

Passion Struck with John R. Miles
John R. Miles
Welcome to Passion Struck, the #1 Alternative Health podcast, where we uncover what it truly means to matter.I’m John Miles, author, Navy veteran, and former Fortune 50 executive. You built a life that looks good; now let’s build one that feels true.Each week, I sit down with leading neuroscientists, psychologists, health experts, and thought leaders to explore the science of purpose, the psychology of lasting change, and the mind–body connection that fuels a meaningful life.This is your corner of the internet to pause, reflect, and reimagine who you are and who you can become.Because mattering isn’t something you earn. It’s something you choose.Stop existing. Start mattering.New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 22, 2025 • 33min
The Fulfillment Gap: When the Climb Costs More Than It Gives w/ John R. Miles | EP 654
Discover the concept of the Fulfillment Gap and how it affects our well-being. Dive into the impact of misaligned work on health and burnout. Learn about a practical four-step framework to reclaim your career as a source of strength. Explore the connection between meaningful work and personal values, emphasizing the journey toward emotional fulfillment. Hear compelling personal stories and expert insights that invite listeners to reflect on their ambitions and redefine success.

Aug 21, 2025 • 51min
Tien Tzuo on Why Agility Is the Key to Finding Fulfillment | EP 653
In this engaging discussion, Tien Tzuo, the visionary founder and CEO of Zuora and bestselling author, delves into the transformative power of agility and how it shapes both personal and professional fulfillment. He highlights the importance of prioritizing relationships over products in an ever-changing world. Tien shares insights on embracing a transformational mindset, the evolving dynamics of leadership in tech, and the impact of founders on team culture, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own growth and adaptability.

Aug 19, 2025 • 51min
Jennifer Tosti-Kharas & Christopher Wong Michaelson on the Work Worth Doing | EP 652
Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, an organizational psychologist, and Christopher Wong Michaelson, a philosopher-turned-business ethicist, explore the meaning of work in this insightful discussion. They dissect the myths of 'do what you love' and reveal how chasing achievement can lead to burnout. The duo emphasizes the importance of aligning career and purpose, arguing that legacy often outweighs salary. They challenge societal views on success and share strategies for cultivating a fulfilling work life that truly matters.

Aug 15, 2025 • 27min
Closing the Exposure Gap: Why Comfort Zones Become Cages w/John R. Miles | EP 651
Explore the hidden costs of safetyism and its impact on resilience. Discover how avoiding discomfort can weaken our nervous systems over time. Learn why controlled exposure to manageable stress is essential for emotional and physical strength. Practical strategies, including a four-step plan for courage, are provided to help unlock adaptability. Real-world examples illustrate the importance of facing fears and embracing small acts of bravery to cultivate resilience. Don't let your comfort zone become a cage!

Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 9min
Dr. Kevin Tracey on How the Vagus Nerve Fights Rheumatoid Arthritis | EP 650
Dr. Kevin Tracey, a renowned neurosurgeon and president of the Feinstein Institutes, discusses the groundbreaking role of the vagus nerve in regulating inflammation. He highlights its potential in treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis through innovative neurostimulation techniques. The conversation dives into the FDA-approved vagus nerve implant and its implications for patients who have struggled with traditional treatments. They also explore connections between vagus nerve health, trauma, and mental well-being, presenting a hopeful future for bioelectronic medicine.

