Passion Struck® isn’t just a podcast; it’s a movement centered on the profound power of mattering. Hosted by John R. Miles, a former senior executive at Lowe's ...
Caroline Adams Miller on the Keys to Achieving Big Goals | EP 548
In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck, we’re joined by Caroline Adams Miller, a trailblazing positive psychology expert and author of Big Goals. With a career spanning decades of research, coaching, and personal transformation, Caroline takes us on a journey to uncover the science behind setting and achieving meaningful goals that lead to flourishing lives.Caroline reveals strategies beyond ambition, offering actionable frameworks like the BRIDGE methodology to help you overcome obstacles, stay motivated, and accomplish the goals that truly matter. From leveraging the science of grit and resilience to understanding how goal-setting theory can transform your person.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/achieving-big-goals-caroline-adams-miller/Call to Action: Caroline Adams Miller’s insights into the science of setting and achieving big goals are a testament to the transformative power of intentionality, resilience, and grit. Whether she’s guiding individuals to unlock their potential, helping organizations achieve meaningful transformation, or sharing her groundbreaking research, Caroline demonstrates that true success comes from aligning ambition with purpose and happiness.This episode will resonate with anyone looking to break through barriers, embrace personal growth, and take actionable steps toward creating a fulfilling and purpose-driven life.Sponsors: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.In this episode, you will learn:Expert Insights on Goal-Setting: The episode features Caroline Adams Miller, a renowned positive psychologist and best-selling author, who shares her extensive knowledge on the science of goal-setting, grit, and success.Introduction of the BRIDGE Framework: Caroline introduces her revolutionary BRIDGE framework, which blends science, grit, and the psychology of flourishing to help listeners set and achieve transformative goals.Challenging Traditional Notions: The discussion challenges conventional goal-setting methods, particularly the SMART goals framework, emphasizing that it lacks scientific backing and can undermine goal achievement.Personal Journey of Resilience: Caroline shares her inspiring personal story of overcoming bulimia, illustrating the importance of resilience and the power of setting big goals in the face of adversity.Connection Between Happiness and Success: The episode highlights research showing that happiness precedes success, reshaping how listeners can approach their own goals and aspirations.Focus on Equity in Goal-Setting: The conversation addresses gender biases in goal-setting practices and offers insights on how organizations can create more equitable environments for women.Connect with Caroline Adams Miller: https://www.carolinemiller.com/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 & Workshops Are 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 Packs With 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 6 Key Steps to Bold Risk-Taking for Personal GrowthMy episode with Heather Moyse on How to Create a Gold Medal MindsetListen to my interview with Thomas Curran on Breaking Free From the Perfection TrapWatch my episode with Rebecca Rosen on Unveiling Your Divine PurposeCatch my interview with Jessica Kriegel on How to Build an Intentional WorkplaceListen to my conversation with Lauren Handel Zander on Unlocking the Power of Radical Personal AccountabilityIf 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 and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. 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!
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1:13:13
Madison Marsh on Courage, Confidence, and Compassion
In this captivating episode of Passion Struck, we are joined by Madison Marsh, the reigning Miss America and a trailblazer in every sense of the word. At just 23 years old, Madison is making history as the first active-duty Air Force officer to wear the crown. But her mission goes far beyond titles and accolades. She’s using her platform to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, a cause deeply rooted in personal loss, and to challenge stereotypes about women in pageantry, the military, and beyond.Madison’s journey is more than a story of personal achievement; it’s a testament to the power of purpose and the courage to challenge societal norms. She shares her incredible journey and mission to create meaningful change in this episode.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/madison-marsh-courage-confidence-and-compassion/Call to Action: Madison Marsh’s journey is a remarkable testament to the power of purpose, courage, and compassion. Whether she’s advocating for pancreatic cancer awareness, serving her country, or redefining what it means to be Miss America, Madison embodies the idea that true leadership comes from a place of service and authenticity. This episode will resonate deeply with anyone who is passionate about using their platform to create change, overcome life’s toughest challenges, and live intentionally.Sponsors: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.In this episode, you will learn:Balancing Dual Roles: Madison opens up about the challenges and rewards of managing her dual roles as an active-duty Air Force officer and Miss America. She shares how the Air Force supports her, the lessons she’s learned from each role, and the unique skills that enable her to excel in both.Path to Pageantry: Discover how pageantry became a passion project for Madison and why she views the Miss America title as a platform for breaking barriers and rewriting stereotypes about women in both pageantry and the military.Beyond Crowns and Gowns: Madison dives into the misconceptions about Miss America, emphasizing the intelligence, talent, and leadership required to compete and succeed. She discusses how the organization’s modern mission aligns with her personal values of service and empowerment.A Legacy of Service: Learn about Madison’s deep connection to service, from her pride in protecting freedoms as an Air Force officer to her mission of inspiring the next generation to dream big and redefine what’s possible.Turning Loss into Action: Madison’s advocacy for pancreatic cancer awareness stems from a deeply personal loss. As the founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation, she shares her commitment to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting families affected by this devastating disease.Connect with Madison Marsh: https://www.instagram.com/madiisabellaaFor 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 & Workshops Are 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 Packs With 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 4 Inspiring Ways to Bridge the Gap Between Theory and ActionMy episode with Heather Moyse on How to Create a Gold Medal MindsetListen to my interview with Dr. Lynn Matrisian on the Frontlines of Pancreatic Cancer – Education, Awareness, and ProgressWatch my episode with Glen Phillips on the Soundtrack of a Purposeful LifeCatch my interview with Julie Fleshman on How PanCAN Is Raising the Pancreatic Cancer Survival RateListen to my conversation with Michael Marquardt on Breakthroughs in Early Cancer DetectionCan’t miss my episode with Michelle Curran on How to Conquer Your Upside Down DreamsIf 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 and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. 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!
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1:00:04
The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter | EP 546
In a world where so many people feel unseen and unheard, the art of listening is more important than ever. In this episode, John R. Miles dives into how listening deeply and intentionally can validate someone’s worth, foster connection, and create a sense of belonging.Through powerful stories, scientific insights, and actionable takeaways, John explores how practicing the art of listening isn’t just about hearing—it’s about helping others feel like they truly matter. Whether you’re looking to strengthen relationships, reduce loneliness, or improve your own sense of connection, this episode will inspire you to embrace listening as a transformative practice.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/the-art-of-listening/Call to Action: In this episode, we explored the transformative power of listening and how it can help people feel seen, valued, and connected. Now, it’s your turn to take these insights and put them into practice.Start small—choose one conversation this week where you’ll focus on truly listening. Be fully present, ask thoughtful questions, and create a space where the other person feels like they matter. Remember, every act of deep listening isn’t just a gift to others—it’s a step toward building stronger connections and living a more intentional life.Take that step today, and watch how it transforms your relationships and your understanding of what it means to truly connect.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review—it takes just a moment and helps us share our message with 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 and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles.Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here.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 today!If you found value in this episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review to help spread the message of intentional living. Let’s bridge the gap between theory and action and live our lives with purpose!In this episode, you will learn:Why being deeply heard makes people feel valued and seen.The psychological and emotional benefits of listening—for both the speaker and the listener.How listening fosters belonging and strengthens relationships.The science behind the art of listening, including its impact on empathy and stress reduction.Practical strategies to improve your listening skills and create meaningful connections.Sponsors: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. Get your free online visit at hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION.Rosetta Stone it's the only way that allows you to Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”Prolon helps you Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”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 & Workshops: Are 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 Packs: With 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:Check My solo episode on How to Live Intentionally With Passion and PerseveranceCatch My Episode with Gail Swift On: The Power of Taking ActionWatch my interview with Jason Silver on How to Use What You Have to Get What You DesireCan't miss my episode with Maha Abouelenein on How Small Actions Lead to Big SuccessMy solo episode on What Is Sisu? Harnessing the Finnish Art of Courage for LifeIf 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 and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. 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!
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25:13
George Appling on How to Make Intentional Career Choices | EP 545
In this insightful episode, John sits down with George Appling, author of Don't Settle and a self-proclaimed "passionpreneur," to explore how to make intentional career choices that align with your passions and goals. George shares his unique approach to career pathfinding, offering actionable steps to help you identify your ideal life and the work that supports it.Drawing on his expansive experiences across government, nonprofits, arts, and entrepreneurship, George discusses how to balance income with passion, avoid settling for the default path, and embrace deliberate choices. He introduces five proven approaches to align your career with your personal vision and explains how to actively shape the relationship between your work and what lights you up.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/george-appling-make-intentional-career-choices/Call to Action: Through relatable stories, practical exercises, and opportunities for reflection, George provides listeners with the tools they need to own their career decisions and create a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. Whether you're starting a new career, navigating a midlife change, or simply seeking clarity, this episode will inspire you to take control of your journey and act with intention.Sponsors: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.In this episode, you will learn:How to identify their ideal life and career path by reflecting on what they truly want, enjoy, and find meaningful.Five actionable approaches to aligning their career with their passions and goals.The importance of intentionality in making career decisions and avoiding default paths.Strategies to balance income and passion, whether through integrating them into daily work or funding passions outside of work.How to overcome fear and indecision when choosing a new career path or making a significant life change.Practical exercises and tools for self-reflection and mapping out deliberate next steps in their journey.Lessons from George Appling's diverse career experiences, spanning government, arts, nonprofits, and entrepreneurship.How to create a fulfilling life by taking ownership of career choices and acting with purpose.Insights into the mindset shifts necessary to avoid settling and embrace bold, intentional actions.Ways to design a career and life that reflect their unique values and priorities.Connect with George Appling: https://www.georgeappling.com/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 & Workshops Are 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 Packs With 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 Science of Healthy HabitsMy episode with Gabby Bernstein on finding profound freedom and inner peaceCan’t miss my episode with Arthur Brooks on the 4 Ways to Build the Life You WantWatch my episode with Kate Bowler on Why There is No Cure for Being HumanIf 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 and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. 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!
