On Purpose with Jay Shetty

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 shares what it really took to become the man he is today. Common shares personal stories of growth and transformation, starting with his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player and how he eventually found his voice through writing and music. He reflects on the moments that shaped his purpose, including the story of Emmett Till, which moved him to live with more intention. Common also opens up about the heartbreak that forced him to confront the ways he was dimming his light, and the daily spiritual practices that help him stay grounded today, like reading scripture, praying, practicing gratitude, and staying active. Jay and Common also dive into what it means to be vulnerable in hip-hop, why self-love is the foundation for every other kind of love, and how trusting the divine plan can turn disappointment into direction. They explore how trusting a bigger plan can help turn setbacks into clarity, and share personal insights on setting boundaries, building real friendships, and staying connected to your highest energy. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to Transform Pain into Purpose How to Stop Dimming Your Light in Relationships Why Vulnerability is a Superpower in Creativity How to Build Daily Practices for Spiritual Alignment How to Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Painful How to Attract Friendships that Match Your Frequency Whether you're moving through heartbreak, looking for direction, or trying to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your story matters and you're right where you need to be. With love and gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Live In Chicago 02:15 Common Before the Fame 06:11 Jay On His Childhood & Upbringing 06:44 Pain As A Catalyst for Creativity 09:01 Proximity To Greatness Is A Motivation 10:11 Living Our Dreams To The Fullest 13:49 How to Trust God's Plan 16:46 Trust That There’s a Bigger Plan 22:19 Transitioning Between Careers 30:15 Attracting & Building New Friendships 36:18 Everyday Routine For Body & Mind Care 40:40 A Poem From the Audience 43:21 My New Favourite Colour 48:49 Pushing Through Fear As A Motivator 53:33 Letting Go and Letting God 55:26 Common On Final Five Episode Resources: Common | Website Common | YouTube Common | Instagram Common | X Common | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Jul 1h 3min

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 is also a science communicator and host of the podcast Dr. Giles Yeo Chews the Fat, where he breaks down complex nutritional concepts with clarity and humor. Jay begins by asking the question on everyone’s mind—do calories really count? Giles, with a calm and science-grounded approach, unpacks why the answer isn’t so simple. While calorie counting has become a cornerstone of dieting, he explains that the way our bodies extract and process calories depends heavily on the quality of the food, not just the number printed on a label. Giles shares how our genetic makeup influences hunger, satiety, and fat storage in ways that most diet plans fail to consider. Jay and Giles explore the emotional and social layers of eating, diving into how cultural conditioning, access to healthy food, and even marketing affect our food choices. They also examine why it's harder for some people to lose weight than others—not because of laziness or lack of willpower, but because their biology is wired differently. Giles challenges the shame-based narratives around body weight and reframes the discussion around health, sustainability, and self-awareness. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Eat for Quality, Not Just Calories How to Read Food Labels the Right Way How to Choose Protein, Fiber, and Sugar Wisely How to Spot Diet Myths That Don’t Serve You How to Lose Weight Without Obsessing Over Numbers How to Understand Your Body’s Unique Metabolism How to Manage Cravings with a Plan, Not Willpower You don’t need to follow a strict diet or obsess over every calorie to feel better in your body. Instead, focus on nourishing yourself with real, quality foods, making small sustainable changes, and understanding how your unique biology works. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:54 Do Calories Actually Matter? 03:33 Why Protein Makes Your Body Work Harder 05:12 Are You Eating More Than You Think? 07:05 Why Food Quality Matters More Than Quantity 07:56 How Processing Increases Calorie Absorption 11:04 What Really Makes Food Healthy? 12:00 When Did Obesity Become a Global Crisis? 12:52 How Fast Food Became the Default 15:05 The Real Impact of Unhealthy Weight Gain 17:45 The Macronutrients You’re Missing Out On 20:08 Are You Absorbing the Nutrients You Eat? 22:58 How Cutting Ultra-Processed Foods Affects Weight 24:59 Does Better Flavor Mean More Nutrition? 26:32 Why We Process Calories Differently 29:45 Can You Actually Target Belly Fat? 30:54 How Genetics Influence Your Body Shape 32:06 Are You Limited by Your Genes? 34:55 How to Adjust Your Diet for Real Change 38:14 The Smart Way to Read a Nutrition Label 40:53 Fried vs. Baked: What's the Healthier Option? 41:51 What Is 'Incidental Virtuous Food'? 44:52 Is Orange Juice as Healthy as You Think? 47:32 How Food Labels Can Be Misleading 49:24 The Truth About Protein Bars 51:07 3 Things to Focus on When Reading Labels 52:45 The Hidden Ingredients to Watch For 55:56 Why Weight Is About Biology, Not Willpower 58:39 Do You Really Lack Willpower? 59:11 How to Outsmart Your Cravings 01:01:29 Why “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Works 01:04:06 Do Not Neglect Your Health as You Age 01:07:12 What You Need to Know About Appetite-Suppressing Drugs 01:11:02 The Hidden Risks of Weight Loss Medications 01:12:33 2 Truths Everyone Should Know About Healthy Eating 01:13:58 Start With This: Protein, Fiber, and Sugar 01:15:55 Giles on Final Five Episode Resources: Dr. Giles Yeo | Instagram Dr. Giles Yeo | Facebook Dr. Giles Yeo | LinkedIn Dr. Giles Yeo | X Gene Eating: The Story of Human Appetite Why Calories Don't Count: How We Got the Science of Weight Loss WrongSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Jul 1h 18min

