Best Fight With a Stick Performance Podcasts (2025)

1
Dr. Judith Joseph on The Hidden Epidemic of High-Functioning Depression | EP 616 50:33

1d ago50:33

50:33

In this powerful Passion Struck episode, John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Judith Joseph—board-certified psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and author of High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy. Together, they unpack the silent struggle of individuals who appear to “have it all together” while suffering emotionally ben…

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215 — Are You Addicted to Revenge? Why We Crave It and How to Break the Cycle with James Kimmel 56:12

2d ago56:12

56:12

Revenge sounds like a good idea sometimes. Whether you want to get back at an ex or you want to hurt a coworker who wronged you, there's a reason why you might fantasize about getting even. It has to do with the way your brain works. Today's guest, James Kimmel Jr., is a researcher at Yale School of Medicine and the author of The Science of Revenge…

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214 — Why Self-Care Isn't the Answer to Your Problems 17:41

5d ago17:41

17:41

Self-care often gets hailed as the ultimate fix for stress, burnout, and every mental health issue. But self-care is frequently misunderstood. Sometimes, it can be like putting a Band-Aid on a deeper wound. So if self-care isn't the cure-all answer, what really helps for long-term change? That's what I'm talking about today. Some of the things I sh…

1
How to Build a Mental Health Ecosystem That Honors Who You Are w/John R. Miles | EP 615 20:39

5d ago20:39

20:39

What if the problem isn’t that you’re broken, but that your environment no longer reflects who you are? In this solo episode, John takes you inside one of the most overlooked truths about mental health: it doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It lives in the patterns, people, and places you move through every day. Sharing a personal story of hidden anxiety d…

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Janet Ettele on How Joyous Effort Transforms Our Lives | EP 614 1:08:11

6d ago1:08:11

1:08:11

On this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles chats with Janet Ettele, author, musician, and student of Buddhist teacher Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche, about how the principle of Joyous Effort can change the way we live, work, and grow. They dive into why living with purpose isn’t about ticking boxes or chasing external wins—it’s about how we ke…

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BONUS: Try My New "Mentally Strong" App — 24/7 Support to Build Mental Strength 8:13

8d ago8:13

8:13

Introducing Mentally Strong! My new program provides feedback, advice, and mental strength-building tools at any time you need them. I've spent over a year working on this, and I can't wait for you to try it! Mentally Strong gives you access to 16 specialized AI mental strength coaches. Whether you want help creating a script to say no to someone o…

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Joseph Nguyen on Why You Must Fight for Your Inner Peace | EP 613 1:05:14

9d ago1:05:14

1:05:14

In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Joseph Nguyen, author of the international bestseller Don't Believe Everything You Think, to explore the hidden battle between your thoughts and your true self. Together, they unpack why inner peace isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you must consciously fight for…

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213 — 5 Signs of High Functioning Depression and What to Do About It with Dr.Judith Joseph 53:41

10d ago53:41

53:41

High-functioning depression often goes unnoticed as people hide their struggles behind busy schedules and impressive achievements. But understanding and addressing these hidden challenges can help you find more joy and live a mentally stronger life. My guest is Dr. Judith Joseph, a Columbia-trained psychiatrist, clinical assistant professor, and le…

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212 — What Are You Feeding Your Brain? Here's What You Need to Know About Your Mental Diet 19:36

13d ago19:36

19:36

Have you stopped to consider what you're feeding your brain every day? You wouldn’t fuel your body with junk food and expect peak performance. But many of us do exactly that with our minds. We doomscroll or binge watch stuff without giving it a second thought. But the things you read, watch, and engage with shape your mental strength. Just like you…

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The Lens Method: A New Way to Reframe Your Inner World | EP 612 28:02

13d ago28:02

28:02

In this powerful solo episode, John R. Miles explores a skill that could radically change how you experience adversity, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm—reframing. But not the kind tied to false positivity or denial. Instead, John unveils the LENS Method, a practical, neuroscience-backed framework for transforming the story you tell yourself—so…

