<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>