Passion Struck with John R. Miles
Return on Energy: Rethinking ROI in the Age of Burnout w/ John R. Miles | EP 618
30 May 2025
In episode 618 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles delivers a powerful solo reflection that caps off Mental Health Awareness Month with one essential question:"What’s the real Return on your Energy?"Drawing on recent interviews with Dr. Judith Joseph and Dr. Andrew Brodsky, as well as past solo episodes that introduced frameworks like H.O.M.E. and L.E.N.S., this episode unpacks how high-achievers—especially leaders—often burn out not from doing too little, but from mismanaging their most finite resource: mental energy.Click Here for the Full ShownotesExplore More: The Ignited Life NewsletterIf today’s episode sparked something in you, you’ll love The Ignited Life—our free Substack newsletter created to fuel your growth between episodes.👉 Subscribe now at TheIgnitedLife.net.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why ROE (Return on Energy) is the real metric for modern leadershipThe four biggest energy leaks: Over-functioning, Over-identification, Overexposure, and Over-responsibilityHow high-functioning depression masks burnout in top performersPractical tools for restoring your emotional margin and protecting your energyThe five essential “energy investments” that recalibrate your focus and clarityHow 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.
Full Episode
Coming up next on Passion Struck, have you ever looked at your calendar and realized your time is maxed out, but what's really gone is your energy? In this episode, I'm flipping the script on performance because in the age of burnout, it's not just about how much you get done. It's about how well you protect the one resource everything else depends on, your energy.
If you've been running at full capacity, but still feeling drained, this one's for you. We're talking return on energy and why it might be the most overlooked metric in your life and leadership. 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 passion struck. Hey everyone, and welcome to episode 618. I am so grateful you're here, investing in your growth, your healing, and your pursuit of a life that truly matters.
Whether you're building a company, healing from burnout, or simply trying to reconnect with who you are, this is the place where we explore the mindset, habits, and systems that support lasting transformation. Now, a few quick updates. The Ignited Life, my new sub stack, is now live. Each week in it, I go beyond the podcast, sharing tools, stories, and reflections you won't find anywhere else.
And now it's also the home of our brand new merchandise line, gear designed to reflect the PassionStruck mindset. You can check it all out at theignitedlife.net, or of course, you can go to passionstruck.com. And if you haven't yet, head over to our YouTube channel. We're posting full episodes, exclusive clips, and behind-the-scenes content every week.
Just search Hash Instruct with John R. Miles on YouTube or hit the link in the show notes. And before we dive in, one quick look ahead. Next month, we're opening a new theme here on Passion Struck, the art of connection. I'll be exploring how we build meaningful relationships in our leadership, our lives, and our inner world.
And we're kicking it off with none other than Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in a powerful conversation on presence, attention, and the heart of human connection. Now this month, we've been honoring mental health awareness by shifting the conversation, not just talking about mental illness, but exploring what it really takes to design a mentally sustainable life.
I kicked it off with episode 606, exploring why mental health is the quiet root beneath everything that matters. Then in episode 609, I shared five foundational habits that anchor you in uncertainty. In episode 612, we explored the power of reframing your inner world using the lens method and how the stories you tell yourself can either sabotage or sustain your resilience.
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