Passion Struck with John R. Miles

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.

In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, Dr. Tiffany Moon—a board-certified anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and reality TV star—opens up about her journey from high-achieving perfectionist to someone learning to prioritize joy, authenticity, and self-compassion. She shares powerful stories from her new book Joy Prescriptions, revealing how chasing success left her burned out and disconnected, and what it took to rewrite her inner script.Together, we explore how societal expectations, burnout, and achievement culture can rob us of joy—and how to reclaim it through intention, play, and honest self-reflection.Click here for the full show notes:  https://passionstruck.com/tiffany-moon-write-yourself-prescription-for-joy/Join the Ignition Room!Join the new Passion Struck Community! - The Ignition Room: https://station.page/passionstruckKey Takeaways: The neuroscience behind belief, purpose, and spiritual practice How mindfulness reshapes the brain’s architecture Why people with spiritual habits tend to live with more hope And how to reinforce your sense of mattering every day For more information on Dr. Tiffany Moon: https://www.tiffanymoonmd.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 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 Why Hustle Culture Is Toxic (And How to Break Free From It) Can't miss my episode with Homaira Kabir on How You Overcome the Tyranny of Perfection My episode with Susan Cain on What is the Happiness of Being Bittersweet Listen to my interview with Thomas Curran on Breaking Free From the Perfection Trap Catch my interview with Matthew Weintrub on the Psychedelic Origin of Religion Listen to my solo episode on Why You Should Avoid the Trap of Effortless Perfection 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. Andrew Newberg, a leader in neurotheology and author, dives into the fascinating connection between the brain, spirituality, and our sense of purpose. He reveals how spiritual practices like meditation reshape brain architecture and enhance emotional resilience. The conversation highlights the vital role of belief in fostering meaning and community. Newberg also addresses the complexities of modern social dynamics, the changing landscape of spirituality among younger generations, and how compassion can combat loneliness.

Dive into the crucial role of mental health, which underpins our purpose and connection. Discover how emotional erosion silently impacts us and challenges the notion that seeking help signifies weakness. Uncover the link between mental well-being and meaningful relationships while exploring a new community dedicated to fostering emotional sustainability. Learn that you don’t have to hit rock bottom to prioritize mental health and how intention and engagement can lead to a more fulfilling life.