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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Liturgies of the Wild and the Ancient Art of Finding Meaning | Dr. Martin Shaw - EP 734

Passion Struck with John R. Miles

John R. Miles

Mental Health, Alternative Health, Education, Self-improvement, Health & Fitness

4.7 • 779 Ratings

🗓️ 26 February 2026

⏱️ 70 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Why does modern life feel so "thin and frantic," even when we are more connected than ever?Today, we are venturing into the "Celtic fringe" to sit with the man widely considered the preeminent mythologist of our time. Joining me is New York Times bestselling author Dr. Martin Shaw to discuss his profound new masterwork, Liturgies of the Wild.In this conversation, we move beyond the clinical and the therapeutic to explore the mythic imagination. Martin argues that we are currently suffering from a profound spiritual exhaustion—not because we lack information, but because we have traded devotion for consumption.We dive into the "mosh pit" of story, where Martin reveals why your life isn't a problem to be solved, but an ancient narrative to be lived. From the "Liturgy of the Limit" to the "Ecclesiastical Counter-Magic" required to meet the darkness of our age, this episode is a call to return home to a life of weight, worth, and wonder.If you’ve ever felt like a passenger in a world moving too fast, this episode offers the ancient compass you’ve been looking for.Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering. It is ranked #1 on FeedSpot’s list of the Top Passion Podcasts on the Web and is consistently recognized among the world's top business and mindset podcasts.In This Episode, You Will Learn
  • The "Thin and Frantic" Diagnosis: Why excess choice and digital noise are stripping the weight from our souls.
  • The Liturgy of the Limit: Why meaning is found through what we say "no" to, and how the "banks" of the river create the depth of the current.
  • Myth as a Mosh Pit: Why we must stop politely observing our lives and start participating in the "sweat and friction" of our own mythic story.
  • Ecclesiastical Counter-Magic: How to use ritual, story, and awe-filled attention to meet the darkness of the modern world without becoming it.
  • The Discipline of Praise Making: Why maturity is the ability to recognize life as a gift and offer praise even amid the wreckage.
  • Recovering the Ancient Good: How to reconnect with the enduring truths that remain "awe-filled, urgent, and alive" regardless of the era.
Support the MovementEvery human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.comDisclaimerThe Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a licensed physician, therapist, or other qualified professional

Connect with John

Support the Movement: https://startmattering.com/. Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it.

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.

Transcript

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0:00.0

Coming up next on Passion Struck. I talk in the book about making a covenant with limit,

0:05.7

because I don't think that's encouraged anymore with all the free credit cards and that you can be

0:09.6

anybody you want and all of that kind of thing. Actually, myths say something very radical,

0:15.2

very unfashionable. You are meant to be something quite specific. You're not meant to be a

0:19.9

million different things. You're meant to trade growth for specific. You're not meant to be a million different things.

0:21.4

You're meant to trade growth for depth. So what I mean by that is growth is a wonderful thing.

0:27.3

I've grown. But when it's a kind of hysterical growth that the internet and modern media

0:33.9

encourages, you become three miles wide, two inches deep, you know, and I'm always

0:39.7

looking for something that has greater depth. Welcome to Passionstruck. I'm your host, John Miles.

0:46.3

This is the show where we explore the art of human flourishing and what it truly means to live

0:52.0

like it matters. Each week, I sit down with change makers, creators, scientists, and everyday heroes

0:57.7

to decode the human experience and uncover the tools that help us lead with meaning,

1:03.2

heal what hurts, and pursue the fullest expression of who we're capable of becoming.

1:08.4

Whether you're designing your future, developing as a leader,

1:16.2

or seeking deeper alignment in your life, this show is your invitation to grow with purpose and act with intention. Because the secret to a life of deep purpose, connection, and impact

1:21.8

is choosing to live like you matter.

1:30.9

Hey, friends. like you matter. Hey friends, and welcome back to Passionstruck and episode 734.

1:36.6

Before we get started, a quick ask, if this show has ever been meaningful to you, share

1:42.3

this episode with someone who might need it. And if you haven't

1:45.0

yet, leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcast or Spotify is one of the most powerful ways to

1:51.6

help the show grow. This is a special moment in the You Matter series, because just this past

1:57.7

Tuesday, I released something deeply personal, my new children's book, You Matter

...

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