On Purpose With Jay Shetty

What’s your biggest goal for 2025? What steps have you planned? Happy New Year! Today, kicks off 2025 with a powerful message: this is your year to thrive, and the key lies within you. Sharing his proven six-step method, Jay walks listeners through a transformative framework for achieving personal and professional goals. From crafting your goals as compelling stories to prioritizing growth over mere outcomes, he offers a fresh perspective on making progress that truly lasts. Jay dives deep into practical strategies like identifying the one personal and one professional goal that can redefine your life, understanding the power of small yet prioritized changes, and recognizing the need for community, coaching, and consistency to overcome challenges. He emphasizes the importance of measuring progress daily, weekly, and monthly to stay on track and reminds us to frame the year by understanding whether it’s a time to learn, experiment, perform, struggle, or thrive. In this episode, you'll learn: How to

What bad habit do you want to break? What’s a health tip you no longer trust? Today, Jay welcomes back Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a UK-based physician, bestselling author, and podcast host, to discuss his latest book, Make Change That Lasts. Known for his holistic approach to health and wellness, Dr. Chatterjee shares nine transformative strategies to foster sustainable change in daily life, offering a blueprint for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The conversation explores why many health and lifestyle changes fail to stick, diving into the importance of self-awareness and the power of mindset. Dr. Chatterjee recounts how Western medicine often focuses on treating symptoms rather than promoting vitality, advocating for a harmonious blend of Western science and Eastern wisdom. He emphasizes the role of lifestyle choices—nutrition, movement, sleep, and even mindset—in shaping our health. Jay and Rangan tap into practical tools and methods for understanding and addressing emotional trig

What are you leaving behind in 2024? How do you plan to make more space for growth in 2025? Today, Jay  reflects on the art of letting go to make space for personal growth in 2025. He shares a transformative framework for self-improvement by identifying ten habits, beliefs, and mindsets to leave behind. Using the Buddha’s analogy of a raft, he emphasizes the importance of releasing old tools that no longer serve us to navigate life’s new challenges more freely. Jay taps into impactful topics, from overcoming the fear of mistakes to releasing self-consciousness and rethinking the cultural glorification of busyness. He encourages listeners to embrace risk, foster self-compassion, and reframe their relationship with time and perfectionism. Thought-provoking anecdotes, like the role of light and dark in optimizing sleep and the illusion of justice as a universal principle, provide actionable insights for creating a balanced and intentional life. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Let Go of Fea

What stresses you out the most? Have you noticed stress hurting your health? Today, Jay sits down with Dan Harris, journalist, meditation advocate, and the author of 10% Happier. If you’ve ever felt like stress and anxiety are running the show in your life, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone—and better yet, there’s a way forward. Dan opens up about the growing levels of anxiety and stress we’re all feeling, thanks to modern life’s endless distractions like social media, political turmoil, and the ripple effects of the pandemic. He unpacks the difference between stress and anxiety and offers some eye-opening perspectives on why we often feel overwhelmed. But this isn’t just a heavy conversation about what’s wrong with the world—it’s packed with solutions.  Jay and Dan dive into the magic of human connection, the science of mindfulness, and the art of not being so hard on yourself. Dan shares personal stories about grappling

Are you tired of dating? What’s your biggest dating struggle? Today, Jay talks about the complexities of dating, relationships, and building meaningful connections in today’s fast-paced world. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on trust, emotional maturity, communication, and shared values – traits that truly matter in a partner – while learning to move past surface-level “icks” that can distract us from finding real love. Through personal anecdotes and insights from Match’s Singles in America study, Jay explores why many of us are chasing outdated ideas of love, trying to recreate the romanticized relationships of our younger selves. Instead, shift your focus to the present, to nurture healthy dynamics built on honesty, respect, and mutual growth. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Build Trust in Relationships How to Spot the Right Partner Through Their Actions How to Ask Questions That Reveal True Priorities How to Balance Patience and Expectations in Relat