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Biet Simkin on How to Awaken Your Soul When Life Breaks You | EP 611 1:01:50

14d ago1:01:50

1:01:50

In this raw and revealing conversation, Biet Simkin opens up about losing her mother, her child, and her way—then finding herself through sobriety, spirituality, and sound. From rock-bottom addiction to becoming a globally respected meditation guide, Biet shows how even life's darkest moments can become portals to awakening. Click here for the full…

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Dr. Zach Mercurio on How Leaders Can Help People Feel Seen | EP 610 59:22

16d ago59:22

59:22

In this compelling conversation, John R. Miles is joined by Dr. Zach Mercurio, one of the world’s leading voices on purposeful leadership and the psychology of mattering. As the author of The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Cultivate a Culture of Significance (Harvard Business Review Press, 2025), Zach brings decades of research to a timely dis…

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211 — 5 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Life with Dr. Tiffany Moon 49:28

17d ago49:28

49:28

Do you get so caught up in chasing goals or ticking off your to-do list that you forget to enjoy life along the way? Or maybe you’re stuck and unsure how to bring more fun into your daily routine? Or maybe you think mental strength and joy can't go hand-in-hand? Dr. Tiffany Moon is here to discuss the life-changing power of joy. She is an anesthesi…

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210 — Reverse Aging: Science-Backed Mental Strategies That Make You Look and Feel Younger 18:13

20d ago18:13

18:13

What if your mind could reverse aging? Well, research shows mindset plays a major role in your physical health and your appearance as you grow older. The famous Counterclockwise Experiment shows that your mindset has the power to rewind the clock. Other studies have also shown that specific mental strategies could be the real fountain of youth. Som…

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5 Mental Health Habits That Anchor You in Uncertain Times w/ John R. Miles | EP 609 28:22

20d ago28:22

28:22

When life feels uncertain, we don’t need more control—we need anchors. In this deeply personal and practical solo episode, Passion Struck host John R. Miles shares five transformative mental health habits that helped him reclaim stability during one of the most turbulent seasons of his life. From the invisible costs of burnout to the neuroscience o…

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Tiffany Moon on How to Write Yourself a Prescription for Joy | EP 608 54:22

21d ago54:22

54:22

In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, Dr. Tiffany Moon—a board-certified anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, and reality TV star—opens up about her journey from high-achieving perfectionist to someone learning to prioritize joy, authenticity, and self-compassion. She shares powerful stories from her new book Joy Prescriptions, reveali…

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Andrew Newberg on What Makes Us Feel Like We Matter | EP 607 55:07

23d ago55:07

55:07

In this thought-provoking episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles is joined by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg, a pioneer in the field of neurotheology—the science at the intersection of the brain, belief, and spirituality. Together, they explore a powerful question: What makes us feel like we matter? Dr. Newberg shares groundbreak…

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209 — The Money Talk Every Couple Needs to Have with Ramit Sethi 50:17

23d ago50:17

50:17

Do finances cause stress in your relationship? Have you and your partner avoided conversations about money? Or are you stuck arguing over small expenses like groceries and takeout? Money is one of the most significant sources of conflict in relationships, but it doesn’t have to be. Personal finance expert Ramit Sethi, host of the Netflix series How…

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208 — Coping With Anxiety: An Anxiety Toolkit for Fast Relief 20:40

27d ago20:40

20:40

When anxiety creeps in slowly (or skyrockets suddenly), you're going to want fast relief. With the right tools, you can calm yourself down right away. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but often the advice given for managing it is long-term lifestyle changes that feel out of reach when you're in a state of panic. As a ther…

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Why Mental Health Is the Root of a Meaningful Life w/John R. Miles | EP 606 23:10

27d ago23:10

23:10

In this solo episode, John R. Miles explores how mental health isn’t just about managing stress—it’s the invisible infrastructure of everything that gives life meaning. From personal breakdowns to societal myths about strength, John shares why ignoring mental well-being doesn’t delay the cost—it multiplies it—and what we can do to reclaim emotional…

