
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Why Passion Struck Is Different from Every Other PodcastMost personal development podcasts focus on motivation, success, or productivity hacks. They tell you to hustle harder, think positive, or push through—but they rarely address the real issue:Why do so many people feel like they’re doing everything “right” and still feel unfulfilled?That’s where Passion Struck is different.This podcast isn’t about external success—it’s about internal transformation. It’s about understanding why you feel stuck, why your efforts don’t always lead to fulfillment, and what science reveals about breaking free.At the heart of Passion Struck is a radical idea:Mattering is not something you earn—it’s something you choose.And when you finally stop chasing external validation and start aligning your actions with what truly matters, everything changes.Hosted by John R. Miles, a former Fortune 50 executive, award-winning author, and global expert on intentional living, Passion Struck brings together the world’s top behavior & neuroscientists, psychologists, alternative health experts, and thought leaders to explore:The science of purpose—how your brain is wired for meaning.The psychology of transformation—why change is hard and how to make it last.The mind-body connection—how holistic health fuels passion and performance.The new rules of leadership, success, and human potential.This isn’t just a self-improvement podcast—it’s a wake-up call. A challenge to break free from autopilot, rewrite your story, and take ownership of your life.If you’re ready to stop existing and start mattering, this podcast will show you how.Rewire Your Mind. Redefine Your Life.New episodes drop every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 👉 Follow now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.
Latest episodes

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche on Find Your Innate Basic Goodness | EP 601
In Episode 601 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles sits down with renowned Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, for a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. Known for his radiant smile, open heart, and profound clarity, Rinpoche shares a perspective on emotional healing and inner peace that turns conventional thinking upside down.Rather than offering a roadmap to “fix yourself,” Rinpoche invites us to explore the idea that we already possess what we need. Drawing from his early life struggles with severe panic attacks, he shares how fear became his greatest teacher—an unlikely but powerful path to awakening.Click here for the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/yongey-mingyur-rinpoche-why-the-path-is-with-you/Join the Ignition Room!Join the new Passion Struck Community! - The Ignition Room: https://station.page/passionstruckThe conversation explores core themes like:
Why pain isn’t the enemy, but a guide
The illusion of needing to "earn" mattering or self-worth
How awareness and compassion are not destinations—but your natural state
The power of micro-moments to create deep transformation
How to move from “I matter” to “we matter” in a fractured world
As Rinpoche explains, “Awareness doesn’t mean we get rid of thoughts or pain. It means we learn to hold them with kindness.” It’s a radical reframe—one that reminds us healing is not about becoming someone else, but about coming home to who we’ve always been.For more information on Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche - https://tergar.org/yongey-mingyur-rinpocheSponsors:
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
For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.Speaking Engagements & WorkshopsAre 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 PacksWith 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 The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve
Can't miss my episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering
My episode with The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter
Catch my interview with Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World
Listen to my solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era
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.

Apr 18, 2025 • 27min
Why Serendipity Is the Quiet Proof That You Matter | EP 600
Serendipity isn't just luck—it's about feeling seen and recognized. The podcast dives into how small, unexpected moments can profoundly impact our sense of self-worth. Listeners are encouraged to embrace chance encounters and reflect on their significance. Preparedness and presence are key in inviting this magic into our lives. It emphasizes that feeling valued without expectation feeds our deepest human needs. Celebrating connection within the community, the discussion reveals how these seemingly minor interactions can lead to monumental personal transformations.

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Dr. Steven Gundry on How Your Microbiome Shapes Your Identity | EP 599
Dr. Steven Gundry, a renowned medical researcher and bestselling author, discusses the astonishing influence of our microbiome on our identity. He reveals how gut bacteria shape our thoughts, cravings, and emotions, likening us to passengers on a bus driven by these microbes. Gundry outlines the implications of leaky gut on mental health and chronic diseases, advocating for dietary changes as a path to wellness. He emphasizes the hidden power of food as medicine and challenges traditional views by proposing a gut-first approach to mental health.

