Afleveringen
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What if flourishing isn't something you achieve someday—but something you practice in the life you're already living?In this episode, John R. Miles explores the first step toward becoming fully alive: presence. Drawing from three unforgettable conversations with Navy SEAL and Paralympian Dan Cnossen, entrepreneur Blake Mycoskie, and spiritual teacher Gabby Bernstein, he examines the questions that emerge when our old ways of living no longer work.If you've been waiting for life to settle down before you fully show up, chasing achievement in hopes that it will finally make you feel enough, or caring for everyone around you while losing touch with yourself, this episode offers a different path forward.In this conversation, you'll discover:
Why the life you're waiting to begin may have already begunHow to stop treating difficult seasons as interruptions instead of your actual training groundWhy success and achievement can never answer the question, "Am I enough?"What it means to remain connected to yourself when the applause grows quietHow self-compassion becomes the foundation for lasting transformationThe powerful question that can reveal whether you've become a safe place to come home toWhy flourishing begins not in some future version of your life, but in this ordinary, imperfect momentAt the heart of this episode are three questions worth carrying into your own life: What are you waiting to begin that has already begun? Who are you when there's nothing left to prove? Was I a safe place to come home to today?
Because becoming fully alive isn't about finding another life. It's about inhabiting the one that's already here.
Full Shownotes here
Get the Free 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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
What if the guidance you’ve been searching for has been with you all along?
In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to stay connected to something greater than yourself—even during grief, uncertainty, illness, or life's most overwhelming moments.
If you've ever wondered whether you're truly alone, struggled to find peace in difficult seasons, or sensed that there is a deeper wisdom available to you, this conversation will give you practical tools to access it.
John welcomes Suzanne Giesemann back to Passion Struck. A former Navy Commander and aide to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff turned evidential medium and spiritual teacher, Suzanne shares insights from her new book, Always Connected, and explains why our connection to spirit is never lost—even when we forget it.
In this conversation, you'll learn:The overlooked practice that helps create a deeper connection to intuition and spiritHow to use Suzanne's three-minute "SIP of the Divine" method—even if meditation feels impossibleHow to distinguish genuine guidance from fear, doubt, and imaginationWhy adversity and physical challenges can become profound spiritual teachersWhat evidence-based mediumship reveals about grief, healing, and life beyond deathPractical ways to navigate disappointment, self-worth struggles, and uncertainty with greater peaceSuzanne brings together military discipline, spiritual insight, and a grounded approach to the unseen. Whether you're exploring these ideas for the first time or have been walking this path for years, this conversation is a reminder that connection is not something you create—it is something you remember
.And perhaps the most important truth of all: even in your hardest moments, you are never alone.
For full show notes, resources, and Suzanne’s new book, visit the episode page.
Download the companion workbook.
If you liked this episode, go back and listen to Suzanne’s first appearance on Passion Struck (Episode 622).
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Today’s episode will change how you think about your body — and how you relate to yourself every single day.
Do you ever look in the mirror and feel immediate criticism or shame? Do you succeed in life but still feel at war with your body? Or maybe you’ve tried everything — diets, workouts, positive affirmations — but nothing seems to create lasting peace.
According to today’s guest, the problem isn’t your body. It’s your relationship with it. In this powerful conversation,
John R. Miles sits down with Whitney Otto — executive coach, former therapist, World Champion rower, and Olympic alternate. Drawing from her new book Body Image Inside Out (co-authored with Deb Schachter), Whitney reveals a revolutionary inside-out approach to body image healing.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why body image struggles have almost nothing to do with how you actually lookHow negative body image becomes a hidden container for overwhelming emotions like fear, grief, and lonelinessThe real cost of being at war with your body — and why it affects every area of your lifeThe powerful BodySelf Muscles (awareness, curiosity, and self-compassion) that actually create lasting changeThe Body Image Rotary framework and how to exit the cycle of self-criticismHow to turn jealousy into a teacher that reveals your deepest desiresWhy relational mirrors shape how you feel in your body — and how to choose better onesSimple daily practices (including what to do in the closet) that build a kinder relationship with yourselfWhy high performers and athletes often struggle the most — and what actually helpsThe one profound question that can shift everything: “What are you feeling?”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/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 Notes
Download the Digital Workbook
Learn more about Whitney Otto:
Website: https://www.bodyimageinsideout.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitney-otto/
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores perhaps the deepest form of disconnection we experience—not from other people, but from ourselves.
