Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Explore the concept of 'Return on Energy' and why it's a crucial metric for modern leadership. Discover the four biggest energy leaks that drain your mental resources, from over-identifying with your work to taking on too much responsibility. Uncover how high-functioning depression can hide burnout in top performers. Gain practical tools to restore emotional margin and learn about five essential 'energy investments' to enhance focus and clarity. This discussion encourages intentional living amidst societal productivity pressures.

In this episode of Passion Struck, Dr. Andrew Brodsky—organizational psychologist, UT Austin professor, and author of PING: Mastering the Art of Virtual Communication—explores how presence, intention, and clarity have become the most undervalued skills in our increasingly virtual world.Drawing from his groundbreaking research and insights from PING, Brodsky reveals why performative busyness is sabotaging genuine connection, how hybrid work is rewiring the way we engage, and what leaders can do to rebuild trust, motivation, and real collaboration. If you’re navigating digital communication, managing remote teams, or simply craving more meaningful connections in your workday, this episode will shift how you lead—and how you show up.Click HERE for the full show notesExplore More: The Ignited Life NewsletterIf today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.👉 Subscribe now at TheIgnitedLife.net.Catch more of Dr. Andrew Brodsky: https://abrodsky.com/Together, John and Andrew explore:The difference between physical, emotional, and psychological presence—and why they matter.Why hybrid work may amplify disengagement if not intentionally designed.How “performative busyness” is eroding real productivity and wellbeing.The silent epidemic of disengagement—and how to detect and reverse it.Research-backed tools for leaders to foster presence and connection.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.

In this powerful Passion Struck episode, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Judith Joseph—board-certified psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and author of High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy. Together, they unpack the silent struggle of individuals who appear to “have it all together” while suffering emotionally beneath the surface.Dr. Judith opens up about her own moment of clarity during a pandemic-era talk, where she realized that despite her career achievements and public appearances, she was silently battling depression. This personal revelation inspired her pioneering research into high-functioning depression—a condition not yet formally recognized in the DSM-5 but experienced by millions.could actually fit into your modern routine, this episode is both grounding and uplifting.Click HERE for the full show notesExplore More: The Ignited Life NewsletterIf today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.👉 Subscribe now at TheIgnitedLife.net.Together, John and Judith explore:The difference between burnout and high-functioning depressionThe role of avoidance and scarcity trauma in over-functioning behaviorHow societal pressure leads to performance-based identity and joy depletionThe neuroscience of joy and emotional numbing (anhedonia)Dr. Judith’s 5 Vs Framework: Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and VisionCatch more of Dr. Judith Joseph: https://drjudithjoseph.com/about/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.

What if the problem isn’t that you’re broken, but that your environment no longer reflects who you are?In this solo episode, John takes you inside one of the most overlooked truths about mental health: it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It lives in the patterns, people, and places you move through every day. Sharing a personal story of hidden anxiety during a high-functioning season of life, he introduces H.O.M.E.—a four-part framework to help you build a mental ecosystem that supports resilience, alignment, and real emotional well-being.Click here for full show notes!Introducing — The Ignited LifeIn our weekly Substack, I share tools, stories, and strategies to help you live with clarity, alignment, and purpose.Subscribe to theignitedlife.net — and start building a life that reflects who you really are.You’ll learn:Why habits alone won’t save you if they’re misaligned with your identityHow relationships either reinforce your truth or drain itThe role of meaning as a daily anchor, not just a big ideaWhy emotional space is the key to long-term sustainabilityThis episode is a blueprint for creating the internal and external conditions where you don’t just survive—you belong.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 websiteWant 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.

On this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles chats with Janet Ettele, author, musician, and student of Buddhist teacher Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche, about how the principle of Joyous Effort can change the way we live, work, and grow.They dive into why living with purpose isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing external wins—it’s about how we keep showing up, with heart and intention, even when it’s hard. Janet shares her journey from Berklee College of Music to the Buddhist path, and how writing her “How Life Works” fiction series helped her bring timeless teachings into real, everyday life.If you’ve ever felt stuck, drained by spiritual buzzwords, or wondered how ancient wisdom could actually fit into your modern routine, this episode is both grounding and uplifting.Click HERE for the full show notesJoin the Ignition Room!Join the new free Passion Struck Community to win Passion Struck merchandise! - The Ignition Room: https://station.page/passionstruckTogether, John and Janet explore:Joyous Effort is not about forcing or hustling—it's a compassionate commitment to growth and presence.The Six Perfections (Paramitas) offer a practical framework for living with wisdom, generosity, and balance.Routine, repetition, and practice—often overlooked—can be sacred tools for transformation.You don’t need a monastery to practice spirituality; daily life is your training ground.Catch more of Janet Ettele: https://janetettele.com/Catch More of Passion Struck:My solo episode on 5 Proven Ways to Overcome Emotional FatigueCan't miss my episode with Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche on How to Find Your Innate Basic GoodnessCatch my interview with Natalie Namaste on How to Unleash Your Solar Plexus PowerMy interview with Sharon Salzberg on Building Equanimity in a Chaotic WorldListen to my interview with Dandapani on How to Harness the Incredible Power of Your MindIf 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 websiteWant 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.

Joseph Nguyen, author of 'Don't Believe Everything You Think', discusses his remarkable journey from corporate success to finding inner peace. He highlights the battle between external validation and true fulfillment, sharing insights on overcoming mental suffering. The conversation delves into the importance of letting go of toxic thought patterns and embracing self-awareness. Nguyen emphasizes that inner stillness is essential for battling anxiety and burnout, encouraging listeners to prioritize authenticity for a more joyful and meaningful life.

Discover the transformative power of reframing adversity and emotional overwhelm. Learn about the LENS Method, a neuroscience-based approach for redefining your inner narrative. Hear insights on emotional flexibility and resilience, highlighting the importance of personal storytelling. Explore how shifting your perspective can lead to genuine mental health improvements and a deeper connection with your core values. This conversation is packed with practical strategies to move from survival mode to self-mastery and embrace a growth mindset.

Biet Simkin, a globally respected meditation guide and best-selling author, shares her profound journey through grief and addiction. She reveals how losing her mother and child catalyzed a radical transformation towards spirituality and sobriety. Biet emphasizes that suffering is a teacher, not an enemy, and discusses the healing power of music and meditation. She encourages listeners to stop seeking external validation, reclaim their inner lives, and transform pain into personal growth and awakening.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Zach Mercurio, a researcher and author of "The Power of Mattering," delves into the critical nature of feeling valued in our lives and workplaces. He discusses how mattering is not just a luxury but a survival instinct. Zach highlights the consequences of "anti-mattering" and the importance of leaders recognizing individual contributions. With insights on fostering connections through small acts, he offers a practical framework for leaders to truly make people feel seen and appreciated.

Uncertainty can shake our mental health, but the right habits can serve as anchors. Discover five transformative practices that promote self-trust and emotional stability. Learn how connection through belonging rituals can protect your well-being. A sense of purpose emerges as a powerful tool to steer us through turbulent times. The episode draws on personal stories and behavioral science to emphasize the importance of small achievements and intentional emotional care, making it an essential listen for anyone feeling lost.