Podcast Summary: Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Episode 702: Why Courage Is a Daily Choice, Not a Personality Trait

Host: John R. Miles
Date: December 12, 2025

Main Theme

This solo episode by John R. Miles challenges the myth that courage is a static personality trait reserved for a select few. Instead, John explores the idea that courage is a conscious, daily choice made in small moments, and shares actionable strategies and insights gathered from some of his most compelling past guests. The episode serves as both a motivational guide and a practical framework for building daily bravery, emphasizing that becoming your best self is not about grand gestures, but about consistently choosing the uncomfortable, authentic, and honest path—one small action at a time.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Courage: Not a Trait, but a Practice

• Opening Challenge (00:00–02:40):
  John debunks the myth that courage is a trait you’re born with.

  • Quotes Navy SEALs, innovators, and "everyday heroes" who all agree, “Courage is not a personality trait you possess. It’s a daily choice you make.”
  • Highlights the value of “micro challenges”—the ten-second decisions that shape a meaningful life.

• Courage as a Practice (02:45–05:30):
  John reflects on dozens of high performers he’s interviewed, emphasizing,

  “They don’t have courage like it’s a fixed trait. They vote for it every single day.” (03:20, John R. Miles)

  • Stresses that courage does not follow confidence or certainty—courage comes first, and confidence follows.

2. The Four “Votes” for Daily Courage

John structures the episode around four actionable “votes” for courage, each illustrated by a former guest’s story.

Vote 1: Listen When Life Breaks You Open (Susan Grau)

• Key Story (06:05–08:00):
  Medium and survivor Susan Grau’s life-altering near-death experience taught her radical surrender and presence.
  • Notable quote from Susan:

    "What I run from, chases me. What I try to control ends up controlling me." (07:00, Susan Grau via John R. Miles)

  • Action: In moments of fear or upheaval, pause for ten seconds, breathe, and ask, “Highest self, what would you have me do right now?”

Vote 2: Show Up Unscripted (Ann Libera)

• Key Insight (08:05–10:15):
  Improv leader Ann Libera teaches courage as dropping performative masks.
  • John remarks,

    “Improv isn’t about being funny. It’s about being free. The you who risks being real—that’s who’s starting to become.” (08:45, John R. Miles)

  • Action: In any interaction, stop rehearsing or “performing.” Instead, share the real feeling or question, and let silence happen as needed.

Vote 3: Stop Negotiating With Your Own Potential (Brent Gleason)

• Seal Discipline (10:50–12:50):
  Former SEAL Brent Gleason’s most courageous act was choosing sobriety, not heroics under fire.
  • John summarizes,

    “Comfort is a disease. Discipline is freedom. And the only thing standing between you and the life you want is the standard you’re willing to hold when no one’s clapping.” (11:25, John R. Miles)

  • Action: Ask yourself, “What standard am I honoring in private today?” and make one non-negotiable decision forwards your growth.

Vote 4: Feel Awkward and Move Anyway (Henna Pryor)

• Modern Cowardice (13:00–15:20):
  Henna Pryor spotlights how we avoid asking for help or speaking up due to fear of awkwardness, not inability.
  • Notable advice:

    “Stop saying, ‘I’m awkward.’ Say, ‘I’m feeling awkward right now.’ Feelings pass. Identity sticks.” (14:15, John R. Miles relaying Henna Pryor)

  • Action: Deliberately choose one “awkward rep” daily—ask the question, send the message, or greet someone new.

3. Practical Application and Takeaways

• The Workbooks (10:30 and 15:30):
  John urges listeners to access free workbooks at theignitedlife.net to turn inspiration into tangible change.
  • These include reflection prompts and identity exercises for enacting daily votes of courage.

4. Closing Insights: You Are One Small Vote Away

• Summary Reflection (16:00–18:40):
  John reiterates that none of the votes require extreme heroics—just ten seconds of discomfort, a breath, a question, or a quiet personal stand.
  • Key motivating quote:

    “You’re not behind. You’re one courageous vote away. Your past doesn’t get the final say. Your fear doesn’t get the final say. Only today’s choice does.” (18:15, John R. Miles)

  • Encourages listeners that every moment is an opportunity to recommit to their future self.

Memorable Quotes and Timestamps

• On micro acts of bravery:

  “The ultimate act of becoming is choosing bravery for the next 10 seconds.” — John R. Miles (00:50)

• On courage vs. comfort:

  “Real courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s choosing to be brave for the next 10 seconds.” — John R. Miles (04:05)

• On letting go:

  “What I run from, chases me. What I try to control ends up controlling me.” — Susan Grau, quoted by John (07:00)

• On presence:

  “Improv isn’t about being funny. It’s about being free.” — John R. Miles, referencing Ann Libera (08:45)

• On discipline:

  “Comfort is a disease. Discipline is freedom.” — John R. Miles on Brent Gleason’s view (11:25)

• On awkwardness:

  “Stop saying ‘I’m awkward.’ Say, ‘I’m feeling awkward right now.’ Feelings pass. Identity sticks.” — Henna Pryor via John (14:15)

• Motivational send-off:

  “You’re not behind. You’re one courageous vote away.” — John R. Miles (18:15)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00 — The myth of “born courageous” is debunked
• 03:00 — Courage as a daily vote, not a trait
• 06:00 — Susan Grau: The vote to listen in crisis
• 08:00 — Ann Libera: Drop the performing script
• 11:00 — Brent Gleason: Commitment and private standards
• 13:00 — Henna Pryor: Embrace and practice awkwardness
• 16:00 — Recap of the four courage decisions
• 18:15 — Final encouragement and actionable advice

Concluding Reflection

John R. Miles delivers a solo episode that goes far beyond motivational platitudes. Blending poignant stories, practical micro-actions, and memorable soundbites, he shows that courage is moment-by-moment decision-making—accessible to all, required by all. The toolset he shares is simple but powerful: listen when it hurts, drop your script, commit when unobserved, and embrace awkwardness. Ultimately, John’s message is that anyone, starting today, can step towards the life they’re meant to have, one small act of courage at a time.

Resource: Download the companion workbook for reflection and action steps at theignitedlife.net.