Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians · Bradley B. Block, MD, Doctor Podcast Network

My Favorite Episode of 2025 | Ep497

·32 min·3 clips

Discover why big P purpose causes anxiety while little P purpose leads to happiness and longevity.

Dr. Bradley Block hosts this episode, featuring returning guest Dr. Jordan Grumet, a hospice physician and financial podcaster known as Doc G. They discuss Grumet's new book, "The Purpose Code," which builds upon concepts from his first book about aligning finances with values. Grumet argues that people commonly misunderstand purpose as something to be found rather than actively created. He distinguishes between "big P Purpose," which involves scarce, audacious goals like becoming president, and "little p purpose," which focuses on abundant, enjoyable processes like podcasting or reading. Studies show over 91% of people experience "purpose anxiety" from searching for meaning, while purpose itself is linked to health and longevity. Grumet cites the Harvard Adult Health Study, which found strong social connections are the best predictor of happiness and longevity, not money or status. He shares a personal story about a man named Roman who ran a baseball card store, creating a community that profoundly impacted Grumet's childhood confidence. A key insight is that purpose primarily leads to community and deeper human interactions, which in turn generate happiness. Grumet challenges the idea that one's purpose must align with their existing skill set, using his own journey from medicine to writing as an example. He references the U.S. Time Use Survey, noting the average person has five to six hours of free time daily, which can be used for purposeful activities regardless of their job. Grumet introduces three "levers" for integrating purpose: subtraction of disliked tasks, addition of joyful activities, and substitution of roles or employers. He differentiates meaning, which is a cognitive understanding of one's past, from purpose, which is about present and future actions. Grumet suggests that finding a sense of meaning and feeling "enough" is a prerequisite for effectively pursuing purpose. The conversation is conversational and educational, blending personal anecdotes with references to studies and philosophical ideas like Viktor Frankl's. Listeners interested in personal development, physician wellness, or navigating career transitions would find this episode valuable. Those seeking highly clinical content or immediate financial tactics might prefer other episodes.

As heard by us

Purpose is treated as a practical path to community, not a lofty finish line.

Bradley Block closes the year with an episode about purpose, and Jordan Grumet keeps the idea simple: do work you actually enjoy, and let that lead you toward your people. The core message is plain but steady.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a clearer answer to purpose without the self-help fog.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians