Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Andrew Newberg on What Makes Us Feel Like We Matter | EP 607
Tue, 06 May 2025
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 groundbreaking research on how the brain processes spiritual experiences, what happens neurologically when we meditate or pray, and why our deepest beliefs play a vital role in shaping our sense of purpose, connection, and emotional resilience.Click here for the full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/andrew-newberg-what-makes-us-feel-like-we-matter/Join the Ignition Room!Join the new Passion Struck Community! - The Ignition Room: https://station.page/passionstruckKey Takeaways: The neuroscience behind belief, purpose, and spiritual practice How mindfulness reshapes the brain’s architecture Why people with spiritual habits tend to live with more hope And how to reinforce your sense of mattering every day For more information on Dr. Andrew Newberg: https://www.andrewnewberg.com/Sponsors: Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF” Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.” Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.” Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.” Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit. Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.Speaking Engagements & WorkshopsAre you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.Episode Starter PacksWith over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.Catch More of Passion Struck: My solo episode on The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve Can't miss my episode with Jesse Bradley on Use the Power of Hope to Overcome Adversity My episode with Kate Bowler on Why There is No Cure for Being Human Listen to my interview with Dr. Samuel Wilkinson on Why Life Is a Test of Good and Evil Catch my interview with Matthew Weintrub on the Psychedelic Origin of Religion Listen to my solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era 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_RMiles Follow him on Instagram at @John_R_Miles Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips Channel For more insights and resources, visit John’s website Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Full Episode
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If you are part of a religious group that is engaged in a ritual, it could be a ceremony, it could be a meditation practice, a prayer program, then you have a whole bunch of people whose parietal lobes are now quieting down. And as they engage this practice, that boundary between themselves and the other people that are with them begins to go away. They begin to feel
blended, connected, again, unified different words that people use, but a sense of oneness with the individuals, with the other individuals that are part of this process.
Welcome to Passion Struck. Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles. And on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips, and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turn their wisdom into practical advice for you and those around you. Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself.
If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays. We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors, CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes. Now, let's go out there and become PassionStruck. Hey, PassionStruck fam. Welcome to episode 607.
Whether this is your first time tuning in or you've been with us from the start, I am so grateful you're here. Together, we're building a global movement rooted in one powerful idea. You don't have to settle. You can live with intention, lead with purpose, and make what truly matters matter most.
This month, we're in the middle of a transformative arc, one that centers on a truth we don't talk about enough. Mental health is not a side note. It's the root system of a meaningful life. Last Friday, I released a solo episode exploring why emotional wellbeing isn't just about managing stress or coping with anxiety. It's about building a sustainable, values-aligned life
that doesn't run you dry. I shared the mattering mental health loop, the hidden costs of ignoring your inner world and why seeking emotional support isn't weakness, it's capacity. That conversation set the foundation for what's ahead. We kicked off the week with two powerful episodes.
First, a live interview with Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project and Secrets of Adulthood, recorded in front of 200 passionate listeners. We explored how self-awareness, identity, and the small truths of adulthood can reshape the way we show up for ourselves and others. Then came Elizabeth Weingarten, whose thought-provoking new book,
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