Every stage of life quietly asks us to become someone. Families, schools, workplaces, and culture reward certain behaviors and identities while discouraging others. Over time, the adaptations that once helped us survive can harden into identities we mistake for who we truly are. The result isn't failure. It's forgetting.
Drawing on the enduring story of Hook, John examines why Peter Pan's greatest tragedy wasn't growing up—it was forgetting who he had been all along. Through insights from psychology, attachment theory, identity research, and the remarkable conversations that shaped the Connection Crisis series, John explores how modern life pulls us away from authenticity and what it means to finally find our way home.
This episode challenges one of the biggest assumptions in personal development: that flourishing requires becoming someone new. Instead, John argues that flourishing begins when we stop performing, remember who we are, and trust ourselves enough to live from that place.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why adaptation is essential for survival—but dangerous when it becomes identity
• How childhood expectations and social environments shape the person we believe we must become
• What Hook teaches us about memory, identity, and the gradual process of forgetting ourselves
• The hidden difference between participating in life and merely performing it
• Why success often feels empty when it is disconnected from authenticity
• How perfectionism, people-pleasing, hyper-independence, and overachievement become emotional armor
• Why self-discovery is never a solitary journey—and how other people help us remember who we are
• The profound connection between belonging, mattering, and authentic identity
• Why courage is less about reinvention and more about trusting the person you've always been
• What it truly means to flourish: returning to the life you already have with a different heart and a renewed awareness of yourself
This episode is an invitation to stop chasing a better version of yourself and begin remembering the person who has been waiting patiently beneath years of responsibility, expectation, and adaptation. Because the life you've been searching for was never somewhere else—it has been waiting inside the person you've been all along.
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 rooted in meaning, purpose, belonging, and mattering.
Limited-Time Offers:
Shopify: 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 Notes
Download the Digital Workbook
If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who may have forgotten a part of themselves along the way. Sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer another person is helping them remember who they have been all along.
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author, workplace culture expert, and leadership researcher Adrian Gostick to explore one of the most overlooked forces shaping organizations today: the gratitude gap—the disconnect between how appreciated leaders believe their people feel and how valued employees actually experience their work.
Drawing from decades of research involving hundreds of thousands of employees and leaders, Adrian reveals why recognition is far more than a leadership skill—it is a fundamental human need. Together, John and Adrian examine why people don't simply want praise; they want evidence that they matter. Their conversation explores how unexpressed appreciation quietly fuels anxiety, disengagement, loneliness, and burnout, while cultures rooted in visible gratitude unlock trust, innovation, resilience, and extraordinary performance.
John and Adrian also discuss why workplace anxiety has reached unprecedented levels, how leaders unintentionally create fear through uncertainty, and why the best managers act less like supervisors and more like stewards of human potential. Through compelling stories, practical frameworks, and decades of behavioral research, they show how recognition, empathy, and purpose can transform both organizations and the lives of the people within them.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why leaders consistently overestimate how appreciated their employees feelHow the "gratitude gap" silently undermines engagement, trust, and performanceWhy recognition is a biological and psychological need—not simply a management techniqueHow uncertainty fuels workplace anxiety and what great leaders do differentlyWhy people perform at their best when they know their work contributes to something larger than themselvesThe difference between generic praise and meaningful recognition that changes behaviorHow situational leadership helps leaders meet the unique needs of every individualWhy empathy, curiosity, and knowing people's stories are becoming essential leadership skillsPractical ways to create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and motivated to contributeHow leading with gratitude strengthens resilience, retention, innovation, and organizational performanceThis conversation offers a practical roadmap for closing the gap between good intentions and lived experience, showing why the organizations that thrive aren't simply those with the best strategies, but those where people consistently experience that they matter.
