Jay’s Must-Listens: Marriage Isn’t About Finding “The One” (5 Truths Every Couple Needs to Hear Before Marriage!)

Have you ever resented someone from keeping a secret from you? Do you often put other people's feelings before your own? In this incredibly vulnerable episode with Kerry Washington, we dive into the complicated nature of family and generational trauma. We learn about how both compassion and pain co-exist. We explore how to receive and react to challenging news. This episode is one that you definitely do not want to miss if you have ever dealt with navigating familial relationships and dynamics. Kerry Washington is an Emmy award winning, SAG & Emmy- nominated actor, producer and director, and activist. Washington received widespread recognition for her role as Olivia Pope on ABC’s hit drama Scandal. Today we get to see a side of Kerry that we’ve never seen or heard before. She takes us through a journey of unveiling a long guarded family secret. A secret that took her down a journey of transformation, resilience and healing. This is a story that we can all relate to in our own ways. If you love this episode, Kerry’s new memoir is Thicker Than Water and you can hear even more stories about how Kerry has navigated challenges of life. This conversation is an invitation to explore the depths of truth, the human heart and the transformative power of rewriting your own story. In this interview, you will learn: The family secret that changed her life How she leaned into compassion and not anger How do you share challenging news to your children or loved ones? How she embraced her new truth and allowed herself to take control of her narrative The secret to what has allowed her to be deeply rooted How we can hold space for many truths at once How the revelation of a truth can make way for greater and deeper love We invite you to join us on this deep exploration of secrets, truth, self discovery and witnessing the power of compassion and love in the presence of pain. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 03:15 What is a childhood memory that stands out to you? 09:11 Kerry describes a panic attack she had at age 7 12:55 “I wasn’t emotionally safe” 16:11 Kerry's feeling of needing to perform at a young age 19:15 Why has Kerry been trying to walk away from acting? 26:30 How we are impacted by our dharma and how we can’t extract our dharna from ourselves 30:37: “I survived a childhood where I learned what truth does not look like and so I am really aware of what it looks like now.” 32:30 How can we get closer to our own personal truth? 33:40: Why keeping ourselves busy = control 37:30 Kerry had to redefine what success means to her 38:08 “Everytime I sat down to write it didn’t feel honest.” 38:50 **book spoiler alert - Kerry shares news that changed her life 39:25 “So my parents sat me down and told me…” 49:25 How to move forward with love after receiving life-changing news 59:08 Growing up with shame 01:03:36 How to have compassion over anger 01:16:16 “Sometimes the truth seems so scary.” 01:16:36 How does a parent tell their kids life changing information? 01:21:19 Bonding together as a family not a part after trauma 01:26:32 How we should allow ourselves to be nurtured by love. 01:32:30 Kerry Washington on Final Five Episode Resources: Kerry Washington | Twitter Kerry Washington | Instagram Kerry Washington | Facebook Kerry Washington | YouTube Kerry Washington | TikTok Thicker than Water: A MemoirSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Syys 20231h 48min

How many of us spend our free time on social media? Do you find yourself becoming unproductive because of it? Today, we will unravel the ways in which social media can subtly control our minds and lifestyles. The journey begins by acknowledging that if we don't learn to use technology consciously, it can end up consuming us entirely. Step by step, we navigate through practical strategies to regain control and create a healthier relationship with social media. These strategies guide us toward fostering more meaningful interactions, like detaching from devices during social gatherings, creating 'no technology' zones in our homes, and engaging in curious and vulnerable conversations with loved ones. We also learn the importance of transforming from passive consumers to active creators. In this episode, you'll learn: How addictive social media can be How to develop a healthy screen time How to spend your time more productively How to make genuine connections in person Through these steps, we embark on a transformative journey towards mastering technology, ultimately reclaiming our presence and connection in the digital age. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:14 How does social media control your mind and your life? 06:57 If we don't learn how to use technology, it ends up consuming us 10:42 Step #1 On social media, people talk about themselves 80% of the time 12:39 How can we shift into connecting with others on social media? 15:51 Step #2: Do activities without your phone with your friends 20:00 Step #3: Create a ‘no technology’ zone in your home 23:14 Step #4: Have more curious, vulnerable conversations with people you love 24:59 Step #5: Become a creator not a consumer 26:45 Step #6: Having alternatives is easier than setting blocksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Syys 202329min

