In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Michael Morris, a leading cultural psychologist and professor at Columbia University, to explore the psychology of tribalism and belonging. Drawing from his new book Tribal: How the Cultural Instincts That Divide Us Can Help Bring Us Together, Michael explains how three evolutionary instincts—the Peer, Hero, and Ancestor Instincts—drive our group behavior, shape identity, and influence leadership. T

he conversation unpacks how these instincts manifest in politics, corporate culture, and social movements—and how understanding them can help us bridge divides, build trust, and lead intentional change. Whether you’re managing a team, navigating conflict, or trying to understand your own biases, this episode offers a powerful lens for personal and collective transformation.

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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 Michael Morris: https://business.columbia.edu/faculty/people/michael-morris

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What happens when your values are tested in real-time—no script, no prep, and no exit ramp?

In this vulnerable solo episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles shares a deeply personal moment of conflict inside his hurricane-damaged home—an unexpected confrontation that became a defining test of presence, identity, and leadership.

Out of that storm came a powerful framework: The R.E.A.C.T. Method. Built for the moments when your nervous system is flooded and your instincts scream for control, this 5-step tool helps you pause, return to center, and lead from who you are, not what you're feeling.

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 created a free R.E.A.C.T. Companion Guide inside The Ignition Room on Substack.

It’s packed with:

• Real-life language to use when you’re triggered
• Journaling prompts to unpack your reactions
• A printable one-sheet to keep visible—on your desk, fridge, or even in your wallet

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

👉 you can grab it now at theignitedlife.net.

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• Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
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In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes renowned media coach and Emmy-winning journalist Bill McGowan, author of the new book Speak, Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience. With a client list that includes global leaders, celebrities, and top executives, Bill distills decades of experience into practical tools that anyone can use to transform the way they speak.

The conversation dives into what makes a message truly unforgettable, how to structure your words to create resonance, and why emotional clarity often trumps flawless delivery. Bill and John explore the neuroscience of attention, the traps of over-preparing or under-structuring, and how to connect more deeply with your audience—whether you're on stage, on camera, or in a critical conversation.

You’ll also hear actionable advice on overcoming nerves, developing presence, and mastering what Bill calls the "New ROI: Return on Impact." This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead, influence, or inspire through the power of words.

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If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life— created to fuel your growth between episodes.

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Catch more of Bill McGowan: https://www.claritymediagroup.com/team-overview/bill-mcgowan

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.

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• Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
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In this compelling episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Anna Lembke—renowned psychiatrist, Stanford professor, and bestselling author of Dopamine Nation—to unpack the invisible crisis of our times: how a world saturated with instant gratification is quietly numbing us, hijacking our attention, and severing our sense of connection.

They explore the neuroscience behind addiction, why pleasure and pain share the same neural real estate, and how seemingly harmless behaviors—like binge-watching, social media scrolling, or even overworking—can rewire our brains in harmful ways. Dr. Lembke explains how real connection, meaning, and purpose are often sacrificed in our pursuit of dopamine—and how the antidote lies in facing discomfort, building community, and rediscovering what makes us human.

John also shares his own journey through emotional numbness and addiction, making this conversation both intellectually rich and deeply personal.

Click HERE for the full show notes

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If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life— created to fuel your growth between episodes.

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Catch more of Dr. Anna Lembke: https://www.annalembke.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_RMiles
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Taylor Swift is one of the most famous people on the planet—but that’s not what makes her powerful.

What makes her powerful is presence.

In an era of curated lives and performative connection, Swift has done something rare: she’s made people feel seen. Not just heard, not just entertained—seen. And in today’s world, that’s a kind of emotional leadership we desperately need.

This episode of The Connected Life breaks down how Swift models what I call the art of mattering—a way of showing up that goes beyond charisma or fame. It’s about congruence. Alignment. Making people feel like they matter, not as a tactic, but as a way of life.

We often think connection is external—about how we express, persuade, or lead. But in this episode, John flips that lens inward to explore how emotional self-awareness, authenticity, and mattering shape every relationship we build—starting with ourselves.