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 Notes
Download the Digital Workbook
Learn more about Adrian Gostick:
Website: https://adriangostick.comLinkedIn: 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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In 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/PASSIONSTRUCK
Full Show Notes
Download the Digital Workbook (Ignited Life Article)
Learn more about Spencer West:
Website: https://www.spencer2thewest.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spencer2thewest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spencer2thewest
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spencer2thewest
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In 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 Offers
Shopify: 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 Notes
Download the Digital Workbook
If 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.
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
Today’s episode will change how you understand your relationships — and why you keep repeating the same painful patterns.
Do you feel anxious when people get close… or do you pull away the moment things get serious? Do you succeed at work but struggle in love? Are you exhausted from chasing connection but never quite feeling safe?
According to today’s expert, it’s not because you’re broken. It’s because of your attachment style.
In this eye-opening conversation, John R. Miles sits down with Adam Lane Smith — attachment expert, former licensed marriage and family therapist, and one of the leading voices on human connection. With over two decades of research into attachment science, neurobiology, and behavior, Adam reveals how your earliest experiences are still quietly running your adult life.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why your attachment style was formed in childhood — and how it’s shaping every relationship todayHow anxious and avoidant patterns sabotage romance, leadership, parenting, and even your healthThe hidden link between loneliness, burnout, workaholism, and insecure attachmentWhy so many high achievers feel successful but emotionally unfulfilledThe real reason Gen Z is delaying (or avoiding) marriage and familyAdam’s powerful framework: Ownership + Skills + New Experiences = Lasting ChangeSimple nervous system regulation techniques you can use before trying to “fix” your behaviorHow to break generational cycles and build secure, fulfilling relationshipsThis conversation gives you a clear, science-backed roadmap to understand why you are the way you are — and exactly what it takes to rewire your attachment style so you can stop repeating the past and start creating the secure, meaningful connections you’ve always wanted. If you’ve ever felt like relationships are harder than they should be, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.
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/PASSIONSTRUCK
Full Show Notes
Download the Digital Workbook
Learn more about Adam Lane Smith:
Website: https://adamlanesmith.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AttachmentAdam
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/attachmentadam
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with licensed therapist, bestselling author, and mental health educator Kati Morton to explore why so many of us continue repeating behaviors we know no longer serve us—from perfectionism and overworking to people-pleasing, burnout, and self-abandonment.
Drawing from her new book, Why Do I Keep Doing This?, Kati explains how the habits that keep us stuck often began as protective adaptations developed in childhood. Together, John and Kati unpack how our early experiences shape the "blueprints" we carry into adulthood, influencing our relationships, careers, self-worth, and sense of identity.
Their conversation explores why achievement can become a substitute for belonging, how fear quietly drives many of our decisions, and why lasting change begins not with self-judgment but with curiosity. Along the way, they discuss anti-mattering, burnout, fawning, autonomy, self-discrepancy, and the power of micro-choices to reshape our lives.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why perfectionism, overworking, and burnout are often fear-based protective behaviorsHow childhood experiences create the relationship blueprints that shape adult lifeThe hidden connection between people-pleasing, fawning, and self-abandonmentWhy so many high achievers struggle with feeling unseen despite their successHow anti-mattering contributes to loneliness, disengagement, depression, and burnoutThe difference between living intentionally and living on autopilotWhy small, consistent micro-choices often create more lasting change than dramatic life overhaulsHow journaling and self-reflection help uncover the beliefs driving repeated patternsPractical ways to reconnect with yourself and build a life that aligns with your valuesThis conversation offers a compassionate roadmap for understanding the habits that once protected us, while learning how to move forward with greater self-awareness, authenticity, and intention.