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1:10:09
Jessica Zweig on How to Be the Light You Seek in the World | EP 544
In this inspiring episode of Passion Struck, bestselling author Jessica Zweig shares her transformative approach to unlocking your inner and outer light. Drawing from her book, The Light Work: Reclaim Your Feminine Power, Live Your Cosmic Truth, and Illuminate the World, Jessica provides a powerful framework for confronting inner shadows, building authentic relationships, and stepping into your purpose as a Lightworker.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/jessica-zweig-be-the-light-you-seek-in-the-world/Call to Action: Jessica’s insights will empower you to heal, embrace self-love, and align with your true calling. Whether you’re seeking personal growth, deeper connections, or a more purposeful life, this conversation will inspire you to become the light you’ve been searching for.Don’t miss this journey into courage, connection, and authentic transformation.Sponsors: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.In this episode, you will learn:The synonym for "light" is "information," representing our inner truth and potential.Darkness is not evil; it is simply a lack of information and can lead to fear and ignorance.Jessica Zweig discusses her journey with body dysmorphia and the impact of societal standards on self-worth.She emphasizes the importance of recognizing that negative beliefs about our bodies are not our own but societal projections.Embracing one's light can help reconnect with authentic power and attract like-minded individuals.The concept of "soul family" refers to the people our souls choose for our highest evolution, including family and friends.Healing oneself contributes to healing the world, as many societal issues stem from unhealed individuals.Connect with Jessica Zweig: https://jessicazweig.com/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 & Workshops Are 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 Packs With 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 Science of Healthy HabitsMy episode with Gabby Bernstein on finding profound freedom and inner peaceCan’t miss my episode with Arthur Brooks on the 4 Ways to Build the Life You WantWatch my episode with Kate Bowler on Why There is No Cure for Being HumanIf 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 and on Instagram at @John_R_Miles. Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel here and to our YouTube Clips Channel here. 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!
Passion Struck® isn’t just a podcast; it’s a movement centered on the profound power of mattering. Hosted by John R. Miles, a former senior executive at Lowe's and Dell, a multi-industry CEO, entrepreneur, and an award-winning author, this show dives into the minds of the world’s most insightful thinkers, leaders, and changemakers to explore what it truly means to feel seen, valued, and impactful in our lives and communities.
Whether it’s learning from renowned leaders like Robin Sharma, Admiral Stavridis, Daniel Pink, and Gary Vaynerchuk, accomplished women at the top of their fields such as Susan Cain, Gretchen Rubin, Jamie Kern Lima, Gabby Bernstein, and Sharon Salzberg, or the visionary insights of experts and thought leaders like Jim Kwik, Dr. Mark Hyman, David Rubenstein, Angela Duckworth, and Arthur Brooks, Passion Struck is where purpose meets action, and where mattering takes center stage.
But this podcast is more than stories or interviews—it’s an invitation to explore the science of human behavior, uncovering what drives us, connects us, and empowers us to live with intentionality. Passion Struck speaks to the heart of what it means to matter—to ourselves, to others, and to the world—by embracing actionable insights that spark transformation in your career, relationships, well-being, and personal growth.
Each episode is packed with inspiring and practical wisdom designed to help you not just succeed, but thrive. It’s not just about improvement—it’s about unlocking your potential to make a lasting difference and reclaim the mantra of “I MATTER.”
With new episodes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, John brings his passion, curiosity, and over 20 years of leadership expertise to deliver a podcast that’s as engaging as it is transformative. His career journey—from spearheading innovation at global companies like Dell and Lowe’s, to building successful ventures as a multi-industry CEO and entrepreneur—gives him a unique lens to explore the intersection of business, personal growth, and purpose-driven living.
At Passion Struck, our purpose is clear:
-To inspire intentional living.
-To share powerful ideas that matter.
-To create deeper connections.
-To empower action that drives meaningful change.
-To embrace life fully, because we believe everyone deserves to live a life where they truly matter.
Follow John @John_R_Miles on Instagram for daily inspiration, and subscribe to Passion Struck on your favorite platform. Share the show with someone ready to unlock their purpose and take the first step toward living a life of meaning.
Listen to Passion Struck with John R. Miles, Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app