Click Here for the Full Shownotes

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If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.

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How to Connect with John:

• Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
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In this Passion Struck episode, Dr. David Hamilton—scientist, bestselling author, and expert in the mind-body connection—uncovers the extraordinary biology of kindness. Drawing from his background in pharmaceutical research and spiritual science, Dr. Hamilton explains how intentional kindness can lower inflammation, improve heart health, boost your immune system, and even reshape your brain.

Together, we explore his 21-Day Kindfulness Experiment, the neuroscience behind compassion, and why kindness is more than a moral ideal—it’s a powerful tool for healing personal pain and bridging social disconnection. This conversation is part of our Connected Life series.

If you’re ready to live with more intention, compassion, and inner alignment—this is your episode.

Click HERE for the full show notes

Explore More: The Ignited Life Substack

If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.

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Catch more of Suzanne Giesemann: https://suzannegiesemann.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_RMiles
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For more insights and resources, visit www.passionstruck.com.

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What does it mean to live in alignment with your soul—and how can you access divine guidance in your everyday life? In this compelling episode, former Navy Commander turned spiritual teacher Suzanne Giesemann shares how she transitioned from skepticism to deep soul awareness after a personal tragedy shattered her worldview.

Drawing from her signature approach, The Awakened Way®, Suzanne offers a powerful roadmap for connecting to higher consciousness and tuning in to the unseen realms with clarity, trust, and love. Whether you’ve ever wondered about the afterlife, spirit communication, or the deeper meaning of your existence, this conversation will leave you rethinking what it means to be fully alive.

Click HERE for the full show notes

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If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.

👉 Subscribe now at TheIgnitedLife.net.

Catch more of Suzanne Giesemann: https://suzannegiesemann.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_RMiles
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For more insights and resources, visit www.passionstruck.com.

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Welcome to Passion Struck Episode 621. This week, we start our new series, The Connect Life, with a solo deep dive into the truth behind meaningful connection. The kind that isn’t built on charisma, cleverness, or charm—but on something deeper: who you are, when you speak.

We often think connection is external—about how we express, persuade, or lead. But in this episode, John flips that lens inward to explore how emotional self-awareness, authenticity, and mattering shape every relationship we build—starting with ourselves.

Click Here for the Full Shownotes

Explore More: The Ignited Life Newsletter

If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.

👉 Subscribe 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
• Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips Channel
• For more insights and resources, visit John’s website

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In this raw and deeply human episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Kass and Mike Lazerow—serial entrepreneurs, early investors in Scopely and Liquid Death, and authors of the powerful new book, Shoveling Sh!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success.

We go far beyond startup strategy and dive into what most founders won’t say out loud: the loneliness, the identity loss, the trauma—and the daily choice to love through it all. This isn’t just a business story. It’s a blueprint for building anything real: a company, a relationship, a life—with soul at the center.

Click HERE for the full show notes

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If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.

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Catch more of Kass and Mike Lazerow: https://kassandmike.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_RMiles
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For more insights and resources, visit www.passionstruck.com.

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In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, I'm joined by world-renowned mindfulness pioneer Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and author of Full Catastrophe Living and Wherever You Go, There You Are.

We dive deep into the essence of mindfulness—not as a buzzword, but as a radical invitation to fully feel our lives. Jon unpacks why true healing requires presence, why you can’t bypass your emotions, and how mindfulness isn’t about relaxing—it’s about awakening.

show up.

Click HERE for the full show notes

Explore More: The Ignited Life Newsletter

If today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.

👉 Subscribe now at TheIgnitedLife.net.

Catch more of Jon Kabat-Zinn: https://jonkabat-zinn.com/

We also explore:

• The misunderstood purpose of meditation
• How to work with pain, fear, and overwhelm
• The dangers of spiritual bypassing
• Why being present is the most courageous act of our time
• The biological roots of connection, compassion, and consciousness

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
• For more insights and resources, visit John’s website

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.