Passion Struck with John R. Miles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Kurt Gray, professor of psychology and author of the new book Outraged, joins John R. Miles to explore why we live in such a morally charged world—and what we can do to repair it. Together, they unpack the psychology behind outrage, the evolutionary roots of our moral minds, and why our perceptions of harm often drive us apart.Kurt shares powerful stories and groundbreaking research to help us understand competitive victimhood, moral typecasting, and the dangers of social media-fueled moral panics. They also dive into practical strategies—like intentional listening, empathy, and storytelling—for bridging divides in families, communities, and politics. Whether you're trying to heal a relationship or navigate the culture wars, this episode is a must-listen.Full Shownotes here:  https://passionstruck.com/kurt-gray-on-how-to-bridge-moral-divides/What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Harm Is the Master Key: Our moral minds evolved to detect and respond to harm—especially within our groups. This evolutionary lens explains much of today's outrage. Social Media Fuels Moral Panics: Platforms are wired to pair threats with virality, causing us to spiral into outrage and reactivity. Moral Typecasting Limits Empathy: We label people as either victims or villains, which prevents us from seeing their full humanity. Outrage Is Often Rooted in Unseen Pain: People’s perceptions of harm are deeply personal, shaped by past trauma, loss, or unacknowledged suffering. Mattering Matters: Feeling unseen or dismissed heightens moral conflict. Recognizing someone’s pain helps defuse moral tension. Connect with Kurt Gray: https://www.kurtjgray.com/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 & 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 Why Mattering at Work Is the New Metric Leaders Must Track Catch My Episode with Coach Matt Doherty on How You Rebound From Life’s Toughest Moments Watch my interview with Jessica Kriegel on How to Build an Intentional Workplace Can’t miss my episode withJacob Morgan on the Vital Power of Leading With Vulnerability Listen to my interview with Ivo Brughmans on How to Navigate the Paradoxes of Leadership Check My solo episode on Why We All Crave To Matter: Exploring The Power Of Mattering. 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.

In this engaging discussion, Donald Miller, bestselling author and founder of StoryBrand, shares insights on the art of storytelling. He emphasizes storytelling's pivotal role not only in marketing but also in personal relationships and self-leadership. Donald advocates for writing a personal eulogy to clarify life goals and highlights the need for intentional community to combat loneliness. Listeners learn how to create compelling narratives that resonate with others, encouraging deeper connections and a more purposeful life.