“Being apathetic is a choice.”
In this episode of The SMARTA Podcast, I sit down with John R. Miles, founder of the Passion Struck podcast and a former U.S. Navy officer turned intentional living strategist, to explore how to break free from autopilot and design a life that truly matters.
John shares how to reconnect with your purpose, reclaim your identity, and challenge the habits that keep you stuck, starting with one powerful decision at a time.
🎯 In this episode, we explore:
– What it means to live with intention
– Why distraction is the greatest threat to your future
– How to build daily momentum through meaningful action
– The psychology of your “reverse bucket list”
– How to stop reacting and start designing your life
💡 What You’ll Learn:
✓ How to shift from passive to passionate living
✓ Tools to become an “action creator” instead of a bystander
✓ The power of making aligned micro-choices
✓ Why it’s never too late to start again
✓ How to stop micromanaging others and yourself
🧠 Who is John R. Miles?
John is the host of the Passion Struck Podcast (ranked Top 10 globally), a keynote speaker, veteran, and personal transformation expert. With millions of downloads and high-profile guests like Jamie Kern Lima and Gary Vee, his work empowers individuals to bridge the gap between intention and action.
📚 Explore his brand-new book Passion Struck on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Struck-Powerful-Principles-Intentional/dp/B0C8G5R5FZ
In this episode:
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to John R. Miles
02:34 – What it really means to live with intention
06:47 – Why most people live on autopilot (and how to break free)
09:55 – The role of self-awareness in designing your life
12:48 – What is a reverse bucket list — and why it matters
15:33 – How to stop micromanaging yourself and others
18:02 – Becoming an “action creator” and building momentum
22:21 – Letting go of the need to prove yourself
25:10 – Creating habits that support identity shifts
28:44 – John’s message to his younger self
31:10 – Final challenge: Start living like you matter
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🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.
🗓️ New episodes every Monday at 11 AM EST
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: @soniamartaauthor
🌍 Connect with Sonia: www.soniamarta.com
📲 Follow Sonia’s journey: linktr.ee/soniamartauthor
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