Is Your Wellness Routine Backfiring? Meet the Absorption Gap w/ John R. Miles | EP 468

Most people think of flow the way psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi described it — being “in the zone” during peak performance. But in this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles redefines flow as something much deeper: the coherence of living one life instead of many fractured selves.Drawing on conversations with Dr. Jodi Blinco and Jay Vidyarthi, John explores the Fragmentation Gap — the hidden divide between the roles we perform (at work, at home, online, and in private) and the integrated life we long to live. Jodi reveals what it feels like to appear whole on the outside while unraveling on the inside, and Jay shows how our digital world slices our attention into pieces, leaving us scattered and spiritually depleted.Through powerful stories and a four-step framework — Notice, Name, Nurture, Navigate — this episode explores how to close the Fragmentation Gap, reclaim your attention, and integrate your values, roles, and identity into a cohesive, authentic whole.Because the opposite of fragmentation isn’t productivity.The opposite of fragmentation is wholeness.And that’s the flow that truly sustains us.Visit the Link for the Full Show Notes.Drawing on personal stories, expert interviews, and real-world insights, John explores the science behind why work is quietly making us sick—and invites listeners to realign with what their body and mind truly need.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, deeper dives into the episodes, workbooks, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In today’s hyperconnected world, our attention has become one of the most valuable—and contested—resources. In this Passion Struck episode, John speaks with Jay Vidyarthi, author of Reclaim Your Mind, about why technology feels so addictive, how it fragments our lives, and what we can do to take back control. Jay shares practical tools for mindful tech use, explains how design can either empower or exploit us, and reveals how to realign our digital lives with our values. This conversation is a wake-up call to anyone who feels scattered, overstimulated, or trapped by the constant pull of screens—and an invitation to build a life of deeper focus, clarity, and flow.Visit this link for the full show notesGo Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Jay Vidyarthi: https://www.jayvidyarthi.com/If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Jodi Blinco—educator, entrepreneur, and author of Inner Alchemy: Transforming Everyday Bullsht Into Sunshine.* Together, they explore how resilience is built rather than inherited, why energy matters more than time management, and how feminine leadership is redefining the future of work and well-being. Dr. Blinco shares practical tools to rewrite self-defeating stories, identify emotional patterns before they become life patterns, and embrace authentic power. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing and growth aren’t about chasing perfection—they’re about reclaiming clarity, courage, and flow in everyday life.Visit this link for the full show notesGo Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Dr. Jodi Blinco: https://jodiblinco.com/If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles unpacks the Fulfillment Gap—the hidden divide between the work we do every day and the meaning we hope it will bring. Drawing on Gallup’s latest research, personal stories, and powerful interviews, John reveals how misaligned work erodes health, fuels burnout, and undermines our sense of mattering.John then introduces a practical four-step framework—Audit, Align, Adjust, Advance—to help you reclaim your work as a source of strength, resilience, and wellness. This episode is a call to stop trading health for achievement and start building a career—and a life—that sustains you from the inside out.Visit the Link for the Full Show Notes.Drawing on personal stories, expert interviews, and real-world insights, John explores the science behind why work is quietly making us sick—and invites listeners to realign with what their body and mind truly need.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Passion Struck episode, I sit down with Tien Tzuo—visionary founder and CEO of Zuora, bestselling author of Subscribed and Founders, Keepers, and one of the early architects of Salesforce—to explore how agility, transformation, and purpose can redefine not just business success but personal fulfillment. Together, we explore why the future belongs to those who prioritize relationships over products, why agility is a lifelong wellness practice, and how leaders can adopt a transformational mindset to thrive in a world of constant change.Visit this link for the full show notesGo Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Tien Tzuo: https://tientzuo.medium.com/If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In episode 652 of Passion Struck, John Miles speaks with Jennifer Tosti-Kharas and Christopher Wong Michaelson, co-authors of Is Your Work Worth It? Together, they unpack the hidden costs of chasing achievement, the myths surrounding “do what you love,” and why meaning—not just money—drives true fulfillment. Drawing from research, stories, and practical insights, they reveal how to align career, calling, and purpose, and why legacy and contribution often matter more than status or salary. This conversation is a guide for anyone seeking deeper significance in their work and life.