Unconscious Decisions: The Intersection of Trust and Security

In Episode 596 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Emily Falk, a leading neuroscientist and expert in the science of behavior change. Falk is the Vice Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of the Next Big Idea Club Must-Read book What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change.

This powerful conversation explores how our brains weigh choices, how our values shape behavior—often unconsciously—and what it takes to truly live in alignment with who we want to become. From decoding the “value calculator” in our brain to understanding how identity, connection, and purpose influence decision-making, Falk offers deeply practical insights on how to shift your behavior and build a better life.

Full Shownotes here:  https://passionstruck.com/emily-falk-rewire-your-brain-for-better-choices/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How your brain calculates value—and why that system often favors short-term rewards
• Why your future self can feel like a stranger, and how to build empathy toward them
• How self-transcendent values like compassion and purpose reshape behavior
• What brain synchrony is and how we build it in conversation, relationships, and society
• The psychological toll of “not mattering”—and how to fix it
• Tools to overcome defensiveness and embrace growth, including values affirmation
• How seemingly small changes—like biking to visit a loved one—can reshape identity
• Why connection, not control, is the key to lasting behavior change

Connect with Dr. Emily Falk: https://www.asc.upenn.edu/research/centers/communication-neuroscience-lab

Sponsors:

• Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”
• Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
• Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
• Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
• Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
• Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Join the Passion Struck Community!
Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.

Episode Starter Packs
With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.

Catch More of Passion Struck:

• My solo episode on 4 Powerful Trust-Building Exercises for Strong Teams and Relationships
• Can't miss my episode with Gabriella Rosen Kellerman on Thriving in the Future of Work
• My episode with Ethan Mollick on the Impact of AI on Life and Work
• Catch my interview with Morgan Housel on How to Use the Past Wisely to Forge the Future
• Listen to my interview with Jacob Morgan on the Vital Power of Leading With Vulnerability

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.

How to Connect with John:

• Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
• Follow him on Instagram at @John_R_Miles
• Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips Channel
• For more insights and resources, visit John’s website

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.