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

Latest Episodes:

Social Media Addiction: Why You Feel You Don’t Matter | John R. Miles - EP 747 Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Your phone isn't just an app—it’s an architect of your self-worth.We’ve all been there: you sit down for "just five minutes" to check a notification, only to look up an hour later feeling anxious, drained, and empty. For years, we’ve blamed our own lack of willpower. But on March 25, 2026, a landmark legal verdict officially changed the story: It’s not you. It’s the machine.In this urgent episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles unpacks the "Big Tobacco moment" for the digital age. We dive into the unsealed blueprints from the recent Los Angeles and New Mexico trials that found tech giants negligent for deliberately designing addictive platforms. This is the definitive guide to understanding social media addiction: why you feel you don’t matter, and how the very apps designed to connect us are being used to harvest our self-worth.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized among the world’s top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/social-media-addiction-you-feel-you-dont-matter/Explore guided prompts, reflections, and a companion reflection guide connected to this episode at: https://TheIgnitedLife.netThank You to Our Sponsors. Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/In this episode, we discuss:

The Bottomless Bowl: Why infinite scrolling is engineered to bypass your brain’s "stop signal" and keep you consuming.
The 46-Minute Trap: The hidden corporate targets revealed in court that treat your attention like a harvestable crop.
The Shattered Mirror: How beauty filters and algorithms are training a generation to feel invisible without a digital score.
The Performance Tax: Why the energy you spend maintaining a "perfect" online life is causing your real-world stagnation.

Support the Movement. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.comDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
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.

How Beliefs Shape Behavior, Motivation, and Resilience | Nir Eyal — EP 746 Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Your beliefs don’t just reflect reality—they shape it.Today, we explore a powerful and often uncomfortable truth: the script you live by is often written by assumptions you never chose. Joining me is behavioral expert and bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, Nir Eyal, to discuss his groundbreaking new book, Beyond Belief.In this conversation, we challenge the idea that our limits are structural. Nir explains how beliefs influence everything from our physical pain tolerance and resilience to how long we persist when things get hard. We move from the surprising science of the placebo effect to the psychological traps of learned helplessness, revealing that many of the barriers we face are perceptual rather than physical.If you have ever felt stuck in a pattern you can't break, or wondered why motivation feels so fleeting, this episode offers a cognitive roadmap for reclaiming authorship over your inner world. We explore why perception often determines suffering more than circumstance and how changing a single belief can unlock behavior that once felt impossible.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized among the world’s top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/how-beliefs-shape-behavior-nir-eyal/Explore guided prompts, reflections, and a companion reflection guide connected to this episode at: https://TheIgnitedLife.netThank You to Our SponsorsLimited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Connect with John

Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Get the book Beyond Belief: https://amzn.to/4rQISNf

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Belief as a Catalyst: Why motivation is driven by what you believe is possible, not just the goals you set.
The Science of Perception: How the placebo effect and expectations can physically alter your experience of pain and performance.
Breaking Learned Helplessness: How to identify the default mindsets that keep us from taking action and how to reverse them.
Rituals and Agency: Why practices like prayer or secular rituals increase your sense of control and psychological resilience.
Structural vs. Perceptual Limits: Why the "walls" we hit are often made of assumptions rather than reality.
Cognitive Freedom: How changing your internal interpretation of events is the first step toward external transformation.
The Mattering Connection: How our beliefs about our own worth and significance dictate the risks we are willing to take in life.

Support the MovementEvery human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.comDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
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 Humans Are Wired for Love but Struggling to Connect | Dr. Justin Garcia — EP 745 Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

If humans evolved for love, connection, and pair bonding, why does modern life feel so lonely?Today, we explore one of the most overlooked forces shaping human flourishing: intimacy. Joining me is evolutionary biologist and Executive Director of the Kinsey Institute, Dr. Justin Garcia, to discuss his groundbreaking book, The Intimate Animal: The Science of Sex, Fidelity, and Why We Live and Die for Love.In this conversation, we challenge the idea that love is purely cultural or emotional. Justin explains that romantic love is deeply biological — driven by neural systems that resemble addiction, shaped by millions of years of evolution, and essential to survival. Yet modern technology, shifting norms, and changing expectations are disrupting those ancient systems in ways we are only beginning to understand.We move from fMRI brain scans of people in love to the paradox at the heart of human relationships: we evolved for pair bonding, but not necessarily strict sexual monogamy. Justin reveals how commitment and novelty operate as competing evolutionary drives — and why this tension shows up in nearly every long-term relationship.If you’ve ever wondered why dating feels harder, why connection feels fragile, or why loneliness persists even when we’re constantly connected, this episode offers a biological roadmap for understanding the intimacy crisis of modern life.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized among the world’s top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/the-science-of-love-dr-justin-garcia/Explore guided prompts, reflections, and a companion reflection guide connected to this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-intimacy-crisis-why-wired-for-love-but-lonelyThank You to Our SponsorsLimited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!”Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Little Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Download a Free Companion Reflection Guide: https://www.theignitedlife.netConnect with John (keynotes, books, podcast): https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesGet the book The Intimate Animal: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/justin-r-garcia-phd/the-intimate-animal/9781668653593/In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Love as a Biological Drive: Why romantic love activates brain pathways similar to addiction — and why breakups can feel like withdrawal.
Pair Bonding vs. Monogamy: How humans evolved for deep attachment but also novelty, creating tension in modern relationships.
The Intimacy Crisis: Why loneliness persists despite unprecedented digital connectivity — and why connection is a biological necessity, not a luxury.
Touch Deprivation: The hidden health risks of reduced physical contact, even among partnered individuals.
Gen Z and Relationships: Why younger generations desire love but feel unprepared to pursue it.
Technology and Dating: How apps expand opportunity while simultaneously overwhelming our decision-making systems.
The Mattering Connection: Why feeling chosen, valued, and connected is central to psychological wellbeing and human flourishing.

Support the MovementEvery human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter.Wear it. Live it. Show it.https://StartMattering.comDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional.
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 Cost of Stagnation: Is Your Safe Bet Killing Your Future? | John R. Miles EP 744 Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

The biggest risk isn’t change, it’s staying exactly where you are.Most people treat life transitions as a gamble, clinging to the "Safe Bet" of a familiar routine even when that routine has begun to feel confining. We think we’re being responsible by sticking to the script, but in this episode, John R. Miles reveals the hidden "Soul Tax" that accrues when you perform a version of yourself that no longer exists.Drawing on the practical philosophy of Henry David Thoreau and a deep-dive conversation with Ken Lizotte (Episode 735), John deconstructs the "high-definition, high-functioning" quiet desperation of modern life. From the "Golden Handcuffs" to the "Performance Tax," this episode provides a biological and spiritual audit for anyone who feels like a "competent ghost" in their own success.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/the-cost-of-stagnation-the-safe-bet-trap/Companion Reflection & Integration Resources:Inside The Ignited Life, each episode in the Life Beyond the Script series is paired with companion articles and guided reflections designed to help you calculate your own soul tax and navigate the forge of becoming. Explore the community: https://TheIgnitedLife.netConnect with the Ecosystem

Preorder The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Order You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Follow John on Social Media: @John_RMiles
Watch on YouTube: Search for Passion Struck with John R. Miles
All Links: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

In This Episode, You Will Learn

The Myth of the Safe Bet: Why our brains crave certainty and how the "illusion of control" keeps us trapped in expiring scripts.
The Thoreau Reframe: A modern translation of "quiet desperation" and why success often masks a slow leak of vitality.
The Performance Tax: How to identify the mental bandwidth you are wasting by maintaining a version of yourself that no longer exists.
The Mask of Competence: Why being valued for what you do while being unseen for who you are is the most expensive way to live.
The Energy Audit: Three diagnostic questions to help you determine if the cost of staying has officially exceeded the risk of leaving.
The Tipping Point: How to stop "managing a reputation" and start "leading a life" by embracing the risk of becoming.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Caraway: Their non-toxic, ceramic-coated cookware set is a favorite for a reason. Visit carawayhome.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for up to $190 in savings and an additional 10% off your next purchase.

DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional.
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 Rebuild Your Identity When Everything Falls Apart | Bianca D’Alessio — EP 743 Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

What do you do when your life looks successful on the outside… but everything underneath it collapses overnight?Today’s conversation explores identity, resilience, and intentional reinvention with Bianca D’Alessio, a powerhouse real estate broker, entrepreneur, TV personality, and author of Mastering Intentions.In her late twenties, just as her career was gaining momentum, Bianca’s father was convicted of financial fraud. Overnight, her family lost stability, reputation, and the identity they had built their lives around. She found herself navigating public scrutiny, private trauma, and the pressure to hold everything together, all while building one of the top real estate teams in the country.In this deeply human conversation, Bianca shares how she moved from survival to self-discovery, why ambition alone can leave you feeling empty, and how intentionality became the compass that helped her rebuild her life on her own terms.If you’ve ever felt like you were performing strength while struggling privately… or succeeding while quietly searching for meaning… this episode offers both validation and a roadmap forward.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is consistently recognized as one of the world’s top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: Explore guided prompts, reflections, and a companion reflection guide connected to this episode at: Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Little Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/👉 https://StartMattering.comGet Bianca’s Book: Mastering Intentions: How to Build Power and Purpose Through AdversityLearn more about Bianca:👉 https://www.biancadalessio.com👉 Instagram & LinkedIn: @biancadalessioIn This Episode, You Will Learn

Rebuilding After Public Collapse: How Bianca navigated the fallout of her father’s conviction while building her own career and identity.
Ambition vs. Intentionality: Why success without alignment can lead to emptiness — and how purpose-driven action changes everything.
The Long Arc of Healing: Why trauma recovery takes far longer than most people expect — and what true unwinding looks like.
The “Brain Bully”: How self-doubt resurfaces during major transitions and practical ways to counter it through intentional self-talk.
Future Casting and Manifestation in Action: Turning vision into reality by aligning behavior, decisions, and relationships with long-term goals.
Building Success Without Losing Yourself: How to protect time, energy, and boundaries while leading a high-performing, human-centered team.

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 AI is Transforming Healthcare and Restoring Humanity | Dr. Robert Wachter - EP 742 Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Is technology making healthcare faster and more efficient, or is it making it more brittle, bureaucratic, and less human?Today, we zoom out to explore the systemic forces reshaping our lives with one of the most influential voices in modern medicine. Joining me is Dr. Robert “Bob” Wachter, chair of the Department of Medicine at UCSF and the "father of the hospitalist field," to discuss his landmark new book, "A Giant Leap."In this conversation, we challenge the notion that AI is merely another digital tool, such as the electronic health record (EHR). Bob explains why medicine has resisted disruption for so long and why we have reached a "gradually, then suddenly" moment where AI is finally capable of matching—and sometimes exceeding—the diagnostic mastery of elite physicians.We move from the "scar tissue" of past digital failures to the promising future of "doctor-in-the-loop" systems. Bob reveals how AI might actually be the key to solving physician burnout by handling the administrative "tapeworm" of healthcare, finally allowing clinicians to return to the bedside and the human connection that matters most.If you’ve ever wondered how to remain human in an increasingly automated world, this episode provides the systemic roadmap for navigating the intersection of high-stakes technology and human vulnerability.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized as one of the world's top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/a-giant-leap-how-ai-is-transforming-healthcare/Download a Free Companion Reflection Guide: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/ai-healthcare-human-careThank You to Our SponsorsCaraway: Their non-toxic, ceramic-coated cookware set can save you up to $190. Visit carawayhome.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for an additional 10% off your next purchase.Connect with John (keynotes, books, podcast): https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesGet the book A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future: https://www.robertwachter.com/booksIn This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Productivity Paradox: Why past healthcare technology increased burnout and how AI aims to succeed where EHRs failed.
The "Doctor-in-the-Loop" Framework: Why maintaining human situational awareness is critical even as AI reaches elite diagnostic levels.
Restoring Humanity to Medicine: How automating scribing and inbox management can give doctors the time to focus on empathy and judgment.
The Trust Gap: Navigating the dangers of AI "hallucinations" and confident misinformation in high-stakes medical decisions.
The Portrait Painter vs. The Photographer: How the role of the physician must evolve from technical mastery to moral agency and presence.

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.

