Passion Struck with John R. Miles

11h ago

What if the most profound regret we carry isn’t about what we did, but about the quiet ways we slowly drifted from the people we love most? In this heartfelt solo episode of Passion Struck, Episode 705, John R. Miles explores why the greatest gift we can give those who matter most isn’t more time, more gifts, or even more love, but simple, undivided presence. Drawing from personal holiday memories and the psychology of “relational mattering,” John reveals how relationships rarely break from conflict; they thin from absence disguised as normal life. He unpacks the quiet cost of diluted attention, the profound beauty of what becomes possible when presence returns, and why showing up fully may be the most important decision we ever make. If you’ve ever felt the subtle distance growing in a relationship you cherish, or wondered how to rebuild the felt sense of mattering during this holiday season, this episode is your gentle wake-up call. You’re not out of chances. You’re one intentional arrival away. Listen. Feel. Become present. Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/ relational-mattering -how-to-matter-to-others/ All links gathered here (books, Substack, YouTube, community): https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles The Season of Becoming Workbook: Rebuild Relational Mattering Reflection questions + small presence practices to start tonight + prompts to notice where mattering is calling you most → Download the free Companion Workbook at https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/relational-mattering-7-ways-to-fix-relationships Support the Movement Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of John R. Miles and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

1d ago

What if the most significant leadership challenge of our time isn’t strategy, speed, or scale but our shrinking capacity to care for one another? In an era of deepening polarization and quiet loneliness, this special episode of Passion Struck confronts the root of division: our brain's ancient "us vs. them" wiring that once ensured tribal survival but now fragments society. Host John R. Miles joins Harvard cognitive scientist Joshua Greene (author of Moral Tribes) and psychologist Rick Hanson (New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Global Compassion Coalition) to explore how evolutionary moral instincts fuel exclusion and how neuroscience and compassion practices can rewire them toward broader belonging. Blending rigorous science with profound wisdom, the conversation explores how to expand the "moral circle" from narrow identities to shared global humanity, cultivate moral courage without erasing differences, and turn insight into action. A highlight: the tied-in Pods Fight Poverty initiative, uniting leading podcasters to support GiveDirectly's evidence-based cash transfers. These lift entire Rwandan villages out of extreme poverty with dignity-restoring direct aid (amplified by Giving Multiplier's matching funds). This episode does not just diagnose division. It offers a hopeful, actionable path to inclusion, proving small acts of expanded empathy ripple into real-world change. At a time when trust is eroding, this reminds us that true belonging is not zero-sum. It is the future we can choose. Go Deeper . Read the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/us-vs-them-psychology-rick-hanson-joshua-greene/ Support the Impact : Join the effort to transform lives in Rwanda: GiveDirectly.org/PassionStruck About the Guests Rick Hanson, PhD Rick Hanson is a psychologist, Senior Fellow of UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, and New York Times bestselling author of books including Hardwiring Happiness , Resilient , and Just One Thing . His work focuses on the neuroscience of resilience, compassion, and well-being. Rick is also the president of the Global Compassion Coalition and co-hosts the Being Well podcast with his son, Forrest Hanson. Joshua Greene, PhD Joshua Greene is a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Harvard University and a leading expert in moral cognition. He is the author of Moral Tribes , a groundbreaking book exploring why we clash over moral values and how we can find common ground. His research bridges philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience to understand how humans make moral decisions in an increasingly interconnected world. 🔗 All links in one place — books, Substack, YouTube, and Start Mattering apparel: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

3d ago

What if the leadership answers you’ve been searching for can’t be found in another keynote, framework, or performance review but only by stepping completely out of the world you know? In Episode 703 of Passion Struck , John R. Miles is joined by Oli Raison and Boris Maguire , founders of Safarini Leadership , for a conversation that challenges everything we think we know about growth, leadership, and belonging. At a time when we are more globally connected than ever—and yet more polarized, distracted, and disconnected—leaders are facing pressures no playbook prepared them for: AI acceleration, climate anxiety, generational fracture, burnout, and a deep erosion of trust. Oli and Boris believe the problem isn’t a lack of leadership training. It’s that we’re trying to become wiser leaders without changing the environments that shaped us. Their work takes executives out of boardrooms and into the Kenyan bush, immersed in nature, culture, and relationships, walking alongside Samburu elders to rediscover leadership as a lived, relational practice rather than a performative role. Download the companion workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/ancient-wisdom-for-modern-leaders This episode is part of The Season of Becoming series, following conversations with Brent Gleeson on the danger of comfort and Henna Pryor on why awkwardness is the frontline of growth. Listen. Watch. Go Deeper. 👉 Read the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/ leadership-in-the-wild -oli-raison-boris-maguire/ 🔗 All links in one place — books, Substack, YouTube, and Start Mattering apparel: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles In this episode, you will learn: Why today’s global challenges require elevated leadership , not louder leadership How cultural immersion rewires creativity, self-awareness, and decision-making Why nature sharpens focus, learning, and emotional regulation What Samburu elders can teach modern executives about belonging and purpose Why leadership cannot be developed in isolation—or in comfort How stepping out of familiar systems reveals who you actually are as a leader What it means to lead when connection isn’t optional—it’s survival About the Guests Oli Raison has spent over a decade founding, leading, and selling businesses in Kenya. He specializes in organizational culture, leadership development, and cross-cultural teams. Oli is fluent in Swahili, holds an MBA from Aston Business School, and a Certificate in Executive Coaching from UC Berkeley. Boris Maguire has worked in over two dozen countries and lived in five. He has led teams across ten African nations, served as a startup CEO and Managing Director of a solar firm, and now leads global operations for one of Africa’s fastest-growing HR fintech companies. Boris holds an MPA from Columbia University, a BA from Duke, and a certificate from the African Management Institute. Support the Movement Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. 👉 https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dec 12

What if the only thing standing between you and the person you’re meant to become isn’t talent, time, or even confidence, but one small, uncomfortable decision you haven’t made yet? In this powerful solo episode, Episode 702 of Passion Struck, John R. Miles closes the Season of Becoming by distilling the single most consistent lesson from hundreds of world-class performers, Navy SEALs, near-death survivors, and everyday courage-builders: Courage is not a trait you’re born with. It’s a vote you cast every single day. Drawing directly from four transformative conversations this season (Susan Grau, Anne Libera, Brent Gleeson, and Henna Pryor), John reveals the Four Daily Decisions of Courage that anyone can make starting today: The courage to Listen when life breaks you open The courage to Unscript and show up real The courage to Commit and stop negotiating with your potential The courage to Practice awkwardness on purpose If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for confidence, clarity, or permission, this episode is your wake-up call. You’re not behind. You’re one courageous 10-second vote away. Listen. Reflect. Become. Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/ courage-is-a-daily-choice / All links gathered here (books, Substack, YouTube, community): https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles The Season of Becoming Workbook: Your Next Courageous Vote Reflection questions + the exact micro-action planner for the Four Daily Decisions → Download the free Companion Workbook at https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-10-second-vote-build-courage-habit Support the Movement Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of John R. Miles and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dec 11

What if the very thing you’ve been trying to hide, your awkwardness, was actually the key to deeper connection, stronger leadership, and unbreakable confidence? In Episode 701 of Passion Struck, workplace performance expert and bestselling author Henna Pryor joins John R. Miles to unpack her groundbreaking book Good Awkward and expose the hidden crisis she calls Social Muscle Atrophy, the slow erosion of our ability to handle normal human interaction in a world gone hybrid and hyper-polished. Henna drops the stat that stops everyone cold: 30 % of employees would rather clean a toilet than ask a coworker for help. The cost? Billions in lost innovation, fractured trust, and a growing “mattering gap” at work. But the fix isn’t more communication training. It’s learning to get good at being awkward on purpose. If you’ve ever stayed silent when you wanted to speak up, rehearsed a conversation 47 times and still didn’t have it, or felt like an imposter in your own life, this episode is your permission slip to stop polishing and start connecting. Listen. Watch. Go Deeper. Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/good-awkward-psychological-safety-confidence/ All links gathered here — including books, Substack, YouTube, and Start Mattering apparel: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles The Good Awkward Workbook: 7 Micro-Courage Challenges to Rebuild Your Social Muscle Reflection prompts + daily practice → Download the Companion Workbook In this episode, you will learn: Why awkwardness is the price of growth and how to pay it gladly What Social Muscle Atrophy is costing your team and how to reverse it The confidence myth we all need to retire How embracing cringe builds psychological safety faster than perfection Henna’s 5 science-backed practices to turn awkward moments into leadership superpowers Why the future of work belongs to the willingly awkward Support the Movement Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dec 9

What if becoming who you are meant to be depends less on adding more and more… and more on eliminating the things holding you back? In this special EPISODE 700 of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with fellow veteran and former Navy SEAL combat operator Brent Gleeson , bestselling author of Embrace the Suck and All In . This milestone conversation goes deep into identity transformation under real pressure: military service, combat, losing a father, and rebuilding integrity from the inside out. Brent shares how the quietest decision of his life, choosing sobriety, unlocked discipline, connection, and clarity he didn’t know he was missing. If you’ve ever felt stuck between who you were and who you know you could become, this one is for you. Listen. Watch. Go Deeper. Check the full shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/ how-to-go-all-in / All links gathered here — including books, Substack, YouTube, and Start Mattering apparel: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles The Becoming Workbook: Build Discipline. Expand Identity. Choose Your Standard. Reflection prompts + daily structure tools → Download the Companion Workbook In this episode, you will learn: How comfort becomes a slow fade away from the person you’re meant to be The identity crisis many veterans face after service How to rebuild structure, purpose, and integrity from the inside out Why becoming is a daily choice, not a dramatic reinvention How to eliminate the habits that sabotage your potential Support the Movement Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dec 5

There is a moment when you look at your life and realize something important. You have been waiting. You have been giving your energy away. You have been putting everyone else first. And somewhere along the line, you started disappearing from your own story. This solo episode is about that moment. The moment you choose yourself again. John R. Miles explores why so many of us learn to shrink to fit other people’s expectations, and what happens when you finally decide that your voice, your needs, and your well-being matter too. He breaks down the four core patterns that lead to self-abandonment and explains how a single shift can change your confidence, your relationships, your energy, and your future. When you choose yourself even once, your life begins to reorganize around that truth. If you have ever felt stuck or invisible, or like you have been living a version of your life that no longer feels like your own, this episode will help you take the next step back home to yourself. Read the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/ stop-abandoning-yourself / Listen, Watch, and Go Deeper All episode links are gathered here, including my books You Matter, Luma, and Passion Struck , The Ignited Life Substack, YouTube channels, and the Start Mattering apparel store: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles Download the Companion Workbook The Choose Yourself Again Activation Guide is available now at TheIgnitedLife.net. Support the Movement Everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Show it. Wear it. Live it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Dec 4

What if becoming who you want to be has less to do with control and more to do with letting go? In this insightful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Anne Libera, longtime Second City director, educator, and author of Funnier: A New Theory for the Practice of Comedy . Together, they explore how improvisation offers a powerful model for personal growth, creativity, and identity transformation. Anne’s work blends comedy, psychology, and human behavior. Drawing from decades at The Second City working with performers such as Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Tim Meadows, and Jordan Peele, she reveals that improv is not ultimately about being funny. It is about presence, awareness, emotional flexibility, and learning to respond to life as it actually is, rather than how you wish it would be. This episode continues our December series, The Season of Becoming. It explores who we are in the moments in between when one version of our life is fading, and another has not yet taken shape. Get the full episode show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/life-lessons-from-improv/ Listen, Watch, and Go Deeper All episode links are gathered here, including my books You Matter, Luma, and Passion Struck , The Ignited Life Substack, YouTube channels, and the Start Mattering apparel store: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles Download the Companion Workbook The Becoming Workbook: How to Let Go of Old Scripts and Step Into the Next Version of Yourself Includes reflection prompts, identity exercises, and tools for loosening rigid thinking and building creative flexibility. https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/improv-skills-for-personal-growth In this episode, you will learn: Why improvisation is not about comedy. It is about attention, awareness, and responding to reality How humor helps us navigate discomfort, uncertainty, and identity change Why trying to control the scene often makes life harder How to practice Yes, and in real relationships Why reinvention requires play, curiosity, and emotional risk The psychology behind why we cling to scripts that no longer fit How to use comedic tools to expand your sense of identity and possibility Why becoming is not reinvention. It is responsiveness How to build creative confidence even if you do not consider yourself funny Support the Movement Everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Show it. Wear it. Live it. https://StartMattering.com Disclaimer The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .