On Purpose With Jay Shetty

How often do you check your phone daily? Do you feel anxious when you’re away from your phone? Today, Jay addresses the growing concern of excessive phone and internet usage, exploring its detrimental effects on mental and physical health. He begins by explaining how activities like swiping, liking, and commenting on social media provide our brains with dopamine hits, which can create a cycle of dependency and compulsive behavior. Despite the benefits of technology, such as increased connectivity and access to information, many people feel less connected and more distracted, anxious, and impatient. Jay elaborates on the neurological aspects of dopamine and its role in pleasure-seeking behaviors, emphasizing that problems arise when we expect constant rewards from our online activities. He draws parallels between the brain's response to food and its response to digital consumption, advocating for a balanced approach that avoids overindulgence in either. In this episode, you'll learn: How to become more conscio

How can you start letting your guard down in love? How can you become more open and vulnerable in your relationships? Today, let's welcome Alexis Ren and Allie Michelle. Alexis is a model, entrepreneur, and social media influencer with over 18 million followers on Instagram. Known for her advocacy of mental health and self-empowerment, Alexis has leveraged her platform to promote wellness and personal growth. She is also the co-founder of "We Are Warriors," a female-driven wellness community focused on fostering self-love, strength, and growth among women worldwide.  Allie is a bestselling author, spoken word artist, and certified yoga, breathwork, meditation, Reiki, and craniosacral therapist. She is passionate about holistic health and personal development, which she incorporates into her work. The duo are the co-founders of "We Are Warriors," a female-driven wellness community focused on fostering self-love, strength, and growth among women worldwide.  Alexis and Allie's friendship began when they were pre

How does unresolved trauma impact your life? How can you rewire your brain to overcome trauma? Today, in the On Purpose podcast, Jay sits down with actress and LGBT advocate, Laverne Cox. Laverne’s groundbreaking performance on "Orange Is the New Black" made her the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. In addition to her acting career, Laverne Cox has been involved in various advocacy and awareness campaigns, making her a significant figure in the ongoing struggle for transgender and LGBTQ+ rights. Her work has contributed to greater visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals in the entertainment industry and society at large. In this episode, Laverne and Jay dive deep into transgender rights, media representation challenges, and how empathy can make a big difference in our divided world. They also discuss how fake news and false information on the internet can be a problem and why learning how to spot them is crucial.  Laverne also shares personal experiences

How do you deal with negative people close to you? How do you stay positive around negative people? Today, Jay welcomes Robert Greene, known for his bestsellers like "The 48 Laws of Power" and "The Daily Laws." Robert's works draw on historical figures and events to provide insights into the dynamics of power and social influence. His books are often used as guides for personal development, leadership, and understanding the complexities of human interactions.  Robert shares tips on dealing with negative people, emphasizing the importance of emotional distance and understanding that everyone has their flaws and shares his thoughts on the idea that our sense of self is just a mental construct, and real enlightenment comes from letting go of our egos. He also stresses the importance of questioning your beliefs to truly understand who you are and what you’re meant to do in life.  Followed by Jay and Robert's discussion on why it's more important to judge people by their character rather than their intelligence or

What’s blocking you? What’s holding you back? Today, Jay talks about the concept of self-sabotage, examining how it manifests in various aspects of our lives and offering strategies for overcoming it. Self-sabotage is defined as behaviors that undermine our own success, happiness, and stated goals. These actions often occur subconsciously, rooted in deep psychological patterns formed during early childhood. Jay outlines four primary ways people self-sabotage: chronic lateness, procrastination, putting oneself down, and perfectionism. He also discusses the habit of putting oneself down, which can manifest through over-apologizing or refusing to take credit for accomplishments. This behavior is often linked to low self-esteem or an internalized critical voice from childhood. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Recognize Self-Sabotage How to Stop Putting Yourself Down How to Change Negative Self-Talk How to Understand Your Triggers How to Set Boundaries By understanding and working through these patterns, you

What was your biggest challenge after hitting rock bottom? How did you manage to overcome your failures? Today, let's welcome the one and only Fat Joe, a renowned American rapper and music industry executive. He began his music career in the early 1990s and quickly gained recognition with his debut album "Represent" in 1993, featuring the hit single "Flow Joe." Fat Joe has played a crucial role in promoting other artists, notably Big Pun, who achieved significant success before his untimely death. His journey from the streets of the Bronx to international stardom is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and enduring impact on the world of hip hop. Fat Joe provides an honest look at the gritty realities of his early life, including hustling for money and living through dangerous encounters. He shares how the aggressive nature of hip hop initially required him to hide his true, more personable self behind a tough exterior. However, he credits the genre for saving his life and offering a legitimate path out o

What do you look for in a partner? What do you think makes a relationship interesting? Today, let's talk about the disparity between what people say they want in a partner — traits like kindness, empathy, and thoughtfulness — and what they often find themselves attracted to, which may be more superficial qualities like physical attractiveness. Jay references research from the Pew Research Center to highlight that 35% of men value physical attractiveness most in women, while 33% of women value honesty and morality most in men. He discusses how societal pressures and media influence shape these preferences and often lead people to prioritize the wrong traits, which can result in unsatisfying relationships. Additionally, Jay addresses the issues of men looking for nurturing qualities in women, sometimes in an unhealthy, maternal sense, and the pressure on men to achieve professional and financial success. He also touches on the societal expectations and challenges faced by successful women who feel they need to