How do you stay disciplined when life gets busy? What’s a routine that keeps you on track? Today, Jay welcomes Alexis Ohanian, tech founder, venture capitalist, and advocate for social change. Known as the co-founder of Reddit and founder of venture firm 776, Alexis shares the profound lessons he's learned from building communities, parenting, and navigating personal and professional challenges. Alexis shares insights into the evolution of online identities and the surprising dedication of individuals who moderate and foster online spaces; his role as a father, offering a candid glimpse into the delicate balance between introducing his children to the digital world and preserving their innocence.  The conversation also tackles larger societal issues, such as the importance of role models for young men and the transformative potential of positive male friendships. Alexis doesn’t shy away from discussing the darker sides of technology, including the need for ethical boundaries and his personal

How do you unwind after a long day? What’s your favorite way to relax quickly? Today, Jay sits down with David Ko, the CEO of Calm and author of the groundbreaking book Recharge. Together, they unravel the complexities of stress, mental health, and how to create a fulfilling life in today’s fast-paced world. David shares his personal journey, from navigating childhood stress to becoming a leader who champions mental wellness. He introduces the “battery analogy,” a simple yet profound way to gauge our mental and emotional energy levels. Drawing from his book, David explains how understanding and managing our “battery” can transform our approach to stress, productivity, and personal growth. Jay and David discuss the power of presence, the necessity of balance, and how redefining stress—from harmful to helpful—can lead to resilience and growth. Their conversation dives deep into actionable strategies, such as creating rituals to recharge, fostering vulnerability at

What in your day makes you happiest? Where do you see yourself in five years? Today, Jay sits down with the iconic rapper, multi-platinum artist, and entrepreneur Wiz Khalifa. The episode explores Wiz’s journey from navigating the challenges of his youth in Pittsburgh to becoming one of the most recognizable names in the music industry. Throughout their conversation, Wiz shares profound insights into his personal growth, family values, and the discipline behind his success. Wiz reflects on his early days, including the loss of a record deal and the resilience it took to rebuild his career. He discusses his evolution as an artist and individual, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, patience, and staying true to oneself. The conversation also dives into the balance between his professional life and personal responsibilities, particularly as a father. Wiz talks about raising his 11-year-old son, Sebastian, and his new daughter, Cadence, shedding light on how fatherhood has deepened his perspective on l

What does a "rich life" mean to you? Do you focus more on what you have or what you lack? Today, Jay will redefine what it truly means to live a "rich life." While society often equates wealth with material possessions and financial success, Jay challenges this narrow definition and explores how richness can also encompass time, energy, relationships, and inner fulfillment. Drawing on personal experiences, historical insights, and anecdotes from his conversations with inspiring figures like Kobe Bryant and Tom Hanks, Jay illustrates how people can find peace and purpose by focusing on what genuinely matters. He also addresses the pitfalls of tying happiness solely to financial success, emphasizing that it’s not money itself but our mindset—whether driven by envy, ego, or gratitude—that shapes our sense of abundance. Jay further unpacks our personal definitions of wealth. Are we in a season of prioritizing career growth, family, love, or personal development? He explores how life’s richness comes from aligning

What’s the first step to making money with no savings? How do you choose which opportunities to start with? Today, Jay sits down with Codie Sanchez, author of “Main Street Millionaire”. Codie is a powerhouse entrepreneur, investor, and the mind behind Contrarian Thinking, a platform dedicated to empowering people to build real wealth through unconventional investments and small business ownership. Codie’s journey is anything but typical: she went from a middle-class background to finance jobs at Goldman Sachs and Vanguard, then pivoted into journalism, and finally found her calling by building wealth through owning small businesses. Codie breaks down the idea that you don’t need groundbreaking ideas or tons of cash to get started, just a willingness to look beyond the obvious. From laundromats to vending machines, she explains how these “boring” businesses can actually be gold mines, offering steady and substantial returns that often get overlooked in today’s flashy, social media-driven vision of success. Tog

