Episodios

  • How Do You Design a Meaningful Life | Bill Burnett & Dave Evans - EP 755

    How Do You Design a Meaningful Life | Bill Burnett & Dave Evans - EP 755
    Apr 16 2026

    What if the reason you feel unfulfilled is that you’ve been approaching it all wrong?

    In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, the visionary minds behind Stanford's Life Design Lab and co-authors of How to Live a Meaningful Life. We tackle one of personal growth’s biggest myths: that meaning is something you find.

    Instead, Bill and Dave present a groundbreaking concept—meaning is something you design.

    We delve into why high-achievers often feel "fine but empty," why success doesn’t guarantee fulfillment, and how our transactional world traps us in outcomes over experiences. Our conversation uncovers a transformative framework for building a meaningful life through small experiments, curiosity, and intentional action, all without drastic life changes.

    This conversation will change how you think about purpose, passion, and what it really means to live fully alive.

    Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

    Check the full show notes here:

    Explore companion insights for this episode at:

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health—160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.

    Connect with John

    Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

    Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

    Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

    We also dive into:

    • Why many feel “fine” outwardly, yet unfulfilled inside
    • Distinguishing meaning, fulfillment, and happiness—and avoiding the confusion
    • Why “follow your passion” can mislead—and the better alternative
    • Using design thinking and prototyping to cultivate purpose
    • The contrast between transactional and flow worlds—and where true meaning resides
    • How actions, rather than waiting, create clarity
    • The impact of small moments of awe and curiosity on lasting meaning
    • The vital role of community in the journey to meaning

    Support the Movement

    Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter.

    Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

    Disclaimer

    The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

    See 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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    1 h y 3 m
  • From Shadow Work to Light Work: How to Actually Heal | Keila Shaheen - EP 754

    From Shadow Work to Light Work: How to Actually Heal | Keila Shaheen - EP 754
    Apr 14 2026

    Shadow work helps you uncover the hidden parts of yourself, but what happens after that?

    In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Keila Shaheen, the million-copy bestselling author of The Shadow Work Journal, to explore the step most people miss: integration.

    While shadow work helps us confront the “invisible bag” of childhood wounds and hidden traits we carry, it is only part of the equation. Keila explains why true healing requires shifting from reflection to action—what she calls light work. We explore her newest book, The Light Work Journal, and how it helps people move out of the “gray area” of exhaustion into intentional awareness and energized living.

    Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

    Check the full show notes here: Explore companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net

    Resources & Links

    Explore companion insights: https://www.theignitedlife.net

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health— 160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.

    Connect with John

    • Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
    • Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
    • Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

    We also dive into:

    • Why so many people feel a sense of quiet disorientation—and how to move from reactive, autopilot living into clarity
    • The difference between System 1 vs. System 2 thinking and how it impacts your daily life
    • Why exhaustion—not anxiety or depression—is the dominant emotional state today
    • The role of a healthy ego as a stabilizing force rather than something to eliminate
    • How noticing “glimmers” can rewire your mindset and shift your emotional baseline
    • Practical ways to protect your energy and show up as your most authentic self

    This episode is a roadmap for anyone who has done the inner work but still feels stuck.

    Support the Movement

    Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

    Disclaimer

    The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not substitute professional medical or psychological advice.

    See 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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    51 m
  • ROI of Aliveness: How to Craft the Math of a Meaningful Life | John R. Miles - EP 753

    ROI of Aliveness: How to Craft the Math of a Meaningful Life | John R. Miles - EP 753
    Apr 10 2026

    Does your life look successful on the outside but feel empty on the inside?

    In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles introduces a simple way to measure what truly matters: the ROI of Aliveness. Most of us spend our lives trying to be as productive as possible. We focus on checking off to-do lists and meeting everyone else's expectations, but we often forget to check in on ourselves.

    John explains why focusing only on your "output" leaves you feeling disconnected and replaceable. He shares a practical way to look at the "math" of your life—balancing the time you spend on chores with the time you spend truly being present. Featuring insights from experts like Arthur Brooks, Claude Steele, and Angela Maiers, this episode shows you how to stop living on autopilot and start building a life where you actually feel essential to the people around you.

    This isn't about working harder or doing more. It’s about making small, intentional shifts so your daily life actually feels like it belongs to you.

    Passion Struck is the #1 personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

    Check the full show notes here:

    Explore the daily reflection guide for this episode at:

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

    Connect with John

    • Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
    • Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
    • Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

    In This Episode, We Discuss:

    • The Meaning Gap: Why having a "good life" on paper doesn't always lead to feeling happy or valued.
    • The Productivity Trap: How the pressure to always be "busy" keeps us from noticing what’s actually important.
    • Feeling Replaceable: Why we often feel like anyone could do our job or handle our chores—and how to change that.
    • Simple Lessons from the Classroom: How two basic ideas from kindergarten can help you feel more connected at work and at home.
    • The 10% Shift: A realistic way to reclaim your time and energy by making tiny changes to your daily routine.
    • Better Leadership: How to create an environment where your team (and your family) feels seen and needed.

