<p>What if happiness isn’t something you chase—but something you <em>build</em> through resilience, purpose, and self-compassion?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Passion Struck</em>, host <strong>John R. Miles</strong> sits down with <strong>Dr. Zelana Montminy</strong>, a behavioral scientist, positive psychologist, and author of <em>Finding Focus: Own Your Attention in an Age of Distraction</em> to unpack the deeper science of happiness—and why our culture has misunderstood it for so long.</p><p>Dr. Montminy, one of the foremost voices in positive psychology, reveals that true well-being doesn’t come from constant positivity, but from learning how to transform discomfort into growth. Her evidence-based approach draws on neuroscience, behavioral research, and decades of clinical work to help people cultivate <em>resilient joy</em>—the kind that endures even through pain, loss, and uncertainty.</p><p>Together, John and Dr. Montminy explore the difference between “feeling good” and “doing well,” the myth of toxic positivity, and the powerful connection between meaning, mattering, and mental health.</p><p>This episode continues our new series, <strong>“The Irreplaceables”</strong>—a deep look at the people, mindsets, and moments that make life meaningful, and why what matters most can never be replicated.</p><p>👉 <strong>Read the full show notes:</strong></p><p><strong>Listen + Watch + Go Deeper</strong></p><p>All episode resources—including guest links, <em>Passion Struck</em> books, <em>The Ignited Life</em> Substack, and the <em>Start Mattering</em> store—are gathered here:</p><p>👉 <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></p><p>To learn more about Dr. Zelana Montminy, visit <a href="https://drzelana.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">zelanamontminy.com</a>.</p><p>💡 <strong>About the Episode</strong></p><ul><li>Discover why <em>chasing happiness</em> keeps us stuck—and how to cultivate <em>resilient joy</em> instead.</li><li>Learn the four pillars of emotional fitness that anchor Dr. Montminy’s research: perspective, purpose, connection, and self-awareness.</li><li>Understand how discomfort and emotional friction can serve as catalysts for growth.</li><li>Explore the neuroscience of resilience and why our brains are wired more for survival than satisfaction.</li><li>Hear Dr. Montminy’s personal story of loss and reinvention—and how it reshaped her understanding of well-being.</li><li>Gain practical tools to strengthen your psychological flexibility and reconnect with what truly matters.</li></ul><p>🌿 <strong>Fuel Your Body, Fuel Your Purpose</strong></p><p><strong>Get 20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen</strong> — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded.</p><p>Use code <strong>PASSIONSTRUCK</strong> at <a href="https://bubsnaturals.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bubsnaturals.com</a></p><p><strong>Reclaim your energy from the inside out.</strong></p><p><strong>Get 20% OFF Mitopure Gummies</strong> from Timeline, powered by clinically proven Urolithin A.</p><p>Head to <a href="https://timeline.com/passionstruck" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">timeline.com/passionstruck</a>.</p><p><strong>Join The Ignited Life Community</strong></p><p>If this episode sparked reflection, <em>The Ignited Life</em> is where transformation continues.</p><p>Each week, John shares behind-the-scenes insights, neuroscience-backed tools, and practical reflections to help you live more intentionally.</p><p>🔗 Subscribe free at <a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheIgnitedLife.net</a></p><p>❤️ <strong>Support the Mattering Movement</strong></p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.</p><p>Visit <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">StartMattering.com</a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>In this raw and timely conversation, John R. Miles sits down with <strong>Dr. Zac Seidler</strong>, global director of men’s health research at <strong>Movember</strong> and one of the world’s leading voices redefining masculinity. Together, they explore how modern men are facing a silent crisis—one rooted not in strength or stoicism, but in <em>disconnection, loneliness,</em> and <em>loss of mattering</em>.</p><p>From the heartbreaking story of losing his father to suicide to leading Movember’s groundbreaking new report <em>The Real Face of Men’s Health</em>, Zac shares what he’s learned about the “friendship recession,” why so many men struggle to ask for help, and how culture, compassion, and community can save lives.</p><p>This episode is both a mirror and a call to action: a reminder that helping men heal isn’t just a men’s issue—it’s a human one.</p><p>Read the full show notes: <a href="https://passionstruck.com/mens-mental-health-hidden-crisis-dr-zac-seidler/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://passionstruck.com/mens-mental-health-hidden-crisis-dr-zac-seidler/</strong></a></p><p><strong>Listen + Watch + Go Deeper</strong></p><p>All episode resources—including guest links, my books <em>You Matter, Luma,</em> and <em>Passion Struck</em>, <em>The Ignited Life</em> Substack, and the Start Mattering store—are gathered here:</p><p>👉 <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></p><p>To learn more about Dr. Zac Seidler and Movember, visit <a href="https://us.movember.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Movember.com</a>.</p><p>🧠 <strong>About the Episode</strong></p><ul><li><strong>The Friendship Recession: </strong>Why one in seven men report having no close friends and what it’s doing to our collective well-being.</li><li><strong>Healthy Masculinity Reimagined: </strong>The difference between <em>masculinity</em> and <em>manhood </em>and why flexibility is the new strength.</li><li><strong>Belonging Over Biohacking: </strong>Why connection matters more than cold plunges, and how authentic friendship can be life-saving.</li><li><strong>Grassroots Healing: </strong>How barbershops, basketball courts, and bike shops are becoming hubs of hope through Movember’s <em>Making Connections</em> program.</li><li><strong>The Real Face of Men’s Health: </strong>A landmark new report revealing the data, disparities, and the urgent call for cultural renewal.</li></ul><p>🌍 <strong>Join The Ignited Life Community</strong></p><p>If this episode stirred something in you, <strong>The Ignited Life</strong> is where the transformation continues.</p><p>Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.</p><p>🔗 Subscribe free at <a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheIgnitedLife.net</a></p><p>💪 <strong>Support the Movement</strong></p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important.</p><p>Show it. Wear it. Live it.</p><p>🛍️ Visit <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">StartMattering.com</a></p><p><br></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>What if the story you’re living… isn’t yours?</p><p>In this powerful solo episode of <em>Passion Struck</em>, host <strong>John R. Miles</strong> explores how culture, work, and media quietly script our lives — shaping what we value, chase, and believe we deserve — often without us realizing it.</p><p>Drawing on insights from <strong>Claude Silver (VaynerX Chief Heart Officer)</strong> and <strong>Nick Thompson (CEO of The Atlantic)</strong>, John unpacks how the stories we <em>inherit</em>, <em>absorb</em>, and <em>create</em> define who we become — and how to reclaim authorship in a world that profits from your distraction.</p><p>You’ll learn why belonging isn’t the same as becoming, how the algorithms that shape your feed also shape your identity, and why the courage to rewrite your story might just be the most important act of your life.</p><p>This episode closes out our acclaimed series, <em>The Forces That Pull Us</em> — a month-long journey through the invisible forces that guide how we think, lead, and live.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt like you’re performing a role that no longer fits, this episode is your call to <em>take back the pen.</em></p><p><a href="https://passionstruck.com/the-power-of-language-in-leadership/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Read the full shownotes here!</strong></a></p><p>🎧 <strong>Listen + Watch + Go Deeper</strong></p><p>All episode resources—including my books <em>You Matter, Luma,</em> and <em>Passion Struck</em>, <em>The Ignited Life</em> Substack, and <em>Start Mattering</em> store—are gathered here:</p><p>👉 <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></p><p>To go deeper, download the free companion workbook:</p><p><strong>The Stories That Shape Us Toolkit</strong> — available now at <a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheIgnitedLife.net</a>.</p><p>Inside, you’ll find reflections and prompts to help you uncover the cultural, professional, and personal stories that have shaped your identity — and begin rewriting them with intention.</p><p>🧠 <strong>About the Episode</strong></p><ul><li>Discover how culture, work, and media quietly script your life — and how to reclaim authorship.</li><li>Learn why belonging isn’t the same as becoming — and how to rewrite the stories that hold you back.</li><li>Explore how algorithms shape what we see and believe, and how intentional awareness changes everything.</li><li>Understand why authenticity isn’t rebellion — it’s reclamation.</li><li>Gain practical steps to audit your inherited stories and realign them with your chosen values.</li></ul><p><strong>Let’s Continue the Conversation</strong></p><p>What story are you living right now — and who’s holding the pen?