Passion Struck with John R. Miles

What if protecting your brain isn’t about fighting time, but about learning how to partner with it?

In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Dr. Majid Fotuhi, world-renowned neurologist, adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins, and author of The Invincible Brain, to explore the revolutionary science of neuroplasticity. For over three decades, Dr. Fotuhi has challenged the narrative that cognitive decline is an irreversible one-way street, proving instead that the brain is a highly adaptive muscle capable of remarkable growth at any age.

Drawing from his extensive clinical research, Dr. Fotuhi dismantles the fear surrounding diagnoses like Alzheimer’s and dementia. He explains why so much of what we perceive as "permanent" decline is actually driven by modifiable factors—and how, in as little as 12 weeks, you can physically regrow your hippocampus and sharpen your cognitive edge.

We explore the "Five Pillars of Brain Health," the critical difference between vascular issues and neurodegenerative disease, and why a strong sense of purpose is one of the most powerful biological shields against aging. Dr. Fotuhi also shares a practical blueprint for moving from a state of fear to a state of agency, showing us that the future of our minds is built through the small, intentional habits we practice today.

Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/the-invincible-brain-majid-fotuhi/

Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net

Thank You to Our Sponsors. Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.

Connect with John
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

What if beating cancer isn’t just about survival, but about transforming your life in the face of it?

In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Kathy Giusti, two-time cancer survivor, healthcare innovator, and founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, to explore what it truly means to turn crisis into calling. After being diagnosed with multiple myeloma at just 37 and given only a few years to live, Kathy did more than fight for her life. She helped transform an entire field of medicine.

Drawing from her book From Fatal to Fearless, Kathy challenges one of the most dangerous assumptions patients make: that the healthcare system will naturally work in their favor. Instead, she explains why patients must become the CEO of their own care by advocating, questioning, and acting with urgency in a system that often moves too slowly.

We explore how urgency can become both a superpower and a burden, why navigating illness requires more than medical treatment, and how adversity can clarify what truly matters. Kathy also shares hard-earned lessons on survivorship, the fear of relapse, and the often unseen cost of dedicating your life to something bigger than yourself. 

Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/beating-cancer-and-finding-purpose-kathy-giusti/

Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/become-the-ceo-of-your-cure-kathy-giusti

Thank You to Our Sponsors
Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.

Connect with John
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

What if the life you’ve spent years building is actually a masterpiece you’re just a guest in?

In the Purpose by Design series, John R. Miles explores why so many people optimize their lives for everyone else’s convenience while leaving no room for their own aliveness.  Drawing from the cinematic realization of The Truman Show and the real-world social "exile" of Truman Capote, John challenges us to stop performing and start reclaiming our authorship.

John dives into the spotlight moments," that force us to look up, the hidden 'performance contracts' we sign every day, and the three architectural shifts required to build a life of resonance rather than just utility.

Full Shownotes: https://passionstruck.com/how-to-design-a-life-you-dont-need-escape-from/

Explore the Companion Episode Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/how-to-redesign-your-life-truman-trap

Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

Connect with John
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

What if optimism isn’t about staying positive but about facing uncertainty with courage?

In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with clinical psychologist and optimism expert Deepika Chopra to explore what she calls real optimism—a science-backed approach to resilience that has far less to do with positive thinking and far more to do with how we relate to possibility. Drawing from her new book The Power of Real Optimism, Deepika challenges one of the biggest myths in modern self-help: that optimism means ignoring hardship or forcing good vibes.

We explore why positivity can sometimes undermine mental health, how the brain acts as an anticipation machine shaping what we expect from the future, and why expectations often influence outcomes more than wishful thinking.

Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

Full Show notes: https://passionstruck.com/the-power-of-real-optimism-deepika-chopra/

Get the Companion Workbook: https://www.theignitedlife.net/p/the-science-of-real-optimism-7-10-rule

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Get Huel today with 15% OFF using code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only.

Connect with John
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

What if some of the happiness, belonging, and meaning you’re looking for is hiding in conversations you never start?

In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with social psychologist Nicholas Epley to explore the surprising science of human connection and why we consistently underestimate how much a little more social interaction can improve our lives. Drawing from his new book A Little More Social: How Small Choices Create Big Happiness, Nick reveals a profound paradox: We are wired for connection, yet every day we choose to be less social than we could be. And it may be costing us far more than we realize. 

We explore why talking to strangers often makes us happier than solitude, why we misjudge how others will respond to us, and how tiny “micro choices” of connection can dramatically influence happiness, health, and belonging.

Nick shares the famous train study that launched years of research, the psychology of reciprocity, why we underestimate other people’s kindness, and how loneliness may be fueled not just by disconnection—but by mistaken assumptions about rejection.

We also dive into the hidden ways comparison, adaptation, and secrecy can quietly block gratitude and closeness, and why some of the biggest transformations in life may begin with the smallest social risks.

Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. 

Check out full show notes here:

Explore companion insights for this episode at:

Thank You to Our Sponsors
Limited Time Offer – Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code PASSION at huel.com/passion. New customers only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

Preorder Nick's Book, A Little More Social: https://sites.prh.com/a-little-more-social

Connect with John
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/
Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles
Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.