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

Latest Episodes:

Why You Feel Invisible in a Connected World | John R. Miles - EP 777 Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

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.
As artificial intelligence reshapes careers, institutions become more impersonal, and digital life pulls us further indoors, many people find themselves trapped in what John calls the "pinball life"—a reactive existence spent bouncing between demands, notifications, metrics, and expectations. The result is a growing mattering gap: the painful feeling that your output is valued while your humanity is overlooked.
Through powerful examples from WALL-E, modern workplace culture, parenting, environmental psychology, and behavioral science, John explains why optimization alone cannot solve our loneliness, why survival mode often disguises itself as ambition, and how reclaiming presence is the first step toward rebuilding a life rooted in significance rather than performance.
In this episode, you'll learn:

The Civil War phenomenon of acoustic shadows offers a powerful metaphor for modern loneliness and disconnection.
How AI-driven uncertainty is reshaping careers and contributing to a growing crisis of visibility and relevance.
The hidden psychological cost of treating yourself like a machine in a performance-driven culture.
Why many high achievers are trapped in survival mode while mistaking it for ambition.
How the Indoor Epidemic is shrinking our world and weakening the everyday interactions that build belonging.
Why digital proximity often creates the illusion of connection without delivering genuine human significance.
The concept of the "pinball life" and how reactive living erodes agency, presence, and self-worth.
What WALL-E teaches us about optimization, awareness, and reclaiming our humanity.
Three practical ways to step out of survival mode and reconnect with yourself and the people around you.
Why mattering is not something you achieve through proof, but something you experience through presence.

If you've ever felt exhausted despite your accomplishments, invisible despite your efforts, or disconnected despite being constantly connected, this episode offers a powerful framework for understanding the forces shaping modern life—and a roadmap for finding your way back to what matters most.
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.
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Resources:

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.

Why Living Indoors Is Making You Sick, Tired, and Burned Out | Dr. John La Puma - EP 776 Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

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.
From artificial light and screen saturation to poor indoor air quality and the loss of daily contact with nature, Dr. La Puma explains how modern indoor living may be quietly contributing to fatigue, burnout, brain fog, poor sleep, chronic stress, and declining well-being. He argues that many of the symptoms we blame on mindset, aging, or productivity pressures may actually stem from environmental dysregulation.
Together, John and Dr. La Puma explore the science behind morning sunlight, outdoor exercise, forest bathing, healthy soil, immune function, cognitive performance, and why nature may be one of the most overlooked forms of medicine available today.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why burnout may be an environmental problem—not just a psychological one
• How indoor living disrupts sleep, energy, focus, and recovery
• The surprising cognitive costs of poor air quality and excessive screen time
• Why morning sunlight is critical for deep sleep and long-term health
• How forest bathing strengthens immunity and reduces stress
• Simple ways to turn everyday outdoor moments into powerful health interventions
This conversation is ultimately about alignment—whether the environments we've created are supporting the biology we've inherited, and what happens when we reconnect with the natural rhythms that help us thrive.
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:

FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order when you go to: ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK

Full Show Notes Here
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

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.

How to Build a Company That Never Loses Its Soul | Eric Ries - EP 775 Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

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:

Why successful companies often drift away from their original mission
How "financial gravity" quietly reshapes leadership decisions
The difference between building shareholder value and building lasting trust
What organizations like Costco have done to protect their values as they grow
Why culture alone isn't enough to keep companies aligned
Practical strategies for creating organizations that people believe in
How leaders can build businesses that succeed without losing their humanity

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.
Limited Time Offers:

FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order when you go to ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK

Full Show Notes
Download the companion Substack Article and Workbook
Learn More About Eric Ries: https://www.ericries.com
Get Eric's New Book: Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great

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.