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 dot com slash PASSION or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order when you go to: ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK
Full Show Notes Here: https://passionstruck.com/why-do-i-keep-doing-this-kati-morton/
Download the Digital Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/high-achievers-repeat-safe-patterns
Learn more about Kati Morton:
Website: https://katimorton.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KatimortonPodcast: Ask Kati Anything
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In 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 Offers
FODZYME: Get 30% off your first order at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK
Resources:
Get the Companion Workbook
Full Show Notes
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In 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 Here
Download the Digital Workbook
Read the Companion Substack Article
Learn more about Marcus Buckingham:
Website: https://marcusbuckingham.com/
Book: Design Love In
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In 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 Article
Learn more about Greg McKeown:
Website: https://gregmckeown.com/
Podcast: What’s Essential Books: Essentialism and Effortless Free Course: Less But Better (gregmckeown.com)
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores one of the defining challenges of modern life: why so many people feel invisible in a world that has never been more connected. Drawing on the Civil War phenomenon of acoustic shadows, insights from Eric Ries and Dr. John La Puma, and themes from his forthcoming book The Mattering Effect, John reveals how millions of people are living in a state of quiet disconnection—surrounded by information, productivity tools, and digital networks, yet increasingly cut off from belonging, significance, and genuine human connection.
As artificial intelligence reshapes careers, institutions become more impersonal, and digital life pulls us further indoors, many people find themselves trapped in what John calls the "pinball life"—a reactive existence spent bouncing between demands, notifications, metrics, and expectations. The result is a growing mattering gap: the painful feeling that your output is valued while your humanity is overlooked.
Through powerful examples from WALL-E, modern workplace culture, parenting, environmental psychology, and behavioral science, John explains why optimization alone cannot solve our loneliness, why survival mode often disguises itself as ambition, and how reclaiming presence is the first step toward rebuilding a life rooted in significance rather than performance.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The Civil War phenomenon of acoustic shadows offers a powerful metaphor for modern loneliness and disconnection.How AI-driven uncertainty is reshaping careers and contributing to a growing crisis of visibility and relevance.The hidden psychological cost of treating yourself like a machine in a performance-driven culture.Why many high achievers are trapped in survival mode while mistaking it for ambition.How the Indoor Epidemic is shrinking our world and weakening the everyday interactions that build belonging.Why digital proximity often creates the illusion of connection without delivering genuine human significance.The concept of the "pinball life" and how reactive living erodes agency, presence, and self-worth.What WALL-E teaches us about optimization, awareness, and reclaiming our humanity.Three practical ways to step out of survival mode and reconnect with yourself and the people around you.Why mattering is not something you achieve through proof, but something you experience through presence.If you've ever felt exhausted despite your accomplishments, invisible despite your efforts, or disconnected despite being constantly connected, this episode offers a powerful framework for understanding the forces shaping modern life—and a roadmap for finding your way back to what matters most.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health 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 at ICanEatAgain.com/PASSIONSTRUCK
Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at SHOPIFY.COM/PASSIONSTRUCK
Resources:
Get the Companion WorkbookFull Show Notes
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with physician, bestselling author, and lifestyle medicine pioneer Dr. John La Puma to explore what he calls the Indoor Epidemic—the growing disconnect between the environments humans evolved to live in and the environments where we now spend nearly 93% of our lives.
From artificial light and screen saturation to poor indoor air quality and the loss of daily contact with nature, Dr. La Puma explains how modern indoor living may be quietly contributing to fatigue, burnout, brain fog, poor sleep, chronic stress, and declining well-being. He argues that many of the symptoms we blame on mindset, aging, or productivity pressures may actually stem from environmental dysregulation.
Together, John and Dr. La Puma explore the science behind morning sunlight, outdoor exercise, forest bathing, healthy soil, immune function, cognitive performance, and why nature may be one of the most overlooked forms of medicine available today.
In this episode, you'll learn:
• Why burnout may be an environmental problem—not just a psychological one
• How indoor living disrupts sleep, energy, focus, and recovery
• The surprising cognitive costs of poor air quality and excessive screen time
• Why morning sunlight is critical for deep sleep and long-term health
• How forest bathing strengthens immunity and reduces stress
• Simple ways to turn everyday outdoor moments into powerful health interventions
This conversation is ultimately about alignment—whether the environments we've created are supporting the biology we've inherited, and what happens when we reconnect with the natural rhythms 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:
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
Download the companion Substack Article and Workbook
Learn more about Dr. John La Puma:
Website: https://www.drjohnlapuma.com/
Get the book: Indoor Epidemic
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
Why do good companies lose their humanity? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Lean Startup creator Eric Ries to explore a growing crisis hiding in plain sight: why so many people no longer trust the institutions that shape their lives. From global corporations and banks to everyday organizations, many entities begin with a clear mission to serve but gradually drift away from the core values that made them meaningful in the first place.
Drawing from his groundbreaking new book, Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great, Eric explains how mission-driven organizations become vulnerable to "financial gravity"—the powerful systemic force that slowly pulls leaders away from long-term value creation and toward short-term extraction. Together, John and Eric examine why trust is the most valuable asset an organization can possess, how successful companies lose their soul, and what leaders can do to build institutions that remain aligned with their purpose for generations.
Through the lens of real-world stories involving Costco, HEB, FedMart, Silicon Valley Bank, Walmart, Microsoft, and Amazon, this conversation reveals why organizational trust is eroding across society and what it takes to create companies that people genuinely believe in.
In this episode, you will learn:
The hidden force of financial gravity and how it quietly reshapes organizational behavior.Why organizations routinely lose their humanity as they become more successful.The tragic story of Sol Price, FedMart, and the governance secrets that protect Costco today.The critical operational difference between shareholder primacy and mission primacy.Why Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse offers vital lessons about corporate purpose and integrity.The concept of the invisible leader and why shared purpose shapes behavior more powerfully than hierarchy. Practical blueprints for founders, executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders who want to build organizations that endure without losing their soul.
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
Download the companion Substack Article and Workbook
Learn More About Eric Ries: https://www.ericries.com
Get Eric's New Book: Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles pulls back the curtain on the final phase of personal transformation, drawing on the timeless narrative of The Shawshank Redemption, behavioral coach Eric Zimmer, and Say It Now founder Walter Green to confront a challenging human truth: why your greatest struggles are never meant to be private secrets. We live in a hyper-optimized culture that treats growth like a localized fortress—focusing heavily on our own routines, boundaries, and self-preservation. This intense focus on individual performance often leaves us isolated, trapped on an endless corporate scoreboard while forgetting that true human flourishing requires an outward pivot toward generative contribution.
Through a profound exploration of Andy Dufresne’s quiet prison library campaign and the three major chapters of human development, John reveals how turning adversity into contribution can permanently break through the isolation that lines our daily lives. This episode explores why massive lifestyle overhauls fail due to biological friction, how a series of small, low-resistance actions build invisible momentum until a little becomes a lot, and how to practice the art of specific, living gratitude before it is too late. John models this vulnerability through his own story of unexpressed appreciation for a high school teammate, offering a gentle roadmap to put a clear flashlight on our closest relationships today.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why massive life overhauls trigger biological friction and cause an endless cycle of starting over.How Andy Dufresne used low-resistance actions to turn a brutal prison environment into a generative space.The three life chapters—knowing yourself, making yourself, and becoming yourself—and how to navigate them.The hidden trap of the making chapter and why elite success often leaves high performers feeling isolated and lonely.Why our culture routinely postpones deep validation for the funeral and how to permanently break that custom.The profound psychological difference between generic compliments and radical, explicit relational specificity.How to tell someone they matter using a simple, three-step practice for turning outward.Why the human mind craves outcome-independent giving and how to let go of needing a specific response.How to use your scars as a clear mirror to ignite a compounding ripple effect of hope across your community.If you’ve ever struggled with optimization fatigue, the isolating weight of professional achievement, or a nagging feeling that you are hoarding your hard-won wisdom inside a quiet fortress of self-preservation, this episode offers an honest, deeply human roadmap to turn your suffering into a living legacy.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.