What’s your go-to nutrition hack? Is it truly beneficial for your body’s health? Today, let's welcome Elissa Goodman, a renowned integrative holistic nutritionist known for her expertise in cleansing and nutrition. She has gained recognition for her personal journey of overcoming significant health challenges, including cancer and autoimmune issues, which inspired her to take control of her health and help others do the same. Elissa has developed her own kitchen cleanse program, which delivers nourishing and healing foods directly to people's homes. Elissa explains the concept of cleansing, which is often misunderstood as deprivation and starvation. Her approach focuses on nourishment and reducing inflammation through a diet rich in a variety of vegetables and plant-based foods. She describes the benefits of her cleanses, which help people reset their bodies, improve digestion, and enhance overall well-being. Jay and Elissa also significance of habits such as regular blood work, proper sleep, meditation, and

Do you have a cause you want to pursue? How do you give back to your community? Today's guests are two very purpose-driven women behind the Baby2Baby, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing basic necessities to children living in poverty across the United States. Let's welcome Baby2Baby Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof. Since its inception, Baby2Baby has grown into a $80 million organization serving over 1 million children annually by distributing essential items such as diapers, formula, and clothing.   Norah and Kelly share their personal motivations and backgrounds, with Norah’s commitment rooted in her childhood and reinforced during her pro bono work as a lawyer, and Kelly’s passion stemming from her volunteer work with children during her modeling career. Their mission is driven by the immediate and tangible needs of the communities they serve, highlighting how even basic items like diapers can make a significant difference in the lives of children and their families. The duo e

Do you often remember your dreams?   What was the last dream you can remember?   Today, let's welcome Dr. Rahul Jandial. Rahul is a dual-trained brain surgeon and neuroscientist based at City of Hope in Los Angeles. He leads the Jandial Lab, which explores the intersection of neurobiology and cancer. Beyond his research, Dr. Jandial is dedicated to global health, performing pediatric neurosurgery in charity hospitals across South America and Eastern Europe. He is also the author of the book "This Is Why You Dream," which delves into the science and significance of dreaming.   Jay and Rahul explore the significance of dreams and their impact on our lives, and that the brain is highly active during sleep, generating as much electricity as when awake. This activity suggests that dreaming is not a passive process but an essential function for the brain, helping it process and rehearse experiences, emotions, and creativity.   There are common themes in dreams, such as nightmares, erotic dreams, and motifs like fal

Do you believe in "right person, wrong time"? Do you have realistic expectations about dating? Today, Jay will discuss the popular notion of the "right person at the wrong time." He explains that this idea often stems from nostalgia, which can distort our memories by emphasizing the positive aspects of past experiences and minimizing the negatives. This romanticized view of the past can prevent us from addressing present realities and hinder our ability to form healthy relationships. Jay also talks about the various factors that influence relationships, such as a person's relationship status, goals, and healing journey. He argues that a person's current circumstances, such as being newly single or single for a long time, significantly shape who they are and their readiness for a relationship. Furthermore, in a healthy relationship, partners should respect and support each other's goals rather than expecting complete alignment. He also highlights the importance of patience and mutual support in the ongoing pro

Are you a perfectionist?  Do you ever spend time alone in silence?  Today, Jay sits down with Melinda French Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and founder of Pivotal Ventures to talk about her journey from studying computer science at Duke University to working at Microsoft, and eventually transitioning into philanthropy. Melinda highlights the importance of goal setting and quiet reflection, practices instilled in her from a young age; the challenges women and people of color face in achieving equality, emphasizing the need for more inclusive policies and support systems; and the importance of diverse representation in leadership and decision-making roles. Melinda shared insights into her parenting approach, emphasizing the importance of instilling values of kindness, responsibility, and giving back to society. She also shared her journey of grappling with the decision to publicly support contraceptive access, which conflicted with her Catholic faith. This decision involved deep reflec

Have you been wanting to lose weight?  Do you want to transform your body with your workouts? Senada Greca is widely known as Kim Kardashian’s Personal Trainer as well as a renowned fitness and wellness expert. Senada shares her transformative journey from struggling with depression and anxiety to becoming a thought leader in fitness. She is the founder of We Rise, a female empowerment platform focused on health, wellness, and personal development, and Zen toa, a women's athletic apparel brand. Senada has trained high-profile clients such as Miranda Kerr, Bebe Rexha, and Kim Kardashian. Senada's turning point came when she discovered the mental health benefits of strength training, shifting her focus from aesthetics to holistic well-being. Emphasizing the importance of building consistent fitness habits, she advocates starting small and integrating workouts into daily routines. Senada underscores the myriad benefits of strength training, particularly its role in enhancing bone density, muscle mass, and longev

Why do we always put things off until the last minute? How can we stop the habit of procrastinating? Today, let's welcome Rob Dial, host of the Mindset Mentor Podcast and author of "Level Up." Jay and Rob reminisce about their seven-year friendship, sharing how their mutual interests in mindset and Eastern spirituality brought them together.  The conversation delves into the role of fear in holding people back, with Rob distinguishing between primal fears (like pain and death) and intellectual fears (like failure and rejection). He offers strategies to overcome these fears by focusing on positive outcomes instead of negative possibilities. They also explore the topic of procrastination, with Rob emphasizing the importance of having a strong "why" to drive motivation and action.  Rob reflects on his spiritual journey and how silence and introspection have helped him find peace and purpose. He also shares the key lesson he has learned: what we seek externally is often something we need to find within ourselves.

