What if the key to unlocking peak performance and long-term well-being isn’t just about diet and exercise, but also about harnessing the power of oxygen, neurotransmitters, and cutting-edge health optimization tools? In this episode of Passion Struck, I welcome back Dr. Scott Sherr, a leading voice in hyperbaric medicine and health optimization. We break down the latest research and real-world applications of brain-boosting tools like methylene blue, nootropics, and GABA, the brain’s most abunda...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 9 min
What if your deepest struggles could become the fuel for your greatest transformation? In this compelling conversation, Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe shares his raw and personal journey of confronting addiction, navigating self-doubt, and ultimately finding peace within his inner battles . Randy opens up about how alcohol nearly consumed his life, the moment he knew he had to change, and how he turned his pain into a powerful force for creativity, resilience, and intentional living. Now, as ...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 26 min
Welcome back to Passion Struck! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the leadership metric that changes everything—mattering. Have you ever put everything into your work only to feel invisible? Like your contributions didn’t land, your ideas weren’t valued, and your presence didn’t really make a difference? That feeling—more than pay, promotions, or job security—is why people check out. People don’t quit jobs; they quit when they stop feeling like they matter. And yet, most leaders are focused ...
Feb 14, 2025•33 min
Have you ever felt that your pursuit of excellence leaves you more stressed than satisfied? What if perfectionism isn’t a flaw to be fixed but a strength to be harnessed? In episode 572, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schafler , psychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power. Katherine’s groundbreaking approach challenges everything we think we know about perfectionism, showing us that it isn’t something we need to eliminate—b...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of Passion Struck , host John R. Miles welcomes one of the world’s leading psychologists, Dr. Shige Oishi , to discuss his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life . Dr. Oishi introduces the concept of psychological richness , a third dimension of well-being that goes beyond traditional notions of happiness and meaning. Through their engaging discussion, they explore the psychological science behind what makes li...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 1 min
We’ve all been there—pushing, striving, chasing what we think will bring happiness. A bigger salary. A better title. More recognition. But what if the very thing you’re running toward is an illusion? In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the Mirage of More—the false promise that external success leads to internal fulfillment. We’ll explore why we keep chasing things that don’t sustain us, how to recognize when you’re caught in the cycle, and—most importantly—how to walk away before it’s too la...
Feb 07, 2025•28 min
What if the key to unlocking your best life isn’t about control—but surrender? In this powerful episode, Eric Zimmer , renowned coach, podcast host, and behavioral change expert, shares why letting go is the ultimate catalyst for personal growth and transformation . We dive deep into the paradox of surrender—how embracing uncertainty, releasing resistance, and trusting the process can lead to greater clarity, resilience, and fulfillment. Eric opens up about his own journey, the science behind su...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes back Dr. Ethan Kross, a leading expert on emotions and self-regulation, to discuss his latest book, SHIFT . The conversation delves into the importance of understanding and managing our emotions, emphasizing that emotions should not be suppressed but rather harnessed as powerful tools for personal growth and resilience. The episode explores various strategies for managing emotions, including the concept of "shifters"—sensory experien...
Feb 04, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, John dives deep into a critical conversation about the battle for our souls and the importance of reclaiming our purpose in a world that constantly distracts us from what truly matters. John shares his personal journey of disconnection, illustrating how the relentless pursuit of success and external validation can lead us to lose sight of our authentic selves. We explore the subtle ways we lose the fight for our souls—through distractions, people-pleasing, and ...
Jan 31, 2025•36 min
Have you ever felt stuck—trapped by subconscious patterns, limiting beliefs, or the overwhelming need for certainty? What if the key to breaking through wasn’t outside of you, but within? In today’s episode, John sits down with Francesca Sipma, founder and CEO of Mastry and the creator of HypnoBreathwork®, a revolutionary method that combines breathwork, hypnosis, and visioning to help people clear subconscious blocks and take intuitive action toward their purpose. Her book, Unblock Your Purpose...
