<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>