On Purpose with Jay Shetty

What does rejection feel like to you?

What do you usually do to move past that feeling?

Today, Jay sits down with legendary filmmaker and comedian Judd Apatow for a vulnerable and inspiring conversation on life, creativity, and resilience. Known for shaping modern comedy with films like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, Judd opens up about the struggles behind the success, sharing how self-doubt, early failures, and rejection shaped him into the storyteller he is today. He reflects on the power of mentorship, the lessons he learned from icons like Gary Shandling, and why...

Today, Jay sits down with Malala Yousafzai to uncover the woman behind the global symbol of courage and education. From the very start, Jay sets the tone with an intention rooted in empathy, to help people not just know Malala, but understand her. Together, they revisit her extraordinary journey, from growing up in Pakistan’s Swat Valley under Taliban rule to surviving an assassination attempt at fifteen. Malala shares what it was like to wake up in a hospital far from home, and how she slowly began to realize that the world had already decided who she was before sh...

Do you ever feel behind in life?

What are you comparing yourself to?

Today, Jay shares a powerful reminder for anyone who feels like they’re behind in life. Maybe you’re comparing your career path to a friend’s promotion, your relationship status to someone’s engagement photos, or your lifestyle to highlight reels on social media. Jay explains how natural it is to feel this way, especially after school, when the timelines that once kept us moving together begin to split apart. Drawing on social comparison theory, he shows how easily our self-worth can beco...

How do you usually deal with stress?

Does it help you feel better, or just distract you for a while?

Today, Jay welcomes globally recognized nutritionist and corporate wellness strategist Mona Sharma to share her inspiring journey from corporate burnout to holistic healing. Mona opens up about her personal health struggles; two heart surgeries, chronic stress, and years of misalignment, that ultimately led her to rediscover the healing practices she grew up with in the ashram. Mona explains how returning to yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and mindful nutrition helped her reclaim her health and purpose, transforming...

What’s the hardest part about letting go?

What helped you start healing after that?

Today, Jay sits down with Grammy Award–winning artist Cardi B for a rare and intimate conversation that reveals the woman behind the spotlight. From an early age, Cardi carried big dreams and an unshakable belief that she was meant for more. She opens up about the quiet moments she spent planning her future, the determination that pushed her beyond the challenges of her upbringing, and the resilience that continues to drive her today. Cardi reflects on how those experiences not...

Do you say yes too often?

When was the last time you said no?

In this special live episode recorded at an iHeart event in New York City, Jay Shetty reflects on his journey from speaking to empty rooms to sharing ancient wisdom with millions around the world. He reveals how reframing adversity helps us face life’s “first arrows” without adding the extra pain of self-criticism, and the daily practices that keep him grounded through challenge. With powerful stories, from a Navy SEAL finding purpose through On Purpose while on deployment, to a young cheerl...

Is there something from childhood you still carry?

How do you think it still affects you today?

In this special compilation episode of On Purpose, Jay revisits some of the most transformative conversations on trauma, healing, and resilience. Featuring insights from Dr. Gabor Maté, John Legend, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Bruce Perry, and Anitta, Jay uncovers how unaddressed wounds can quietly shape the way we live, and more importantly, how we can begin the journey toward understanding, growth, and true healing.

From Dr. Gabor Maté’s wisdom on the unseen toll of suppressing our auth...

How do you find peace daily?

What keeps you going in hard times?

Today, Jay sits down with Madonna for a rare and intimate conversation that goes beyond her iconic career into the spiritual foundation that has carried her through life’s greatest challenges. For nearly 30 years, Madonna has walked a spiritual path that has shaped her resilience, fueled her creativity, and defined her sense of purpose. Madonna opens up about what first drew her to seek deeper meaning, the practices that became her lifeline, and why she believes spirituality has been the true key to...

Have you ever felt taken for granted by a friend?

Do you find yourself always making the effort?

Today, Jay dives into the delicate line between real and fake friendships, revealing the subtle cues that help us identify who truly has our best interests at heart. He explains that genuine friends honor your boundaries, celebrate your authenticity, and encourage your growth, while superficial friends may pressure you into compliance, keep score, gossip, or feel threatened by your success. Drawing on psychological insights around attachment styles, envy, and social debt, Jay highlights how friendship dynamics are...

Do you think fame makes people happy?

Would you give up money for peace of mind?

Today, Jay sits down with Emma Watson, actress, activist, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, for a rare and deeply personal conversation. Beloved around the world as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, Emma has since become a powerful voice for gender equality and sustainability. In this exclusive interview, Emma reflects on her decision to step away from Hollywood and shares how time for study and self-discovery has allowed her to redefine success, find fulfillment, and reclaim her voice.<...

Do you ever feel lost?

What usually helps you find your way back?

Today, Jay sits down with @HealthyGamerGG (Dr. K), psychiatrist, meditation teacher, and author of How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, for an eye-opening conversation about why so many young people feel lost and disconnected in today’s world. Together, they uncover the hidden struggles millions face: loneliness, confusion, and the constant pressure of feeling “behind in life,” even when everything looks fine on the outside. Dr. K shares how shifting milestones and rising societal pressures have fueled an epidemic of uncertainty, leaving many t...

What’s the biggest shift you wish you’d made sooner?

What advice would you give your younger self before 30?

In this special reflection, Jay opens up about the lessons he wishes he’d known before turning 30, insights that could have spared him time, energy, and unnecessary stress. Now, at 38, he shares eight counterintuitive truths from psychology and human behavior that have reshaped the way he lives, loves, and works.

From realizing that people think about us far less than we imagine, to understanding that burnout comes more from a lack of meaning than f...

Do you feel like you need to prove yourself?

Who do you think you’re trying to impress?

Today, Jay sits down with his close friend Lilly Singh for a transformative and deeply honest in-person conversation at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. Known for being a trailblazer in digital media and late-night television, Lilly reflects on the hidden challenges behind being “the first”, from navigating cultural expectations to battling loneliness and self-doubt. Lilly shares how much of her early success was driven by the need to prove her worth to others, and how she is...

Trigger Warning: Suicide & Self-Harm

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 (U.S.) or contact your local emergency services.

Have you been feeling down lately?

What’s been weighing on you the most?

Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Matthew Nock, Harvard psychologist and one of the world’s foremost experts on suicide prevention, to unpack one of the most urgent and misunderstood issues of our time. Together, they dismantle common myths about suicide, revealing that it’s rarely about wanting life to end, but more o...

Do you find it hard to decide?

What usually makes it hard for you?

Today, Jay dives into two of the biggest roadblocks that keep us from living the life we want: overthinking and procrastination. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on a decision for weeks, second-guessing every choice, or waiting for the “perfect” moment to act, you’re not alone. Jay reminds us that chasing absolute certainty, readiness, or approval often leaves us standing still. The reality is, confidence comes from taking action, not the other way around, and real transformation rarely feels comforta...

How do you usually handle self-doubt?

How do you find your confidence again?

Today, Jay welcomes two-time U.S. Open Champion Aryna Sabalenka just days after her incredible victory. Aryna opens up about what it truly feels like to lift the trophy again, not only as a moment of triumph, but as a deep release after seasons of heartbreak and near misses. She reflects on the sting of falling short in Grand Slam finals and the heavy weight of being labeled the favorite, sharing how those setbacks forced her to grow into a calmer, more...

How do you track your spending?

What’s the easiest way for you to save money?

Today, Jay welcomes back Codie Sanchez, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Contrarian Thinking, to share the mindset shifts needed to thrive financially in today’s world. Codie explains why renting can sometimes be the smarter move, how to negotiate with confidence, and why mastering the language of money, from credit scores to strategic debt, is essential before you can build real wealth. Together, Jay and Codie debunk the myths of financial literacy, showing that clarity and confidence matter far more...

What’s the biggest lesson you learned this year?

What advice would you give yourself a year ago?

In this special birthday reflection, Jay opens up about the most meaningful lessons he’s learned over the past year. Rather than focusing on milestones or achievements, he dives into the deeper truths that shape how we love, pay attention, and grow within. From realizing that overhelping can sometimes hold others back, to seeing how saying “no” can be one of the most honest forms of respect, Jay invites us to rethink the way we set boundaries, show com...

Are you making time for the kind of love you want?

Do you feel like you’re ready to stop repeating old patterns?

Today, Jay welcomes Jared Freid and Jordana Abraham, hosts of the hit dating podcast U Up?, for a candid, lighthearted look at modern love. Together with Jay, they unpack why dating feels tougher than ever, from app burnout to myths about what it means to be “dateable,” and how negativity online makes the process feel heavier than it is. Instead of rigid rules, they offer a mindset shift: lead with curiosity, keep your a...

Have you noticed changes in your sleep?

Do you sometimes feel more anxious than usual?

Today, Jay sits down with Emmy award–winning journalist and bestselling author Tamsen Fadal to open up one of the most overlooked conversations in health and wellness: menopause. Tamsen shares her personal journey of confusion, discovery, and advocacy, breaking down why menopause has been shrouded in taboo for so long and how it impacts not just women’s bodies, but their emotions, relationships, and careers.

Together, they explore the often-hidden symptoms of perimenopause, from brain fog and anxiety to d...

When was the last time you felt genuinely happy with your partner?

Do you feel more stressed or more at peace in your relationship?

Today, Jay dives into one of the most draining patterns in relationships: trying to change someone who isn’t ready to change. Whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member, we often convince ourselves that if we just love harder, give more, or push in the right way, they’ll finally become the version of themselves we know they could be. Jay reminds us, people don’t change because of our hope...

How do you normally calm yourself when you’re overwhelmed?

Have you ever tried meditation before?

Today, Jay brings you a diverse exploration of meditation with some of today’s most insightful minds: Dr. Joe Dispenza, Big Sean, Michael Acton Smith, Vishen Lakhiani, and Sam Harris. From science to music, entrepreneurship to spirituality, each guest reveals how meditation has shaped their lives, and how you can use it as a powerful tool for focus, healing, and inner transformation.

Together, they show us that meditation is far more than sitting in silence, it’s a path...

Have you ever doubted yourself?

Has self-doubt ever held you back?

Today, Jay welcomes back tennis legend Novak Djokovic for a deep and vulnerable conversation about what it truly takes to master both the external and internal journey to success. Novak reflects on the practices instilled in him from childhood: visualization, journaling, meditation, and even listening to classical music, that became the foundation of his holistic approach to self-care and peak performance. He shares how these early lessons influenced his career and his outlook on growth, spirituality, and resilience, helping him see tennis not just...

Did anyone ever teach you about money when you were younger?

What’s one money mistake you made in your 20s?

Today, Jay shares the financial lessons he wishes he knew in his twenties. Insights that don’t just change how you handle money, but how you understand it. Jay reveals that most people aren’t actually bad with money, they were simply never taught how to build a healthy, secure relationship with it.

Jay explains how these dynamics affect our financial habits, emphasizing that real financial security begins with mindset and choices, not in...

What’s one dream you really want to make real?

Do you feel you’re wishing for it or working toward it?

In this special live recording from The Met in Philadelphia, Jay sits down with Grammy-nominated artist Big Sean for a deeply vulnerable and inspiring conversation. Big Sean opens up about the battles he faced behind the spotlight, the depression, the pressure, and the moments he thought about giving up. His story shows the power of turning pain into growth through therapy, meditation, and faith. It’s a reminder that no matter what we achiev...

Do you struggle to focus on simple tasks?

Do you feel mentally “slowed down” during the day?

Today, Jay welcomes back his dear friend and trailblazer in functional medicine, Dr. Mark Hyman. Mark Hyman, MD is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Function Health, the fastest growing health company in the U.S. In this extremely vulnerable conversation, Mark recounts his near-death experience after a severe spinal infection left him unable to walk and fighting for his life. Despite decades of living and teaching optimal health, he suddenly found himself dependent on others for even...

Today, Jay reflects on the lessons about love he wishes he had known in his twenties. He examines how movies, media, and cultural narratives have long shaped unrealistic expectations about romance, often equating love with grand gestures, nonstop excitement, and fairy tale endings. Jay challenges these ideas, by showing that true love is not constant fireworks, but a balance of peace, stability, and passion. He explains how the thrill is often mistaken for attraction, and how the calm that comes from trust and consistency is actually the real foundation of a healthy relationship, even if often mistaken for boredom.<...

Have you ever failed at something you really wanted?

What did that experience teach you about yourself?

Today, Jay chats with late-night legend Jimmy Kimmel for an unforgettable live conversation at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Jimmy opens the episode playfully roasting Jay, showing off his signature, sharp wit right out of the gate. The laughs quickly give way to a candid, wide-ranging conversation about Jimmy’s  life, marked by gutsy decisions, constant reinvention, and moments of surprising vulnerability.

Jimmy reflects on the emotional cost of self-expression, his early struggles with being mis...

What’s the hardest part of parenting for you?

Do you think kids today are more anxious than before?

Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and founder of Good Inside, a global parenting and mental health platform. Named the “Millennial Parent Whisperer” by Time, Dr. Becky is known for her compassionate, practical approach to raising emotionally healthy children while maintaining strong, sturdy leadership as a parent.

In this eye-opening conversation, Jay and Dr. Becky explore why modern parenting often swings between dismissing children’s emotions and letting them cal...

Today, Jay sits down with serial entrepreneur, investor, and powerhouse mom of four, Kim Perell. Known for building her first company from her kitchen table and later selling one for $235 million, Kim shares the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of what it takes to turn failure into fortune. The conversation centers around Kim’s latest book, Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire, and offers a heartfelt blueprint for anyone feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or uncertain about their next move. 

Jay and Kim explore why perfectionism can sabotage progress, how fear often masks itself as procrastination, and why waiting to feel “fully...