Limited Time Offer
FODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruck.Full Show Notes HERE
Get the Companion 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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Walter Green, author, mentor, and former corporate CEO, to confront a universal human truth: why you need to say it now rather than regret it later. We live in a fast-paced, performance-driven culture where we routinely postpone deep expressions of gratitude, leaving a profound emotional deficit in our closest relationships. This hesitation forces millions of people to walk through life feeling completely invisible, only for their loved ones to finally articulate their value during a funeral when it is too late for them to hear it.
Through his global initiative, the Say It Now movement, and his foundational book, This Is the Moment, Walter reveals how replacing traditional, posthumous eulogies with living tributes can fundamentally heal our relationships. This conversation explores the hidden grief of unspoken gratitude, the vital difference between being loved for what you do versus being valued for who you are, and how to move past social awkwardness to communicate specific appreciation while the people we care about are still here to hear it.In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why we routinely postpone our deepest expressions of appreciation and how to break that loop.The profound psychological difference between being loved for a role and feeling like your existence truly matters.How Walter Green transitioned from a 25-year corporate career to launching a global movement of human connection.The anatomy of a living tribute and how to celebrate the people you love while they are still alive.Why the human brain craves relational safety and how unspoken gratitude creates a hidden, long-term grief.Practical ways to move past social awkwardness and articulate specific, unconditional appreciation.Lessons on performance, leadership, and authentic validation from Walter’s time lecturing at Wharton.How a single, intentional cross-country journey to visit 44 life mentors sparked a global ripple effect.How to step off the daily performance scoreboard and find true significance beyond what you produce.Actionable steps to cultivate deeply meaningful relationships and permanently eliminate the prospect of deathbed regrets.If you’ve ever struggled with unspoken regrets, the weight of a busy schedule pulling you away from loved ones, or a nagging feeling that your worth is tied only to your daily utility, this episode offers an honest, deeply human roadmap toward authentic connection and mutual validation.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.
Limited Time Offer
FODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruck
Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/feel-like-they-matter-walter-green/
Get the Companion Workbook
Learn More About Walter and the Movement: https://www.sayitnow.org
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Eric Zimmer, behavioral coach, author, and host of the award-winning podcast The One You Feed, to discuss why so many people struggle to maintain consistent habits, the hidden psychological exhaustion of constant self-reinvention, and the science behind his upcoming book, How a Little Becomes a Lot. We live in a culture obsessed with radical life overhauls and hyper-optimization, yet this big-bang approach to personal growth often triggers burnout, friction, and an endless cycle of starting over.
Through his extensive work in behavioral psychology, Eric reveals a truth that changes how we approach self-improvement: lasting transformation occurs through low-resistance actions consistently taken in the same direction over time. This conversation explores how to navigate the dry stretch of the long middle, neutralize the emotional drama of a setback using the renew framework, and shift away from a harsh internal critic toward a neuroscience-backed habit of self-compassion.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why massive self-improvement overhauls often lead to burnout and failureHow to design low-resistance actions that bypass your brain's natural frictionThe psychology of the long middle and how to maintain momentum when progress feels invisibleHow to distinguish between habits of behavior and automated habits of thoughtThe five steps of the renew framework to recover quickly from any routine disruptionWhy neutralizing emotional drama after a setback is the key to rebuilding self-trustThe biological reason why self-criticism paralyzes growth while self-compassion accelerates itHow to cultivate still points throughout your day to manage modern anxiety and uncertaintyThe danger of weaponizing your suffering and confusing control with true emotional freedomPractical ways to stop treating your worth like a daily performance scoreboardIf you’ve ever struggled with optimization fatigue, perfectionism, self-sabotage, a loud internal critic, or the frustrating cycle of constantly restarting your routines, this episode offers a practical, human-centered roadmap toward sustainable growth and genuine self-trust.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.
Limited Time Offer
FODZYME: 30% off your first order when you go to I Can Eat Again dot com slash PASSIONSTRUCK.Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at SHOPIFY DOT COM SLASH passionstruck
Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/small-changes-create-lasting-transformation/
Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/why-so-many-people-keep-starting
Learn More About Eric: https://www.oneyoufeed.net
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles reveals why achieving everything you ever wanted can still leave you feeling profoundly empty—and what real, radical transformation actually requires.
Most of us treat personal growth like a home renovation project: we try to stack better habits, tighter routines, and sharper skills on top of the same old foundation. But true change—the kind that rewires who you are at the core—doesn’t work through simple addition. It demands dissolution.
In part three of our solo series, Forged in Adversity, John explores the hidden architecture of profound human change through raw, unvarnished conversations with Amy Purdy and Blake Mycoskie, weaving in the timeless, cautionary, and triumphant lessons from The Count of Monte Cristo.
Together, their stories expose a critical truth: Healing is not about patching up or returning to your old self. It is an alchemical process of burning away the armor that once saved you so that something entirely new can emerge.
In this episode, you will learn:
The Modification Myth: Why trying to fix your life with new habits on a broken foundation is doomed to fail.The Scoreboard Trap: How to stop tying your inherent worth to external achievements and performance.The "Enough" Realization: How Blake Mycoskie transcended the hollow trap of "having it all."Bounce Forward vs. Bounce Back: Why Amy Purdy’s philosophy of innovation is the key to surviving any crisis.The Alchemy of Suffering: How to stop rearranging the furniture in a burning house and allow true transmutation.Radical Identity: How to move from performance-based value to the liberating truth: I am enough simply because I exist.
If you’ve ever succeeded on paper but felt hollow inside, lost your identity after a major crisis, or sensed that you are being asked to dismantle your old life to make room for something new—this episode will give you the vocabulary and the hope to step directly into the fire.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping you live intentionally, unlock your human potential, and create a life filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.
Special Offer: Take control of your health with Function Health—160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.
Full Show Notes & Resources: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-achieve-personal-transmutation/
Download the Workbook for episode 771
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 John
Website: 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.
Disclaimer
The 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 -
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Blake Mycoskie, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of TOMS, to discuss the hidden emotional cost of success, the mental health crisis affecting high-achievers, and the powerful message behind the We Are Enough movement. After building one of the world’s most iconic purpose-driven brands and donating over 100 million shoes, Blake had everything society tells us should create happiness—wealth, recognition, impact, and success. Yet beneath it all, he was privately battling depression, burnout, feelings of inadequacy, and suicidal ideation.
Through his healing journey, Blake discovered a truth that changed his life: nothing external can heal the belief that you are not enough. This conversation explores why so many people tie their worth to achievement, productivity, comparison, and validation—and how reclaiming intrinsic self-worth can transform mental health, leadership, relationships, and purpose.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why success and achievement often fail to create lasting fulfillmentHow the belief of “not enough” shapes identity, ambition, and mental healthThe hidden emotional toll of entrepreneurship and high-performance cultureWhy comparison and external validation keep people trapped in cycles of inadequacyHow Blake Mycoskie’s healing journey inspired the We Are Enough movementPractical tools for emotional healing, vulnerability, and self-acceptanceWhy redefining worth can transform leadership, parenting, and relationshipsHow to stop chasing external validation and build a life rooted in intrinsic valueThe importance of normalizing conversations around depression, burnout, and mental wellnessWhy human connection is one of the most powerful antidotes to shame and isolationIf you’ve ever struggled with burnout, anxiety, perfectionism, identity loss, emotional emptiness, or the feeling that no matter what you achieve, it’s never enough, this episode offers a powerful roadmap toward healing, authenticity, and self-worth.
Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to helping people live intentionally, unlock human potential, and create lives filled with meaning, purpose, and mattering.
Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health— 160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.
Full Show Notes: https://passionstruck.com/mycoskie-how-to-stop-chasing-external-validation/
Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/why-high-achievers-never-feel-like-enough-blake-mycoskie
Join the Movement: We Are Enough
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