Podcast
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Hosted by Passion Struck with John R. Miles · EN
You built the life you were supposed to want. So why doesn't it feel like enough? Passion Struck is the #1 Health and Fitness podcast — and it exists to answer exactly that question. I'm John R. Miles — Navy veteran, former Fortune 50 executive, bestselling author — and I built this show because I lived the "successful but empty" version of life myself, and I wanted to find a better way. Each week, I sit down with the world's top voices in neuroscience, psychology, medicine, and elite performance — including Angela Duckworth, Susan Cain, Robert Waldinger, Daniel Amen, and Ryan Holiday — to unpack what the research tells us about purpose, connection, and resilience, and how to apply it to your own life. Fridays, I share what I'm learning directly, in solo episodes built around the same ideas. New interviews every Tuesday and Thursday. Solo episodes every Friday.
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Episodes
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Healing Your Body Image From the Inside Out | Whitney Otto - EP 787
Jun 3000:55:18Summary readyIn this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with executive coach, former therapist, and former U.S. National Team rower Whitney Otto to explore one of the most personal struggles people carry: their relationship with their bodies.Drawing from her new book, Body Image Inside Out, co-authored with Deb Schachter, Whitney challenges the belief that body image is merely about appearance. Instead, she reveals how our feelings about our bodies are deeply intertwined with our experiences of belonging, family, achievement, health, and self-worth. Their conversation explores why negative body image often becomes a container for overwhelming emotions, how shame thrives in secrecy, and why curiosity may be a more powerful path to healing than self-improvement.John and Whitney discuss the hidden costs of being at war with ourselves, the role of relational mirrors in shaping identity, and why many high performers continue to struggle with feeling comfortable in their own skin despite outward success. Through personal stories, practical exercises, and compassionate insights, they offer a new framework for understanding body image—not as an enemy to conquer, but as a relationship that can be nurtured, understood, and transformed.In this episode, you'll learn:Why body image is shaped by relationships, culture, health experiences, and belonging—not simply physical appearanceThe hidden emotional and psychological costs of being at war with your bodyHow negative body image often becomes a way of managing overwhelming feelings such as sadness, anxiety, fear, and lonelinessWhy curiosity and self-compassion are more effective than self-criticism when creating lasting changeWhat "relational mirrors" reveal about the people who help us feel seen—and those who diminish our sense of selfHow jealousy can become a teacher that points us toward deeper desires rather than a source of shame or comparisonThe Body Image Rotary framework and how to interrupt cycles of self-criticism before they become habitual patternsWhy the process of getting dressed can become a daily practice of self-awareness and sensory compassion rather than judgmentHow early experiences with caregivers influence our relationship with our bodies throughout adulthoodThe simple but profound question Whitney believes every person should ask themselves: "What are you feeling?" instead of "What do I need to fix?"This conversation offers a compassionate roadmap for moving from self-judgment to self-understanding, showing that flourishing begins not by changing our bodies, but by changing the relationship we have with them. As Whitney reminds us, our bodies are often carrying stories that our minds have not yet found the words to tell.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:Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKFunction Health: functionhealth.com/PASSION or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCKFull Show NotesDownload the Digital WorkbookLearn more about Whitney Otto:Website: https://www.bodyimageinsideout.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-otto/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_MilesChildren’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.DisclaimerThe 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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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.
Summary
The Courage to Become Yourself: Remembering Who You Are | John R. Miles - EP 786
Jun 2600:20:00Summary readyWhat if the person you've been trying to become is actually pulling you farther away from who you really are? In today's episode, you'll discover why so many of us spend our lives performing, achieving, and adapting—only to wake up feeling disconnected from ourselves. Have you ever felt like you're living the life everyone expected you to build, but still wonder if something is missing? Do you find yourself chasing success, approval, or perfection, yet struggle to feel like you're enough? Or maybe you've become so busy meeting everyone else's expectations that you've forgotten what it feels like to simply be yourself. According to John, the greatest form of disconnection isn't losing touch with other people. It's losing touch with who you are. Drawing on the timeless story of Hook, along with insights from psychology, attachment theory, and the remarkable conversations that shaped the Connection Crisis series, John explores why flourishing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about remembering the person you've been all along. In this episode, you'll learn: Why the survival strategies that once protected you can quietly become your identity How childhood expectations and early relationships shape the person you believe you have to be What Hook reveals about memory, identity, and the gradual process of forgetting yourself The hidden difference between living authentically and performing for approval Why success often feels empty when it isn't connected to who you truly are How perfectionism, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, and overachievement become emotional armor Why belonging and mattering are essential to rediscovering your authentic self How trusted relationships help you remember the person you've always been Why real courage isn't reinventing yourself—it's trusting the person beneath the expectations What it truly means to flourish by returning to the life you already have with greater awareness and intention Here's the truth: You don't have to become someone else to live a more meaningful life. You don't have to earn your worth through achievement. And you don't have to spend another day chasing a version of yourself that was never meant to define you. Sometimes the bravest thing you'll ever do is remember who you've been all along. Limited-Time Offers: Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK Function Health: Visit functionhealth.com/PASSION or use code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK. Full Show NotesDownload the Digital Workbook 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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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.