</p><p>Share your reflection on <a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Ignited Life</a>, or post it on social using <strong>#TheStoriesThatShapeUs</strong>.</p><p>John will feature select responses in next week’s newsletter.</p><p><strong>Support the Movement</strong></p><p>Everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter.</p><p>Show it. Wear it. Live it.</p><p>👉 <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">StartMattering.com</a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>In this powerful conversation, <strong>John R. Miles</strong> sits down with <strong>Nick Thompson</strong>, CEO of <em>The Atlantic</em> and author of <em>The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest Sport</em>. Together, they explore how running became a thread through Nick’s life—a tool for resilience, self-discipline, and understanding his father’s complex legacy.</p><p>From the early memories of running beside his dad during the American running boom to surviving thyroid cancer and breaking the three-hour marathon barrier, Nick shares how the sport has shaped his mind as much as his body. The discussion expands far beyond the track—touching on fatherhood, AI and authenticity, the psychology of limits, and how pain can be both teacher and truth-teller.</p><p>This episode is a reminder that sometimes the hardest miles—whether in life or on the road—are the ones that teach us who we really are.</p><p>👉 <strong>Read the full show notes:</strong></p><p>🎧 <strong>Listen + Watch + Go Deeper</strong></p><p>All episode resources—including guest links, my books <em>You Matter, Luma,</em> and <em>Passion Struck,</em> <em>The Ignited Life</em> Substack, and the <em>Start Mattering</em> store—are gathered here:</p><p>👉 <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></p><p>To learn more about Nick Thompson, visit <a href="https://www.nickthompson.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">nickthompson.com</a></p><p><strong>Fuel your body with purpose</strong></p><p>Get <strong>20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen</strong> — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded.</p><p>Use code <strong>PASSIONSTRUCK</strong> at <a href="https://bubsnaturals.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bubsnaturals.com</a></p><p>After checkout, tell them our show sent you!</p><p><strong>Feel younger, sharper, and stronger — from the inside out</strong></p><p>Get <strong>20% OFF Mitopure Gummies</strong> from Timeline, powered by clinically proven Urolithin A.</p><p>Head to <a href="https://timeline.com/passionstruck" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">timeline.com/passionstruck</a></p><p>Your cells will thank you.</p><p>🧠 <strong>About the Episode</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Running as Identity:</strong> How movement connects memory, focus, and meaning.</li><li><strong>Breaking Mental Ceilings:</strong> The invisible limits that look like data but are really belief.</li><li><strong>Discipline and Flow:</strong> What marathons teach us about self-trust and persistence.</li><li><strong>Fatherhood and Legacy:</strong> How Nick’s turbulent relationship with his father shaped his resilience.</li><li><strong>Authenticity in the Age of AI:</strong> Why real voices matter in writing and leadership.</li><li><strong>Pain as Information:</strong> Learning to differentiate discomfort from danger.</li></ul><p><strong>Join The Ignited Life Community</strong></p><p>If this episode stirred something in you, <em>The Ignited Life</em> is where the transformation continues.</p><p>Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.</p><p>🔗 <strong>Subscribe free at </strong><a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>TheIgnitedLife.net</strong></a></p><p><strong>Support the Movement</strong></p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.</p><p>Visit <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>StartMattering.com</strong></a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>What if the greatest transformation in your career doesn’t come from working harder—but from leading with more heart?</p><p>In this week’s episode of <em>Passion Struck,</em> host <strong>John R. Miles</strong> sits down with <strong>Claude Silver</strong>, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia, to explore what it really means to <em>be yourself at work</em>—and why authenticity, empathy, and belonging are the most underrated forces in leadership today.</p><p>Claude has spent the past decade alongside Gary Vaynerchuk, pioneering a new model of leadership grounded not in authority, but in humanity. Her philosophy is simple yet radical: when people feel seen, valued, and safe to be themselves, everything changes—trust deepens, innovation flourishes, and culture transforms from the inside out.</p><p>Together, we unpack the neuroscience of belonging, the silent tax of conformity, and why the future of leadership belongs to those brave enough to lead with love.</p><p>This conversation continues our series <em>The Forces That Shape Us</em>—following episodes on gravity, doubt, luck, defiance, and communication—by uncovering one of the most powerful invisible forces of all: <strong>the human heart.</strong></p><p>👉 <strong>Read the full show notes here!</strong></p><p>🎧 <strong>Listen + Watch + Go Deeper</strong></p><p>All episode resources—including guest links, my books <em>You Matter, Luma</em> and <em>Passion Struck,</em> <em>The Ignited Life</em> Substack, and the <em>Start Mattering</em> store—are gathered here:</p><p> 👉 <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></p><p>To learn more about Claude Silver, visit <a href="https://www.claudesilver.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">claudesilver.com</a></p><p><strong>Fuel your body with purpose</strong></p><p>Get <strong>20% OFF BUBS Naturals Collagen</strong> — clean, NSF Certified, and veteran-founded.</p><p> Use code <strong>PASSIONSTRUCK</strong> at <a href="https://bubsnaturals.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bubsnaturals.com</a></p><p> After checkout, tell them our show sent you!</p><p><strong>Feel younger, sharper, and stronger — from the inside out</strong></p><p>Get <strong>20% OFF Mitopure Gummies</strong> from Timeline, powered by clinically proven Urolithin A.</p><p> Head to <a href="https://timeline.com/passionstruck" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">timeline.com/passionstruck</a></p><p> Your cells will thank you.</p><p>🧠 <strong>About the Episode</strong></p><ul><li>Discover how Claude Silver is redefining leadership as an act of emotional bravery.</li><li>Learn why “checking your humanity at the door” is the biggest barrier to performance.</li><li>Understand the neuroscience of belonging and how psychological safety drives innovation.</li><li>Explore Claude’s <em>Three Habits of Heart-Led Leadership</em>—emotional bravery, emotional optimism, and emotional efficiency.</li><li>Hear how to bring authenticity back to work and create cultures where people feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference.</li></ul><p><strong>Join The Ignited Life Community</strong></p><p>If this episode stirred something in you, <em>The Ignited Life</em> is where the transformation continues.</p><p> Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.</p><p>🔗 <strong>Subscribe free at </strong><a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>TheIgnitedLife.net</strong></a></p><p><strong>Support the Movement</strong></p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.</p><p> Visit <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>StartMattering.com</strong></a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>What if the words you speak don’t just describe the world—but design it?</p><p>In this week’s episode of <em>Passion Struck</em>, host <strong>John R. Miles</strong> explores <em>The Words That Lead Us</em>: how language quietly builds the architecture of leadership—creating trust, guiding ethics, and shaping identity.</p><p>Drawing on insights from <strong>Dr. Sunita Sah</strong>, <strong>Charles Duhigg</strong>, and Dr. <strong>Alex Imas</strong>, John reveals how the words we choose influence every decision we make—whether we lead a team, raise a family, or simply try to understand ourselves.</p><p>This solo episode continues our series <em>The Forces That Shape Us</em>—following episodes on gravity, doubt, luck, and defiance—by uncovering the invisible force that defines how we lead, connect, and belong: language.</p><p>Read the full shownotes here!</p><p>🎧 <strong>Listen + Watch + Go Deeper</strong></p><p>All episode resources—including my books <em>You Matter, Luma,</em> and <em>Passion Struck</em>, <em>The Ignited Life</em> Substack, and <em>Start Mattering</em> store—are gathered here:</p><p> 👉 <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</a></p><p>To go deeper, download the free workbook <strong>The Leadership Language Toolkit</strong> at <a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheIgnitedLife.net</a>.</p><p>🧠 <strong>About the Episode</strong></p><ul><li>Discover how <em>the power of language in leadership</em> shapes trust, identity, and ethical decision-making.</li><li>Learn the science behind how framing, phrasing, and curiosity drive better conversations and cultures.</li><li>Explore why great communicators don’t talk to impress—they talk to understand.</li><li>Gain practical tools to apply linguistic awareness in your daily leadership and relationships.</li><li>Understand how reframing “I have to” into “I choose to” rewires agency and motivation.</li></ul><p>💬 <strong>Let’s Continue the Conversation</strong></p><p>What’s one sentence someone once said to you that changed the way you see yourself?