Close the Identity Gap: Finding Yourself When You Feel Lost | John R. Miles EP 741 Mar 13, 2026

Show notes

There is a moment most people never name.It’s not a dramatic collapse or a sudden crisis. From the outside, your life looks flawless—the routine is steady, the success is visible, and the applause is frequent. But inside, a silent shift has occurred. The wins that used to ignite you now feel borrowed, and the applause begins to echo in a hollow room. You’ve realized the old script of your life hasn’t broken; it has simply finished serving the person you used to be.In this profound solo deep dive, John R. Miles kicks off the Life Beyond the Script series by deconstructing the "identity gap"—the terrifying, sacred space between the life you’ve outgrown and the one you haven't yet built. Drawing on the hauntingly resilient story of Carrington Smith (Episode 162), John explores why our "ego containers" must crack to allow our souls to expand.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/the-identity-gap-why-you-feel-lost-in-life/Companion Reflection & Integration Resources: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-identity-gap-liminal-spaceInside The Ignited Life, each episode in the Life Beyond the Script series is paired with companion articles and guided reflections designed to help you examine what chapter you are in and what is changing beneath the surface. Explore the community: https://TheIgnitedLife.netConnect with the EcosystemPreorder The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Order You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Follow John on Social Media: @John_RMiles Watch on YouTube: Search for Passion Struck with John R. Mileshttps://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesIn This Episode, You Will Learn

The Anatomy of the Identity Gap: Why the space between versions of yourself feels like a "void" and why you shouldn't run from it.
The James Hollis Perspective: Understanding the "ego container" and why the identity gap is a sign of expansion, not failure.
The Locus of Knowing vs. Showing: How to stop relying on external validation (titles, likes, applause) and start trusting your internal authority.
The Fragmentation Gap (EP 657): How to handle the exhaustion of "identity maintenance" when you are living in two worlds at once.
The Fulfillment Gap (EP 654): Why high achievers often reach the summit only to realize they are on the wrong mountain.
Navigating the Liminal Space: Practical steps to "stop the sprint" and allow the old version of yourself to die so the new can be born.

Thank You to Our SponsorsCaraway: Their non-toxic, ceramic-coated cookware set can save you up to $190. Visit carawayhome.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for an additional 10% off your next purchase.DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional.
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.

Become the CEO of Your Health Through Resilience | Dr. Tara Narula — EP 740 Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Why do some people recover from illness, trauma, or adversity stronger than before, while others struggle to regain their footing?Today’s episode explores one of the most overlooked drivers of health and healing: resilience.Joining me is board-certified cardiologist, ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent, and author Dr. Tara Narula to discuss her powerful new book, The Healing Power of Resilience.In this conversation, we challenge the traditional model of healthcare that treats symptoms but overlooks the whole person. Dr. Narula explains why resilience is not a personality trait you either have or don’t — it’s a trainable skill that shapes how your body heals, how your brain responds to stress, and how fully you live after adversity.We explore why modern medicine often separates mental and physical health — even though stress, fear, loneliness, and connection directly affect inflammation, immune function, cardiovascular health, and longevity.Dr. Narula also introduces a transformative idea: becoming the CEO of your own health. Instead of passively receiving care, you actively participate in decisions, ask better questions, build supportive relationships, and develop the psychological tools that protect both mind and body.If you’ve ever faced a health scare, burnout, chronic stress, or uncertainty about the future, this episode offers a roadmap for reclaiming agency, meaning, and well-being.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and consistently recognized among the world’s top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/become-the-ceo-of-your-health-dr-tara-narula/Download a Free Companion Reflection Guide:Connect with John (keynotes, books, podcast): https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesGet The Healing Power of Resilience: https://amzn.to/4dgno8APre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://thematteringeffect.com/In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Resilience as a Medical Force: Why resilience directly influences recovery, disease progression, and long-term health outcomes.
Become the CEO of Your Health: How to advocate for yourself, ask better questions, and actively shape your healthcare journey.
The Mind-Body Connection: How stress, fear, and emotional states affect inflammation, hormones, blood pressure, and immune function.
Small Changes, Big Impact: Why sustainable health transformation happens through micro-choices, not dramatic overhauls.
The Power of Love and Connection: How relationships, belonging, and support act as protective buffers against illness and stress.
Working With Fear Instead of Against It: Practical ways to move forward after diagnosis, trauma, or uncertainty.