    Support the Movement

    Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

    Disclaimer

    The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

    See 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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    27 m
  • Why You Feel Like You Don’t Matter (And How to Fix It) | Angela Maiers - EP 752

    Why You Feel Like You Don’t Matter (And How to Fix It) | Angela Maiers - EP 752
    Apr 9 2026

    What if the question underneath everything in your life is this: Do I matter?

    In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Angela Maiers to explore one of the most fundamental human needs—the need to feel seen, valued, and needed.

    For decades, Angela has studied what makes people feel seen, valued, and needed—and what happens when they don’t. What she’s found is simple, but powerful: when people stop feeling like they matter, everything else begins to break down.

    We talk about how this starts earlier than most people think, why so many adults tie their worth to performance, and how that shows up later as burnout, disconnection, and disengagement.

    We also explore the difference between belonging and mattering—and why being included isn’t the same as feeling significant.

    Most importantly, Angela shares what actually helps people feel like they matter—and it’s not complicated. It’s in how we show up, how we listen, and how we make others feel seen. Pick up a copy of Angela's children's book M is for Mattering.

    This conversation will change how you think about your relationships, your work, and the way you show up in the world.

    Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

    Check the full show notes here:

    Explore companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

    Connect with John

    Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

    Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

    Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    • What makes someone feel like they truly matter—and why being needed is at the center of it
    • How early we begin tying our worth to performance instead of presence
    • Why burnout, loneliness, and disengagement often have a deeper root
    • The difference between belonging and mattering—and why it matters more than we think
    • What causes people to feel invisible at work, even when they’re performing
    • Simple ways to help someone feel seen, valued, and needed

    Support the Movement

    Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

    Disclaimer

    The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

    See 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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    1 h y 23 m
  • Churn: The Hidden Force Shaping How We See Each Other | Claude Steele - EP 751

    Churn: The Hidden Force Shaping How We See Each Other | Claude Steele - EP 751
    Apr 7 2026
    What if one of the biggest barriers to connection, performance, and trust isn’t prejudice—but something more subtle, more pervasive, and harder to detect?In this powerful episode of the Passion Struck podcast, I sit down with renowned social psychologist Claude Steele to explore his groundbreaking new book, Churn.Claude introduces the concept of churn—the internal psychological state we experience in high-stakes situations when we worry about how we might be judged based on our identity. Whether in classrooms, workplaces, medical settings, or everyday interactions, churn silently shapes how we show up, how we perform, and how we relate to others.We explore how churn differs from bias, why it can be just as corrosive, and how even well-intentioned people can become trapped in cycles of hesitation, misinterpretation, and disconnection. Most importantly, Claude reveals a hopeful path forward—how trust, “wiseness,” and simple human behaviors like listening and belief can dramatically reduce churn and unlock human potential.This conversation will change how you see your interactions—and give you practical tools to build deeper trust in a divided world.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is consistently ranked among the top health, mindset, and business podcasts worldwide.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/claude-steele-churn-hidden-psychology-of-trust/Explore guided reflections and companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/what-is-churn-claude-steele-trust-identity Thank You to Our SponsorsLimited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/In This Episode, You Will Learn:What “Churn” Really Is: Why high-stakes situations trigger a hidden psychological tension rooted in identity and perception—and how it differs from ordinary anxiety.The Power of Stereotype Threat: How decades of research, first introduced in Whistling Vivaldi, reveal the invisible forces shaping performance and behavior.Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough: How even well-meaning people can hesitate, withdraw, or miscommunicate—not because of bias, but because of churn.The Role of High-Stakes Environments: Why churn intensifies in moments that matter—job interviews, classrooms, medical settings, and leadership decisions.Trust as the Antidote: How simple signals—like belief in someone’s potential—can dissolve ambiguity and unlock performance and connection.“Wiseness” Explained: What it means to truly see the full humanity in others—and how this mindset transforms relationships across differences.Support the MovementEvery human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.comDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.See 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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    1 h y 5 m
  • Winning the Wrong Game: Take Back Your Invisible Scoreboard | John R. Miles - EP 750

    Winning the Wrong Game: Take Back Your Invisible Scoreboard | John R. Miles - EP 750
    Apr 3 2026

    You’re doing everything right—so why does it still feel wrong?

    In this powerful solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles launches the new April series Purpose by Design by exposing a hidden force shaping modern life: the Invisible Scoreboard. It’s the system of metrics you didn’t consciously choose—but that quietly defines how you measure success, spend your time, and evaluate your worth.

    From chasing productivity and responsiveness to optimizing for external validation, many high performers are unknowingly winning the wrong game—building lives that look successful on paper but feel misaligned in reality.

