<p>In Episode 596 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with <strong>Dr. Emily Falk</strong>, 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 <a href="https://amzn.to/4lorq0h" target="_blank"><i>What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choice and Change</i></a>.</p><p>This powerful conversation explores how our brains weigh choices, how our values shape behavior—often unconsciously—and what it takes to truly live in alignment with who we want to become. From decoding the “value calculator” in our brain to understanding how identity, connection, and purpose influence decision-making, Falk offers deeply practical insights on how to shift your behavior and build a better life.</p><p>Full Shownotes here:  <a href="https://passionstruck.com/emily-falk-rewire-your-brain-for-better-choices/" target="_blank">https://passionstruck.com/emily-falk-rewire-your-brain-for-better-choices/</a></p><p>What You’ll Learn in This Episode:</p><ul><li>How your brain calculates value—and why that system often favors short-term rewards</li><li>Why your <strong>future self</strong> can feel like a stranger, and how to build empathy toward them</li><li>How self-transcendent values like compassion and purpose reshape behavior</li><li>What brain synchrony is and how we build it in conversation, relationships, and society</li><li>The psychological toll of “not mattering”—and how to fix it</li><li>Tools to overcome defensiveness and embrace growth, including <strong>values affirmation</strong></li><li>How seemingly small changes—like biking to visit a loved one—can reshape identity</li><li>Why connection, not control, is the key to lasting behavior change</li></ul><p>Connect with Dr. Emily Falk: <a href="https://www.asc.upenn.edu/research/centers/communication-neuroscience-lab" target="_blank">https://www.asc.upenn.edu/research/centers/communication-neuroscience-lab</a></p><p><strong>Sponsors:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Factor Meals:</strong> <a href="http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off">http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off</a> and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”</li><li><strong>Rosetta Stone:</strong> Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”</li><li><strong>Prolon:</strong> Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”</li><li><strong>Mint Mobile:</strong> Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”</li><li><strong>Hims:</strong> Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.</li><li><strong>Quince:</strong> Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION</li></ul><p><strong>Next on </strong><i><strong>Passion Struck</strong></i><strong>:</strong><br>In the next episode of <i>Passion Struck</i>, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.</p><p>For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit <strong>Passion Struck Deals</strong>.</p><p><strong>Join the Passion Struck Community!</strong><br>Sign up for the <i>Live Intentionally</i> newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up <strong>here</strong>.</p><p><strong>Speaking Engagements & Workshops</strong><br>Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at <a href="https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/"><strong>johnrmiles.com/speaking</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Episode Starter Packs</strong><br>With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated <strong>Episode Starter Packs</strong> based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at <a href="https://passionstruck.com/starterpacks/"><strong>passionstruck.com/starterpacks</strong></a>.</p><p><strong>Catch More of </strong><i><strong>Passion Struck</strong></i><strong>:</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://passi