What if the most important thing you could do in moments of confusion, fear, or identity crisis… was to pause and sit with the question, rather than race toward an answer? In a world that values certainty, performance, and instant solutions, Elizabeth Weingarten is offering something rare: a permission slip to not know. On this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, John R. Miles speaks with Elizabeth about her book, How to Fall in Love with Questions: A New Way to Thrive in Times of Uncertainty...
May 01, 2025•56 min
In this special live episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to explore the timeless wisdom captured in her latest work, Secrets of Adulthood . Recorded at the vibrant Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida, this conversation dives deep into the small but powerful lessons that can transform the way we live, love, and grow. Gretchen Rubin, known for her groundbreaking books The Happiness Project and The Four Tendencies , shares why she be...
Apr 29, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In this powerful episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles sits down with Olympic silver medalist and skateboarding legend Tom Schaar , the first person in history to land a 1080—a mind-blowing three full spins mid-air. But Tom’s story isn’t just about defying gravity. It’s about defying doubt, embracing failure, and staying grounded while the world spins around you. At just 12 years old, Tom did what no one had ever done in skateboarding. But what most people didn’t see were the 999 failed atte...
Apr 25, 2025•54 min
What if the key to unlocking your next big career move isn’t just mentorship—but sponsorship? In this episode of Passion Struck , host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Rosalind Chow , a leading organizational behavior expert at Carnegie Mellon and author of The Doors You Can Open . Together, they unpack the transformative power of sponsorship —where people in positions of power actively advocate, endorse, and open doors for others in ways that mentorship alone cannot. Click here for the full sho...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr
In Episode 601 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles sits down with renowned Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, for a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. Known for his radiant smile, open heart, and profound clarity, Rinpoche shares a perspective on emotional healing and inner peace that turns conventional thinking upside down. Rather than offering a roadmap to “fix yourself,” Rinpoche invites us to explore the idea that we already posse...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 2 min
We tend to think of serendipity as something that just happens —a lucky break, a happy coincidence, a moment of chance. But what if it’s something deeper? In episode 600 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles explores a powerful idea: serendipity becomes mattering the moment someone feels seen without expectation. It’s not just about luck. It’s about recognition—and how those unexpected, seemingly small moments can change the air we’re breathing. Join the new Passion Struck Community! - The Ignit...
Apr 18, 2025•27 min
Imagine that your thoughts, cravings—even your emotions—aren’t entirely your own. That they’re being driven by trillions of microscopic organisms living inside you. It sounds like science fiction, but in Episode 599 of Passion Struck, Dr. Steven Gundry explains why this is scientific fact. Dr. Gundry, a former cardiothoracic surgeon turned gut health expert, joined me to discuss his new book The Gut-Brain Paradox and the profound connection between your digestive system and your mental state. As...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this deeply moving and empowering episode, John R. Miles sits down with Isabelle and Laura Hof—daughters of the legendary Wim Hof and trailblazers in their own right. They’ve taken the powerful techniques behind the Wim Hof Method and tailored them specifically for women through their new book Secrets of the Icewomen . This conversation explores the intersection of science, personal healing, and feminine strength. Laura and Isabelle open up about using breathwork and cold exposure to manage s...
Apr 15, 2025•1 hr 22 min
In Episode 597 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Gordon Flett, a pioneering psychologist whose decades of research have shaped our understanding of mattering —the feeling of being seen, valued, and significant. Dr. Flett, author of The Psychology of Mattering and Mattering as a Core Need in Children and Adolescents , explains how mattering is distinct from belonging and self-esteem and why its absence—what he calls “anti-mattering”—can lead to burnout, depression, loneline...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 18 min
In Episode 596 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Emily Falk , a leading neuroscientist and expert in the science of behavior change. Falk is the Vice Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of the Next Big Idea Club Must-Read book What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change . This powerful conversation explores how our brains weigh choices, how our values shape behavior—often unconsciously—and what it takes ...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In Episode 595 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author and spoken-word artist Humble the Poet to explore the emotional terrain of anxiety, self-worth, and resilience in a world that never slows down. They discuss themes from Humble’s new book Unanxious: 50 Simple Truths to Help Overthinkers Feel Less Stress and More Calm , including how modern society fuels anxiety, the trap of overachievement, and how to reclaim inner peace through vulnerability and s...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 9 min
What if the greatest disruption in business isn’t AI—it's a crisis of human connection? What if the leadership skills we once dismissed as “soft” are now the most essential powers for thriving in a fractured, fast-changing world? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Christie Smith , unpacks in her groundbreaking new book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership . Christie is a globally respected leadership advisor, former ma...
