Best Passion Struck Life Podcasts (2025)

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Biet Simkin on How to Awaken Your Soul When Life Breaks You | EP 611 1:01:50

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19d ago1:01:50

1:01:50

In this raw and revealing conversation, Biet Simkin opens up about losing her mother, her child, and her way—then finding herself through sobriety, spirituality, and sound. From rock-bottom addiction to becoming a globally respected meditation guide, Biet shows how even life's darkest moments can become portals to awakening. Click here for the full…

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Jon Kabat-Zinn on Why You Can’t Heal What You Won’t Feel | EP 619 1:13:38

11h ago1:13:38

1:13:38

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 live…

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Return on Energy: Rethinking ROI in the Age of Burnout w/ John R. Miles | EP 618 32:03

4d ago32:03

32:03

In episode 618 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles delivers a powerful solo reflection that caps off Mental Health Awareness Month with one essential question: "What’s the real Return on your Energy?" Drawing on recent interviews with Dr. Judith Joseph and Dr. Andrew Brodsky, as well as past solo episodes that introduced frameworks like H.O.M.E. …

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Andrew Brodsky on How to Be Seen Without Being Always Available | EP 617 56:35

5d ago56:35

56:35

In this episode of Passion Struck, Dr. Andrew Brodsky—organizational psychologist, UT Austin professor, and author of PING: Mastering the Art of Virtual Communication—explores how presence, intention, and clarity have become the most undervalued skills in our increasingly virtual world. Drawing from his groundbreaking research and insights from PIN…

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Dr. Judith Joseph on The Hidden Epidemic of High-Functioning Depression | EP 616 50:33

7d ago50:33

50:33

In this powerful Passion Struck episode, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Judith Joseph—board-certified psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and author of High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy. Together, they unpack the silent struggle of individuals who appear to “have it all together” while suffering emotionally ben…

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How to Build a Mental Health Ecosystem That Honors Who You Are w/John R. Miles | EP 615 20:39

11d ago20:39

20:39

What if the problem isn’t that you’re broken, but that your environment no longer reflects who you are? In this solo episode, John takes you inside one of the most overlooked truths about mental health: it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It lives in the patterns, people, and places you move through every day. Sharing a personal story of hidden anxiety d…

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Janet Ettele on How Joyous Effort Transforms Our Lives | EP 614 1:08:11

12d ago1:08:11

1:08:11

On this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles chats with Janet Ettele, author, musician, and student of Buddhist teacher Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche, about how the principle of Joyous Effort can change the way we live, work, and grow. They dive into why living with purpose isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing external wins—it’s about how we ke…

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Joseph Nguyen on Why You Must Fight for Your Inner Peace | EP 613 1:05:14

14d ago1:05:14

1:05:14

In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Joseph Nguyen, author of the international bestseller Don't Believe Everything You Think, to explore the hidden battle between your thoughts and your true self. Together, they unpack why inner peace isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you must consciously fight for…

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The Lens Method: A New Way to Reframe Your Inner World | EP 612 28:02

18d ago28:02

28:02

In this powerful solo episode, John R. Miles explores a skill that could radically change how you experience adversity, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm—reframing. But not the kind tied to false positivity or denial. Instead, John unveils the LENS Method, a practical, neuroscience-backed framework for transforming the story you tell yourself—so…

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Dr. Zach Mercurio on How Leaders Can Help People Feel Seen | EP 610 59:22

21d ago59:22

59:22

In this compelling conversation, John R. Miles is joined by Dr. Zach Mercurio, one of the world’s leading voices on purposeful leadership and the psychology of mattering. As the author of The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Cultivate a Culture of Significance (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025), Zach brings decades of research to a timely dis…

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5 Mental Health Habits That Anchor You in Uncertain Times w/ John R. Miles | EP 609 28:22

25d ago28:22

28:22

When life feels uncertain, we don’t need more control—we need anchors. In this deeply personal and practical solo episode, Passion Struck host John R. Miles shares five transformative mental health habits that helped him reclaim stability during one of the most turbulent seasons of his life. From the invisible costs of burnout to the neuroscience o…

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Tiffany Moon on How to Write Yourself a Prescription for Joy | EP 608 54:22

26d ago54:22

54:22

In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, Dr. Tiffany Moon—a board-certified anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and reality TV star—opens up about her journey from high-achieving perfectionist to someone learning to prioritize joy, authenticity, and self-compassion. She shares powerful stories from her new book Joy Prescriptions, reveali…

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Andrew Newberg on What Makes Us Feel Like We Matter | EP 607 55:07

