In this insightful episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles sits down with psychologist and author William von Hippel to unpack the central theme of his latest book, The Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find Happiness . Together, they explore how modern life has tilted heavily toward autonomy—careers, smartphones, and endless options—often at the expense of deep connection and belonging. Drawing on research with the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania, von Hippel exp...
Sep 18, 2025•55 min•Ep. 666
In this Passion Struck episode, John R. Miles sits down with Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack—the nation’s oldest minority-owned design and construction firm—to explore what it takes to build a life and legacy that truly matter. From the story of her ancestor, Moses McKissack, who learned the art of brickmaking while enslaved, to her role in leading billion-dollar infrastructure projects today, Cheryl offers a blueprint for creating an impact that outlives ...
Sep 16, 2025•49 min•Ep. 665
Not all trauma is visible—but that doesn’t mean it stops shaping us. In this episode, John R. Miles explores the concept of invisible trauma and introduces H.E.A.L., a four-part framework for confronting what’s hidden, softening self-judgment, identifying destructive patterns, and stepping into liberation. You’ll hear powerful insights from experts like Dr. Ingrid Clayton and Dr. Nicole Cain and walk away with practical tools to begin transforming emotional scar tissue into inner strength. Visit...
Sep 12, 2025•21 min•Ep. 664
In this episode, Dr. Nicole Cain—naturopathic doctor, clinical psychologist, and author of Panic Proof —shows how to design a personalized Panic-Proof plan that addresses anxiety at its source. We unpack the nine anxiety types and why labeling everything as “panic” misses the root drivers. She lays out a practical blueprint: nervous-system regulation (breath, cold exposure, somatic mapping, paced recovery), gut–brain repair (nutrition, psychobiotics, inflammation reduction), targeted lifestyle s...
Sep 11, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 663
In episode 661 of Passion Struck, trauma psychologist Dr. Ingrid Clayton explains why so many high-achievers, caregivers, and leaders default to “keep the peace at any cost,” and how that pattern quietly erodes identity, boundaries, and well-being. We unpack how complex/relational trauma encodes “safety over self,” why talk-only approaches often stall, and the practical sequence for unfawning: notice → name → normalize → lower the bar → practice tiny boundary reps. Ingrid shares bottom-up tools ...
Sep 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 662
In the debut of the Decoding Humanity series, John R. Miles explores what he calls The Living Code : the deeper foundation beneath our lives that determines whether we stand strong or collapse when the inevitable storms come. Drawing on timeless wisdom from the Gospel of Matthew, insights from neuroscience, and reflections from recent guests Dr. Bruce Miller, Dr. Virginia Sturm, and Dr. Caroline Fleck, John reveals the four pillars of C.O.D.E. — Core Values, Open Empathy, Deep Rest, and Embodied...
Sep 05, 2025•26 min•Ep. 661
In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Caroline Fleck—clinical psychologist, researcher, and author of Validation —explores why so many of us struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, and burnout, not because we’re broken, but because our need for validation has gone unmet. She explains how validation is more than comfort—it’s proof that we matter. Drawing on her clinical work and scientific research, Dr. Fleck demonstrates why validation is the foundation of resilience, connection, and well-being, a...
Sep 04, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 660
In Episode 658 of Passion Struck , host John R. Miles sits down with renowned neuroscientists Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Virginia Sturm, co-authors of the book " Mysteries of the Social Brain ," to explore their groundbreaking work on the social brain. Together, they explore how empathy, fairness, altruism, and connection are not just cultural ideals but are also hardwired into our neural architecture. From the role of specific brain networks in shaping moral behavior to how purpose and creativity...
Sep 02, 2025•53 min•Ep. 659
Most people think of flow the way psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described it — being “in the zone” during peak performance. But in this episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles redefines flow as something much deeper: the coherence of living one life instead of many fractured selves. Drawing on conversations with Dr. Jodi Blinco and Jay Vidyarthi, John explores the Fragmentation Gap — the hidden divide between the roles we perform (at work, at home, online, and in private) and the integr...
Aug 29, 2025•26 min•Ep. 658
In today’s hyperconnected world, our attention has become one of the most valuable—and contested—resources. In this Passion Struck episode, John speaks with Jay Vidyarthi, author of Reclaim Your Mind , about why technology feels so addictive, how it fragments our lives, and what we can do to take back control. Jay shares practical tools for mindful tech use, explains how design can either empower or exploit us, and reveals how to realign our digital lives with our values. This conversation is a ...
Aug 28, 2025•56 min•Ep. 657
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Jodi Blinco—educator, entrepreneur, and author of Inner Alchemy: Transforming Everyday Bullsh t Into Sunshine.* Together, they explore how resilience is built rather than inherited, why energy matters more than time management, and how feminine leadership is redefining the future of work and well-being. Dr. Blinco shares practical tools to rewrite self-defeating stories, identify emotional patterns before they become life patter...
Aug 26, 2025•53 min•Ep. 656
In this episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles unpacks the Fulfillment Gap —the hidden divide between the work we do every day and the meaning we hope it will bring. Drawing on Gallup’s latest research, personal stories, and powerful interviews, John reveals how misaligned work erodes health, fuels burnout, and undermines our sense of mattering. John then introduces a practical four-step framework— Audit, Align, Adjust, Advance —to help you reclaim your work as a source of strength, resilienc...
Aug 22, 2025•33 min•Ep. 655
In this Passion Struck episode, I sit down with Tien Tzuo —visionary founder and CEO of Zuora, bestselling author of Subscribed and Founders, Keepers , and one of the early architects of Salesforce—to explore how agility, transformation, and purpose can redefine not just business success but personal fulfillment. Together, we explore why the future belongs to those who prioritize relationships over products, why agility is a lifelong wellness practice, and how leaders can adopt a transformationa...
Aug 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 654
In episode 652 of Passion Struck, John Miles speaks with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson , co-authors of Is Your Work Worth It? Together, they unpack the hidden costs of chasing achievement, the myths surrounding “do what you love,” and why meaning—not just money—drives true fulfillment. Drawing from research, stories, and practical insights, they reveal how to align career, calling, and purpose, and why legacy and contribution often matter more than status or salary. This ...
Aug 19, 2025•51 min•Ep. 653
In this pivotal episode of the Reclaiming Wellness series, John R. Miles tackles the hidden cost of safetyism — the cultural obsession with eliminating risk — and how it’s creating what he calls the “Exposure Gap.” Drawing on insights from Dr. Wolfgang Linden’s work on exposure therapy, Jonathan Haidt’s research on safetyism, and Dr. Kevin Tracey’s groundbreaking vagus nerve science, John explains why avoiding discomfort weakens our nervous system and resilience over time. You’ll learn why contr...
Aug 15, 2025•27 min•Ep. 652
In this episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Kevin Tracey, a pioneer in neuroimmunology, to explore the remarkable healing potential of the vagus nerve. Dr. Tracey explains how this hidden superhighway between the brain and body regulates inflammation and how targeted stimulation is providing life-changing results for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune conditions. Together, they dive into the science, personal stories, and future imp...
Aug 14, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 651
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Wolfgang Linden—renowned psychologist and relationship expert—unpacks the psychology of risk-taking in relationships, career moves, and personal change. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explains how fear, avoidance, and repeating old patterns can keep us stuck, and why calculated risks are often the catalyst for growth. Dr. Linden is the author of the new book: The Illusion of Control: A Practical Guide to Avoid Futile Struggles . We explore how to...
Aug 12, 2025•57 min•Ep. 650
You’re meditating. Biohacking. Eating clean. But still feeling… off? In this solo episode, John R. Miles explores a silent disruptor in our wellness journey: The Absorption Gap. What if your body isn’t broken—but simply unable to receive the healing you’re offering? John shares his own story of optimizing everything—yet unraveling—and breaks down the four hidden filters that block absorption: Biological (gut, hormones, circadian rhythm) Neurological (nervous system, stress cues) Cognitive (menta...
Aug 08, 2025•25 min•Ep. 649
In this powerful conversation, John R. Miles is joined by Dr. Erika Schwartz—pioneering physician and author of The New Hormone Solution —breaks down why so many people are silently suffering from hormonal imbalances and misdiagnosed symptoms. From misunderstood menopause and andropause to flawed healthcare models and outdated assumptions about aging, Dr. Schwartz offers a bold new vision for vitality at any age. She shares how bio-identical hormones, lifestyle medicine, and patient-centered car...
Aug 07, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 648
In this powerful conversation, psychiatrist and nutritional psychiatry pioneer Dr. Drew Ramsey joins John R. Miles to explore the critical intersection of food, thought, and mental health. Based on insights from his groundbreaking book Healing the Modern Brain , Dr. Ramsey challenges the outdated paradigm of reactive mental healthcare and instead introduces a proactive framework for cultivating mental fitness. Together, they dive into why our brains are wired for connection and how modern life—f...