Do you want to feel like you belong? Do you want to block negativity and rejection? In this episode we dive deep into what it means to step into your authentic self and the tools needed to do so. Today, I welcome multi-platinum, award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and activist Becky G. The 26-year-old global superstar's long list of achievements include four Latin GRAMMY nominations, four number one hits on the Billboard Latin Airplay Charts, and her debut album Mala Santa (October 2019) is certified 8X Platinum in the United States. In June, Becky released her latest single “La Nena” alongside Gabito Ballesteros giving fans another glimpse of what’s to come. Becky G did not hesitate to dive deep into the heart of authenticity and self-discovery. We start by awakening to a deeper sense of self, shaking off those social constructs that keep us from being our authentic selves. It's a reminder that it's perfectly okay to embrace who we are and find happiness in that authenticity. Throughout our conversation, we explore the importance of creating spaces where our uniqueness is celebrated, not just tolerated. We also touch on the idea that it's alright if not everyone likes us - what truly matters is staying true to ourselves. In this interview, you'll learn: How to tap into your authentic self How to embrace your uniqueness How to take risks for success Why self-love is a must How to be persistent in adversities How stay focused on your goal Join us on this journey of self-discovery and connection, where we celebrate the beauty of being our authentic selves in a complex world. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:41 An awakening for a deeper sense of self 02:48 The social constructs that don’t allow us to be our authentic self 04:27 The concept of not half of this and half of that 09:12 You gotta make yourself happy and stay rooted to your authenticity 12:31 We need spaces where our uniqueness is accepted 15:17 We all come from something so much bigger than us 19:13 Maybe it’s okay if we’re not liked by everybody 25:13 “You have to be willing to do something you haven’t done to get the result you never had.” 28:49 The three-legged table: the mind, body, and soul 34:54 How do you create quality connections? 37:23 “Just because you can, it doesn’t mean you should.” 39:59 Always have empathy and compassion for yourself 46:56 Sometimes a good cry is the best way to release pent up emotions 51:46 “Everything happens for you, not to you.” 58:13 The healing journey of relationships that has ended 01:01:27 Who do you share your failures and successes with? 01:09:29 Starting an acting career after empowered personalities 01:14:49 Finding mutual spaces where you can change and grow 01:17:53 How do you stay open to finding your purpose you have in life 01:20:06 Do you believe in guardian angels? 01:23:45 Did we lose our listening ability when communicating? 01:06:37 Becky G on Final Five Episode Resources: Becky G | YouTube Becky G | Instagram Becky G | Facebook Becky G | TikTok Becky G | WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Syys 20231h 32min

What was your biggest dream as a child? Growing up, did you have the best environment to pursue these dreams? Or did you need to set them aside for a different purpose in life? Today, Jay sits down with the iconic voice behind Elsa from the film Frozen, Idina Menzel. Idina's other well-known character is Elphaba in the original Broadway production of the musical "Wicked." She co-authored the children's book, Loud Mouse. One of the big takeaways here is how our dreams and ambitions are like living entities, always changing and growing, just like we are. As we navigate life's various chapters, our goals shift in response to what matters most to us. It's a reminder that it's perfectly okay for our dreams to evolve and expand as we do. Idina has a way of nudging us to appreciate diverse viewpoints and experiences. The podcast encourages us to embrace this and to seek understanding and connection with others. There's a powerful message about the strength in being open, vulnerable, and compassionate in a world that can sometimes be a bit harsh. In this interview, you’ll learn: How our dreams evolve throughout the years How to navigate challenges that come our way How to be less self-absorbed in certain situations Why understanding someone has limitations How to allow your authentic voice to be heard Ultimately, this conversation is like a friendly nudge to live life on our terms, free from the weight of other people's judgments. It's an invitation to explore our ever-changing perspectives, to find strength in resilience, and to chase our passions with fervor. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:31 What keeps you going these days? 06:00 When you start seeing things differently through a different lens 08:43 The story of a young girl learning her way with music through experience 12:23 How ambition and dreams can evolve through the years 16:07 The long developmental process of musical shows 19:46 The mission was to show up and never miss a show 23:39 How do you find perspective and become less self-absorbed? 26:14 How do you stay present in the moment? 31:09 How to communicate through differences with parents and children 35:55 Idina wrote a children’s book that allows children to be more themselves! 40:39 How do you allow your authentic voice to be heard? 41:54 What it is like to revisit a character you played years later 44:27 Why it is challenging to believe we can walk in someone else’s shoes 46:37 Stop worrying about what other people think and live your own life Episode Resources: Idina Menzel | Website Idina Menzel | Instagram Idina Menzel | YouTube Idina Menzel | Facebook Idina Menzel | TikTok Loud Mouse Drama Queen Digital AlbumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Syys 202346min