How to Find Meaning When Life Doesn't Go as Planned | John R. Miles - EP 774 May 29, 2026

Show notes

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:

Why lasting transformation begins with small, consistent actions
How your struggles can become a source of purpose instead of pain
The three stages of personal growth—and where many people get stuck
Why success without contribution often leads to isolation
A simple practice for expressing gratitude while you still have the chance
How to turn your experiences into hope for someone else
Why the life you build becomes more meaningful when it helps others flourish

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.
Limited Time Offer

FODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruck.

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

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.

Why You Need to Say It Now Rather Than Regret It Later | Walter Green - EP 773 May 28, 2026

Show notes

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.
Through his global initiative, the Say It Now movement, and his foundational book, This Is the Moment, Walter reveals how replacing traditional, posthumous eulogies with living tributes can fundamentally heal our relationships. This conversation explores the hidden grief of unspoken gratitude, the vital difference between being loved for what you do versus being valued for who you are, and how to move past social awkwardness to communicate specific appreciation while the people we care about are still here to hear it.In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why we routinely postpone our deepest expressions of appreciation and how to break that loop.
The profound psychological difference between being loved for a role and feeling like your existence truly matters.
How Walter Green transitioned from a 25-year corporate career to launching a global movement of human connection.
The anatomy of a living tribute and how to celebrate the people you love while they are still alive.
Why the human brain craves relational safety and how unspoken gratitude creates a hidden, long-term grief.
Practical ways to move past social awkwardness and articulate specific, unconditional appreciation.
Lessons on performance, leadership, and authentic validation from Walter’s time lecturing at Wharton.
How a single, intentional cross-country journey to visit 44 life mentors sparked a global ripple effect.
How to step off the daily performance scoreboard and find true significance beyond what you produce.
Actionable steps to cultivate deeply meaningful relationships and permanently eliminate the prospect of deathbed regrets.

If you’ve ever struggled with unspoken regrets, the weight of a busy schedule pulling you away from loved ones, or a nagging feeling that your worth is tied only to your daily utility, this episode offers an honest, deeply human roadmap toward authentic connection and mutual validation.
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

FODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruck

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

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.

Why Lasting Change Happens One Small Choice at a Time | Eric Zimmer - EP 772 May 26, 2026

Show notes

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.
Through his extensive work in behavioral psychology, Eric reveals a truth that changes how we approach self-improvement: lasting transformation occurs through low-resistance actions consistently taken in the same direction over time. This conversation explores how to navigate the dry stretch of the long middle, neutralize the emotional drama of a setback using the renew framework, and shift away from a harsh internal critic toward a neuroscience-backed habit of self-compassion.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why massive self-improvement overhauls often lead to burnout and failure
How to design low-resistance actions that bypass your brain's natural friction
The psychology of the long middle and how to maintain momentum when progress feels invisible
How to distinguish between habits of behavior and automated habits of thought
The five steps of the renew framework to recover quickly from any routine disruption
Why neutralizing emotional drama after a setback is the key to rebuilding self-trust
The biological reason why self-criticism paralyzes growth while self-compassion accelerates it
How to cultivate still points throughout your day to manage modern anxiety and uncertainty
The danger of weaponizing your suffering and confusing control with true emotional freedom
Practical ways to stop treating your worth like a daily performance scoreboard

If you’ve ever struggled with optimization fatigue, perfectionism, self-sabotage, a loud internal critic, or the frustrating cycle of constantly restarting your routines, this episode offers a practical, human-centered roadmap toward sustainable growth and genuine self-trust.
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

FODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruck

Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/small-changes-create-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

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.

