Create the Awe Map: How to Design a Life Worth Living w/ John R. Miles | EP 642
In Episode 642 of Passion Struck, John R. Miles reveals how to move beyond the productivity trap and into a life of deep alignment. Drawing from conversations with Oliver Burkeman, Susan Kilrain, and research by Dacher Keltner, John introduces the Awe Map—a 4-part framework (Pause, Prioritize, Protect, Practice) for designing time around what truly matters.With stories from his recent trip to Maine and reflections on awe, presence, and purpose, this episode challenges the way we think about time—and invites us to stop filling it and start feeling it.Visit the 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.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTubeListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsJoin The Ignition Room: Our private space for applying these insights each weekSee 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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Astronaut Susan Kilrain on What It Really Takes to Get to Space | EP 641
What happens after you’ve lived the dream—and it’s over?In this profound conversation, astronaut and Navy fighter pilot Susan Kilrain joins Passion Struck to explore her journey from humble beginnings in Georgia to piloting two Space Shuttle missions, becoming one of the few women to fly the F-14 Tomcat, and raising a family while married to a Navy SEAL.But this isn’t just a story about spaceflight. It’s about grit, reinvention, and identity. Susan opens up about how landing on an aircraft carrier prepared her less for motherhood than she thought—and why stepping away from NASA was harder than launching into orbit. Together, we explore what it means to chase excellence, embrace failure, and start over without losing yourself.If you’ve ever asked, “Now what?”—this episode will meet you there.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 Astronaut Susan Kilrain: www.susankilrain.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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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.
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.