Passion Struck with John R. Miles

In this Passion Struck episode, John R. Miles sits down with Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack—the nation’s oldest minority-owned design and construction firm—to explore what it takes to build a life and legacy that truly matter. From the story of her ancestor, Moses McKissack, who learned the art of brickmaking while enslaved, to her role in leading billion-dollar infrastructure projects today, Cheryl offers a blueprint for creating an impact that outlives us.Together, they discuss the five core values that guided her family through generations—perseverance, preparedness, persistence, purpose, and prayer—and how these principles can help all of us leave something meaningful behind. This conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t reserved for the privileged—it’s built choice by choice, one intentional decision at a time.Visit this link for the full show notesGo Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Cheryl McKissack: https://mckissack.com/about/leadership/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.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Invisible trauma shapes our lives in unseen ways. The H.E.A.L. framework teaches listeners how to confront these hidden wounds with honesty, empathy, and awareness. Experts share insights on transforming emotional scar tissue into inner strength. A new HEAL check-in tool promotes self-reflection and personal growth. The discussion also teases future topics on justice and legacy, deepening the exploration of authenticity and self-acceptance. Tune in for powerful tools and transformative conversations.

Dr. Nicole Cain, a naturopathic doctor and clinical psychologist, shares insights from her book *Panic Proof*. She introduces a personalized Panic-Proof plan addressing the nine anxiety types and emphasizes the need for root cause treatment. Listeners learn about nervous-system regulation techniques, gut-brain health, and trauma-informed tools. Cain discusses reframing anxiety as a guide to self-awareness and actionable strategies over 90 days, empowering individuals to achieve lasting mental health through holistic approaches.

Dr. Ingrid Clayton, a clinical psychologist and author specializing in trauma and recovery, explains how the fawn response leads many high-achievers to prioritize peace over their own identities. She highlights the impact of childhood trauma on self-worth and relationships. Ingrid shares practical steps for unfawning, including noticing and setting gentle boundaries. She advocates for recognizing the body's wisdom in healing and discusses how fawning can negatively affect financial behaviors. This conversation provides a roadmap to reclaim authenticity and rebuild self-trust after years of self-neglect.

Discover the four pillars of a resilient life: Core Values, Open Empathy, Deep Rest, and Embodied Practices. Dive into how ancient wisdom and neuroscience illuminate our need for stable foundations. John's engaging discussions reveal the fragility of lives built on shaky ground and challenge listeners to reassess their personal foundations. With expert insights and practical steps, learn how to transform your approach to well-being and thrive in the face of life's inevitable challenges.

Dr. Caroline Fleck, a clinical psychologist and author of "Validation," discusses the profound effects of unmet validation on our mental health, including anxiety and perfectionism. She emphasizes that validation is essential for resilience, connection, and well-being. The conversation explores the 'absorption gap' in wellness, highlighting how too much information can hinder progress. Dr. Fleck also shares insights on navigating difficult conversations about illness and the healing power of small acts of service, encouraging genuine communication and empathy.

Renowned neuroscientists Bruce Miller and Virginia Sturm from UCSF's Memory and Aging Center dive into the mysteries of the social brain. They reveal how empathy, altruism, and connection are hardwired into our brains. The duo discusses the complexities of empathy, highlighting its importance in our identities. They also explore the concept of 'mattering' in relationships and its decline due to technology. Their insights bridge the gap between neuroscience and emotional well-being, offering hope for combating loneliness and strengthening human connections.

Explore the intriguing concept of flow beyond peak performance, emphasizing a coherent life over fragmented identities. Discover the 'Fragmentation Gap' that leads to disconnection between our roles at work and home. Insights from experts reveal the inner struggle of appearing whole while feeling scattered. Learn practical steps to reclaim your attention and integrate your values into a unified self. This engaging discussion reveals how embracing wholeness is essential for authentic living and lasting fulfillment.

Join Jay Vidyarthi, a mindfulness teacher and design strategist, as he uncovers the intricacies of technology's hold on our minds. He highlights how tech addiction fragments our lives and offers practical tools for reclaiming focus. Jay discusses the ethical dilemmas in tech design, emphasizing the importance of aligning our digital interactions with personal values. From confronting false urgency to integrating mindfulness in our use of technology, this conversation inspires listeners to take back control of their digital lives.

Dr. Jodi Blinco, an educator, entrepreneur, and author of 'Inner Alchemy,' delves into the transformative journey of resilience and self-reflection. She emphasizes that resilience can be cultivated and that energy management outshines traditional time management. The discussion sheds light on the role of feminine leadership in shaping modern workplaces. Jodi offers practical tools for overcoming self-defeating narratives and highlights the importance of embracing vulnerability for personal growth. Her insights encourage listeners to reclaim their authentic power and navigate life's challenges with clarity.