Passion Struck® is more than just a show; it’s a journey into the minds and philosophies of the world’s most insightful people. Hosted by John R. Miles, this po...
Alex Smith’s Epic Comeback: 5 Lessons for Unbreakable Resilience | EP 534
In this episode of Passion Struck, we dive into the extraordinary comeback journey of NFL quarterback Alex Smith, whose story of resilience and purpose-driven recovery exemplifies the core tenets of intentional living. After a devastating leg injury that nearly ended his career—and posed life-threatening complications—Smith faced not only physical rehabilitation but the challenge of redefining his identity beyond football. Through a disciplined focus on small, incremental progress and a renewed sense of purpose, Smith’s journey reveals powerful lessons on overcoming setbacks, reclaiming significance, and living with intentionality. Join us as we uncover five essential lessons from Smith’s path to purpose and resilience that inspire us to pursue our passion-struck lives, regardless of our obstacles.John breaks down five powerful lessons from Smith's journey that challenge us to rethink how we approach adversity, reclaim our purpose, and create a life of impact—even in the face of our darkest moments. Whether you’re navigating a setback, seeking renewed direction, or simply striving to live with greater intention, Smith’s story is a profound reminder that resilience is a choice that we can make every day.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/resilience-in-action-the-recovery-of-alex-smith/Call to Action: Don’t let setbacks define your story—like Alex Smith, you can turn even the toughest challenges into a springboard for growth. What’s one way you can redefine success in your life today? Share your thoughts in the comments and take that first step toward resilience, purpose, and your own epic comeback.In this episode, you will learn:How Alex Smith redefined success by focusing on growth over achievement, inspiring a shift in perspective for overcoming personal challenges.The power of resilience and mindset in facing seemingly insurmountable setbacks and forging a path to recovery.Key strategies for embracing intentional living to navigate life’s adversities with purpose and clarity.The role of community and support systems in fueling a comeback and maintaining motivation through tough times.How to use setbacks as stepping stones for personal transformation and finding deeper meaning in life’s challenges.Practical lessons for building unbreakable resilience and applying them to your own life journey.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.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 5 Powerful Lessons From the Josh Hamilton Redemption StoryCatch My Episode with Jenn Drummond on the 7 Secrets to Realizing Your Life DreamWatch my interview with Dan Cnossen on Unstoppable Success Through AdversityCan't miss my episode with Naseem Rochette’s Brave Journey of Paying It ForwardMy solo episode on Unlocking Your Success: The Habit Stacking RevolutionIf 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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27:21
Israa Nasir on How to Break Free From Toxic Productivity | EP 533
In this enlightening episode of the Passion Struck podcast, host John Miles engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Israa Nasir, a New York City-based psychotherapist, author, and founder of WellGuide. This digital platform is committed to raising mental health awareness, particularly among first- and second-generation immigrants. Israa brings groundbreaking perspectives that challenge the conventional narratives surrounding productivity, self-worth, and success in today's demanding society.Her upcoming book, Toxic Productivity: Reclaim Your Time and Emotional Energy in a World That Always Demands More, serves as an essential guide for those ensnared in the relentless hustle culture. Throughout the episode, John and Israa delve into how societal pressures to constantly achieve can lead to burnout, shame, and a profound disconnection from one’s authentic self.If you've ever found yourself measuring your self-worth against your productivity or to-do list, this episode offers transformative insights. It paves the way for listeners to redefine what productivity means, reclaim their time, and discover sustainable methods to fulfill their emotional needs. Tune in to learn how to shift from a life dominated by "doing" to one that celebrates "being," and embrace a more fulfilling, intentional lifestyle.Full show notes and resources: https://passionstruck.com/israa-nasir-break-free-from-toxic-productivity/SponsorsBabbel: Unlock the power of learning a new language with Babbel's innovative system. Passion Struck listeners can get 60% off their subscription at Babbel.com/PASSION.Hims: Regrow your hair before it's too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Quince: Experience luxury for less with Quince's premium products at radically low prices. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/PASSION.For more information about our sponsors and promo codes, visit: passionstruck.com/dealsIn this episode, you will learn:Understanding Toxic Productivity: Toxic productivity occurs when our relationship to tasks and outcomes becomes unhealthy, leading to a singular focus on arbitrary goals while neglecting wellness and relationships.Hyper-Optimization: Society glorifies hyper-optimization and busyness, driven by social comparison and the need for belonging, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and burnout.The Importance of Prioritization: Not everything matters equally; applying the Pareto principle (80-20 rule) helps identify which tasks yield the most significant outcomes, allowing for better focus on value-aligned activities.Binary Thinking: Binary thinking traps individuals in a mindset where success or failure is viewed as absolute, ignoring the nuances and complexities of personal growth and achievement.Perfectionism and Comparison: Perfectionism often coexists with the comparison trap, where individuals feel pressured to meet unrealistic standards set by themselves or society, leading to anxiety and toxic productivity.Self-Compassion: Embracing self-compassion and being present can help individuals break free from the cycle of toxic productivity, allowing for a healthier relationship with work and personal fulfillment.Connect with Israa Nasir: https://www.israanasir.com/Order Passion StruckUnlock the principles that will transform your life! Order my book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life. Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, this book has earned accolades such as the Business Minds Best Book Award, the Eric Hoffer Award, and the Non-Fiction Book Awards Gold Medal. Order your copy today and ignite your journey toward intentional living!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 Passion StruckMy solo episode on Reinvent Yourself: The Journey from Ordinary to ExtraordinaryCan’t miss my episode with Dr. Michael Gervais on How You Unlock the Science of SuccessWatch my episode with Lauren Handel Zander on Unlocking the Power of Radical Personal AccountabilityDiscover my interview with Steve Swift On How to Create a Career of ServiceCatch my interview with Jessica Kriegel on How to Build an Intentional WorkplaceIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! Even one sentence helps. Be sure to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can personally thank you!
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59:00
Dr. Lisa Miller on How Struggle Fuels Spiritual Growth | EP 532
In this insightful episode of the Passion Struck podcast, host John Miles sits down with Dr. Lisa Miller, psychologist, researcher, and author of The Awakened Brain, to uncover the powerful relationship between life’s challenges and spiritual growth. Dr. Miller explains how moments of struggle, including experiences of depression and despair, can serve as catalysts for spiritual awakening and a deeper sense of purpose.Drawing on her extensive research in psychology and spirituality, Dr. Miller illuminates how periods of suffering, including depression and despair, can act as doorways to heightened spiritual awareness and transformation. She shares how the brain is uniquely wired to seek connection and meaning, especially during hardship, allowing us to tap into inner strengths we may not have known were there.Together, John and Dr. Miller discuss practical ways to embrace struggle as a transformative tool and share insights on how we can support loved ones through their own difficult journeys. Dr. Miller also introduces practices such as mindfulness and prayer, emphasizing how they help us cultivate resilience and a stronger spiritual core.Full show notes and resources: https://passionstruck.com/dr-lisa-miller-struggle-fuels-spiritual-growth/SponsorsMint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”Hims: Regrow your hair before it's too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Quince: Experience luxury for less with Quince's premium products at radically low prices. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/PASSION.For more information about our sponsors and promo codes, visit: passionstruck.com/dealsIn this episode, you will learn:The science behind post-traumatic spiritual growthHow suffering and spiritual growth are deeply interconnectedDevelopmental depression: Understanding struggle as part of the spiritual pathThe brain’s response to hardship and its potential for spiritual awakeningPractical ways to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growthHow to support loved ones, including children, through tough timesDaily practices, like prayer and mindfulness, foster resilience and spiritual connectionConnect with Nausheen Chen: https://www.speaking.coach/Order Passion StruckUnlock the principles that will transform your life! Order my book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life. Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, this book has earned ten major book awards accolades, such as Best Business Book at the International Business Awards. Order your copy today and ignite your journey toward intentional living!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 Passion StruckMy solo episode on Reinvent Yourself: The Journey from Ordinary to ExtraordinaryCan’t miss my episode with Jen Gottlieb on How to Create Your Own Success by Being SeenWatch my episode with Rusty Shelton on How You Build Your Authority AdvantageDiscover my interview with Hilary Billings on the Psychology of Attention, Mastering Short-Form Video, and Personal Brand BuildingMy solo episode on Unleash Your Creativity: The Benefits of Creative ExpressionIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! Even one sentence helps. Be sure to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can personally thank you!