Aug 12, 2025 • 57min
Wolfgang Linden on How to Know When It’s Time to Take a Risk | EP 649
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Wolfgang Linden—renowned psychologist and relationship expert—unpacks the psychology of risk-taking in relationships, career moves, and personal change. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explains how fear, avoidance, and repeating old patterns can keep us stuck, and why calculated risks are often the catalyst for growth. Dr. Linden is the author of the new book: The Illusion of Control: A Practical Guide to Avoid Futile Struggles.We explore how to navigate anxiety and depression during major transitions, how therapy can become a safe testing ground for change, and how to build resilience when stepping into the unknown. Whether you’re facing a relationship crossroads, considering a career shift, or simply longing for more authenticity, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to move forward.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go 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 Wolfgang Linden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgang-linden-12a68336/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_RMilesFollow him on Instagram at @John_R_MilesSubscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips ChannelFor more insights and resources, visit John’s websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 8, 2025 • 25min
Is Your Wellness Routine Backfiring? Meet the Absorption Gap w/ John R. Miles | EP 468
You’re meditating. Biohacking. Eating clean.But still feeling… off?In this solo episode, John R. Miles explores a silent disruptor in our wellness journey: The Absorption Gap.What if your body isn’t broken—but simply unable to receive the healing you’re offering?John shares his own story of optimizing everything—yet unraveling—and breaks down the four hidden filters that block absorption:Biological (gut, hormones, circadian rhythm)Neurological (nervous system, stress cues)Cognitive (mental overload, integration)Emotional (unspoken pain, performance)You’ll walk away with practical ways to reset your system—and a single question that can change everything: “What is my system ready to receive?”Visit the Link for the Full Show Notes.Drawing on personal stories, expert interviews, and real-world insights, John explores the science behind blocked absorption—and invites listeners to realign with what their body and mind truly need.Go 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.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 podcastsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 7, 2025 • 60min
Dr. Erika Schwartz on Why You Don’t Feel Like You Anymore | EP 647
In this powerful conversation, John R. Miles is joined by Dr. Erika Schwartz—pioneering physician and author of The New Hormone Solution—breaks down why so many people are silently suffering from hormonal imbalances and misdiagnosed symptoms. From misunderstood menopause and andropause to flawed healthcare models and outdated assumptions about aging, Dr. Schwartz offers a bold new vision for vitality at any age.She shares how bio-identical hormones, lifestyle medicine, and patient-centered care can radically shift your well-being and reinstate the energy, intimacy, and confidence you’ve been missing. This is not just about hormones—it’s about healing your identity from the inside out.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go 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 Dr. Erika Schwartz: https://drerika.com/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_RMilesFollow him on Instagram at @John_R_MilesSubscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips ChannelFor more insights and resources, visit John’s websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 5, 2025 • 55min
Dr. Drew Ramsey on Why You Are What You Eat—And Think | EP 646
In this powerful conversation, psychiatrist and nutritional psychiatry pioneer Dr. Drew Ramsey joins John R. Miles to explore the critical intersection of food, thought, and mental health. Based on insights from his groundbreaking book Healing the Modern Brain, Dr. Ramsey challenges the outdated paradigm of reactive mental healthcare and instead introduces a proactive framework for cultivating mental fitness.Together, they dive into why our brains are wired for connection and how modern life—from poor nutrition to social isolation and digital overload—is eroding that fitness. Dr. Ramsey shares practical, science-backed tools that listeners can implement immediately to begin reclaiming their mental clarity and emotional balance.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go 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 Dr. Drew Ramsey: https://drewramseymd.com/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_RMilesFollow him on Instagram at @John_R_MilesSubscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips ChannelFor more insights and resources, visit John’s websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aug 1, 2025 • 30min
The Wellness Gap: Why It Is Time to Heal From the Inside Out w/ John R. Miles | EP 645
You follow the routine. You track the habits. You optimize everything… and yet you still don’t feel well.In this kickoff episode of the “Reclaiming Wellness” series, John R. Miles names the elephant in the room: the wellness gap. Why are so many people doing the right things—yet still feeling anxious, exhausted, or misaligned?John shares the deeper truth behind this quiet crisis and outlines a bold new framework for healing from the inside out: Fuel, Feel, Fulfill, and Flow. This is not a checklist. It’s not another lifestyle plan. It’s a layered approach to biological, emotional, purposeful, and spiritual alignment.Visit the Link for the Full Show Notes.Drawing on personal stories, expert interviews, and real-world insight, John challenges the performance mindset that dominates wellness today—and invites listeners into a more integrated way of living.Go 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.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 podcastsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.