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Passion Struck with John R. Miles

William von Hippel on The Social Paradox: Why Autonomy Is Making Us Lonely | EP 665

Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck Network

Reinventing Yourself, John Miles, High Performance Habits, Mindset, Personal Transformation, Burnout Recovery, Positive Psychology, Self-worth, Emotional Intelligence, John R. Miles Podcast, John Miles Podcast, Trauma Healing, Life Purpose, Purpose-driven Life, Mental Health Podcast, Performance Psychology, High Performance Expert, Peak Performance Habits, Nutrition, Belonging And Othering, Superhuman Performance, Optimal Human Performance, Wellbeing, Mental Wellbeing, Human Performance, Spiritual Growth, Habit Change, Identity, Love And Belonging, Behavior Change For Good, Human Behavior Change, Self Mastery, Live Like You Matter, Emotional Resilience, Why You Matter, Purpose, Mental Fitness, The Power Of Mattering, Why Mattering Matters, Science Of Mattering, The Need To Matter, Science Of Human Flourishing, Science Of Wellbeing, The Mattering Effect, How To Be Successful, Veterans, Bio Hacking, Personal Growth, Tiny Habits, Health, Mattering, Knowing Yourself, Self Awareness, Spiritual Health, Success Strategies, Life Span, Passion, Self-improvement, Self Help, Self Improvement Podcast, Relationship Health, Life Lessons, Metabolism, John R. Miles, How We Learn, Health Habits, Fitness, Mindfulness, Grit, Education, Passion Struck Life, Cancer Survivor, Peak Performance, Personal Mastery, Power Of Intentions, Live Intentionally, Behavior Change, Health & Fitness, How To Be Unstoppable, Success, Meditation, Future Of Work, Brain Plasticity, Leadership, Power Of Choice, Self Limiting Beliefs, Education Podcast, Health Podcast, Passion Struck, Courage, The Power Of Letting Go, Inspirational, Naturopath, Self Development, Entrepreneurship, Be Intentional, Habit Formation, Alternative Medicine, Personal Relationships, Health Span, Neuroscience, Military, Intentional Living, Life Coaching, Future Self, Passion Struck Podcast, Behavior Science, Mental Health, Eft Tapping, Self Realization, Alternative Health, Functional Medicine, Micro Choice, Human Connection, Growth Mindset, Self Love, Perseverance, Ideal Self, Spirituality, Intentionality, Happiness, Best Self, Longevity, Self Actualization, Balanced Lifestyle, Introspection, Executive Coaching, Habit Loop, Alternative Health Podcast

4.9 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 18 September 2025

⏱️ 55 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this insightful episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with psychologist and author William von Hippel to unpack the central theme of his latest book, The Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find Happiness. Together, they explore how modern life has tilted heavily toward autonomy—careers, smartphones, and endless options—often at the expense of deep connection and belonging.

Drawing on research with the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania, von Hippel explains why our ancestors’ lives, though materially sparse, were rich in connection and happiness—and why our overemphasis on independence leaves many feeling lonely and invisible.

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Transcript

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0:00.0

Your first great love story is free when you sign up for a free 30-day trial at audible.coed.

0:05.5

U.K.-slash-wondery. That's audible.com.uk-slash-wondery.

0:11.2

Coming up next on Passionstruck. It's a problem that youngsters are using social media so heavily.

0:17.0

What I'm worried about is that, as you say, if it's just the straw that broke the camel's back,

0:21.2

and if it's not the whole problem, people are going to expect big returns on these changes. And I think we're going to see small returns on these changes. I think that they'll make a difference. I think that there's a host of reasons why I think phones are bad ideas. In my book, I talk about how we become lazy in our social habits because it's so easy to get on social media and so difficult to go across town to get together with our friends. But in fact, going across town to get together with their friends is the most important thing we can do. And we don't understand our own desire sometimes. And so we do the lazy, easy, less satisfying thing. Welcome to Passion Struck. Hi, I'm your host, John R. Miles, and on the show, we decipher the secrets, tips,

0:58.1

and guidance of the world's most inspiring people and turned their wisdom into practical advice

1:03.8

for you and those around you.

1:06.0

Our mission is to help you unlock the power of intentionality so that you can become the best version of yourself.

1:13.4

If you're new to the show, I offer advice and answer listener questions on Fridays.

1:18.1

We have long-form interviews the rest of the week with guests ranging from astronauts to authors,

1:24.5

CEOs, creators, innovators, scientists, military leaders, visionaries, and athletes.

1:30.9

Now, let's go out there and become Passionstruck.

1:34.3

Episode 665 of Passion Struct is here, and I am so glad you've joined us.

1:39.8

Whether you're a longtime listener or brand new, welcome.

1:43.0

Over a third of you come back week after week,

1:45.2

which tells me passion struck isn't just a podcast. It's becoming a global movement. Together,

1:51.1

we are passing the ripple of matter and farther than we ever imagined. If this show has helped

1:56.1

you see yourself more clearly or take one small step toward healing. Here's how you can help keep it

2:01.8

growing. First, share the episode with someone who needs to hear it. Second, leave a five-star rating

2:07.2

or review on Apple or Spotify. That small act tells the algorithm that these stories matter and helps

2:13.5

more people find them. Lastly, I have some exciting news. I am working on something that will take passion struck beyond the podcast,

2:21.0

giving you new ways to engage with these ideas, apply them, and spread them into your communities.

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