Support the MovementEvery human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.https://StartMattering.comDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional.
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 Biohack the Brain to Remove Emotional Triggers | Dave Asprey - EP 739 Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Why do we find ourselves repeating the same emotional patterns, reacting to the same triggers, and feeling stuck in a loop of stress even when we know better?Today, we are diving into the intersection of biological optimization and psychological freedom with the founder of the biohacking movement. Joining me is the legendary father of biohacking, Dave Asprey, to discuss the groundbreaking insights in his new book, "Heavily Meditated."In this conversation, we challenge the idea that your personality is fixed. Dave argues that most of our emotional triggers are actually "hardware" issues rooted in our cellular energy. We explore how weak mitochondria lead to a state of fear and why your brain defaults to reactivity when it lacks the energy to regulate your nervous system.We move from the lab at 40 Years of Zen to the practical "Reset Process" you can use at home. Dave reveals how to identify the physiological origin of your traumas and how to use forgiveness as a high-performance biohack to "delete" automated stress responses.If you have ever felt like your emotions were in the driver’s seat, this episode provides the biological roadmap to reclaim your agency and finally align your body with your purpose.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized among the world's top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/remove-emotional-triggers-dave-asprey/Download a Free Companion Reflection Guide: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/dave-asprey-heavily-meditated-emotional-triggersConnect with John (keynotes, books, podcast): https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesGet the book Heavily Meditated: The Science of Dissolving Emotional Triggers: https://shop.daveasprey.com/heavily-meditatedIn This Episode, You Will Learn:

The Biological Basis of Triggers: Why your emotional reactions are often a sign of mitochondrial dysfunction rather than a lack of willpower.
The Reset Process: Dave’s step-by-step framework for tracing an emotional sensation to its origin and "reprogramming" the response.
Forgiveness as a Biohack: How releasing past grievances serves as a "control-alt-delete" for your nervous system, freeing up energy for your future.
The Mattering Narrative: Why the belief "I don't matter" is a biological glitch installed before your prefrontal cortex was formed, and how to rewrite it.
Neurofeedback and Brain States: The role of technology in accessing alpha and theta states to accelerate psychological healing and cognitive performance.

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.

Is Your Success Hollow? When the Script Stops Making Sense | John R. Miles EP 738 Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

There is a moment most people never name. Nothing dramatic happens—no big collapse, no urgent crisis. From the outside, the routine looks fine, the success is visible, and the applause is steady. But inside, something shifts: the wins that used to light you up start to feel borrowed, and the applause begins to echo hollow.In this profound solo deep dive, John R. Miles kicks off the Life Beyond the Script series by naming the quiet "off" feeling that high achievers often ignore. Drawing on his own "defining win" in the boardroom at Dell, which left him feeling nothing, John explores why the script of our lives doesn't break; it simply finishes serving us. Building on recent insights from Joan Lunden on identity transitions and Leslie John on the cost of under-sharing, this episode provides a roadmap for those who feel they are managing their lives rather than truly living them.As we celebrate the launch of his new children’s book, You Matter, Luma, John reminds us that the truth of our intrinsic worth is the only thing that remains when the old script stops making sense.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/when-the-script-stops-making-sense/All links gathered here: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesCompanion Reflection & Integration Resources: Inside The Ignited Life, each episode in the Life Beyond the Script series is paired with companion articles and guided reflections designed to help you examine what chapter you are in and what is changing beneath the surface.Explore the community: https://TheIgnitedLife.netConnect with the Ecosystem

Order You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Start your ripple journey: https://StartMattering.com
Follow John on Social Media: @John_RMiles
Watch on YouTube: Search for Passion Struck with John R. Miles

In This Episode, You Will Learn

The Anatomy of a Midlife Identity Shift: Why a transition point isn't a breakdown, but a sign of growth and movement.
Signal 1: Hollow Achievements: How to recognize when your results are objectively real, but your internal "yes" has gone missing.
Signal 2: Chronic Self-Editing: The hidden cost of "under-sharing" and choosing the safer, easier version of your truth in relationships.
Signal 3: Life Management vs. Living: Why maintaining a "flawless" external image leads to isolation and exhaustion.
The Power of Naming: Why the first step to motion isn't a dramatic decision, but simply saying "this no longer fits" out loud.
The Three-Sentence Practice: A 15-minute grounding exercise to move misalignment from background noise to a foreground fact you can work with.
Beyond the Script: Lessons from Joan Lunden’s career rewrite and Dave Asprey’s upcoming deep dive into biohacking and resilience.

Thank you to our sponsors

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DisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional.
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.

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