The Gravity of Doubt: How to Harness Uncertainty as a Force for Meaning | EP 675

Passion Struck with John R. Miles

Passion Struck Network

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4.9 • 1.3K Ratings

🗓️ 10 October 2025

⏱️ 23 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What if doubt isn’t a weakness to overcome, but a gravitational force that pulls us toward meaning?

In this powerful solo episode, John R. Miles kicks off the new Forces That Pull Us series by exploring doubt—an invisible psychological and cultural force that shapes our choices, our growth, and our sense of self. Drawing on insights from performance psychologist Michael Gervais, physician-researcher Brennan Spiegel, and business ethicist Bobby Parmar, John examines doubt from three angles:

The Psychological Gravity — How doubt shows up internally, why FOPO (Fear of People’s Opinions) can paralyze us, and how elite performers learn to work with uncertainty rather than against it.
The External Pull — How unseen technological and cultural forces shape what we notice and believe, based on Brennan Spiegel’s groundbreaking book Pull.
Radical Doubt as a Skill — How Bobby Parmar’s framework transforms doubt from a source of anxiety into a disciplined tool for better decision-making.

This episode offers practical tools for identifying, interrogating, and harnessing doubt in your own life—whether you’re making a major decision, leading a team, or confronting internal narratives that hold you back.

Full shownotes HERE

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Coming up next on Passion Struck, what if doubt isn't a weakness to overcome, but a gravitational
0:07.0	force that pulls us towards meaning. We all feel it, that subtle hesitation before a leap,
0:13.0	that quiet voice that asks, are you sure? For most of us, doubt feels like standing on the edge of something vast, fog swirling below,
0:24.3	uncertain whether to step forward or retreat.
0:27.8	But what if that moment isn't a threat?
0:30.8	It's an invitation.
0:32.4	Today, we're going to explore the gravity of doubt, why it shows up, what it reveals,
0:38.8	and how to work with it,
0:40.3	instead of against it.
0:46.6	Welcome to Passionstruck. I'm your host, John Miles. This is the show where we explore the art of human flourishing and what it truly means to live like it matters. Each week,
0:52.1	I sit down with change makers, creators, scientists, and everyday
0:55.3	heroes to decode the human experience and uncover the tools that help us lead with meaning,
1:01.2	heal what hurts, and pursue the fullest expression of who we're capable of becoming. Whether you're
1:06.9	designing your future, developing as a leader, or seeking deeper alignment in your life,
1:11.5	this show is your invitation to grow with purpose and act with intention. Because the secret to a life
1:17.8	of deep purpose, connection, and impact is choosing to live like you matter.
1:36.0	Hey friends, episode 675 of Passion Struct us here, and I am so glad you've joined us.
1:41.5	To everyone who joins me week after week, thank you. You're not just supporting the show. You're fueling a mattering revolution. And if this podcast
1:44.6	has helped you live or lead more intentionally, here are two quick ways to help it grow.
1:50.1	First, share this episode with someone you care about. A colleague, a student, a mentor. Word
1:55.8	of mouth is how this movement grows. Second, if you haven't already, leave a five-star rating or review
2:02.2	on Apple Podcasts for Spotify. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it's one of the most powerful
	...

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