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1:05:47
The Battle of a Lost Mind: What Andy Dunn’s Life Teaches Us | EP 531
In this episode of Passion Struck, John delves into the extraordinary journey of Andy Dunn, founder of Bonobos, as he navigated the complexities of living with bipolar disorder. Through his experience, Andy teaches us invaluable lessons about resilience, the importance of a strong support network, and finding purpose amidst life’s greatest challenges. From moments of grandiose mania to professional triumphs, Andy’s story highlights the reality of neurodiversity and the power of empathy and understanding.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-turn-a-lost-mind-into-purpose/Call to Action: Don’t wait for perfect moments or a seamless journey to embrace your own purpose. Like Andy Dunn, you can find strength even when your mind feels ‘lost.’ What’s one step you can take today to support your mental health or be there for someone navigating theirs? Share your thoughts in the comments and take that first step toward resilience and renewed purpose.In this episode, you will learn:Understanding a ‘Lost Mind’: Andy’s experiences, including his manic belief that he was ‘Jesus 2.0,’ show the intense and consuming nature of bipolar disorder. This illustrates how neurodiverse individuals may experience alternate realities that deeply affect their lives.Balancing Success and Mental Health: Building Bonobos while managing the highs and lows of bipolar disorder proves that mental health challenges persist despite outward success and require active, ongoing management.The Power of Empathy: Andy’s turning point came when his fiancée’s mother offered compassionate support, reinforcing that empathy and understanding can be lifelines for those navigating mental health struggles.Support Networks as Anchors: A strong support system can stabilize individuals during their most difficult moments, turning feelings of being ‘lost’ into opportunities for growth and recovery.Creating Inclusive Environments: Andy’s story teaches that workplaces and communities should value and support neurodiverse minds, recognizing their unique perspectives and potential.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.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 Find Your Matter Meter: Create Belief in Why You MatterCatch My Episode with Maj. Gen. Gregg F. Martin on Breaking the Stigma of Bipolar DisorderWatch my interview with Dr. Chris Palmer on How Brain Energy Improves Mental HealthListen to my episode with Dandapani on How to Harness the Incredible Power of Your MindCan't miss my episode with Dan Harris on the life-changing power of meditationMy solo episode on Why Your Micro Choices Determine Your 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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19:22
Nausheen Chen on How to Embrace Your Unique Voice | EP 530
In this inspiring episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Nausheen Chen, a visionary in public speaking coaching who exemplifies what it means to embrace your unique self. Nausheen shares her transformative journey from a top management role at Procter & Gamble to award-winning filmmaker, ultimately finding her purpose as a public speaking coach.Throughout their conversation, Nausheen reveals the power of embracing your unique voice and how storytelling can elevate public speaking. She introduces her innovative "Out In Out" framework, which equips individuals to build inner and outer confidence, helping them connect authentically with their audience.Listeners will discover strategies to identify and amplify their authentic selves, tackle self-doubt, and overcome the fear of vulnerability. Nausheen offers practical advice on structuring thoughts, engaging audiences, and delivering messages that resonate.Full show notes and resources: https://passionstruck.com/nausheen-chen-how-to-embrace-your-unique-voice/SponsorsMint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”Hims: Regrow your hair before it's too late! Start your free online visit today at Hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK.Quince: Experience luxury for less with Quince's premium products at radically low prices. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at Quince.com/PASSION.For more information about our sponsors and promo codes, visit: passionstruck.com/dealsIn this episode, you will learn:Mastering Public Speaking: Nausheen, a dynamic public speaking coach, brings invaluable insights for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone wanting to communicate with impact. Her fresh approach is bound to reshape how you think about speaking.A Journey of Authentic Reinvention: Nausheen’s story—from corporate leader to filmmaker to public speaking coach—is a testament to the power of pursuing true passions. Her journey is a blueprint for those considering their own life changes.Innovative "Out In Out" Framework: Nausheen introduces her "Out In Out" framework, emphasizing inner confidence and authentic outer expression. This balanced approach equips listeners with tools to present genuinely and effectively.Conquering Self-Doubt: She tackles self-doubt head-on, offering strategies for silencing negative self-talk and overcoming the fear of judgment. Her insights encourage listeners to trust their inner voice over external pressures.Powerful Storytelling: Nausheen discusses storytelling as a vital element of public speaking. She shares techniques for finding and conveying personal stories that create strong connections with audiences.Connect with Nausheen Chen: https://www.speaking.coach/Order Passion StruckUnlock the principles that will transform your life! Order my book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life. Recognized as a 2024 must-read by the Next Big Idea Club, this book has earned ten major book awards accolades, such as Best Business Book at the International Business Awards. Order your copy today and ignite your journey toward intentional living!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 Passion StruckMy solo episode on Reinvent Yourself: The Journey from Ordinary to ExtraordinaryCan’t miss my episode with Jen Gottlieb on How to Create Your Own Success by Being SeenWatch my episode with Rusty Shelton on How You Build Your Authority AdvantageDiscover my interview with Hilary Billings on the Psychology of Attention, Mastering Short-Form Video, and Personal Brand BuildingMy solo episode on Unleash Your Creativity: The Benefits of Creative ExpressionIf you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review! Even one sentence helps. Be sure to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can personally thank you!
Passion Struck® is more than just a show; it’s a journey into the minds and philosophies of the world’s most insightful people. Hosted by John R. Miles, this podcast unpacks the wisdom of its guests, offering practical advice to infuse intentionality and purpose into your career, well-being, life, and relationships. From renowned leaders like Robin Sharma, Admiral Stavridis, Daniel Pink, and Scott Galloway to accomplished women at the top of their fields, such as Susan Cain, Gretchen Rubin, Rachel Hollis, Gabby Bernstein, and Sharon Salzberg, and even scientists, founders, and diverse captivating minds like astronaut Kayla Barron, David Rubenstein, Angela Duckworth, and Arthur Brooks, Passion Struck is a place where mattering takes center stage, and insights from these exceptional individuals inspire intentional action.
However, this podcast transcends mere self-improvement; it dives deep into the science of human behavior change, demystifying our actions and motivations. It speaks to the essence of our humanity, igniting the spark within each of us to live better, become better, and leave a lasting impact on the world. With its inspiring, lively, positive, and incredibly useful content, new episodes drop every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The show is hosted by John R. Miles - a serial entrepreneur, creative amplifier, Navy Veteran, and multi-industry CEO. Miles is known for his passion, preparation, and gift of teasing out how his guests overcome adversity and embrace life-changing opportunities with the resounding mantra of ”I MATTER.”
At Passion Struck, our purpose is clear:
-We are here to serve.
-We share profound ideas.
-We tell captivating stories.
-We facilitate enriching discussions.
-We embrace life, fully passion-struck.
-We empower people to think, act, and transform their lives.
Follow John @John_R_Miles on Instagram for daily doses of inspiration. Subscribe to Passion Struck and share the show with someone who could benefit from its transformative message. Pre-order Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life at https://amzn.to/3PXKMfh.