Aug 05, 2025•55 min•Ep. 647
You follow the routine. You track the habits. You optimize everything… and yet you still don’t feel well. In this kickoff episode of the “Reclaiming Wellness” series, John R. Miles names the elephant in the room: the wellness gap. Why are so many people doing the right things—yet still feeling anxious, exhausted, or misaligned? John shares the deeper truth behind this quiet crisis and outlines a bold new framework for healing from the inside out: Fuel, Feel, Fulfill, and Flow. This is not a chec...
Aug 01, 2025•30 min•Ep. 646
In this episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles sits down with Brian Keane—bestselling author, ultra-endurance athlete, and one of Ireland’s leading voices in health and fitness—to unpack the mindset and habits behind sustainable discipline. Brian shares his personal transformation from professional footballer to fitness entrepreneur, detailing how failure, vulnerability, and identity shifts helped him create a more fulfilling and resilient life. They explore the difference between discipline ...
Jul 31, 2025•57 min•Ep. 645
In this illuminating episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles welcomes Helen Ye Plehn—intuitive spiritual psychologist, Zen Executive Coach, and author of The Aura Color Wheel: What Your Soul’s Aura Reveals About Your Inner Gifts, Wounds, and Lessons . Together, they unpack the soul’s inner knowing and how tuning into it can radically shift how we live, lead, and heal. Helen reveals how the colors of your aura reflect more than energy—they tell the story of your emotional imprints, inherited pa...
Jul 29, 2025•58 min•Ep. 644
In Episode 642 of Passion Struck, John R. Miles reveals how to move beyond the productivity trap and into a life of deep alignment. Drawing from conversations with Oliver Burkeman, Susan Kilrain, and research by Dacher Keltner, John introduces the Awe Map—a 4-part framework (Pause, Prioritize, Protect, Practice) for designing time around what truly matters. With stories from his recent trip to Maine and reflections on awe, presence, and purpose, this episode challenges the way we think about tim...
Jul 25, 2025•26 min•Ep. 643
What happens after you’ve lived the dream—and it’s over? In this profound conversation, astronaut and Navy fighter pilot Susan Kilrain joins Passion Struck to explore her journey from humble beginnings in Georgia to piloting two Space Shuttle missions, becoming one of the few women to fly the F-14 Tomcat, and raising a family while married to a Navy SEAL. But this isn’t just a story about spaceflight. It’s about grit, reinvention, and identity. Susan opens up about how landing on an aircraft car...
Jul 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 642
What if the real key to emotional wellness isn’t in doing more, achieving more, or finally “getting it all together”—but in letting go of the need to? In this deeply grounding episode of Passion Struck , John R. Miles sits down with Oliver Burkeman , acclaimed author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals , to explore why our obsession with control, productivity, and optimization may be the very things keeping us from peace. Burkeman challenges the conventional approach to time manag...
Jul 22, 2025•59 min•Ep. 641
In this essential episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with cybersecurity expert Brad Deflin, founder of Total Digital Security, to explore why digital protection is no longer optional—it’s personal. As cyber threats evolve faster than ever, most people still rely on outdated solutions or remain dangerously unaware of their vulnerabilities. Brad explains how cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it's a human one. From protecting your family’s privacy to preserving your profes...
Jul 18, 2025•58 min•Ep. 640
In Episode 638 of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Michelle Chalfant—renowned therapist, author, and creator of The Adult Chair model—to explore one of the most transformational frameworks for emotional and relational healing. At the heart of Michelle’s approach is a deceptively simple but powerful idea: we all live from one of three “chairs”—the Child, the Adolescent, or the Adult. Most of us, without realizing it, are stuck reacting to life from our younger, wounded selves. The res...
Jul 17, 2025•53 min•Ep. 639
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Steven Heine—pioneering cultural psychologist and author of Cultural Psychology and Start Making Sense —joins John R. Miles to explore how the self is not something we’re born with, but something shaped by the cultural systems we inhabit. Drawing on decades of research, Heine reveals how East and West construct identity in profoundly different ways—affecting everything from how we process failure to how we seek meaning. We explore how existential psychology...
Jul 15, 2025•53 min•Ep. 638
In this powerful solo episode, John R. Miles explores the emotional architecture of transformation—starting with shadow awareness and ending with integration. You'll learn how your inner world shapes everything you lead, create, and care about. Through the R.A.R.E. Method (Recognize, Acknowledge, Reveal, Exchange), John offers a practical framework to help you stop reacting from old wounds and start responding from clarity. Whether you're a leader, parent, partner, or creator, this episode is yo...
Jul 11, 2025•31 min•Ep. 637