Why Success Won’t Save You: The Alchemy of Real Change | John R. Miles - EP 771 May 22, 2026

Show notes

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.
Most of us treat personal growth like a home renovation project: we try to stack better habits, tighter routines, and sharper skills on top of the same old foundation. But true change—the kind that rewires who you are at the core—doesn’t work through simple addition. It demands dissolution.
In part three of our solo series, Forged in Adversity, John explores the hidden architecture of profound human change through raw, unvarnished conversations with Amy Purdy and Blake Mycoskie, weaving in the timeless, cautionary, and triumphant lessons from The Count of Monte Cristo.
Together, their stories expose a critical truth: Healing is not about patching up or returning to your old self. It is an alchemical process of burning away the armor that once saved you so that something entirely new can emerge.
In this episode, you will learn:

The Modification Myth: Why trying to fix your life with new habits on a broken foundation is doomed to fail.
The Scoreboard Trap: How to stop tying your inherent worth to external achievements and performance.
The "Enough" Realization: How Blake Mycoskie transcended the hollow trap of "having it all."
Bounce Forward vs. Bounce Back: Why Amy Purdy’s philosophy of innovation is the key to surviving any crisis.
The Alchemy of Suffering: How to stop rearranging the furniture in a burning house and allow true transmutation.
Radical Identity: How to move from performance-based value to the liberating truth: I am enough simply because I exist.

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

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 Truth About Success (And Why It Still Doesn't Feel Like Enough) | Blake Mycoskie - EP 770 May 21, 2026

Show notes

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:

Why success alone can't heal feelings of inadequacy
How achievement can quietly become a substitute for self-worth
The hidden emotional cost of constantly chasing validation
Why comparison keeps us trapped in a cycle of "never enough"
Practical ways to build confidence from the inside out
How vulnerability became the turning point in Blake's healing journey
Why believing you're enough changes the way you lead, parent, and connect with others

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.
Limited Time Offer

Check out Function Health— 160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.
Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/mycoskie-how-to-stop-chasing-external-validation/
Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/why-high-achievers-never-feel-like-enough-blake-mycoskie
Join the Movement: We 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

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.

How to Move Forward When Life Doesn't Go as Planned | Amy Purdy - EP 769 May 19, 2026

Show notes

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:

Why resilience is about moving forward—not going back
How to rebuild your identity after loss or unexpected change
Practical ways to find hope during life's hardest seasons
Why uncertainty can become the beginning of new possibilities
How gratitude helps shift your perspective in difficult moments
The power of small, consistent actions to create lasting momentum
Why your greatest setbacks don't have to define your future

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.
Limited Time Offer

Check out Function Health— 160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.
Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/amy-purdy-how-to-overcome-adversity/
Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/identity-after-trauma-amy-purdy
Order Amy Purdy's new book, Bounce Forward: https://amzn.to/4tItuU4

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 Prison of Protection: Why Your Armor is Blocking Your Life | John R. Miles - EP 768 May 15, 2026

Show notes

What if the armor that once saved your life is now the very thing keeping you from living it?
In this second solo installment of the Forged in Adversity series, John R. Miles explores the Recovery phase of the human journey. He dives into the "Birth of Survival Identities," explaining how the nervous system prioritizes safety over authenticity, creating protectors such as the perfectionist, the achiever, and the intellectual.
Drawing on the cinematic archetypes of Iron Man and Will Hunting, John breaks down the distinction between Armor (protection) and Strength (capacity). He challenges the listener to move beyond "polishing the hood" of their external performance and start the internal work of reclaiming their Generative Drive.
Key Discussion Points:

The Birth of Survival Identities: Why the brain creates adaptive strategies to navigate emotional unpredictability and trauma.
The Iron Man Paradox: Lessons from Tony Stark on how survival strategies can rescue us in one season only to imprison us in the next.
Will Hunting and Emotional Safety: Why the collapse of armor is the prerequisite for true connection and intimacy.
Armor vs. Strength: Redefining resilience as emotional flexibility and the capacity to feel without being destroyed.
Taxonomy of Protection: Identifying the Achiever, the Caretaker, and the Intellectual armor in your own life.
Previewing Transformation: A look ahead at next week’s guest, Amy Purdy, and the shift from survival to significance.

Full Shownotes: https://passionstruck.com/survival-identity-john-r-miles/
Explore the Companion Episode Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/survival-identity-emotional-armor
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.
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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Passion Struck with John R. Miles – Passion Struck with John R. Miles

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