Jan 30, 2025•51 min
In this enlightening episode, Dr. Dave Vago, renowned neuroscientist and mindfulness expert , joins us to explore how to live a more meaningful life by rewiring the brain for mattering. Drawing on his groundbreaking research at the intersection of neuroscience, mindfulness, and human flourishing, Dr. Vago unpacks the science behind our deep need to feel valued, connected, and significant. We delve into how mindfulness practices can reshape neural pathways to reduce feelings of insignificance, fo...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 23 min
Deep work isn’t just a productivity tool—it’s a transformative way to design a life that truly matters. In this episode, John redefines deep work as a practice of intention, energy management, and purpose-driven focus , and explore how it unlocks the five pillars to building a life that resonates with your values . You’ll learn how to move beyond shallow tasks, manage your energy effectively, and harness the power of focus to create meaningful outcomes. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning y...
Jan 24, 2025•23 min
In this transformative episode of Passion Struck , host John R. Miles is joined by Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, a behavioral scientist, Harvard Business School professor, and author of the groundbreaking book TALK: The Science of Conversation and the Art of Being Ourselves . Together, they explore how intentional communication can deepen connections, affirm our sense of mattering, and unlock greater meaning in our relationships. Drawing on her pioneering research, Dr. Brooks introduces her TALK frame...
Jan 23, 2025•58 min
In this episode of the Passion Struck Podcast , John R. Miles sits down with Dan Heath, the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Made to Stick, Switch, The Power of Moments, and his latest transformative book, Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working . With over 4 million books sold worldwide, Dan shares his revolutionary framework for identifying what’s broken, leveraging small but impactful changes, and building momentum for meaningful progress. John and Dan explore how to reset systems, h...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr
In this transformative episode of the Passion Struck Podcast , we dive into one of the most extraordinary leadership stories of our time: the Miracle on the Hudson. On January 15, 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his crew turned 208 seconds of crisis into an unforgettable triumph. But the true miracle wasn’t just Sully’s quick thinking or technical expertise—it was the culture of mattering that made it all possible. We explore how trust, recognition, and shared purpose shaped the a...
Jan 17, 2025•31 min
In this episode of Passion Struck , Dr. Adam Galinsky, renowned social psychologist and author of the compelling book Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others , delves into what makes great leaders truly inspiring. Drawing from his extensive research, Galinsky explains how leadership exists on a universal continuum—from the inspiring leaders who fill us with hope and guide us to become better versions of ourselves to the infuriating ones who disappoint and frustrate us. Link t...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this compelling episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with the esteemed psychologist and acclaimed author Dr. Rick Hanson to explore how we can find the good in life amidst its challenges. Dr. Hanson is celebrated for his work in mindfulness, positive neuroplasticity, and human connections, providing listeners with invaluable insights and practical strategies to thrive. Dr. Hanson also discusses the significance of inner strengths, such as emotional intelligence, empathy, an...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 13 min
Why hope matters is a question we often overlook in the chaos of our daily lives. Yet, hope is far more than a fleeting emotion—it’s a transformative force that fuels resilience, rebuilds communities, and reminds us that we matter. In today’s episode of Passion Struck , we unpack why hope matters and how it connects to our deep need for significance. Drawing from Viktor Frankl’s powerful insights in Auschwitz, the Greensboro sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement, and my personal experience fo...
Jan 10, 2025•31 min
Today we have an extraordinary guest, Esther Dyson, a true visionary at the intersection of technology, health, and humanity. Esther is renowned for her transformative investments in groundbreaking companies like Square, Facebook, and Evernote, and for her bold initiatives in human well-being and systemic change. In this episode, we dive deep into Esther's journey from journalism to becoming one of the most successful angel investors. We explore her early career, her pivotal role with ICANN, and...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 13 min
In this deeply insightful episode of Passion Struck, we have the honor of hosting Max Lugavere, an acclaimed health journalist, filmmaker, and bestselling author. A personal experience profoundly influenced Max's profound journey into the field of brain health—his mother's diagnosis with Lewy body dementia in 2011. This life-altering event ignited his mission to uncover the scientific truths behind brain health and the prevention of dementia, ultimately shaping his career and life's work. We exp...