What makes you feel confident about yourself? How do you build your confidence when it’s low? Today, Jay discusses a topic that's all too familiar - the constant barrage of unrealistic beauty standards. He challenges the notion of a singular "most beautiful woman in the world" and explores how societal expectations and media influence our perception of beauty. Jay breaks down the historical and cultural factors that shape beauty standards, from the ancient Greek ideals of symmetry and proportion to the modern-day obsession with youth and perfection. He highlights the role of social media in perpetuating unrealistic beauty ideals and encourages listeners to question these norms and embrace their individuality. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Embrace Individuality How to Build Self-Love How to Set Boundaries How to Appreciate Uniqueness How to Practice Mindfulness By understanding the forces that shape our perception of beauty and cultivating self-love, we can live authentic, fulfilling lives. Remember, t

What triggers envy for you? How do you turn envy into action? Today, in this eye-opening episode, Jay Jay sits down with the legendary Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, a psychologist, educator, and bestselling author. This conversation has been in the making for years, and it’s packed with deep insights on human development, identity, and how ancient wisdom ties into today’s challenges. One of the standout moments is when Jordan talks about his upcoming book, We Who Wrestle With God. He takes listeners through the timeless stories of the Old Testament, explaining how they provide profound lessons on values, integrity, and personal growth. He also talks about the importance of always telling the truth and viewing life as an exploration of what’s possible.  Jay and Jordan discuss how easy it is for people to get trapped in “false adventures”—chasing immediate gratification or quick fixes that ultimately don’t fulfill. Jordan reminds us that real growth involves shedding old parts of ourselves to move forward and align w

  What drains your energy the most?   How do you deal with toxic behaviors?   Today, Jay tackles a topic we can all relate to – dealing with those challenging family members and coworkers who add a little extra stress to our lives, especially as the holiday season rolls around. If you’re already bracing yourself for gatherings with people who seem to bring more tension than joy, Jay’s got you covered. He dives into why certain people fall into negative or toxic patterns, breaking down types like the pessimist, the complainer, the eternal victim, the energy drainer, and the “just good enough” person. Jay’s perspective sheds light on how these behaviors aren’t really who they are at their core but are often habits born from past hurts or unmet needs. Jay doesn’t just stop at explaining, though – he shares some really practical, relatable tips on how to navigate these tough dynamics without letting them throw you off balance. He talks about ways to respond with empathy, set emotional boundaries, and even gently

Have you ever felt stuck in a negative relationship cycle?   Have you ever struggled with setting boundaries in your relationships? Today, Jay welcomes back a community favorite, the renowned psychotherapist, bestselling author, and podcast host Lori Gottlieb, for an insightful chat about love, relationships, and emotional growth. Lori, best known for her book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and as co-host of the popular Dear Therapists podcast, brings her deep wisdom and practical advice that really hits home with listeners. Lori shares how people often step into love with unrealistic expectations, thanks to social media and pop culture. She reminds us that while the spark of initial chemistry is thrilling, true, long-lasting love thrives on a deeper connection and genuine understanding. One of the highlights is Lori’s take on “idiot compassion” versus “wise compassion.” She breaks down how real compassion means looking at ourselves honestly, recognizing our patterns, and owning our part in the relationship

Do you ever try focusing on just one thing at a time? What’s one way you avoid distractions? Today, Jay’s diving into a struggle we all know too well: distraction. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling on your phone without even thinking about it, you’re definitely not alone. Jay breaks down why it’s so hard to stay focused in a world full of constant notifications and packed schedules. But this episode isn’t about making us feel guilty—instead, it’s about giving us simple, doable strategies to actually make focus easier. Jay’s packed this episode with practical tips, like creating “no-phone zones” at home and setting tech-free times during the day to really be present. One of the standout strategies he shares is the Pomodoro Technique—working in short, focused bursts with breaks in between to keep your brain sharp and productive. Jay’s main message? Real productivity isn’t about doing more, faster—it’s about doing things better. He even shares some unique Ayurvedic advice, like chewing each bite 32 times (