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 emotional readiness. He breaks down how these conversations create a shared language, prevent miscommunication, and ultimately strengthen the foundation of any relationship. Rather than using questions as ultimatums or pressure points, he encourages approaching them with curiosity and empathy. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Ask What a Healthy Relationship Means to Your Partner How to Talk About Fears Around Commitment Without Pressure How to Discuss Conflict Styles Before an Argument Happens How to Know If Someone Is Truly Ready for a Relationship How to Align on Boundaries and Independence in Love Love doesn’t have to be a guessing game. The more willing we are to ask real questions and embrace honest conversations, the more aligned, peaceful, and fulfilling our relationships can become. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:03 The Conversations We Avoid in Modern Dating 03:36 #1: What Defines a Healthy Relationship? 08:17 #2: What are You Afraid of When It Comes to Commitment? 12:30 #3: How Do You Handle Conflicts? 19:44 #4: What are Your Long-Term Intentions? 22:02 #5: What Does Emotional Availability Mean to You? 25:10 #6: Do You Prefer to Recharge Alone? 27:49 #7: What Does Being Ready Mean to You? 31:30 #8: What Does Independence Look Like to You? 32:52 #9: What Are You Still Healing From?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Jul 34min

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 that creativity has to be profitable, that art must be perfect to be valuable, or that we need permission to begin. They discuss how shame, perfectionism, and fear of judgment often silence our creative instincts, and how practices like journaling, self-mothering, and small daily acts of creativity can help revive them. They also reflect on the emotional vulnerability of sharing your work, the importance of protecting your inner artist, and the delicate balance between wanting to be seen and creating for the pure joy of expression. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Reclaim Your Creativity Without Shame How to Make Art When You’re Struggling with Self-Doubt How to Start Creating Even If You Don’t Feel Ready How to Deal with Fear of Judgment and Being Seen How to Turn Jealousy into Creative Motivation How to Promote Your Art Without Selling Out Whether someone is writing a novel, posting their first poem, or simply daring to call themselves an artist, this conversation is a gentle yet powerful reminder—they are on the path, and their voice matters. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:49 Are We Born Creative or Can It Be Learned? 02:12 Why Everyone Is an Artist in Their Own Way 03:50 What Happens When You Suppress Your Creativity 06:37 How Journaling and Self-Compassion Can Heal You 08:30 You Owe Everything to the Past Version of You 13:03 How to Move Through the Fear of Being Judged 16:07 Why Art Exposes Both Light and Darkness 17:25 Let Go of Needing External Validation 19:30 Everyone Just Wants to Be Seen and Heard 24:31 Stop Dismissing the Parts of You That Want More 26:28 Stuck in the Wrong Job? Try Small Creative Steps 30:56 How Perfectionism Fuels Procrastination 33:11 Embrace the Beautiful Chaos of Art 34:17 What the 30 Circles Test Reveals About Creativity 36:44 How to Share Your Art Without Losing Yourself 39:07 Real Artists Are Meant to Break the Rules 40:29 What to