</p><p>Share it on <a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Ignited Life</a>, in your social posts using <strong>#TheWordsThatLeadUs</strong>, or in the episode comments—I’ll feature select responses in next week’s newsletter.</p><p>🌍 <strong>Support the Movement</strong></p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.</p><p> Visit <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">StartMattering.com</a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>What if the distance between you and the people who matter most isn’t measured in miles—but in missed conversations?</p><p>In this week’s episode of <em>Passion Struck</em>, host John R. Miles sits down with Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg to explore how extraordinary conversations rebuild connection and trust.</p><p>Duhigg’s book, <a href="https://amzn.to/4o0ssk1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection</em></a>, decodes why some discussions deepen relationships while others quietly drive people apart. Together, we explore the neuroscience of belonging, how to reconnect when you’ve drifted apart, and why the key to stronger relationships starts with listening differently.</p><p>This conversation marks the fourth installment in our series <em>The Forces That Shape Us</em>—following episodes on gravity, doubt, luck, and defiance—by uncovering the invisible force that binds us together: communication.</p><p><strong>🎧 Listen + Watch + Go Deeper</strong></p><p>All episode resources—including guest links, my books <em>You Matter, Luma</em> and <em>Passion Struck</em>, <em>The Ignited Life</em> Substack, and <em>Start Mattering</em> store—are gathered here: 👉 <a href="https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>linktr.ee/John_R_Miles</strong></a></p><p>To learn more about Charles Duhigg, visit <a href="https://charlesduhigg.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>charlesduhigg.com</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>🧠 About the Episode</strong></p><ul><li>Discover <em>The Secret Language of Connection</em>—and why some conversations transform relationships while others divide them.</li><li>Learn practical tools to rebuild trust when communication has broken down.</li><li>Explore <em>The Matching Principle</em>—the art of speaking the same emotional language as others.</li><li>Understand how to reconnect when you’ve drifted apart and create psychological safety through presence and empathy.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>✨ Join The Ignited Life Community</strong></p><p>If this episode stirred something in you, <em>The Ignited Life</em> is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and reflections to help you turn intention into action.</p><p>🔗 Subscribe free at <a href="https://theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>TheIgnitedLife.net</strong></a></p><p><strong>💡 Support the Movement</strong></p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it. Wear it. Live it.</p><p>Visit <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>StartMattering.com</strong></a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>In this episode of <em>Passion Struck</em>, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah—physician, behavioral scientist, and author of <a href="https://amzn.to/471Yqqf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes</em></a>—to explore one of the most overlooked yet essential human forces: defiance.</p><p>Part of our ongoing series <em>The Forces That Shape Us</em>, this conversation dives into why we struggle to say no, even when our inner voice knows we should. Dr. Sah reveals how subtle social pressures—from authority, hierarchy, and culture—can override our values and decisions without us realizing it. She explains the neuroscience behind compliance, why defying those pressures feels so uncomfortable, and how to develop the moral courage to stand firm when it matters most.</p><p>Catch more of Dr. Sunita Sah: <a href="https://www.sunitasah.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sunitasah.com/</a></p><p><strong>Click here for the full shownotes!</strong></p><p>Preorder John's new Children's Book, <strong><em>You Matter, Luma</em></strong><em>: </em><a href="https://youmatterluma.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youmatterluma.com/</a></p><p><strong>Go Deeper: The Ignited Life Substack</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe</a>🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.</p><p>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.