Jan 07, 2025•58 min
In this first solo episode of 2025, John explores the profound lessons of the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi and how it can transform the way we approach imperfection, growth, and purpose. Wabi-Sabi teaches us to embrace the beauty of life’s imperfections, find value in its incompleteness, and appreciate the fleeting nature of our experiences. Reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities of 2024, I share personal insights from moments beyond my control—like the loss of my sister and the...
Jan 03, 2025•27 min
In this transformative episode, John sits down with Dr. Kari Leibowitz, a Stanford-trained health psychologist and mindset science expert, to uncover the secrets to thriving during winter's toughest days. Dr. Leibowitz's groundbreaking research, detailed in her forthcoming book " How to Winter ," reveals practical strategies to embrace the cold, dark months and find joy and resilience in the process. Discover how Dr. Leibowitz's time living above the Arctic Circle taught her powerful lessons on ...
Jan 02, 2025•57 min
In this episode, Shira Gill shares insights from her newest book, LifeStyled , which breaks down how to streamline and simplify each area of your life. The book is designed to help readers clarify what's most important, strip away excess, and tackle life's common obstacles with realistic strategies. From transforming chaotic spaces into serene sanctuaries through her proven methodologies to empowering individuals to make intentional and lasting changes, Shira Gill exemplifies how adopting a mini...
Dec 31, 2024•56 min
If you were visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, what would they show you about how you’re living? Welcome to this special episode of the Passion Struck Podcast, where host John Miles explores the timeless story of A Christmas Carol. But instead of focusing on the well-trodden themes of redemption and holiday cheer, we’re uncovering a hidden gem: the spirit of mattering. Have you ever stopped to wonder about your own significance? Do you question whether you matter ...
Dec 27, 2024•32 min
In this episode of the Passion Struck Podcast , James Arthur Ray and Bersabeh Ray delve into the profound forces that shape our lives—God, Money, and Sex. Together, they explore how mastering these three core human dilemmas can lead to greater fulfillment, resilience, and clarity. Through stories of personal transformation, they discuss the true nature of success, the role of inner values over material wealth, and how aligning with purpose can redefine what it means to thrive in today’s world. L...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 17 min
In this inspiring episode of the Passion Struck Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Abraham George, a visionary philanthropist and founder of the Shanti Bhavan Residential School. For over two decades, Shanti Bhavan has been a beacon of hope, providing free, world-class education to children from India’s most marginalized communities. By breaking cycles of poverty and empowering students to attend top universities like Stanford and Dartmouth, Dr. George is transforming lives and creating generational...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of the Passion Struck Podcast , John R. Miles dives into why happiness leads to success and how embracing joy, curiosity, and purpose can transform your life. Through the lens of Richard Branson’s inspiring journey, John uncovers how prioritizing happiness fuels resilience, creativity, and achievement. Learn how Branson turned obstacles into opportunities and aligned his actions with purpose to build the Virgin empire. Backed by research from Shawn Achor, this episode highlights ...
Dec 20, 2024•28 min
In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck , we’re joined by Caroline Adams Miller, a trailblazing positive psychology expert and author of Big Goals . With a career spanning decades of research, coaching, and personal transformation, Caroline takes us on a journey to uncover the science behind setting and achieving meaningful goals that lead to flourishing lives. Caroline reveals strategies beyond ambition, offering actionable frameworks like the BRIDGE methodology to help you overcome obst...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In this captivating episode of Passion Struck , we are joined by Madison Marsh, the reigning Miss America and a trailblazer in every sense of the word. At just 23 years old, Madison is making history as the first active-duty Air Force officer to wear the crown. But her mission goes far beyond titles and accolades. She’s using her platform to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, a cause deeply rooted in personal loss, and to challenge stereotypes about women in pageantry, the military, and beyo...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr
In a world where so many people feel unseen and unheard, the art of listening is more important than ever. In this episode, John R. Miles dives into how listening deeply and intentionally can validate someone’s worth, foster connection, and create a sense of belonging. Through powerful stories, scientific insights, and actionable takeaways, John explores how practicing the art of listening isn’t just about hearing—it’s about helping others feel like they truly matter. Whether you’re looking to s...
Dec 13, 2024•25 min