Summary
Why Great Leaders Make People Feel Like They Matter | Adrian Gostick - EP 785
Jun 2500:56:52Summary readyToday's episode will change the way you think about leadership, recognition, and what people need most to thrive at work. Do you ever feel like your hard work goes unnoticed? Have you ever wondered why talented people lose motivation—even in organizations with great pay, benefits, and opportunities? Or maybe you're a leader who's trying to build a stronger culture but isn't sure why engagement, trust, or morale still feel out of reach. According to today's guest, the problem isn't a lack of appreciation. It's that people don't just want to be recognized. They want to know they matter. Joining John R. Miles is Adrian Gostick, bestselling author, workplace culture expert, and one of the world's leading researchers on leadership and employee engagement. Drawing on decades of research involving hundreds of thousands of leaders and employees, Adrian reveals why recognition is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—drivers of trust, resilience, innovation, and performance. In this episode, you'll learn: Why leaders consistently overestimate how appreciated their employees actually feel How the "gratitude gap" quietly undermines engagement, trust, and performance Why recognition is a fundamental human need—not just a leadership technique How uncertainty fuels workplace anxiety and what exceptional leaders do differently Why people perform at their best when they know their work truly matters The difference between generic praise and meaningful recognition that changes behavior How situational leadership helps you bring out the best in every individual Why empathy, curiosity, and understanding people's stories have become essential leadership skills Practical ways to create a culture where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to contribute How leading with gratitude strengthens resilience, retention, innovation, and long-term organizational success Whether you lead a global organization, a small team, or simply want to become a better colleague, this conversation will change how you think about the people around you—and the impact you have on their lives. Because the greatest leaders don't simply inspire performance. They create environments where people know they matter. Limited Time Offers: Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK Function Health: functionhealth.com/PASSION or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK Full Show NotesDownload the Digital Workbook Learn more about Adrian Gostick: Website: https://adriangostick.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriangostick/ X: https://x.com/adriangostick 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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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.
Summary
How to Overcome Identity Distortion and Live Authentically | Spencer West - EP 784
Jun 2300:54:35Summary readyIn this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with internationally acclaimed speaker, activist, and best-selling author Spencer West to explore the journey of breaking free from external expectations and overcoming identity distortion.Drawing from his remarkable life—including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands—Spencer shares why so many of us unknowingly build lives around inherited definitions of success and why safety often becomes the greatest obstacle to authenticity. Together, John and Spencer examine why belonging without authenticity ultimately leaves us feeling empty, how identity becomes distorted over time, and why flourishing begins the moment we stop asking who the world wants us to be and start asking who we truly are.Their conversation explores the psychological mechanics of what Spencer calls "the trap," the profound difference between simple belonging and true mattering, and how he redefined his disability from a medical circumstance into a core pillar of his identity. Spencer also introduces practical frameworks from his new book, Breaking Free, including how to find your personal spotlight, cultivate a sense of play, and pivot from a life of passive passion to one of deep, systemic purpose.In this episode, you'll learn:Why so many people fall into the trap of living a safe, uninspired life instead of an authentic one.The critical distinction between simple belonging and true mattering, illustrated by Spencer's childhood gym and cheerleading experiences.How identity distortion occurs when we shelve our authentic selves to meet external structures.Spencer's transformative experience in Kenya that redefined his disability into a superpower and calling.What "the trap" looks like in daily life and how to recognize when you are caught in a cage of your own design.How to find your personal spotlight through low-stakes creative exploration and intentional play.The evolutionary shift from personal passion to systemic purpose, using the context of his historic ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro.The symbol of the cairn and how we all have the capacity to serve as navigational markers for others.Spencer's keys to impactful public speaking: knowing your audience completely and sharing universal human lessons.Why embracing vulnerability and mistakes on stage creates deeper human connection.This conversation offers a powerful roadmap for understanding why we become who we are, how to reject a safe but uninspired life, and what it takes to intentionally build a life focused on authentic purpose.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:Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKFunction Health: functionhealth.com/PASSION or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCKFull Show NotesDownload the Digital Workbook (Ignited Life Article)Learn more about Spencer West:Website: https://www.spencer2thewest.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spencer2thewestInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewestTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer2thewestConnect 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_MilesChildren’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.DisclaimerThe 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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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.
