<p>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.</p><p>Dr. Gundry, a former cardiothoracic surgeon turned gut health expert, joined me to discuss his new book <a href="https://amzn.to/4ju6jYK" target="_blank"><i>The Gut-Brain Paradox</i></a> and the profound connection between your digestive system and your mental state. As he puts it, "We are passengers on a bus driven by our microbiome—and they’ve been at the wheel a lot longer than we have."</p><p>For full show notes: </p><h3>Key Takeaways:</h3><ul><li><strong>Your Gut Runs the Show</strong>: Dr. Gundry explains how trillions of bacteria in your gut send messages that shape your thoughts, cravings, and emotional states.</li><li><strong>Leaky Gut Is Everywhere</strong>: If you’re battling fatigue, autoimmune disease, or mental fog, there’s a high chance you have a leaky gut—and it's reversible.</li><li><strong>Food as Medicine</strong>: Changing what you eat, including eliminating certain lectins and processed foods, can reverse chronic conditions like Parkinson’s, anxiety, and more.</li><li><strong>Microbes vs. Free Will</strong>: The bacteria in your gut may be influencing your decisions more than your conscious mind.</li><li><strong>Beyond SSRIs</strong>: Many antidepressants work by altering the microbiome, not just serotonin levels—a strong argument for gut-first mental health care.</li></ul><p>Connect with Dr. Steven Gundry: <a href="https://drgundry.com/" target="_blank">https://drgundry.com/</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://passionstruck.com/the-mattering-mindset-in-love/" target="_blank">My solo episode on The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve</a></li><li><a href="https://passionstruck.com/jennifer-b-wallace-achievements-mattering/" target="_blank">Can't miss my episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing