Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Episode 700: Brent Gleason on How to Go All In on a Life That Matters
Date: December 9, 2025
Guest: Brent Gleason (Former Navy SEAL, Entrepreneur, Author)
Host: John R. Miles
Main Theme
This milestone episode centers on the theme of “becoming when the stakes are real”—how life’s hardest moments and the discipline of discomfort can forge a meaningful, purpose-driven existence. John and Brent explore veteran identity shifts, loss, sobriety, intentionality, and the systems and routines that allow us to build a life that truly matters. Their dynamic conversation blends SEAL wisdom, practical frameworks, and personal vulnerability, encouraging listeners to stop negotiating with their potential and go “all in” where it counts.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Veteran Transformation: Loss & Perspective
- Brent's formative experiences in the SEALs:
- Military service, especially in combat, fundamentally reorients perspective and discipline.
- “Your experiences in the military, especially if you've had any experience downrange, is about perspective and really looking at the world and your life...through a completely different lens.” — Brent (06:48, 07:45)
- Identity collapse post-service:
- The hardest aspect to replace is the brotherhood/camaraderie and support system. Staying connected through mentoring and veteran organizations is vital for healing and purpose.
- Veteran support and the importance of staying connected: “Altruism and giving back to those communities is one of the best ways that veterans heal.” — Brent (10:16–11:22)
2. Trauma, Healing, and Psychedelic Therapy
- Discussion of the documentary “In Waves and War” (Marcus and Amber Capone), highlighting psychedelic therapy’s transformative impact on trauma and mental health.
- “It is a proven fact thus far...that this is literally, not figuratively, literally saving lives.” — Brent (13:01)
3. “Embrace the Suck” — Philosophy & Practice
- Meaning: Stepping intentionally into discomfort to drive growth, resilience, and innovation.
- “It's the intentionality behind comfort zone expansion...You're building those mental calluses.” — Brent (13:34, 16:18)
- Application across all life domains:
- “For leaders to be effective...we have to continually go through stages of intentional identity transformation.” — Brent (16:16)
4. Intentionality — Beyond Self-Control
- Intentional choices underpin growth and transformation:
- “There has to be a specific design to your process...All those things have to be very specific and by design so that it is aligned with your desired outcomes.” — Brent (18:11–20:30)
- Systematic approach to change:
- “It's systems that drive outcomes.” — Brent (20:30)
5. The Reckoning: Loss of Brent’s Father & the Path to Sobriety
- Brent’s father’s unexpected death catalyzed deep self-reflection and course correction.
- “Time is our most valuable commodity. We spend it freely every day without ever knowing the balance in our account...Where have I really gone off the path that I preach about?” — Brent (22:23)
- Sobriety as a brave, identity-defining decision:
- “For me...I was going to eliminate alcohol from my life completely, starting right then and there...It's been one of the easiest things I've ever done.” — Brent (27:08)
- Impact of sobriety:
- Dramatic improvements in marriage, parenting, creativity, entrepreneurial courage, and holistic self-respect.
6. Aligning Values, Vision, and Action
- On linking mind, heart, and soul with deep self-awareness:
- “It is through action...that we find deeper meaning and our purpose, our why, and what truly matters in life.” — Brent (33:18)
- Emotional intelligence as the starting point:
- “Self-awareness on strengths and developmental opportunities...is the baseline starting point. But then having the desire and growth mindset to lean into those areas...” — Brent (33:18–36:13)
- The fine art of saying no and eliminating the non-essential.
7. Reclaiming Core Values in the Noise
- Going back to the basics:
- “We all intellectually understand these things...but the operationalizing...is a totally different thing. We have to go back to treating it just like any other project.” — Brent (37:03)
- The power of decisive action and removing obstacles:
- “At the end of the day, we only have one life and it is about getting off your ass and taking action...” — Brent (38:48)
8. Relentless Routines and the Discomfort Between Passion & Pain
- Routines (as discussed by Robin Sharma, James Clear):
- “You just have to start...maintaining an emotional connection to the long term vision...But also not just accepting the pain...leaning into the pain, embracing the pain, because it's a critical, fundamental part of going down this path.” — Brent (42:52)
- Discomfort is essential for new identity to emerge.
9. Visualization as an Achievement Tool
- The power and precision of vision:
- “Having a very clear vision of what that outcome is that you're trying to accomplish...if you don't have a plan and it's not measurable, it ain't a goal.” — Brent (45:48)
10. Passion Struck: What Does It Mean?
- “Being passion struck goes back to clearing the path in your life...and those areas that you care deeply about that mesh with your values.”
- Framework:
- Define your values (“what was true about me in moments of resilience or joy?”)
- Pick a few priorities (not ten; focus, declutter)
- Go all in on those, eliminate distractions, and build feedback-rich, mission-driven systems.
- “Then that passion starts to really deepen because we lean into those things without distraction...then you have a roadmap for being truly passion struck in the most important areas that matter to you.” — Brent (48:55)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Time is our most valuable commodity. We spend it freely every day without ever knowing the balance in our account.” — Brent (22:23)
- “Altruism and giving back to those communities is one of the best ways that veterans heal.” — Brent (10:16)
- “It's a systems problem, not a willpower problem.” — Referenced by John in the context of Brent’s “performance engine” (47:59)
- “You cannot replicate that type of forged connectivity [the brotherhood] in any other type of organization or experience anywhere in the world.” — Brent (10:17)
- “If it's purpose driven and you can emotionally connect to it, that is what will drive you through any type of obstacles or adversity that might deviate you from that path.” — Brent (27:08)
- “Being disciplined enough to learn the fine art of saying no and eliminating bad practices, bad habits, or even toxic relationships are going to stand in the way...” — Brent (33:18)
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | | --------- | --------------| | 06:48–09:15 | Military service & identity transformation | | 09:39–11:22 | Brotherhood, loss, and staying connected | | 12:31–13:08 | Psychedelic therapy for trauma recovery | | 13:34–17:09 | Embracing discomfort: the “suck” | | 18:11–20:30 | Defining intentionality, systems over self-control | | 22:23–26:12 | The loss of Brent's father and the reckoning | | 27:08–31:06 | Decision to quit drinking and its wide effects | | 33:18–36:13 | Deep self-reflection and intentional value alignment | | 37:03–40:35 | Rediscovering values amid life's noise and ruts | | 42:52–45:16 | Passion, pain, routines, and managing discomfort | | 45:48–47:59 | Visualization, vision, and planning | | 48:55–51:01 | “Passion Struck” meaning, values, and focus |
Further Resources
- Brent Gleason’s new book: “All In: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence”
- Follow Brent:
- LinkedIn: Brent Gleason
- Instagram: @brent_gleason
- Company: exlra8.ai
- Passion Struck workbook & community: theignitedlife.net
Conclusion
This episode is a masterclass in living intentionally, built on the hard-won lessons of SEAL training, grief, addiction, and entrepreneurship. Brent Gleason’s raw reflections and tactical advice offer a roadmap for anyone seeking to build a life that isn’t just productive, but meaningful. In a world where comfort and drift are ever-present, this conversation reminds us: go all in on what counts. Eliminate the noise. Define your values. Use discomfort as the crucible for transformation. And, above all, live like you matter.
“Discipline isn't punishment. It's a promise to your future self. Comfort can turn into a slow fade away from the person you're meant to be. And becoming isn’t a one time choice; it’s a daily one.” — John R. Miles (51:45)