Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Shawn Achor, bestselling author of The Happiness Advantage and The Power of Beliefs, explains how our beliefs shape our happiness, performance, relationships, and future possibilities.

Mick Hunt interviews John R. Miles about his new book, "The Mattering Effect," and the hidden cost of being successful, needed, and productive while still feeling unseen, disconnected, or unsure that you matter.

John R. Miles explores the hidden question beneath burnout, loneliness, disconnection, and the feeling that you’re never enough: Do I matter?

In the finale of The Adaptive Human series, John R. Miles reveals why true adaptation is not about working harder, optimizing more, or becoming more useful—it is about changing without losing your sense of agency, identity, and mattering.

Alec Litowitz, investor, entrepreneur, and author of The Adaptability Quotient, explains why adaptability—not intelligence, grit, or emotional intelligence—may be the defining skill of the next era.

Dr. Peter Gray, evolutionary psychologist and author of Restoring Childhood, explains why children need freedom, play, and independence to develop agency—and how modern parenting and schooling may be undermining their ability to thrive.

John R. Miles explores why we so often confuse what is visible with what is valuable—and how learning to recognize the quiet signals can help us make better decisions, protect our agency, and invest in what truly lasts.

Scott Simon, founder of the Scare Your Soul Courage Movement, and Dr. Gregory Stock, creator of the bestselling Book of Questions, reveal how asking the questions we avoid can unlock courage, connection, and meaningful change.

In episode 823 of Passion Struck, Alex Edmans, professor of finance at London Business School and a globally recognized expert on behavioral finance, responsible business, and misinformation, explains why cognitive biases, emotions, and herd behavior can lead even smart, informed people to make terrible decisions.

In this solo episode, John R. Miles explores how our need for external validation can shape our sense of worth, identity, and ability to move forward—and what it takes to trust yourself when the proof you're waiting for may never come.

Psychologist Marisa Franco reveals why lasting self-worth doesn’t come from achievement, confidence, or validation from others, but from learning to trust yourself, process your past, and reconnect with the parts of yourself you’ve learned to ignore.

In episode 820 of Passion Struck, Cole Brauer shares how purpose, resilience, and self-trust helped her overcome doubt, adversity, and other people’s limitations to become the first American woman to race solo, nonstop, and unassisted around the world.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles brings together two seemingly different ideas from his recent conversations with Martin Seligman and David Epstein to uncover what he calls The Agency Paradox: the belief that more freedom, more options, and more individual willpower will automatically make us more capable can actually leave us overwhelmed, disconnected, and unable to act.

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with #1 New York Times bestselling author David Epstein, author of "Range" and "The Sports Gene," to explore a counterintuitive idea from his new book, "Inside the Box:" constraints can actually make us more creative, focused, and effective.

In this landmark conversation, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Martin Seligman, one of the world’s most influential psychologists and a pioneer of positive psychology, to explore his new book, "Agency: The Psychological History of Human Progress."

In this solo episode 816, John R. Miles brings together two powerful ideas from his conversations with Angela Duckworth and Jared Diamond to explore a question that most of us rarely stop to ask: when does the situation shape the outcome, and when are we the person who uniquely matters?

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, geographer, and bestselling author Jared Diamond to explore one of the most consequential questions in leadership: when does a leader actually matter?

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with Angela Duckworth, one of the world’s leading psychologists and bestselling author of "Grit," to explore a powerful idea from her new book, "Situated:" if you want to change your life, you may need to pay closer attention to what’s around you.

John R. Miles sits down with Caleb Campbell, former NFL player and author of "Unstriving," to explore why so many of us tie our sense of worth to achievement.

John R. Miles sits down with developmental psychologist Margie Lachman, a leading researcher on midlife and the director of the MIDUS study, to challenge the idea that getting older means life is inevitably going downhill.

John R. Miles sits down with behavioral economist and bestselling author Dan Ariely to explore why we often fear the risks we take today but regret the risks we never took—and how playing it safe can quietly keep us from the relationships, passion, and meaningful life we actually want.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with actor, entrepreneur, and father Josh Duhamel to explore how letting go of other people's expectations, redefining success, and creating a more intentional life helped him become more fully himself.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with neurologist and bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter to reveal how the brain’s immune system responds to our everyday choices—and what we can do now to protect our brain health for life.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with three-time New York Times bestselling author Mark Manson to uncover why knowing what you need to change isn't enough—and what it actually takes to break old patterns, let go of outdated identities, and create lasting change.

Why do other people's opinions, approval, and behavior have so much power over you? In this solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores the behavioral science and neuroscience of belonging, revealing why our need to matter can shape what we believe, who we trust, and how much power we give other people over our lives.

Why do you never have enough time? Executive coach and leadership advisor Neal Schore reveals how emotional reactivity, mental “swirl,” and the urge to control what we cannot can quietly consume our attention—and how learning to manage yourself can help you reclaim your time, strengthen your leadership, and live more intentionally.

Why do good people become so divided? Social psychologist Dr. Jay Van Bavel explains how identity, belonging, and the groups we join quietly shape our beliefs, relationships, and ability to connect—and what it will take to bridge our deepest divides.

What if the parts of yourself you've accepted as permanent are actually the result of what you've been practicing? In this episode, John R. Miles reveals why your brain is constantly changing—and how the thoughts, habits, and behaviors you repeat today are quietly shaping the person you'll become tomorrow.

What if flourishing isn't something you achieve, but something you were born with? Dr. Richard Davidson and Dr. Cortland Dahl reveal the neuroscience behind awareness, connection, insight, and purpose, and explain why these four trainable skills can help anyone build a more resilient, meaningful life.

What if the choices you make today are quietly shaping the health of your brain for decades to come? In this episode, Dr. Daniel Amen reveals the science-backed habits that can protect your brain, improve your mental health, and help you create lasting change at any age.

In this episode, John R. Miles reveals why lasting change isn't discovered in a single moment but built through the habits, attention, and daily actions that shape who you become.

Passion Struck explores the cutting-edge science of mattering and human flourishing, translating complex concepts into actionable tools you can use every single day. Hosted by John R. Miles, this show bridges the gap between intention and action.

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. D. Ivan Young, one of today's leading voices on leadership, resilience, and emotional well-being. Together, they explore how trauma shapes identity, why your inner voice influences every relationship you have, and how practicing self-compassion can help you become stronger, calmer, and more resilient.

Today, John sits down with legendary running coach Sean Brosnan, author of Beyond Fast. Sean built one of the greatest high school distance running programs in history, producing Olympians, national champions, and American record holders—not by finding extraordinary athletes, but by helping ordinary people discover what they were truly capable of.

In this episode, John R. Miles explores one of the most powerful shifts he's experienced through years of research, interviews, and personal reflection: every human being is an environment. The people you love don't just hear your words—they experience your presence. Your family, your friends, and your team are all shaped by the emotional climate you create.

Technology isn't just changing how we communicate—it's changing how we see ourselves. In this conversation, Guy Kawasaki explains why protecting your privacy is ultimately about protecting your identity, your relationships, and your freedom to live intentionally.

Success isn't supposed to leave you feeling empty. In this conversation, Jess Ekstrom explains why ambitious people often fall into the "Arrival Trap" and how to build a meaningful life without postponing happiness until the next achievement.

What if the reason change feels so difficult has less to do with willpower than you think? In this episode, John reveals how your home, workplace, phone, and daily routines are quietly influencing your behavior—and how small changes to your environment can create lasting transformation.

Leidy Klotz joins John R. Miles to reveal how the places we live, work, and spend time in quietly shape our happiness, relationships, creativity, and sense of belonging. Discover simple, research-backed ways to design environments that help you flourish instead of merely function.

What does it mean to raise children who will thrive in a world transformed by artificial intelligence? Dr. Dana Suskind reveals how early relationships, emotional resilience, and meaningful human connection build the foundation for lifelong flourishing.

If you've ever caught yourself saying, "Why do I keep doing this?" this episode will help you understand why—and show you how to finally break the patterns keeping you stuck.

Bestselling author Jon Gordon joins John R. Miles to share the proven habits that build resilience, strengthen leadership, and help you overcome negative thinking. Discover practical strategies to create a more positive mindset and a life of greater purpose and impact.

What if you didn't have to remain who you've always been? In this conversation, Nick Ortner explains how tapping and the latest science on the brain can help you break free from anxiety, self-doubt, and the emotional patterns keeping you stuck.

What if flourishing isn't something you achieve someday, but something you practice in the life you're already living? John revisits three transformative conversations that changed how he thinks about presence, purpose, and becoming fully alive.

Today’s episode with Suzanne Giesemann will change how you think about your connection to something greater and give you simple tools you can use the next time life feels uncertain, painful, or overwhelming.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with executive coach, former therapist, and former U.S. National Team rower Whitney Otto to explore one of the most personal struggles people carry: their relationship with their bodies.Drawing from her new book, Body Image Inside Out, co-authored with Deb Schachter, Whitney challenges the belief that body image is merely about appearance. Instead, she reveals how our feelings about our bodies are deeply intertwined with our experiences of belonging, family, achievement, health, and self-worth. Their conversation explores why negative body image often becomes a container for overwhelming emotions, how shame thrives in secrecy, and why curiosity may be a more powerful path to healing than self-improvement.John and Whitney discuss the hidden costs of being at war with ourselves, the role of relational mirrors in shaping identity, and why many high performers continue to struggle with feeling comfortable in their own skin despite outward success.…

In today's episode, you'll discover why so many of us spend our lives performing, achieving, and adapting—only to wake up feeling disconnected from ourselves.

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author and workplace culture expert Adrian Gostick to explore why feeling valued is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, resilience, innovation, and performance.

In this episode, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author, activist, and internationally acclaimed speaker Spencer West to explore why so many people lose themselves without ever realizing it—and how to reclaim the life that's authentically yours.

Why do you keep repeating the same patterns—even when you know they're holding you back? In this solo episode, John explores the hidden emotional attachments and survival strategies that quietly shape your relationships, decisions, and sense of identity—and how to finally begin letting them go.