</p><p>Get the full companion workbook at <a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheIgnitedLife.net</a></p><p>Full episode on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMiles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMiles</a></p><p>Listen on Apple Podcasts, <a href="https://spotify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts</p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://startmattering.com/</a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>What if luck isn’t a matter of chance—but a hidden design you can learn to navigate?</p><p>In this episode of <em>Passion Struck</em>, John R. Miles explores how some people seem to “always be in the right place at the right time” — not because they’re blessed by fate, but because they’ve learned to read the invisible rulebook of luck.</p><p>Drawing on the groundbreaking work of bestselling author Amy Leigh Mercree and economist Judd Kessler, co-author of <em>Lucky by Design</em>, John unpacks how hidden systems, intuitive sensing, and strategic choices shape opportunities long before they appear.</p><p>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li>How “luck” hides in <strong>invisible structures</strong>—and how to map them</li><li>Why <strong>intuition</strong> is less woo-woo and more Wi-Fi, helping you detect signals others miss</li><li>The power of <strong>“settling for silver”</strong> as a strategic advantage, not a compromise</li><li>Practical tools to design your own luck through intentional moves</li></ul><p>Along the way, John shares a personal story of overcoming early adversity that shaped his ability to sense and design opportunities differently. Whether you’re navigating your career, relationships, or life’s next chapter, this episode will give you a new lens for understanding how luck works—and how to work with it.</p><p><strong>Check out the Full show notes</strong></p><p>Preorder John's new Children's Book, <strong><em>You Matter, Luma</em></strong><em>: </em><a href="https://youmatterluma.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://youmatterluma.com/</a></p><p><strong>Go Deeper: The Ignited Life Substack</strong></p><p>If this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, John shares behind-the-scenes insights, deeper dives into the episodes, workbooks, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.</p><p>Get the<strong> full companion workbook</strong> at <a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheIgnitedLife.net</a></p><p>Full episode on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMiles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMiles</a></p><p>Listen on Apple Podcasts, <a href="https://spotify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts</p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://startmattering.com/</a></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>

<p>John brings on Wharton economist Judd B. Kessler to unpack why outcomes that look like luck are usually the product of hidden market designs. Kessler explains the three E’s—equity, efficiency, and ease—and why designers must make those tradeoffs explicit. He shows how to win in choose-me markets (jobs, dating, college admissions) by signaling clearly and sometimes prioritizing early commitment (e.g., early decision). In high-scarcity races (restaurant reservations, tickets), he argues for “settling for silver”—acting on a strong second choice first—to beat the crowd.</p><p>The conversation gets tactical: how to stand out when AI drafts cover letters, why human connection cuts through noise, how public-school lotteries and clearinghouses really work, and how to make household labor fair using envy-freeness and full-stack task ownership (Conception-Planning-Execution). Listeners leave with a repeatable loop: see the market, learn the rules, choose the strategy—and start designing luck on purpose. </p><p>Catch more of Judd Kessler: <a href="https://bepp.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/juddk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bepp.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/juddk/</a></p><p><strong>Click here for the full shownotes!</strong></p><p><strong>Go Deeper: The Ignited Life Substack</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe</a>🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.</p><p>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.</p><p>Get the full companion workbook at <a href="https://www.theignitedlife.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TheIgnitedLife.net</a></p><p>Full episode on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMiles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMiles</a></p><p>Listen on Apple Podcasts, <a href="https://spotify.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>, or wherever you get your podcasts</p><p>Everyone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: <a href="https://startmattering.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://startmattering.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p>See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.</p>