Do you and your partner share values? How do you support each other emotionally? Today, Jay taps into the  idea that love alone is not sufficient to sustain a healthy relationship. While love is important, other elements such as shared values, emotional maturity, consistent patterns of behavior, and trust are crucial for long-lasting partnerships. Societal norms often romanticize love, leading people to overlook these essential factors. Jay discusses the significance of understanding and respecting each other's values, as well as recognizing and addressing patterns of behavior. Emotional maturity, which involves managing and expressing emotions healthily, is highlighted as a key component of a stable relationship. Support and partnership are deemed more critical than love alone. In this episode, you'll learn: How to communicate your value to your partner How to develop emotional maturity How to support your partner's emotional growth How to build trust in your relationship Remember, love is important, but bui

How are smartphones linked to anxiety? What mental health issues are linked to excessive social media use? Today, let's welcome Jonathan Haidt is a renowned social psychologist, professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business, and a widely published author. He is known for his research on morality, culture, and the psychology of happiness. Jonathan's influential books include "The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion" and "The Coddling of the American Mind." His latest work, "The Anxious Generation," examines the profound impact of social media on young people's mental health. Jonathan highlights the unprecedented global collapse of mental health among youth, describing it as more significant than the COVID-19 pandemic, with girls being particularly affected by anxiety and depression, and boys showing significant social development issues. The conversation also addresses the academic debate regarding the root causes of this mental health crisis, with Jonathan presen

Do you often feel exhausted or burnt out? Are you struggling to manage your stress levels? Today, Jay talks about exhaustion, burnout, and stress, highlighting their prevalence with statistics showing that a significant portion of young adults and women report feeling drained. He introduces a practical approach to tackle these challenges, encapsulated in the "triple A" formula—Accept, Action, Attention—which encourages acknowledging negative feelings, taking actionable steps to address them, and paying mindful attention to one's mental state Jay also introduces the concept of "reset periods," whether it's an hour, half-day, or full day, to allow for complete mental and physical rejuvenation. The importance of self-compassion is also emphasized, encouraging individuals to replace inner criticism with supportive self-talk, which can significantly improve overall well-being. In this episode, you'll learn: How to break negative thought cycle How to manage your energy levels How to use stress strategically How to

How does gratitude aid during emotional struggles? How does focusing on positives improve our emotional well-being? Today, let's welcome supermodel, content creator, actor, and philanthropist Taylor Hill. Discovered at the age of 14, Taylor has worked with fashion houses and luxury brands around the globe and has graced the covers of prestigious fashion magazines, including Vogue. Beyond her modeling career, Taylor is the founder of Tate and Taylor, a media content platform and community inspired by her late Labradoodle, Tate.  Taylor speaks candidly about her emotional journey with her late Labradoodle, Tate and the profound bond she shared with him,  describing how he was more than just a pet – he was a soulmate and a source of unwavering support. She also opens up about the challenges and triumphs of starting her modeling career as a teenager, highlighting the pressures and responsibilities that came with her rapid rise to fame. Inspired by her journey with Tate, Taylor founded Tate and Taylor, a media con

Do you compare your relationship to others? How can you identify and manage your triggers for comparison? Today, Jay introduces the concept of social comparison theory, explaining the differences between upward - where we compare ourselves to those we perceive as better off, can lead to feelings of inadequacy if done with envy rather than a mindset of learning, and downward comparisons which involves comparing ourselves to those worse off, which can provide a temporary boost in self-esteem but is ultimately unproductive and unkind. He shares practical strategies for reducing comparison, such as being mindful of social media usage, identifying personal triggers, and investing in self-improvement. Jay also stresses the importance of understanding the deeper, often hidden aspects of people's lives and why we usually compare our internal struggles with others' external successes, leading to a distorted and unfair self-assessment. In the episode, you'll learn: How to identify your goals How to set mutual goals How

Do you want to be able to detect the early warning signs of disease?  Do you want to learn how to manage your stress effectively?  Today, Jay welcomes Dr. Casey Means, a Stanford-trained physician, a leading voice in the field of metabolic health, and the co-founder of Levels, a company dedicated to improving health through continuous glucose monitoring. She is also an author, with her latest book, "Good Energy," focusing on metabolic health and its impact on overall well-being. Dr. Means has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.  Dr. Casey Means highlights the alarming rise of chronic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which she attributes to the modern lifestyle and its impact on our metabolic systems. She emphasizes the importance of understanding metabolic health, which she describes as the body's ability to efficiently convert food into energy at the cellular level and encourages us to take control o