On Purpose With Jay Shetty

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

Do you often feel unappreciated by your partner? Do you avoid addressing issues to keep the peace? Today, Jay tackles a common yet often overlooked issue in relationships: subtle settling. He begins by acknowledging the pervasive uncertainty many people face about their partners and the fear of being alone that often drives them to stay in unfulfilling relationships. Is it true that the lack of current excitement or passion necessarily indicates settling. One of the key questions Jay poses is whether individuals feel they can be their true selves with their partners. He highlights the importance of authenticity in relationships, sharing anecdotes about how people often hide or underplay parts of themselves to be more likable, which ultimately leads to losing their true identity. In this episode, you'll learn: How to foster emotional availability How to deal with unrealistic expectations How to ensure mutual respect in your relationship How to discuss important issues in a healthy way Healthy communication is

What does healing your inner child mean? How can you heal from past trauma? Today, let's welcome Grammy-nominated global superstar, Anitta, who has become a leading artist of a new generation of Latin American music. Her album "Versions of Me" surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify, and she earned a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2023. Known for her energetic performances and bold personality, Anitta is also deeply spiritual, integrating various practices to maintain her well-being and authenticity. A significant part of the episode focuses on the duality of Anitta's identity. She explains how she balances her stage persona with her true self, Larissa, and the importance of nurturing both. Anitta shares the struggles she faced with comparisons, societal expectations, and the pressure to maintain a certain image. Her journey towards self-acceptance and self-love is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit.  Jay and Anitta also talk about the importance of staying grounded amidst suc

How can you recognize when you need to slow down? And what are the benefits of slowing down in everyday life? Today, Jay addresses the growing concern about how to slow down in our fast-paced world. Many of us feel like time is flying by, and Jay offers practical tips to help us feel more present and in control.  Jay recommends connecting with ourselves, looking at our schedule, and reaching out to loved ones. By waking up 20 minutes earlier than needed, this small change can set a calm tone for the day. And there is power in silence and spending time in nature. Silence helps reduce our brain's cognitive load, and being in nature makes us feel more present and less rushed. Throughout the episode, Jay provides easy-to-follow advice to help us slow down and enjoy life more fully, reminding us that slowing down is about being more present, not doing less. In this episode, you'll learn: How to slow down time How to change your daily habits How to plan for your day These small changes can make a big difference in

How can changing your mindset help you learn from mistakes? And what are the benefits of viewing challenges as learning opportunities? Today, let's welcome Charles Leclerc. Charles is Formula One racing driver who competes for Scuderia Ferrari in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Charles gained attention for his impressive performances in junior categories, winning titles in series such as GP3 Series and FIA Formula 2 Championship. He made his Formula One debut with Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 Team in 2018 before joining Ferrari as their lead driver in 2019. Charles offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a professional race car driver. He narrates through the twists and turns of the race track, uncovering the passion, dedication, and relentless drive that propel them forward. And the secrets behind preparing and training for the race, with sleep emerging as the ultimate priority for peak performance. Jay and Charles talk about the invaluable lessons learned from mistakes, emphasizing the importanc

Are you struggling with finding someone to talk to? What can you do during a mental health crisis? Today, Jay offers a wealth of practical advice aimed at enhancing mental health through simple, actionable changes. Drawing on his partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Jay emphasizes the importance of recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and the critical need for accessible mental health support. Jay provides a blend of personal anecdotes, research-backed insights, and practical advice, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being. He wraps up the episode with a heartfelt message of support, reminding listeners that he is always in their corner, rooting for their success and happiness. In this episode, you'll learn: How small changes create big impact How to improve at something you like to do How to take care of your mental health The simple practices to change your routine If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that there is help ava