Oliver Burkeman on Stop Optimizing, Start Living What Matters | EP 640
What if the real key to emotional wellness isn’t in doing more, achieving more, or finally “getting it all together”—but in letting go of the need to?In this deeply grounding episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Oliver Burkeman, acclaimed author of Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals, to explore why our obsession with control, productivity, and optimization may be the very things keeping us from peace.Burkeman challenges the conventional approach to time management and self-improvement. Instead of mastering life by getting on top of everything, he proposes that freedom lies in embracing our limitations, finding meaning in the present moment, and choosing what really matters.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗 and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Oliver Burkeman: https://www.oliverburkeman.com/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_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 websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Brad Deflin on How to Stay Safe and Private Online | EP 639
In this essential episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with cybersecurity expert Brad Deflin, founder of Total Digital Security, to explore why digital protection is no longer optional—it’s personal. As cyber threats evolve faster than ever, most people still rely on outdated solutions or remain dangerously unaware of their vulnerabilities.Brad explains how cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue—it's a human one. From protecting your family’s privacy to preserving your professional reputation, the stakes are higher than ever. Drawing from his background in wealth management and his work with high-net-worth clients, Brad shares a clear and empowering framework for taking ownership of your digital life.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go Deeper: The Ignited LifeIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗 and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Brad Deflin: https://www.totaldigitalsecurity.com/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_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 websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Michelle Chalfant on Are You Living From Your Adult Chair? |EP 638
In Episode 638 of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Michelle Chalfant—renowned therapist, author, and creator of The Adult Chair model—to explore one of the most transformational frameworks for emotional and relational healing.At the heart of Michelle’s approach is a deceptively simple but powerful idea: we all live from one of three “chairs”—the Child, the Adolescent, or the Adult. Most of us, without realizing it, are stuck reacting to life from our younger, wounded selves. The result? Triggers. Overreactions. People-pleasing. Shame. Emotional reactivity. Disconnection.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go Deeper: The Ignited LifeIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗 and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Michelle Chalfant: https://theadultchair.com/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_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 websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Steven Heine on How Culture Shapes Who You Think You Are | EP 637
In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Steven Heine—pioneering cultural psychologist and author of Cultural Psychology and Start Making Sense—joins John R. Miles to explore how the self is not something we’re born with, but something shaped by the cultural systems we inhabit.Drawing on decades of research, Heine reveals how East and West construct identity in profoundly different ways—affecting everything from how we process failure to how we seek meaning. We explore how existential psychology can help us make peace with the discomfort of not having all the answers and how cultural blind spots may be holding us back from deeper personal growth.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go Deeper: The Ignited LifeIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗 and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Steven Heine: https://psych.ubc.ca/profile/steven-heine/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_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 websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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From Shadow to Strength: The Power of the R.A.R.E. Method w/John R. Miles | EP 636
In this powerful solo episode, John R. Miles explores the emotional architecture of transformation—starting with shadow awareness and ending with integration. You'll learn how your inner world shapes everything you lead, create, and care about. Through the R.A.R.E. Method (Recognize, Acknowledge, Reveal, Exchange), John offers a practical framework to help you stop reacting from old wounds and start responding from clarity. Whether you're a leader, parent, partner, or creator, this episode is your guide to becoming more grounded, emotionally safe, and aligned in every area of life.Click Here for the Full ShownotesWant to Go Deeper?Get the full episode companion guide—including journaling prompts, the R.A.R.E. Method worksheet, and exclusive tools to help you apply what you heard today—inside The Ignition Room, our members-only hub for real transformation.👉 Access it now at theignitedlife.net and start integrating this episode into your actual life.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 websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Alternative Health. Intentional Living. Radical Self-Transformation.Winner of the 2025 Stevie Gold for Best Independent PodcastWinner of the 2024 Gold Davey Award for Social ImpactMost personal growth podcasts push productivity. Passion Struck goes deeper—into the mental, emotional, and energetic foundations of a meaningful life.Why do so many people do everything “right” and still feel unfulfilled?That’s where Passion Struck is different.Hosted by John R. Miles—award-winning author, Navy veteran, former Fortune 50 executive, and global expert on intentional living—this podcast isn’t about external success. It’s about internal transformation.Because mattering isn’t something you earn.It’s something you choose.In each episode, John brings together the world’s leading neuroscientists, psychologists, alternative health experts, and thought leaders to explore:The science of purpose—how your brain is wired for meaningThe psychology of transformation—why change is hard and how to make it lastThe mind-body connection—how holistic health fuels passion and performanceThe new rules of leadership, fulfillment, and human potentialIf you're tired of drifting through life, checking boxes, and still feeling unfulfilled—this podcast is your wake-up call.Stop existing. Start mattering.New episodes drop every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.👉 Follow now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.