How far are you willing to go to pursue your passion and achieve success? Do you sometimes find yourself sitting in silence and getting in your own thoughts? When we're driven by our passion, we become creative, motivated, and enduring every hardship that comes our way. Today, Airbnb Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky sits down with Jay for an honest and eye-opening conversation about the other side of success. Brian talks about how crucial it is to choose your group wisely for the people you surround yourself with can make a big difference, sharing success with others keeps you from feeling all alone in your victories, and the need for balance between focusing on your goals and creating a community where you can thrive. Mental health is another important point of discussion as well as the outdated perceptions we have of ourselves that potentially blocks personal growth. In this interview, you'll learn: How to be wise in choosing your people How to keep valuable friendships How to deal with success How to overcome loneliness How to be of service to others How creativity can solve problems Join us in this engaging conversation as we navigate the twists and turns, seeking wisdom and connection for personal growth. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:16 Choose the people you want to surround yourself with 05:33 Going in a journey that will help you learn something new about yourself 08:47 Never allow arguments to win over your friendships 13:28 Share your success or else it might feel so isolating 18:24 To truly understand someone is to try to walk in their shoes 20:35 That feeling where you don’t fit in anywhere 28:29 Loneliness has led to a lot of mental health issues 34:59 Worry less about what people think, focus on what you can share with others 39:42 There are two words that define being alone - loneliness and solitude 41:40 Creativity is about bringing different experiences together 49:00 Try more things, have more experiences, and avoid seeking status 50:41 What would your younger self tell you now? 55:37 We are who we think other people think we are 57:48 The tendency to make an outdated perception of ourselves 01:00:32 How do you want to be remembered? 01:03:15 Singular focus is good for success but it has limitations 01:09:03 What keeps you up at night? 01:14:19 How do you process your thoughts and ideas? 01:17:38 Finding a shared value and having clarity about what you want to do 01:20:13 Losing yourself while pursuing your passion 01:24:00 How do you want to define family? 01:27:47 The wisdom of older people and the curiosity of a child 01:32:16 Even though things are interconnected, it doesn’t mean they’re all the same 01:36:12 Brian on Final Five Episode Resources: Brian Chesky | Instagram AirbnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Syys 20231h 42min

Each year is a new year to develop new skills and acquire more knowledge. We also discover more things about ourselves and learn new lessons along the way. In this birthday episode special, I'm sharing with you some of the biggest personal and professional reflections in the past 12 months. Our relationships greatly influence our well-being so it's crucial to surround ourselves with individuals who uplift and support us. Our bodies are our most essential assets, and nurturing them is a fundamental responsibility. In reality, even with the purest of intentions, there will always be individuals who seek to undermine or criticize us. It encourages resilience in the face of negativity and a focus on staying true to one's path. In this episode, you'll learn: The importance of self-care How to stay grounded How to love yourself more Being perfect isn't required when helping others How to serve others with gratitude These valuable life lessons provide a roadmap for personal growth, resilience, and a meaningful life. They serve as reminders of the beauty and complexity of human existence, encouraging us to learn and evolve. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:56 Personal and professional reflections for the last 12 months 02:43 Lesson #1: Be really conscious about who you keep and let go in your life 07:33 Lesson #2: Take care of your body like your life depends on it 12:19 Lesson #3: It’s okay to ask for a hug or help from others 16:40 Lesson #4: Don’t buy into your own hype, stay connected to where you started 19:37 Lesson #5: People will always try to tear you down no matter how good your intentions are 22:10 Lesson #6: Different levels come with different problems 26:11 Lesson #7: As you get older, don't forget to do things for your younger self. 29:45 Lesson #8: Give yourself permission to be all of you 30:22 Lesson #10: You don't have to be perfect to help others 31:11 Lesson #9: You can’t avoid mistakes but don’t avoid the lesson 32:38 Lesson #11: Make new memories instead of living old ones again and again 34:03 Lesson #12: Use your gifts and skills in the service of others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Syys 202335min

