t the same as becoming — and how to rewrite the stories that hold you back.
Explore how algorithms shape what we see and believe, and how intentional awareness changes everything.
Understand why authenticity isn’t rebellion — it’s reclamation.
Gain practical steps to audit your inherited stories and realign them with your chosen values.

Let’s Continue the ConversationWhat story are you living right now — and who’s holding the pen?Share your reflection on The Ignited Life, or post it on social using #TheStoriesThatShapeUs.John will feature select responses in next week’s newsletter.Support the MovementEveryone deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter.Show it. Wear it. Live it.👉 StartMattering.com
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Nick Thompson on Grit, Growth, and the Miles That Matter | EP 683 Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful conversation, John R. Miles sits down with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest Sport. Together, they explore how running became a thread through Nick’s life—a tool for resilience, self-discipline, and understanding his father’s complex legacy.From the early memories of running beside his dad during the American running boom to surviving thyroid cancer and breaking the three-hour marathon barrier, Nick shares how the sport has shaped his mind as much as his body. The discussion expands far beyond the track—touching on fatherhood, AI and authenticity, the psychology of limits, and how pain can be both teacher and truth-teller.This episode is a reminder that sometimes the hardest miles—whether in life or on the road—are the ones that teach us who we really are.👉 Read the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/nick-thompson-the-miles-that-make-us-who-we-are/🎧 Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including guest links, my books You Matter, Luma, and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and the Start Mattering store—are gathered here:👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo learn more about Nick Thompson, visit nickthompson.comFuel your body with purposeGet 20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded.Use code PASSIONSTRUCK at bubsnaturals.comAfter checkout, tell them our show sent you!Feel younger, sharper, and stronger — from the inside outGet 20% OFF Mitopure Gummies from Timeline, powered by clinically proven Urolithin A.Head to timeline.com/passionstruckYour cells will thank you.🧠 About the Episode

Running as Identity: How movement connects memory, focus, and meaning.
Breaking Mental Ceilings: The invisible limits that look like data but are really belief.
Discipline and Flow: What marathons teach us about self-trust and persistence.
Fatherhood and Legacy: How Nick’s turbulent relationship with his father shaped his resilience.
Authenticity in the Age of AI: Why real voices matter in writing and leadership.
Pain as Information: Learning to differentiate discomfort from danger.

Join The Ignited Life CommunityIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues.Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.🔗 Subscribe free at TheIgnitedLife.netSupport the MovementEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.Visit StartMattering.com
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Claude Silver on the Courage of Being Yourself at Work | EP 682 Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

What if the greatest transformation in your career doesn’t come from working harder—but from leading with more heart?In this week’s episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia, to explore what it really means to be yourself at work—and why authenticity, empathy, and belonging are the most underrated forces in leadership today.Claude has spent the past decade alongside Gary Vaynerchuk, pioneering a new model of leadership grounded not in authority, but in humanity. Her philosophy is simple yet radical: when people feel seen, valued, and safe to be themselves, everything changes—trust deepens, innovation flourishes, and culture transforms from the inside out.Together, we unpack the neuroscience of belonging, the silent tax of conformity, and why the future of leadership belongs to those brave enough to lead with love.This conversation continues our series The Forces That Shape Us—following episodes on gravity, doubt, luck, defiance, and communication—by uncovering one of the most powerful invisible forces of all: the human heart.👉 Read the full show notes here!🎧 Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including guest links, my books You Matter, Luma and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and the Start Mattering store—are gathered here:👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo learn more about Claude Silver, visit claudesilver.comFuel your body with purposeGet 20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded.Use code PASSIONSTRUCK at bubsnaturals.comAfter checkout, tell them our show sent you!Feel younger, sharper, and stronger — from the inside outGet 20% OFF Mitopure Gummies from Timeline, powered by clinically proven Urolithin A.Head to timeline.com/passionstruckYour cells will thank you.🧠 About the Episode

Discover how Claude Silver is redefining leadership as an act of emotional bravery.
Learn why “checking your humanity at the door” is the biggest barrier to performance.
Understand the neuroscience of belonging and how psychological safety drives innovation.
Explore Claude’s Three Habits of Heart-Led Leadership—emotional bravery, emotional optimism, and emotional efficiency.
Hear how to bring authenticity back to work and create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference.

