In this inspiring episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author, behavioral design expert, and speaker Karen Salmansohn to explore the transformative lessons from her new book You're to Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out. Together, they unpack what it means to escape a “near-life experience” and create a life filled with meaning, intention, and impact.

Karen shares her personal wake-up calls—from a high-powered advertising career that lacked inner fulfillment to the death of her father, which awakened her to the fragility and urgency of life. She introduces powerful tools such as the “To-Die List,” identity-based habits, and chronological life mapping—all rooted in behavioral psychology and designed to help listeners live with greater alignment and less regret.

This episode blends science, story, and soul, offering a practical and heartfelt guide to becoming who you’re meant to be before it’s too late.

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 Karen Salmansohn: https://www.notsalmon.com/

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In Episode 631 of Passion Struck, John Miles sits down with bestselling author and global CEO advisor Dr. Bob Rosen to launch our new series The Power to Change. This episode delves into the often-overlooked truth behind personal transformation: that genuine change starts when we disentangle from the emotional narratives, behaviors, and beliefs that no longer serve us.

Bob shares insights from his new book, Detach, revealing how to transition from a state of survival to one of thriving with purpose, presence, and clarity. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain how to move forward—this conversation will give you both the clarity and the courage to start.

Visit this link for the full shownotes!

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 at TheIgnitedLife.net and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.

Catch more of Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick: https://www.lovefactuallypod.com/

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In this powerful close to The Connected Life series, John Miles pays tribute to the late Brian Wilson—co-founder of The Beach Boys—by exploring the theme of congruence: the often invisible alignment between our inner lives and outer expression. Using Wilson’s life as both mirror and message, this episode unpacks how misalignment creates disconnection and how real connection begins with self-trust. You’ll also learn how to apply the Connection Compass—a practical framework to help you stay aligned, grounded, and emotionally present even under pressure.  

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 Connection Compass 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.

How to Connect with John:

• Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
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In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles is joined by renowned psychologists Dr. Eli Finkel and Dr. Paul Eastwick to explore how movies distort our understanding of love—and what decades of relationship science actually reveal. Together, they break down the myths of “destiny” vs. “growth” beliefs in romance, why initial attraction doesn’t always predict long-term success, and how cultural scripts shape our expectations for passion and commitment.

They also discuss their groundbreaking research on mate preferences, relationship dynamics, and what modern love really demands from us. Whether you're single, dating, or decades into a relationship, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about love—and leaves you with practical, evidence-based insights to build a deeper connection.

Visit this link for the full shownotes!

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 at TheIgnitedLife.net and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.

Catch more of Eli Finkel and Paul Eastwick: https://www.lovefactuallypod.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:

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For more insights and resources, visit www.passionstruck.com.

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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.

Visit THIS link for the full shownotes!

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 at TheIgnitedLife.net and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.

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

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 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.

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 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.

Visit THIS link for the full shownotes!

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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.

How to Connect with John:

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For more insights and resources, visit www.passionstruck.com.

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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

Explore More: The Ignited Life Substack

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.

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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

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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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.

👉 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:

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For more insights and resources, visit www.passionstruck.com.

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