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Elizabeth Weingarten on How to Fall in Love With Questions | EP 605 55:40

28d ago55:40

55:40

What if the most important thing you could do in moments of confusion, fear, or identity crisis… was to pause and sit with the question, rather than race toward an answer? In a world that values certainty, performance, and instant solutions, Elizabeth Weingarten is offering something rare: a permission slip to not know. On this episode of the Passi…

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Gretchen Rubin on the Secrets of Adulthood and Happiness | EP 604 1:15:33

30d ago1:15:33

1:15:33

In this special live episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to explore the timeless wisdom captured in her latest work, Secrets of Adulthood. Recorded at the vibrant Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida, this conversation dives deep into the small but powerful lessons that can transform …

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207 — The Mindset Shift That Will Change Your Life — and How to Start Right Now with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman 47:36

1M ago47:36

47:36

What if breaking free from a victim mindset could help you move forward so you can reach your greatest potential? Whether you're convinced your self-esteem is too low to change or you believe you're a victim of your past mistakes, you can take steps to change your narrative. Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a professor of psychology at Columbia Universit…

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206 — Why You’re Stronger Than You Think (and How to See Proof of It Today) 18:24

1M ago18:24

18:24

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to assume the answers are out of reach. But sometimes, the solution to your biggest problem is one you already have. Often, when we’re stuck, it’s not because we lack strength or resources—but because our emotions cloud our judgment and make it hard to see a way forward. The good news is that there's a strate…

1
Skateboarding Legend Tom Schaar on How to Fall 999 Times and Still Win | EP 603 54:10

1M ago54:10

54:10

In this powerful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with Olympic silver medalist and skateboarding legend Tom Schaar, the first person in history to land a 1080—a mind-blowing three full spins mid-air. But Tom’s story isn’t just about defying gravity. It’s about defying doubt, embracing failure, and staying grounded while the world …

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Rosalind Chow on How Sponsors Fuel Your Career Growth | EP 602 1:00:01

1M ago1:00:01

1:00:01

What if the key to unlocking your next big career move isn’t just mentorship—but sponsorship? In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Rosalind Chow, a leading organizational behavior expert at Carnegie Mellon and author of The Doors You Can Open. Together, they unpack the transformative power of sponsorship—where pe…

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Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche on Find Your Innate Basic Goodness | EP 601 1:01:36

1M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In Episode 601 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles sits down with renowned Tibetan Buddhist meditation master, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, for a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. Known for his radiant smile, open heart, and profound clarity, Rinpoche shares a perspective on emotional healing and inner peace that tu…

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205 — The Hormone - Mental Health Connection: What Doctors Aren’t Telling You with Dr. Erika Schwartz 56:48

1M ago56:48

56:48

What if the key to unlocking your best mental and physical health lies in a part of your self-care routine that’s been overlooked? Your hormones impact everything from your mood and energy to your brain health and longevity. Today’s guest, Dr. Erika Schwartz, is a pioneer in hormone health and the founder of Evolved Science. With over 30 years of e…

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204 — 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do in Today’s World 27:12

1M ago27:12

27:12

Much has changed since I wrote my book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do. Smartphones now dominate the world, news spreads over social media, and new conveniences have reshaped how we interact with the world. While the principles of mental strength remain the same, we need to adjust our strategies to stay mentally strong. Some of the things…

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Why Serendipity Is the Quiet Proof That You Matter | EP 600 26:35

1M ago26:35

26:35

We tend to think of serendipity as something that just happens—a lucky break, a happy coincidence, a moment of chance. But what if it’s something deeper? In episode 600 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles explores a powerful idea: serendipity becomes mattering the moment someone feels seen without expectation. It’s not just about luck. It’s about…

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Dr. Steven Gundry on How Your Microbiome Shapes Your Identity | EP 599 1:01:00