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 22min
Isabelle Hof and Laura Hof on the Secrets of the Icewomen | EP 598
In this deeply moving and empowering episode, John R. Miles sits down with Isabelle and Laura Hof—daughters of the legendary Wim Hof and trailblazers in their own right. They’ve taken the powerful techniques behind the Wim Hof Method and tailored them specifically for women through their new book Secrets of the Icewomen.This conversation explores the intersection of science, personal healing, and feminine strength. Laura and Isabelle open up about using breathwork and cold exposure to manage stress, support hormonal balance, and rediscover inner peace. The Hof sisters share candid stories of overcoming personal adversity, the impact of their father’s teachings, and why embracing discomfort can become a gateway to true freedom.Whether you’re navigating stress, burnout, or just looking to reconnect with your body, this episode offers practical wisdom—and a loving invitation to breathe, feel, and heal.For full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/isabelle-hof-and-laura-hof-secrets-of-icewomen/Key Takeaways:
Cold therapy and breathwork are powerful tools for regulating stress, inflammation, and hormones.
Emotional healing starts by reconnecting to your breath and body.
The Wim Hof Method can be uniquely adapted to support the feminine body and cycle.
Parenting, trauma, and grief can be transformed through resilience practices.
Healing isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence and compassion.
Connect with Isabelle Hof and Laura Hof: https://www.laurahofalchemy.com/aboutSponsors:
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 & WorkshopsAre 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 PacksWith 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 The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve
Can't miss my episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering
My episode with The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter
Catch my interview with Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World
Listen to my solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era
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.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 18min
Dr. Gordon Flett on the Urgent Need to Know You Matter | EP 597
Dr. Gordon Flett, a distinguished psychologist and author, shares his groundbreaking insights on the psychology of mattering, emphasizing its significance for mental health. He explains how mattering differs from belonging and self-esteem and discusses the dangerous effects of 'anti-mattering,' like burnout and loneliness. Flett reveals that fostering mattering in ourselves and others can combat these issues. The conversation unveils practical strategies for rebuilding a sense of significance after life challenges, reshaping how we connect with ourselves and those around us.

15 snips
Apr 10, 2025 • 1h 4min
Dr. Emily Falk on How to Rewire Your Brain for Better Choices | EP 596
Dr. Emily Falk, a leading neuroscientist and expert in behavior change, shares profound insights on how our brains make choices. She discusses the intricate 'value calculator' that often favors short-term rewards and highlights the importance of understanding self-transcendent values like compassion and purpose. Falk also explores the psychological impact of feeling insignificant, or 'anti-mattering,' and how fostering connection and empathy towards our future selves can lead to meaningful behavior changes and a more fulfilling life.

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 9min
Humble the Poet on How to Stop Anxiety and Find Inner Peace | EP 595
In this engaging conversation, Humble the Poet, a bestselling author and spoken-word artist, delves into the themes of anxiety, self-worth, and resilience from his new book, 'Unanxious.' He discusses viewing anxiety as feedback rather than a flaw and the pitfalls of overachievement. Humble emphasizes the power of vulnerability and self-compassion in reclaiming inner peace. The discussion also highlights the importance of genuine connections in a disconnected world, illustrating how embracing anxiety can lead to personal growth and emotional well-being.

Apr 4, 2025 • 58min
Christie Smith on How to Embrace Human-Powered Leadership | EP 594
In this conversation with Christie Smith, a globally respected leadership advisor and former managing principal at Deloitte, the focus shifts to the urgent necessity of human-powered leadership amidst a crisis of connection. Christie shares how ‘soft skills’ are now essential power skills, highlighting the role of empathy and trust in leadership. She offers strategies for cultivating purpose-driven cultures in the face of remote work challenges and AI integration, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety and belonging in today's corporate environment.

Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 4min
Gregory Walton on Why Big Changes Start With Small Acts | EP 593
In this engaging conversation, Stanford psychologist Gregory Walton shares insights from his research on belonging and behavior change. He argues that small, intentional actions can lead to significant transformations in lives and communities. Walton reflects on his personal experiences, emphasizing the value of empathy and trust in fostering connection. He discusses how everyone needs someone who believes in them and how unconditional support can redefine one's story. His book, "Ordinary Magic," encourages listeners to embrace the power of small acts for profound impact.

Apr 1, 2025 • 50min
Tasha Eurich on How to Create a Shatterproof Life | 592
In this engaging discussion, Tasha Eurich, a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, shares insights from her new book, "Shatterproof: How to Overcome Adversity with Strength and Resilience." She explores the difference between surviving and thriving, offering a powerful four-part Shatterproof Roadmap for turning pain into power. Tasha emphasizes the importance of understanding personal struggles and developing emotional resilience, especially for high achievers. Listeners gain real-life strategies for rebuilding their narratives and approaching challenges with mental agility.