Have you ever felt pressure to hide a part of who you are?

What helps you feel safe enough to open up?

Today, Jay chats with renowned celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton to share deeply personal parts of his life he’s never shared publicly. Known for creating iconic looks for stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande, Chris has built a career around image and transformation. Chris bravely opens up about the journey that shaped him, pulling back the curtain on the private struggles behind his public success. From growing up in a wo...

Have you ever thought about starting a business?

What would you do if money wasn’t a problem?

Today, Jay sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and investor Alex Hormozi for a practical and eye-opening conversation about money, business, and what it really takes to succeed. Alex has built and sold multiple companies and now runs Acquisition.com, where he helps scale businesses to over $10 million in revenue.

In this episode, Alex breaks down why so many people feel stuck when trying to grow a business. Alex and Jay dive into the common mi...

Have you ever felt like losing meant your life was over?

When did you realize it’s okay to fail?

Today, Jay sits down with four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to explore her journey beyond the tennis court. Naomi, known for her powerful game and quiet resilience, opens up about the challenges of fame, the weight of expectations, and how motherhood has reshaped her outlook on life.

Jay and Naomi discuss the pressure of being a high-performance athlete, the loneliness that can accompany success, and the struggles of maintaining a sense of se...

Have you ever thought about being your own boss?

What kind of business would you start if you could?

In this special compilation episode of On Purpose, Jay Shetty curates powerful insights from five extraordinary entrepreneurs: Emma Grede, Michael Rubin, Codie Sanchez, Brian Chesky, and Suneera Madhani, offering a dynamic, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to build something meaningful from scratch. Each guest brings a unique lens to the entrepreneurial journey: Emma Grede reminds us that the most powerful companies are born by solving real problems for underserved communities; Codie Sanchez breaks down...

Do you ever feel like who you are is holding you back?

Can you really change your personality — or are you stuck with it for life?

Today, Jay sits down with award-winning journalist and author Olga Khazan, whose groundbreaking book Me But Better explores the science of personality change. As a staff writer at The Atlantic, Olga has spent years investigating what shapes who we are — and whether it’s possible to become more confident, resilient, and fulfilled by intentionally shifting our traits.

Jay and Olga explore the surprising research showing that personality isn’t...

Today, Jay dives into a feeling many of us know well: the sense that nothing in life is going the way we hoped. Whether your career feels stuck, your relationships feel off, or you’re just not where you thought you’d be by now. Jay reminds us that feeling stuck doesn't mean you've failed, but could be life giving you a moment to pause and reset. Jay explains that the way we experience reality depends on what we choose to focus on. When we're fixated on what's going wrong, we often miss the small signs that things are alre...

Do you struggle with self-doubt sometimes?

What helped you get through a tough emotional season?

Today, Jay sits down with award-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common for a deeply moving live conversation recorded at the legendary Chicago Theater. Known for his poetic lyrics and conscious artistry, Common opens up about his journey from a young boy on the South Side of Chicago to becoming an Academy Award, Emmy, and three-time Grammy winner. In this intimate conversation they explore the emotional and spiritual work behind his success. From heartbreak and rejection to healing and purpose, Common...

Have you ever counted calories before?

What’s one small change you’d like to make in how you eat?

Today, Jay invites geneticist and author Giles Yeo to challenge one of the most persistent beliefs in modern health culture: the idea that all calories are created equal. Giles is a professor at the University of Cambridge, specializing in the study of how genes influence appetite and body weight. He is the author of Gene Eating and Why Calories Don’t Count, both of which challenge conventional diet myths through the lens of cutting-edge science. Giles...

Today, Jay reframes how relationships are built—not through surface-level attraction or blind chemistry, but through clarity, communication, and intentionality. He presents nine transformative questions that often go unasked in modern dating, not because they’re unimportant, but because they’re uncomfortable. Jay explains that avoiding these conversations leads to assumptions, unmet expectations, and unnecessary heartache. He underscores that a healthy relationship isn't defined by constant harmony, but by the courage to ask, listen, and grow together. 

Blending personal stories, practical wisdom, and psychological insight, Jay highlights how asking the right questions early can reveal compatibility, values, and emo...

Today, Jay sits down with author, artist, and creative mentor Amie McNee for a heartfelt conversation about reconnecting with the artist inside all of us. Known for her honest take on creativity and self-expression, Amie opens up about her journey, from battling self-doubt and shame to finding her voice as a writer and artist. Amie shares real stories of rejection, depression, and learning to embrace imperfection, reminding us that art doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to be real.

Jay and Amie explore the common myths that hold people back from creating. The idea th...