1M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Imagine that your thoughts, cravings—even your emotions—aren’t entirely your own. That they’re being driven by trillions of microscopic organisms living inside you. It sounds like science fiction, but in Episode 599 of Passion Struck, Dr. Steven Gundry explains why this is scientific fact. Dr. Gundry, a former cardiothoracic surgeon turned gut heal…

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Isabelle Hof and Laura Hof on the Secrets of the Icewomen | EP 598 1:21:45

1M ago1:21:45

1:21:45

In this deeply moving and empowering episode, John R. Miles sits down with Isabelle and Laura Hof—daughters of the legendary Wim Hof and trailblazers in their own right. They’ve taken the powerful techniques behind the Wim Hof Method and tailored them specifically for women through their new book Secrets of the Icewomen. This conversation explores …

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203 — Why Finding the Right Balance Between Routine and Adventure Changes Everything With Alex Hutchinson 51:38

1M ago51:38

51:38

Do you feel self-disciplined when you have a good routine? But are there times when you crave a little spontaneity and adventure? Exploring new places, doing different things, and mixing things up can be key to personal growth and more joy in life. But it's important to find a balance. Alex Hutchinson knows this better than anyone. With a PhD in Ph…

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202 — 10 Ways to Improve Mental Health Without Therapy 23:09

2M ago23:09

23:09

As a therapist, I've seen how therapy can be a powerful tool that helps people transform their lives. But, therapy isn't the only way to improve your mental health. There are many other ways that don't involve talking. Whether you're not interested in therapy, you didn't find it helpful, or therapy isn't accessible, you don't need to see a professi…

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Dr. Gordon Flett on the Urgent Need to Know You Matter | EP 597 1:17:56

2M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

In Episode 597 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Gordon Flett, a pioneering psychologist whose decades of research have shaped our understanding of mattering—the feeling of being seen, valued, and significant. Dr. Flett, author of The Psychology of Mattering and Mattering as a Core Need in Children and Adolescents, explains h…

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Dr. Emily Falk on How to Rewire Your Brain for Better Choices | EP 596 1:04:07

2M ago1:04:07

1:04:07

In Episode 596 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Emily Falk, a leading neuroscientist and expert in the science of behavior change. Falk is the Vice Dean of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, and the author of the Next Big Idea Club Must-Read book What We Value: The Neuroscience of Choic…

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Humble the Poet on How to Stop Anxiety and Find Inner Peace | EP 595 1:09:03

2M ago1:09:03

1:09:03

In Episode 595 of the Passion Struck podcast, host John R. Miles sits down with bestselling author and spoken-word artist Humble the Poet to explore the emotional terrain of anxiety, self-worth, and resilience in a world that never slows down. They discuss themes from Humble’s new book Unanxious: 50 Simple Truths to Help Overthinkers Feel Less Stre…

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201 — 3 Modern Habits Destroying Your Mental Health and How to Reverse Them with Dr. Drew Ramsey 1:02:00

2M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

What if the secret to healing your mind lies in the small choices you make every day? Today’s guest, psychiatrist and best-selling author Dr. Drew Ramsey, shares powerful insights on how modern habits are impacting our mental health and how we can reclaim mental fitness through intentional lifestyle changes. Dr. Ramsey is a leading expert in nutrit…

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200 — Revenge Productivity Is Keeping You Stuck. Here’s How to Break Free 19:17

2M ago19:17

19:17

When life feels overwhelming, busyness often becomes our go-to escape. But what if staying constantly busy isn’t a solution, but a way to avoid dealing with what’s really bothering us? This week, we’re exploring why we cling to busyness and how it might be holding us back from true growth. Whether you’re burned out, anxious, or unsure how to face y…

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Christie Smith on How to Embrace Human-Powered Leadership | EP 594 58:06

2M ago58:06

58:06

What if the greatest disruption in business isn’t AI—it's a crisis of human connection? What if the leadership skills we once dismissed as “soft” are now the most essential powers for thriving in a fractured, fast-changing world? That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Christie Smith, unpacks in her groundbreaking new book Essential: How Distributed…

