In this inspiring live episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles sits down with New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to explore the powerful insights from her new book, Secrets of Adulthood. Recorded at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa, the conversation dives into the small truths and big realizations that shape a meaningful life.

Gretchen discusses the power of aphorisms, why habits form the invisible architecture of everyday life, how self-knowledge drives authentic happiness, and why embracing contradictions is essential to growth. She shares personal stories—from managing her overwhelming sweet tooth to navigating empty nesting—illustrating how tiny shifts in awareness can spark profound change.

Whether you’re seeking wisdom on building better habits, creating lasting friendships, or finding peace in major life transitions, this conversation offers timeless lessons to live more intentionally, joyfully, and authentically.

Want to learn the 12 philosophies that the most successful people use to create a limitless life? Order John R. Miles’s new book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life.

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Introducing The Ignition Room

Last week, we officially introduced The Listening Room—a dedicated community platform for Passion Struck listeners and supporters. It’s designed to deepen audience engagement around the podcast and provide a space for more meaningful interaction beyond the episodes.

The Listening Room will feature:

• Direct community access to episode discussions
• Bonus and behind-the-scenes content
• Exclusive giveaways and early announcements
• A space to build a deeper connection with our growing audience

We’ll also be using it as a touchpoint for future content drops, book releases, and live events.

Click here to learn more and enter our giveaway from a Passion Struck pack – Welcome to the Ignition Room.

In case you didn’t already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected]. Now, let’s dive in!

Hear the secrets and philosophy of the World’s GREATEST high achievers every Tuesday and Thursday, and tune in each week for an inspirational Momentum Friday solo message.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.

Unlocking the Secrets of Adulthood with Gretchen Rubin

In this special live episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles welcomes New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to explore the timeless wisdom captured in her latest work, Secrets of Adulthood. Recorded at the vibrant Oxford Exchange in Tampa, Florida, this conversation dives deep into the small but powerful lessons that can transform the way we live, love, and grow.

As Gretchen explains, the “secrets” aren’t grand revelations hidden from view—they’re often the common-sense truths we learn through hard-won experience. From the importance of small habits (“Habits are the invisible architecture of daily life”) to the power of paradox in personal growth (“Love says you’re perfect and love says you can do better”), Rubin shows that adulthood isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying open to life’s ongoing lessons.

Throughout the episode, John and Gretchen discuss how self-knowledge is the foundation for lasting happiness, why embracing tiny shifts can lead to big transformations, and how letting go of perfectionism creates space for genuine growth. They also reflect on the emotional landscape of major life transitions, like navigating the empty nest phase, and the essential role of friendship in adult well-being.

Ultimately, Secrets of Adulthood is a reminder that wisdom is often found in life’s smallest moments—the simple choice to listen carefully, to extend kindness, to forgive yourself, or to bravely start again. In a world overwhelmed by noise and complexity, Gretchen Rubin offers a guide back to clarity, meaning, and joy.

Key Takeaways from This Episode with Gretchen Rubin:

• Self-knowledge is foundational: Gretchen explains why knowing yourself is the first step to designing a life that truly fits you.
• Small habits matter: We discuss how minor daily actions, repeated consistently, create the structure for long-term happiness and success.
• Balance acceptance and ambition: Gretchen offers insights into how we can fully accept ourselves while still pushing for growth and improvement.
• The paradox of control: Learn why striving for control over everything can lead to less happiness, not more—and what to focus on instead.
• Simplicity holds power: Discover how stripping away the non-essential can open space for deeper meaning and joy in everyday life.
• Connection fuels well-being: We explore why nurturing close relationships is one of the most vital—and overlooked—keys to sustained happiness.

WHY IS THIS EPISODE WITH GRETCHEN RUBIN A MUST-LISTEN?

This episode is packed with timeless wisdom and practical takeaways that can immediately shift how you approach your daily life. Whether you’re facing a major transition or simply looking for more clarity and contentment, Gretchen’s insights will help you navigate life’s complexities with more ease and intention. Her approachable style and deep understanding of human nature make this conversation not only inspiring but deeply actionable.

PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR FEATURED RESOURCES

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STARTER PACKS

Are you new to the show? These Starter Packs are collections of our most popular episodes grouped by topic, and we now have them on Spotify.

You can also browse starter packs for existing listeners to find your old favorites. Every week, John interviews everyday heroes from all walks of life. Learn how to subscribe to the show and never miss a new episode and topic.

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The Power of Aphorisms: Simple Truths That Shape Our Lives

During this fascinating interview at the Oxford Exchange in Tampa, John R. Miles sat down with New York Times bestselling author Gretchen Rubin to explore the profound role aphorisms play in shaping our understanding of happiness, identity, and adulthood. Their discussion offered the audience a rare glimpse into how Gretchen crafts and reflects on these compact yet powerful truths—many of which are featured in her latest book, Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives.

Aphorisms, as Gretchen explained, are short, memorable statements that distill complex life lessons into bite-sized wisdom. They work because they are easy to remember and repeat, yet their impact deepens over time as our experiences give them more context. Throughout the live conversation, Gretchen shared that her fascination with aphorisms comes from her belief that “a small truth, well said, can change how we see the world.”

John and Gretchen discussed how aphorisms function almost like guideposts, offering clarity during moments of uncertainty or decision-making. For example, simple phrases such as “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good” or “Outer order contributes to inner calm” can serve as reminders that recalibrate our thinking in real-time. Gretchen emphasized that while some aphorisms may seem almost too obvious at first, their real power emerges when we encounter situations that test their meaning.

In Secrets of Adulthood, Gretchen curated hundreds of these distilled truths based on years of observation, research, and personal experience. During the interview, she shared that one of her goals with the book was to provide readers with a “toolkit”—something they can turn to again and again, depending on where they are in life. She also noted that some aphorisms resonate differently with people depending on their personality, upbringing, or current struggles, making the experience of reading them highly personal and dynamic.

John pointed out during their conversation how Gretchen’s aphorisms often cut through the noise of self-help clichés and get to the heart of what really matters. Together, they explored how internalizing just a few of these succinct truths can lead to lasting changes in behavior, perspective, and emotional resilience.

Ultimately, this discussion at Oxford Exchange highlighted that aphorisms are not just pretty sayings; they are living ideas that can grow alongside us, helping us navigate the complex journey of adulthood with a little more grace, humor, and wisdom.

What You Will Learn about the Secrets of Adulthood

• Aphorisms distill life wisdom: Short, memorable phrases like Secrets of Adulthood can capture deep truths and shift our thinking.
• Self-knowledge is foundational: True happiness stems from understanding your own tendencies, values, and strengths.
• Habits shape your life: Small, consistent behaviors are the invisible architecture behind long-term well-being.
• Growth requires paradox: It’s possible—and necessary—to accept yourself while also pushing yourself to improve.
• Friendships protect well-being: Investing in friendships and community creates emotional safety and resilience.
• Handling regret wisely: Regret is inevitable when making meaningful choices, but understanding it can bring peace.
• The place that hurts isn’t always the injury: Both emotionally and physically, problems often manifest away from their root cause.
• Transitions require intention: Navigating major life changes (like empty nesting) calls for active self-awareness and new growth practices.

THANKS, GRETCHEN RUBIN

If you enjoyed this interview with Gretchen Rubin, let her know by clicking on the link below and sending her a quick shout on Instagram

Click here to show Gretchen Rubin your thoughts about today’s episode on Instagram.

Click here to let John R. Miles know about your number one takeaway from this episode!

If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected].

RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH GRETCHEN RUBIN

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Gretchen Rubin’s Website
2. Gretchen Rubin’s Instagram
3. Gretchen Rubin’s LinkedIn
4. Gretchen’s Podcast Happier
5. BUY Gretchen Rubin’s Book ‘Secrets of Adulthood’
6. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
7. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
8. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

My solo episode on The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve

Can’t miss my episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering

My episode with The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter

Catch my interview with Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World

Listen to my solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era

About Today’s Guest, Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin is one of today’s most influential and thought-provoking observers of happiness, human nature, and good habits. She is the author of multiple New York Times bestselling books, including The Happiness Project, Better Than Before, and her latest, Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives.

With her powerful blend of research, storytelling, and practical advice, Gretchen has helped millions of people around the world lead more intentional and joyful lives. She is also the host of the award-winning Happier with Gretchen Rubin podcast and a sought-after speaker, known for her engaging insights on how we can create meaningful change in our daily lives. Her work has been featured in major outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR, and she continues to inspire audiences with her relatable and actionable wisdom.

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Passion Struck aspires to speak to the humanity of people in a way that makes them want to be better, live better, and impact the world.

Passion Struck’s mission is to unlock the power of intentionality for the benefit of us all. To create a world where we live better, be better, and impact the world through our unique and powerful content.