Anxiety is an ongoing battle that happens right inside your mind. Your mind becomes this never-ending movie reel of worst-case scenarios, and it just keeps on playing. When we're stuck with anxious thoughts, we want to find an escape. Today, singer and songwriter Reneé Rapp, known for her role of Regina George in the Tony-nominated Mean Girls musical on Broadway, sits down with me to share her incredible journey. Reneé and I offer insights on how to prepare oneself mentally and emotionally for the inevitable disappointments that life may bring, the insidious nature of self-criticism and its far-reaching effects, and the art of expressing vulnerability without fearing miscommunication. Self-doubt can be a formidable obstacle to pursuing one's passions. We will also explore the strategies to confront and overcome self-doubt and overcome the role of being one's own harshest critic. In this interview, you will learn: How to understand perception and well-being How to prepare for future disappointment How to be less self-critical How to manage your inner voice How to express insecurities effectively How to stay resilient in challenging situations Together, let us transform uncertainties into positivity and look forward to reshaping our mindset. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Reneé Rapp’s debut album “Snow Angel” is out now http://reneerapp.lnk.to/snowangel What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:46 Understanding how others perceive you and its impact on your well-being 05:05 What happens with you come face-to-face with a stalker 06:57 Ways to not prepare yourself for future disappointment 09:03 Why excessive self-criticism can hurt your self-confidence 11:20 How do you interpret your inner voices? 14:32 How to find a mindset to help yourself improve 17:45 Cultivating a passion for acting, even when it presents occasional challenges 20:41 How do you express your insecurities effectively without fearing miscommunication 23:08 Do you let self-doubt keep you from pursuing your passions? 26:55 How resilient are you in the most unfavorable situations? 35:19 Placing trust in the wrong people can have adverse consequences on your life 40:44 How to find a strong inner group filled with trust 41:39 Reneé recounts a traumatic experience 45:16 Stay focused on the love for your family and the special people in your life 48:03 How can you escape the self-imposed role of being your own harshest critic? 50:46 What would you tell yourself now? 52:48 If you could unlearn something from your past, what new knowledge or skill would you want to acquire now? 55:16 How can you transform the uncertainties in your life into more positive, joyful experiences? 01:17 Renee on Final Five Episode Resources: Reneé Rapp | YouTube Reneé Rapp | Instagram Reneé Rapp | TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

4 Syys 20231h 9min

Ever find yourself yearning for a deeper bond with those around you? Creating deeper connections doesn't have to be an exhausting or daunting task. We can still create connections in the simplest most ordinary ways if we make time for it and show sincerity. From the hustle and bustle of everyday life to the moments of solitude, we'll uncover the secrets to forging relationships that stand the test of time. Your social life doesn't have to feel like a performance – let's make it a celebration. Let's explore how broadening your emotional language can be the key to unlocking a world of deeper connections. Say goodbye to surface-level chatter and say hello to discussions that spark genuine connections. From sharing smiles with strangers to using technology to our advantage, each habit is a stepping stone to deeper relationships. In this episode, you'll learn: How to bridge connection gap How to tune into yourself before making connections How to be more vocal about your emotions How to make new memories with old friends How to start engaging conversations Hope you're able to genuinely connect with someone today. Let's make every connection count! With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:36 Do you sometimes feel lonely, or disconnected from the people around you? 07:58 Habit #1: Check in with yourself - Does your social life start to feel like work or when your social life feels like it's non-existent? 14:14 Habit #2: Expand your emotional vocabulary - If you wanna see, hear, and understand and value other people better, you need to expand your emotional vocabulary 17:56 Habit #3: Old new and new old - While we use nostalgia to build connection, try to build new memories with an old friend 20:44 Habit #4: Ask interesting questions - Go for more open and fascinating questions that won’t pressure other people to answer 23:05 Habit #5: Deep versus shallow time - Take the time to invest in creating a small group where you can build deeper connections 26:07 Habit #6: Look for patterns and connections where others don’t see them 27:20 Habit #7: Smile at strangers and say hello creates an energy for small moments of connection 28:40 Habit #8: Use technology to your advantage and connect with people you haven’t talked with in a while or reconnect with them anytime 30:04 Habit #9: Giving creates connect - When you give someone a part of you, a piece of you, a truth about you, it allows you to connect with them 30:52 Habit #10: Invite people for ordinary tasks - It’s okay to spend time with people in boring ways and connect with them 31:34 Habit #11: Connecting with people in all ages See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 Syys 202333min