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Words That Lead Us: The Power of Language in Leadership w/ John R. Miles EP 681 Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

What if the words you speak don’t just describe the world—but design it?In this week’s episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles explores The Words That Lead Us: how language quietly builds the architecture of leadership—creating trust, guiding ethics, and shaping identity.Drawing on insights from Dr. Sunita Sah, Charles Duhigg, and Dr. Alex Imas, John reveals how the words we choose influence every decision we make—whether we lead a team, raise a family, or simply try to understand ourselves.This solo episode continues our series The Forces That Shape Us—following episodes on gravity, doubt, luck, and defiance—by uncovering the invisible force that defines how we lead, connect, and belong: language.Read the full shownotes here!🎧 Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including my books You Matter, Luma, and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and Start Mattering store—are gathered here:👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo go deeper, download the free workbook The Leadership Language Toolkit at TheIgnitedLife.net.🎯 Fuel your body with purpose. Get 20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded. Use code PASSIONSTRUCK at [bubsnaturals.com] After checkout, tell them our show sent you!⚡️ Feel younger, sharper, and stronger — from the inside out. Get 20% OFF Mitopure Gummies from Timeline, powered by clinically-proven Urolithin A. Head to [timeline.com/passionstruck]Your cells will thank you.🧠 About the Episode

Discover how the power of language in leadership shapes trust, identity, and ethical decision-making.
Learn the science behind how framing, phrasing, and curiosity drive better conversations and cultures.
Explore why great communicators don’t talk to impress—they talk to understand.
Gain practical tools to apply linguistic awareness in your daily leadership and relationships.
Understand how reframing “I have to” into “I choose to” rewires agency and motivation.

💬 Let’s Continue the ConversationWhat’s one sentence someone once said to you that changed the way you see yourself?Share it on The Ignited Life, in your social posts using #TheWordsThatLeadUs, or in the episode comments—I’ll feature select responses in next week’s newsletter.🌍 Support the MovementEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.Visit StartMattering.com
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Charles Duhigg on Unlock the Secret Language of Connection | EP 680 Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

What if the distance between you and the people who matter most isn’t measured in miles—but in missed conversations?In this week’s episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg to explore how extraordinary conversations rebuild connection and trust.Duhigg’s book, Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, decodes why some discussions deepen relationships while others quietly drive people apart. Together, we explore the neuroscience of belonging, how to reconnect when you’ve drifted apart, and why the key to stronger relationships starts with listening differently.This conversation marks the fourth installment in our series The Forces That Shape Us—following episodes on gravity, doubt, luck, and defiance—by uncovering the invisible force that binds us together: communication.Read the full shownotes here!🎧 Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including guest links, my books You Matter, Luma and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and Start Mattering store—are gathered here: 👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo learn more about Charles Duhigg, visit charlesduhigg.com.🎯 Fuel your body with purpose. Get 20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded. Use code PASSIONSTRUCK at [bubsnaturals.com] After checkout, tell them our show sent you!⚡️ Feel younger, sharper, and stronger — from the inside out. Get 20% OFF Mitopure Gummies from Timeline, powered by clinically-proven Urolithin A. Head to [timeline.com/passionstruck]Your cells will thank you.🧠 About the Episode

Discover The Secret Language of Connection—and why some conversations transform relationships while others divide them.
Learn practical tools to rebuild trust when communication has broken down.
Explore The Matching Principle—the art of speaking the same emotional language as others.
Understand how to reconnect when you’ve drifted apart and create psychological safety through presence and empathy.