Summary
What Are The Hidden Attachments Running Your Life | John R. Miles - EP 783
Jun 1900:19:47Summary readyIn this solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles continues the Connection Crisis series by exploring one of the most overlooked reasons we feel disconnected—not from other people, but from ourselves.Many of us believe our struggles stem from the people in our lives or the circumstances around us. But what if the real barrier to connection isn't external at all? What if the invisible identities we developed to survive childhood are still quietly shaping our relationships, careers, and sense of self today?In this episode, John introduces a powerful new framework: The Backpack We Never Chose—a metaphor for the emotional survival strategies, protective identities, and hidden attachments we carry long after they have outlived their purpose. Drawing on attachment psychology, neuroscience, William James' concept of the "I" and the "Me," and his own journey through burnout and corporate leadership, John reveals why so many of us confuse our coping strategies with who we really are.You'll discover why perfectionism, hyper-independence, people-pleasing, and the relentless pursuit of achievement often begin as adaptive responses to early life experiences—and how those same strategies can quietly become barriers to authentic connection, belonging, and mattering.In this episode, you'll learn:Why hidden attachments are often more powerful than attachment styles aloneHow childhood survival strategies become adult identitiesWhy perfectionism, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, and overachievement are forms of emotional self-protectionThe surprising reason your brain prefers familiar pain over unfamiliar freedomHow your nervous system influences your relationships, choices, and emotional reactionsWilliam James' powerful distinction between the "Me" and the "I"—and how it can transform the way you see yourselfWhy identities often feel safer than intimacyA practical framework for recognizing the emotional "backpack" you've been carrying throughout your lifeHow to begin releasing outdated survival strategies through intentional micro-choices and self-compassionThe one question that can change everything: "Does this still belong to me?"This episode is an invitation to stop mistaking your protective patterns for your identity. Because the version of you that learned how to survive your past isn't necessarily the version that's meant to lead your future. Healing doesn't begin by becoming someone new—it begins by choosing what you're finally ready to set down.Passion Struck is the #1 Health and Wellness Podcast and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and build lives rooted in meaning, purpose, belonging, and mattering.Limited-Time OffersShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKFunction Health: Visit functionhealth.com/PASSION or use code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Full Show NotesDownload the Digital WorkbookIf this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who may be carrying an invisible backpack of their own. Together, we can create a world where more people feel seen, valued, and deeply connected.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_MilesChildren’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.DisclaimerThe 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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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.
