
You Were Born to Flourish. Here's the Science That Proves It. | Dr. Richard Davidson & Dr. Cortland Dahl – EP 803
Descripción del Episodio
What if you've spent your whole life believing you needed to become someone different—when the qualities you need have been inside you all along?
Most of us think flourishing is something we earn after we've accomplished enough, healed enough, or finally have everything figured out.
But what if science says otherwise?
In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with pioneering neuroscientist Dr. Richard Davidson and contemplative scholar Court Dahl to explore the groundbreaking science behind their new book, Born to Flourish. Drawing on decades of neuroscience research, contemplative traditions, and the work inspired by the Dalai Lama, they explain why awareness, connection, insight, and purpose aren't personality traits—they're innate capacities that every human being can strengthen through practice.
You'll learn:
- Why flourishing is part of your nature—not something you have to earn.
- The surprising neuroscience showing the brain can be trained throughout life.
- How awareness, connection, insight, and purpose form the four pillars of human flourishing.
- Why early adversity influences your life without determining your future.
- What decades of studying long-term meditators have revealed about the human brain.
- Why flourishing is contagious—and how your presence shapes the people around you.
- How brief moments of awareness and appreciation can gradually transform your baseline well-being.
- Practical ways to cultivate resilience, compassion, and purpose in everyday life.
If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to become calmer, more connected, and more resilient without changing who you are, this conversation offers a hopeful answer: you don't have to create a better self—you simply have to nurture the one you were born with.
Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/. Take the 90-second diagnostic to see if you're disappearing.
Explore the Show: https://passionstruck.com/starter-packs/. New to Passion Struck? Start with the best episodes curated for you.
Connect with John
- Website: https://johnrmiles.com
- Book John to Speak: https://johnrmiles.com/speaking/
- Substack: https://www.theignitedlife.net/
- Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/
Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.
Passion Struck — #1 Alternative Health Podcast. 85M+ downloads.
Disclaimer
The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Episodios Recientes

Más podcasts de Sociedad y Cultura
Ver toda la categoría →
Cuidar-T
By shows
CuidarT es un programa semanal para un estilo de vida saludable. En este programa hablamos de trucos, ideas, información y consejos para aprender a sentirte bien.

Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
By shows
Fantasy Football at its very best. Say goodbye to the talking heads of the Fantasy Football world and hello to The Fantasy Footballers. The expert trio of Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike "The Fantasy Hitman" Wright break down the world of Fantasy Football with astute analysis, strong opinions, and matchup-winning advice you can't get anywhere else. A high-quality and entertaining show that will win you your league -- in style. The ONE Fantasy Football Podcast you can't leave off your roster.

La Hora Feliz con Cojo Feliz y Tío Rober
By shows
Un podcast chistoso hecho por los comediantes Cojo Feliz y Tío Rober. Humor de todos los colores con temas que no sabías que eran chistosos.<br /><br />Conviértete en un supporter de este podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/la-hora-feliz-con-cojo-feliz-y-tio-rober--2229494/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/la-hora-feliz-con-cojo-feliz-y-tio-rober--2229494/support</a>.

A TODO SI
By shows
Y juré decirle Sí a mis sueños... Sí a aventarme Sí a seguir mis sueños Sí a creérmela Sí a las oportunidades Podcast por Stephanie Rodríguez Instagram @atodo_si @stephanierdzs @cartasaluniverso_

The Wild Project
By shows
CADA MARTES Y JUEVES NUEVOS EPISODIOS. Bienvenidos a THE WILD PROJECT, el podcast de Jordi Wild. Charlas con los invitados más interesantes, actualidad, ciencia, deportes, filosofía, psicología, misterio, debates y tertulias... y muchísimo más. Cada semana hablando alto y claro sobre el mundo que nos rodea. ¡No te lo pierdas!

Prenderse Fuego: Las Voces de Pedro Lemebel
By shows
<p>Serie sonora y biográfica que recorre la vida, obra y legado de Pedro Lemebel a través de su voz. A partir de archivos radiales, entrevistas inéditas, testimonios íntimos y documentos personales, este viaje sonoro reconstruye al artista, narrador, cronista, performer y figura pública desde su registro más icónico: su forma de hablar, de relatar y de provocar. Cada episodio explora una etapa distinta de su vida, enfatizando en su voz —como herramienta estética y política— y cómo fue transformándose hasta el final de su vida.</p> <p>Prenderse Fuego es una coproducción de GAM y Podium Podcast Chile.</p>

Testigo Directo
By shows
Testigo Directo es un video podcast de periodismo investigativo que te sumerge en las historias más impactantes de Colombia y América Latina. Desde el narcotráfico y el crimen organizado, hasta casos de corrupción, desapariciones y luchas sociales, cada episodio revela verdades ocultas y voces silenciadas. Con una narrativa ágil, testimonios exclusivos y análisis de fondo, Testigo Directo va más allá de los titulares para mostrar lo que otros no cuentan. 🔍 Escucha. Cuestiona. Sé Testigo Directo.

Dan Carlin's Hardcore History
By shows
In "Hardcore History" journalist and broadcaster Dan Carlin takes his "Martian", unorthodox way of thinking and applies it to the past. Was Alexander the Great as bad a person as Adolf Hitler? What would Apaches with modern weapons be like? Will our modern civilization ever fall like civilizations from past eras? This isn't academic history (and Carlin isn't a historian) but the podcast's unique blend of high drama, masterful narration and Twilight Zone-style twists has entertained millions of listeners.