28d ago55:07

55:07

In this thought-provoking episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles is joined by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg, a pioneer in the field of neurotheology—the science at the intersection of the brain, belief, and spirituality. Together, they explore a powerful question: What makes us feel like we matter? Dr. Newberg shares groundbreak…

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Why Mental Health Is the Root of a Meaningful Life w/John R. Miles | EP 606 23:10

1M ago23:10

23:10

In this solo episode, John R. Miles explores how mental health isn’t just about managing stress—it’s the invisible infrastructure of everything that gives life meaning. From personal breakdowns to societal myths about strength, John shares why ignoring mental well-being doesn’t delay the cost—it multiplies it—and what we can do to reclaim emotional…

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Elizabeth Weingarten on How to Fall in Love With Questions | EP 605 55:40

1M ago55:40

55:40

What if the most important thing you could do in moments of confusion, fear, or identity crisis… was to pause and sit with the question, rather than race toward an answer? In a world that values certainty, performance, and instant solutions, Elizabeth Weingarten is offering something rare: a permission slip to not know. On this episode of the Passi…

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Gretchen Rubin on the Secrets of Adulthood and Happiness | EP 604 1:15:33

1M ago1:15:33

1:15:33

In this special live episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to explore the timeless wisdom captured in her latest work, Secrets of Adulthood. Recorded at the vibrant Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida, this conversation dives deep into the small but powerful lessons that can transform …

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Skateboarding Legend Tom Schaar on How to Fall 999 Times and Still Win | EP 603 54:10

1M ago54:10

54:10

In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Olympic silver medalist and skateboarding legend Tom Schaar, the first person in history to land a 1080—a mind-blowing three full spins mid-air. But Tom’s story isn’t just about defying gravity. It’s about defying doubt, embracing failure, and staying grounded while the world …

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Rosalind Chow on How Sponsors Fuel Your Career Growth | EP 602 1:00:01

1M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

What if the key to unlocking your next big career move isn’t just mentorship—but sponsorship? In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Rosalind Chow, a leading organizational behavior expert at Carnegie Mellon and author of The Doors You Can Open. Together, they unpack the transformative power of sponsorship—where pe…

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Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche on Find Your Innate Basic Goodness | EP 601 1:01:36

1M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In Episode 601 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles sits down with renowned Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, for a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. Known for his radiant smile, open heart, and profound clarity, Rinpoche shares a perspective on emotional healing and inner peace that tu…

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Why Serendipity Is the Quiet Proof That You Matter | EP 600 26:35

2M ago26:35

26:35

We tend to think of serendipity as something that just happens—a lucky break, a happy coincidence, a moment of chance. But what if it’s something deeper? In episode 600 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles explores a powerful idea: serendipity becomes mattering the moment someone feels seen without expectation. It’s not just about luck. It’s about…

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Dr. Steven Gundry on How Your Microbiome Shapes Your Identity | EP 599 1:01:00

2M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Imagine that your thoughts, cravings—even your emotions—aren’t entirely your own. That they’re being driven by trillions of microscopic organisms living inside you. It sounds like science fiction, but in Episode 599 of Passion Struck, Dr. Steven Gundry explains why this is scientific fact. Dr. Gundry, a former cardiothoracic surgeon turned gut heal…

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Isabelle Hof and Laura Hof on the Secrets of the Icewomen | EP 598 1:21:45

2M ago1:21:45

1:21:45

In this deeply moving and empowering episode, John R. Miles sits down with Isabelle and Laura Hof—daughters of the legendary Wim Hof and trailblazers in their own right. They’ve taken the powerful techniques behind the Wim Hof Method and tailored them specifically for women through their new book Secrets of the Icewomen. This conversation explores …

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Dr. Gordon Flett on the Urgent Need to Know You Matter | EP 597 1:17:56

2M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

In Episode 597 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Gordon Flett, a pioneering psychologist whose decades of research have shaped our understanding of mattering—the feeling of being seen, valued, and significant. Dr. Flett, author of The Psychology of Mattering and Mattering as a Core Need in Children and Adolescents, explains h…

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Dr. Emily Falk on How to Rewire Your Brain for Better Choices | EP 596 1:04:07

2M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

In Episode 596 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Emily Falk, a leading neuroscientist and expert in the science of behavior change. Falk is the Vice Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of the Next Big Idea Club Must-Read book What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choic…

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Humble the Poet on How to Stop Anxiety and Find Inner Peace | EP 595 1:09:03

2M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

In Episode 595 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author and spoken-word artist Humble the Poet to explore the emotional terrain of anxiety, self-worth, and resilience in a world that never slows down. They discuss themes from Humble’s new book Unanxious: 50 Simple Truths to Help Overthinkers Feel Less Stre…