✨ Join The Ignited Life CommunityIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.🔗 Subscribe free at TheIgnitedLife.net💡 Support the Movement: Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.Visit StartMattering.com
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dr. Sunita Sah on How to Stand Firm When It Matters Most | EP 679 Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah—physician, behavioral scientist, and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes—to explore one of the most overlooked yet essential human forces: defiance.Part of our ongoing series The Forces That Shape Us, this conversation dives into why we struggle to say no, even when our inner voice knows we should. Dr. Sah reveals how subtle social pressures—from authority, hierarchy, and culture—can override our values and decisions without us realizing it. She explains the neuroscience behind compliance, why defying those pressures feels so uncomfortable, and how to develop the moral courage to stand firm when it matters most.Catch more of Dr. Sunita Sah: https://www.sunitasah.com/Click here for the full shownotes!🎧 Listen + Watch + Go DeeperAll episode resources—including guest links, my books You Matter, Luma and Passion Struck, The Ignited Life Substack, and Start Mattering store—are gathered here: 👉 linktr.ee/John_R_MilesTo learn more about Charles Duhigg, visit charlesduhigg.com.🎯 Fuel your body with purpose. Get 20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded. Use code PASSIONSTRUCK at [bubsnaturals.com] After checkout, tell them our show sent you!⚡️ Feel younger, sharper, and stronger — from the inside out. Get 20% OFF Mitopure Gummies from Timeline, powered by clinically-proven Urolithin A. Head to [timeline.com/passionstruck]Your cells will thank you.✨ Join The Ignited Life CommunityIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.🔗 Subscribe free at TheIgnitedLife.net💡 Support the Movement: Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.Visit StartMattering.com
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Hidden Rules of Luck: How to Design Your Own Breaks w/John R. Miles | EP 678 Oct 17, 2025

Show notes

What if luck isn’t a matter of chance—but a hidden design you can learn to navigate?In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores how some people seem to “always be in the right place at the right time” — not because they’re blessed by fate, but because they’ve learned to read the invisible rulebook of luck.Drawing on the groundbreaking work of bestselling author Amy Leigh Mercree and economist Judd Kessler, co-author of Lucky by Design, John unpacks how hidden systems, intuitive sensing, and strategic choices shape opportunities long before they appear.You’ll learn:

How “luck” hides in invisible structures—and how to map them
Why intuition is less woo-woo and more Wi-Fi, helping you detect signals others miss
The power of “settling for silver” as a strategic advantage, not a compromise
Practical tools to design your own luck through intentional moves

Along the way, John shares a personal story of overcoming early adversity that shaped his ability to sense and design opportunities differently. Whether you’re navigating your career, relationships, or life’s next chapter, this episode will give you a new lens for understanding how luck works—and how to work with it.Check out the Full show notesPreorder John's new Children's Book, You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, John shares behind-the-scenes insights, deeper dives into the episodes, workbooks, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/
Connect with John

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.

Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.

Connect with John

Website: https://johnrmiles.com
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

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Judd Kessler on How to Become Lucky by Design | EP 677 Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

John brings on Wharton economist Judd B. Kessler to unpack why outcomes that look like luck are usually the product of hidden market designs. Kessler explains the three E’s—equity, efficiency, and ease—and why designers must make those tradeoffs explicit. He shows how to win in choose-me markets (jobs, dating, college admissions) by signaling clearly and sometimes prioritizing early commitment (e.g., early decision). In high-scarcity races (restaurant reservations, tickets), he argues for “settling for silver”—acting on a strong second choice first—to beat the crowd.The conversation gets tactical: how to stand out when AI drafts cover letters, why human connection cuts through noise, how public-school lotteries and clearinghouses really work, and how to make household labor fair using envy-freeness and full-stack task ownership (Conception-Planning-Execution). Listeners leave with a repeatable loop: see the market, learn the rules, choose the strategy—and start designing luck on purpose. Catch more of Judd Kessler: https://bepp.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/juddk/Click here for the full shownotes!Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗 and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/
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Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

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