do When No One Sees Your Art 41:54 If You Hate It, Stop Doing It 44:19 Don’t Chase Virality, Make Meaningful Art 46:40 Yes, You Can Make Money from Your Art 50:10 Every Creative Act Has Value So Honor It 53:12 Charging for Your Art Is Not Selling Out 57:39 Oversaturation Is a Myth, There’s Room for You 01:00:53 Your Voice Is One of a Kind Use It 01:02:25 Use Jealousy to Guide, Not Derail You 01:03:49 How to Inspire Others by Owning Your Path 01:07:12 Amie on Final Five Episode Resources: Amie Mcnee | Website Amie Mcnee | Instagram Amie Mcnee | Facebook Amie Mcnee | TikTok Amie Mcnee | Books We Need Your Art: Stop Messing Around and Make SomethingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Jul 1h 12min

Today, Jay welcomes back world-renowned neurosurgeon and neuroscientist Dr. Rahul Jandial for a mind-expanding conversation about memory, attention, and the brain’s incredible potential. Dr. Jandial unpacks the different types of memory and explains why we often forget things like where we left our keys or what we had for dinner. He reassures us that not all memory slips are signs of aging or illness, and shows us how understanding memory can help us feel more in control of our minds. Jay and Dr. Jandial also dive deep into working memory, the kind of memory that helps us juggle tasks, make quick decisions, and stay mentally sharp. They explore how things like stress, distraction, and even poor sleep can weaken our focus, while simple changes like better digital habits, brain-training games, and quality rest can help us stay mentally strong. Using relatable examples, from parenting to surgery to driving, Dr. Jandial shares how we can train our brains the same way we train our bodies: with just the right amount of challenge, practice, and consistency. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Strengthen Your Working Memory How to Train Your Brain Like a Muscle How to Handle Emotional Memories Without Being Overwhelmed How to Protect Your Brain as You Age How to Spot Early Signs of Dementia in Loved Ones How to Create a Brain-Healthy Daily Routine How to Stay Mentally Sharp in a Distracting World If you're looking to improve your memory, support a loved one, or feel more mentally present, this episode offers practical tools and powerful insights to help you live with greater clarity and intention. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:54 Is Your Memory Really Getting Worse? 06:28 What’s Distracting Your Working Memory 10:26 How to Manage Distractions and Stay Focused 13:39 Understanding the 3 Main Types of Memory 19:05 What’s Distracting Your Working Memory 22:43 Why the Right Amount of Stress Helps You Grow 25:22 Yes, Older Adults Can Have Strong Working Memory 29:14 How Memory Is Built Inside the Brain’s Ecosystem 33:16 The Critical Gap Between Thoughts and Actions 35:31 Simple Ways to Train and Improve Your Focus 40:28 Why Negative Memories Stick With Us 48:55 Three Daily Habits That Keep Your Brain Sharp 51:02 Why Therapy Isn’t One Size Fits All 55:18 Redirecting Your Focus Away From Painful Thoughts 58:30 Debunking the 20 Percent Brain Power Myth 01:00:34 What’s Behind the Rise in Cancer Rates? 01:05:15 A Smarter Way to Take Care of Your Mind and Body Episode Resources: Dr. Rahul Jandial | Instagram Dr. Rahul Jandial | Facebook This Is Why You Dream: What Your Sleeping Brain Reveals About Your Waking LifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Jul 1h 10min

Is your to-do list stressing you out? How often do you feel like you’re just trying to catch up? Today, Jay dives deep into the power of slowing down—not as a luxury, but as a necessary life strategy. He walks us through eight actionable and science-backed steps to feel more present and connected to your day–no yoga mat, silent retreat, or drastic life change required. Whether it’s taking five-minute tech breaks, adding little rituals between tasks, focusing on one thing at a time, or even just adjusting your posture, each practice is a reminder that mindfulness isn’t something we need to schedule, it's something we can embody. Jay reminds us that even the tiniest moments—like taking three deep breaths at a red light or saying your actions out loud—can pull us back into the present. Through real-life stories and powerful research, he shows how we can snap out of autopilot and find calm, clarity, and a sense of control, even on the busiest days. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Slow Down to Speed Up Your Day How to Use Time Anchoring to Manage Stress and Anxiety How to Transition Tasks with Micro-Rituals, Not Rush How to Narrate Your Actions to Stay Present in the Moment Whether you’re juggling back-to-back meetings, dealing with family chaos, or just craving a little peace, this episode is your gentle reminder to slow down, take a breath, and tap back into the calm that’s always been there—one mindful moment at a time. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:09 How to Reconnect with Your Day and Move with Intention 03:25 Step #1 Take 5 Minute Tech Breaks to Recharge Focus 06:45 Step #2 Pause Emotionally to Regain Clarity 10:47 Step #3 Simplify Your Choices to Avoid Overwhelm 12:47 Step #4 Are You Working on Too Many Things at a Time? 16:01 Step #5 Reset Your Posture to Shift Your Mindset 20:40 Step #6 Time Can Be Your Anchor—Not Your Stressor 24:08 Step #7 Create a Reset Ritual Before Your Next Task 27:56 Step #8 Narrate Your Actions Out Loud to Stay PresentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Jul 31min

Have you been pretending to be okay? Is there something you’ve been keeping inside? Today, Jay welcomes model, digital creator, and mother of three, Nara Smith, for an intimate conversation that blends vulnerability, wisdom, and humility. Known online for her serene ASMR-style cooking videos and elevated fashion-forward kitchen aesthetic, Nara opens up about the personal journey that shaped her—from her childhood in Germany to signing with IMG Models at just 14. Together, Jay and Nara explore the gap between her curated online image and her lived experience, touching on childhood influences, struggles with body image, and the courage it took to forge a creative career on her own terms. Nara candidly opens up about the physical and emotional toll of working in the modeling industry at such a young age, the silent battles with her body through eczema and lupus, and how motherhood reshaped her priorities. She shares how cooking from scratch became a lifeline, first as a necessity to manage her health, then as a passion, and eventually as a business. As she and Jay reflect on marriage, communication, and the complexities of being modern, working mom, Nara’s groundedness and clarity shine through. Nara opens up about her love story with Lucky Blue Smith—their whirlwind but intentional path to marriage—and the beautifully messy reality of raising three kids. It’s a powerful reminder that real joy and purpose come from living true to yourself. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Balance Career, Motherhood, and Marriage How to Heal Through Food and From-Scratch Cooking How to Set Healthy Boundaries on Social Media How to Communicate Better in a Relationship How to Stay Grounded in a Fast-Paced World How to Know When You’ve Met the Right Partner How to Handle Online Criticism with Grace No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re building a career, navigating relationships, chasing a dream, or simply trying to keep up with life’s daily demands, remember this: you don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold to be worthy. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:16 Blending a Love for Fashion and Cooking 04:44 The Grandmother Who Shaped Her Life 07:57 Starting a Modeling Career at 14 09:15 How to Put Confidence Before Comparison 10:02 Protecting Kids from the Dangers of the Online World 11:59 How Early Parental Trust Can Fuel Success 12:49 Why You Should Never Sacrifice Your Health 14:03 Finding Real Love in the Digital World 17:01 How Modern Dating Has Evolved 18:55 Making Young Marriage Work 21:51 The Power of Knowing What You Want 23:45 Building a Relationship on Shared Values 26:30 Marriage Is Both Collaboration and Compromise 29:45 Why Fast-Paced Dating Doesn’t Work 30:54 Working Together to Strengthen Your Relationship 33:31 Communication Is Key to Connection 35:56 Becoming a Parent on Your Own Timeline 38:29 Your Life, Your Choices 42:18 Own and Celebrate Your Path 44:05 Don’t Let People’s Projections Define You 47:32 What You See Online Isn’t the Whole Truth 50:02 Facing Online Negativity with Strength 52:05 Other’s Opinions Don’t Determine Your Worth 53:25 Choosing What to Share and What to Keep Private 56:10 How Food and Diet Can Transform Your Health 01:00:29 Finding Joy and Creativity in Cooking 01:01:24 How Her Online Persona Was Born 01:04:05 The Reality Behind the Content 01:06:48 Simple Daily Habits That Strengthen a Relationship 01:09:44 Tackling the Hard Stuff with Joy 01:13:04 Dressing for Confidence and Productivity 01:17:58 Living Life on Your Own Terms 01:20:23 Nara on Final Five Episode Resources: Nara Smith | TikTok Nara Smith | InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

9 Jul 1h 33min

Do you ever feel like you're having the same fight over and over again? Why is it so hard to be in a relationship with someone who is different from you? Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Orna Guralnik — the world-renowned clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and lead therapist on the hit series Couples Therapy. Known for helping couples navigate the complexities of intimacy, conflict, and emotional patterns, Orna shares the real reason relationships break down — and what it actually takes to build something that lasts. Jay and Orna explore why couples often blame communication as the root of all their problems, when what’s really breaking them down runs much deeper. They explore how differences in values, backgrounds, and even childhood wounds create invisible barriers in love—and how we often try to solve them by changing the other person instead of turning inward. Orna shares how blame, defensiveness, and scorekeeping keep us stuck in toxic patterns, and what it looks like to show up with more honesty, humility, and curiosity. Together Jay and Orna unpack the rise of therapy language online—terms like “gaslighting” and “narcissist”—and how misusing them can shut down the kind of open dialogue relationships truly need. They also explore how issues around money, time, and intimacy often point to deeper struggles with power, identity, and emotional safety. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to Stop Trying to “Fix” Your Partner How to Recognize the Real Issue Beneath the Argument How to Make Conflict a Source of Connection How to Move from Blame to Responsibility How to Stay Grounded When Your Values Clash How to Build a Relationship That Grows with You Real love doesn’t ask us to become someone else — it asks us to grow into our most honest, grounded self. This episode is a reminder that healthy relationships aren’t about avoiding differences, but about learning how to navigate them with compassion. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Why Couples Really Fight: The Common Core Conflicts 04:02 Facing “Otherness”: What Happens When Your Partner Is Different 06:07 Embracing Differences Without Losing Yourself 10:21 Building a Partnership of Equals During Conflict 16:48 Holding On to Your Value in a Relationship 19:39 Conflicting Loyalties: When Family and Love Collide 25:18 The Art of Working Through Relationship Struggles 30:01 Digging Deeper: Finding the Root of Your Disagreements 33:26 Escaping the Blame Trap in Your Relationship 37:24 Self-Centeredness vs. Shared Growth 43:07 Creating Emotional Safety for Your Partner 49:57 Letting Love In: Are You Truly Ready for Partnership? 55:33 How Men and Women Tend to Navigate Relationships Differently 57:02 Why It’s So Hard for Men to Open Up Emotionally 01:00:59 Listen Closely—People Reveal More Than You Think 01:03:20 When Parental Baggage Shapes Your Relationship 01:06:57 Signs of a Strong and Healthy Relationship 01:13:35 What Really Makes Someone a Bad Partner? 01:18:35 Are You in Love with a Narcissist? 01:22:12 The Money Struggles Behind Relationship Conflict 01:28:46 Intimacy and Desire: What Keeps Love Alive 01:33:25 Orna on Final Five Episode Resources: Orna Guralnik | Website Orna Guralnik | Linkedin Orna Guralnik | Instagram Orna Guralnik | TiktokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7 Jul 1h 42min