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...
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!
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1:00:55
4 Inspiring Ways to Bridge the Gap Between Theory and Action | EP 543
In this solo episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles reflects on the challenge we all face: turning inspiration into action. Whether it’s a powerful idea from a book, TED Talk, or podcast, too often, the spark of motivation fizzles out before it leads to meaningful change. Drawing from recent conversations with Codie Sanchez and Kim Scott, John explores actionable ways to overcome this gap and make intentional progress in your life.Codie and Kim provide frameworks to move beyond theory. Codie breaks wealth-building into clear steps by focusing on cash-flowing businesses, while Kim provides practical tools for giving feedback, building trust, and leading with purpose. Combining their lessons with insights from behavioral science and his own personal experiences, John shares four transformative strategies to help you bridge the gap between knowing and doing.If you’ve ever struggled to act on a big idea or felt stuck in the “theory phase,” this episode will inspire you to take the first step—no matter how small—and start building momentum toward your goals.Link to the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/4-ways-bridge-the-gap-between-theory-and-action/Call to Action: In this episode, we explored powerful ways to bridge the gap between theory and action. Now, it’s your turn to take those insights and apply them in your life. Start small—take one step toward turning your goals into reality today. Whether it’s setting clearer intentions, overcoming mental barriers, or developing a plan for execution, remember that every action matters in creating the life you desire.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:How to Bridge the Gap between your ideas and your actions.Key barriers that hold people back from taking action and how to overcome them.Practical steps to take your theories and ideas and make them reality.Mindset shifts that help transform hesitation into decisive action.The importance of small, intentional actions in driving progress toward your bigger goals.Actionable Practices to Bridge the Gap:Set clear, actionable goals: Break down your bigger ambitions into smaller, achievable steps.Create a supportive environment: Surround yourself with people who hold you accountable.Develop a plan for action: Turn your theories into concrete steps that are easy to follow.Overcome mental roadblocks: Address limiting beliefs and take the first step, no matter how small.Reflect and adjust: Evaluate your progress regularly, and tweak your approach as needed to stay on track.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 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!
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.