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Gregory Walton on Why Big Changes Start With Small Acts | EP 593 1:03:36

2M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

What if the secret to lasting transformation isn’t bold, sweeping moves—but quiet, intentional actions? In this thought-provoking episode, John R. Miles interviews Stanford University psychologist Dr. Gregory Walton, whose groundbreaking research has reshaped how we understand belonging, mindset, and behavior change. Walton’s new book, Ordinary Mag…

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Tasha Eurich on How to Create a Shatterproof Life | 592 49:50

2M ago49:50

49:50

In Episode 592 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Tasha Eurich to discuss her powerful new book, Shatterproof: How to Overcome Adversity with Strength and Resilience, which debuts today. Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/tasha-eurich-how-to-create-a-shatterproo…

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199 — Can You Really Change Who You Are? The Surprising Truth About Personality with Olga Khazan 49:38

2M ago49:38

49:38

Are you stuck thinking, "This is just who I am?" Think again. Science shows your personality might not be as fixed as you think. Olga Khazan knows this firsthand. As a journalist and author, she embarked on a journey to change her personality. And now she's discovering what she learned. Some of the things we discuss are: The five core personality t…

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198 —When Life Hits Hard: Build Resilience and Come Back Stronger 19:12

2M ago19:12

19:12

When life throws you curveballs, it’s not just one problem to tackle. Often, challenges arrive like dominos, and it can feel impossible to move forward. That's why it's important to build resilience. Whether you're dealing with personal loss, financial struggles, or emotional roadblocks, there are science-backed strategies that can help you handle …

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Kurt Gray on How to Bridge Moral Divides and Rebuild Trust | EP 591 54:39

2M ago54:39

54:39

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Kurt Gray, professor of psychology and author of the new book Outraged, joins John R. Miles to explore why we live in such a morally charged world—and what we can do to repair it. Together, they unpack the psychology behind outrage, the evolutionary roots of our moral minds, and why our perceptions of harm ofte…

1
Donald Miller on the Secret to Making People Care About You 55:51

2M ago55:51

55:51

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Donald Miller, bestselling author and founder of StoryBrand, to explore the transformational power of storytelling. They discuss the release of Building a StoryBrand 2.0 and how leaders can use narrative frameworks to connect, inspire, and drive action. Donald reveals how storytel…

1
Wes Adams and Tamara Myles on How to Create Meaningful Work | EP 589 1:01:14

2M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

What if the secret to career fulfillment isn’t a promotion, a new title, or more success — but something much deeper? In this powerful episode, John R. Miles is joined by Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, co-authors of Meaningful Work, to explore the essential ingredients behind truly engaging and fulfilling work. Drawing from years of research and leade…

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197 — The 4 Magic Tricks to Transform Your Life With Bestselling Author Brad Meltzer 53:25

2M ago53:25

53:25

What if the secret to building mental strength lies in magic? Today’s guest, New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer, reveals insights on resilience, empathy, and personal transformation using the metaphor of magic tricks. Brad is a celebrated novelist, children’s book author, and storyteller whose viral University of Michigan commencement s…

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196 — How Comparison Culture is Secretly Sabotaging Your Mental Strength 17:14

2M ago17:14

17:14

Do you catch yourself scrolling through social media and suddenly feeling like you're not doing enough? Whether it’s someone’s dream vacation, the perfect family photo, or an impressive career milestone, comparison culture can quietly erode your confidence and mental strength. But it doesn’t have to. In today's episode I talk about how constant com…

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Vincent Zhou on How to Make Your Gold Medal Dreams a Reality | 588 1:21:20

2M ago1:21:20

1:21:20

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Passion Struck, Olympic figure skater and gold medalist Vincent Zhou joins John R. Miles to reveal what it truly takes to make your gold medal dreams a reality. From his early days as a fiercely competitive child to landing the first-ever quad Lutz in Olympic history, Vincent shares the grit, sacrifice, and…

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