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How to Rewire Your Attachment Style | Adam Lane Smith - EP 782
Jun 1800:59:26Summary readyIn this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with attachment expert, former licensed marriage and family therapist, and relationship coach Adam Lane Smith to explore why so many people struggle with relationships—not because they're broken, but because they're living out unconscious attachment patterns formed in childhood.Drawing from more than two decades of research into attachment science, neurobiology, and human behavior, Adam explains how insecure attachment shapes everything from our romantic relationships and family dynamics to leadership, workplace culture, anxiety, burnout, and even our physical health. Together, John and Adam examine why relationship chaos isn't random, how early family systems program our nervous system for survival instead of connection, and why so many high achievers unknowingly sacrifice belonging in pursuit of performance.Their conversation explores the biology of attachment, the role of oxytocin, cortisol, serotonin, and dopamine in shaping behavior, why modern work environments often reinforce insecure attachment, and how secure relationships become the foundation for resilience, purpose, and flourishing. Adam also introduces practical frameworks for regulating the nervous system, rebuilding trust, creating healthier relationships, and breaking generational cycles that keep families stuck.In this episode, you'll learn:Why attachment styles are formed in childhood—and continue shaping adult relationshipsHow anxious and avoidant attachment quietly influence leadership, work, and family lifeThe biological connection between loneliness, anxiety, depression, and human connectionWhy so many high achievers succeed professionally while struggling emotionallyHow insecure attachment contributes to burnout, workaholism, and relationship breakdownThe hidden reason Gen Z is delaying marriage, relationships, and family formationAdam's framework: Ownership + Skills + New Experiences = Lasting ChangePractical techniques to regulate your nervous system before trying to change your behaviorHow secure attachment transforms parenting, leadership, communication, and long-term fulfillmentWhy meaningful relationships—not achievement alone—are the foundation of a flourishing lifeThis conversation offers a science-backed roadmap for understanding why we become who we are, how our earliest relationships continue influencing us decades later, and what it takes to intentionally build the secure connections 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:Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKFunction Health: functionhealth.com/PASSION or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCKFull Show NotesDownload the Digital WorkbookLearn more about Adam Lane Smith:Website: https://adamlanesmith.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AttachmentAdamInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentadamConnect 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_MilesChildren’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.DisclaimerThe 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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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.
Summary
Why You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns (And How to Finally Break Free) | Kati Morton - EP 781
Jun 1601:00:59Summary readyToday's episode will change the way you think about the habits, behaviors, and patterns that keep showing up in your life—even when you know they're holding you back. Do you ever wonder: Why do I keep people-pleasing even when it leaves me exhausted? Why do I overwork, overthink, or strive for perfection but still never feel like I'm enough? Why do I keep finding myself in the same relationships, making the same choices, or falling into the same emotional patterns? According to today's guest, these behaviors aren't signs that you're broken. They're often strategies your brain developed to protect you. Joining John R. Miles is Kati Morton, licensed therapist, bestselling author, and one of the world's leading mental health educators. Drawing from her new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, Kati explains why the patterns that once helped us survive can quietly keep us from fully living. Together, John and Kati explore how childhood experiences shape the beliefs we carry into adulthood, why high achievers often confuse accomplishment with self-worth, and how curiosity—not self-criticism—is the key to lasting change. In this episode, you'll learn: Why perfectionism, overworking, and burnout are often protective responses—not personality traits How childhood experiences create the emotional blueprints that shape your adult relationships The hidden connection between people-pleasing, fawning, and losing yourself Why so many successful people still struggle with feeling unseen, unworthy, or like they don't matter How fear quietly drives many of the decisions you make every day Why living on autopilot keeps you repeating the same emotional patterns The surprising reason small, consistent micro-choices create more lasting change than dramatic life overhauls How journaling and self-reflection help uncover the beliefs that continue to shape your life Practical ways to reconnect with yourself and build a life aligned with your values Here's the truth: the patterns you're struggling with didn't appear overnight—and they won't disappear overnight either. But once you understand why you keep doing what you do, you can finally begin choosing a different path. And that may be the first step toward becoming the person you've always wanted to be. 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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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.
Summary
Why We Feel So Disconnected (And How to Find Our Way Back) | John R. Miles - EP 780
Jun 1200:26:14Summary readyIn this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores one of the defining challenges of modern life: why so many people feel disconnected despite living in the most interconnected era in human history.Drawing on insights from Greg McKeown and Marcus Buckingham, the historical lessons of Acts 10, behavioral science, and themes from his forthcoming book The Mattering Effect, John reveals how millions of people are living in a state of what he calls The Great Disconnection—surrounded by digital networks, professional titles, and constant communication, yet increasingly cut off from belonging, significance, and genuine human connection.From middle school cafeterias to corporate boardrooms, many of us spend years trying to earn belonging through performance, achievement, and success. We convince ourselves that if we accomplish enough, we'll finally feel secure, valued, and accepted. Instead, many high achievers find themselves trapped in what John calls the Admission Ticket Problem—using success to purchase significance, only to discover that visibility is not the same as being known.Through powerful stories, historical insights, and practical reflection, John explores why performance can never satisfy our deepest need for belonging, how old stories about acceptance continue shaping our adult lives, and why feeling truly seen remains one of the most transformative experiences a human being can have.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why the modern world makes it easier than ever to be noticed but harder than ever to be genuinely known.• How the search for belonging shapes far more of our lives than we realize.• Why many adults are still navigating the same social dynamics they first experienced in middle school.• The hidden cost of turning achievement into an admission ticket for acceptance.• Why success can increase visibility without increasing significance.• How old stories about belonging continue influencing adult relationships and decisions.• What Acts 10 teaches us about expanding the circle of who belongs.If you've ever felt lonely despite your accomplishments, invisible inside the rooms you fought so hard to enter, or disconnected despite being constantly connected, this episode offers a powerful framework for understanding why feeling seen changes everything—and a roadmap for finding your way back to what matters most.Passion Struck is the award-winning podcast hosted by John R. Miles, helping millions of people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.Limited Time OffersFODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCKShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKResources:Get the Companion WorkbookFull Show NotesPre-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 JohnWebsite: https://johnrmiles.comBook 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.DisclaimerThe 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 professio
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Can Love Be a Fierce Business Force? | Marcus Buckingham - EP 779
Jun 1100:54:08Summary readyIn this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Marcus Buckingham, who is a global researcher, pioneer of the strengths movement, and bestselling author of First Break All the Rules, to explore one of the most provocative ideas in modern leadership: love as a fierce business force.Marcus reveals why extreme positive experiences, which people spontaneously describe using the word “love,” are the only true drivers of lasting customer loyalty, employee engagement, resilience, and performance. Drawing on extensive research, he introduces the five sequential feelings (control, harmony, significance, warmth, and growth) that leaders must intentionally design into every experience to help people flourish. In this episode, you'll learn:Why love is the most powerful predictor of productive human behavior in businessThe J-curve effect and why average experiences create zero behavioral changeThe five sequential feelings required to design love into customer and employee experiencesHow to become an “experience maker” who treats every interaction as a cohesive stage playWhy the founder’s flame matters and what happens when organizations drift into loveless machinesThe difference between fleeting moments and transformative experiences that shape long-term loyalty and growthPractical ways to design more loving experiences in meetings, customer interactions, and team leadershipThis conversation reframes leadership as the art of designing human experiences that allow people to shed their armor and become more fully themselves — turning love from a soft concept into a measurable, strategic force for human flourishing and business vitality.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/PASSIONSTRUCKShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKFull Show Notes HereDownload the Digital WorkbookRead the Companion Substack ArticleLearn more about Marcus Buckingham:Website: https://marcusbuckingham.com/Book: Design Love InConnect 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_MilesChildren’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.DisclaimerThe 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.
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Why People Hear Something Different Than What You Said | Greg McKeown - EP 778
Jun 901:11:40Summary readyIn this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Greg McKeown — bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless, host of the What’s Essential podcast, and doctoral researcher at the University of Cambridge — to explore the hidden barrier holding back relationships, teams, and personal growth: confident misunderstanding.Greg reveals why most of us dramatically overestimate how well we understand others and how well we are understood. This gap, fueled by emotional noise, creates disconnection in marriages, parenting, workplaces, and society at large. Together, John and Greg examine how reducing emotional noise can dramatically improve clarity, rebuild mattering, and unlock better communication in every area of life.In this episode, you'll learn:Why confident misunderstanding is the primary bottleneck to living an essential and effortless lifeHow clarity equals signal divided by noise — and why lowering noise matters more than raising your voiceThe powerful 4-step Listening Loop (Listen → Reflect → Speak → Confirm) that creates safety and real understandingHow Satya Nadella transformed Microsoft’s culture using nonviolent communication and deep listeningThe remarkable story of how interrogator Eric Maddox located Saddam Hussein by “erasing his mind” and truly listeningWhy the deepest insights about ourselves come through interpersonal dialogue, not solitary overthinkingPractical ways to reduce emotional noise and rebuild mattering in relationships, leadership, and polarized conversationsThis conversation is ultimately about the foundation of human flourishing: the ability to truly see, hear, and understand one another. In a world of increasing disorientation and division, Greg McKeown offers a practical path to close the understanding gap and create deeper connection.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/PASSIONSTRUCKShopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCKFull Show Notes Here: https://passionstruck.com/greg-mckeown-confident-misunderstanding/Download the Companion Workbook and Substack ArticleLearn more about Greg McKeown:Website: https://gregmckeown.com/Podcast: What’s Essential Books: Essentialism and Effortless Free Course: Less But Better (gregmckeown.com)Connect with John Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’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.DisclaimerThe 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.
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