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Jennifer Tosti-Kharas & Christopher Wong Michaelson: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/christopher-wong-michaelson/is-your-work-worth-it/9781541703407/?lens=publicaffairsIf you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this pivotal episode of the Reclaiming Wellness series, John R. Miles tackles the hidden cost of safetyism — the cultural obsession with eliminating risk — and how it’s creating what he calls the “Exposure Gap.” Drawing on insights from Dr. Wolfgang Linden’s work on exposure therapy, Jonathan Haidt’s research on safetyism, and Dr. Kevin Tracey’s groundbreaking vagus nerve science, John explains why avoiding discomfort weakens our nervous system and resilience over time. You’ll learn why controlled exposure to manageable stress is crucial for developing emotional and physical resilience. With real-world examples, a practical four-step “Bridge Crossing Plan,” and actionable strategies, this episode will show you how to unlock courage, reclaim adaptability, and close your own exposure gap.Visit the Link for the Full Show Notes.Drawing on personal stories, expert interviews, and real-world insights, John explores the science behind blocked absorption—and invites listeners to realign with what their body and mind truly need.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsEveryone deserves to feel valued and important. Show it by wearing it: https://startmattering.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Kevin Tracey, a pioneer in neuroimmunology, to explore the remarkable healing potential of the vagus nerve. Dr. Tracey explains how this hidden superhighway between the brain and body regulates inflammation and how targeted stimulation is providing life-changing results for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other autoimmune conditions. Together, they dive into the science, personal stories, and future implications of using bioelectronic medicine to treat disease without drugs — potentially rewriting the rules of modern healthcare.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Dr. Kevin Tracey: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/institutes-researchers/our-researchers/kevin-j-tracey-mdIf you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.How to Connect with John:Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMilesFollow him on Instagram at @John_R_MilesSubscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips ChannelFor more insights and resources, visit John’s websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Wolfgang Linden—renowned psychologist and relationship expert—unpacks the psychology of risk-taking in relationships, career moves, and personal change. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explains how fear, avoidance, and repeating old patterns can keep us stuck, and why calculated risks are often the catalyst for growth. Dr. Linden is the author of the new book: The Illusion of Control: A Practical Guide to Avoid Futile Struggles.We explore how to navigate anxiety and depression during major transitions, how therapy can become a safe testing ground for change, and how to build resilience when stepping into the unknown. Whether you’re facing a relationship crossroads, considering a career shift, or simply longing for more authenticity, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to move forward.Visit this link for the full show notes.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Subscribe🔗  and get the companion resources delivered straight to your inbox.Catch more of Wolfgang Linden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfgang-linden-12a68336/If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.How to Connect with John:Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMilesFollow him on Instagram at @John_R_MilesSubscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips ChannelFor more insights and resources, visit John’s websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re meditating. Biohacking. Eating clean.But still feeling… off?In this solo episode, John R. Miles explores a silent disruptor in our wellness journey: The Absorption Gap.What if your body isn’t broken—but simply unable to receive the healing you’re offering?John shares his own story of optimizing everything—yet unraveling—and breaks down the four hidden filters that block absorption:Biological (gut, hormones, circadian rhythm)Neurological (nervous system, stress cues)Cognitive (mental overload, integration)Emotional (unspoken pain, performance)You’ll walk away with practical ways to reset your system—and a single question that can change everything: “What is my system ready to receive?”Visit the Link for the Full Show Notes.Drawing on personal stories, expert interviews, and real-world insights, John explores the science behind blocked absorption—and invites listeners to realign with what their body and mind truly need.Go Deeper: The Ignited Life SubstackIf this episode stirred something in you, The Ignited Life is where the transformation continues. Each week, I share behind-the-scenes insights, science-backed tools, and personal reflections to help you turn intention into action.Get the full companion workbook at TheIgnitedLife.netFull episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnRMilesListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcastsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.