Apr 04, 2025•58 min
What if the secret to lasting transformation isn’t bold, sweeping moves—but quiet, intentional actions? In this thought-provoking episode, John R. Miles interviews Stanford University psychologist Dr. Gregory Walton, whose groundbreaking research has reshaped how we understand belonging, mindset, and behavior change. Walton’s new book, Ordinary Magic , reveals how small, psychologically wise interventions can catalyze extraordinary change in schools, relationships, and society. Greg shares the p...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 4 min
In Episode 592 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Tasha Eurich to discuss her powerful new book, Shatterproof: How to Overcome Adversity with Strength and Resilience , which debuts today. Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/tasha-eurich-how-to-create-a-shatterproof-life/ Together, they dive deep into: The truth about resilience —and why it’s not enough. How to move from just surviving to growing forward . The ...
Apr 01, 2025•50 min
In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Kurt Gray, professor of psychology and author of the new book Outraged , joins John R. Miles to explore why we live in such a morally charged world—and what we can do to repair it. Together, they unpack the psychology behind outrage, the evolutionary roots of our moral minds, and why our perceptions of harm often drive us apart. Kurt shares powerful stories and groundbreaking research to help us understand competitive victimhood, moral typecasting, and the d...
Mar 28, 2025•55 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Donald Miller, bestselling author and founder of StoryBrand, to explore the transformational power of storytelling. They discuss the release of Building a StoryBrand 2.0 and how leaders can use narrative frameworks to connect, inspire, and drive action. Donald reveals how storytelling applies not just in marketing, but in family, community, and self-leadership. Together, they dive into Donald’s personal practices—like writing a...
Mar 27, 2025•56 min
What if the secret to career fulfillment isn’t a promotion, a new title, or more success — but something much deeper? In this powerful episode, John R. Miles is joined by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles , co-authors of Meaningful Work , to explore the essential ingredients behind truly engaging and fulfilling work. Drawing from years of research and leadership development, they break down how to cultivate meaning in the workplace through purpose, community, and impact. This conversation is a must-lis...
Mar 25, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this powerful and inspiring episode of Passion Struck, Olympic figure skater and gold medalist Vincent Zhou joins John R. Miles to reveal what it truly takes to make your gold medal dreams a reality. From his early days as a fiercely competitive child to landing the first-ever quad Lutz in Olympic history, Vincent shares the grit, sacrifice, and relentless mindset required to compete at the highest level. He opens up about the unimaginable heartbreak of missing his individual Olympic event in...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 21 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Anne-Marie Anderson, an accomplished broadcaster and author of " Cultivating Audacity ." They discuss the importance of audacity in personal and professional growth, the role of preparation, and how to build a supportive "front row" of trusted individuals in your life. Anne-Marie shares her journey in sports broadcasting, the challenges she faced, and how she navigated her career with boldness and resilience. Full Shownotes here: htt...
Mar 20, 2025•53 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, John welcomes Nir Eyal, a behavioral designer and author known for his insights into human behavior and technology's impact on our lives. Eyal shares his journey into understanding distraction, rooted in his childhood experiences with obesity and emotional eating. He emphasizes that the real challenge today is not the abundance of information but the ability to focus our attention and turn that information into wisdom. Eyal discusses the concept of becoming " i...
Mar 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Financial security isn't just about numbers—it’s about emotions, security, and having control over your future. In this episode of Passion Struck , I bring you an insightful conversation from the Systems Catalyst podcast , featuring Carrie Joy Grimes (CJ) , the founder of WorkMoney , a nonprofit dedicated to helping Americans save money, increase their financial stability, and build a better life. With over 8.1 million members , WorkMoney is using collective strength to challenge economic insecu...
Mar 14, 2025•34 min
In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck , host John R. Miles sits down with Bryant Wood, a renowned breathwork coach, healer, and expert in spiritual biohacking, to explore the profound intersection of mind, body, and spirit in personal transformation. Bryant shares his deeply personal journey—from a childhood rooted in faith to losing his spiritual connection, battling addiction, and ultimately finding healing through breathwork, mindfulness, and self-discovery. He introduces spiritual b...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Dr. Laurie Santos, a renowned psychologist and professor at Yale University, to discuss the importance of mattering in our increasingly busy and disconnected world. Dr. Santos shares insights from her popular Yale course, "Psychology and the Good Life," and her podcast, "The Happiness Lab," exploring how social connections, intrinsic motivation, and the act of helping others can enhance our sense of belonging and overall happiness. L...
Mar 11, 2025•56 min
In episode 582 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles explores the often overlooked yet crucial role that small, intentional actions and moments of presence play in maintaining strong family connections. These seemingly insignificant moments are the glue that holds families together, ensuring that each member feels seen, heard, and valued. John dives into the subtle actions and decisions that can either bring family members closer together or gradually create distance. Full show notes...
Mar 07, 2025•31 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Sam Wilkinson to explore the profound impact of human connection on our sense of meaning and purpose. Dr. Wilkinson discusses the detrimental effects of our society's increasing disconnection from real human interaction and the overemphasis on individualism that has paradoxically led to more suffering. This conversation delves into Dr. Wilkinson's personal background, particularly the pivotal role his religious upbringing a...
Mar 06, 2025•58 min
In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck , host John R. Miles sits down with Natalie Namaste , a holistic healer and energy channeler, to explore the solar plexus chakra —the energy center responsible for personal power, confidence, and self-worth. Natalie shares how this chakra influences our emotions, decision-making, and even physical health, while offering practical techniques to unlock its potential. Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/natalie-namaste-tap-into-your-...
Mar 04, 2025•1 hr 8 min
What if love doesn’t feel uncertain because of the person you’re with—but because you haven’t fully chosen yourself? Many people settle for relationships that leave them questioning their worth. This episode explores The Mattering Mindset in Love —the difference between being chosen out of love versus convenience, why self-worth determines the love we accept, and how to cultivate relationships that foster security and emotional fulfillment. This conversation will shift everything if you’ve ever ...
Feb 28, 2025•36 min•Ep. 579
In this eye-opening episode of Passion Struck , host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Sandra Matz , a psychologist and data scientist, to reveal the invisible forces shaping your thoughts, decisions, and behaviors. From social media algorithms to targeted advertising, we explore how data-driven systems are quietly hacking your free will —often without you even realizing it. Dr. Matz, author of Mind Masters: The Data-Driven Science of Predicting and Changing Human Behavior , exposes the dark side...
Feb 27, 2025•59 min
In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Edward Fishman, a former top State Department sanctions official and author of the groundbreaking book Choke Points: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare . The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of global power dynamics, where economic tools such as sanctions, export controls, and financial dominance have become the primary instruments of statecraft in the 21st century. Fishman explains the concept of "choke poi...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min
What if the missing piece in your love life isn’t about finding the right person—but about how you see yourself? In this episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles explores the concept of mattering in love —why the way you perceive your own worth directly impacts the relationships you attract and accept. Too many people stay in relationships that leave them feeling unseen, undervalued, and emotionally drained—not because they don’t want love, but because they don’t believe they truly matter. Down...
Feb 21, 2025•30 min•Ep. 576