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Christie Smith on How to Embrace Human-Powered Leadership | EP 594 58:06

2M ago58:06

58:06

What if the greatest disruption in business isn’t AI—it's a crisis of human connection? What if the leadership skills we once dismissed as “soft” are now the most essential powers for thriving in a fractured, fast-changing world? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Christie Smith, unpacks in her groundbreaking new book Essential: How Distributed…

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Gregory Walton on Why Big Changes Start With Small Acts | EP 593 1:03:36

2M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

What if the secret to lasting transformation isn’t bold, sweeping moves—but quiet, intentional actions? In this thought-provoking episode, John R. Miles interviews Stanford University psychologist Dr. Gregory Walton, whose groundbreaking research has reshaped how we understand belonging, mindset, and behavior change. Walton’s new book, Ordinary Mag…

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Tasha Eurich on How to Create a Shatterproof Life | 592 49:50

2M ago49:50

49:50

In Episode 592 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Tasha Eurich to discuss her powerful new book, Shatterproof: How to Overcome Adversity with Strength and Resilience, which debuts today. Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/tasha-eurich-how-to-create-a-shatterproo…

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Kurt Gray on How to Bridge Moral Divides and Rebuild Trust | EP 591 54:39

2M ago54:39

54:39

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Kurt Gray, professor of psychology and author of the new book Outraged, joins John R. Miles to explore why we live in such a morally charged world—and what we can do to repair it. Together, they unpack the psychology behind outrage, the evolutionary roots of our moral minds, and why our perceptions of harm ofte…

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Donald Miller on the Secret to Making People Care About You 55:51

2M ago55:51

55:51

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Donald Miller, bestselling author and founder of StoryBrand, to explore the transformational power of storytelling. They discuss the release of Building a StoryBrand 2.0 and how leaders can use narrative frameworks to connect, inspire, and drive action. Donald reveals how storytel…

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Wes Adams and Tamara Myles on How to Create Meaningful Work | EP 589 1:01:14

2M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

What if the secret to career fulfillment isn’t a promotion, a new title, or more success — but something much deeper? In this powerful episode, John R. Miles is joined by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of Meaningful Work, to explore the essential ingredients behind truly engaging and fulfilling work. Drawing from years of research and leade…

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Vincent Zhou on How to Make Your Gold Medal Dreams a Reality | 588 1:21:20

2M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Passion Struck, Olympic figure skater and gold medalist Vincent Zhou joins John R. Miles to reveal what it truly takes to make your gold medal dreams a reality. From his early days as a fiercely competitive child to landing the first-ever quad Lutz in Olympic history, Vincent shares the grit, sacrifice, and…

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Anne Marie Anderson on How to Build Your Front Row | EP 587 53:28

3M ago53:28

53:28

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Anne-Marie Anderson, an accomplished broadcaster and author of "Cultivating Audacity." They discuss the importance of audacity in personal and professional growth, the role of preparation, and how to build a supportive "front row" of trusted individuals in your life. Anne-Marie shares h…

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Nir Eyal on How to Win Back Your Time and Attention | EP 586 1:05:06

3M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

In this episode of Passion Struck, John welcomes Nir Eyal, a behavioral designer and author known for his insights into human behavior and technology's impact on our lives. Eyal shares his journey into understanding distraction, rooted in his childhood experiences with obesity and emotional eating. He emphasizes that the real challenge today is not…

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Carrie Joy Grimes on How to Break Free from Financial Insecurity | EP 585 33:48

3M ago33:48

33:48

Financial security isn't just about numbers—it’s about emotions, security, and having control over your future. In this episode of Passion Struck, I bring you an insightful conversation from the Systems Catalyst podcast, featuring Carrie Joy Grimes (CJ), the founder of WorkMoney, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Americans save money, increase their…

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Bryant Wood on How to Unlock Healing with Spiritual Biohacking | EP 584 1:06:35

3M ago1:06:35

1:06:35

In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Bryant Wood, a renowned breathwork coach, healer, and expert in spiritual biohacking, to explore the profound intersection of mind, body, and spirit in personal transformation. Bryant shares his deeply personal journey—from a childhood rooted in faith to losing his sp…

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Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World | EP 583 55:45

3M ago55:45

55:45

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Dr. Laurie Santos, a renowned psychologist and professor at Yale University, to discuss the importance of mattering in our increasingly busy and disconnected world. Dr. Santos shares insights from her popular Yale course, "Psychology and the Good Life," and her podcast, "The Happiness L…

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The Hidden Crisis of Family Mattering—And How to Fix It | EP 582 30:33