    Through a deeply personal story and a transformative framework, John reveals why this gap exists and introduces a new way of thinking about success: the ROI of Aliveness. This episode challenges you to rethink what counts, reclaim your time and attention, and begin designing a life that actually feels like your own.

    Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is consistently ranked among the world’s top business, mindset, and self-improvement podcasts.

    Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/winning-the-wrong-game/

    Explore guided prompts, reflections, and a companion guide for this episode at: https://TheIgnitedLife.net

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only.

    Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

    Connect with John

    Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

    Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

    Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The Invisible Scoreboard: How modern life rewards speed, availability, and output—while quietly ignoring what actually makes life meaningful.
    • Winning the Wrong Game: Why high performers can feel disconnected despite success—and how inherited metrics shape your identity and decisions.
    • The 20,000-Mile Wake-Up Call: A defining personal moment that exposed the hidden cost of chasing external validation.
    • The ROI of Aliveness: A new way to measure your life—not by what you produce, but by what your life actually feels like to live.
    • The Alignment Gap: Why burnout and disconnection often stem from a mismatch between what’s rewarded and what truly matters.
    • The 10% Reallocation: A simple, practical strategy to reclaim your time, attention, and agency—without blowing up your life.

    Support the Movement

    Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

    Disclaimer

    The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

    See 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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    16 m
  • The Hidden System Keeping You Burned Out (It’s Not You) | Corinne Low - EP 749

    The Hidden System Keeping You Burned Out (It’s Not You) | Corinne Low - EP 749
    Apr 2 2026

    What if your exhaustion isn’t a personal failure, but the result of invisible systems shaping your life?

    In this episode of the Passion Struck podcast, I sit down with Wharton economist Corinne Low, author of Having It All, to unpack one of the most misunderstood challenges of modern life: why so many of us feel depleted even when we’re doing everything “right.”

    Corinne introduces a powerful idea called “the squeeze”—a period where demands on your time, energy, and identity all peak at once, while your resources lag behind. Careers demand more. Parenting expectations intensify. Household responsibilities don’t disappear—they become invisible.

    The result? A life that feels full… but not fulfilling.

    Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized among the world’s top business and mindset podcasts.

    Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/the-economics-of-exhaustion-modern-burnout/

    Explore guided prompts, reflections, and a companion reflection guide connected to this episode at: https://TheIgnitedLife.net

    Thank You to Our Sponsors

    Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

    Connect with John

    Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

    Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

    Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

    Get the book Having It All: https://www.corinnelow.com/book

    In This Episode, You Will Learn:

    • How invisible “deals” shape your career, relationships, and identity—often without your awareness.
    • Why do people stay in unsustainable arrangements
    • How societal expectations distort your choices,
    • What it means to design your life around your personal utility function—the things that will actually matter at the end of your life.

    Support the Movement

    Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

    Disclaimer

    The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

    See 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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    1 h y 2 m
  • How to Find the Meaning of Your Life in an Age of Emptiness | Arthur Brooks - EP 748

    How to Find the Meaning of Your Life in an Age of Emptiness | Arthur Brooks - EP 748
    Mar 31 2026
    What if the real crisis of our time isn’t stress, burnout, or even anxiety—but a loss of meaning?In this powerful episode of the Passion Struck podcast, I sit down with Arthur Brooks—for the third time—to explore his most urgent work yet: The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness.Arthur reveals a striking trend: since 2008, rates of depression and anxiety—especially among young, high-achieving individuals—have surged dramatically. But beneath the surface, he argues, this isn’t just a mental health crisis. It’s a meaning crisis.We’ve built a world optimized for achievement, productivity, and constant stimulation—yet increasingly disconnected from the deeper human needs that make life feel worth living. In this conversation, we explore why success without meaning often leads to emptiness, how modern life pulls us away from purpose, and what it actually takes to build a life rooted in coherence, significance, and service.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized among the world’s top business and mindset podcasts.Check the full show notes here: https://passionstruck.com/arthur-brooks-the-meaning-of-your-life/Explore guided prompts, reflections, and a companion reflection guide connected to this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/why-we-are-losing-the-war-for-meaningThank You to Our SponsorsLimited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!Connect with JohnKeynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_MilesChildren’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/Get the book The Meaning of Your Life: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/the-meaning-of-your-lifeIn This Episode, You Will Learn:The Psychogenic Epidemic: Why college-educated young adults are experiencing a crisis of meaning despite having the "most going for them".The Left Brain Trap: How modern life overemphasizes productivity and logic while neglecting love, connection, and transcendence.Love and Service as Anchors: Why meaning is not found in what you achieve, but in how you relate to others and contribute beyond yourself.Technology and Disconnection: How constant stimulation and digital engagement are quietly eroding our sense of meaning and belonging.Transcendence and Purpose: Why connecting to something greater than yourself is essential for long-term fulfillment and wellbeing.Designing a Meaningful Life: Practical ways to realign your life toward purpose in a world that constantly pulls you away from it.Support the MovementEvery human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.comDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.See 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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