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.

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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 Substack

If 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.

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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 Substack

If 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.

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Catch more of Oliver Burkeman: https://www.oliverburkeman.com/

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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 Life

If 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.

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Catch more of Brad Deflin: https://www.totaldigitalsecurity.com/

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How to Connect with John:

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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 Life

If 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/

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How to Connect with John:

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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 Life

If 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.

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Catch more of Steven Heine: https://psych.ubc.ca/profile/steven-heine/

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How to Connect with John:

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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.

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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:

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In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Christopher D. Connors—executive coach to Fortune 100 leaders, bestselling author of The Champion Leader, and top instructor on LinkedIn Learning—to explore what it really takes to lead with impact in today’s fast-moving world.

Christopher breaks down the difference between reactive and intentional leadership and shares the daily practices that help elite performers stay focused, resilient, and human-centered. From the strategic prioritization habits of Susan Wojcicki to the hidden superpower of psychological safety, this conversation is packed with actionable frameworks and mindset shifts to help you become the kind of leader people want to follow.

Visit this link for the full show notes.

Go Deeper: The Ignited Life

If 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 Christopher Connors: https://chrisdconnors.com

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How to Connect with John:

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In this raw and powerful conversation, Keila Shaheen—author of the bestselling Shadow Work Journal—joins John R. Miles to explore what it really takes to heal. They unpack how shadow work reveals the hidden parts of ourselves that still seek protection, how journaling becomes a tool for self-trust, and why real transformation starts with emotional honesty. Whether you’re navigating burnout, identity shifts, or emotional triggers, this episode offers a roadmap to healing, integration, and inner peace.

Visit this link for the full show notes.

Go Deeper: The Ignited Life

If 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 Keila Shaheen: https://www.instagram.com/keilashaheen/

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_RMiles
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• Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips Channel
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Episode 633 kicks off the Power to Change series by challenging the myth that change must be dramatic to be meaningful. Through insights from experts like Katy Milkman, BJ Fogg, and Jud Brewer—as well as a personal story from Randy Blythe—John unpacks how behavior loops, emotional rewiring, and identity-focused habits form the foundation for sustainable transformation. This episode isn't about fixing yourself—it's about becoming someone you trust, one small shift at a time.

Click Here for the Full Shownotes

And if that framework sparked something in you—if you're thinking, “This is exactly what I need, but I’m not sure I’ll remember it in the moment…”—I’ve got something for you.

I've created a free Becoming You Workbook, available inside The Ignition Room on Substack.

It’s packed with:

• Tiny habits lead to identity-level transformation
• Emotions drive behavior loops—curiosity helps break them
• Microshifts lead to macro impact when practiced consistently

If you want to train your nervous system to respond, not just react—

👉 you can grab it now at theignitedlife.net.

How to Connect with John:

• Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
• Follow him on Instagram at @John_R_Miles
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• For more insights and resources, visit John’s website

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