How do you handle negative self-talk? What helps you overcome self-doubt? Today, Jay sits down with Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys as she shares her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and holistic living. Alicia founded Keys SoulCare, a skincare line emphasizing holistic well-being, and is a co-founder of the initiative She Is the Music, advocating for gender equality in the music industry. The conversation sheds light into Alicia's evolution from a young girl with dreams to an icon balancing a multifaceted career. Jay and Alicia discuss the highs and lows of fame, navigating self-doubt, and the pressures of public life, providing listeners with valuable insights on managing stress and fostering a positive self-image. Alicia reflects on her childhood fears and the challenges of finding self-worth, candidly revealing how these experiences shaped her. She emphasizes the importance of staying grounded through practices like affirmations, journaling, and mindful rituals—habits that help her stay true

Are you open to just being friends with an ex? Do you think they want the same kind of friendship? Today, Jay’s diving into a question we've all probably wrestled with at some point: can you really stay friends with an ex? He kicks things off by laying down some ground rules, pointing out that not every ex is friendship material, especially if there was any toxicity or harm in the relationship. For those open to trying a platonic bond post-breakup, he highlights the real-life complexities and the level of emotional maturity it takes to make it work. Jay also brings in some interesting science, sharing that studies show people stay connected with their exes for reasons like security, convenience, keeping things civil, or even unresolved feelings. But each of these reasons can get messy, and Jay explains that often, the urge to stay friends might have more to do with wanting a sense of safety or familiarity than with genuine friendship. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Decide if an Ex Deserves Friendship H

How do you usually handle stress? Have you tried hypnosis for stress? Today, Jay with Dr. David Spiegel, a leading expert in psychiatry and behavioral sciences, to explore the transformative power of hypnotherapy. Dr. Spiegel, with over 45 years of experience in clinical and research fields, shares profound insights into the science behind hypnosis, dispelling myths and misconceptions. He explains how hypnosis is a natural, self-directed process that allows individuals to tap into heightened focus, manage pain, reduce stress, and address deep-seated traumas. The conversation begins with Dr. Spiegel explaining the foundations of hypnosis, highlighting its ability to narrow one’s focus, similar to a telephoto lens, and create a dissociative state where one can temporarily suspend self-limiting beliefs. This unique focus enables users to challenge habitual thoughts and reframe experiences. Dr. Spiegel shares real-life success stories, such as a war veteran who found peace with traumatic memories and individuals

Have you ever felt like success affected your dating life? Have you ever felt judged for your level of ambition? Today, Jay addresses the insecurities some men may feel when partnered with highly driven women, shedding light on societal conditioning and personal growth. discusses how societal expectations traditionally placed men in provider roles, which can lead to an unease when faced with a partner who exemplifies drive and independence. Jay also delves into recent studies, such as the "Clooney Effect," showing that most men actually value intelligence and confidence in their partners. By examining these narratives, Jay dispels myths that successful women are inherently intimidating to men. Instead, he encourages ambitious women not to diminish their goals but to seek partners who celebrate and complement their journey. In this episode, you'll learn: How to embrace your ambition without guilt How to address insecurities in your relationship How to balance mutual respect and personal ambition How to seek pa

What does a balanced life look like for you? Are you getting enough time to recharge? Today, Jay engages in a deeply reflective conversation with legendary actor, filmmaker, and writer Tom Hanks. With a career spanning over four decades, Hanks is renowned for his roles in iconic films like Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan, Cast Away, and The Green Mile, earning him two Academy Awards. Tom opens up about his unconventional childhood, moving frequently and adjusting to new environments, which shaped his adaptability and taught him the art of letting go. As he reflects on his career, he discusses how he continues to find purpose and depth in his work, emphasizing the joy of collaboration and the importance of staying curious. Together, Jay and Tom discuss how certain locations hold emotional weight, becoming symbols of comfort or life-changing reflection. They also touch on generational wisdom, the role of luck, and finding joy in small, shared experiences. With his characteristic humor and humility, Tom offers