For more about this conversation. Check out the podcast episode 8 with Dr. Jordan Grumet.

Ep 8 Dr Jordan Grumet, MD- The Purpose Code

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, searching for clarity, or wanting to live with more intention. Tune in to Sobriety Now What? on your favorite platform—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music—and join us for this incredible conversation.

Finding Purpose in Sobriety: A Conversation with Dr. Jordan Grumet

In the latest episode of Sobriety Now What?, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Jordan Grumet, a hospice doctor, podcaster, and author of The Purpose Code. Our discussion was nothing short of transformative, as Dr. Grumet shared profound insights into the elusive concept of purpose and how it connects to happiness, health, and longevity.

For anyone navigating sobriety or simply seeking to live a more intentional life, the idea of purpose can feel overwhelming. Dr. Grumet breaks it down into two concepts: Big P Purpose and little p purpose. Big P Purpose is the anxiety-inducing, goal-oriented version society often pushes us toward—becoming the next big thing, fulfilling grandiose dreams, or achieving perfection. On the other hand, little p purpose is process-oriented, abundant, and impossible to fail. It’s about finding joy in the small, meaningful actions that light us up every day.

Dr. Grumet’s journey to discovering his own purpose is both relatable and inspiring. After burning out as a physician, he found himself asking deeper questions about life, happiness, and meaning. His work in hospice care and the insights he gained from the terminally ill led him to write The Purpose Code, a guide for anyone feeling lost or stuck in their search for purpose.

In our conversation, we explored some powerful themes:

• The Paradox of Purpose: Why purpose is essential for happiness, yet searching for it often leads to frustration and anxiety.
• Regrets as Purpose Anchors: How reflecting on regrets—both actions and inactions—can guide us toward a more fulfilling life.
• The Role of Meaning: How the stories we tell ourselves about our past shape our sense of self-worth and how to rewrite those narratives.
• Connection and Community: Why relationships are the ultimate key to happiness and how little p purpose naturally fosters deeper connections.

Dr. Grumet also shared practical tools from his book, including exercises to identify your own little p purposes and how to embrace them without the pressure of perfection. Whether it’s rediscovering childhood joys, subtracting what you dislike from your current life, or simply showing up for what energizes you, his advice is actionable and empowering.

One of the most touching moments in our conversation was when Dr. Grumet shared stories from his hospice work. He explained how the dying often become crystal clear about what truly matters—relationships, meaningful actions, and living authentically. For those of us in recovery, this wisdom is a powerful reminder to focus on what lights us up and brings us closer to others.

Key Takeaways for Listeners in Sobriety
If you’re in recovery, this episode is packed with insights tailored to your journey:

• You don’t need to have all the answers today. Purpose isn’t something you “find”; it’s something you build, one step at a time.
• Regrets don’t have to hold you back—they can guide you forward.
• Little p purposes, like cooking, writing, or helping others, are abundant and achievable. Start small and let joy guide you.
• Courage is key. Whether it’s facing life without substances or stepping into something new, growth happens outside your comfort zone.

About Dr. Jordan Grumet
Dr. Jordan Grumet is a hospice physician, author, and the host of the Earn and Invest podcast. His latest book, The Purpose Code, explores how purpose connects to happiness and how we can embrace a more fulfilling life. He’s also the author of Taking Stock, a book that blends lessons from the dying with practical financial advice.

To learn more about Dr. Grumet and his work, visit jordangrumet.com. You can also check out his podcast Earn and Invest for more inspiring conversations.