3M ago30:33

30:33

In episode 582 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles explores the often overlooked yet crucial role that small, intentional actions and moments of presence play in maintaining strong family connections. These seemingly insignificant moments are the glue that holds families together, ensuring that each member feels seen, heard, and value…

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Dr. Samuel Wilkinson on Why Life Is a Test of Good and Evil | EP 581 58:03

3M ago58:03

58:03

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Sam Wilkinson to explore the profound impact of human connection on our sense of meaning and purpose. Dr. Wilkinson discusses the detrimental effects of our society's increasing disconnection from real human interaction and the overemphasis on individualism that has paradoxica…

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Natalie Namaste on How to Tap Into Your Solar Plexus Power | EP 580 1:08:24

3M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

In this enlightening episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Natalie Namaste, a holistic healer and energy channeler, to explore the solar plexus chakra—the energy center responsible for personal power, confidence, and self-worth. Natalie shares how this chakra influences our emotions, decision-making, and even physical health,…

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The Mattering Mindset in Love: How to Choose the Love You Deserve (Part 2) | EP 579 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

What if love doesn’t feel uncertain because of the person you’re with—but because you haven’t fully chosen yourself? Many people settle for relationships that leave them questioning their worth. This episode explores The Mattering Mindset in Love—the difference between being chosen out of love versus convenience, why self-worth determines the love …

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Dr. Sandra Matz on The Silent War Hijacking Your Free Will | EP 578 58:52

3M ago58:52

58:52

In this eye-opening episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Sandra Matz, a psychologist and data scientist, to reveal the invisible forces shaping your thoughts, decisions, and behaviors. From social media algorithms to targeted advertising, we explore how data-driven systems are quietly hacking your free will—often without…

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Edward Fishman on Economic Warfare: The New Age of Power Dynamics | EP 577 1:07:55

3M ago1:07:55

1:07:55

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes Edward Fishman, a former top State Department sanctions official and author of the groundbreaking book Choke Points: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of global power dynamics, where economic tools such as sanctions, expor…

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Mattering in Love: Stop Settling—Choose Love That Sees You (Part 1) EP 576 30:06

3M ago30:06

30:06

What if the missing piece in your love life isn’t about finding the right person—but about how you see yourself? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores the concept of mattering in love—why the way you perceive your own worth directly impacts the relationships you attract and accept. Too many people stay in relationships that leav…

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Dr. Scott Sherr on GABA: The Unsung Hero of Brain Health and Stress Resilience | EP 575 1:09:29

3M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

What if the key to unlocking peak performance and long-term well-being isn’t just about diet and exercise, but also about harnessing the power of oxygen, neurotransmitters, and cutting-edge health optimization tools? In this episode of Passion Struck, I welcome back Dr. Scott Sherr, a leading voice in hyperbaric medicine and health optimization. We…

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Randy Blythe on How to Make Peace With the Wars Inside Your Head | 574 1:25:58

4M ago1:25:58

1:25:58

What if your deepest struggles could become the fuel for your greatest transformation? In this compelling conversation, Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe shares his raw and personal journey of confronting addiction, navigating self-doubt, and ultimately finding peace within his inner battles. Randy opens up about how alcohol nearly consumed his lif…

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Why Mattering at Work Is the New Metric Leaders Must Track | EP 573 33:01

4M ago33:01

33:01

Welcome back to Passion Struck! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the leadership metric that changes everything—mattering. Have you ever put everything into your work only to feel invisible? Like your contributions didn’t land, your ideas weren’t valued, and your presence didn’t really make a difference? That feeling—more than pay, promotions, …

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Katherine Morgan Schafler on Control, Perfectionism, and Letting Go | EP 572 1:02:13

4M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Have you ever felt that your pursuit of excellence leaves you more stressed than satisfied? What if perfectionism isn’t a flaw to be fixed but a strength to be harnessed? In episode 572, John sits down with Katherine Morgan Schafler, psychotherapist, speaker, and author of The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power. Kath…

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Shige Oishi on How to Live a Psychologically Rich Life | EP 571 1:01:27

4M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes one of the world’s leading psychologists, Dr. Shige Oishi, to discuss his latest book, Life in Three Dimensions: How Curiosity, Exploration, and Experience Make a Fuller, Better Life. Dr. Oishi introduces the concept of psychological richness, a third dimension of well-being that goes b…

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The Mirage of Success: Why More Is Never Enough | EP 570 27:37

4M ago27:37

27:37

We’ve all been there—pushing, striving, chasing what we think will bring happiness. A bigger salary. A better title. More recognition. But what if the very thing you’re running toward is an illusion? In today’s episode, we’re breaking down the Mirage of More—the false promise that external success leads to internal fulfillment. We’ll explore why we…