In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah—physician, behavioral scientist, and author of Defy: The Power of No in a World That Demands Yes—to explore one of the most overlooked yet essential human forces: defiance.

Part of our ongoing series The Forces That Shape Us, this conversation dives into why we struggle to say no, even when our inner voice knows we should. Dr. Sah reveals how subtle social pressures—from authority, hierarchy, and culture—can override our values and decisions without us realizing it. She explains the neuroscience behind compliance, why defying those pressures feels so uncomfortable, and how to develop the moral courage to stand firm when it matters most.

Catch more of Dr. Sunita Sah: https://www.sunitasah.com/

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